Abstract: A novel artificial stone wall panel comprising: an artificial stone, the composition of which comprises an inorganic fine powder component with a size of from 9.5 mm to 180 ?m, an inorganic finely divided component with a size of less than 180 ?m and a resin component in an amount of from 7 to 30% by weight based on the total artificial stone composition, the weight ratio of the inorganic fine powder component to the inorganic finely divided component (inorganic fine powder component:inorganic finely divided component) being in a range of from 1:1 to 5:1; and a support for installing the artificial stone on a wall surface, embedded to the artificial stone, wherein part of the support is exposed at the back surface or edge surface of the artificial stone, and a process for producing the same is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to tile assemblies and more particularly to a method of installing a plurality of tile assemblies on a planar surface. Existing tile systems require a large number of steps and take place over a matter of days while one waits for various adhesives and grouts to set. The invention provides a tile system which is much quicker and less complex to install. It relies mainly on a composite tile comprising: a surface tile layer; a rigid carrier being generally the same shape and planar dimensions of the surface tile layer; and adhesive means for bonding the rigid carrier to the underside of the surface tile layer; the rigid carrier having edges extending beyond the edges of the surface tile layer, the rigid carrier edges being operable to matingly engage with complementary edges of carriers of others of the composite tiles.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and method for providing reinforcement in the form of strength and/or moisture protection at discrete locations along the bottom of a wooden cargo-carrying floor, which reduces the cost associated with such manufacture and provides at least equal if not better results. The cargo-carrying floor surface reinforcing system for a cargo-carrying body, such as transport vehicle or transport container, comprises a flooring section and at least one region having a predetermined area smaller than an area of said bottom surface of said flooring section. The flooring section is comprised of a plurality of wood boards having a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second side surfaces arranged side by side, the boards in turn being comprised of strips of wood joined end-to-end and side-to-side.

Abstract: An I-beam curing device having microwave waveguides with slots on the broad side thereof. The flanges of the I-beam pass through the slots in the waveguides to be subject to the microwave fields therein so as to allow the treating of any material passed through the slots.

Abstract: An insulated masonry block which has very high insulating properties, is water resistant, and is light-weight being easier for masons to handle and lay, and a method for producing such an insulated masonry block. Wherein, a pre-formed, high-strength foam core, which is the insulating material, sandwiches and joins two inner walls of the insulated masonry block together. A method for producing such an insulated masonry block comprises: placing a pre-formed insulating foam core in the middle of a standard block form; filling it with concrete, cinder, or any other known building compound aggregate, and allowing it to cure. An end block can be produced using this method with the exception that a shorter length insulating foam core is used allowing for the formation of concrete at one end of the block. Various sizes and shapes of an insulated masonry block can be produced using this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lamp that includes a reflection case and a light emitting element. A central portion of a lower wall inner face of the reflection case is stepwise lowered to form a lower wall enlarged inner face, and both faces are made continuous with each other through right and left perpendicular hanging inner faces, so that a central portion of a back wall inner face and a front opening are downwardly enlarged in a rectangular shape, respectively. The light emitting element is mounted on a front face of a sub mount table. A back face of the sub mount table is fixed to the central portion of the back wall inner face, and right and left end faces of the sub mount table are positioned to right and left perpendicular hanging inner faces when the sub mount table is fixed.

Abstract: An integral composite building material is provided that includes a three-dimensional, corrosion-resistant fabric that is pre-attached to a weather barrier. The invention also provides a building wall and exterior finishing system including the composite building material. The invention further includes a method for constructing a building wall including the exterior finishing system.

Abstract: A device for tensioning and maintaining a canvas, comprising a frame having a groove, and at least one deformable batten. The canvas is stretched and maintained on the frame by wedging it between the groove and the deformable batten. The deformable batten comprises a substantially V-shaped section which is oriented towards the bottom of the groove, a sharp edge which is used as a pivot to enable the deformation thereof, and two flanks which are used to wedge the canvas in the groove. The invention is characterized in that the batten is locked in a narrow section of the groove by means of two enlargements extending on one flank of the batten in the same direction as the batten.

Abstract: A vapor barrier and cavity seal includes a head attached to a body. The seal closes a cavity between an interior framed wall and an exterior wall or veneer of a building. The head includes a rounded surface opposite the body and has a width that is greater than the width of the cavity and is disposed to bridge across the entire cavity. The body is square or rectangular in shape to easily fit between the interior and exterior walls within the cavity. The seal may include a foam polyethylene or is formed from a closed cell, soft, flexible non-gassing rod of material that is easily extruded. It may be provided in various dimensions and densities depending on the cavity or expansion joint size required or needed to be filled. Typically, the seal may be used on door and/or window jambs where a 1? or 2? gap is required between a brick veneer and framing when a vapor barrier is specified in construction specifications.

