Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator, especially for generating treatment gas containing CO and H2, for heat treating metallic material at high temperatures. Said gas generator comprises at least one catalytic retort and has means for heating at least partial areas of the catalytic retort(s). According to the invention, the catalytic retort is divided into at least two retort areas (1, 2a, 2b, 2e) and at least one of the retort areas (1), preferably the retort area (1) located first in the direction of flow-through, is configured so that it can be removed from the gas generator.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor system controls movement of a door moving in a first direction. The system includes a rigid mounting bracket attached to a leading edge of the door, a transmitter extending a distance beyond a leading edge of the door at a first door end for transmitting a signal toward a second door end. The transmitter is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a first moveable member configured to engage a surface when the door closes and moving to a retracted position. The sensor system further includes a receiver extending a distance beyond the leading edge of the door at the second door end in alignment with the transmitter for detecting the signal and for generating an output signal. The receiver is attached to the rigid mounting bracket by a second moveable member configured to engage the surface when the door closes and moving to the retracted position.

Abstract: A railroad grade crossing assembly including a programmable controller. In a preferred embodiment, the crossing assembly includes at least one camera for the purpose of visually monitoring the crossing assembly and/or the area around the assembly. In another preferred embodiment, the crossing assembly includes a communication link for remotely monitoring and/or controlling the assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a carriage for a window lifter, comprising a base part, which is provided for being movably mounted on a rail which can be mounted in a vehicle, and a clamping part which is mounted on the base part, so that a vehicle pane to be adjusted can be clamped between the base part and the clamping part, wherein an arresting mechanism is provided, by means of which the clamping part can be mounted at the base part in different positions which each correspond to a different mounting situation.

Abstract: A door seal structure for sealing between a door opening portion of a vehicle body and a door frame of a vehicle door. The door seal structure has a protrusion formed in the door frame and protruding inwardly of a glass run holding part for holding a glass run, and a cover member for covering the protrusion and concealing it from a vehicle compartment when the vehicle door is closed. The protrusion has a longitudinally extending depression near a protruding wall of the protrusion, and an inner end edge of the cover member is seated in the longitudinally extending depression. When the vehicle door is closed, the protrusion of the door frame is not seen from the vehicle compartment, and the inner end edge of the cover member does not contact a tubular seal portion of an opening weather strip attached along the door opening portion to prevent wear of the tubular seal portion. Accordingly, the appearance and durability around the door frame are improved.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating an abrasive article having porosity. The method includes blending a mixture of abrasive grain, bond material, and pore inducer, in which the pore inducer is soluble in a supercritical fluid, and the abrasive grain and bond material are substantially insoluble in the supercritical fluid. The mixture is pressed into an abrasive laden composite and exposed to the supercritical fluid for a period of time suitable to dissolve at least a portion of the pore inducer. The composite is thermally processed.

Abstract: In a flashing system, a soaker channel has a drainage groove and has an upstanding wall, which is adapted to be overlaid by a lower edge of a flashing element. A lower wall of the drainage groove slopes downwardly, away from the upstanding wall, toward another upstanding wall, which is spaced from the upstanding wall adapted to be overlaid by a lower edge of a flashing element and which has a returned limb closing off the soaker channel partially. The soaker channel has a rib, which projects downwardly from the lower wall of the drainage channel, near the upstanding wall adapted to be overlaid by a lower edge of a flashing element.

Abstract: A ridge vent has an elongated body having a width sufficient to span the ridge of a roof along which the ridge vent is installed. Tear lines of relative weakness are formed at spaced intervals along the elongated body. The tear lines may be formed by score lines, perforations, or otherwise and are configured to allow the body of the ridge vent to be separated manually at a selected tear line by grasping the body and tearing along the tear line. Depending partitions may be disposed on the underside of the body on either side of each tear line to form end walls at new ends formed when the ridge vent is separated along a tear line.

Abstract: Landscaping blocks for decorative edging are designed to form overlapping or interlocking joints between adjacent blocks, so that weed growth between the blocks is prevented or deterred when the blocks are arranged as a border or edging.

Abstract: A folding structure supports a duct in a generally horizontal orientation, and permits sweeping and serpentine movement of the duct. The structure is foldable for storage and transport. The structure comprises an array of panels hinged together, with the structure biased upward from its base to its free end for counteracting the weight of the loaded duct.

