Abstract: A concrete structural framework comprised of a combination of reinforced steel, including pre-stressed and post-tensioned, with high performance concrete (HPC), for use in construction and other industries. This framework provides a highly fire resistant structure that is also resistant to the forces of nature and maintains a high level of structural integrity. The members of this concrete truss are joined or otherwise secured together by monolithic means, welded with badges, rivets, screws, or the like, in a triangular weblike configuration which provides the ultimate support against forces of compression and tension.

Abstract: A method of fireproofing a structural beam is provided in which a plurality of pre-cast corner elements are attached to the beam to create a plurality of cavities, each cavity being defined by two of the pre-cast elements and a portion of the beam. Concrete is poured into one of the cavities, allowed to harden, and then the beam is rotated prior to pouring concrete into another of the cavities.

Abstract: An adjustable height transition moulding and method for use thereof. The moulding is installed at the transition between adjoining floor coverings/surfaces, such as between carpet and laminate floor coverings. The moulding includes a contoured cap and a depending wall portion having a series of vertically spaced rib portions along its lower edge that snap into the channel of a base track that is mounted to the subfloor. The installed height of the moulding is adjusted by removing a selected number of the rib portions. The rib portions are spaced apart by slots and joined by relatively thin, vertically extending web portions. A knife or other blade is inserted through one of the slots to make an initial cut in the selected web portion, and the remainder of the web portion is then torn by pulling on the lower rib portions so as to peel them away over the full length of the moulding strip. The moulding is simply formed of extrusion molded flexible PVC.

Abstract: A connector assembly for concrete reinforcing bars comprises a seat section 21 and retainer 22 for use with the seat section 21 to connect bars having a semicircle loop at the ends. The seat section 21 is generally U-shaped and the retainer 22 is generally T-shaped. The seat section is symmetrical, the retainer is not, the bars are of uniform cross-section. A wedging action arises from the asymmetry of the retainer. The seat section has opposed lands in the form of posts 28 and 29, these posts have channels 30 and 31 which take the bar loop sections (not shown). The retainer has a central wedge 37 which, is operative to eliminate play between the bars and the parts of the connector to effectively form a rigid unit. This is accomplished by reason of the complex wedge action arising from a first wedge region adjacent the front at 38 on opposite sides of the wedge 37 and a second wedge region 39 which comprises a curved continuation of the wedge region 38 and a third wedge region at 40.

Abstract: A sealant shaping solution and method includes applying a sealant shaping solution to a sealant applied to seal an opening, and to at least a portion of one or more surfaces adjacent to the sealant, and shaping the sealant into the opening before the sealant shaping solution substantially evaporates, the sealant shaping solution to prevent the sealant from adhering to areas of the one or more surfaces to which the sealant shaping solution has been applied, at least until the sealant shaping solution substantially evaporates.

Abstract: A method of forming at least one crack (11) in a concrete article such as a concrete slab (10) having at least one crack promoting groove (28) formed in the surface (25) thereof and/or at least one crack promoting insert (12) cast within the concrete slab (10) and substantially aligned with the groove (28) where used, the method comprising the steps of positioning a tool (24) having a force applying member (26) on or above the surface (25) of the concrete slab (10) such that the member (26) is positioned adjacent to or above a groove (28) and/or insert (12) and causing the tool (24) to apply through the member (26) a force to the concrete slab (10) to promote the formation of a crack or cracks (11) in the slab (10) along a groove (28) and/or insert (12). Apparatus for forming a crack in a concrete article is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and equipment for storing and protecting window assemblies. In certain embodiments, there is provided a bag configured to hold a window assembly therein following the assembly's manufacture up until after the installation of the assembly. The bag is configured to be sealed and to be form-fitted to the window assembly. As such, the likelihood of the bag allowing contaminants therein or catching on something and tearing is reduced. Following the installation of the window assembly, a portion of the bag is configured for removal from the exposed surfaces of the window assembly. A portion of the bag not removed is subsequently utilized as a protective barrier for the non-exposed surfaces of the window assembly. In certain embodiments, there is provided a method for storing and protecting a window assembly using a bag of the described nature.

