Abstract: A stop device that is useable with substantially any closure having a sliding panel movable with respect to a frame. The device being novel as it is not only very functional as a stop device but it also includes interchangeable removably attached safety accessories, such as burglar alarm and/or a smoke detector or the like. Also, each of the safety accessories can be disguised within a housing for aesthetic purposes, such as each may look like a toy, a flower, a cartoon character, etc.

Abstract: An improved layout for a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The layout includes a hub surrounded by a production corridor. The production corridor comprises production stages used in the manufacturing process. The hub, having direct line-of-sight to the production stages, can easily monitor the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A take up device for a building structure, e.g. holdown for securing the building structure to a foundation, has a housing secured by fasteners to the building structure, the housing defining a cylindrical chamber containing a piston and fluid, with a piston rod projecting from the housing. The piston rod is connected to a foundation anchor, and a fluid passage interconnects portions of the cylindrical chamber at opposite sides of the piston. The fluid passage is provided with a one-way valve, which allows the housing to move upwardly relative to the piston, to maintain the tightness of the connection to the anchor bolt, but resists opposite movement of the housing.

Abstract: A loading dock seal has one or more recesses formed within the loading dock seal. Mesh segments are utilized to screen the recesses to reduce rain, snow, rodents, insects and debris from passing through the recess passageway to the loading dock. A further mesh segment cover can be utilized to selectively cover one or more of the mesh segments.

Abstract: A condensation evacuating sill for evacuating condensate having formed on an inner surface of a window pane includes a molding strip and an attachment extrusion for attaching the molding strip to the window frame. The attachment extrusion includes an extrusion-to-molding attachment section for attaching the molding attachment surface to the attachment extrusion and an extrusion-to-frame attachment section for attaching the attachment extrusion to the window frame. The attachment extrusion is configured and sized for attaching the molding strip to the window frame so that the molding inner edge is spaced relative to the inner surface by a pane-to-molding spacing allowing the condensate to flow therethrough without contacting the molding strip. The attachment extrusion further includes flow guiding components for guiding the flow of condensate from the pane-to-molding spacing to a discharge location located away from the attachment extrusion.

Abstract: A flashing and weep apparatus allows for simple installation and accurate placement windows and doors in cavity wall construction. In a first embodiment, the flashing and weep apparatus is a two-panel extrusion that has a flashing panel that acts as a non-porous support for the masonry veneer. This embodiment also includes a second panel which is joined at a generally right angle to the first panel to be juxtaposed against the outer face of the inner wall in the cavity wall construction. Weep channels are formed between the two panels and allow for the drainage and dissipation of water and other moisture in the cavity wall system. In a second embodiment, membrane is initially attached to and draped along the lower portion of the inner wall immediately above the sill or lintel. The membrane extends across the cavity spacing between the walls to underlie the masonry components forming the outer veneer.

Abstract: A track guard for a sectional overhead door assembly comprises an elongate member which may be positioned between the vertical track sections of the door assembly and a wall jamb to which the vertical track sections are mounted to cover the space therebetween. The track guard has a generally C-shaped cross-section and has a width which tapers from a first end to a second end to accommodate variations in spacing between the vertical track sections and the wall jamb.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit for building a wall. It includes a first log having a substantially cylindrical surface and at least one axially-extending groove formed in the substantially cylindrical surface, a second long and an elongated chink. The first log, the elongated chink, and the second log are collectively adapted for mutual contact such that both the first log and an axially-extending protruding surface of the first elongated chink abut the second log to form a first chamber bounded in part by the first log, the first elongated chink, and the second log.

Abstract: Modular structures constructed from interlocking wall modules made of plate steel and assembled with C-channel connectors, including tongue and groove elements used to position adjoining modules adjacent to one another, for example during the construction of a cell block. The tongue and groove elements ensure all adjacent prison cell modules are properly aligned such that the front fascia of each cell module lies within substantially the same plane. Further, the interlocking of the tongue and groove allows for the quick, cost-effective construction of a schoolroom having double skinned walls in an effort to increase the stability of the structure. Lastly, the interlocking panels may be formed in relatively small sections and then joined together in order to form a larger wall.

