Abstract: The present invention relates to a sectional floor-covering capable of adjusting level, which includes a height adjusting block; a supporter coupled to the upper surface of the height adjusting block; slip floorings coupled to the upper surface of the supporter; and horizon adjusting devices mounted to the height adjusting block. The height adjusting blocks and supporters are assembled and installed at a desired position, and slip floorings are mounted and fixed on the assembled height adjusting blocks and supporters so as to install the floor to a wanted height.

Abstract: A ceiling system including a base ceiling structure for suspending from a structural member of a building, a substrate attached to the base ceiling structure, and a sprayable reinforcing material adhered to the substrate. The sprayable reinforcing material and the substrate together form a self-supporting composite material. A method of forming the coated ceiling structure includes the steps of providing a base ceiling structure having an outer surface, applying a foam material in a fluid state to the outer surface of the base ceiling structure, and solidifying the foam material to form a rigid reinforcing layer on the base ceiling structure. Alternatively, the base ceiling structure is a non-self-supporting material, and a reinforcing material is sprayed onto an outer surface of the base ceiling structure. The reinforcing material and the non-self-supporting material together form a self-supporting composite structure.

Abstract: A drywall panel installation tool provides engagement for the trailing edge of a drywall panel that is being installed having an internal or external radius curved surface. The tool may include a first flat plate having apertures therein for insertion of the fasteners, a second surface extending from a longitudinal edge of the flat plate and a flange or lip for engaging an edge of the drywall panel, the flange extending from a second longitudinal edge of the flat plate in a direction opposite to that of the extension of the first surface.

Abstract: Repair strips can be inserted between courses of shakes or shingles in a wooden shake or shingle roof. The repair strip has a thin upper edge for insertion into the interface between two courses of shakes or shingles. A lower part of the repair strip is structured to provide air channels on one or both of its top and bottom faces. Gripping members may be provided to hold the repair strips in place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a glue-coated element, to the glue-coated element, to an adhesive compound and to a method for producing glue-coated derived timber panels, as well as to panels produced according to the method. The method for producing a glue-coated element that can be glued with other similarly glue-coated elements, comprises the steps of applying a one-component adhesive to at least one surface section of the element and drying the applied one-component adhesive. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, draw-out resistance elements are provided on the glue-covered element.

Abstract: A rectangular base body of a load support of a carrier has an adjacent pair of first lateral sides, and an adjacent pair of second lateral sides respectively connected to the first lateral sides. Each first lateral side is formed with inwardly extending first dovetail recesses spaced apart from each other, and first male dovetail portions, each of which is defined by an adjacent pair of the first dovetail recesses. Each second lateral side is formed with second male dovetail portions spaced apart from each other, shaped to correspond with the first dovetail recesses, and disposed on the second lateral sides at locations corresponding to those of the first dovetail recesses in the first lateral sides, and second dovetail recesses, each of which is defined by an adjacent pair of the second male dovetail portions, disposed at locations corresponding to those of the first male dovetail portions.

Abstract: A connection node for a double layer grid or truss system has at least one diagonal flange receiving a pair of diagonal framing members having surfaces that lie in a single diagonal plane parallel to the flange(s). Use of co-planar diagonal members that can be at various diagonal angles or vertical, simplifies node connections and permits variations in bay spacing to produce interesting architectural effects and to provide greater member density where structural loads are greater.

Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: Method of providing a reinforced substrate includes providing a base layer, providing a reinforcing mesh on the base layer and providing an adhesive strip. The adhesive strip includes an adhesive and a backing covering the adhesive. The adhesive strip is put on at least a portion of the reinforcing mesh, and force is applied to the adhesive strip to adhere the adhesive strip to the base layer and to the reinforcing mesh, so that the reinforcing mesh is secured to the base layer. The resultant reinforced substrate may include a reinforcing mesh having longitudinal and transverse wires which are surrounded by a solid adhesive on the adhesive strip to reduce or eliminate movement of the reinforcing mesh during the making of the reinforced substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, a method and a device for manufacturing a truss of framework from joined bar-elements and connection-elements inserted therebetween at joints, the bar-elements consisting of at least one segment of a material of high-growing plants, and the connection-elements consisting of a rigid, regenerative material. The ends of the bar-elements and/or the connection-elements are machined to exhibit surfaces of geometrical bodies, such that in the area of the joint, on each of the two bodies there is provided one surface which is a cylinder, cone, prism or pyramid, at least in selected areas, as well as another complementary surface which can be respectively plugged together with adjoining surfaces. The device comprises a cutting tool for machining of at least one connection-element and/or of the ends of bar-elements which are to be joined thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongate retaining element for building sheets, having in plane perpendicular to its direction of elongation, a head part which is substantially triangular in cross section. The head part including one or more movable rotationally symmetrical elements. The movable rotationally symmetrical elements are positioned at one or more vertices of the triangle. The head part includes one or more mountings in which the elements for engaging the building sheet are mounted. The mountings are attached to the head part by fixing elements.