Abstract: A closure assembly and a method of installing the closure assembly are provided. A insertion opening is formed in water resistant barrier covering a rough opening that generally corresponds to a perimeter of the rough opening. A drainage system including a channel assembly is installed on a sill surface of the rough opening. The closure assembly is inserted into the rough opening and temporarily secured to the structure. At least one shim carried on the closure assembly is adjusted to level the closure assembly in the rough opening. A sealing member attached to the closure assembly is engaged with the water resistant barrier. A foam material is delivered into at least a portion of a space between perimeter edge surfaces of the closure assembly and inner surfaces of the rough opening to permanently secure the closure assembly within the rough opening.

Abstract: In a method to produce a furniture body, a V-shaped groove is cut into a board of wood or similar material that includes a veneer on its outer surface from its inner side along each of several straight lines in the area of the body corner edge to be formed to a depth meeting the veneer. Subsequently, the body sides separated from each other are pivoted together by closing the V-shaped groove that forms the miter faces on which adhesive was placed, whereby the veneer layer is deformed or broken along the edge that is formed. For the purpose of producing a pivoting hinge, a smaller starter groove is cut to a depth up to the veneer layer at each location before the V-shaped groove is produced. This smaller starter groove possesses a groove base with a final width that extends to both sides over the face area of the V-shaped groove to be produced subsequently.

Abstract: A concrete slab lifter is disclosed, wherein the concrete slab lifter comprises a central support, a bottom plate attached to the bottom of the central support, a pair of wheels attached near the bottom of the central support, a jaw pivotally attached to the central support, and a handle attached to the top of the central support. The jaw is configured to slide along the central support and comprises a first member attached to the central support and configured to lock in a position flush against the central support, a second member attached perpendicularly to the first member, and a tooth comprising a sharpened plate attached perpendicularly to the second member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing one or more modular panels onto a wall or other surface. Such systems may include at least one panel retainer mounted to a substantially vertical surface and at least one panel connected to the panel retainer in a removable fashion. In these systems, the interaction of at least one deformable body and at least one groove facilitates connecting the panel to the panel retainer in a removable fashion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door facing formed from a polymeric composite material. The door facing has a first major surface intended to be interiorly disposed and a second major surface intended to be exteriorly disposed. At least a portion of the first major surface is to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses during door assembly. The first major surface has a textured pattern in the portion to be subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses. The textured pattern includes a plurality of spaced grooves extending into the first major surface and minimizing thermal and mechanical stresses. A door formed with the disclosed polymeric door facing and a method of forming a door facing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite panel has first and second sheets sandwiching a core with at least one of the sheets being attached to the core at first regions thereof and unattached to the core at second regions thereof.

Abstract: A method and/or system is provided that compensates for the flow of air through fiberglass insulation. In certain example embodiments, a dynamic heat flow meter or the like is provided for measuring and/or determining any detrimental effects of air flow through insulation such as fiberglass insulation. Once the possible detrimental effects are recognized, an insulation system is adapted (e.g., by providing a foam based insulation in a wall cavity in addition to the fiberglass insulation) to compensate, or substantially compensate, for the effects of air flow through the fiberglass. For instance, a sufficient amount of foam insulation may be provided in a cavity adjacent fiberglass, where the foam blocks or substantially blocks air from flowing through the cavity, thereby compensating for the effects of air flow through fiberglass and permitting the intended R-value to be maintained or substantially maintained.

Abstract: A flexible wall lining includes a body layer (1) comprising one or more phase change materials (4) that each exhibit a phase change at a temperature in the range from 5° to 40° C. The wall lining preferably is provided in the form of a sheet that can be attached to a building wall (5) either at the time of construction or, advantageously, at a time when the building is being renovated or redecorated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inner heat insulating and inner sound insulating structure of an HRSG duct wall in which a turbine combustion high temperature and high velocity gas whose temperature is approx. 650° C. and velocity is 30 meters per second (m/s) flows, wherein heat insulating members are filled between the inner plate at the gas flow side and the outer plate at the atmospheric side, an intermediate member is disposed at a middle portion between the inner plate and the outer plate, spacing between the inner plate and the intermediate member is retained by stud bolts while spacing between the outer plate and the intermediate member is retained by stud bolts, and the stud bolt and the outer plate are tightened via a vibration deadening washer.

