Abstract: A device for releasably retaining a downspout extension includes an elongate structural member of uniform width and thickness, selectively shaped to provide a medial top section and a pair of laterally spaced apart legs that depend downwardly from the top section. The top section can be curved, or linear with the retainer further including curved sections joining the top section and legs. The legs diverge slightly in the downward direction, and are provided with slots or other features to enhance anchoring of the retainer when the legs are inserted into the ground. The retainer is designed to overlie the downspout extension near its free end and secure the extension against the ground with its legs on opposite sides of the extension, thus to firmly secure the extension against lateral and vertical displacement.

Abstract: An assembly attached to the roof perimeter to mitigate wind-generated vortices and uplift loads on the roof perimeter area of a building, applicable for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. The assembly comprises an overhung screen portion preferably having face perforation and outer edge serration for equalizing pressure and disorganizing shear layer vorticity, and thus disrupting vortex formation. A roof edge windscreen is generally mounted onto an existing fascia or bargeboard. As an option appropriate for new constructions, it can also be mounted directly onto a framing member in place of fascia or bargeboard.

Abstract: An underfloor storage structure for a vehicle (1) includes a floor panel (P) having a plane portion and a concave portion (11), a floor lid (28) for selectively closing and opening the concave portion (11), a floor bucket (14) provided in the concave portion (11) in a detachable manner; and a tray (15) disposed in the floor bucket (14), which is rotatable in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane portion of the floor panel (P).

Abstract: A cover system for septic tanks adapted to be attached to the a septic tank and provide access for repair and maintenance. The assembly includes a base which is embedded into the concrete and provides a seal between the concrete and the base. A pipe member is joined to and sits atop the stationary base member. A wrap made of high density polyethylene surrounds the pipe and covers its corrugations to reduce outside forces upon the pipe. Finally, there is a top cover which is designed to engage the top of the pipe. Additionally, a channel is provided to catch the edge of the pipe and a seal is provided to prevent leakage between the pipe and cover.

Abstract: There are currently two major types of exterior building envelope finishing systems: window wall systems, and curtain wall systems. Window wall systems use panels which fit between concrete floor slaps, and hence, are prone to leakage and are not aesthetically appealing. Curtain wall systems are installed proud of the concrete slabs, so have better performance, but are expensive to install. The system of the invention has the high performance of a curtain wall system, with the ease of installation of a window wall system. The invention uses rigid panels which cover the face of a building like a curtain wall system, providing a complete gasketed seal without the need for caulking as in the case of window wall systems. The vertical mullions are notched, so that the mullions can be easily anchored to the upper and lower surfaces of the concrete slabs.

Abstract: A draft protection device for a balance, which encloses a weighing compartment surrounding a weighing pan, has at least one opening that can be closed by a window. The at least one window has at least two slidable window sections which partially overlap each other in any of their positions. According to the invention, a drive mechanism is provided for the opening and closing of the window, which drive mechanism couples the window sections to each other in such a way that all of the window sections move simultaneously and at different speeds during the opening and closing, wherein a fixed ratio between the respective speeds of the window sections can be predetermined by design.

Abstract: A fastener for connecting a panel to a support, comprising at least one projection for penetrating said panel surface upon fastenings of panel to said support and make electrical contact thereto

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members.

Abstract: The system for joining mullions to transoms by frontal link here described uses: transoms (3) with channels whose longer axis is the vertical axis and mullions provided with at least two seats; each seat is provided with at least one coupling jaw, one holding jaw and one inclined plane; an insert joins the mullion to the transoms; it is formed by a body and a connection beam provided with a coupling jaw. The body of the insert is housed in at least one of the above mentioned channels of the transom; the insert is provided with holes in which screws and dowels are inserted; a spacer is placed between one insert and the one above it in order to separate the transoms vertically; the coupling jaw on the insert joins with the coupling jaw on the mullion; the above mentioned screws engrave the holding jaw of the mullion thus producing horizontal grooves; the dowels prevent the insert from moving within the transom.

