Abstract: The invention relates to protective covers for utility meters, such as gas and electric meters. An open framework of horizontal and vertical members supports a plurality of arch support members. A protective shield is secured on the framework, forming a dome cover over the utility meter.

Abstract: A floor-to-ceiling wall panel system, in which each panel includes a universal frame adjustably attached to a floor track member which rests on a floor surface, the frame additionally including a jack post assembly for releasable connection to a ceiling track fastened to a ceiling. The panel system includes a number of multi-functional components, thereby reducing the number of components in the panel system and facilitating easier installation of the panel system as well as easier modification of the panel system once installed. For example, a single track member may serve as both the floor track and the ceiling track. Also, a single type of spring clip may be used to attach several components to the frame, such as opaque panel skins and window panels, as well as to attach trim pieces to the floor and ceiling tracks, which mask the adjustable connections of the panel frame thereto.

Abstract: A method of constructing curved building structures employ flexible support members formed from metal strip, having flexible elongate spines with substantially perpendicular flanges or tabs fixable to the building members, so that the building structures can be assembled flat and then curved on erection to the desired curved configuration.

Abstract: A lawn crypt system and method in which at least one lawn crypt is buried at a burial site and covered with a covering layer of artificial material such as artificial turf. In a cemetery, an array of crypts are buried in a single hole and an artificial turf layer extends over all of the crypts, and is bonded to the array at least around its periphery. At each interment, a cut is made in the artificial turf around the lid of the lawn crypt at the burial site, the lid and cut section of turf is lifted off the crypt, the casket is placed into the crypt, and the lid and cut section of turf are replaced over the crypt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminate, preferably a flooring laminate suitable for use wherever traction is needed or desired, whether due to natural or man-made conditions either indoors or outdoors. The laminate can be applied over existing flooring. The laminate includes a base layer and a traction layer including a grit material dispersed on a polymer. The base layer comprises a cured rubber blend which has been granulated to a predetermined size and subsequently rebonded with a polymeric base adhesive composition. At least some portion of the grit material of the traction layer protrudes from the polymeric composition to provide anti-slip properties.

Abstract: A window frame system with transparent, tinted, or translucent window frames is provided. The window frame itself is transparent, tinted, or translucent, instead of merely the enclosed glass window. Because the frame of the window is light permeable, additional light may pass through the window frame yielding an increase in the overall brightness of the window. Additionally, the structural and environmental integrity of the window is preserved because the window frame remains solid. A transparent screen may also replace a conventional screen to further increase light transmission.

Abstract: In the combination of a frame guard device and the frame of a window or door, wherein the window or door is fitted in a wall having an exterior wall layer with a sill, the frame has a lower horizontal member adjacent the sill. The device has a base extending from the lower horizontal member of the frame and a compressive member extending from the base, and the compressive member has a datum surface disposed between the lower horizontal member of the frame and the sill. The distance between the base and the datum surface defines a force-absorbing zone.

Abstract: A window assembly for garage door panels. The assembly includes an outer frame assembly that overlaps the panel opening to be protected and it is mounted thereon. An inner frame assembly co-axially extends from the outer frame assembly and jointly define a window area. A longitudinal slot along one of the elongated members defining the inner frame assembly permits a user to removably mount a transparent member therein. Ornamental frame assemblies can be optionally mounted over the present invention to enhance the aesthetics of the resulting structure. An alternate embodiment includes a second transparent member positioned within the outer frame assembly through another elongated slot in one of the elongated frame members. Internal channels in the frame members bite into the edges of the transparent members.