Abstract: A packaging system is disclosed that packages a product by supplying the product onto a lifter by means of a supply device, pushing the product on the lifter up to a packaging station, and covering the top surface of the product with a film. The packaging system includes a conveying unit that contacts the rear end in the conveying direction of the product on the supply device and configured to convey the product onto the lifter, a detection unit configured to determine the amount of misalignment of the product in the conveying direction and/or the width direction that is orthogonal to the conveying direction, while the product is being conveyed by the conveying unit, and a control unit configured to control the devices in the system to perform in accordance with the amount of misalignment.

Abstract: Containers (2) are closed with screw caps (3) by a unit (1) of the type comprising a carousel (7) on which to advance the containers (2) and the relative caps (3), driven by a motor (6) about a respective primary axis (5a) and equipped with a plurality of capping assemblies (11) each positioned above a relative container (2) and capable of movement vertically between a first position, distanced from the container (2), and a second position of active engagement with the container (2). Each capping assembly (11) presents a gripping mechanism (17) positionable so as to engage a relative cap (3) when the assembly (11) is in the second position, and rotatable about a respective secondary axis (17a) in such a way as to screw the cap (3) onto a threaded neck (4) of the relative container (2).

Abstract: A vending machine includes a receptacle having a delivery chute, a container delivering device disposed in the receptacle, for selectively supplying a selected container to the delivery chute of the receptacle after proper coins have been deposited into the vending machine, and a filling device for receiving a merchandise and for selectively supplying the merchandise to the selected container. A supporting device may support and move the container toward the filling device, and the filling device may supply various kinds of merchandise to the container, such as the solid golden powder, liquid lotion, or pasty or soft lipstick materials.

Abstract: An adhesive tape applying machine includes two first power sources secured in vertical position, a moving rod joined to output rods of the first power sources at two ends, a second power source connected to the moving rod with an output rod being displaceable in a horizontal direction, a supporting seat joined to the output shaft of the second power source, and an adhesive tape applying mechanism, which is supported on a lower end portion of the supporting seat, and which will apply adhesive tape on an object when it is pressed against and displaced relative to the object; the machine is positioned next to a stretch wrapper such that after the stretch wrapper winds a plastic film around an object, adhesive tape will be stuck on the object and a tail end portion of the plastic film with the adhesive tape applying machine.

Abstract: In a packaging apparatus, when replacing a preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard (wrapping material) with a subsequent single-faced corrugated fiberboard, a draw-out roller is operated such that the preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard is drawn out to its trailing end. At this time, a reserve roller, around which the single-faced corrugated fiberboard is trained, is moved such that the single-faced corrugated fiberboard, which has been drawn out, is accumulated thereat. Then, the trailing end of the preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard and a leading end of the subsequent single-faced corrugated fiberboard are joined together at a joining device. In this way, the preceding single-faced corrugated fiberboard can be used up until its final end, and thus there is no waste of the single-faced corrugated fiberboard.

Abstract: An inflatable bag, folded on itself to form a first inflatable panel and a second inflatable panel, includes a first and second side, a first and second end, a valve, and two heat seals, each extending from the second side of the bag, spaced apart from each other and the first side and first and second end of the bag, and bonding a portion of the first inflatable panel to a portion of the second inflatable panel, the bag adapted upon inflation of the bag, to hold an article disposed between the first and second panels of the bag. The inflatable bag can be adhered to a flat blank, or otherwise disposed in a box or on a box component. Upon inflation of the bag, an article disposed between the first and second panels of the bag can be encapsulated by the bag. Alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a containment member having a containment member interior cavity to contain foam precursor compartments, and a release member to release foam precursor components contained within the foam precursor compartments in response to a specific relative movement produced between the release member and the containment member. The apparatus may form a portion of a foam cushion forming apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting system is provided for a bag fastening system. The adjustable mounting system includes a conveyor table and a support assembly. The conveyor table has a frame. The support assembly is carried by the frame and is configured to support one or more components of a bag fastening system for adjustable positioning at selected elevational positions relative to the conveyor table. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine 141 and a conveyor 17 to deliver a product package from an upstream station 140 to a position adjacent a vacuum chamber 3a. The conveyor 17 has a longitudinal direction defined by the direction of travel of the product package. The vacuum chamber has a heat sealing and cutting assembly 143 oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor and in a position with sufficient spacing between end walls of the vacuum chamber and the assembly 143 for the product package containing two or more products to be loaded into the vacuum chamber 3a with at least one product located in front of the heat sealing and cutting assembly and at least one other product located behind the heat sealing and cutting assembly. The heat sealing and cutting assembly 143 seals and cuts between two products to form two separate evacuated packages.