Abstract: The present invention is a floor-framing device that eliminates the need for excess material and installation time required in conventional wood or metal flooring systems. The device has a substantially Z-shaped cross section and mainly comprises a horizontal top leg planar member, a horizontal bottom leg planar member, and a vertical side planar member. The top leg member rests on top of a floor truss as a hanger, while the bottom leg member serves as a means to support a metal deck/pan, which receives concrete. The side planar member abuts the inside of the floor truss. The weight of the poured concrete is distributed onto the inside plane instead of entirely on the top of the floor truss, thus providing strength to the design. Subsequent floors can be continuously erected without waiting for the concrete to dry, thereby reducing the construction time for multistory structures.

Abstract: Various floor and wall constructions are disclosed. One embodiment includes a second vertical wall supported over a first vertical wall. One or more joist rims may be attached to the first vertical wall and pluralities of joists may be attached to the joist rims. Decking material may be supported on the plurality of joists. The second vertical wall may be fabricated from spaced second studs that extend between a top track and a bottom track. The bottom track comprises a web and two upstanding legs. The ends of the second studs serve to define open areas within the bottom track between the respective stud ends. A cementitious material may be applied onto the decking material and into the open areas within the bottom track to form the floor surfaces and barriers within the open areas.

Abstract: An anchor bolt placement and protection assembly for positioning or setting a threaded anchor bolt in a concrete stem foundation or concrete slab in relation to spaced form boards for controlling the depth of the anchor bolt in the concrete and the protected length of the anchor bolt projecting above the concrete foundation or slab. The assembly includes a base plate carrying a fixed, elongated tubular member having a lumen with an inner diameter dimensioned to receive the selected anchor bolt. The tubular member is sized to abut a detached tubular having an inside diameter that is substantially equal to the fixed tubular member's inside diameter. The assembly also includes a fastener with an anchor bolt thread engaging lumen with an inside diameter that is substantially equal to said fixed tubular member's inside diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and system to conserve resources, particularly rain water, by providing for water storage within building walls and other structural components. The building water storage allows reuse of water at that location that in the past has generally flowed to storm drains as runoff. Besides allowing reuse, another advantageous effect is that the structure may become a well insulated unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and boards for insulating building foundations are provided. The boards can be fiberglass, and the boards may have a pre-applied scrim. At least one coating can be provided on at least one face of the insulation boards. The boards can be applied to a portion of the building foundation above the grade line.

Abstract: An insulated tile or stone block wall assembly. The main element is composed of an outer and inner tile or stone facing bonded to an insulating core. The blocks are stacked and adhered together. The core geometry provides voids for forming concrete and placing steel and utilities. The resulting structure is a decorative, structural, and weatherproof finished product that is easy to install and cost effective to build. Drainage channels are provided behind a cast stone or stone facing to prevent water intrusion. The block insulation shapes are easy to cut making expensive molds unnecessary.

Abstract: A field assemblable panel door comprises a pair of metallic stiles each having an outer wall, a pair of side walls extending perpendicularly thereto and an engagement element on the inner surface of the outer wall which provides a bore. The side walls provide a first inwardly opening panel receiving channel therebetween, and a pair of flanges on one side wall provide a second panel receiving channel. A pair of metallic rails each have inner and outer side walls, and a base wall extends between the inner ends of the side walls to provide an outwardly opening channel, and the base wall provides a second inwardly opening channel. Corner connectors join the ends of the stiles and rails to form a rectangular frame. The connectors have an outer end wall overlying the ends of the rails and a body portion extending in the outwardly opening channel.

