Abstract: A window-regulating assembly selectively moves a window of a vehicle door between an open position and a closed position. The window-regulating assembly includes a rail that is fixedly secured to the vehicle door. The rail extends through a radius of curvature. A lift plate is slidably engaged with the rail. The lift plate is also secured to the window. The lift plate moves the window between the open and closed positions. A lead screw is secured to the rail. The lift plate travels along the lead screw to move the window between the open and closed positions. A drive motor is secured to lift plate. The drive motor receives electrical energy and converts the electrical energy into a selectively bidirectional rotational force to drive the lift plate over the lead screw. A pivot mount extends between the drive motor and the lift plate allowing the drive motor to move through the radius of curvature as the lift plate slides along the rail.

Abstract: A safety gate assembly includes a generally U-shaped frame (3), which may be secured across a door opening, stairway or the like, and a gate (8), one side of which is connected by one or more pivotal connections (4, 7) to one side of the frame (3) to permit pivotal movement of the gate with respect to the frame about a pivotal axis and the other side of which carries a projecting latch member (9), which cooperates with a latch (1) connected to the other side of the frame. The latch (1) defines an entry (32) for the latch member and a locking position (36), in which pivotal movement of the gate (8) is prevented. The pivotal connections (4, 7) are constructed to permit linear movement of the gate relative to the frame (3) in the direction parallel to the pivotal axis.

Abstract: A prefabricated home covering designed to protect a prefabricated home as it is being transported. The prefabricated home covering has a generally rectangular sheet of tarpaulin material used to cover an open middle section of a prefabricated home half being transported. There are also two generally trapezoidal sheets of tarpaulin material used to cover the ends of a prefabricated home half being transported, with the generally rectangular sheet of tarpaulin material and the two generally trapezoidal sheets of tarpaulin material being attached from the bottom of a trailer frame transporting the prefabricated home half with a plurality of rubber straps and D-rings with S-hooks. A plurality of strap buckle assemblies attach the generally rectangular sheet of tarpaulin material to the two generally trapezoidal sheets of tarpaulin material and a plurality of grommets attach the prefabricated home covering to the prefabricated home being transported.

Abstract: A media wall for supporting various types of media, such as plasma screen or flat screen television sets, as well as other types of thin media, includes an upright vertical wall to which the media is mounted. The wall may include a pair of sidewalls mounted to a back face of the vertical wall, as well as a shelf extending forwardly from the vertical wall. At least one aperture may be included for enabling power or data cables to be inserted through the wall from the front to the back. A video camera support may be mounted on the vertical wall. The wall may be pivotable about a vertical axis to allow easy access to the rear of the wall for setting up and adjusting the electrical cabling used to support the media.

Abstract: The invention provides a panel for modular construction of partitions and walled structures, the panel having a top, a bottom, two major surfaces and two minor side surfaces, a first of the side surfaces being provided with a first profile and a second of the side surfaces being provided with a second profile, wherein the first profile and the second profile are provided with means for complementary engagement with a profile of an adjacently-positioned panel, and wherein each of the first profiles is provided with two inter-engagement means arranged at angle of about 90° to each other enabling the alternative inter-engagement of two adjacent panels with an angle of 180° therebetween, and at an angle of about 90° therebetween.

Abstract: A tall tower is divided into an upper section with a tower top and a lower section with a tower bottom. The sections are hinged together. The lower section is hinged to a tower base. A telescoping crane is attached to a lift point on the lower section. The crane is extended to lift the sections to the vertical position with the lower section resting on the base and the tower top of the upper section near ground level. A heavy load is attached to the tower top end using a small ground crane while the tower top of the upper section is near ground level. The telescoping crane is attached to another lift point on the upper section to partially lift the upper section, which is supported in this position. The telescoping crane is relocated and reattached to the lift point on the upper section. The telescoping crane is fully extended to raise the upper section and load to vertical above the lower section.

