Abstract: A waterproof construction device formed from metal or plastic supports the bottom edge of a drywall wall in a spaced-apart relation to the floor. The inventive device consists of a basal contact region that rests on a floor at the base of a wall frame. A support region sized to support the lower edges of drywall sheets is elevated at least one quarter inch above the floor by an elevation region that connect the support region with the basal contact region. An attachment region contacts the wall frame and is in communication with the support region. The device is placed along the base of a wall frame in contact with both the floor and the wall frame, and the attachment region is fastened to the wall frame. Sheets of wallboard are then fastened to the wall frame with their lower edges resting on the support region. The base of the wall can then be finished by installation of a baseboard.

Abstract: A pedestal adapted to support a floor panel comprising a base, support means for supporting said floor panel above said base, displaceable means operable between said base and said support means for selectively displacing said support means and said floor panel relative said base so as to level said floor panel while said floor panel is supported by said support means.

Abstract: A method of production of and a mineral bonded wood strand cement (magnesite, gypsum) board which is produced from a mixture of wood strands or similar fiber material, water, a suitable binder like cement, one or both of magnesite and gypsum, and possibly additives, which mixture is cured under pressure to form a board with a practically entirely closed surface. For the boards according to the invention, wood strands are being used that are broader and wider than used until presently in acoustic wood wool cement (magnesite, gypsum) boards.

Abstract: A floor structure to support a building has I-beam floor joists in parallel spaced-apart relation, a plurality of rectangular pans supported on the I-beams and defined between respective pairs of U-shaped vertical members, and upper and lower closely spaced adhesive layers with fabric matting therebetween to close the bottoms of the pans.

Abstract: A structural deck tile system comprising an interlocking deck tile made of a plywood (or similar material) section coated with a mixture of sawdust and polymers such as recycled plastic. Designs and patterns may be embossed or molded into the top surface of the deck tile. The deck tiles have a cut-out notch at each corner and a plurality of interlocking members fit into the notches between adjoining decking tiles to secure them together at the corners. The interlocking members are screwed to the underlying deck joist infrastructure to secure the tiles as one unitary deck tile system, providing structural capacity, and resulting in an economical, aesthetically pleasing, and structurally sound deck with an easier and faster installation. The reduced weight and interlocking fastener system improves the installation process. The endless variety of designs available for the tiles permits individual creative expression in designing exterior decks.

Abstract: As used to trim a corner where a wall and a ceiling meet, a crown molding member has a planar portion, an intermediate portion, and a mounting flange. The planar portion is attached to the ceiling, in a first mode, or to the wall, in a second mode. The intermediate portion may have a coved, stepped, or curved profile. When applied to the mounting flange, drywall-finishing material, so-called “mud” in trade parlance, is pressed through apertures in the mounting flange, against the wall, in the first mode, or against the ceiling, in the second mode.

Abstract: A baseboard radiator having notched fins. The notches are retained by a flange on a back plate mounted to a wall. The fins are further retained by a flange in the upper portion of the back plate.

Abstract: Cover pads for use on upright walls, wherein the pad provides an improved internal support which is of simplified construction, for example the center support and the surrounding frame being made of a one-piece monolithic support structure which permits a flexible covering to be attached to the center support and the exterior side surfaces of the edge frame while the covering and support structure are in a flat and planar condition, following which the edge frame is folded and secured into position around the center support. The internal support structure for the pad, when in a flat condition, has voids at the corners so that the covering can be tucked into the corners prior to the edge frame being folded into its frame-defining position.

Abstract: An armor panel for defeating a projectile strike including (a) a substantially planar core structure having spaced, generally parallel-planar strike and opposite faces, and elongate, circumsurrounding edge structure extending generally normally between these faces to define a perimeter for the core structure, (b) stranded core-wrap structure substantially fully enveloping the core structure, and possessing elongate, tension-load-bearing (TLB) strands which extend at angles relative to one another across the mentioned faces, and substantially parallel to one another in a distribution along the perimeter defined by the edge structure, and (c) a high-elastomeric coating which is distributed over at least those portions of the core-wrap structure which are disposed adjacent the strike face and the edge structure.