Abstract: A fastening system is invented for fasten the soil nails (which are used in cut areas) and the reinforced retaining structures (which are used in fill areas). The system is to connect the two and form an integrated body to prevent sliding plane passing through the interface of the two. The fastening system includes coupling elements, struts, flanges, steel pipes, cables, annular sleeve and clamps.

Abstract: A rollable baffled ridge vent has a top panel with a laterally flexible central portion and edges. Substantially flat wind baffles are supported outboard of the edges and each wind baffle is formed by an array of aligned coextensive rectangular baffle sections. Each baffle section is supported by a pair of buttresses that project from beneath the top panel. Some of the buttresses also extend inwardly toward the central portion of the panel to form supports for supporting the ridge vent on a roof. The ridge vent can be fabricated in roof length sections that can be rolled into rolls with the baffle sections splaying with respect to each other to provide rollability. For installation, the ridge vent is rolled out along the open ridge of a roof and attached with nails. Superior ventilation is provided by the high net free area and flat wind baffle design of the vent while preserving the convenience of a rollable product.

Abstract: Protective guard system that is readily attachable and detachable to and from a variety of sizes and shapes of structures. The guard includes an elongated generally C-shaped body that includes a plurality of ridges for gripping the structure to which it is attached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping and encapsulating a shaped wooden workpiece or substrate to protect against environmental elements and prevent splintering of the wooden substrate in the installed condition is disclosed. An inventive end cap having a melt ring integrally formed therewith is installed on a portion of the substrate, such as a terminus of the substrate. According to the invention, the wooden substrate is sheathed during a polymeric extrusion process with a substantially continuous, unbroken polyethylene or other polymeric layer extending from and continuous with the inventive end cap. During the extrusion process, the melt ring integrally formed along the annular walls of the end cap melt the encapsulant and form a substantially sealed configuration with the polymeric layer applied to the substrate.

Abstract: This application discloses a horizontal spacer for rectangular and non-rectangular glass blocks, which enables non-rectangular glass blocks to be connected to adjacent nonrectangular or rectangular glass blocks such that any configuration of wall may be formed using such blocks. The horizontal spacer has elongated tabs and receiving holes which extend from opposing sides. The elongated tabs engage the receiving holes of adjacent horizontal spacers.

Abstract: This application discloses a system and method for assembling glass block walls from straight and non-straight glass blocks using horizontal and vertical spacers. The horizontal spacer is shaped to fit a top or bottom surface of the glass block and has elongated tabs and receiving holes, which extend from opposing sides. The elongated tabs engage the receiving holes of adjacent horizontal spacers. The vertical spacers are positioned on a side surface of the glass block, and have a shape and a thickness that corresponds to the vertical space between adjacent glass blocks and engage the side surface.

Abstract: A single metal sheet roofing panel having a plurality of alternatively raised and lowered patches longitudinally arranged in three rows. The panel30 comprises a side clip connection system for laterally connecting adjacent panels. The panel is coated with the stone based coating and has a unique patterned appearance of multiple colors and shades. A method for manufacturing of the panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material comprising a felt of mineral fibers, such as glass fibers, intended to be placed under a wood floor, especially of the laminate type, so as to absorb the noise of impact against the wood floor.

Abstract: The facing of a faced insulation layer has Z-folded, double-folded, or single-folded lateral tabs extending the length of the facing sheet along or spaced inwardly from lateral edges of the facing sheet. Each lateral tab has multiple segments. One of the segments of each lateral tab has an adhesive thereon that can be exposed and extended beyond one of the lateral edges of the insulation layer for bonding the faced insulation layer to a framing member. Where the blanket is separable into sections, the facing has pairs of separable tabs that separate when the blanket is separated to expose surfaces of the separable tabs with adhesive thereon. The adhesive may be microencapsulated or have microencapsulated constituent(s).

Abstract: A method for casting hollow core concrete panels includes the use of raft connectors to hold a plurality of spaced foam billets in place during the manufacture to create panel or plank with spaced foam-filled cores. The panels include billets that form longitudinal voids that allows utilities to be run through the lengths of the concrete panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular frameworking system having various apparatuses and methods of attaching same. A framework built according to the present invention includes a plurality of hubs or nodes, each hub including a plurality of pairs of opposing flat faces. Each face can connect to at least one connector. The present invention includes primary “T” shaped connectors that attach directly to the hubs and secondary “L” shaped connectors that attach to the primary connectors and thus the hub. An adapter is provided and connects at one end to a leg of the connector and at the other end to a structural member, e.g., a straight or curved tube, angle or channel. The adapter and structural member are readily removable from the hub and the connector. The connector can be curved and alternatively includes a hinge so that the connector can rotate. The connectors can attach to each face of the hub and can be rotated in multiple directions on any given face of the hub.