Abstract: A building includes an inflatable form having an interior surface bounding a chamber. A stabilizing layer of polymeric foam or cementitious material is disposed on the interior surface of the inflatable form. At least one support layer of cementitious material is disposed on the interior surface of the stabilizing layer. Finally, one or more ribs project from the interior surface of the at least one support layer. Each rib includes a core of polymeric foam and a layer of cementitious material disposed over the core.

Abstract: A conservatory framework has an eaves structure from which the roof is supported, at least one comer and/or in-line joint in the eaves structure being two connector parts which are angularly adjustable relative to one another. The first and second elongate frame members, e.g. a hip bar and jack rafter, are coupled together in angular relation relative to one another by a coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement includes a plate with an upstanding pivot post, a channel associated with and extending longitudinally of the first frame member for receiving the plate and maintaining it captive against separation from the first member in a direction generally transverse to its elongation, and an arm adapted to be coupled to the pivot post and to the second frame member. A roofing structure has a support structure, e.g.

Abstract: There is provided a guide strip (1) to assist in cement rendering around window frames and like openings. The strip (1) is the combination of two longitudinally extending portions (2, 3)joined in side-by-side relationship by a frangible part (4). The base strip (2) being one of these portions, is to be left in-situ within the render and has a render depth setting lip (6) extending from one side thereof alongside the frangible part (4). The window frame masking portion (3), being the remaining portion, can then be longitudinally snapped leaving only the base strip (2) embedded in the render. The strip (1) includes a connection means such as a ribbon 9 of double-sided adhesive to secure the base strip (2) to the window frame (12) prior to rendering.

Abstract: A method and system of isolating a structure and soil mass from earthquake induced vibration by inducing soil liquefaction beneath a structure during an earthquake event, by monitoring local seismic precursor events, such as early arrival ground motion using an accelerometer, predicting the onset of a major earthquake tremor and energizing conductors in the ground by a dc power source for moving the ground water by electro-osmosis towards a suitable isolation layer, whereby raising the pore water pressure in the isolation layer and thus preferentially inducing localized soil liquefaction of the particular isolation layer during the earthquake event and thus isolating the structure and soil above the particular soil horizon from the upward propagating shear wave ground motions arising from the earthquake event.

Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter system for homes, buildings and the like includes a combination of full width corrugated aluminum and half width clear polycarbonate panels arranged in alternating adjacent and partially overlapping relation over a given window or door opening. The aluminum panels provide structural integrity while the polycarbonate panels provide light transmittance. The combination of full width aluminum panels and half width polycarbonate panels provides a storm shutter system that is substantially stronger and more resistant to impact deflection than the light transmitting storm shutters disclosed in the background art, and eliminates the need for additional hardware, supports, and bracing.

Abstract: A modular wall panel assembly, including a modular wall panel and an electrical distribution harness connected to the modular wall panel. The electrical distribution harness includes an electrical connector, at least one channel extending from and electrically connected with the electrical connector, an electrical receptacle connected to the electrical connector and at least one receptacle mounting bracket. The receptacle mounting bracket includes a cutout at least partially surrounding the electrical receptacle. The receptacle mounting bracket has at least one attachment element connected to at least one of the modular wall panel and at least one channel.

Abstract: A sealing system (1) comprising an at least substantially cylindrical tube (2) and at least two sealing collars (4) at least partially made of an elastic material, which are arranged round the tube in spaced-apart relationship for sealing confinement by collaring of the tube in a bushing (3) which is co-axial with said tube, a special feature being the fact that the spacing (a) between the sealing collars is less than 25 mm, said sealing collars comprising an expandable material, in such an amount and of such a composition that the sealing collars will expand in the case of a fire, in such a manner that they will become wedged in the bushing.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and devices for installing barriers in openings or gaps in or between structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors. At least one barrier molding bag is positioned in the hole or gap, and a flowable firestop material that is preferably operative to cure or harden, such as a hydratable cementitious slurry, is introduced into the bag to create a barrier in the hole or gap.