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity and has vastly improved resistance to uplift forces. Foundation assemblies or anchor structures are first precisely located before concrete is poured to form the foundation, encasing the anchor structures within the foundation. Columns may then be attached to the anchor structures without the need for readjusting the location of the columns. The rest of the building framework is subsequently attached to the columns. The resulting structure is highly resistant to uplift forces and seismic effects while being much faster and simpler to assemble than previous structures. Cracking of the concrete foundation prior to the complete curing of the concrete is also reduced.

Abstract: A waterproof-sheet type of roofing shingle comprises a belt-like tape attached to a bottom side of the roofing shingle facing a concrete slab. The belt-like tape has air passages for reducing a pressure of steam or vapor generated from concrete. The air passages are formed by projections or grooves and adapted to be in communication with air passages of an adjacent roofing shingle. The air passages are eventually in communication with an ambient atmosphere so as to vent the steam or vapor to the atmosphere, and therefore, bulging of waterproofing material is prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A prefabricated terrazzo panel and system, method for making terrazzo panels and method for installing terrazzo panels wherein the panels comprise terrazzo epoxy, a top surface, a bottom surface, sides and a groove along each side and the panel system comprises a plurality of panels, locking strips that join adjacent panels and terrazzo or terrazzo-like filler for joining and creating a seamless joint between adjacent panels. The method of manufacturing the panels generally includes providing, installing and, or preparing borders on a flat, level horizontal structure, applying an epoxy primer having a high viscous to the supporting structure to prevent adherence, introducing previously prepared epoxy terrazzo or comparable aggregate mixture into the border volume, leveling the pour mixture, allowing it to cure, grinding the surface of the cured aggregate to a desired thickness, sanding and polishing the top surface, and cutting the cured terrazzo into panels having predetermined dimensions.

Abstract: A shearwall structure, enhancement product and method of making a shearwall structure in which the shearwall includes a stud wall structure, a sheathing panel and corner brackets applied to the corners and edges of the sheathing panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scalable suspension system for domed shaped ceilings that includes a framework of suspension members interconnected to a central hub. The framework of suspension members are used to support a domed shaped ceiling fabricated from plaster or gypsum wallboard. The suspension members include primary spoke members, secondary spoke members, intercostal members and cross tees. The primary spoke members are attached to the central hub component. The intercostal members are spanned between the primary spoke members. The secondary spoke members are connected to the intercostal members, and extend between the primary spoke members. The primary and secondary spoke members are interconnected by the cross tees to create a unified structure. The hub includes radially indexed integral tabs that facilitate the attachment of the hanger wires and allows for the rigid attachment of the primary spoke members in a precise radial pattern.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for attaching a trim panel to a vehicle mounting member includes a retainer that is attachable to a concealable surface of the trim panel. The assembly also includes a fastening element that is movably attachable to the retainer by moving the fastening element laterally with respect to the retainer. The fastening element is further adapted to be attached to the mounting member.

Abstract: An insulated glass (IG) assembly for windows which includes an internal lighting system is disclosed. The IG assembly includes two or more panes of glass, a spacer and a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The spacer separates glass panes and provides the hermetic seal for the IG assembly. The spacer extends around the periphery of the glass panes with a portion of its ends overlapping to form a sealed corner joint. The LED light strip includes a plurality of LED lamps connected in series by thin electrical contact wires fixed in a flexible nonconductive substrate. The LED strip is fixed to the spacer and extends around the periphery of the insulated glass unit. The lead wires from the LED light strip pass through the corner joint between the overlapped ends of the spacer. The LED light systems provide dependable illumination but emit relatively little thermal energy. Consequently, the LED light system maintains the thermal insulating properties of an insulated glass unit.

