Abstract: The system relates to a system for joining flat, relatively thin members that adjoin one another along their narrow face, the members having grooves incorporated into the narrow faces that are parallel to the surface and have groove walls that are parallel to each other, and the joining element being inserted into the grooves of two adjacent members and bridging the partition gap between the members in the manner of an external tongue.

Abstract: A modular assembly of a plurality of elongate modules with a uniform cross-section and at least one adjacent module engagement surface with an elongate groove extending the length of the module. Adjacent modules of the assembly are laterally linked together with their engagement surfaces abutting each other and connectors mounted in the grooves of each adjacent module spanning therebetween.

Abstract: Floorboards with a format corresponding to a traditional parquet block for laying of mechanically joined floating flooring. Rectangular floorboards include a surface layer and a core with two long sides and two short sides, for making a floating flooring, which floorboards are mechanically lockable and which along their four sides have pairs of opposing connectors for locking similar, adjoining floorboards to each other both vertically and horizontally wherein the long sides have a length not exceeding 80 cm and the short sides have a width not exceeding 10 cm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paving system for tiles, especially flagstones, for paving ceilings, walls, or floors, in which each tile (2) is provided with a paving frame (1) on which the tile rests over at least part of its area. The paving frames (1) comprise, on each of two adjacent (intersecting) limbs (1c, 1d), a fin (6) for the accommodation of a rubber-elastic sealing profile (8) that defines the width of the seam.

Abstract: A modular foam construction system utilizes polystyrene materials and consists of a set of building panels, of predetermined shape, which are configured to define a structure when the panels are arranged and aligned together in accord with a plan or set of instructions. Panels are locked together by coupling together a set of predefined interlock slots, formed into each panel at particular locations, with a set of corresponding interlock keys configured for friction fit insertion into the juxtaposed interlock slots. The keys are oversized to promote a binding surface friction fit between slot and key and both keys and slots are formed with angled sides to promote a pulling force directed towards the bottom of a slot to promote and increase a surface friction fit between slot and key along the slot bottom surface.

Abstract: A connection system for securing a wall panel shell to a frame member of a frame-type wall system includes a groove in the frame member and a mounting member associated with the wall panel shell, which is adapted to be received within the frame member groove. The wall panel shell is constructed of a skin member which is secured to one or more stiffeners or structural members, and each mounting member is carried by one of the stiffeners or structural members. The mounting member forms a part of a connector member, which is separate from and engaged with the structural member. The connector member includes a base having a pair of spaced apart engagement areas. The structural member includes a pair of spaced apart recesses which are adapted to receive the spaced apart engagement areas of the base. The recesses and the engagement areas are configured with a snap-on engagement arrangement for providing quick, easy and accurate mounting of the connector member to the structural member.

Abstract: A building frame including a load-bearing portion which is defined by a pattern of interconnected, elongate, upright columns and laterally extending beams, with each column taking the form of an assembly of hollow, tubular column components, at least some of which each possesses a nominally open, upper-end utility region, or port, extending upwardly beyond the top of the frame's load-bearing portion. Each such port, which is useable in different ways during and after initial building construction, accommodates, under different circumstances, the selective reception of a construction-extension instrumentality drawn from the list consisting of (a) an installable/removable crane structure, (b) a column-like element provided for the addition of selected building superstructure, and (c) additional building infrastructure which is feedable downwardly through the port toward a selected elevation in a “completed” building.

Abstract: Column/I-beam interconnect structure including an attaching plate joined to an I-beam end. This plate possesses, along its lateral margins, angularly oriented upper and lower through-passages, each characterized with a reception axis, and designed to receive, along that axis, portions of a hex nut-and-bolt set which is used to clamp together two adjacent, angularly related attaching plates. The socket portions, or outer chambers, of the through-passages are formed with spaced and generally parallel-planar upper and lower surfaces which act in these socket portions to restrain a received hex nut against rotation about its own rotational assembly axis which, in the socket portion, is coincident with the socket portion's reception axis.

Abstract: A building element comprises a profile defined by a web, a pair of side flanges extending perpendicular to the web and outer corners joining the side flanges, respectively, to the web. The web includes a constriction extending in the same direction as the side flanges, planar segments disposed on opposite sides of the constriction, and inner corners joining the constriction to the planar segments. The constriction has a width that is about one-third the overall width of the building element. The constriction is bisected by a constriction axis perpendicular to the planar segments, and the constriction axis may be located along the height of the building element so as to be spaced from one of the side flanges a distance of or about one-third the overall height of the building element. The constriction forms an angle of or about 70°.

