Abstract: It is therefore the object of this invention to provide prefabricated insulation sheets, to fit around specific-sized perimeters of duct, which includes methods for anchoring sheets to surface to which they are applied, sealing jacket overlaps to adjacent jackets, and attaching overlapping longitudinal ends of sheets. This prefabrication replaces job-site cutting-to-length of sheets with flanges, as well as the additional step of sealing the exterior of jacket laps after installation, and the attachment of longitudinal ends of sheets with staples. It also provides a method of anchoring the end of sheets to the surface to which they are applied. The invention thereby both improves the installation method and the effectiveness of the attachment thereby improving productivity, reducing costs, and increasing the quality of the installation.

Abstract: A method of making a drywall joint includes steps of positioning a butt block that has a recessed surface on an interior side of a joint that is to be formed between a first drywall sheet and a second drywall sheet, securing at least one of the first and second drywall sheets to the butt block so that the secured sheet is made to conform in shape to the recessed surface, thereby forming a secondary recess on an exterior of the drywall sheet in the area at which the joint is to be made, and applying joint compound within the secondary recess.

Abstract: A wall plate support frame has a plurality of square flanges, a plurality of channels formed between the square flanges, a large number of oblong holes, a plurality of adjustment seats, and a plurality of adjustment blocks. Each of the adjustment seats has two sockets to receive the corresponding adjustment block. Each of the adjustment blocks has two bevel prongs.

Abstract: An interlockable element for a structure assembly set includes an at least partially planar body and a connector edge having associated therewith a first A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a first axis of rotation and a second A-type and B-type connector pair disposed about a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are disposed on opposing sides of a generally rectangular quadrilateral of a specified dimension. Each of one pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the A-type connectors and each of the other pair of diagonally opposite vertices of the quadrilateral are situated internally to each of the B-type connectors; and the quadrilateral is generally disposed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the body of the interlockable element. The A-type connectors are interlockable with the B-type connectors.

Abstract: A decorated floor panel having a core with a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; a decorative layer coupled to the top surface of the core, the decorative layer having a desired aesthetic appearance; and a wear layer coupled to and substantially covering the decorative layer for protecting the decorative layer. The wear layer has an exposed wear surface with depressions therein of a variable depth below the wear surface, the depressions being arranged to display a desired texture pattern. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: A fastening element for operatively connecting masonry units together in a fixed relation. The fastening element comprises a body with a web having opposing surfaces, and a plurality of projections that extend in a generally perpendicular direction therefrom. The projections are spaced apart from each other and configured to engage portions of masonry units therebetween in a constrained relation. The fastening element permits two, three, or four masonry units to be operatively connected together in variety of configurations without the use of mortar.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks that are “vertically aligned”, i.e., perpendicular to the ground when the block is laid flat. The straw is treated with a moisture inhibitor and/or a binder. Throughholes, which may have tubes associated therewith, are formed into the top and bottom walls of the culm block. A lath or external strapping sleeve is wrapped about the front, rear, and side walls of the block for added structural support. The method of manufacture may include sorting the stalks according to length, checking the stalks for moisture content, and drying the stalks depending upon their moisture content prior to compression and formation.

Abstract: A saddle-shaped opaque molded stone like structure having two identical convex sides (10) joined by four identical rounded corners (14) and two identical concave sides (12). The overall size of the curved surfaces, along with the color and surface texture of my invention can vary so that it will match the size, the color and surface texture of the various round stone like pavers that it will be used in conjunction with.

