Abstract: A flexible structural restraint layer for use with an inflatable modular structure, having a fore and aft assembly separated by a longeron and an inflatable bladder, is disclosed and claimed. The restraint layer is comprised of two circumferential strap assemblies, each attachedly fastened at opposing ends of a radial strap assembly. There are a plurality of axial straps that are secured in place to the circumferential strap assemblies and the radial strap assembly. The restraint layer surrounds the bladder and the ends of the axial straps are secured in place at the fore and aft end of the modular structure. When the bladder is inflated, the structural restraint layer distributes the load created by the inflated bladder.

Abstract: A universal end cap and associated method are provided for rain gutter debris guards of the type having a top cap extending along a roof and over the open top of an associated gutter. The universal end cap includes a generally flat, rigid cover panel with a substantially rectangular lower portion sized to extend over either end of the guard, and is severable to custom fit the end cap to a wide variety of different gutters. A pair of curved nose portions project outwardly from opposite sides of the cover panel adjacent the upper edge thereof, and are configured to close off the forward portion of the top cap at either end thereof. A mounting flange extends along at least a portion of the upper edge of the cover panel, and a retainer fastens the mounting flange to the top cap at either end thereof to prevent debris form entering between the adjacent ends of the gutter and the guard.

Abstract: A snow guard for a raised portion on a building metal roof surface, having a unitary transparent mounting body is formed from a polycarbonate material. A transparent acrylic snow-holding bar fits into the transparent mounting body. An ice-holding bar also is provided and is formed from clear acrylic. In one aspect, the mounting body includes vertical structural stiffeners 30 by walls 42 of bar supporting central columns 32 and by outside surface 38 of wall 24 and horizontal stiffeners 27 extending downwardly under top 26 and which are integral part of the mounting body and of walls 24 providing a rigid, strong connection of the two structural support sides 28, top portion 26 and horizontal stiffeners 27 and structural support sides 28 all molded in one piece, made of ultraviolet proof, high impact, high izod polycarbonate plastic. In one aspect, the mounting body include bar insertion cavities 46 and stops 52 to prevent snow-holding bar 8 from sliding through its insertion cavities.

Abstract: An enclosure for use during inspection of a vehicle is provided. The enclosure is attached to the vehicle by a securing member and helps to control the environment, such as reducing the light or decreasing any air movement during inspection. The enclosure provides a control environment during the inspection of the vehicle to ensure accurate testing.

Abstract: The mini-cinema cabin is constituted of a cabin (1) inside of which a pair of laterally adjacent seats (3) is arranged, a movie display screen (7) being situated on the opposite wall, aided by a DVD player or any other file system player (8), with which a Dolby surround sound system will collaborate, the loudspeakers (10-10?) of which will be suitably distributed inside the cabin (1), having a loader (11) enabled for storing a determined number of movies, provided with a keyboard (12) for selection thereof and a coin selector or card reader (13) allowing for putting the equipment in operation after paying, an air-conditioning equipment (14) as well as a smoke extractor (15) being arranged in the cabin (1).

Abstract: Foldable storage structures and methods of erecting, contracting and storing such structures are described. The storage structure includes effectively rigid wall panels coupled by hinges to form an enclosure. The wall panels can be foldable and connected to a foldable floor panel assembly. The structure has a roof assembly which has a foldable panel assembly which mounts to or within a cover. The preferred cover has two layers to provide a flexible pouch in which the floor panels, wall panels and roof panels can be stored when folded into contracted conditions. The cover is configured to be releasably coupled to the top edge of the wall panels. Encircling straps may be used about the folded parts of the structure to serve as carrying handles. The cover preferably serves as both the roof skin when erected and as a carrying case when the structure is collapsed for portability or storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof adapted to cover a manure storage tank. The roof comprises a plurality of trusses and sheeting members. The roof is constructed so as to minimize the lateral forces on the manure storage tank and to eliminate vertical forces on the centre point of the floor of the storage tank.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated building module containing components of a typical multi-story housing project and a corresponding method of installation. Each module is configurable to provide one of a variety of room and dual-room layouts. The module's design allows for road transportation and installation by a tower crane typically found in most multi-story construction projects. Module embodiments are provided for enabling drop-in, stack-in, or slide-in installation in most buildings. Each module is preferably stackable with another module of the same type and configured to provide a predetermined amount of support for loads in the surrounding structure. Each module preferably provides all necessary mechanical and electrical components including their section of risers and ventilation shaft, as well as fixtures, fittings, appliances, cabinets, etc. except for the exterior cladding of perimeter walls which are designed for on-site installation.