Abstract: The invention results in a process of making a stronger, lighter concrete pole named Pylonflex, reinforced iron bars form a conic structural assembly to be placed in the pole mold. Four to five #5 sizes bars are placed longitudinally and joint by ¼″ size diameter continuous circular stirrups (drawings 041-042-043). The diameter of the structural form at the base varies (from 10″to 20″) and at the head (from 2″ to 8″). The structural assembly is attached by iron tie wire size {fraction (1/16)}″. Outlet boxes, electrical wiring conduct, 1½″ galvanize pipe light fixture support are attached to the structural assembly and placed in the pole mold. The structural iron bars assembly is placed symmetrically at 1½″ to 2″ thickness to the sides of the mold. The concrete mixture is being poured (100% capacity) and will remain at a dormant stage from 12 to 15 hours in order to obtain maximum strength 3000 psi.

Abstract: A one piece beam means used a post to support a longitudinal impact-resistant member, such as a guardrail along a highway. The one piece, stamped construction simplifies installation because fewer steps and parts are involved.

Abstract: Stair elements installed on sloped ground starting bottom up and using a riser reversibly secured with a clamping mechanism. Each riser is attached to a corresponding tread at the time of installation. The manner of fixing the riser to the tread permits the relationship between the two to be adjusted for angle and position.

Abstract: A drying system for structural waterproofing of an enclosure includes a drainage conduit for draining water from the enclosure. The drainage conduit has a periphery defining an interior and an air inlet and air outlet. An air circulator circulates air between the air inlet and the air outlet throughout the interior of the drainage conduit such that the circulated air removes moisture and gas from the conduit's interior through the air outlet.

Abstract: A technique for easily and cost effectively installing solar photo-voltaic solar panels is provided. Solar panels are installed on pre-existing building structures to minimize the cost of installation. Pre-fabricated and field configurable components are used for mounting the solar panels such that the cost and ease of installation is made even more favorable to an average solar electricity consumer. An example of such a cost-effective implementation includes installing solar panels on pre-existing fences demarcating residences or commercial office spaces. L-shaped brackets are screwed on to the fence pillars. Pre-cut and adjustable aluminum or wooden rails are then mounted on the horizontal protruding arms of the L-shaped brackets. Solar photo-voltaic panels are later fitted on to the rails. Finally, quick disconnects are used to hook-up the solar panels to the DC-to-AC inverter in a desirable configuration to form the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A form assembly for forming a sloped roof slab, an eave, and a peripheral beam in a monolithic structure and method for forming are provided. The eave portion of the form assembly is detachably attached to upright columns of a housing frame structure. A steel roof deck is used as the base of the form for the roof slab. The roof deck permanently binds to the poured concrete roof slab so the roof deck is never removed. As there are no large formwork, jacks or trusses that have to be removed after the formation of the roof slab, the method and apparatus saves time and money in forming the monolithic sloped roof slab and eave.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing paving and/or panelling modules which comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of blocks or tesserae in a suitable template, according to a layout predefined by a locating grid of a module; cutting a piece of a layer of flexible material provided with through openings so that it matches the configuration of the module and is larger than the module; and securing through permanent securing means, the layer of flexible material to each one of the blocks or tesserae forming a module, so that they are held together by the layer with the possibility of changing their mutual inclination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a material handling system and method for a product to be manually processed by an operator (O) at a work-station (10). The material handling system (100) includes: batch delivery means (20) for automatically delivering batches of the product to the work-station (10) on an “as required” or “on demand” basis for manual processing by the operator; and packing container delivery means (60) for automatically delivering individual packing containers (61) to the work-station on an “as required” or “on demand” basis for filling with the product after manual processing by the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for packaging in a plastic bag packets dropped through an insert opening in a safe. The device includes a frame placeable in the safe, a suspension means for suspending the plastic bag from the frame such that the opening is directed toward the insert opening of the safe, and a sealing means arranged on the frame for sealing shut the opening of the plastic bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing stacks of flat objects, such as printed products 28, wherein the printed products are fed to a preliminary stacking compartment 20, into which opens the outlet 32 of an arrangement 12 for feeding additional sheets 14. Located beneath the preliminary stacking compartment is a final compartment 36, which can be rotated through 180° about a vertical axis of rotation 38 in order to be able to receive from the preliminary stacking compartment 20 sub-stacks 34 which have been rotated in relation to one another. Each sub-stack 34 may be formed on an additional sheet 14 in the preliminary stacking means 18, as a result of which, in the complete stack 54, the sub-stacks 34, each forming a layer, are separated from one another by an additional sheet 14.