Abstract: A facade and/or light roof including a device for drainage, especially of inclined and roof glazing in post and beam construction, and including a seepage water gutter or seepage water groove within the beam section and post section, and at least one condensation gutter or condensation groove on the beam section, is characterized in that the condensation gutter or condensation groove of the beam section (2) is guided directly into the seepage water groove of the post section (1), and in that this region is sealed by a filling piece (25, 1025, 1250).

Abstract: A bi-directional sliding pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by sliding pendulum movements each system comprising a lower sliding plate forming a sliding path in a first direction an upper sliding plate forming a sliding path in a second direction and a sliding assembly for reducing the seismic force of the structure by performing a pendulum motion by sliding along the lower and upper sliding plates.

Abstract: An insulating concrete form with two opposing panels, each panel having on each end thereof both a tongue and a groove for interconnecting with a similar form, the tongues and grooves positioned such that a similar form may be reversibly positioned and still interconnected, the opposing panels on each form joined by a plurality of metal wire ties with both horizontal and vertical members, preferably welded one to another, with each horizontal wire bent to form a right angle on each end with a metal attachment strip disposed within such right angle.

Abstract: A reinforced composite system for constructing insulated concrete structures comprising, panels having a foam plastic core between outside and inside reinforcement layers, reinforcement layers substantially strengthen the panels during material handling and construction, greatly reducing deflection of the panels between studs when placing concrete allowing walls to be filled in one lift. Panels are placed horizontally in an opposing and parallel spaced-apart relation. Opposing panels are placed end to end in rows and stacked vertically, rows of panels being staggered from each other so panel ends in adjacent rows do not line up vertically. Vertical studs are embedded in panels extending the full height of the panels, each stud having a flange for receiving mechanical fasteners and groove for receiving spreaders. A plurality of spreaders at each stud location extend between opposing panels and slidably engaging the studs in opposing panels.

Abstract: The present invention comprises architectural building products or “trim” and methods for making, installing and finishing the same.

Abstract: A laminate floor with custom images and a method for making the same are disclosed. The individual planks that make up the laminate floor each contain a base layer, a backing layer, an impact layer, a design layer, and a protective layer, which are laminated together, and have tongues and corresponding grooves in the sides of each plank. The design layer of each individual plank is made of a paper substrate and has a distinct section of an image printed on it. The laminate floor is then created by assembling the planks in a predetermined order and alignment to recreate the image on the floor. To create the laminate floor, an image is selected and digitized. The digitized image is then formatted to the dimensions of the flooring area desired, enhanced to a desired quality level, and segmented into distinct sections so that each section will fit on a plank.

Abstract: An isolation pocket form includes a wall assembled from wall segments having reinforcing ribs. The form is secured to a floor with clips having projections which engage holes in the periphery of the form. A removable closure seats on an interior ledge of the form, the ledge being situated so that the top of the closure is flush with the top of the form. The closure is reinforced by a two-dimensional array of reinforcing ribs to give it strength and rigidity.

Abstract: A roll-form building material spacer product providing air space and drainage passageways within a building structure. The building material spacer has an openwork structure and carries an antifungal agent which prevents the growth of mold and mildew within a building structure in which the spacer is installed. Preferably, the antifungal agent is dispersed evenly throughout the openwork material either within the material or coated on the material. A building structure assembly having the openwork spacer and methods of making an openwork spacer and making a building structure with the spacer are also provided.

Abstract: A flood protection barrier for a structure (2) is disclosed. The barrier (22) is adapted to overlie at least a portion of the outer skin of the structure (27) in the region where the structure engages with the ground (12). The barrier (22) comprises at least one impermeable sheet (58) and at least one seal means (26, 28), in which each impermeable sheet (58) is flexible, and at least one seal means (26, 28) is a means adapted to reversibly form a substantially watertight seal between an impermeable sheet (58) and at least one of the structure (2), the ground (12), or an impermeable sheet (58). The impermeable sheet (58) is sufficiently flexible to be elastically deformed by the hydrostatic pressure exerted by water (14) flooding the ground (12) adjacent to the structure to substantially conform with the contours of the structure's skin overlain by the impermeable barrier (22).