Abstract: A curved suspension ceiling panel that creates the appearances of a curved or wavy ceiling surface when used in combination with a planar grid system. The curved suspension ceiling panel comprises a curved exterior surface. The curved panel includes a pair of opposed sidewalls that are attached to the curved exterior surface and includes a curved surface along a first edge and a substantially linear surface along a second edge. The linear edges include a flange that permits the panel to be attached to grid members of a planar grid system. The curved panels are designed so that they can be inverted within the grid so that the curved exterior surface is above the grid members. During installation, the curved panels can be arranged to form an undulating or wavy pattern to create a desired effect when viewed from below.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a structural panel utilizing commercially available trusses comprising aligning a plurality of selected fillers with a plurality of selected trusses in an alternating sequence. The aligned trusses and fillers are pressed to form a panel core. Commercially available wire mesh is overlayed over opposing side surfaces of the panel core and the wire mesh is attached to the trusses by attaching commercially available metal ties to connection points of the wire mesh and trusses to hold the panel core together. The alignment of the fillers and trusses can be adjusted to accommodate different size fillers and/or trusses. Likewise, the positions of the fillers and/or trusses can be adjusted.

Abstract: The cable mechanism includes an elongated flexible cable that has one end portion adapted for being attached to a supporting structure, for example, the exterior surface of a building by a cleat or clamp, and an opposite end portion mounted to one end portion of an axially elongated stud. The stud has an axial intermediate threaded portion while the end portion opposite the mounting of the cable is polygonal in transverse cross section. Fasteners such as a nut and washer may be provided on the stud in an axially adjusted position to at least aid in supporting, for example, the lower surface of a bay window in a leveled condition while the cable is attached to a building by a clamp or cleat.

Abstract: A framing member incorporates a series of web slots along a portion of the member that are expanded through the process of manufacture. The expansion of the web slots creates voids and metal web elements in the webbed portion of the member, which can be a stud. The voids created during the expansion process can become the voids for running wiring, plumbing and heating ducts. The web elements can be designed to minimize thermal transmission from the exterior to the interior of a wall including the member, as well as provide adequate structure properties required from the structural member. The expanded slots allow the part to enlarge without increasing the amount of raw material and therefore substantially reducing the cost to manufacture.

Abstract: A frame structure suited for motor vehicle superstructures includes first and second beams conjoined to form a “T” and a joint which is present between the two beams. To ensure that this frame structure is of optimal weight and stiffness, the first and second beams of the frame structure are made of tubes with elliptical cross sections having secondary axes which run parallel to one another. A joint is present at the second beam and is realized as an expansion of the diameter of the first beam. When viewed lengthwise along the second beam, the joint has a defined length from the outermost edge of the first beam spanning toward the second beam.

Abstract: A formwork for forming a concrete structure, comprising a rigid tubular envelope defining a peripheral inner wall circumscribing an axial hollow, further comprising a wall assembly nested within the axial hollow of the tubular envelope and including a number of wall parts defining inside and back surfaces. The back surface of each wall part bears against a corresponding section of the envelope inner wall, and the wall parts are arranged successively one relative to the other in peripheral coextensive fashion within the tubular envelope such that the inside surfaces, in combination, configure an axial forming cavity for receiving and forming a concrete column therein. The wall assembly further comprises an impervious liner applied to the inside surface of each wall part, providing an impervious barrier between the forming cavity and the inside surface of the wall parts.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a modular framing system where single frames (1a, 1b) or structures or stacks of frames (1) or structures are arranged in adjacent to one another with their corresponding edges positioned in close proximity to one another. Each frame (1) is being formed from two horizontal and two vertical frame elements (11). A plurality of locks (2, 3) is inter-disposed between the adjacent vertical frame elements (11a, 11b), each with a frame slot (12a, 12b). At least two locks (2) are double-locking type, one inter-disposed between the top sections of the vertical frame elements (11a, 11b) and the other between the bottom sections of the vertical frame elements (11a, 11b). A plurality of locks (3) is single-locking type, which is equi-distantly installed along the length of one vertical frame element (11a) in between the two double locks (2). The double locks (2) lock both adjacent vertical frame elements (11a, 11b).

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine is configured to mold a closure directly onto a carton. The machine includes a carton erection station to receive and erect a carton and a direct injection molding station. The molding station has an internal mold tool for receipt of the carton, and an external mold tool set. The internal tool and external tool set are configured to receive and secure a portion of the carton therebetween and define a mold cavity with the portion of the carton disposed therein. The external mold tool set defines an opening for receiving a polymer injection system to inject polymer into the mold cavity. A closure is directly molded in place on the carton, with the polymer encapsulating the inner peripheral edge of the carton opening that is disposed within the mold cavity. The packaging machine also includes a filling station for filling the carton and a sealing station for forming a seal on the carton.