Abstract: In a device for singling out items coming from a feeder, with the feeder comprising an outlet channel for conveying the items an end section, compacting air jets are placed along the outlet channel for gathering the items one behind the other according to a continuous row, at the end section. The device is equipped with and abutment and catching comb for singling out a series of single and successive leading items of the row of items at the end section, and a driving belt moves the abutment and catching comb according to a direction of extraction at the end section, for abutting and catching a series of single and successive leading items and for transferring and placing the series of singled out items at a handling station.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for banding fence posts are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of vertically disposed conveyor systems with U-shaped cradles for delivering the fence posts in a horizontal disposition to a pair of stationary strapping machines. Opposite the strapping machines are horizontally movable guide elements for directing banding material dispensed from the strapping machines around the fence posts. The strapping machines tighten the bands and connect the bands to themselves. The vertically disposed conveyor systems then move the banded fence posts to an exiting horizontally disposed conveyor system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sealing a peripheral attachment member onto a sealed pouch that has been previously filled with a product. The invention also relates to a pouch that includes a peripheral attachment member sealingly attached to at least one of its faces. The method includes a step of providing a multi-layer pouch that is configured so as to provide an inner sealant adapted to form a closed enclosure along sealing lines and an outer sealant that forms at least one external face of the pouch wherein the outer sealant has a melting point that is lower than the melting point of the inner sealant.

Abstract: The method comprises a step for fitting stopper and cap assemblies together and washing vials; the stopper/cap assembly is then fitted with its external protector and a step of sterilization in an autoclave under vacuum is then performed, with a subsequent step of cooling in a laminar air-flow to prevent the entry of air; dosing and plugging are then performed with continuous display of the operation and taking of views with a video camera or the like, followed by encapsulation and re-plugging, with marking of the glass of the vial by means of laser beams to identify time and dosing information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packing a cable harness (1) completed and/or resting on a carrier (2), preferably consisting of or containing flat cables. The invention is characterized in that the cable harness (1) is gripped and held by a packaging device (3) by means of holding elements (4,5,6,7) at holding points (12), e.g., connectors; the carrier (2) is removed; the holding points (12) are brought closer to each other, wherein the cable harness (1) forms loops (10); the cable harness (1) is laid on a holder (8), wherein the loops (10) pass through slots (11) in the holder (8) and the cable harness and as a whole the holder (8) are placed in a packaging enclosure (9); the packaging device (3) releases the holding points (12); and finally the packaging enclosure (9) is closed. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method and to a package.

Abstract: Methods for filling and sealing containers having one or more flexible sides. Non-standard containers for holding fluid are releasably supported during the filling and sealing process. Both the interior and exterior of the filled container are subjected to an environment of reduced pressure to minimize the headspace and sealed.

Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. A. vacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.

Abstract: A laminate including a flavorant useful for packaging cigarettes or other products such as food products. The laminate includes crosslinked polymer coatings adhered to at least two metal foils, and a volatile flavor component such as menthol is applied to one of the polymer-coated surfaces. The laminate minimizes loss of volatile and/or heat sensitive flavor components from the package during extended periods at elevated temperature which are often associated with long term storage and/or shipping.

Abstract: A device for packaging a product, particularly a make-up product. The device can be particularly advantageous for make-up samples, and includes a support preferably having a flat overall shape and two faces. The support has at least one cavity which opens onto at least one face through a first opening passing through the support, with the cavity containing the product. A lid is also provided, preferably also having a flat overall shape. The support and the lid are articulated by an articulation arrangement formed by: i) a sticker forming a mirror adhesively bonded onto one of the faces of the lid and onto one of the faces of the support; and/or ii) an adhesive sheet fixed onto one face of the lid and onto one of the faces of the support with the adhesive sheet closing off a second opening of the cavity, which is formed on the face of the support opposite from the face containing the first opening.

