Abstract: A plank is described wherein the plank comprises a core, and optionally, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core includes from about 30 wt % to about 95 wt % at least one polymeric material, by weight of the core, and from about 5 wt % to about 70 wt % of least one natural fiber or flour, by weight of the core, wherein the core includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and opposing sides, wherein said plank is substantially moisture resistant, having a swelling property of from about 0.5% to about 5% by NALFA Thickness Test Section 3.2 LF 01-2003 standard, and wherein said plank includes a bow of from about 0.5% to about 4%. In addition, a method of making the plank is further described.

Abstract: A roofing system formed of a plurality of support members secured to a load bearing roof deck. A plurality of roofing panels are positioned on the support members and are oriented to form overlapping joints between the panels. Sealant is positioned within the overlapping joints of the panels. A compression bar is positioned over the overlapping joints and is secured to the overlapping joints and support member by a fastener arrangement.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A three-dimensional grid panel (10) includes an intermediate grid (28) disposed between and attaching two spaced-apart grids (24, 26). Each of the two spaced-apart grids includes a first plurality of elongated components (30, 40), and a second plurality of elongated components (32, 42) oriented transverse to the first plurality of components and intersecting the first plurality of components at nodes. The intermediate grid includes a first plurality of intermediate components (46), each extending between nodes of the two spaced-apart grids, and a second plurality of intermediate components (48), each extending between nodes of the two spaced-apart grids, and oriented transverse to the first plurality of intermediate components.

Abstract: A chair for supporting and spacing post-tension cables having a generally tapered body with an upper receiving area for securing the cables and a planar base adapted to rest on a flat support surface. The body has inner and outer surfaces that are substantially complementary to one another to allow a plurality of chairs to be stacked together. The receiving area includes posts extending upwardly between notches. The posts define passageways for guiding the cables into the notches. Detents project inwardly from the tops of the posts and fixedly retain the bars within the passageways. The chair may be formed from a resilient polymeric material.

Abstract: A mounting clip is described and which includes a clip body which has an aperture formed therein; and an engaging component is provided and which is received in the aperture and which moveably mounts the clip body to a first structural member and which facilitates the movement of the clip body along individual first and second paths of travel which are substantially normal one relative to another.

Abstract: A glazing edge seal is provided so as to include an embedded stiffener which is embedded in a polymer inclusive base portion of the edge seal. The embedded stiffener is flexible so as to allow the base portion of the edge seal to be easily formed to an appropriate shape, but is rigid enough to maintain that formed shape while adhesive sets and/or cures. In certain example embodiments, the bottom surface of the edge seal is provided with a cut-out portion or cavity for receiving an adhesive(s) between the glazing and a main body of the edge seal, thereby permitting the adhesive to be controlled within a defined area, and/or to a defined thickness, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacture providing reinforced structurally functional load-bearing members, including but not limited to using thermoplastic materials, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), reinforced such as with an aluminum alloy or carbon fiber core element. Among its possible uses, the present invention has application for provision of structural support members, such as an illustrative I-joist product having a vertical center member preferably comprising HDPE, and top and bottom flanges having structurally meaningful reinforcement. The center member and flanges preferably comprising HDPE provides a relatively hard, durable, substantially weather-resistant structure.

Abstract: A construction member is described and which includes a first portion mounted on a first structural component; and a second portion mounted on a second structural component, and which matingly engages the first portion, and wherein the first and second portions facilitate the movement of the first and second structural components one relative to the other.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated outdoor column assembly with an outer wall having the appearance of masonry. The pre-fabricated column assembly includes a tubular member with an insert disposed inside the tubular member. The insert has an opening for receiving a mounting post and is disposed in spaced apart relation to the ends of the tubular member such that a first space between the insert and the tubular member and a second space between the insert and the tubular member are formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device 10 for stabilising ladders 60 that bridge a floor 70 and an elevated structure, such as an elevated floor 70 in a multi-storey construction. The device 70 includes a body that is fixable to the elevated structure and an arm 50 extending from the body. The arm 50 has a tab 52 which engages a beam 64 of the ladder 60 when the ladder 60 is abutting an edge 40 of the body. In this arrangement, outward sliding movement of a heel of the ladder is prevented and thus the ladder 60 is stabilised.