Abstract: A deck leverage anchor for securing an external device has an anchor body that is positioned at least partially within an opening of the deck so that a notch receives the edge of the surface. The anchor body comprises a swivel coupler that extends outward from the opening. The swivel coupler couples to an external device. A swivel plate is disposed opposite the swivel coupler to engage and distribute a load on the surface of the deck opposite the coupler.

Abstract: A connection apparatus includes a frame-side member securable to a steel structural frame, a brace-side member securable to a seismic brace, and a coupling element that secures frame-side and brace-side members to each other. By way of example, the connection element may provide a hinge-type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads. As another example, the connection element may be a ball-and-socket type connection, which substantially isolates a seismic brace from nonaxial loads and absorbs any shear and moment applied thereto when the seismic brace drifts out of an intended plane of the steel structural frame. The connection element may also include a collar to stabilize the brace-side member and prevent shears and moments from causing the same to buckle in an unintended direction. Methods of installing and using the connection apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer concrete pipe configurations may include reinforced ribs and/or void form reinforcement that displaces concrete.

Abstract: A seal system is utilized with flat, rough, and/or ribbed wall surfaces and includes a top dock pad and two substantially parallel side dock pads, which substantially frame a doorway at a loading dock. The dock pads are secured to the wall by a plurality of mounting brackets. The dock pads include a first foam layer coupled to a rear portion of a backing structure. The first foam layer operates to accommodate, or substantially “fill-in”, any surface irregularities of the building wall surface, such as a rough wall texture and rib surfaces, to provide an airtight or substantially airtight seal between the building and the seal structure. The dock pads also include a second foam layer coupled to a front portion of the backing structure. The second foam layer is employed to create an effective seal between the building and a rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a microwave window for the separation of media comprising a separating disk transparent to the electromagnetic microwaves and at least one collet in the form of a circular cylindrical tube brazed via of the two faces of the disk, characterized in that it includes at least one step consisting in depositing a thin film of active braze on that edge of the collet which is intended to be brazed onto one of the two faces of the disk, and then in brazing the tube onto the disk. The invention also relates to a media-separating microwave window resulting from the process, having at least one collet in the form of a circular cylindrical tube with a generatrix close to a straight line. Applications: high-power microwave tubes, microwave transmission lines.

Abstract: A concrete form unit includes opposing sidewalls which are preferably made of foamed plastic or other insulating material. Articulated spacers extend between and connect the sidewalls, and are capable of folding about themselves both at an elbow situated between the sidewalls, and also at their junctures with the sidewalls. The folding ability of the spacers allow the sidewalls to convert between a collapsed state wherein the sidewalls are in close adjacent relationship and the spacer links are oriented at least substantially parallel to each other and at least substantially parallel to the sidewalls, and an expanded state wherein the sidewalls are in distant spaced relationship with the spacer links being oriented at least substantially parallel to each other and at least substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls. The collapsed form unit therefore assumes an overall box-like shape, and therefore the collapsed form units are easily stored and shipped with minimal lost storage volume.

Abstract: A panel element for garage doors, sectional doors, floor coverings, walls and the like, is fabricated from an extrudable material which is machinable after extrusion. At least the center region of the panel element is in the form of a hollow section and has multiple hollow inner chambers. The opposite longitudinal sides in each edge region of the panel element are in the form of a profitable solid section. The panel element is inexpensive to fabricate, especially when a large component of natural materials is provided in the extrudable material. Due to its design as a solid section in the edge regions, the panel element is capable of being profiled in such regions, for example, in order to provide a tongue-and groove-joint to interconnect multiple panel elements.

Abstract: A generally rectangular siding panel is provided having a front and rear faces, The rear face has a first area proximate to a top end of the rear face and shaped such that at least a portion of the area sits substantially flush with a portion of a vertical wall when the siding panel is secured to the vertical wall and angled to overlap at least a portion of a second siding panel secured to the vertical wall.

Abstract: A tile comprised of eight weaved strips formed from curved plywood is disclosed. The tile is nailed to the surface through exposed flaps. The exposed flaps are then covered by subsequent tiles, thus creating exotic wood weave look that has no seams.