Abstract: A decking system and clip apparatus used therein are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the clip apparatus typically includes a top portion and a pair of lateral projections extending from opposite sides of the top portion. Each lateral projection is configured to contact a respective decking member, thereby maintaining a predefined distance between the decking members. The clip apparatus further typically includes a pair of spaced-apart downward projections extending downward from the top portion, the downward projections being separated by a void sized to receive the joist.

Abstract: A clip is provided for securing of a patch to a wall, to repair the wall, where the clip has a patch securing section constructed and arranged to secure a peripheral portion of the patch and a wall securing section constructed and arranged to secure a peripheral portion of the wall. The wail securing section is joined to the patch securing section such that the patch and the wall are arranged substantially in a common plane when the patch is in a repaired position within the wall. In a preferred embodiment the patch securing section is coupled to a body section, the body section is coupled to the cap section, and the cap section is coupled to the wall securing section. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, all sections of the clip are created by a specific placement of bends in a continuous strip of material, such as a metal alloy. A method for use of the disclosed clip to repair a wall is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to two panel elements (1 and 2) which are flexibly connected to one another, at least one profiled lateral edge being provided on each of the panel elements for the flexible connection which, as connecting edges (5 and 6), have a suitable bearing and contact surface for an adhesive strip connecting the panel elements (1 and 2), so that the swivel axis is in the area of the adhesive strip. To prevent a transparent effect in the joint area, the connecting edges (5 and 6) have a further profiling (11, 12) which enters a form-locking connection (13) when the connecting edges (5 and 6) are turned on one another. Furthermore, the invention comprises the method and the facility (17) for producing the flexibly connected panel elements (1 and 2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a new plastic flooring that is assembled by concave portions and convex portions. The plastic flooring provides space between the concave portions and convex portions. The space absorbs the heat expansion of the plastic flooring such that the deformation of the plastic flooring is prevented. Also, the space stores an adhesive on a bottom floor such that crevices between the plastic flooring are prevented.

Abstract: Ground covering element (2) having the basic shape of a square. On all four basic sides (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4), there is provided one engaging means (8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4) each. Each of the engaging means is symmetric with respect to a central axis of symmetry (12). Opposite engaging means are mirror images of each other. Each engaging means is complementary with the engaging means on the two basic sides adjoining around the corner. On each of the four corner regions of the ground covering element, there is provided a protrusion (24) having substantially the shape of a rectangular, isosceles triangle or of an area element similar to this triangle with curved legs. By omission of the four protrusions (24), a ground covering element of the second type (42) is obtained which may be laid together with additional ground covering elements of the second type (42) or in combination with ground covering elements of the first type (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing objects, volumes, furniture modules and furniture as well as articles produced by said method that are composed of individual elements such as walls, panels, beams, legs, etc.

Abstract: A structure of joining in a T shape two frame members of U-shaped cross sections having openings is provided. At a joint of the first frame member and the second frame member, a reinforcing member mounted with unfoamed resin is set within the first and second frame members. A foamed resin fills the spaces between the first and second frame members and the reinforcing member. The first and second frame members, foamed resin and reinforcing member are integrally united, having a high strength at the joint of the two frame members.

Abstract: A re-bar support device comprising a base board and re-bar holders to hold a plurality of re-bars spaced to fit into the holes of the hollow blocks used to build a block wall. The re-bar support device attaches to vertically standing stakes. Several re-bar support devices may be interconnected to cover the desired length of the foundation of the wall. The re-bar support device proposes several methods for easily introducing a re-bar to a re-bar holder and also discloses modifications on the internal side of the body of the re-bar support device to allow a better grip on the re-bars while concrete is poured around them during the formation of the foundation for the wall.