Abstract: An adjustable wall system comprising horizontal and vertical members for forming a frame. Panels including mounting elements for being removably mounted to two adjacent vertical members of the frame thus forming a wall run. The vertical members include protrusions to be mounted by the mounting elements. The vertical and horizontal members may be provided with mutually mating locators. Surface mounting elements are provided to be mounted to a surface, the vertical members are mounted to these elements. A region of the vertical members is exposed between adjacent panels. This region can be used to mount display members and he like thereto or be used as a spacer. Levelers are used to bolt the freestanding wall runs to the floor. Perpendicular tabs on the horizontal members are used to connect them to other horizontal members creating dividing wall runs on straight wall runs. Angular or curved brackets are used to shape the wall run accordingly.

Abstract: A self-supporting construction element (1) is described, comprising: a) an elongated body (2) made of expanded plastic material; substantially parallelepipedic and provided with respectively lower (8) and upper (9) opposite faces; b) at least one reinforcing section bar (12, 13) transversely extending in the body (2) between the faces (8, 9); wherein the elongated body (2) made of expanded plastic material is provided with at least one recess (14, 27) open at an upper side for housing a concrete casting (15) and wherein the reinforcing section bar (12, 13) extends at least in part in the aforementioned at least one recess (14, 27). Advantageously, the construction element (1) exhibits both optimum self-supporting characteristics and a good fire resistance in case of fire.

Abstract: The present invention is related to inflatable devices, and, more specifically, to inflatable devices in combination with rigid surfaces and a method for deflating an inflatable device. According to one embodiment of the present invention an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and an outlet in the bladder. The inflatable device also includes a first substantially rigid surface in contact with a first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder and a second substantially rigid surface in contact with the first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder. In this embodiment, the first and second substantially rigid surfaces collectively are in contact with more than half of the first surface of the fluid impermeable barrier. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of deflating an inflatable device is provided.

Abstract: Methods for sterilizing containers, which include sterilizing preformed, or partially preformed, aseptic containers. The method includes sterilizing the containers, heating the sterilized containers to an appropriate temperature, molding the heated containers, or partially preformed containers, by an orientation blow molding process, if necessary, and filling the molded containers with an aseptic material. The filled containers are then hermetically sealed with an aseptic closure. The sterilizing is accomplished within an enclosure completely filled with an atmosphere consisting of ozone in air, and further by bringing a sterilizing fluid consisting of ozone in oxygen, or ozone in air, or ozone dissolved in water into contact with internally disposed surfaces of the containers, and injecting the gaseous mixtures containing ozone, or ozonated water, into the empty preformed containers.

Abstract: The invention discloses a waste disposal apparatus including a waste packet forming device integrated with a tool for cutting the packet, and a method for using the apparatus. The disclosed integrated twist-and-cut system provides an improvement over existing waste disposal systems by reducing steps in the disposal of waste material.

Abstract: The automatic utensil wrapping machine is an apparatus for wrapping a napkin around one or more utensils for use as a place setting. The apparatus comprises a housing, a support frame and an assembly of elements mounted to the support frame. The assembly of elements includes a napkin lifting station, a napkin wrapping station, a napkin transfer station, a utensil transfer station, and a napkin folding station. The apparatus wraps each napkin around a predetermined amount of utensils without the need for human contact. The napkins are wrapped by first positioning a stack of napkins on the lifting station, then individually transferring napkins from the lifting station to the wrapping station. The utensils are then transferred from the individual cartridges and placed onto the napkin. Two opposing corners of the napkin are then folded over and the napkin is subsequently wrapped around the utensils.