Abstract: A drywall joint construction and method consisting essentially of abutting drywall boards having a lengthwise crack therebetween and a joint finishing system formed within the crack to complete the drywall joint construction such that a flexible layer defines the joint's center-line surface. Where the edges of the drywall boards are tapered, the resulting channel is filled with a taping compound and a tape forms the flexible layer covering the taping compound so as to flush the joint finishing system with the drywall boards. Where the drywall boards are non-tapered, the resulting slit therebetween may be filled with taping compound and a tape may again form the flexible layer covering the taping compound and flushing the joint finishing system with the abutting drywall boards, or the slit may be filled with a flexible compound that also forms the flexible layer and flushes the joint finishing system with the drywall boards.

Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.

Abstract: A panel-type subfloor assembly for an anchored/resilient floor includes a plurality of elongated panels laid end-to-end in parallel rows along a first direction, the panels having elongated slots formed therein that are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. For the entire floor, this results in a plurality of aligned rows of elongated slots oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. Each slot cooperates with an elongated fastener, namely an elongated dual flanged channel held by at least one pin. The fastener is positioned within the respective slot and adapted to hold the respective panel to the base along two longitudinal edges of the slots, in a manner that limits upward movement of the panel while permitting downward deflection. The slots are longitudinally and transversely oversized relative to the flanges of the fastener, and preferably each fastener is secured to the base via only a single pin.

Abstract: A soffit structure which is a sheet member having an upper surface and bottom surface with a plurality of channels formed in the sheet members, the channels extending inwardly from the bottom surface and being defined by at least a pair of opposed side walls, with apertures formed in the side walls. The side walls are preferably angled slightly to provide a greater degree of protection for the apertures formed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a facing panel, on the long side surfaces of which there are connecting or locking elements (5, 6) that are different or which complement each other along the two parallel long side edges (4, 4?) of the facing panel (1, 1?) so that the long side edges (4, 4?) of two facing panels (1) with different locking elements can be connected to one another. On the visible surface (7) of the facing panel (1, 1?) there is a single stripe (2) that is parallel to and spaced apart from one of the two long side edges (4, 4?); the colour of said stripe (2) is darker than the colour of the remaining visible surface, one and the same connecting or locking element (6) being formed along the long-side edge (4) of the facing panel (1, 1?) to which the stripe (2) runs parallel or to which it is close, one and the same connecting or locking element (6) being formed on the opposite long-side edge (4?), this being complementary to the connecting or locking element (5) or lockable thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roof shingle comprising a shingle with at least one layer having a head lap and a butt, the head lap including at least one alignment notch and the butt including at least one corner that corresponds to the alignment notch. Also, the present invention provides a roofing shingle comprising at least one layer formed from a cutting cylinder having a circumference that is a fraction of said roofing shingle length. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the inventive shingles and a method for installing the inventive shingles upon a roofing area.

Abstract: The locking laps for vinyl siding secure adjacent siding panels and prevent them from being removed from a building structure during strong wind conditions. A locking lap assembly is secured at the two ends of each siding panel to securely connect each siding panel to adjacent siding panels. The locking lap assembly comprises a locking lap and a spacing member. The spacing member is secured to the rear surface of the siding panel. The locking lap member is secured to the spacing member and extends beyond the end of the siding panel. The spacing member provides a space between the locking lap and the rear surface of the siding panel, to allow a locking lap of an adjacent panel to be received between the locking lap and the siding panel. The locking laps of two adjacent panels overlap one another to provide a secure attachment of the adjacent panels.

Abstract: A tile for forming a modular deck with like-configured tiles, the tile having a web having a planar polygonal upper surface and a lower surface, a web strengthening structure on said lower surface, and a plurality of peripheral edges, where at least one of the edges includes a male connecting portion having a lateral tongue extending from the peripheral edge, and at least one of the edges includes a female connecting portion defining a lateral recess in the peripheral edge. In one embodiment, at least three of the peripheral edges include either of the male connecting portions or the female connecting portions.