Abstract: A container for dispensing, storing and organizing gift wrap and related accessories is presented which includes an elongated container with a lid, dividers within the container to separate and organize the contents, and exterior slots for dispensing wrapping paper, ribbons and tape. The container may include a slot to house a pair of scissors. Additional organization or storage trays may be included, as well as space for spare supplies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filling a flexible pouch having a base and sidewalls extending from the base to define a mouth. Pouches are delivered to an infeed conveyor to a predetermined orientation and transported in a controlled manner toward a filler station. Pouches are transferred from the infeed conveyor to a transport conveyor in which the pouch is gripped adjacent to the mouth so as to be suspended from the transport conveyor. The mouth of the pouch is opened to permit filling at the filling station, the pouch passes through the filler station, and the mouth is closed and sealed prior to release from the transport conveyor.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the evacuation process in a chamber to be evacuated in a vacuum packaging machine, the switching time starting with initiation of the evacuation process until reaching a specified threshold value or switching pressure (ps) is determined, then the evacuation time required for reaching a desired ultimate pressure is extrapolated from this switching time and the evacuation process is terminated upon reaching this evacuation time.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging system for transporting a plurality of medical containers including a tray that supports the medical containers and an air impervious flexible film defining an internal cavity. The air impervious flexible film completely surrounds the tray and the medical containers. The internal cavity is evacuated to a predetermined vacuum level below atmospheric pressure. A method for packaging the plurality of medical containers for transportation in the tray includes inserting the medical containers into the tray, inserting the tray filled with medical containers into the internal cavity, evacuating the internal cavity to a predetermined vacuum pressure and sealing the flexible film such that the predetermined vacuum pressure is generally maintained in the internal cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for dividing medicinal tablets is disclosed. Apparatus according to the invention may include a plurality of tablet dividing members, a tablet retention mechanism adapted to hold one or more medicinal tablets, and a controller that causes the tablet retention mechanism to move relative to the tablet dividing members to divide the medicinal tablets into respective pluralities of tablet portions. Apparatus according to the invention may include a tablet retention mechanism adapted to hold a medicinal tablet and a controller that causes the tablet retention mechanism to move relative to the tablet dividing members to divide the medicinal tablet into at least three tablet portions.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for sealing packages 20 is to be mounted as a part of a larger packaging machine, which fills packages 20 with products or substances, preferably food or beverages but could be any other suitable substance, then closes and seals the packages using the sealing apparatus 10 by folding each package transversally, thereby closing it and sealing the transversal fold, and subsequently delivers the packages to a final folding station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping blown containers is provided. The top surfaces of a snap-on cap are preferably engaged sequentially by pressure members that traverse different segments thereof. The pressure members urge the cap over the neck of a container as they traverse the cap. The pressure members are preferably mounted to a support that is positioned above an initially loosely capped container, and resiliently urge the cap in a downward direction. The pressure exerted by each pressure member on the cap may be adjustable. The surfaces of the pressure members for engaging the cap are preferably substantially spherical.

Abstract: A vacuum belt assembly (10) to drive tubular bag material (11) through a packaging machine. The assembly (10) includes three belts (19, 20, 21) with the belts (19, 20, 21) being driven by rollers (22). The belts (20, 21) have respectively lengths (28, 29) being located in planes inclined by an angle greater than 0° but less than 180°, preferably an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A saddle fender bender for forming and maintaining a bend of approximately a ninety degree arc in a leather saddle fender lower forward portion that consists of a metal bar that is bent into an arc of approximately ninety degrees and includes tapped holes or internally threaded posts formed or attached, at spaced intervals along, the bar inner surface that align with, or fit through holes, formed through the fender and are each to receive a threaded end of a broad head bolt fitted and turned therein to where each bolt broad head undersurface engages and presses into the fender, maintaining the fender bender to the fender.