Abstract: A concrete block for the construction of housing units is disclosed. The block disclosed herein allows for an improved low cost manufacturing, without the use of forming systems and without special tools, an ample array of structural elements that serve for the construction of walls for housing units and edifications of one or various levels, contention walls, spaces between floors and load carriers for doors and windows in the field of reinforced masonry, thereby synthesizing and improving, with the use of just one element, the principal characteristics inherent of the existing constructive systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improvement of ductility and strength performance of connections in structural steel buildings made typically with rolled structural shapes, specifically in bolted and/or welded beam-to-column connections with welded flanges, by greatly reducing the very significant uneven stress distribution found in the conventionally designed connection at the column/beam weld, through use of slots in column and/or beam webs with or without continuity plates in the area of the column between the column flanges, as well as, optionally, extended shear plate connections with additional columns of bolts for the purpose of reducing the stress concentration factor in the center of the flange welds. Moreover, the slots in beam web adjacent to the beam flanges allow the beam web and flange to buckle independently thereby eliminating the degrading of the beam strength caused by lateral-torsional bucking.

Abstract: A fabricated wooden stud including: (1) a pair of fully-aligned face-members of OSB spaced from one another and each having first and second ends and first and second elongate edges; (2) first and second fully-aligned edge-members of OSB spaced from one another, the first and second edge-members being adhesively affixed between the face-members along the first edges and second edges thereof, respectively; and (3) a pair of end-members adhesively affixed between the face-members at the ends thereof.

Abstract: A structural tie shear connector for use with a concrete and insulation composite panel. The panel has a first concrete wythe, a second concrete wythe, and an insulation layer interposed between the first and second concrete wythes. The connector has two sides extending in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the connector and two sides extending across the longitudinal centerline of the connector. First and second pairs of angular links are connected to the sides, and a pair of legs are connected to, and extend outward from, one side of the connector. The connector is extendable through the insulation layer and into the first and second concrete wythes to hold the panel together.

Abstract: A sheet product/pouch system (such as a packaged two-ply sticker product) made by a process wherein individual sheets of a sheet product are cut from a continuous web before said individual sheets are provided with a bottom pouch layer (or a top pouch layer). The edges of the bottom pouch layer and top pouch layer are joined to create a pouch or package for the sheet product. An edge of the resulting pouch is provided with a perforation line to facilitate opening said pouch in order to gain access to the sheet product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.

Abstract: A shrink tunnel assembly for wrapping an article with polymeric shrink film includes a shrink tunnel having a heating zone, and conveyor means for carrying an article to the heating zone and away from it. While in the heating zone, polymeric shrink film covering an article avoids contacting any solid surface, thereby protecting the article from marring and destruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging items, such as meat, non-meat products and non-food products, using ultrasound or heat is disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, a continuous thermoplastic tubular mesh material is used to package multiple meat products. The preferred packaging method does not use metal clips as in conventional packaging, and instead uses thermal energy, ultrasonic energy, or other types of energy to create seals in the packaging material itself. The method advantageously causes one seal to be formed between each pair of adjacently packaged products. This single seal can be cut in half thereby creating two seals, one seal for each adjacently packaged product.

Abstract: An instant photographic film unit includes a mask sheet having an image frame and two sheets, one of which has a photosensitive layer, laminated and bonded together, and a developing liquid container disposed in a predetermined position for supplying a developing liquid between the two sheets to produce an image. The mask sheer and the two sheets are bonded together in a predetermined laminated state, with at least one of the mask sheet and the two sheets being in the form of a continuous web. The continuous web is cut off into self-developed instant photographic film units of a predetermined length. A predetermined number of instant photographic film units are automatically atacked and placed in a film pack.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for packaging liquid doses in sealed bags produced from a longitudinally open blown tubing, comprising a vertical frame, means for moving along said blown tubing, a pipe supplying said liquid, means for welding said opening, means for welding the opposite edges of said tubing beneath the end of said pipe and cutting means. A first welding and cutting station is arranged on either side of said pipe, to provide first weld seams and cuts, a second welding and cutting station is arranged beneath the end of said pipe to provide first weld seams and cuts, a second welding and cutting station is arranged beneath the end of said pipe to produce transverse weld seams to link the two adjacent ends of the first weld seams located on either side of said feeding pipe of two adjacent pairs of said first weld seams and to form cut-outs.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying stretch film to goods on a pallet. It uses a basic core holder to hold a roll of stretch film which has an adjustable braking mechanism. In addition, the apparatus, which is portable, is ergonomically correct, easy to use, and has a pair of pre-stretch rollers which allow the stretch film to be pulled to increase its elasticity, thereby securing goods effectively on a pallet.