Abstract: A transport device is provided comprising an actuator, a body coupled to the actuator, and a plurality of arms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for sealing a container. The method includes, providing at least two components of the container, positioning a crushable material between the at least two components, positioning a reactive multilayer material between the at least two components, deforming the crushable material so as to form a seal between the at least two components, chemically transforming the reactive multilayer material so as to join the at least two components.

Abstract: A system for sealing a packaging wrapper around an object directs a flow of heated air to end flaps of the wrapper to move the end flaps into sealing contact with a body section of the wrapper to substantially enclose the object. The system includes an oven, a conveyor, a source of heated air and a means for deflecting the flow of heated air to the conveyor to seal end flaps of the wrapper with a body section of the wrapper. In use, an object surrounded by the wrapper body section is moved through the oven on a conveying surface of the conveyor, and heated air is moved through the oven bypassing the conveying surface to a region below the conveying surface. The heated air flow then encounters the means for deflecting the heated air flow, which directs the air flow upward and through the conveying surface to impact and move the end flaps into sealing contact with the wrapper body section.

Abstract: The present invention is a two part horse cover comprising a saddle pad and detachable quarter sheet providing protection of the large muscles of the horses hind quarters while riding in cold or foul weather, and straps for holding the quarter sheet to the saddle pad in a rolled up position and a tail strap for keeping the quarter sheet in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filter air entering an animal's nostrils include a filtering element operatively disposed with a lower portion contacting the animal's nose region between the animal's nostrils and upper lip. A nose mask may be secured against the animal's nose region with adhesive or one or more stretchable bands extending around a portion of the head of the animal.

Abstract: An improved multiple segment baghouse filter, and a kit and method for replacing or repairing existing, damaged baghouse filters. Instead of removing and replacing the entire length of a damaged filter, a separate repair portion is spliced into the filter. A damaged bag section is removed, and the undamaged remainder is trimmed and folded. The kit has a spool-like splicing drum that forms a junction between the undamaged and damaged repair sections. The molded plastic splicing drum comprises a central, reduced diameter annular region from which a pair of diverging edge segments integrally extend. The outwardly flared wedge portions terminate in lips that aid in securing filter segment ends which are drawn over the lips and retained upon the wedge segments. The new filter design employs the splicing drums as original equipment, reducing the complexity and difficulty of subsequent filter repairs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter unit for an air conditioner, which is provided at an indoor unit for the air conditioner so as to purify the air discharged to a room. The filter unit includes a filter for purifying air, a filter case accommodated in the filter and having a filter gate at a side thereof for placing/withdrawing the filter, and a cover for opening/closing the filter gate.

Abstract: A portable air purifier for purifying air in selected occupied spaces, comprising a base for attaching to a support in the space, a housing pivotally mounted to the base, a fan mounted within the housing and having an air inlet and an air outlet for communicating air through the housing and at least one air treatment device supported in the housing for acting upon air communicated by the fan.

Abstract: The invention refers to a screen for gases intended to prevent passage of particles bigger than different, defined dimensions at the same time as the pressure drop existing over the screen is as low as possible. The screen is built up of rings connected together to a cylindrical package, which are individually separated by spacers in order to create slits between the rings which have dimensions adapted to the actual particles.

Abstract: An air-purifying device whose space for installation has an elongated shape, air to which is supplied through a duct or a tube, and which can uniformly cause the air to exit the surrounding space. It comprises a hollow cylindrical filter (3) made by forming a filter media (1) in a cylindrical shape having an air passage (2) in the central hollow portion, and a pair of air intake members (6) made of a hollow cylindrical body that has a closed bottom (4) having an air intake hole (5) tightly fixed with sealing material on both ends of the hollow cylindrical filter so that the hole communicates with the air passage.