Abstract: A flexible bag (10) and system and method for aseptically filling it. The bag has two walls (12a, 12b) and a spout (16) attached to one wall. This spout is opened and closed during filling. A plug member (18) may be attached to the wall of the bag opposite the wall containing the spout. During filling, the plug member is aseptically removed from the spout member inwardly of the bag contrainer; the bag is filled via the spout; and then the plug member is replaced from inside the bag. The plug may also be free of the opposite wall of the bag container. The filling system includes a set of jaws (130) for holding the spout in position for filling, a support mechanism (110) for controlling the movement of the plug member into and out of the spout member, and facility for sterilizing the inside of the filling head, the spout member, and the plug member.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing laminate materials in packaging a transdermal drug delivery system comprising a rubber modified acrylonitrile methyl acrylate copolymer film, alone or in combination with a polyester film, wherein the active drug incorporated in the transdermal system remains substantially solubilized and stable in the system during storage prior to use. The packaging laminate is preferably translucent to allow visual inspection of its contents, and has sufficient tear resistance to substantially provide child resistant and/or proof properties.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices.

Abstract: A V-pack filter includes a frame construction having a first frame structure and a second frame structure. The V-pack filter also includes first and second panel sections mounted in extension between the first and second frame structures. The first panel section has first and second ends. The second panel section has third and fourth ends. The first and third ends have a first distance therebetween while the second and fourth ends have a second distance therebetween. The second distance is generally greater than the first distance. The first and second panel sections and the second frame structure define an air flow aperture. A seal arrangement circumscribes the air flow aperture and projects outwardly from the second frame structure. The first frame structure defines a first receiver indent. Assemblies and methods are also included.

Abstract: An air filter adapter for motorcycles and other motorized vehicles includes:

Abstract: The present invention is a highly efficient separator. The invention utilizes centrifugal separation and a particulate reservoir having a fluid and particulate flow therein to achieve highly efficient, highly effective separation of, e.g., particulate matter from a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is a design for a highly efficient passive separator. The invention utilizes passive air rotation techniques in combination with centrifugal separation and a particulate reservoir to achieve highly efficient, highly effective separation of, e.g., particulate matter from a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dust collector with an inbuilt cyclonic water filter, which comprises a dust collecting unit, a water filter and a fan. Said dust collector further comprises an incoming air passage and an outgoing air passage. The outlet of said incoming air passage is connected to the inlet of said water filter, the outlet of said water filter opens into the inlet of said outgoing air passage, said incoming and outgoing air passages are separate from each other. With a water filter inbuilt, the dust-containing air enters the dust collecting unit via the incoming air passage at a tangent. The air flow in the dust collecting unit is whirled downwards into the water of the water filter. The dust contained in the air is wet and left in the water, while the purified air is discharged out of the dust collector. The dust collector of the present invention has good working effect. Besides, the air discharged is clean, no pollution is caused, which will be good for environment protection.

Abstract: A compact ventilator with high efficiency thermal exchanger and a conveniently exchangeable air filter. The conveniently exchangeable filter enables a ventilator with thermal exchanger to be easily and regularly maintained and serviced, thereby enhancing its practical utility.

Abstract: A leaf removal process using a netted blanket is provided in this invention. This process comprises the following steps: a) the netted blanket is spread over the lawn; b) then the user waits for the leaves to fall on the netted blanket; and c) when enough leaves have fallen on to the blanket, the leaves are removed and disposed by lifting/folding/rolling/dragging the netted blanket. The netted blanket can be made from a non-biodegradable material and can be re-used one or more times. It can also be made from a disposable biodegradable material. When the biodegradable netted blanket is used, the folded/rolled/lifted netted blanket with the leaves in it can be tied up with twine or other suitable material for disposal; therefore it is time saving because there is no need to fill bags or cans with leaves for disposal. Often times, filling the bags with leaves is the time consuming task of the leaves removal process.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of yard debris comprising a combination of a frontally facing rotor-assisted vacuum pick up, a chipper-shredder-blower unit which (i) induces an airflow for entraining the debris collected at said pick up; (ii) reduces the debris entrained in the airflow to a more manageable volume; and (iii) impels the reduced debris to a free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained.