Abstract: Waste disposal device including a container defining a waste storage chamber and a cartridge arranged in the container and containing a length of flexible tubing for encapsulating waste packages. A retention mechanism is arranged in the container to hold the waste package. A rotation mechanism is provided to cause relative rotation between the cartridge and the retention mechanism in order to form a twist above a waste package when the waste package is being held by the retention mechanism and thereby encapsulate the waste package in the tubing. Encapsulation of the waste package prevents the release of odors from the waste package and thus, the invention provides a convenient and sanitary disposal of the waste packages. A series of encapsulated waste packages is thus created in the container, each package contained within a portion of the tubing and sealed at each end by the twisting process.

Abstract: A deflector is provided for deflecting foreign matter from the inlet screen of a rotary lawn motor. The rotary lawn motor has an engine that draws air through the inlet screen. The deflector includes an inner element positionable over a center portion of the inlet screen. A first outer element is positioned over a radially outer portion of the inlet screen. A deflection arm extends between the inner element and the first outer element to deflect the foreign matter away from the inlet screen during operation of the lawnmower.

Abstract: An air intake screen is provided for deflecting foreign matter away from an air intake passageway of a lawnmower. The lawnmower includes an engine that draws air through the air intake passageway during the operation thereof. The air intake screen includes a central hub and a disc-shaped member projecting therefrom. The disc-shaped member terminates at an outer periphery and includes first and second sides. Apertures extend through the member for allowing for the flow of air therethrough. A deflection rib projects from the first side of a member to engage the debris carried by the air drawn towards the air intake passageway of the engine and deflects the debris away from the air intake screen.

Abstract: A filter bag is provided having a body comprising a filter media of stiffened nonwoven fabric. A method of manufacturing a filter bag comprising a filter media of stiffened nonwoven fabric is also provided.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a removable dirt separation system is disclosed. The filter assembly includes a wall support attached to a wall of the dirt separation system and a screen panel having a number of screen elements. The filter assembly further includes a filter element which is selectively releasable from the screen panel. The screen panel and filter element can be selectively secured to the wall support. A fine particle separation chamber is at least partially defined by the screen elements and the filter element. A portion of the walls of a dirt cup within the dirt separation system is formed by the filter assembly. A method of operating a filter assembly for a removable dirt separation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blade for mounting to a rotary mower. The blade has a beveled cutting leading edge and a trailing edge. The mower has a deck providing an over cover for the blade. The trailing edge of the blade is provided with an upwardly directed ramp at the outermost end of the trailing edge and deflects air flow upwardly inside the deck. Mulching teeth inwardly of the ramp produce a mulching action when desired. The combination mower blade has the feature of assisting the filling of a grass catching bag and alternatively has the feature of mulching the mown grass as desired.

Abstract: A twisting spindle has a spindle pot whose top part is formed by a spindle cover and at its upper side is provided with a centrally arranged thread guide or centering eye. The thread guide or centering eye has a lateral slot provided with guide surfaces. The lateral slot opens into an operating opening arranged in the upper side of the cover and automatically guides a thread placed into the operating opening into the central opening of the thread guide.

Abstract: The invention provides a profiled polymer filament having an open hollow cross-sectional shape normal to the longitudinal axis of the filament, wherein the cross-section is dimensioned to prevent the filament from interlocking with a second filament of the same cross-section. The invention also provides methods of manufacture of such filaments by melt spinning a polyamide, and spinnerets suitable for use in melt spinning such filaments.