Abstract: A large round baler is equipped with an enveloping arrangement that moves a run of enveloping material to the circumferential surface of a bale with a pivot arm including a driver having projections in the form of teeth that can be caused to penetrate the enveloping material to cause a positive locking with the run of enveloping material so that the enveloping material may be selectively inserted into the baling chamber at the beginning of a wrapping cycle and engaged with a contact plate to effect separation of the enveloping material once a predetermined number of wraps have been applied to the circumference of the bale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically operating a swing-arm-style mail insertion machine to insert products, such as CDs, computer diskettes, credit cards, matchbooks, pens and pencils, keys, etc., into envelopes at high speeds is provided by fixedly attaching, to a swing arm shaft of the swing-arm insertion machine for angular movement therewith, an actuator arm apparatus having an element configured for gripping a product from the front of a raceway of the swing-arm machine when the swing arm shaft is in a front angular position, and for placing the product into the raceway as the swing arm shaft pivots from the front angular position to a rear angular position, and feeding a product from the front of the raceway into the raceway with the actuator arm means.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping products, wherein a stacking plate receives a succession of wrapped products, and groups the products into a succession of stacks, which are transferred, axially with respect to the stacking plate, to an input station of a wrapping wheel for wrapping the stacks in respective sheets of wrapping material, and transferring the wrapped stacks to a substantially horizontal output conveyor; the wrapping wheel rotating in steps about a horizontal first axis, and having a number of radial seats; and the stacking plate being mounted to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and defining, with the first axis, a plane through the input station and forming a substantially 30° angle with a vertical plane through the first axis.

Abstract: On a wrapping machine, the products for wrapping are transferred along a portion of a wrapping line by a transfer wheel, which has a number of radially projecting gripper-type peripheral seats, and rotates in steps about an axis of rotation to feed the peripheral seats in a given direction through a loading station, where each peripheral seat receives a relative product by means of a first transfer assembly, and through an unloading station where each product is expelled from the relative peripheral seat and fed through a wrapping assembly by means of a second transfer assembly; each peripheral seat having a first and a second jaw, of which the second jaw, located behind the first, is movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling foil bags which are open on one side, wherein the foil bags are individually conveyed to a filling station. The foil bags are conveyed into the filling station in an inclined position with the stepped filling opening facing upwardly. A device for opening the stepped filling opening by blowing air is provided at the stepped filling opening.

Abstract: A method for the production of packs of rolls of paper, in which the rolls are collectively wrapped with a sheet of plastic film which is folded and sealed, allows a rational method of closing one front surface of packs and the simultaneous automatic production of an opening at the surface for the pack handle. An apparatus for implementing the method comprises suction plates, which move vertically in opposite directions to join end flaps of the sheet of plastic film, closing the pack. The flaps are joined with the aid of means designed to neatly arrange the material of the side surface of the sheet between the flaps inside the flaps as they are joined. Further means seal the two flaps and make a pack handle opening.

Abstract: A plastic bag is supplied as a continuously attached length of plural bags, each bag being separated from adjacent bags along a supply length by a perforated tear line. A seal which runs codirectionally with the tear line forms a closed bottom for each bag, such that when a bag is separated along the tear line from a remainder of the supply, the bag is enclosed along three of its four edges enabling containment of produce or other items placed therein via the opening at the fourth, and remaining edge of the bag which is coextensive with the perforation line. The supply length of bags is advantageously stored on a roll, fan folded, bundlized or compactly stored in other suitable manner permitting advancement of consecutive bags when pulled out of the stored condition by a user.

Abstract: On a wrapping machine for conditioning stacks of products, a stack of products is conditioned inside a tubular wrapping by folding a sheet of heat-seal wrapping material into a U about the stack inside a radial seat of a wrapping wheel, and by bringing two opposite lateral flaps of the U-folded sheet of wrapping material into contact with each other by means of a folding gripper, the jaws of which have respective end sealing members, and oscillate about an axis of rotation of the wrapping wheel to move with respect to each other to and from a closed position, and to accompany the radial seat along part of a travelling step of the wrapping wheel.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic sealing of food product packaging is provided. The ultrasonic sealing system preferably includes a food product packaging-positioning system that delivers food product packaging and food product into direct on-item-packaging forming box. The direct on-item-packaging forming box then receives the food product packaging and forms it directly around the supplied food product forming a partially packaged food product. The partially packaged food product is then ultrasonically edge sealed around the food product by an ultrasonic food product packaging fin-sealing unit forming a partially sealed food product packaging. The partially sealed food product packaging then enters a food product packaging end-sealing unit which ultrasonically seals and crimps the ends of the food product packaging resulting in a fully packaged and ultrasonically sealed food product.