Abstract: The device for connecting profiles comprises a body exhibiting first and second connecting means on each of its opposed walls adapted for respectively engaging on a first and second portion of each profile, the first and the second portion being at different distances from the axis of said profile.

Abstract: A metallic joist is provided comprising cold-formed top and bottom chords, and cold-formed metallic truss web members arranged in a vertical and diagonal fashion shop welded to the chords. End connections, or “seats” are each shop welded to the top chord and to one of the webs. Each seat comprises a pair of vertical metallic planes that act as shear plates, welded to and extending outwardly and upwardly of the end portion of the top chord of the joist, and portions extending horizontally either side of the chord and punched with holes for easy field bolting to beams or other supporting elements. Each of the chords comprises a planar base and a pair of legs. Each leg comprises a chamfered portion extending downward and outward from one edge of the base at an acute angle to the horizontal; e.g., about 45 degrees, for stiffening the longitudinal edges of the base, to accommodate axial and moment forces.

Abstract: A side member for a vehicle is formed by an extruded profile as well as a closed profile which are both constructed as open profiles with an approximately L-shaped cross-section. On the interior side of the extruded profile, a hollow chamber is situated which is removed in sections along the longitudinal course of the side member in order to achieve a targeted compression behavior (folding) of the side member in the event of an impact of the vehicle. Bushes for receiving the chassis components are inserted in the extruded profile. Like the partial weakening of the hollow chamber, the insertion of bushes takes place before the closing of the side member by connecting the profiles.

Abstract: A hide-a-nail sliding strip is described comprising a combination washer and spacer device and a sliding L-connector. The washer/spacer is embedded in an elongated slot on the face of the L-connector, allowing the connector to freely move. Double-sided tape and a tack are also provided on the L-connector. When applying vinyl trim, a nail is first inserted through the washer and the hide-a-nail strip is secured. A strip of vinyl trim is then pressed against the tape and tack. The sliding strip decreases pinching the trim and allows for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, thus decreasing rippling or buckling.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar coupler is provided to couple a pair of reinforcing bars with a mechanical coupling method, thus ensuring a prompt and easy coupling operation and allowing the reinforcing bars to be firmly coupled to each other. The reinforcing bar coupler includes a cylindrical base sleeve. The base sleeve is open at a surface thereof, and has a first seating groove on an inner surface thereof so that the ends of the reinforcing bars are seated therein, and a pair of first locking parts each having a first slanted surface. A cover sleeve has a second seating groove on a surface thereof to cover the reinforcing bars seated in the first seating groove of the base sleeve. A wedge has a pair of second locking parts each having a second slanted surface, and is fitted into the base sleeve to wedge the cover sleeve and the reinforcing bars into the base sleeve.

Abstract: The device comprises a vertical structural channel from which and through which supporting elements can be positioned such that a single installer can position and fix multiples of building siding without the aide of a second installer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing water protection to roof structures as well as the improved roof structures formed by the methods. The methods comprise providing one or more water resistant roof sheathing panels and installing the roof sheathing panel(s) on a roof structure of a building. Each of the roof sheathing panels comprises a wood sheet product and a nonwoven fabric mat adhered to at least one side of the wood sheet product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing water protection to exterior and interior wall structures as well as the improved wall structures formed by the methods. The methods comprise providing one or more water resistant wall sheathing panels and installing the wall sheathing panel(s) on a wall structure of a building. Each of the wall sheathing panels comprises a wood sheet product and a nonwoven fabric mat adhered to at least one side of the wood sheet product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of providing water protection to floor structures as well as the improved floor structures formed by the methods. The methods comprise providing one or more water resistant floor sheathing panels and installing the floor sheathing panel(s) on a floor structure of a building. Each of the floor sheathing panels comprises a wood sheet product and a nonwoven fabric mat adhered to at least one side of the wood sheet product.