Abstract: A cover profile system for forming a walking surface, roof surface, wall surface or wall, which is formed from a plurality of flat, elongated hollow profile bodies, each comprising a first wall, a second wall, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, wherein the first longitudinal edge is provided with a first longitudinal strip having holes for attachment, wherein one of either longitudinal edges is provided with a second longitudinal strip, which at the side of the first strip that faces the first wall, extends over the first strip to at least the opposite longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A tile for forming a floor covering includes a perimeter support wall, a top surface, interconnecting structure for releasably connecting with adjacent tiles, and intermediate upstanding grid structure. The intermediate upstanding grid structure comprises a repeating pattern of polygonal units, such as hexagons, having sidewalls extending from a bottom of the tile to the underside of the top surface. An arched support structure is disposed within each polygonal unit, connecting an upper portion of the sidewalls of each polygonal unit with the underside of the top surface. The arched configuration reduces stress concentrations at the junction of the arched support structure and the sidewalls.

Abstract: A shape-conforming surface covering useful for covering any type of surfaces, and including planks or sheets of a plastic or flexible material adapted to be interconnected aside of each other thereby forming an assembled surface covering of optional length and width, and which planks or sheet are of a material that can be brought to curved formations, and which at the upper surface of the covering is roughened, for instance sanded or filed so as to imitate any unique grain effect of wooden material. Preferably the planks or sheet are formed with a connection arrangement at the longitudinal edges thereof. The surface covering may be an assembled unit including planks and caulking elements between each pair of planks.

Abstract: A parquet block with a woodwork joint has two parallel abutting sides, a longitudinal notch, a longitudinal tongue, two transverse grooves and two transverse tongues. The longitudinal notch, the longitudinal tongue, the transverse grooves and the transverse tongues on adjacent parquet blocks interlock to hold the parquet blocks securely in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

Abstract: The threaded deformed reinforcing bar is used in concrete construction and may be easily connected to other threaded deformed reinforcing bars by an internally threaded coupler. The threaded deformed reinforcing bar has a continuous spiral thread upon at least a portion of its length which engages the internally threaded coupler. The continuous spiral thread upon the deformed reinforcing bar is formed by eliminating portions of longitudinal ribs that are formed upon the reinforcing bar during manufacturing. This process for forming the threaded deformed reinforcing bar is less expensive than conventional processes.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of masonry article comprises a contoured first header, a contoured second header, a contoured front face, a back face, a contoured lower base and an upper base. The plurality of masonry articles has a plurality of holes extending from the lower base to the upper base. The contoured first header couples to the contoured second header of another plurality of masonry articles and the contoured lower base couples to the upper base of the other plurality of masonry articles so that an outward face of a portion of a wall assembled with the plurality of masonry articles has a mortar-like vertically oriented gap and a mortar-like horizontally oriented gap. A plurality of corner masonry article and plurality of alternative corner masonry articles similar to the plurality of masonry articles permit assembly of a portion of a corner section of the wall.

Abstract: A wall block comprises an upper surface spaced apart from a substantially parallel lower surface, opposed first and second faces, and opposed side surfaces converging between respective ends of the first and second faces. Blocks in a wall may be stacked on top of each other in either a vertical, set forward or set backward relationship. A three-block system for constructing walls includes a small, medium, and large block, each having two differently sized faces that can serve as the exposed face on one side of a wall. The small, medium, and large blocks can be manufactured using a single mold that is configured to provide a roughened texture resembling natural stone on two opposing faces of each block.

Abstract: A side truss assembly for escalators and moving walkways is formed of a corrugated main panel bounded by upper and lower stiffeners. The corrugation fold lines preferably extend perpendicular to the rise angle of the assembly and to the length of the stiffeners. End panels may be joined to the main panel to form a parallelogram construction with vertical end walls.

Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: A rebar spacer having a clip for securely holding a rebar centered in the clip such that the rebar cannot be dislodged from the clip once the clip engages the rebar. The clip is held at a desired height by a base, which will not easily tip over do to a wide stance of the base of the rebar spacer. The rebar spacer will quickly and easily accept the rebar in the clip. The rebar spacers can have a large or small footprint at the surface of the concrete. The rebar spacer can be made of lightweight, durable plastic. The rebar spacer can be molded as one inexpensive piece. The rebar spacer can have a variety of heights and accept a variety of rebar sizes.

Abstract: An emergency anchoring device for use when a recreational vehicle such as a snowmobile or ATV is stuck in mud, snow, or in a ditch. The anchoring device is planted in the ground and has a reinforced head, fashioned to be hit upon using a hammer, a sledge hammer, etc. . . . so as to be planted deep enough to provide good anchoring characteristics, and for that, it also has a removable extension arm which allows for the anchoring device to be set very deep while still having a high enough extension to make it easier for hitting. A winch cable is then attached to the anchoring device's arm. The anchoring device itself features a reinforced head and has a two fold design for increased strength and grasp in the ground.