Abstract: A flooring of pre-stressed deck construction having an elongate decking extending along the flooring is provided. The decking has an upwardly facing asymmetrically profiled channel formation whereby the neutral axis is above a central horizontal plane. A tension rod extends between stressing brackets secured to each end of the decking and is located below the neutral axis of the decking along the length of the decking. Each stressing bracket is secured to upwardly extending sidewalls of the channel above the tension rod. The decking is attached to the girder framework of a building.

Abstract: A modular construction block is adapted for being assembled together with a number of other blocks in stacked courses to form a wall. The construction block includes first and second opposing block faces, a top and bottom, and opposing ends. The first block face has a first plurality of vertical score lines. The second block face has a second plurality of vertical score lines. The first and second plurality of vertical score lines resemble respective mortar joints, whereby the assembled wall resembles a brick structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongate retaining element for building sheets, having, as seen in cross section perpendicular to its direction of elongation, a heard part (1) for engaging at least one said building sheets, a base part (3) for mounting the elongate retaining element on a support structure, and a connecting flange (2) extending upwardly from said base part (3) and joining said head part (1) to said base part (3), and wherein said elongate retaining element is made from a plastic material, such as PA, and has a reinforcement sheet (4), such as a metal sheet, extending from the connecting flange (2) into at least the head part (1), and wherein, as seen in cross section, in the head part one free end (5) of the reinforcement sheet is bent into a section with an acute angle of less than 90°.

Abstract: A grid system is provided that is particularly suited for the suspended ceiling system that varies in the vertical plane. An elongated carrier tube is provided the spans substantially the width of the grid system that has a slot therein adapted to receive the strengthening bulb of a main runner. A clip is provided that seats on the carrier tube that has opposed faces for capturing the bulb of the runner, so as to secure the runner to the tube carrier.

Abstract: A drywall patch includes a base member having a handle attached to it by frangible arms of a yoke, allowing the drywall patch, which also serves as a strong reinforcement plate, strengthening the wall in the repaired area, to be pulled against the blind side of a wall following insertion of the drywall patch into a hole. While the drywall patch is held against the blind side of the wall, screws are used to fasten the patch to the wall, then the handle is removed by breaking it from the base member. Patching compound is then applied, sanded and painted to finish the repair. The base member includes an array of conical apertures to hold patching compound better. Alternatively, the handle may be left attached to the base member and used as a hanger.

Abstract: A roofing shingle with a laying line that facilitates the alignment of an overlying course of shingles with respect an underlying course of shingles is provided. The laying line is located on a front surface of the shingle and has a width such that the laying line is exposed when an edge of another shingle is placed in contacting proximity with the laying line. The shingle may also have a scale and one or more nibs that protrude from the sides of the shingle that assist in aligning the shingles in the second course with the shingles in the underlying course. The shingle may also include nailing zones located on the front surface of the shingles provide a location for fastening the shingles to the roof. A method of laying the shingles of the present invention on a roof is also provided.

Abstract: A siding panel assembly for covering an exterior building wall includes a first elongated component and a second elongated component. The first and second components are adapted to be connected at a joint. The joint allows the first and second components to slide laterally relative to one another.

Abstract: A board suitable for installation on the side of a building has a front surface suitable for exposure to the weather, a rear surface, an upper end and a lower end, wherein the board has a stacking foot at either the upper end or lower end of the board, and has a stacking notch at the other of the upper end or lower end, with the stacking notch and the stacking foot enabling two of the boards to be stacked together with the stacking foot of each of the boards nested in the stacking notch of the other board, thereby providing stability for the stacked boards.

Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible tongue (30) in a sliding groove (40) which during a vertical folding motion is displaced. Moreover, a tongue blank (50), a production method and an installation method are shown.

Abstract: A retaining wall block having a front surface, a rear surface, side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface. Each side surface comprises a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section, with the sections configured and arranged to allow a plurality of blocks to be arranged in a convex wall structure. The retaining wall block may be combined with one or more pins, which may engage vertically adjacent blocks and which may engage an end of an earth anchor. The retaining wall block may be cast in a mold box whose depth and width are configured and arranged to substantially approximate the dept and width of a standard sized pallet.

Abstract: A modular monolithic metal framed bulkhead panel having an outer frame, an inner frame, a non-metallic composite panel, a panel seal, and a frame seal common to a panel-bulkhead structure interface.