Abstract: A fenestration sealed frame insulating glazing panel has an integral planar frame formed by four rigid plastic profiles interconnected end-to-end to define corners, the profiles having a low heat conductivity. Two glazing sheets are arranged in a spaced parallel relationship attached on opposite sides of the frame in a rigid manner by thermosetting adhesive to form an integral structure having an insulating cavity enclosed by the frame. The front face of each frame profile facing towards the cavity is covered by a low permeability sealant. The sealed frame glazing panel can include a third glazing sheet positioned in parallel between the first two glazing sheets and likewise interconnected at its perimeter to the frame to divide the insulating cavity into two parallel coextensive sub-cavities. The profiles of the frame can be made from structural plastic foam material, glass fiber, oriented thermoplastic, or various other materials of low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating log siding on a building. In particular, a pass corner siding piece and a butt corner siding piece are provided that can be attached on the same plane on opposing sides of a corner of a building to simulate a butt and pass log corner. The butt corner siding piece and pass corner siding piece can be joined to provide additional strength to the siding. A straight siding piece can also be provided to simulate a log look along the sides of the building.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating log siding on a building. In particular, a pass corner siding piece and a butt corner siding piece are provided that can be attached on the same plane on opposing sides of a corner of a building to simulate a butt and pass log corner The butt corner siding piece and pass corner siding piece can be joined to provide additional strength to the siding. Additionally, an outer corner log siding piece is provided to simulate a vertical post log corner. A straight siding piece can also be provided to simulate a log look along the sides of the building. A channel siding piece can also be provided to provide a finished log look around a building opening.

Abstract: A modular floor including a pair of main beams, at least one cross beam and a floor panel. The pair of main beams each has an attachment structure. The attachment structure includes a first support section, a second support section and a channel that extends between the first and second support sections. The first and second support sections have a convex upper surface. The at least one cross beam engages the main beams to retain the main beams in a stationary position with respect to each other. The floor panel has ends that each have a recess that is shaped complementary to the upper surfaces of the first and second sections.

Abstract: A cast-in-place coupling (6) is positioned on concrete forms (2) by detachable attachment means (7, 10). The coupling (6) may have breakaway tabs (7) or may be frictionally engaged to a fitting (10) fastened to a form (2). After concrete is poured the attachment means (7, 10) is separated from the coupling (6) with minimum effort and inconvenience. The coupling (6) itself contains an intumescent which causes the coupling (6) to convert to a firestop under file conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are panelized wall systems and methods for their construction, wherein the wall systems have elastomeric joints that are resistant to cracking. The walls are constructed with an elastomeric joint tape. The joint tape is made from an elastomeric backing material with an adhesive applied to a face, and optionally, a release liner laminated to the adhesive. In use, building panels are fastened to a frame with the edges adjacent to each other. The joint tape is applied to the seam between the panels and the wall is then finished with an elastomeric finish.

Abstract: A joint structure includes a splice plate and a gusset plate, which can prevent out-of-plane buckling of the gusset plate without the necessity of welding a stiffening rib plate thereon. The joint structure includes a gusset plate and at least one splice plate connected to the gusset plate. Each of the splice plates is constructed from section steel having a non-rectangular cross-section. The joint structure can be used in a building during assembly of the building or for reinforcement of the building.

Abstract: A decorative siding panel is disclosed. The panel preferably comprises a thermoformed unit which includes upper and lower attachment flanges bordering a central area which is formed with a raised profile to simulate natural stone. The panel preferably includes means for attachment to adjacent panels forming a given horizontal course. The panels are preferably thermoformed to a desired shape, a textured coating in a series of coating stages, a color is applied to the texture and the coatings fixed to the unit.

Abstract: A method for repairing an insulating glass unit and apparatus to facilitate such repair. A bore is drilled through a frame encasing an insulating glass unit to expose the peripheral spacer of the unit, and a hole is drilled through a wall of the spacer to enable air to enter the space between the panes. The hole in the spacer is then sealed, for example, with a rivet, and the bore in the frame is then filled and sealed as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7).

Abstract: Flooring panels can have a variety of widths. In one embodiment, panels or boards of different widths are packaged together to give the installer a great deal of flexibility in constructing the floor in order to achieve a realistic looking surface. In another embodiment, the panels have locking joints which allow the panels to be maintained in an installed condition until a pre-applied glue is allowed to set.

Abstract: The present ceramic piece, wall tile, floor tile or similar article, refers to a piece (1) of the kind that is arranged contiguously in rows and columns in the form of a grid. The sides of the piece (1) present certain projections (2) and depressions (3) which can be slotted together, adapted to the corresponding decorative motif, which break the continuity in the lines of said grid, making it difficult to distinguish said lines and enabling the possibility of ornamentations in sets of pieces with a non-grid structure.