Abstract: A joist comprised of at least one cold-formed elongated chord member; a cold-formed web having a plurality of web members and means for securing said web to said chord member.

Abstract: A pole reinforcing element having oppositely disposed channels interconnected by a web. The oppositely disposed channels are formed in a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of cylinders, rectangles, and other geometric shapes so that the pole reinforcing element has a high structural rigidity and can provide substantial support to a utility pole to be reinforced.

Abstract: A reinforced cushion beam includes a rigid frame having a plurality of interconnected elements; a plastic body encapsulating and substantially solidly filling the frame, and one or more panel members connected to the plastic body with a plurality of recessed fasteners that extend through the panel(s) and into the plastic body to form a scuff-resistant load-bearing surface. Also disclosed is a method for forming the cushion beam.

Abstract: In the present invention, testing is performed by injecting grout (G) into a full-scale specimen comprising a cable that is fabricated at a place other than a construction site. The cable has a sheath made of a transparent material and has the same three-dimensional configuration as that of an internal cable (2°) at the construction site. Alternatively, grout (G) is injected into a partial specimen comprising a lengthwise part of the cable where an air trap is likely to occur. The testing is performed under a plurality of different testing conditions. The best grouting conditions are selected from testing results and applied to grouting actually carried out at the construction site.

Abstract: A residential construction estimation process that includes the steps of: inputting conceptual level data, selecting design characteristics, calculating a virtual geometry, selecting assemblies of construction components based on the calculated virtual geometry, selecting component options based on the selected assemblies of construction components, identifying a cost of each of the selected component options, and calculating a cost of the residence, wherein the cost is dynamically linked to each of the selected and inputted information of the preceding steps, such that the cost of the residence can be dynamically modeled at a detailed component level.

Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforced extruded composite structural member and a method of forming the same. The structural may member comprise a solidified composite mixture of a fibrous material and a resin, and a reinforcing member embedded therein. The reinforcing member may have a known tensile strength, and at least one physical characteristic adapted to promote bonding of the reinforcing member with the surrounding fibrous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a wooden decorative material, comprising a bleaching step of bleaching the surface to be treated of a wood base material and a printing step of printing a pattern corresponding to a first information obtained by capturing an image of a surface of a wood material on the bleached surface of the wood base material by synchronizing the bleached surface of the wood base material with the first information.

Abstract: A panel unit used as part of a form for a concrete wall has a pair panels, held in spaced apart relation by a spacer. A spacer has rods with angled rod portions at the end which co-operate with other rod members to form retention cells which can receive reinforcement bar members. Another spacer is pre-fabricated in a generally planar grid with reinforcement members secured thereto. Connectors are used to connect the spacers to the panels. One type of connector is formed in two parts, with one part being removable, to permit removal of the panel, the other part having an anchoring mechanism. Another connector has a blade element enabling the connector flange to be recessed in the outer surface of the panel. A corner panel unit is also provided, as is a panel unit adapted for forming a wall with a ledge. In other panel units, form liners are provided which can permit a textured or contoured finished wall surface to be produced.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, having a container handling machine such as, for example, filler, rinser, or closer for the processing of containers that comprise a neck ring, said machine comprising a rotating rotor (2) at which are disposed processing stations for the containers (6), with at least one input star (4), with at least one output star and/or at least one transfer star, with carrying pockets (5) that are disposed at the rotor (2) and/or the stars and it being disclosed that the processing stations are disposed on a reference diameter that is smaller than the rotor 2 related reference diameter of the transfer point of the container (6) between rotor 2 and input star and/or output star (4) and/or transfer star. As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A system and a method for load creation is disclosed. The system comprises two or more stations, in which the load units are formed. In a first station, one or more packages are collected and placed to form the load unit. In later stations loading ledges are added to the load units, and straps and/or stretch wrapping is wound around the load units.

Abstract: A system for applying loading ledges onto a unit load positioned on supporting means. The system comprises an application machine. The system also comprises means for separating the unit load from the supporting means in the vertical direction. The system also comprises means for applying one or more loading ledges to two or more opposite, lower edges of the unit load when separated from the supporting means.

Abstract: An appliance for evacuating a flexible container, the appliance including a base housing and a vacuum source disposed within the base housing. A drip retainer is removeably disposed in the base and is in communication with the vacuum source. The drip retainer includes a chamber for holding material. The drip retainer further including a nozzle projecting therefrom, the nozzle is engagable with an opening of the flexible container. A cover is rotatably connected to the base and movable to a closed position to cover the nozzle.