Abstract: A structural panel that may be suitable for use in building construction, the panel may have a core bonding to first and second skins, the core may be a first foam layer, a membrane, and a second foam layer, the membrane and at least one skin configured to be suitable to retain fasteners, the foam layers having low density, good shear strength and stiffness, the skins and the membrane having higher density and good strength.

Abstract: An amendment to an abstract is also provided herein. The changes are minor in nature, and, as such, a replacement abstract with markings to show all changes relative to the immediate prior version, is attached hereto.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the formation of structures utilizing fill materials capable of hardening, such as concrete. The methods and apparatus may include the employment of enhanced load-bearing capabilities, which may yield substantial efficiencies in time, labor, materials and costs attendant to fill material formation. The methods and apparatus may be particularly suited for use with manufacturing and prefabrication processes.

Abstract: A cluster of paving elements is formed with a peripheral edge having a re-entrant formation formed between the upper supporting surface and the lower, supported surface. The formation engages a complimentary formation on an adjacent cluster to inhibit relative movement between the clusters. The re-entrant formation may be applied to individual paving elements in the cluster or to the exposed faces of the elements at the periphery of the cluster. The elements in the cluster may be shaped to inter-engage to inhibit relative movement between the elements with in the cluster.

Abstract: A frame structure for a plastic window frame structure includes four plastic casings, four steel bushings, and four angled insertion members. The plastic casings are integrally connected with each other by welding to form a rectangular frame. Each of the steel bushings is axially mounted in a respective one of the plastic casings. Each of the insertion members is mounted in the plastic casings and mounted on any two adjacent steel bushings to connect the steel bushings. Thus, the steel bushings are connected by the insertion members, so that the steel bushings are combined integrally, thereby greatly enhancing the structural strength of the frame structure.

Abstract: Wood framed walls of buildings are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by a threaded hold-down rod attached to the structure top plate and anchored to the building foundation. The foundation structure may be concrete or other floor joist or the like. The threaded rod is normally used in a system that attaches at top and bottom of studs at approximately every fourth or fifth stud along all load-bearing walls. The threaded rod system comprises two sections of threaded rod connected to the structure by way of a nut and washer at the top plate and embedded in the foundation at the bottom. A short section of threaded rod is embedded in the foundation and a coupling nut connects the short section to the remaining threaded rod section near the bottom plate. The short section may be manufactured of galvanized steel or stainless steel to avoid corrosion where fastened to a pressure treated bottom plate.

Abstract: A board is provided that includes a pattern to facilitate attachment of the board to a frame structure. The pattern comprises a first array of marks disposed along a first imaginary line; a second array of marks disposed along a second imaginary line, said first and second imaginary lines being spaced a first predetermined distance apart; and a third array of marks disposed along a third imaginary line, said first and third imaginary lines being spaced a second predetermined distance apart. The board may be used in a variety of construction applications, where the pattern facilitates the quick attachment of the board to an underlying frame.

Abstract: A corrugated panel, which is made out of cardboard, plastic or other corrugated material. On two opposite sides there are three pieces of hook and loop material. This material is in alternating order and is equally spaced, one at the top (hook), one in the middle (loop) and one on the bottom (hook). The hook and loop material on the opposite side are equally spaced, one at the top (loop), one in the middle (hook) and one on the bottom (loop). This alternating sequence allows the panels to be joined, creating rooms and hallways. Panels can be placed on the top to form a roof for a temporary play structure.

Abstract: To provide a packaging and pricing device in which, when sticking two sheets of label on a packaged substance, applicators freely move without interfering with each other at the same place, thereby to stick the labels. A packaging and pricing device lifts a substance to be packaged G? loaded on an elevator 2 to a film 4 by being supported on a packaging unit 3 from its bottom, such that an upper surface of the substance to be packaged is covered with the film, folds left and right end portions and a rear end portion among end portions of the film under a bottom surface of the substance to be packaged, after the substance to be packaged is unloaded from the packaging unit, folds a front end portion of the film, and, after the packaged substance G is unloaded to the heat seal unit 10, sticks a label on the packaged substance G to be unloaded.