Abstract: A deaerating method and deaerating apparatus in a bag-filling packaging machine, using a pair of press-holding members with one of them having a main body and a slide element that fits in the main body. A vacuum passage is formed between the upper portion of the slide element and the main body, and a groove is formed on a press-holding surface side when the slide element is moved backward; and with this groove, a passage leading from the inside to the outside of a bag is formed. Air and excess liquid matter inside the bag are sucked out of the bag through the passage and are removed through the vacuum passage. When the slide element is moved forward and press-holds the portion of the mouth that corresponds to the passage, the liquid matter inside such portion is pushed and is removed through the vacuum passage.

Abstract: Loads on pallets are often wrapped with a plastic film for shipping. The present invention relates to top platen devices used to maintain stability in loads while the load is wrapped for shipping. The top platen device applies a compressive force to the load to stabilize the load while it is being wrapped. The top platen includes a shaft supporting platen pad which is placed on top of the load. The shaft and platen pad are configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the geometric center of the top platen in order to rotate with the load about the load's center of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the formation of packages of the type used typically for pre-cooked meals. The package comprises a tray enclosed at least partially by a card sleeve having top and bottom faces and two opposing side walls. The forming apparatus includes a series of forming tools mounted for movement at spaced intervals and each provided for the reception of a sleeve in a blank flattened form. As the sleeve is introduced into the forming tool the sleeve is moved to the erected condition, the tray is inserted in the erected sleeve and the formed package removed from the forming tool.

Abstract: A pneumatic strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap includes a piston, a weld motor operably connected to the piston and a vibrating weld element operably connected to the piston for contacting the strap and adhering the strap onto itself. A tensioning motor is configured for unidirectional rotation. A feed wheel is operably connected to the tensioning motor by a drive assembly to tension the strap prior to adhering the strap onto itself. A transmission cooperates with the drive assembly and is switchable between a first state in which the transmission engages the drive assembly to permit only one-way rotation of the drive assembly and a second state in which the transmission permits two-way rotation of the drive assembly. The strapping tool includes a self-contained pneumatic module that is removably mounted to a cylinder housing.

Abstract: A filtration system (10) operable at elevated temperatures and regenerateable in situ employing microwave energy (99). In one embodiment, the system includes multiple channels (35) with means for selectively placing individual ones of the channels on-line for filtration and off-line for regeneration.

Abstract: A flow rate of gas supplied to a diesel particulate filter is increased when it is determined that rapid combustion of collected particulates, which are collected by the particulate filter, is likely to occur based on an operating state of an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, the flow rate of gas supplied to the filter is increased when it is determined that rapid combustion of the collected particulates is initiated based on a state of the particulate filter.

Abstract: A reversibly expandable filter element includes pleated filter media and a flexible spacing structure attached to the pleated media that provides the pleated media with uniform pleat spacing.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a reusable filter frame and a collapsible and expandable filter element. The filter frame includes a base and a cover connected with the base. The base includes a plurality of longitudinal rails and a plurality of transverse ribs for supporting and spacing the filter element. The filter frame also includes means for securing the filter element to the frame and maintaining the filter element in its expanded condition. The filter element includes filter media having a plurality of pleats adapted to mesh with the ribs of the filter frame and a flexible spacing structure attached to the pleated media that provides the pleated media with uniform pleat spacing but allows the media to be collapsed to a compact form.

Abstract: A reusable filter frame adapted to receive a replaceable filter element includes a base and a cover connected with the base. The base includes a plurality of longitudinal rails and a plurality of transverse ribs for supporting and spacing the filter element. The filter frame also includes means for securing the filter element to the frame and maintaining the filter element in its expanded condition.