Abstract: A folding electronic device has a first frame having plural first joints, a second frame having plural second joints, plural sets of hinge joints in which the plural first joints and the plural second joints are connected together in a manner that the first frame and the second frame can rotate on a predetermined rotation axis, a first body containing the first frame, and a second body containing the second frame, wherein at least one set of hinge joint of the plural sets of hinge joints has a connecting component having a hollow portion and wherein the other sets of hinge joints have predetermined solid hinge shafts.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced pultruded planks serve as underlayment for tile, stone or terrazzo. In one embodiment, the planks have a thin base surface with a plurality of elongated ridges. The planks have interlocking tongue and groove edges. The elongated ridges have a narrow base and a wider distal portion wherein the areas between adjacent ridges have a trapezoidal cross sectional configuration with the thin base resting on the support. Tile can be adhered to the surface using a rigid cementitious adhesive which fills in the trapezoidal area, creating a very rigid support structure. If the planks are reversed with the ridges resting on the support, tile or stone can be adhered to the relatively smooth thin base with an epoxy adhesive.

Abstract: An improved chair for supporting intersecting wires forming a wire mesh at a pre-selected elevated position above a bearing surface during formation of a concrete slab is constructed having a base member shaped to rest on the bearing surface, a compressible support structure having a lower section affixed to the base member, a middle section and an upper section affixed to a setting shaped to support the wire mess at the elevated position. The chair is constructed having an improved compressible, generally bell-shape support structure having two pairs of opposing arched-shaped openings in the middle section forming two intersecting arches, each arch having a pair of opposing flexible legs that bow outward when a pre-determined load is applied to the upper section.

Abstract: In a microreactor, a groove is formed by a first substrate (11) and an intermediate substrate (12) layered on the first substrate (11), and an opening of the groove is closed by a second substrate (13) serving as a lid member to form a micro channel in which fluids flow. The intermediate substrate (12) comprises a channel area (120) including a through hole forming part of the micro channel and a plate-like connecting portion (122) which is thinner than parts on both sides of the channel area (120), for connecting the parts on both sides in a predetermined position of the micro channel in a longitudinal direction. In the microreactor, it is possible to easily handle the intermediate substrate (12) as one member in forming and handling the intermediate substrate (12) and simplify a process of manufacturing the microreactor.

Abstract: DAP-IT is a new innovative method to achieve what has not been able to be accomplished in the concrete construction industry. The usual procedure to obtain what is commonly called a “dap out”, or step down in a newly placed concrete slab was to use any available material that in the majority of cases resulted in a poorly formed dap out that was unacceptable by the owner and architects. Using DAP-IT will without fail provide a clean, true recess in the concrete slab that will be a relief to, not only the owner/architects, but to the concrete finisher, who is ultimately responsible for producing a workmen like product. There is no other product in today's market that even comes close to achieving what my invention, DAP-OUT will accomplish.

Abstract: A roofing system for a substantially flat roof structure is provided, including a central panel with a substantially concave surface provided with a through hole at the centre for engaging a drainage system of the flat roof, and a first row of panels assembled around the central panel. The row of panels includes tapered side panels interlocked to the sides of said the central panel and tapered corner panels interlocked with adjacent side panels. Optionally at least one further row of side and corner panels may be assembled around the first row of panels. The side and corner panels are shaped so as to retain a constant slope to direct water away from their outside edges towards the through hole of the central panel. The panels are interlocked using a system with shiplap joints.

Abstract: A steel post superior in corrosion controllability of its embedded part even when marked for territory by dogs, that is, a steel post having corrosion controllability of an embedded part comprising a steel post having a corrosion-proofing coating or a zinc-based plating corrosion-proofing material which is provided with a coating layer comprised of a corrosion-proofing material superior in durability against an aqueous solution containing ammonium ions along the outside of the steel post to at least 50 mm up to the atmosphere side and down to the embedded material side at a top end of an interface where the steel post and material embedded in contact each other.

Abstract: Improved premolded foam billets and drop-in foam billet joints increase the R value in concrete panels.

Abstract: An improved spacing and positioning device is provided for facilitating spacing and positioning of construction materials. The device allows for the installation of construction materials in various orientations. Preferably, the device is used in a set of two or more, which are placed at proximate opposed ends of the materials being spaced, to ensure correct spacing and positioning of the workpiece materials along the length thereof. The device includes a self-adhesive material on one or more surfaces to allow the spacer to be positioned on vertical or pitched construction members. A self-adhering spacer is provided for maintaining accurate spacing between adjacent wooden boards or other construction members during construction activities. The spacer can be formed from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or plastic. The self-adhering spacer can also be shaped in a variety of configurations, including a T or L shape.