Abstract: A cage spacer for spacing reinforcing rods or welded fabric a specified distance from mold walls for poring concrete during construction projects. The cage spacer comprises two intersection bodies oriented perpendicular to each other and preferable with one body having a base higher than the other. A pair of pads on opposite ends of a first body base for stabilizing the body on the rebar. A pair of rebar engaging clips on opposite ends of the second body base for snapping onto and gripping a perpendicularly intersecting rebar such that the rebar is held securely in the clips. The cage spacer attaches over the intersection of a pair of rebars. At least one apex of the bodies engages a mold wall to keep the mold wall a specified distance from the rebars while concrete is being poured in the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for hollow sections (24) of spacer frames for insulating glass panes. Said plug connector comprises a plurality of lateral retainer elements (12, 13, 14) on the side wall, said retainer elements being arranged one after the other in the plug-in direction (9) of the hollow sections (24). At least some of said retainer elements are offset at a mutual distance (16, 17) transversely in relation to the plug-in direction. The retainer elements (12, 13, 14) are thus preferably arranged at various levels (h12, h13, h14), thereby engaging at various points on the hollow section (24).

Abstract: A column/beam interconnection employing angular connectors which wrap complementarily around an outside corner in a column. Each connector includes, on each of two, next-adjacent column faces, a cantilever-projecting deflectable tab which is nominally spaced from another, confronting tab that belongs to a next-adjacent connector. These confronting, spaced tabs freely receive between them the end of the central web in an I-beam, and when clamplingly secured to such a web, deflect under spring resistance to introduce useful compressive forces through the associated connectors into the associated column. The proposed connector arrangement allows, with respect to the placement of a beam for connection to and between a pair of next adjacent columns, for the vertical shifting of the beam into proper place for connection of its central web to and between pairs of spaced tabs, without any need for any lateral shifting of the columns to allow for insertion of the beam between the columns.

Abstract: A support apparatus (10) for providing a robust load bearing support for screed rails (12) during the laying of concrete in which the height of the screed rails can be accurately adjusted and supported so as to allow the screed rails to be used for carrying concrete levelling devices such as a roller beam levelling device consists of a ground engaging base block (14), a first member (22) releasably connected at its lower end to the base block and a support member (28) releasably connected to the upper end of the first member for supporting the screed rails (12) at a desired height above the ground (16) where the first member and support member combination is of adjustable length to permit adjustment of the height of the screed rails carried thereby.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite article is disclosed that involves providing a press having first and second platens, a cellulosic fiber substrate having a first thickness, and a layer of material such as a wood veneer, foil, or non-creped paper, where the layer of material has a thickness less than the thickness of the cellulosic fiber substrate. A layer of bonding material is placed onto the cellulosic fiber substrate or the layer of material, and the layer of material is placed onto the cellulosic fiber substrate so that the bonding material is between the layer of material and the cellulosic fiber substrate.

Abstract: A core material for a composite light weight building panel formed from a settable mixture, said mixture including an acrylic, polymer-based resin comprising:

Abstract: A bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus includes a bag manufacturing unit that tubularly forms a strip film and manufactures a bag filled with articles; a feed roller unit that feeds a strip, to which the bag manufactured by the bag manufacturing unit is mounted; and a mounting unit that mounts the bag to the strip fed by the feed roller unit. The strip is rectilinearly maintained between the feed roller unit and the mounting unit by imparting a bend on the strip in the transverse cross section that intersects a transport pathway of the strip. The object of the present invention is to provide a bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus that, even if the strip to which bags are mounted lacks rigidity, can smoothly feed the strip, automatically thread the strip to the mounting unit, and form appropriate slits in the strip.

Abstract: Successive coupons of a series of coupons obtained as a result of repeatedly severing a web of coherent coupons are conveyed to an assembling station where the coupons are assembled with collars of the type employed in hinged lid cigarette packs. The thus assembled collars and coupons are thereupon confined between the inner and outer envelopes of successive hinged lid cigarette packs.