Abstract: A slicing machine has a deposition surface adapted to support a fusible bottom sheet. Slices are cut from a foodstuff and deposited as a stack on the bottom sheet on the surface between edges of the surface so that a fusible top sheet can be placed atop the stack. Respective bars at the surface edges have bar edges and are each pivotal between a working position projecting over the surface with the bar edges aligned vertically with the respective surface edges and rest positions retracted from above the sheet on the surface. Actuators can pivot the bars from their rest positions into their working positions. Heaters are provided in at least some of the edges. In the working positions the sheet edges are pinched between the bar edges and the heated surface to bond the edges together.

Abstract: A packing machine includes a frame, a first conveying belt, a second conveying belt, an intermediate conveying belt mounted between the first conveying belt and the second conveying belt, and an endless driving device enclosed around a periphery of the intermediate conveying belt. Thus, the endless driving device drives a package film to provide a tension on an article to be packaged, so that the article is packaged by the film closely and tightly, thereby enhancing the packaging effect of the packing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for automatic change of the reel of extensible film in wrapping machines for the packaging of palletized loads consist in: expelling the reel (5) that has run out or is defective from the spindle (9) for carrying the reel (5) of the wrapping film, said spindle forming part of an assembly.

Abstract: An automatic packaging system has a first feed mechanism for feeding a light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow A, an inspection mechanism for reading bar-code information from the light-shielded photosensitive roll, measuring and comparing dimensions of the light-shielded photosensitive roll with the bar-code information to inspect whether the light-shielded photosensitive roll is correct or wrong, a second feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow B if the light-shielded photosensitive roll judged as being correct, and a third feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow C.

Abstract: A convertible computer controlled form, full and seal bagging machine and method of operation is described. A film drive draws a film sheet about a pouch former with said film sheet being folded and overlapped along longitudinal edge portions. A first sealer heat fuses the overlapped edge portions together to form a hollow film tube. A temperature controller controls the temperature of the sealing means. A transverse sealer forms a transverse seal across the hollow film tube and is synchronized with the first sealer. A feeder supplies a predetermined content in said hollow tube at a pouch forming station thereof. A computer controller controls the film drive, the sealing time of the first sealer, the temperature controller, the sealing time of said transverse sealer, and the rate of feed whereby to produce pouches of a predetermined programmed size filled with a predetermined programmed content volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for selective processing of a substrate using radiant energy. The substrate can consist of any target material having a portion to be processed using the radiant energy and a larger portion to be unprocessed. The apparatus consists of a source of radiant energy (preferably a quantum cascade laser) that has a customizable spectrum that can be configured to be specifically absorbed only by the portion to be processed, and a control system for targeting the radiant energy only at the portion to be processed. Specific examples of the use of the apparatus and method are in the technologies of heat-shrinking polyethylene film, fusing toner to paper in a laser printer, heating reaction vessels in DNA testing, and temperature profiling bottle pre-forms.

Abstract: A waste disposal device has a rotatable geared rim to operate a cartridge. The device comprises a rotation mechanism. A flange supports a rotatable geared rim. The support flange is operatively configured to be driven by the rotation mechanism. The cartridge is also operatively configured to engage the geared rim so as to be capable of rotating with the support flange upon actuation of the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: A rotating cartridge capable of dispensing flexible tubing coupled to a hinged lid of a container housing the cartridge. A rotation mechanism communicating with the lid rotates the cartridge automatically as the hinged lid is closed, thus twisting and sealably encapsulating a waste package inserted into the flexible tubing that is dispensed by the cartridge.