Abstract: A robotic carriage for measuring the camber of a large-span structural beam is provided. The carriage includes a frame having a platform supported by a plurality of legs having wheels rotatably mounted at the ends of the legs. The legs elevate the platform above vertically extending obstacles, such as shear studs, which are frequently present on the upper surface of large-span structural beams. The width-wise distance between the legs is adjustable so that the legs avoid contact with the shear studs while the carriage traverses the beam. The carriage includes a guide mechanism formed from a pair of opposing guide members moveably mounted on the frame into sliding engagement with opposing portions of the beam to maintain the carriage on a straight path. In operation, a surveying target is mounted on the top of the frame, and the carriage is moved into selected positions at known distance along the length of the structural beam.

Abstract: A material handler for use by a self-propelled machines to handle elongate panels of sheet material comprises a support adapted to receive and support the elongate panels. A base mounts the support for pivotal movement of the support relative to the base about a tilt axis which is transverse to the length of the elongate panels when held on the support. The base is adapted for connection to the self-propelled machine. A mover drives the pivotal movement of the support relative to the base to selectively tilt the support about the tilt axis so that when the elongate sheets are held by the support the elongate sheets assumes a desired slope along their lengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a column climbing device for climbing structural steel columns having flanges and the like. The column climbing device includes a platform member having a toe portion and a foot portion, the toe portion of the platform member including a first interior surface and a second interior surface together defining a substantially-rectangular notch open to one side of the toe portion of the platform member, the first interior surface and the second interior surface in a fixed parallel orientation with respect to one another, wherein the substantially-rectangular notch is configured to frictionally engage a flange of a column through one or more intervening hardened plate members. The column climbing device also includes one or more attachment mechanisms attached to the foot portion of the platform member for securing the platform member to a foot of a user.

Abstract: A wall system suitable for use with an elevated structure. The wall system includes a plurality of blocks arranged in multiple courses to include a top course and a bottom course. At least one angled bracket has one portion positioned to restrainably engage a vertical face of at least one block in the top course with another portion affixed to an elevated structure. An elongated base member of generally right angle configuration supports and restrains the lower course of blocks; and a plurality of foot pads may be spaced along the ground with the base member spanning and resting upon at least two of the foot pads.

Abstract: A building element having pressure-sensitive adhesive coating layer having a low initial bond strength, to permit a substrate to be repositioned without destroying the integrity of the adhesive, and a long term bond strength, which occurs after the building element is mechanically fastened to another building element. This allows wood deck components, flooring planks, roofing tiles, and other building material components to be fastened together conveniently while securing a waterproofing and/or sound-deadening effect.

Abstract: A carton sealing machine includes a machine base, and two sealing mechanisms installed in the machine base at different elevations and controlled to seal sealing tapes to the two sides and four corners of the top and bottom panels of a carton, each sealing mechanism having two parallel conveyers and pairs of tape dispensers, front angle sealing tape setting mechanisms, rear angle sealing tape setting mechanisms and horizontal sealing tape setting mechanisms bilaterally symmetrically provided at an outer side relative to the conveyers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing bags by means of plastic closing elements (2) which are linked by connecting pins, thereby forming a plate and can be individually and successively separated producing a closing strip directed to a supplying channel (25). Said closing elements are provided with a cracked orifice on one side thereof and placed on the neck of the bag rushed by clamping elements (3) with the aid of the forming punch which is provided with a support for receiving the closing elements (2). Said invention is characterised in that the forming punch (5) is connected to a separating matrix (4) and the supplying channel (25) is arranged on the plane of the closing strip, said plane being perpendicular with respect to the sliding plane of the punch and matrix (4, 5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for screwing caps onto receptacles, the device comprising at least one screwing spindle mounted to rotate on a support element, the spindle being provided with a cap-gripping clamp and slidably receiving a control element possessing one end connected to the clamp and an opposite end connected to a displacement member, the device comprising: a toggle-action connection interconnecting the support member and the control element, and possessing a first stable position holding the control element in a clamp-open position and a second stable position holding the control element in a clamp-closed position; and moving means for moving the connection into its stable position.

Abstract: A multi-purpose air-packing method and system enables to pack a product having an irregular shape easily at low cost. The air-packing method includes the steps of placing a product to be protected in a container box; applying a first air-packing device having a plurality of air containers to side surfaces of the product in a manner to surround the product in the container box; and inflating the air-packing device by supplying an compressed air to securely hold the product within the container box.