Abstract: A method of producing soft packets of cigarettes, whereby an inner packet, as it is fed along a packing path, is mated with a sheet of packing material withdrawn in a direction tangential with respect to the packing path; the sheet of packing material being folded into a U about the inner packet, so that a first end portion of the sheet of packing material contacts a minor lateral surface of the inner packet, and being further folded to form a tubular package which is subsequently closed at the end; the tubular package being closed laterally by detaching the first end portion from the relative minor lateral surface, and inserting, beneath the first end portion, a second end portion, an outer surface of which has been gummed beforehand.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for perforating a packing film (6), provided with a rotating cutter (2) and with a fixed cutter (3), respectively fitted with related single blades (4, 5), between which the packing film (6) advances proceeding along an interposed plane of lay (7), comprises blade-holding supports (8, 9) removable together with the respective blade (4, 5) for the quick replacement of the blades (4, 5) from the work area.

Abstract: A vertical bagging apparatus [101] comprises a bag station [105] having multiple stations [403A, 403B, 403C, 403D] for holding a variety of wicket-supported bags. A tooling assembly [107] accepts product for a product line and dispenses the product into an opened bag from the bag station. A bag transfer assembly [109] lowers the filled bag to a bag seal assembly [111] located vertically below the tooling assembly. The apparatus allows high speeds and quick-change of bags and bagged product.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping film about items includes a film dispenser that wraps the film about the items. A gripper mechanism includes an electrical actuator. The gripper is electrically powered, such that a supply of compressed air or the like is not required to operate the gripper mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulates from a gas stream is described comprising a filter through which gas may be caused to flow, at least one first electrode for producing an atmospheric glow discharge located near to but spaced apart from the filter, and at least one second counter electrode, the electrodes being connected to an AC voltage supply generating an AC voltage in a frequency within the range of 1 kHz to 200 kHz. A method of removal of particulates from a gas stream comprising causing the gas to flow through such an apparatus is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus (10, 110, 210, 310) for separating particles from a fluid flow comprises an upstream cyclonic separator (12, 112, 212, 312) and a plurality of downstream cyclonic separators (26, 126, 226, 326) arranged in parallel with one another. Each of the downstream cyclonic separators (26, 126, 226, 326) projects, at least in part, into the interior of the upstream cyclonic separator (12, 112, 212, 312). This arrangement provides a compact and economic apparatus which is particularly suitable for applications such as vacuum cleaners.

Abstract: A waste stream separator separates liquid and solid waste from a conveying air stream. The liquid and solid waste are first separated from the air steam by gravity and filtration in a removable primary waste barrel. The air is then drawn through a secondary waste barrel and vacuum chamber with a moisture separator and water-resistant HEPA filter to produce dry, filtered air at the output port of the system. The liquid passing through the filter media in the primary waste barrel and the liquid collecting in the secondary waste barrel can be withdrawn for further treatment. When filled with waste, the primary waste barrel can be readily removed and sealed for disposal. If necessary, polyacrylate can be injected into the primary waste barrel to convert any remaining liquid to a solid gel prior to disposal.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter apparatus for removing air entrained particles comprising a pleated filter media. A first media member has a plurality of alternating upstream and downstream folds and a wall connecting the folds. A pair of slits forms an aperture and a hinged pleat. A second media member matingly attaches to the first media member.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter (DPF) fixedly held by a holding member in a metallic case is disposed in an exhaust pipe of a diesel engine. The DPF is a monolithic structural body having a multiplicity of cells provided by porous cell walls. The DPF has wall flow structure in which the cells are blocked alternately with filler on an exhaust gas inlet side or an exhaust gas outlet side of the DPF. The cells in a peripheral area extending inward from a peripheral surface of the DPF by a predetermined width are blocked with the filler on both sides of the DPF. Thus, a peripheral heat-retaining layer having the width of 5 to 20 mm is formed to improve temperature increasing performance at a particulate matter collecting area inside the peripheral heat-retaining layer.

Abstract: A lawn mower including a frame, an engine having an electrical system and attached to the frame, a mower deck assembly connected to the frame and having a rotating blade selectively engaged with the engine, a reversible transmission driven by the engine and having a shift mechanism having forward and reverse positions, a switch in electrical communication with the electrical system and mower deck assembly, and a solenoid attached to the transmission, in electrical communication with the switch, and having a plunger. The plunger has an extended position when the switch is in its first position and the blade engages the engine, wherein the plunger blocks movement of the shift mechanism into its reverse position, and a retracted position when the switch is in its second position and the blade disengages the engine, wherein the plunger does not block movement of the shift mechanism into its reverse position.