Abstract: A truss for a roof having an attic space or the like, the truss including: a substantially vertical web adapted to constitute a stud for supporting the attic wall; a substantially horizontal web adapted to constitute a support for the attic ceiling or ceiling battens, and a bottom chord adapted to constitute a bearer or joist for the attic floor.

Abstract: An adjustable building construction shore has an inner tubular member extending internally of an outer tubular member and displaceable longitudinally of the outer tubular member, the inner and outer members having projecting and recessed longitudinal portions slidably interengaged and preventing relative rotation of the inner and outer tubular members. Openings extending transversely through the inner and outer tubular members are spaced apart longitudinally of the inner and outer tubular members, and retainer members extend through the openings for securing the inner and outer tubular members against relative longitudinal movement. A screw jack supports a lower end of the shore.

Abstract: This invention relates to pole structures used for supporting transmission and distribution lines, lighting and communications systems, highway signs, traffic signals, and the like. More specifically, this invention relates to a new and useful design of a multi-sectioned pole, with at least one telescoping upper section made of metal or another similar lightweight material and a base section composed of concrete or similar material that can be directly embedded into the ground without the need for baseplate-type foundations, or other preparatory work.

Abstract: A fitting for use in retaining a plurality of accessory members to a vertical modular structural unit of a telecommunications tower, electricity pylon or like structure. The unit has a plurality of vertical sides wherein each side has at least one side aperture. The fitting has a body; a body plate attached to the body and so-shaped as to be cooperable with a side of the unit and receivable in intimate engagement within the side aperture; attachments by which the fitting is attachable to the structure and the body plate is retained thereto receivable within the side aperture by retaining bolts; the body having at least one accessory, such as a guy rope, insulator, dish and platform-receiving aperture for retaining the accessory to the body. The shape of the apertures in each unit side which is complimentary with the body plate, provides a lighter, stronger and more efficacious modular unit and tower.

Abstract: A fire in an enclosed space in an aircraft is, for example, visually detected early since smoke generated by a beginning fire is initially permitted to escape from the enclosed space. The enclosed space is, for example, an overhead luggage bin or a goods container holding food or freight. The smoke can pass through a flow passage either in the form of a gap or a leak between a lid and walls, or between a door and a door frame, or between walls and other walls joined together. Intumescent material is installed along the gaps or leaks and expands into the gaps or leaks when the fire has generated a temperature sufficient for causing the expansion of the intumescent material. Preferably a guide surface assures that the intumescent material expands into the gaps and leaks and cannot expand away from gaps and leaks.

Abstract: In a process for fabricating large structures, a composite material panel is continuously pultruded in a pultrusion die assembly and cut transversely to the process direction to provide panel sections. The panel sections can be sufficiently long to extend from one end to an opposite end of the structure. The panel sections are assembled with a joint along adjacent edges using steel-to-composite and composite-to-composite joining technology. The joints can be integrated into the panel longitudinal edges, or separate joint assemblies can be fabricated. In this manner, fewer joints are required. A variety of in-plane and out-of-plane joint assemblies are provided.

Abstract: A decking attachment tool designed to press unsecured decking material along their entire length into contact with decking material secured to support members, the tool being attached to the support members and a wedge being driven between the tool and the unsecured decking material, applying force against the unsecured decking material to shift and straighten the decking material into contact with an outermost of the secured decking materials and into position to be secured to the support member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a retaining wall fall protection system having a plurality of base plates. It further includes a plurality of uprights pivotally attached to the base plates and a cross-brace attached to adjacent uprights at opposite ends of the cross-brace. A plurality of guardrails are provided and attached to guardrail adjustment brackets. The guardrail brackets are removably attachable to the uprights at various positions along the length of the uprights. Finally, there is provided an attachment assembly which secures the uprights in position adjacent the retaining wall. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment strap which is mounted to the upright and sized to extend through the retaining wall. A retainer on the opposite side of the wall engages a distal end of the attachment strap to secure the scaffolding to the retaining wall under construction.