Abstract: A packing machine includes a frame, a first conveying belt mounted on a first end of the frame, a second conveying belt mounted on a second end of the frame, an intermediate conveying belt mounted on a mediate portion of the frame and located between the first conveying belt and the second conveying belt, two storage racks each mounted in and located at the second end of the frame, and a sealing cutter mounted on the frame and located beside one of the two storage racks. Thus, two film rolls are connected easily and rapidly by provision of the sealing cutter, thereby facilitating the user replacing the film rolls without affecting the packaging work.

Abstract: An arrangement for separating a hydrophobic liquid phase from a gaseous stream includes a coalescer filter, a housing, a gas flow direction arrangement, and a liquid collection arrangement. The coalescer filter includes a non-woven media of fibers. The housing includes an interior having a gas flow inlet and a gas flow outlet. The liquid collection arrangement is positioned within the housing construction and is oriented for receiving liquid collected from the coalescer filter and drained therefrom.

Abstract: An air filter assembly including abutting, cylindrical housing halves, with toothed outer ends, joined via spaced, T-shaped appendages; a cylindrical air inlet of abutting semi-cylindrical housing inlet portions; a primary filter pack, for slip-fit insertion into either housing half, having an end cap integral with a cylindrical primary filter pack having sealing material on its inner end; a filter outlet end with a toothed peripheral portion, for slip-fit insertion into and angular adjustment relative to either housing end, and a plurality of ribs defining locating surfaces for an air outlet portion, and main and safety filters; the latter having a truncated cone body and an inverted conical portion; and a filter attachment base having curved bed portions, for receiving a housing periphery portion, including spaced support pads and slot portions for angularly adjustably receiving like numbers of T-shaped appendages, with a locking mechanism joining the housing and attachment base.

Abstract: The invention provides a renewable composite filter media for removal of particles from a fluid stream comprising a membrane filtration layer comprising a porous polymeric membrane having an upstream side and a downstream side relative to the direction of fluid flow, a first depth filtration media layer having an upstream side and a downstream side relative to the direction of fluid flow, the first depth filtration media layer being disposed on upstream side of the membrane filtration layer; and at least one additional depth filtration media layer removably attached to the upstream side of the first depth filtration media layer. In this aspect, the first depth filtration media layer may be removably attached to the membrane filtration layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating bagged materials. A bagging machine is equipped with feed tubes that feed a conduit through a bag filling tunnel of the machine and through the open end of the bag and into the bag. The conduit is perforated and when the bag is filled, the length of the conduits is extended out through the bag end to be connected to a treatment media, e.g., forced air. An opening is provided at the rear end to provide an exhaust opening for air that is forced into the conduit, out the perforations and through the bagged material. The air will dry the material to lower the moisture content or provide oxygen as may be desired to enhance decomposition. Water may also be introduced as desired.

Abstract: A mechanism for powering a combine header unit at infinitely variable speeds. A primary motor is coupled to a primary input shaft via a clutch, a variable-speed secondary motor is directly coupled to a secondary input shaft, and the header unit coupled to a header output shaft. A planetary gear-train couples the primary input shaft, the secondary input shaft, and the header output shaft to each other. A primary brake is coupled to the primary input shaft, and a secondary brake coupled to the secondary input shaft. A control circuit is employed to command the operation of the clutch, the secondary motor, the primary brake, and the secondary brake in response to operator commands.

Abstract: A string trimmer-lawn mower multitask unit comprising an internal combustion engine used to propel the string trimming head by way of a control handle that is mounted on a lawn mower which is propelled with an engine encompassing an electrical system that is manually maneuvered by handlebars or in the event the lawn mower has a steering wheel the trimmer control handle is mounted an a self contained arm joined with a bracket assembly mounting a string trimmer to the lawn mower cutting deck. With an actuating mechanism and a spring assisted impact mechanism with a clutched impact mechanism joined on a self-leveling independent spring-loaded suspension with the ability to ascend or descend the cutting height of the string trimmer in respect with the mower deck.