Abstract: A metallic stud for use in the framing of structures, the stud definable in terms of an x, y, z coordinate system, in which the z-axis corresponds to the gravity vector. The metallic stud includes a z-axis elongate generally rectangular integral xz plane web having a width (thickness) in a yz plane. The stud also includes a series of xz plane tabs each having a parallelogram-like geometry and an outer major base. The series of xz plane tabs project within at least one of a positive or negative x-axis direction, in which the tabs interdigitate with void spaces along at least one z-axis edge of the web. The metallic stud also includes a z-axis elongate apex element, within xz plane web, projecting in a y-axis plane and integrally dependent from the web of the stud.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of placing a concrete structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes building the concrete structure in an essentially vertical position, the concrete structure being defined by a first end. The concrete structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the concrete structure is in the essentially vertical position. The concrete structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the concrete structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: A device for connecting together flat elements that are lying in a plane with at least one edge of a first of the flat elements adjacent at least one edge of each of second and third flat elements. The device is connected to the first flat element and comprises at least two hook-shaped organs, a first of which cooperates with a first contact on the second flat element and a second of which cooperates with a second contact on the third flat element. Each of the first and second hook-shaped organs is movable between a first position in which the flat elements are released from each other, and a second position in which the first and second hook-shaped organs engage the first and second contacts to cause edges of the first flat element to be pressed against edges of the second and third flat elements.

Abstract: Vertical form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill. Prior to assembly at the fill station a series of spaced-apart stop members are formed along the fastener tracks.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill.

Abstract: A container centering device is provided including an entry plate having an opening and a container positioning means, wherein the container positioning means is capable of positioning a container in the entry plate opening. In addition, the container positioning means is capable of positioning a first container and at least a second container in the entry plate opening, wherein the first and second containers have different brim diameters.

Abstract: A device for producing tubular bags filled with bulk goods from continuous foil tubes. The device includes a pair of sealing tools that seal or weld the foil tubes in bag-length intervals. A pair of closing bars connected to the sealing tools are biased toward each other and press the foil tubes before the sealing tools are closed. A stripper is provided to remove the residue of the bulk goods from the area of the seal by a wiping motion in the direction of bag movement through the device. The closing bars are connected to the stripper so that through a closing movement of the closing bars, the stripper is pulled along in the run direction of the foil while touching the foil to strip the area to be sealed before the sealing tools close.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises an apparatus and method for wrapping a load under tension with a web of stretch wrap flexible material and then binding the wrapping material to the load by compressing the end of the flexible material into a rope-like configuration. The rope formed is wound around the load at least one turn. A second turn of the rope around the load is then bound to the first rope with a mechanical twisting tie around the two ropes to prevent unwrapping of the load during transit and storage. A hot wire cutting mechanism cuts the rope and the bound two ropes snap back into position against the wrapped load from the force of the stretch wrap tension.

Abstract: A process for delivering a cold or heat storage medium into a carrier material, in which the carrier material is located in a container which can be at least partially evacuated.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a pair of rolls forming a nip through which two web portions are passed with an item to be packaged between the web portions. The rolls include resiliently compliant roll portions that deform to accommodate the thickness of the item, and the roll portions press the web portions to seal them together in peripheral regions surrounding the item and to center the item between the webs in the thickness direction. The apparatus also includes side seal devices that traverse inwardly toward the item to seal the webs together close to the item's opposite side edges to prevent the item from laterally shifting. The web portions may have cohesive disposed on their facing surfaces such that the web portions adhere to each other with pressure but tend not to adhere to the packaged item or other surfaces.

Abstract: The method stores and/or transports at least partially deformable items, such as caps for containers. One embodiment of the method has the following steps: identifying for at least one item an edge-on plane that is associated with a more deformable direction of the at least one item and an axial plane that is associated with a less deformable direction of the at least one item; and orienting the at least one item such that the edge-on plane of the at least one item is substantially vertical, the at least one item being stored and/or transported in an unsecured manner relative to other deformable items. This method therefore provides cost savings to both manufacturers and users by reducing the number of damaged and deformed items or caps during storage and/or transport.