Abstract: A dust collector includes a base, a cover, and a barrel disposed between the base and the cover. The barrel includes a lower frame, an upper frame, one or more intermediate frames, and one or more telescopic tubes selectively secured to the frames, to form a spatial structure for the barrel, and the barrel is collapsible to a collapsed structure when the telescopic tube is disengaged from the lower and the upper and the intermediate frames. The intermediate frames may be received within the upper frame, and the lower frame may be received in the intermediate frames. The dust bag may be attached to the barrel with hooks or catches or clamping rings.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus having a filter retrieval apparatus, an integrated jib, and a clamping assembly for providing a seal between a filter and a cabinet.

Abstract: An adjustable height spout for an agricultural harvester may be remotely actuated by an operator. The spout may be positioned to match a height of a receptacle into which grain from the harvester is being transferred. An agricultural harvester including an adjustable height spout which may be actuated remotely by an operator.

Abstract: An inclined conveyor of an agricultural harvesting machine has at least one endless pulling element, at least one pulling-means guide operative for redirecting of the at least one endless pulling element and being pivotable, at least one tensioning device for tensioning the at least one pulling element, the tensioning device generating a return torque that acts on the at least one pulling-means guide.

Abstract: A baler with a rectangular baling chamber and in which a baling piston is accommodated. A supply channel with a supply arrangement for the conveying and compressing of crop in the supply channel and for bringing the compressed harvested crop into the baling chamber and with a sensor arrangement for the determination of the loading on at least one component of the baler. The crop to be baled is pre-compressed in the supply channel by a compression fork before it is pushed into the baling chamber by a loading fork. The sensor arrangement is configured in such a way that it detects or can detect one or more values that represent the distribution of the harvested crop with respect to the width of the supply channel.

Abstract: A lawn vacuum for removing debris from a ground surface and storing the debris including a frame, a nozzle defining an inlet and an impeller that is in communication with the nozzle to create a vacuum pressure at the inlet. A discharge adapter includes a first end mounted to an outlet end of the impeller and a discharge end. A bag assembly includes a bag, a sleeve and a lid. The discharge end of the discharge adapter is mounted to dispense debris from the impeller into a chamber. The sleeve has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a first mouth and a second mouth. The bag includes an open top end and a closed bottom end and is mounted at its top end to the first mouth such that the bag is at least partially encompassed by the sleeve to guide air toward the second mouth.

Abstract: A propulsion system for creating a propulsive force has a combustion chamber, a pair of electrodes within the combustion chamber and a power supply attached to the electrodes to create a high voltage field within an initiation zone of the combustion chamber, and an injector for introducing a propellant, preferably in atomized form, into the high voltage field for creating the propulsive force. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the propellant is hydrogen peroxide. In another embodiment of the present invention, a second propellant is introduced into the combustion chamber for increasing the propulsive force.

Abstract: The invention is a turbojet propulsion system which includes a compressor section, a turbine section coupled by a shaft to the compressor section, a combustion section mounted between the compressor section and the turbine section, and an exhaust duct coupled to the aft end of said turbine section. A fuel delivery system is incorporated for supplying fuel to the combustion section. A laser assembly provides electromagnetic radiation to the combustion section. An electrical generator coupled to the turbine driven shaft powers the laser assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating thrust from a gas turbine engine using a pulse detonation system is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a fan assembly, and a bypass duct channeling air to a core engine and the pulse detonation system. The method includes injecting a charge of fuel into a pulse detonation tube that is coupled radially outward from the core engine, and controlling a supply of air from the fan into the pulse detonation tube through an opening in the inlet end of the pulse detonation tube using a rotary valve that is positioned radially outward from the core engine.