Abstract: A trimmer assembly for a lawn mower is detachably mountable on a deck of the lawn mower by a housing or shroud that can be secured to the front edge of the deck A mounting frame is pivotally attached to the housing. The mounting frame carries a trimmer head with a plurality of cutting elements secured thereto. The mounting frame and the trimmer head pivotally move between an operational and a non-operational position by a swivel arm secured to the mounting frame. The trimmer head is powered by a hydraulic motor, which operates independently from the operation of the lawn mower.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for processing lawn and garden organic debris. The apparatus includes a fan housing, a retainer plate coupled to and forming a slot with the fan housing and a hose having a flange. The flange is releaseably positionable within the slot to connect the hose with the fan housing. The apparatus further includes a nozzle having a non-planar inlet face.

Abstract: A cutter unit for cutting vegetation is raised from and lowered to the ground by a lift arm of a utility vehicle. The cutter unit includes a motor for driving a cutting blade. A mechanism on the cutter unit cooperates with the lift arm to stop the motor when the cutter unit is raised from the ground.

Abstract: The mower front independent suspension assembly in some embodiments of the present invention includes a first suspension arm connected to the front of the lawn mower frame and a second suspension arm connected to the side of the lawn mower frame. In some embodiments, the first suspension arm is connected to the front of the frame at or near the longitudinal center of the frame, while the second suspension arm is connected to the side of the frame a distance from the front of the frame. Also, in some embodiments the cutter deck of the lawn mower is connected to the front independent suspension assemblies for movement therewith.

Abstract: A harvester having a receptacle movable between a harvest position for receiving crop and a dump position for unloading the crop includes an air duct system with a first duct extending upwardly towards the inlet of an accumulator located adjacent the receptacle. An air system propels the removed crop upwardly through the air duct towards the inlet. A second upright duct located adjacent a lower accumulator outlet directs crop from the accumulator to the receptacle. When the receptacle is raised to the dump position, all the crop is directed into the accumulator and the outlet is blocked so that the harvester can continue to operate while the receptacle is unloaded. Diverter structure may be provided for facilitating movement of the removed crop directly into the receptacle when the receptacle is in the harvest position and directing the removed crop downwardly into the accumulator when the basket is moved towards the dump position.

Abstract: A forage harvester header is coupled to a forage harvester and is equipped with at least one mower and intake drive assembly for cutting crop and transporting the cut crop to a discharge conveyor which delivers the crop to a feed channel of the forage harvester. The drive arrangement for the header is such that the velocity of the discharge conveyor can be varied relative to the velocity of the mower and intake drive assembly.

Abstract: A mowing device including a disc, the disc providing a mount for at least one knife, said knife being pivotably mounted to said disc by a pivot pin, said pivot pin defining a mounting axis, such that the knife can rotate about said pivot pin between a first extended position and any retracted position, said disc being constructed of a basic material thickness and comprising a mounting surface; said mowing device including a knife adapter comprising a cylindrical aperture and a projection; said pivot pin comprising a first cylindrical section of a first diameter to fit into said cylindrical aperture in said knife adapter, and a second cylindrical section, of a second diameter, with a groove defined by a groove width and a pin section thickness at the groove of a dimension less than said second diameter; said mowing device including a retainer constructed of a material thickness equal to or less than the width of said groove, with a key-hole shaped aperture defined by a first circular section with a first insid

Abstract: A grass cutting blade is provided which can be rotated in either direction while providing cutting and airlift in either direction. This can be used in cooperation with a cutting deck housing which includes a particular discharge opening and channel configuration which facilitates side discharge for one blade direction and mulching in the other. By controlling the blade direction, such as by an electric switch controlling electric blade shaft drive motor, side discharge or mulching can be had at a flip of a switch.

Abstract: A cutting device, particularly a lawn mower, has at least one rotating knife mounted on a rotating, motor-driven knife carrier by a screwless, detachable connection. This connection is detachable by a relative rotation between the knife and the knife carrier. It is essential that the connection between the knife and its knife carrier be made by a centrally arranged bayonet lock and that this bayonet lock be locked in the closed position by an additional locking element.