Abstract: A method of producing a hinged-lid packet of cigarettes having an inner wrapping formed by folding a first blank of foil about a group of cigarettes: an outer package formed from a second blank folded about the inner wrapping to define a body and a lid hinged to each other; and a collar formed by folding a third blank and interposed between the inner wrapping and the outer package; the method including the steps of juxtaposing and connecting the third blank to the first blank in laterally offset mutual positions; forming on the first blank fold lines located as a function of the aforementioned mutual positions; and simultaneously folding the first and third blank about the group of cigarettes.

Abstract: A sulky shaft connector device includes a swivel ball joint arrangement whereby the sulky shaft is allowed relative damped vertical movement with respect to the harness. A sulky shaft connector member, removably connected to the sulky shaft, forming part of the device also provides for quick and releasable engagement between the sulky shaft and the sulky shaft connector device.

Abstract: Horse hoods, horse neck covers, and methods of making same which result in at least improved fit and comfort, are provided herein. One such horse hood or neck cover includes a base portion (110), an upper neck portion (120), and a gusset (140) coupled between the base portion and the upper neck portion. Each of the portions and gusset may be generally symmetric relative to a common centerline (160). The gusset is adapted to provide a hinged movement of the upper neck portion relative to the base portion when the upper neck portion is rotated relative to the base portion. In this manner, the neck cover has an expansion feature when a horse (300) or other animal wearing it lowers its head, to graze, drink, eat, or the like.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter including a microwave-absorbing target within a waveguide cavity. The cavity accepts microwave-frequency electromagnetic radiation through input couplers 90 degrees out of phase with each other to excite circular polarization heating modes. Through excitation of circularly polarized modes, heating patterns are time-averaged azimuthally to smooth out the hot and cold spots, thereby providing greater uniformity relative to heating patterns for corresponding linearly polarized modes.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter including a microwave-absorbing target housed within a waveguide cavity lined along the walls with a hard-electromagnetic surface (HES). The HES modifies specific electromagnetic boundary conditions for a given design frequency so as to enable the establishment of electromagnetic field patterns which are more uniform across the cavity thereby causing the target material to undergo enhanced uniformity heating. The heating of the microwave absorbing media causes particulate buildup to be vaporized and removed from the filter by the exhaust stream flow.

Abstract: A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air filtration media made from very fine glass fibers having an average fiber diameter within a range from 3×10?5 to 2×10?4 inches, with the media comprising a formaldehyde-free binding agent comprised of a polycarboxy polymer and a polyol to bind the glass fibers together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for working crops that grow on stalks in a cultivating bed, which device and which cultivating bed are movable relative to each other, said device at least comprising first image forming means for selecting a crop on the basis of predetermined crop characteristics; gripping means, which can be placed into engagement with the selected crop on the basis of signals generated by the first image forming means; and separating means for separating the selected crop from the cultivating bed.

Abstract: The machine comprises a flow control valve with hydraulic fluid conduits; the fluid may be supplied by the vineyard tractor circuit, and conduits are connected to the hydraulic engine control element, to which a second hydraulic engine control is added for the operation of a conveyor belt located inside a frame. Said hydraulic engine is coupled to a connecting rod-crank mechanism mechanically associated to a motor lever intended to drive the guides of the sliding vibrating clamps, and this is achieved by means of a kinematic chain integrated by rods. A pair of friction rings has been intercalated in the motor lever in order to avoid lateral displacement thereof. The connecting rod-crank mechanism comprises the disk shaped crank, which is perforated to regulate the positioning of the trunnion provided by the connecting rod, which operates the motor lever and the guides of the sliding vibrating clamps.

Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to a shackle assembly and a method for installing and/or releasing the shackle assembly subsea. The shackle assembly of the present invention comprises first and second plates mounted on either side of a shackle body eyelet and a shackle pin mounting assembly for use in mounting a shackle pin using a shackle pin pulling tool.

Abstract: An engine system comprises at least a first volumetric device, and a second volumetric device in which said second volumetric device is larger in volume than said first volumetric device, in which, during continuous flow of a compressible fluid from said first to said second volumetric device work is performed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a combustor flow sleeve for a turbine engine. The flow sleeve can be configured to optimize cooling and airflow distribution. The flow sleeve can include first and second sets of openings. A first set of openings can be provided for impingement cooling the areas of the liner that are subjected to high thermal loads. The second set of openings can be provided to more evenly distribute the airflow into the combustor head-end. By focusing the cooling on the areas of need and by making the airflow more uniform, embodiments of the invention can reduce the system pressure drop and enhance the performance and power of the engine.