Abstract: A hopper for a lawn tractor. The hopper includes a plurality of walls. The walls together define an interior space and an opening communicating with the interior space. A door is movably coupled to at least one of the plurality of walls and is movable between a closed position, in which the door substantially covers the opening, and an open position, in which, the opening is at least partially uncovered. A sweep assembly is movable within the interior space when the door is moved between the closed and open positions. Preferably, the sweep assembly includes a frame coupled to the door and a sweep coupled to the frame. The sweep is preferably a flexible member that engages at least one of the plurality of walls. Preferably, the hopper also includes a latching mechanism coupled to the at least one of the plurality of walls.

Abstract: A folding rake is for facilitating the raking and picking up of the raked material. The folding rake includes a first rake and a second rake that are releasably restrained relative to each other in a rake position and may be released and moved into a folded position. The first rake has a first head portion and a first handle portion. Similarly the second rake has a second head portion and a second handle portion. The second handle portion is pivotally attached to the first handle portion. In the rake position the first and second handle portions are generally axially aligned. In the folded position the first head portion and the second head portion are generally adjacent to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cut resistant yarns. More particularly, it relates to a process of making a cut resistant yarn comprising a plurality of cut resistant filaments and at least one elastomeric filament, as well as fabrics and articles such as gloves, comprising such cut resistant yarns.

Abstract: A flourishing-colored yarn fabrication method includes the steps of: (a) preparing a plurality of tops of different colors; (b) carding the tops of different colors so as to obtain card slivers of different colors; (c) drawing the card slivers into a drawn sliver; (d) roving the drawn sliver into a roving yarn; and (e) spinning the roving yarn into a finished flourishing-colored yarn.

Abstract: An open-end spinning rotor has its thinnest wall thickness in the area of its fiber collecting groove. The lateral wall of the open-end spinning rotor comprises an outer contour, which—in axial section—is at least partly convex-shaped.

Abstract: A combined cycle plant includes a gas turbine fuel control valve which controls supply of first fuel; a duct burner fuel control valve which controls supply of second fuel; a generator; a gas turbine, a boiler and a steam turbine. The gas turbine drives the generator by burning the first fuel supplied through the gas turbine fuel control valve. The boiler has a duct burner, heats gas exhausted from the gas turbine by burning the second fuel supplied through the duct burner fuel control valve by the duct burner, and heats water with the heated exhausted gas to generate steam. The steam turbine is driven with the steam to drive the generator. The combined cycle plant is further comprised of a controller which controls the gas turbine fuel control valve and the duct burner fuel control valve. The controller controls an open degree of the gas turbine fuel control valve such that rapid increase of the supply of the first fuel is restrained when the supply of the second fuel to the duct burner is stopped.

Abstract: A method and a system (10) for exhausting gas via a nozzle (19, 21) of a gas turbine engine, for example. The system (10) comprises a nozzle (19, 21) comprising a nozzle body portion (32, 33, 74) defining a nozzle exit (42, 43), characterised in that the nozzle body portion (32, 33, 74) comprises fluid injection means (60), positioned upstream of the exit (42, 43) relative to a fluid flow (F1, F2) created by the operation of the system, for injecting fluid (68) upstream of the exit (42, 43).

Abstract: A device is provided for discharging two gases from a vehicle to ambient air, one gas having pressure pulsation of a first magnitude. The device includes an elongated body connected with the vehicle and having a first inlet connected with a first gas source, a second inlet connected with a second gas source, an outlet fluidly communicable with ambient air, and an interior mixing chamber, the two inlets being fluidly communicable with the chamber such that the two gases flow into the chamber. The body combines the two gases within the mixing chamber to form a combined gas having pressure pulsation of a lesser, second magnitude and to discharge the combined gas to ambient air. Preferably, the body includes an outer tubular member having the first inlet and the outlet and an inner tubular member disposed within the outer member and including the second inlet and a plurality of ports.

Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.

Abstract: NOx emissions from an internal combustion engine fueled by a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel can be reduced by catalytically producing a hydrogen and carbon monoxide fuel gas stream from the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel and a portion of the hot exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, ammonia is also produced catalytically by reacting a portion of the hydrogen produced with ambient nitrogen present in the exhaust gas. The ammonia produced is used in connection with a selective catalytic reduction reactor to treat the remaining hot exhaust gas produced from the internal combustion engine, resulting in a treated exhaust gas stream having near-zero NOx emissions.