Abstract: A method for installing siding panels to a building includes providing a foam backing board having alignment ribs on a front surface and a drainage grid on a back surface and then establishing a reference line at a lower end of the building for aligning a lower edge of a first backing board and tacking thereon. Tabs and slots along vertical edges of the foam backing board align and secure adjacent backing boards to each other. A siding panel is butted against one of the lower alignment ribs and secured thereto. Another siding panel is butted against and secured to an adjacent alignment rib to form a shadow line between the adjacent siding panels on the building.

Abstract: A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach orthogonally to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

Abstract: The present invention, in various embodiments, includes novel system and method to design and construct natural stone facade and flooring. In one embodiment, natural stones products are individually characterized and positioned based on design requirements for construction at the project site. In another embodiment, characterized natural stones are preassembled in modular units prior to shipment to the project site. In another embodiment, characterized natural stone products are preassembled in modular units to effect desired designs, textures or patterns at any project site.

Abstract: A connector is provided for coupling a veneer panel to a back-up wall. The connector includes a veneer connector and a support member. The support member includes a mounting flange. The mounting flange is adapted for securing the support member to the back-up wall. The support member further includes a first support member side wall and a second support member side wall. The first and second support member side walls extend outwardly from the mounting flange, and are connected to the mounting flange along a generally vertical line. The veneer connector is adapted to support a generally horizontal edge of the veneer panel. The veneer connector is connectable with respect to the support member for support by the first and second side walls.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a weather resistant wooden door and methods for manufacturing and assembling the weather resistant wooden door. The weather resistant wooden door includes at least two stiles, a bottom rail, and a top rail configured to form the door assembly. A moisture resistant overlay is attached to either the aforementioned door components before assembly into a door or to the door assembly itself. The overlay is bonded to the underlying member by placing the overlay and member into a press where the pressure in the press is elevated for a predetermined amount of time. The overlay inhibits the infiltration of moisture from the environment.

Abstract: A decorative cover positionable about a flower pot or floral grouping is formed of a polymeric material or a laminated polymeric material. The decorative cover has a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof while exhibiting improved durability and decreased sensitivity to water, humidity and pressure when compared to a decorative cover formed of paper. In addition to the texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper, the decorative cover may further be provided with printed and/or embossed patterns, which may be in or out of register with one another.

Abstract: A bag having a reclosable sealer and methods of forming and using the same are provided. The bag, for example, can include a tube body having a plurality of laminated layers. A reclosable sealer can be attached to a first wall of the tube body. When the bag is in an open bag position, a first portion of the reclosable sealer is separated from a second portion of the reclosable sealer. When the reclosable sealer is in the closed seal position, the first portion of the reclosable sealer contacts the second portion of the reclosable sealer forming a seal to thereby allow the bag to be readily opened and closed. Peripheral portions of the bag can remain unsealed after initial opening when the reclosable sealer is in the closed seal position to indicate that initial opening has occurred and that tampering with the bag may have occurred.

Abstract: A combination sealing and labeling tape for marking storage containers with a set of indicia corresponding to the contents of the container. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes use with containers for storage or moving items. The label consists of a flexible strip of material with an adhesive backing, and an exposed surface that includes pre-printed indicia.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for vacuum sealing a plastic bag and/or container and a method of controlling the apparatus.

Abstract: An insertable airway member (700, 1200, 1300) provides an escape path for air during evacuation of a heat-sealable bag (600) to protect a perishable or vacuum-packable item (1000). The member (700) extends from the open edge (602) of the bag inwardly to the contents being sealed in the bag. The member is made of flexible, woven plastic mesh with open cells (800) comprising fiber strands (705) and knots (805) with holes (900). In an alternative embodiment, the airway member (1200, 1300) is rigid or semi-rigid and provided with channels (1205) or grooves (1305) to permit the escape of air from the bag during evacuation. The bag is evacuated and then heat-sealed. During heat-sealing of the bag, the sandwich comprising the airway member and the opposed sides of the bag near its open edge are forced together by heated clamps (22) of a known heat-sealing apparatus (400).

Abstract: The invention involves a method and a system and use of the method for wrapping one or more objects (6) in stretch film, said film (1) comprising a tube-like section, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the object or objects to be wrapped, said film comprising a first end (2) and a second opposite end (4), wherein the film is opened at its first end and provided with a number of folds transversally of its longitudinal axis, following which the film is expanded diametrically.