Abstract: A food packaging closure apparatus comprising a tubular body and a removable lid is designed to be positioned on a food product that is packaged in tightly-wrapped packaging when the food product has been opened by cutting through the packaging and a portion of the food product, exposing a surface of the food product. The tubular body is designed to be attached in a sealing engagement on the exterior surface of the food product packaging, surrounding the exposed surface of the food product. The lid is removably attachable to the tubular body to seal over the exposed surface of the food product.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, having a separating and compacting device for packing articles of all types with at least one circulating pair of drive elements, with at least one crossbar that is located on each pair of drive elements, with one controlled drive motor for each pair of drive elements, whereby the device is designed and constructed so that the separation and compacting of the articles are performed by the at least one pair of drive elements. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: An air bladder packing system having an inflatable center body and extensions therefrom. The center body is generally for placement on top of an item placed in an outside box while the fingers are designed for positioning in the spaces between the item and the walls of the box. After placement, the air bladder is inflated to span the space between the item and the box, thereby securely holding the item in the box and providing protection against shifting during transport and providing impact protection.

Abstract: Filing device (1) for filling containers (5, 54, 56) with foods and closing said containers, comprising an endless conveyor system (2) with drive means (3), for conveying container holders (4, 55) along an imaginary looped conveyor track with bottom and top track sections (11, 12) that are connected to each other by means of bend sections (12), a container infeed mechanism (17, 52, 53), at least one processing line provided along the conveyor track, a housing (15, 61) that at least partially encloses the processing line, and gas supply means (25, 65) for feeding conditioned gasses into the housing. The workstations are disposed along the conveyor track. A central area (13, 67) is defined between the top and bottom track sectons and the bend sections of the at least one processing line situated along the conveyor track, and gas discharge means (66) are provided for discharging by way of the central area at least part of the gases conveyed into the housing.

Abstract: Sealing System for Collapsible Tubes and Machine, consisting of: a plug (1) and a ring (2) which are placed at the bottom of a rigid, semi-rigid or soft collapsible tube (3) through a Machine or Tube-Holder (7), so that the tube will remain vertical during storage and use, always keeping its shape. The plug (1) is a cylindrical body with a small circular tab (4) at the top, a central section (5) or plug proper, which is a hollow conical trunk or hollow cylinder; and a lower section (6) which is a conical trunk or solid cylinder. The Machine or Tube-Holder (7) has five parts, as follows: a) a spring (8); b) a fixing housing (9); c) a base to hold the spring (10); d) a base to support the tube (11); e) a guide to fit the tube (12).

Abstract: A filter system including a method for self cleaning the filter system of an electronic equipment enclosure where air flow is monitored either by monitoring fan performance or air flow velocity through the enclosure. The system includes two filters elements, an upstream ASHRAE or HEPA filter element to block particulate matter and a downstream PTFE filter element to block water vapor. The ASHRAE or HEPA filter element is relatively inexpensive and easy to clean. The PTFE filter element is more expensive and difficult to clean. Thus, the cheaper filter is used to protect the more expensive filter from contaminants and to increase its useful life.

Abstract: A frame of a mower supports wheel assemblies, a propulsion unit, and a mowing deck. Each wheel assembly is associated with a corresponding wheel, a corresponding electrical steering motor, and a corresponding electrical drive motor. A controller controls a direction of orientation of the corresponding wheel via the corresponding electrical steering motor. Further, the controller controls the application of electrical energy to the corresponding drive motor consistent with maneuverable movement of the mower. The propulsion unit is capable of rotating at least one cutting blade. A mowing deck houses the at least one cutting blade. The mowing deck has indentations to provide a spatial zone for the plurality of wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A method for operating a mower comprises defining a reference axis of rotation at a desired point along a path segment of the mower. A controller orients wheels of the mower generally tangentially to a circular region about the reference axis. A drive motor applies rotational mechanical energy to one or more of the wheels to rotate the mower by a desired angular amount about the reference axis.

Abstract: A lawnmower comprising a frame, an engine supported by the frame, a mower deck supported by the frame, a rotating cutting blade disposed below the mower deck. A PTO is coupled to the engine and the cutting blade to rotationally drive the cutting blade. A drive system is connected to the frame and coupled to the engine to drive or propel the lawnmower. The lawnmower includes a tilt sensor for sensing a tilt angle representing the orientation of the lawnmower with respect to a horizontal level plane. An signal indicator may provide a notice signal when the tilt angle exceeds a pre-determined check angle. The PTO may be disengaged from the engine to stop rotation of the cutting blade when the tilt angle exceeds a pre-determined limit angle. The drive system generally remains operable to drive the lawnmower when the PTO is disengaged to stop rotation of the cutting blade.