Abstract: An electrically conductive yarn comprises stainless steel fibers. the electrically conductive yarn comprises at least one elongated element, which has an outer surface being provided out of metal or metal alloy having a lower specific electrical resistance as the stainless steel fibers.

Abstract: A detachable ring has a safety collar having an inner thread, an annular lower end and a taper upper end, and a main body having a first end having an end flange and a second end having an annular block and an outer thread. The inner thread of the safety collar engages with the outer thread of the second end of the main body. The annular block blocks the annular lower end of the safety collar. The taper upper end of the safety collar encloses the end flange of the first end of the main body.

Abstract: Propellant liquid is supplied to a Colloidal Thruster for Micro-Satellite vehicles in Space by capillarity induced flow through a wick element comprising a permeable porous aggregate of fibers or particles of material that is wetted by the propellant liquid. An intense electric field at the tip of the wick element dispersed the arriving liquid into a fine spray of charged droplets. Electrodes having appropriate design, location and potentials accelerate the charge droplets to high velocity, thereby providing reactive thrust to the vehicle. In this method of propellant liquid introduction the flow rate and exhaust velocity, and therefore the thrust level, are determined by the applied potential difference, thereby eliminating the need for pumps or pressurized gas and flow controllers to provide the desired flow-rate for the propellant liquid.

Abstract: A pump augmentation uses a nozzle output which is controlled in pulses to produce vortex rings and is controlled such that 1 F = Formation ⁢   ⁢ Number = m ρ ⁢   ⁢ A ⁢   ⁢ D = U ⁢   ⁢ t D

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing emissions of a combustion engine is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: an energy converter adapted to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, but having no mechanical coupling to any drive shaft of the combustion engine; and an exhaust aftertreatment device adapted to receive the electrical energy from the energy converter, receive exhaust gases from the combustion engine, and remove pollutants from the exhaust gases.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engine emissions, particularly marine electric generator engines, includes a treatment chamber having an intake opening for receiving gaseous emissions from the engine, and an exhaust opening for exiting emissions. A perforated metal tube is disposed within the treatment chamber, and an electrode is disposed within the metal tube in spaced apart relation to the metal tube. The electrode is encircled by the metal tube so that, upon applying a voltage at a predetermined frequency to the electrode, an arc is generated across the space between the electrode and the metal tube to promote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration of pollutants. The treatment chamber is contained within a manifold, and cooled by a flow of water. A supplemental air source is connected to the treatment chamber, and a chemical substrate is disposed within the treatment chamber for promoting the chemical reaction.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control device has operating condition detecting means for detecting an operating condition of an engine, fuel control means for controlling fuel supply into a combustion chamber of the engine on the basis of an output of the operating condition detecting means, a turbo charger for supercharging a suction air with an exhaust gas of the engine, wherein a filter for capturing particulates in the exhaust gas is disposed in an exhaust gas passage on the downstream side of a turbine of the turbo charger, and the filter holds alkaline metal catalyst. Exhaust gas temperature sensing means senses (or estimates) the exhaust gas temperature near the filter, and supercharging pressure control means controls a supercharging pressure of the turbo charger to be increased when the exhaust gas temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, devices, and/or systems are suitable for regenerating a plurality of after-treatment units. An exemplary method includes selecting less than all of a plurality of after-treatment units and adjusting air to fuel ratio for less than all of a plurality of combustion chambers of an engine to thereby cause the selected after-treatment units to receive exhaust having hydrocarbon and oxygen concentrations that favor regeneration of the selected after-treatment units. Other exemplary methods, devices and/or systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An Exhaust-gas purification system for an internal combustion engine, which, as seen in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas, has a particle filter, apparatus for providing a reducing agent in the exhaust-gas flow, a catalytic converter for reducing nitrogen oxide which is present in the exhaust gas, and a downstream oxidation catalytic converter. An upstream oxidation catalytic converter is arranged upstream of the particle filter.