Abstract: A bracket system holds a filter(s) in quick-attach and quick-release fashion. Brackets are combined in modular fashion, with conduit between the brackets, to create a “bank” of filters easily changed in number, arrangement, and flow scheme. Top brackets and bottom brackets capture/support the top end and bottom end of a filter, respectively, and filter inlet and outlet ports preferably slide onto and off of cooperating tubes/ports in the bracket modules without tools or threaded connections. A retainer may pivot on and off of its respective filter, holding the filter in place and releasing the filter, respectively. After pivoting the retainer up from the filter, the filter may be lifted up off of its respective bottom module, so that the filter is substantially vertically and pivotally removable from the bracket system.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a honeycomb structural body with a long service life, which can reduce a pressure loss to a low level upon collecting particulates and maintain the pressure loss at the low level for a long time even after regenerating processes. The honeycomb structural body includes a columnar porous ceramic block in which a large number of through holes are placed in parallel with one another in the length direction with a wall portion interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Actuating device for a pond care device for removing filamentous algae. Due to the specific design of the operating device, it is ensured that the operating forces for the grip are the same for all devices, incorrect operation due to incorrect interpretation of the functioning of the device is constructively excluded, and a difficult rethreading due to drawing the grip out too far is also no longer required. Especially for larger ponds, work is made easier by the motor-driven rotational movement of the brush, which can be achieved either through a motor packet integrated into the tube or through an externally attached commercially available screwdriver.

Abstract: A riding-type mower includes a plurality of wheels, a body supported by the plurality of wheels, at least one draft link couplable at one end to the body, a pair of support links coupled at one end to the body and arranged rearwardly from the at least one draft link, and a mower unit whose front is supported from the body via the at least one draft link and whose rear is supported from the body by the pair of support links.

Abstract: A vibration transporter for harvesting fruit which includes an inclined platform that receives falling fruit at an upper end and delivers the fruit to a lower end. The platform vibrates to move the fruit from the upper end to the lower end and is coupled to an orbiting shaft eccentrically mounted to a driven shaft. The speed of rotation of the driven shaft is selected to be commensurate with the vertical displacement of the platform so that the fruit bounces toward the lower end of the platform during upward travel of the vibrating platform.

Abstract: In a roller chain having cylindrical pins rotatably fitting into bushings on which the rollers are disposed, a vanadium carbide layer formed on the cylindrical pin surfaces avoids abnormal wear elongation of the chain, and allows smooth articulation of the chain over a long period of time, even when the lubricating oil is in an extremely deteriorated condition due to oxidation.

Abstract: Methods of weaving decorative rope chains are disclosed. Chain links having gaps are assembled with all of the gaps oriented in the same direction. Accordingly, the links are interconnected one into the next in a helix configuration with each of the gaps facing in the same direction. One or more wire strands may be intertwined in the valleys of the helix configuration and remain in place to retain the helix configuration. The resulting rope chain itself may be used to form links for forming new types of chains.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cost effectively forming jewelry chains that simulate the appearance of particular types of conventional chain using substantially rigid sections. The rigid sections are interconnected by conventionally formed flexible sections of conventional chain. The result is that the overall jewelry chain appears as an integral and homogenous chain having a consistent aesthetic appearance. The resulting chains also provide flexibility through the use of the one or more flexible sections of conventionally formed chains. The rigid sections may be formed by cutting lengths of material upon which chain simulation patterns have been formed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assembling a gas turbine engine are provided. The method includes coupling a first turbine shaft that includes m rows of turbine blades within the gas turbine such that the first turbine shaft is rotatable in a first direction, and coupling a second turbine shaft that includes n rows of turbine blades within the gas turbine such that the second turbine shaft is rotatable in a second direction wherein a torque split between the first and second turbine shafts is substantially proportional to the number of rows of turbine blades on each shaft relative to a total number of rows of blades on both shafts, and wherein m and n are selected to provide a torque split between the first turbine shaft and second turbine shaft of greater than about 1.2:1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas turbine power generating system capable of achieving a high output power and a high power generating efficiency under conditions with a small amount of supplied water and less change in design of a gas turbine. A fine water droplet spraying apparatus (11) is disposed in a suction air chamber (22) on the upstream side of an air compressor (2), and a moisture adding apparatus (7) for adding moisture to high pressure air supplied from the compressor (2) is disposed. A regenerator (5) for heating the air to which moisture has been added by using gas turbine exhaust gas a heat source is also provided. With this configuration, there can be obtain an effect of reducing a power for the compressor (2) and an effect of increasing the output power due to addition of moisture to air (20) for combustion. Further, since the used amount of fuel is reduced by adopting a regenerating cycle, the power generating efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A lightweight rocket engine combustion chamber and an associated method are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the combustion chamber includes an inner liner defining an inlet and an outlet, and at least one bonding strip attached to the liner. The combustion chamber also includes a structural jacket bonded to the bonding strip.