Abstract: A device for wrapping an object of substantially cuboid shape with predetermined width, length and thickness having top and bottom faces opposed in a thickness direction, front and rear end faces opposed in a longitudinal direction, and right and left side faces opposed in a width direction, in a wrapping material fusible by heating. The device has a mounting table, a movable folder, and a front face heater to heat the wrapping material to a fusing temperature. The mounting table has a front bottom step. The movable folder has a front top step movable toward the mounting table. The front top step is adapted to face the front bottom step in the thickness direction when the movable folder is moved to the mounting table. The front face heater is movable between the front bottom step and the front top step to fuse the wrapping material of the front end face.

Abstract: A bag having a reclosable sealer and methods of forming and using the same are provided. The bag, for example, can include a tube body having a plurality of laminated layers. A reclosable sealer can be attached to a first wall of the tube body. When the bag is in an open bag position, a first portion of the reclosable sealer is separated from a second portion of the reclosable sealer. When the reclosable sealer is in the closed seal position, the first portion of the reclosable sealer contacts the second portion of the reclosable sealer forming a seal to thereby allow the bag to be readily opened and closed. Peripheral portions of the bag can remain unsealed after initial opening when the reclosable sealer is in the closed seal position to indicate that initial opening has occurred and that tampering with the bag may have occurred.

Abstract: A pack sealing method and device in which a slit tubular member (16) is slidably fitted around a wrapped portion of a pack (8) (a bag or envelope made of a diverse material while having a diverse size and a diverse shape) formed as a portion of the pack (8) near an opening (4) of the pack (8) is wrapped around a rod member (14), in a state in which a diverse liquid, gaseous, and solid material or object is put into the pack (8) through the opening (4). The rod member (14?) is fixedly bonded to the inner or outer surface of the pack (8) or separate from the pack (8). Where the pack (8) is a zipper pack provided with a zipper, this zipper functions as the rod member.

Abstract: A method for processing envelopes including the steps of providing a plurality of generally aligned envelopes and compressing the plurality of envelopes together. The method further includes the step of placing a band around the compressed envelopes such that the band retains the plurality of envelopes in a state of compression.

Abstract: A saddle for equestrian use has within its panels sealed air bags which serve to apply a relatively even pressure to the back of the horse. The air bags are within a pocket in the panel and the pocket contains adjustable packing formed by a series of replaceable foam inserts selectively insertable into the pocket to lie at the side of the air bags remote from the horse.

Abstract: A filter system includes a filter configured to regulate fuel pressure as well as automatically vent air from the filter. A pressure regulator valve is positioned in the top of a standpipe of the filter. The filter includes a filter cartridge with top and bottom end caps. The top end cap of the filter cartridge has a hole with radial sealing gasket, which seals against the top of the standpipe to prohibit flow from bypassing the filter cartridge. This arrangement exposes the regulator valve to the fuel and/or air at the top of the filter housing. Pressure in the housing opens the valve, allowing air and/or fuel to be vented through the standpipe, and back to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A cyclone dust-collecting apparatus and a vacuum cleaner having the same are provided. The cyclone dust-collecting apparatus including: a cyclone body having a suction part through which air is drawn in and a discharge part through which the air is discharged; a grill connected to the discharge part, for filtering the air; a dirt receptacle connected to the cyclone body, for collecting dirt separated from the air which is drawn in through the suction part; and a downstream guide part for preventing dirt collected in the dirt receptacle from being scattered, and, of the dirt included in the drawn-in air, downward guiding a dirt having at least one of a predetermined weight and a predetermined size in a spiral direction by a flux of the air to the dirt receptacle.

Abstract: A portable air cleaner having a vertical orientation with a small footprint that uses an electrostatic precipitator to remove small particles from the air in combination with forced air for increased air flow and improved particle removal.

Abstract: An air filter including a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face. The truncated pleat tips are oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating and are configured with a planar tip portion. The reinforcement structure includes at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of the pleating and connected to the truncated pleat tips along the rear face. The reinforcing structure further includes at least one generally planar second reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the truncate pleat tips along the front face.

Abstract: A self-cleaning porous cermet material, filter and system utilizing the same may be used in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The porous cermet filter may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an alumina phase. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The porous filter may also be electrically conductive so that a current may be passed therethrough to heat the filter during use. Further, a heating element may be incorporated into the porous cermet filter during manufacture. This heating element can be coated with a ceramic material to electrically insulate the heating element. An external heating element may also be provided to heat the cermet filter during use.