Abstract: A wrapping machine and a method for wrapping a plastic foil web (F) around an object. A gripping and cutting device (11) is connected to a lifting frame (3) supporting a circular guide track of a foil dispenser (6) so as to be vertically movable with the lifting frame. In the method, the wrapping action is started from a freely chosen point relative to the vertical direction of the object and ended correspondingly at a freely chosen point relative to the vertical direction of the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stretch wrapping a load in an efficient manner so as to tightly and securely wrap the load at a desired tension without rupturing the packaging material. The method and apparatus compensate for variation in demand rate as the load is wrapped so as to apply the wrapping material to a load at a desired force, maintain the desired containment tension on the wrapping material on the load after wrapping, and prevent the wrapping material from rupturing during wrapping. The apparatus combines two systems, power assisted roller stretch (“PRS”) and roller stretch (“RS”) to vary the supply rate of the packaging material as the demand rate varies. The apparatus automatically switches between the two types of prestretch to achieve “high” and “low” wrapping force dependent upon the demand rate.

Abstract: For manufacturing tubular packs (16) filled with a material, a tube (14) filled with a material is first wound with an embracing means (24) in at least two displacement areas (22). The winding of the filled tube (14) with the embracing means (24) is effected over at least an entire circumference so that an embracing angle of more than 360° is formed, precisely one winding area (40) being produced in the respective displacement area (22). Since the holding force of the embracing means (24) clearly increases with the embracing angle, the strength of the winding in the displacement area (22) of the tube (14) can be increased by selecting a correspondingly large embracing angle whereby the tightness is improved. Further, the embracing means (24) is fixed in the displacement area (22) so that the embracing means (24) cannot unwind and the tubular pack (16) is tightly sealed. Thus, a particularly tight seal of the tubular pack (16) is produced by winding which also remains tight by fixing.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining the shipping weight and cost of a plurality of photofinishing items from a service provider without physically weighing the photofinishing order. A computer system receives photofinishing orders from the customers and associates an order ID with respect to each of the photofinishing orders. The orders are filled and sent to a packing station for assembling the photofinishing order. Each order is placed in a shipping package having the order ID thereon in a machine readable format. A reading device reads order ID and obtains information for determining the associated estimated weight for each package. A printer produces a manifest to be used in shipping the plurality of photofinishing orders wherein the manifest provides the estimated weight and cost for each of the orders that is given to the shipping agent for shipment to customers.

Abstract: A device to lift a throat of an envelope to spread open the envelope. The device comprises a suction cup mounted to a pitching arm; a hook movably mounted adjacent to the suction cup; means for lowering the pitching arm to allow the suction cup to seal with the throat with a suction force, and raising the pitching arm to allow the suction cup to lift the throat; and an actuation device for placing the hook under the throat after the throat has been lifted by the suction cup so as to mechanically maintain the lifted position of the throat. Accordingly, the method of maintaining the lifted position of a throat includes the steps of: 1) positioning the suction cup over the throat; 2) pressing the suction cup against the throat to seal with the throat; 3) raising the suction cup to lift the throat; and 4) placing the hook under the lifted throat to mechanically maintain the lifted position of the throat.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus (30) in which a before and after differential pressure (&Dgr;P) of a filter (32) used to trap particulates is detected for regeneration of the filter (32), a time at which, during filter regeneration, the temperature of the outlet section of the filter (32) falls below the temperature of the inlet section thereof (&Dgr;T>M), using a first temperature sensor (36) and a second temperature sensor (37), is determined as being the timing of the completion of the regeneration of the filter (32). The value of the before and after differential pressure (&Dgr;P) at the time of this regeneration completion is used to estimate the quantity of residual ash in the filter (32), and when this estimated residual ash quantity is the same as, or greater than, a prescribed value (PX), a replacement warning signal (K3) is output urging replacement of the filter (32).