Abstract: A method and device for operating an internal combustion engine, which diagnose and/or adapt the exhaust-gas recirculation system for, in particular, multibranch internal combustion engines. In this context, the internal combustion engine includes at least one adsorption catalyst in at least one exhaust branch. In addition, at least one exhaust-gas recirculation duct is provided, which is equipped with an exhaust-gas recirculation valve and feeds exhaust gas from the at least one exhaust branch back into at least one air-supply duct, a level of pollutant stored in the at least one adsorption catalyst being ascertained in a first operating state of the internal combustion engine when the exhaust-gas recirculation valve is at least partially open, so that a first value for the pollutant level is produced. In a second operating state of the internal combustion engine, a second value for the pollutant level in the at least one adsorption catalyst is ascertained when exhaust-gas recirculation valve is closed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing harmful gases from an automobile exhaust. The method of the invention comprises contacting a thermally stable NOx trap composition with a first exhaust gas mixture at a temperature of at least 200° C. The first exhaust gas mixture includes exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine operating in a fuel-lean condition. After, NOx has been absorbed onto the NOx absorber material, the NOx trap composition is then contacted with a second exhaust gas composition. In this step, the second exhaust gas mixture includes exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine operating in a fuel-rich condition. The present invention also provides the NOx trap composition used in the method. The NOx trap of the invention includes a precious metal, a NOx absorber material, an oxide that inhibits the decrease in NOx storing ability of the NOx trap composition, and a support material.

Abstract: In a method for the control of the supplied air/fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine (1) with a catalytic converter (5) which is located in the exhaust gas line (2) with an integrated oxygen reservoir (6), it is suggested that the air/fuel ratio be controlled as a function of at least one parameter of the internal combustion engine (1), at least one parameter of the catalytic converter (5), and/or as a function of the type and amount of the exhaust gas emissions currently occurring, in order to optimize the speed for adjustment of the admission or discharge of oxygen in the oxygen reservoir (6) contained in the catalytic converter (5) for favorable conversion of the exhaust gas emissions during transient operation of the internal combustion engine (1) and after deviations from the air/fuel ratio ?=1.

Abstract: In a method for the control of the supplied air/fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine (1) with a catalytic converter (5) which is located in the exhaust gas line (2) with an integrated oxygen reservoir (6), it is proposed that the air/fuel ratio be controlled as a function of at least one parameter of the internal combustion engine (1), at least one parameter of the catalytic converter (5), and/or as a function of the type and amount of the exhaust gas emissions which are currently occurring, in order to optimize the relative degree of filling of the oxygen reservoir (6) which is contained in the catalytic converter (5) for favorable conversion of the exhaust gas emissions. According to the proposal, matching to the current conversion demand and the current conversion performance is enabled and thus overall improved exhaust gas conversion is implemented.

Abstract: This invention relates to estimation of a particulate matter deposit amount in a diesel particulate filter (1) provided in an exhaust passage (7) of a vehicle diesel engine (10). When the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed, a differential pressure method, in which the particulate matter deposit amount is estimated based on the differential pressure upstream and downstream of the filter (1), is applied, and when the vehicle speed does not exceed the predetermined vehicle speed, an accumulation method, in which the particulate matter deposit amount is estimated by accumulating an increment determined from the load and rotation speed of the diesel engine (10), is applied. When switching from the differential pressure method to the accumulation method, the particulate matter deposit amount determined in the differential pressure method is used as an initial value of the accumulation, and thus the particulate matter deposit amount can be determined accurately.