Abstract: A hydraulic system has a frame member having an end. The structural member is pivotally coupled with the frame member end. A first hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder housing, a ram with a head reciprocally disposed within the housing, a first chamber on one side of the head, and a second chamber on another side of the head. A first end of the first hydraulic cylinder is attached to the frame member. A preload spring has a first end which is attached to the frame member, and a second end which is attached to the second end of the first hydraulic cylinder. A second hydraulic cylinder is coupled between the frame member and the structural member. The second hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder housing, a ram with a head reciprocally disposed within the housing, a first chamber on one side of the head and a second chamber on another side of the head. A first fluid line interconnects the first chamber of the first and second hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A trimmer apparatus for a lawn mower uses a drive sprocket mounted on the lawn mower cutting blade shaft and adapted for rotating a driven sprocket mounted on a trimmer shaft. The trimmer shaft is supported for rotation by a mounting bracket supported from one side of a housing of the lawn mower. The drive sprocket is engaged with the driven sprocket by a rotational motion transfer device. A string trimmer head is engaged with a clutch adapted for moving the string trimmer head into and out of engagement with the trimmer shaft, so that the string trimmer head may be engaged for rotation with the driven sprocket.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a wheel at each end of a transverse main frame with each wheel being carried by a vertically pivotal link to which an extensible and retractable actuating device is coupled for effecting vertical adjustment of the frame relative to the ground. The upper end of each actuating device is attached to a further link which is vertically pivotally mounted to the frame and has its upward movement resisted by a frame-mounted spring so as to dampen forces imposed on the wheel by the terrain. Each further link may be selectively locked to the frame so as to eliminate the function of the associated spring.

Abstract: An attachment for the mower deck of a mower for striping the cut grass is disclosed, and the method of use thereof. The attachment is a brush adjustably affixed to the rear of the mower deck, behind the cutting blades, and extending perpendicularly across the path of the mower. The brush is adjusted up and down to vary the amount of contact with the cut grass. As the brush is pulled across the lawn behind the cutting blades, it contacts the cut grass blades and bends them over in the direction of travel.

Abstract: Thread-guiding device for collecting spun yarns on bobbins, particularly for open-end spinning frames, constituted by a common thread-guiding rod which carries the thread-guides for the spinning stations, said rod being operated in alternate movement in front of the bobbins being formed by a linear electric motor driven by the control unit of the spinning frame in its alternate backward and forward movement as regards instantaneous speed, amplitude of excursion, axial coordinates of the ends of the travel of the thread-guiding rod.

Abstract: There are proposed a track link production method capable of providing markedly improved wear life with good cost performance and a track link produced by this method. To this end, the track link production method includes a heat treatment process (Steps 4, 5) of applying quenching and low temperature tempering treatment to a whole link material after hot forging (Step 2), and is designed such that desired machining is applied to the link material (Step 3) before the heat treatment process (Steps 4, 5) and such that after the heat treatment process (Steps 4, 5), tempering (Step 6) and finish machining (Step 7) are sequentially applied to some of the parts which have undergone the machining process, the some parts including at least parts where high dimensional accuracy is required.

Abstract: A rotor for use in turbine applications has a centrifugal turbine having axially disposed spaced apart fins forming passages and an axial turbine having hollow turbine blades interleaved with the fins and through which fluid from the centrifugal turbine flows.

Abstract: A wall structure (2) configured to be exposed to a thermal load. The wall structure having at least two layers including a first layer (5) and a second layer (6). The second layer (6) is located closer to a source of the thermal load than the first layer (5), and the layers (5, 6) are arranged so that heat is allowed to be conducted from the second layer (6) to the first layer (5). Each of the first and second layers (5, 6) are adapted to carry a significant portion of a structural load, and the second layer (6) exhibits a higher thermal conductivity and/or a lower thermal expansion than the first layer (5). The invention reduces the thermal strain in the wall structure (2).