Abstract: A container for packaging items such as semiconductor wafers has a restraining portion with a changeable dimension at an open end that facilitates using conventional loading techniques while also more securely containing the items to avoid undesirable movement of the items in the container. In one example embodiment, the restraining portion includes a sidewall portion that has a first, nominal inside dimension at one end. A second end of the sidewall portion has a second, greater inside dimension at an open end. Another member of the container cooperates with the sidewall portion to change the inside dimension at the open end from the second, greater dimension to the first, nominal dimension. The nominal dimension is selected to correspond to an exterior dimension of the items to be contained within the package so that the container maintains the items in a secure alignment that eliminates lateral movement of the items once the container is secured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for folding and bonding a closing seal part of a box-shaped package comprising the steps and corresponding members of folding a strip-shaped closing part of the package on an intermittently running conveyor, preheating outer surfaces of the package beneath said both-side overhanging portions into semi-weldable state, folding said overhanging portions along both outer sides of the package, pressing the folded strip-shaped closing seal portion against upper surface of the package without generating any gap therebetween and heat pressing the folded overhanging portions from outsides; and

Abstract: In the process of the invention a strip of containers (5) made of a heat-formable material is guided through a deviated course in a transversal direction with the respect to a main horizontal line of advancement (F), in which the strip of containers undergoes, in sequence, a fist rotation of a quarter of a full turn about a vertical-axis first guide (6), a first twist by half a full turn, a second rotation, by half a full turn, about a second guide (7) having a winding axis which is parallel to the line of advancement (F).

Abstract: This invention deals with a method for fitting a horse for a custom fitting saddle pad or saddle. The steps include positioning a horse in a working position, marking a first reference line and a second reference line, positioning a pad on the horse's back, securing the pad on the horse's back, forming a cast of the horse's back, and removing the cast from the horse to be transported.

Abstract: A honeycomb filter 1, which comprises an integral structure of a plurality of honeycomb segments 12 bonded by an adhesive 8. The honeycomb segment has numbers of through-holes 3, which are surrounded by partition walls 2 and extend in the axial direction of the segment. The honeycomb filter is characterized in that a ratio of a thermal conductivity &kgr;s of the honeycomb segment 12 to a thermal conductivity &kgr;a of the adhesive 8 , &kgr;s/&kgr;a, is in a range of 5 to 300 and a density &rgr;a of the adhesive 8 is in a range of 0.1 to 4 g/cc. The honeycomb filter can prevent excessive temperature increase, can be low in non-uniformity of temperature distribution, and can be superior in durability.

Abstract: The apparatus is a rotating trimmer head, commonly used with a mower deck combination, but not limited to such a combination, wherein the trimmer head is resiliently positioned with respect to the mower deck for horizontal movement with respect to the mower deck. A resilient member holds the trimmer in an extended position away from the mower deck and allows the trimmer to move to a retracted position adjacent the mower deck when the trimmer meets a fixed obstacle. The rotating head facilitates a smooth engagement between the trimmer head and the obstacle as the trimmer head moves around the obstacle. As a result, an operator may mow in a straight line and do the trimming without interfering with the mower or the main deck.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a seal between a first object and a second object is disclosed. The device comprises a retractable arm mounted to and extending from the first object towards the second object. The device also comprises a sealing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable arm. The sealing arrangement includes a sealing member and a sensor configured to engage the second object and provide input to the retractable arm so as to maintain a predetermined distance between the distal end of the retractable arm and the second object. As a result, a seal is formed and maintained between the first object and the second object. In one particular embodiment, the disclosure relates to a harvester for gathering product from one or more plants. The harvester comprises a drive mechanism, a retractable conveyor mounted to and extending from the drive mechanism towards the plant, and a sealing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable arm.

Abstract: The invention concerns a start of spinning or the method of piecing for spinning positions of air spinning frames, which, during a spinning process, produce a thread (11) from a longitudinal fibre structure (10′) and which, for this, comprise a finess influencing unit (28) with parts (30, 29) drivable at the inlet side and part (32) drivable at the outlet side with clamping points (11), a means for the air twist generation (3) and a means for the thread take-off, whereby, after an interruption of the spinning process, the resumption of the production of the thread comprises the following steps.