Abstract: A variable geometry convergent-divergent nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes a centerbody extending rearward along a longitudinal axis of the engine which has a throat section of increased diameter. An inner shroud surrounds the centerbody and cooperates with the centerbody to define the throat of the nozzle. An outer shroud surrounds the inner shroud and cooperates with the centerbody to define the exit area of the nozzle. Both shrouds are independently translatable to provide independent control of the nozzle throat area and the nozzle expansion ratio.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (2) comprises a fan unit (4, 18, 36, 42, 44, 46) in flow relationship with an engine core and a bypass duct, of which said engine core and bypass duct (16) are in parallel flow relationship with each other. The engine core comprises a compressor (6), a combustor (8) and a turbine (10), with an inner casing (12) provided around said engine core which defines the engine core intake (32). The bypass duct (16) is defined by an outer casing (14) radially spaced apart from the fan unit (4, 18, 36, 42, 44, 46) and the inner casing (12) along at least part of the length of the gas turbine engine (2). Bypass air compression means (28) are provided such that, under substantially all engine power conditions, air at exit from the bypass duct (16) is at a greater pressure than air delivered to the engine core intake (32).

Abstract: A securing arrangement for securing a manifold to a casing (surrounding a rotary assembly) is disclosed the securing arrangement comprises a bracket defining a recess co-operable with a radially extending part of the casing. Securing means, provide to secure the bracket to the aforesaid radially outwardly extending part.

Abstract: An improved engine control system using a NOx sensor is disclosed. In one example, the NOx sensor structure and/or signals are modified to improve distance transmission of NOx sensor output signals so that at least some processing electronics can be relocated remote to the sensor and in an engine control unit, or other such control unit utilizing the NOx sensor signals, and controlling the NOx sensor heaters, if applicable.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine with a cylinder head, at least one outlet for exhaust gas which is formed in the cylinder head, a device for directly injecting fuel into a combustion chamber, a spark-ignition device for igniting the directly injected fuel in the combustion chamber, at least one electric drive and an exhaust gas control system which is connected downstream of the combustion chamber and has at least one catalytic converter in at least one exhaust tract. The catalytic converter which is closest to the engine in each exhaust tract is positioned in the exhaust gas control system in such a way that a length of an exhaust pipe between the outlet for exhaust gas in the cylinder head and an end face of this catalytic converter that faces the cylinder head is at least 500 mm.

Abstract: A diesel exhaust aftertreatment device regeneration system includes an exhaust conduit adapted to conduct exhaust gas to an exhaust gas aftertreatment device. The system further includes a low pressure bottom feed fuel injector having an inlet portion fully received within a chamber of an adaptor housing having a lower portion attached to the exhaust conduit. The housing is provided with fuel flow openings to allow low pressure fuel to circulate around and cool the fuel injector inlet portion within the chamber. Fuel injected into the exhaust conduit is preferably targeted toward a vaporization member, within the exhaust conduit, operative to absorb heat from the exhaust gas and vaporize fuel deposited thereon. A plurality of inwardly extending mixing baffles within the exhaust conduit intermediate the vaporization member and the aftertreatment device extend the mixing path to improve fuel vaporization for assisting regeneration of the device.

Abstract: An engine controller (20) controls regeneration of a diesel particulate filter (11) deployed along an exhaust passage (3) of a vehicle diesel engine (9). Regeneration terminates in response to a terminating request based on running conditions of the diesel engine (1). When the regeneration elapsed time at the time of termination is shorter than a reference duration, the engine controller (20) adds a time corresponding to a deviation of the regeneration elapsed time from the reference duration to the reference duration for the next regeneration of the DPF (11), thereby completely removing particulate matter accumulated in and around an inlet (18) of the filter (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the mass of NOx stored in a NOx trap in an exhaust line of a motor vehicle engine, the device comprising means for acquiring the richness of the exhaust gases, the NOx flowrate on the upstream side of the trap, and the temperature of the trap. This device further comprises means for comparing the richness to a predetermined value, first means for determining, when the exhaust gases are lean, the increase in the mass of NOx stored as a function of the mass of NOx already stored, the temperature of the trap, and the NOx flowrate on the upstream side of the trap, and second means for determining, when the exhaust gases are rich, the reduction of the mass of NOx stored as a function of the temperature of the trap and the richness of the exhaust gases.