Abstract: A mower comprising a mower housing with an open bottom for mowing underneath the housing. A mower blade is positioned with the housing and is driven by a motor mounted to the housing. A linkage assembly attaches a prime mover to the housing and supports the mower relative to the prime mover wherein the linkage assembly provides vertical and rotational movement of the housing about an axis along a path of travel of the mower.

Abstract: A walk-behind implement, e.g., lawn mower, having a handle system including a handle assembly and, in one embodiment, a handle assembly release apparatus. The release apparatus may permit unlocking of the handle assembly, relative to a housing of the implement, from a first operating position. Once unlocked, the handle assembly may be moved, e.g., pivoted, to a second storage position. In one embodiment, the release apparatus may include a lever member that may be actuated by the application of a force applied by an operator, e.g., via hand or foot. The handle assembly may alternatively or additionally include an upper section that is adjustably positionable relative to a lower section.

Abstract: A ground speed control system for an outdoor power equipment unit comprises a slidable handle grip that moves up and down on a handle to decrease and increase the ground speed, respectively. A pivotal control lever is provided on the handle grip. The pivotal lever includes a toothed sector gear. A toothed rack is fixed to the handle. Normally, the sector gear and toothed rack are out of engagement with each other during sliding motion of the handle grip. However, if the operator pivots the control lever to engage the sector gear with the rack, cooperation between the teeth of the sector gear and the teeth of the rack will move the slidable handle grip further down the handle to provide a temporary speed increase and will also lock the handle grip to the handle to provide cruise control capability. The handle grip is U-shaped and has two legs telescopically received inside the open upper ends of a pair of spaced handle tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for husking and degerminating grains of maize. The aim of the invention is to provide an efficient and simple degermination of maize. To this end, during a wet degermination process, cleaned maize is wetted, and then husked and degerminated, and directly supplied to the comminution stage.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact fruit-vine harvester and separation system in which the harvested fruit makes only one ninety degree during processing. The system includes a machine and related methods for harvesting vine-borne crops. The machine is relatively compact, and provides for vine borne crops to be severed, separated, cleaned and machine-sorted along a longitudinal axis before making a single turn prior to exit. Harvested fruit passing through the machine drops by as much as 18 inches less than in other harvesters, thereby reducing the potential for fruit damage. The machine incorporates a combination blower and suction system for efficient removal of unwanted dirt, vegetation and debris, and an optional roller to prevent clogging of the suction system.

Abstract: A link chain has multiple individual chain links arranged in a repeating sequence. A first chain link has two shank portions connected by two arc portions which define an interior space. One or more dividing elements project inwardly from an inside surface of a shank portion and divide the interior space into two movement spaces. A second chain link has two shank portions connected by two arc portions which define a movement space within its interior. The second link is linked to the first link and movable within one of its two movement spaces. When a longitudinal axis of the second chain link is moved from an intended, substantially aligned position by less than 90 degrees, an outside of an arc portions of the second chain link that engages a movement space of the first chain link contacts the dividing element, and an inside of a shank portion of the second chain link contacts an arc portion of the first chain link.

Abstract: A method and device to reduce the noise produced by jet aircraft engines and/or other supersonic nozzles involves the use of corrugated engine seals (30) for the secondary internal divergent flaps (14) of the nozzle (10). Such corrugated seals (30) serve not only to eliminate shock-generated noise, but also generate a counter-rotating vorticity to force low speed mixing of surrounding ambient air with the high-speed jet exhaust. Lower exhaust velocities, combined with reduced levels of the turbulent Reynolds shear stress, lead to reduction of turbulence-generated noise, including Mach wave emission.

Abstract: A fastener shield for use in a fluid flow path within a gas turbine engine for reducing fluid drag and heating generated by fluid flow over a plurality of circumferentially spaced fasteners. The fastener shield has a radially-extending, downstream-facing mounting flange with a plurality of circumferentially spaced bolt holes positioned to receive respective engine mounting bolts therethrough and to attach the mounting flange to elements of the turbine engine. A curved, upstream-facing fastener shield cover is positioned in spaced-apart relation to the mounting flange for at least partially covering and separating an exposed, upstream-facing portion of the bolts from the fluid flow to thereby reduce drag and consequent heating of the bolts.

Abstract: A primary exhaust nozzle for a turbofan engine of the double, separated air-flow type for aircraft comprises: an inner coat, within which there circulates a primary air flow (FP), comprising chevrons at an external end and an outer coat at least partially surrounding the inner coat and along which there flows a secondary air flow (FS), the outer coat being mobile along the inner coat. Also disclosed is an aircraft comprising such an exhaust nozzle.