Abstract: The invention describes a multi-layer filter structure and the use of a multi-layer filter structure for the dust removal from gases, wherein a coarse dust filter layer, a fine dust filter layer, and a support layer are disposed behind one another in the direction from the inflow side to the outflow side, and which is designed such that the fiber diameter distribution within the coarse dust filter layer and fine dust filter layer has a gradient, and that the fiber diameters of the coarse dust filter layer and fine dust filter layer continually decrease from the inflow side to the outflow side.

Abstract: An air filter system for use by airline passengers on commercial airlines and the like. The housing is configured to clamp to the gasper air supply nozzle of the airliner. The housing is configured to direct air from the air supply nozzle through the filter medium. Thus, the present invention provides a filter which may easily be installed by an airline passenger so as to mitigate airborne contaminants from the air supply nozzle of the airliner. The air filter system provides a flow of comparatively clean air to the passenger and the flow of comparatively clean air directs undesirable airborne contaminants found within the passenger cabin of the airliner away from the passenger, thus forming a region of comparatively clean air generally around the passenger.

Abstract: This invention treats the design of portable elements quickly assembled into one unit to filter air for a spectrum of contaminants from air supplied, extracted or circulated in an enclosed space.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filter media comprised of an electro-conductive scrim so as to improve on the dissipation time of an electrostatic charge. Further, the present invention is directed to a method of making such a filter media, which is formed through hydroentanglement, thus avoiding the deleterious effects of mechanical needling, while providing a filter media having the requisite strength characteristics, without possessing a limiting factor in performance. The filtration media of the present invention also demonstrates a highly desirable uniformity for cost-effective use.

Abstract: There is provided a honeycomb structure in which the structure is not segmented, or a smaller number of segments are integrated to suppress a local temperature rise and to reduce breakage by thermal stress at the time of use, and a method of manufacturing the structure. There is disclosed a honeycomb structure 1 comprising: a large number of cells 3 partitioned by cell walls 2 and extending through an axial direction. A flow channel separator 6 is formed in the honeycomb structure 1. There is disclosed a method of manufacturing the honeycomb structure 1 in which the flow channel separator 6 is formed by extrusion. There is disclosed a method of manufacturing the honeycomb structure 1 in which the flow channel separator 6 is formed by clogging.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes: an air flow control system installed in an air intake path for introducing air to a compressor. The air intake path is located outside and upstream with respect to the compressor. The engine also includes intake air flow control means for controlling an intake air flow by operating the air flow control system according to a load of the engine so as to maintain an air-to-fuel ratio in the combustor within a proper range suited to suppress a discharge of an atmospheric pollutant.

Abstract: A main engine mounted auxiliary power unit comprises an auxiliary power unit integrated with a primary gas turbine engine into a single power plant suited for aircraft applications. The auxiliary power unit can be mounted within an engine core compartment of the main engine or at the main engine aft center body. The integration of the auxiliary power unit provides for installation and certification cost savings to the airframer by eliminating the need for mounting an auxiliary power unit to the tail section of the aircraft.

Abstract: A protective ring (4) for the fan blades (2, 3) of a gas turbine engine includes a material combination of metal bands and polymer-bonded fiber-weave layers interconnected in alternating arrangement. The protective ring thus formed, which is characterized by tough-elastic properties and low weight, can be used as a full containment (4′) with sufficiently large wall thickness or as a penetration containment (4″) with smaller wall thickness and with a trapping layer arranged on the outer circumference. As a full containment, the protective ring has impact-absorption capacity, as a penetration containment it prevents a further destruction of the broken-through protective ring.

Abstract: Detecting deterioration of an oxygen concentration sensor disposed downstream of a catalyst. The air-fuel ratio is set to a rich air-fuel ratio, and then changed to a lean air-fuel ratio after an enrichment time period elapaes from the time of enrichment. A determination threshold is set according to a dead time period from the time the air-fuel ratio has been changed to the lean air-fuel ratio to the time the output from the oxygen concentration sensor reaches a first value. A change time period from the time the output from the oxygen concentration sensor reaches the first value to the time the output from the oxygen concentration sensor reaches a second value indicative of an oxygen concentration higher than an oxygen concentration corresponding to the first value, is measured. The oxygen concentration sensor is determined to be deteriorated when the change time period is greater than the determination threshold.