Abstract: A structure has individual oil passages for different applications of oil. A torque converter is provided on a crankshaft having an axially extending center hole. A crank chamber and a transmission chamber are separated from each other through a one-way valve. A pipe is inserted in the center hole of the crankshaft to form an oil passage for supplying hydraulic oil for driving the torque converter, an oil passage returned from the torque converter, and an oil passage for supplying a lubricating oil to the area surrounding the crankshaft. The oil passage returned from the torque converter is in communication with a chamber defined by a pair of inner and outer oil seals for sealing a bearing mounted on the crankshaft, a lower portion of the transmission chamber, and an oil passage having a check valve at the downstream end thereof.

Abstract: A piston air engine comprises an intake system at an outer side of a cylinder and parallel to the cylinder; a piston in the cylinder; a piston inner exhaust valve device in an interior of the piston; and a piston positioning actuating device for actuating an engine and positioning in a power stroke. The lever force apply point of the intake lever is at an upper dead point of the piston to be confined by the movement of the piston; and the lever force accept point of the intake lever is installed at the intake valve door for confining the intake valve.

Abstract: A wafer transfer system having a temperature control apparatus. The temperature control apparatus is constructed and arranged so that a material, element, or atomic particle may flow therethrough to heat or cool a wafer carried by the wafer transfer system. The material, element or atomic particle flowing through the temperature control apparatus causes heat to be pumped to or from an upper surface or lower surface. Preferably the temperature control apparatus is a thermoelectric device. Preferably the thermoelectric device includes a plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor pellets arranged electrically in series and thermally in parallel, and connected to a DC power supply. A switch or relay is provided for altering the direction of current flow to the thermoelectric device from a DC supply.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for controlling a driving of a reciprocating compressor for a refrigerator using a linear motor, in which a capacitance is varied according to a variation of a driving load, thereby improving a driving efficiency of the compressor. To this end, the apparatus for controlling a driving of a reciprocating compressor for a refrigerator using a linear motor comprises a first capacitor for attenuating an inductance of a coil wound on a motor; a second capacitor connected to the first capacitor in parallel; and a relay connected to the second capacitor in series to be turned on/off; and a microcomputer for outputting a control signal to turn on/off the relay according to the driving load of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A method for supplying a vaporized gas, including: (a) providing a system having: (i) a storage tank for storing liquefied gas; (ii) a heat exchanger external to the tank, disposed in a heat-exchange relationship with a wall of the tank; (iii) a device for delivering a heat-exchange liquid from a reservoir to the heat exchanger, and (iv) a delivery line for directly transferring the vaporized gas from the heat exchanger to the consumer; (b) supplying the vaporized gas directly to the consumer, according to consumer demand; (c) upon vaporization of a portion of the liquefied gas within the storage tank, and subsequent cooling of the liquefied gas within the storage tank, transferring heat from the heat-exchange liquid to the tank via the heat exchanger, so as to increase the tank pressure.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for indirect evaporative cooling of a fluid stream to substantially its dew point temperature. Plate heat exchanger has perforations 11 and channels 3, 4 and 5 for gas or a low temperature for liquids on a dry side and wet side. Fluid streams 1 flow across the dry side 9, transferring heat to the plate. Gas stream 2 flows across the dry side and through perforations to channels 5 on wet side 10, which it then cools by evaporative cooling as well as conductive and radiative transfer of heat from plate. A wicking material provides wetting of wet side. In other embodiments, a desiccant wheel may be used to dehumidify the gas, air streams may be recirculated, feeder wicks 13 and a pump may be used to bring water from a water reservoir, and fans may be used to either force or induce a draft. The wicking material may be cellulose, organic fibers, organic based fibers, polyester, polypropylene, carbon-based fibers, silicon based fibers, fiberglass, or combinations of them.