Abstract: A pickup reel for a harvesting machine comprising a reel support and a first shaft rotatably supported by the reel support and extending along an axis transverse to the frame. A cam is supported by the reel support and defines a generally endless cam path extending about the first shaft. An arm extends radially from the first shaft and is rotatable with the first shaft. A second shaft is connected to the arm and supports a first tine and a second tine located on opposite axial sides of the cam. A cam follower is engageable with the cam and movable along the cam path. A crank arm assembly is connected between the cam follower and the second shaft. The rotation of the first shaft and movement of the cam follower along the cam path cooperate to cause the tips to move along the tip path.

Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a shield vertically pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.

Abstract: These and other objects are attained by providing an improved harvester header side shield and latch mechanism consisting of a vertical plastic shield pivotable upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is lockable in the operational position and automatically engages a latch mechanism in the raised position that is manually released by the operator for lowering. The shield is open at the bottom to permit cut crop material and chaff to continually fall through to the ground. Guides are provided on the inner side sheet of the header to assure that the shield moves into, and stays, in the proper location during operation.

Abstract: An improved rotomolded plastic harvester header side shield is disclosed. The shield is pivotable to an open position upwardly and rearwardly about a horizontal hinge located on the upper rear portion of the header. The shield is generally molded on the inside to the operational components of the header to minimize the thickness and weight of the shield and double-walled, with a totally enclosed wall cavity, to maximize its strength and durability. The shield is also open at the bottom to permit any cut crop material and chaff that may enter the shielded area to continually fall through to the ground.

Abstract: A chain link has a substantially centrally located juncture section with a first eye portion integrally connected to one end of the juncture section and a second eye portion integrally connected to the opposite end of the juncture section. The eye portions extend longitudinally outwardly from opposite ends of the juncture section and are disposed at a substantial angle relative to each other at opposite ends of the link. Such link may be connected to contiguous links to form a segment of a chain, with all of the links in a segment of chain thus produced having substantially the same orientation when the chain is held straight.

Abstract: A chain formed by interconnecting rubber rings of the same or various shapes. The rings are either solid or non-solid and are interconnected such that the individual rings are moveable relative to each other and yet are substantially inseparable.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing liquid fuel rocket engine member (10). The member forms a body of revolution having an axis of revolution and a cross section that varies in diameter along said axis. The wall structure includes a plurality of cooling channels (11). The outside of the wall structure includes a continuous sheet metal wall (14). The cooling channels (11) are longitudinally attached to the inside of the sheet metal wall. The method for manufacturing the rocket engine member (10) includes the steps of forming a sheet metal wall (14) having a wall section corresponding to the desired nozzle section, providing a plurality of channel members (15), and attaching the channel members (15) to the inside of the sheet metal wall (14).

Abstract: A method for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid. The method includes providing a heat exchanger having a stack of at least two layers of support structures, wherein each support structure layer is formed from a lattice of support members, and substantially fluidly separating the at least two support structure layers using at least one barrier such that each layer defines a fluid passageway. The method also includes directing a flow of first fluid through a first of the fluid passageways, and directing a flow of second fluid through a second of the fluid passageways that is adjacent the first fluid passageway to facilitate exchanging heat between the first and second fluids.

Abstract: A propulsion system is disclosed that uses microwaves originating from a ground-based or on-board source to provide energy for propulsion. The energy produces thrust by coupling into a propellant via a microwave absorbent heat exchanger, and by subsequent conversion of the propellant thermal energy to kinetic energy through a thrust converter or nozzle.

Abstract: Each manual control unit for a moving part of a thrust reverser is associated with a maintenance plate that is pivotable between at least two positions: a first or “normal operation” position in which said plate prevents the manual control unit with which it is associated from being driven manually, while allowing it to be driven electrically; and a second or “maintenance” position in which said plate allows the manual control unit with which it is associated to be driven manually while preventing it from being driven electrically.

Abstract: A turbojet thrust reverser has two doors that are displaceable between a reverser open position and a reverser closed position, each door being controlled by a respective electronic control unit connected to a FADEC, and each door having a respective locking device for locking the position of the door associated therewith. Each locking device can be unlocked solely on receiving orders that come simultaneously from both electronic control units.