Abstract: Vehicle powered by a combustion engine having an exhaust pipe, a turbine housing connected to the exhaust pipe which exhibits an inlet opening, an outlet opening, a chamber located between the inlet opening and outlet opening in which a turbine wheel is rotatably arranged on a rotational shaft which is mounted in bearings in the housing and extends through a through-hole in the chamber. An injector is provided for injecting urea while the combustion engine is in a predetermined operating conditions into exhaust gases generated by the combustion engine.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning system has two catalysts and three sensors. The target voltage of a second sensor arranged upstream of a downstream catalyst is set according to the output voltage of the second sensor and the output voltage of a third sensor. Thus, even if the output voltage of the second sensor shows a stoichiometric condition and the output voltage of the third sensor shows a rich condition, it is possible to restrict the unnecessary correction of the target voltage and to optimize the cleaning rate of the downstream catalyst. Therefore, it is possible to reduce emission from being impaired by an expected variation in the air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: An in-cylinder ion sensor provides a signal representative of the air/fuel ratio of the charge mixture as an engine starts. The signal representative of the air/fuel ratio is used as a feedback signal for an electronic control unit to perform cold-start closed-loop control during an initial operating period from a cold-start before an on-board oxygen sensor is able to warm up. After reaching a functional operating temperature, the oxygen sensor provides a signal that is used as an adaptive calibration tool which allows the electronic control unit to calibrate the ion sensor signal and use that signal for controlling the air/fuel ratio during cold start operation.

Abstract: The recycling timing schedule for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) can be easily and accurately determined. There is a differential pressure sensor that detects differential pressure &Dgr;P in the DPF, and an airflow meter that detects the flow velocity v in an exhaust path.

Abstract: A filter regeneration system for eliminating particulate matter generated in a diesel engine is disclosed. The filter generation system is adapted to determine a time to regenerate a filter to eliminate particulate matter discharged from the diesel engine and collected by the filter. The particulate matter is incinerated by increasing the exhaust gas temperature via an injection of fuel. The system comprises a collected amount detecting unit for detecting the amount of particulate matter collected by the filter; a control unit for determining a time to regenerate the filter based on the amount of collected particulate matter and for controlling the injection of fuel for incinerating the particulate matter; and a fuel supply unit mounted on an exhaust system for injecting the fuel in response to the control of the control unit.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas cleaning system of an internal combustion engine having a diesel particulate filter (DPF), measuring accuracy of a collection quantity of particulate matters collected by the DPF is estimated based on an accelerator position change rate and an exhaust gas flow rate. When the measuring accuracy is high, the collection quantity is calculated based on a pressure difference and the exhaust gas flow rate at the DPF. If the measuring accuracy is low, an increment value of the collection quantity is calculated based on a quantity of the particulate matters discharged from an engine main body. Then, the collection quantity is calculated by adding the collection quantity increment value to the previous collection quantity calculated based on the pressure difference and the exhaust gas flow rate while the measuring accuracy is high.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning system for a diesel engine has a diesel particulate filter (DPF) disposed in an exhaust pipe. An electronic control unit of the system controls regeneration of the DPF. The DPF is heated and regenerated only when an operating state of the engine is in an area where temperature-increasing efficiency is high, in the case where a quantity of particulate matters collected by the DPF is equal to or greater than a first threshold and is less than a second threshold. The second threshold is greater than the first threshold. If the quantity of the collected particulate matters becomes equal to or greater than the second threshold, the regeneration is performed even if the operating state is not in the area of the high temperature-increasing efficiency.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) of an exhaust gas cleaning system for an internal combustion engine having a diesel particulate filter (DPF) determines whether collection quantity of exhaust particulate matters collected by the DPF is greater than a regeneration start value or not. The collection quantity is calculated from a pressure difference at the DPF and a flow rate of exhaust gas. If the collection quantity is determined to be greater than the regeneration start value, the ECU increases the temperature of the DPF to regenerate the DPF. The regeneration start value is set smaller as the detection accuracy of the collection quantity decreases. The regeneration start value is set smaller as the exhaust gas flow rate decreases and a rate of change in an accelerator position increases.