Abstract: An anomaly judgment apparatus for a secondary air supply system which includes a secondary air supply path for introducing secondary air from an intake path of an engine into an exhaust path at a location upstream of a catalytic converter disposed in the exhaust path. The apparatus includes a pressure detector for detecting pressure in the secondary air supply path, and an anomaly judgment section for calculating pulsation level indicative of the degree of pulsation of pressure detected by the pressure detector and for judging, on the basis of at least the pulsation level, whether or not the secondary air supply system is anomalous. The apparatus further includes an anomaly judgment prohibiting section for prohibiting judgment by the anomaly judgment section when the degree of propagation of intake air pulsation arising in the intake path into the secondary air supply path is equal to or higher than a predetermined level.

Abstract: An anomaly judgment apparatus for a secondary air supply system which includes a secondary air supply path for introducing secondary air into an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine and an open-close valve disposed in the secondary air supply path. The valve is opened and/or closed by drive force of negative pressure introduced from a portion of an intake path of the engine downstream of a throttle valve. The anomaly judgment apparatus includes an anomaly judgment section for judging whether or not the secondary air supply system is anomalous; a negative pressure judgment section for judging whether or not the negative pressure is secured to a degree required for the drive force to reliably open and/or close the open-close valve; and an anomaly judgment prohibition section for prohibiting judgment by the anomaly judgment section when the negative pressure is not secured to the required degree.

Abstract: In a lean-burn engine equipped, in the exhaust pipe, with NOx trap catalyst that collects NOx by absorption or occlusion, the rich spike start timing and rich spike volume are optimized.

Abstract: This invention discloses of a muffler and catalytic converter device, and in addition, a muffler, and a catalytic converter, wherein each type of device uses a porous metal that may function as the sound absorption material for the muffler part of the device, and the substrate for the catalyst coating for the catalytic converter part of the device. In order to be effectiveness as a substrate and to have good sound absorption, the porous metal has a pore density of between 80% and 98% and a pore diameter of between 20 &mgr;m and 1200 &mgr;m. The porous metal provides structural strength, and is resistant to corrosion, heat, and impact from exhaust flow. It is also easy and cheap to fabricate. For the muffler and catalytic converter device, by combining the customary two devices into one, the cost of production as well as the cost of installation for the device is lowered.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque transmitting device is disclosed that overcomes problems created by the presence of a thrust washer therein. In a torque converter 1 according to the present invention, a piston 41 is disposed between a front cover 2 and a turbine 4 to form a front chamber F on a front cover side and a rear chamber R on a turbine side, and can move toward and away from the front cover 2 by means of a hydraulic pressure differential created between the front and rear chambers F and R. The piston 41 has a disk shaped body 41a, and a frictional coupling portion (friction facing 61) disposed on a outer peripheral portion of the body 41a that serves to frictionally engage with the front cover 2. The turbine hub 23 and the front cover 2 have opposing portions (63, 23a) that oppose each other across an axial space. The piston 41 has a support portion 48 that axially supports the turbine 4 when the piston 41 moves to a position near the front cover.

Abstract: There is provided an oil supply unit for a running power transmission of a vehicle. The oil supply unit includes a housing, a hydraulic pump of a variable displacement type, a detecting mechanism and a control mechanism. The detecting mechanism is constructed to monitor a driven state of an engine. The control mechanism is constructed to operate an output adjusting member of the hydraulic pump to thereby regulate the discharge quantity against the suction quantity of the hydraulic pump based on the driven state of the engine.

Abstract: A hydraulic spool valve is provided in which two inlet bores and an outlet bore lead into a housing. A spool-valve piston which is under the influence of compression springs on both sides can be displaced longitudinally in the housing. When a difference in pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the inlet bores occurs, the inlet bore which conducts the lower pressure in each case is connected to the outlet bore. The two compression springs are pre-stressed and have an additional expansion path. During the displacement of the spool-valve piston from a neutral central position into an extended intermediate position, the two compression springs therefore remain in operative connection with the spool-valve piston, in which case the spring forces counterbalance each other until the intermediate position is reached.