Abstract: A built-in electrical appliance for installing behind a unit-facing panel includes a pivotable front flap for fastening the unit-facing panel and a handle that can be fitted on the unit-facing panel for pivoting the front flap. At least one display element for displaying an operating state or an operating variable of the built-in electrical appliance is disposed on the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling operation of a compressor in a refrigerator, which are able to prevent an explosion of refrigerant caused by leakage of the refrigerant by supplying or blocking power source to electric devices in the refrigerator after detecting error of the compressor, comprise a temperature sensing unit for sensing inner temperature of the refrigerator, a door open sensing unit for sensing opened/closed status of the refrigerator door, an operating time measuring unit measuring operating time of the compressor, a microcomputer outputting a control signal based on the inner temperature, opened/closed status of the door and the operating time of the compressor, and a driving unit for supplying or blocking power source to all electric devices in the refrigerator based on the control signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing make-up water for a chilled water system. A first water tower for cooling water is provided. Condensate water from a condensate water source is extracted. Make-up water for the first water tower is provided using the condensate water. The apparatus comprises a first water tower for generating cooling water; an air compressor to produce compressed air; a condensate water source to extract condensate water from the compressed air; and a water flow control system for providing water from the condensate water source to the first water tower.

Abstract: An environmentally controlled sleeper area of a vehicle that is contained within a bunk area (that is in turn adjacent to a cab area of the vehicle). The bunk area has an end wall and a pair of side walls extending generally perpendicular to the end wall. The side walls and the end wall encompass or surround three sides of a bed. Along the remaining open side of the bed, the vehicle operator can maneuver in and out of the bed. An extendible and retractable thermal barrier is provided along the remaining open side of the bed. The thermal barrier rises above the top surface of the bed and thermally separates the sleeping area from a remainder of the bunk area.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system limits electric power used by an electric motor for a compressor in a prescribed fashion that quickly removes fog from the windows when a defroster mode is selected. When the defroster mode is selected, the limit on the electric power used by the electric motor is lifted, and the number of revolutions of the compressor is set to a high level to raise the dehumidifying and cooling capability to quickly remove moisture from the windows.

Abstract: A computer room reduced air flow method and apparatus is provided which utilizes an increased delta T to reduce the required air quantity required from an air conditioning system, thus resulting in a reduced air flow capability. Specifically, the present invention utilizes an approximately 40° delta T to reduce the CFM requirements by substantially 50% so as to correspondingly reduce the required power for the fan by approximately 50% so as to result in substantial energy savings. The present invention serves to communicate cooling air from a cooling apparatus into an air passageway, guiding the cooling air within the air passageway into the equipment assembly and introducing the air released from the equipment into either a plenum for communicating such released air to the cooling apparatus or introducing the air released from the equipment into the room in which the equipment and/or cooling apparatus are located.

Abstract: Turbo fan having an axial fan flow characteristic, and an air conditioner having the turbo fan applied thereto, the turbo fan including a hub 30 having a boss 33 coupled to driving means, a plurality of blades 40 arranged along an edge of the hub 30 at fixed intervals, each having a part of an inner side end 41 thereof connected to the edge, and a shroud 50 having an inlet, an outlet, and a wall between the inlet and the outlet formed to enclose at least a part of an outer side end 43 of each of the blades 40 for inducing an air discharge direction the same with an axial direction of the driving means.

Abstract: There is provided a dewfall preventing device of a refrigerator for preventing dew from forming on the contact portion of a refrigerator case and a door, the device comprising a heat exchanger for concentrating the waste heat generated from a compressor with contacted to the compressor of the refrigerator and a thermosyphon, its two ends connected to the heat exchanger, and having a working fluid phase-transferred into a gas phase after heat-exchanging with the waste heat from the compressor, move along the hot line, vaporize the dew forming on the contact portion of a refrigerator case and a door by the radiation of the heat, transferred into a liquid phase, fallen down by gravitation, and introduced back into the heat exchanger.