Abstract: A method of avoiding damage to a decoupling hose mounted between two tubes of a motor vehicle exhaust system, said hose comprising a deformable inner portion, an outer sealing leakproofing portion in the form of a continuous and leaktight sleeve having a flexible central zone and two rigid endpieces, and an intermediate portion in the form of a wad of thermal lagging extending substantially over the entire length of the outer sleeve, each rigid endpiece extending at least over a length such that its peripheral end edge connected to the flexible central zone overlies the inner portion of the hose which is subjected to deformation, wherein, in order to avoid any damage to the wad of thermal lagging by said peripheral end edge of each endpiece, the method consists in defining the effective length of the endpieces in such a manner that for the wad of thermal lagging having an initial thickness H0 and a compressed thickness Hc when compressed by said peripheral edge of each endpiece during maximum transverse defle

Abstract: An exhaust manifold for a power system has a first pipe section with at least one inlet configured to fluidly connect the first pipe section to the power system. The exhaust manifold also has a second pipe section disposed adjacent the first pipe section with at least one inlet configured to fluidly connect the second pipe section to the power system. The exhaust manifold further has at least one outlet in fluid communication with the first pipe section and the second pipe section, and at least one bridge member rigidly connecting the first pipe section and the second pipe section.

Abstract: A pump-motor unit (35) including a swashplate (95) having a neutral position (FIG. 3) and first and second displaced positions and comprising first (87) and second (89) pressure actuators associated with the swashplate. Displacement of the swashplate is proportional to substantially only the difference in fluid pressure between a high pressure source (41) and a low pressure source (39). The first pressure actuator includes a first control piston (121) having a first effective area (A1), and the second pressure actuator includes a second control piston (127) having a second effective area (A2), the second effective area being at least somewhat greater than the first effective area. If the high and low pressure sources are at substantially the same pressure, the pressure acting on both of the first and second effective areas will displace the swashplate from neutral toward the second displaced position.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission vehicle comprises: a fuel adjustment position detection portion (681) which detects an operation position of a fuel adjustment portion (68); a deceleration operation position detection portion (691) which detects an operation quantity of a deceleration operation portion (69); and a controller (9) which controls a displacement of a hydrostatic transmission (7), and the controller (9) comprises: an operation state judgment portion (91) which judges operation states of the fuel adjustment portion (68) and the deceleration operation portion (69) based on detection values acquired by the fuel adjustment position detection portion (681) and the deceleration operation position detection portion (691); and a displacement control command generation portion (94) which generates a displacement control command which differs depending on a case where an engine revolution number is restricted by the fuel adjustment portion (68) and a case where an engine revolution number is restricted by the dec

Abstract: Embodiments relate to braking high-speed rotational cutting equipment. In particular, some embodiments relate to forestry machinery having a cutting or mower apparatus, and further having a hydraulic brake. The brake includes a counterbalance valve which pressurizes fluid at the motor outlet to a predetermined level when flow of hydraulic fluid from a pump to a motor is discontinued. The hydraulic brake may include a restrictor orifice to reduce sudden pressure increases on the motor. The predetermined pressure level may be between about 2000 psi and about 4000 psi and the orifice may have a diameter of between about 0.025 and 0.040 inches. The counterbalance vent port can hydraulically connect to the motor case line. An anticavitation valve can be at the counterbalance valve port can supply fluid to the motor inlet after the flow from the pump discontinues. Additional embodiments include related hydraulic control systems and methods.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes an internal combustion engine with a turbocharger. The turbocharger includes a compressor with an outlet coupled to an intake of the engine and a turbine coupled to an exhaust manifold of the engine. A a turbocharger speed estimate is determined from engine speed and a ratio between inlet and boost pressure for the compressor. The turbocharger speed estimate is further adjusted as a function of compressor boost pressure variation with time.