Abstract: A device and method for stacking product into a container in a vertical orientation. The device includes at least one pivoting mechanism pivotable between a loading position and an initial/final position The at least one pivoting mechanism retains a container thereon. The device may further include at least one corresponding diverting mechanism for injecting product into the container. The diverting mechanism includes a feeding area and a diverting arm swingable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverting arm allows product to enter the feeding area. An ejection station is positioned proximate to the feeding area and injects the product into the container after the product enters the feeding area via movement of the diverting arm. In one aspect the ejection station is provided by a pinch belt arrangement and is controlled by a control.

Abstract: A device and method for loading cigarettes from a cartridge into a package. The device provides for transferring cigarettes from a cartridge supporting them to a package.

Abstract: A roll of folded wrapping material such as a packaging or gift material and methods of use thereof. The roll is constructed of a folded length of sheet material wrapped about an inner core or tube. The length of the core used to form the roll of folded wrapping material can therefore be reduced to about half of the length of a core of a standard roll of wrapping material thereby reducing the amount of shelf space needed to store the roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous strip of detachable consecutive interconnected products manufactured by folding, such as envelopes and the like, and to a process for manufacturing the said strip, two of those consecutive products being interconnected through a joint (22) which is not part of the products themselves and links up detachably, through successive lines of demarcation, with each of those two consecutive products in such a way that, on removing this joint (22), the said two consecutive products are entirely separated.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a packaging device having an output end. The packaging device packages sequenced products with wrap. A clamping device is adjacent to the output end of the packaging device. A conveying system is downstream from the clamping device. The conveying system move a drop off tray incrementally. The clamping device holds one of a plurality of packaged sequenced products such that the drop off tray is in a position to stack multiple packaged sequenced products of the plurality of packaged sequenced products into the drop off tray as the drop off tray is moved, incrementally.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for drying the seal area (316) of a contact lens blister package (300) prior to affixing a lidstock to the seal area (316) includes a vacuum block (54) to which one or more vacuum heads (50) are removably mounted. The vacuum heads (50) include vacuum tips (52) which engage and circumscribe the seal area (316) removing moisture therefrom. Should a vacuum head (50) become damaged, it is quickly and easily replaceable upon the vacuum block (54).

Abstract: A multipurpose cartoning machine for packets of cigarettes, having a packet conveying assembly wherein a first conveyor feeds single packets, arranged in an orderly succession on edge, to an accumulating station for forming subgroups of packets placed flat one on top of the other, and a second conveyor is associated with the first conveyor to receive the packets conveyed by the first conveyor and to feed the packets to a packing device; the conveying assembly assuming a first configuration wherein the second conveyor is connected to the first conveyor at the accumulating station to receive, from the first conveyor, a succession of subgroups of packets laid flat, and a second configuration wherein the second conveyor is connected to the first conveyor upstream from the accumulating station to receive an orderly succession of single packets positioned on edge.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a housing centrifugally separating and collecting dust from drawn-in air and discharging cleaned air, a housing cover connected to an upper part of the housing, a discharge cover openably connected to a lower part of the housing, and a filter assembly. The housing includes an air inlet, a cyclone unit centrifugally separating dust from external air drawn in through the air inlet, an inflow guide pipe having a substantially curved shape and guiding the whole air drawn in through the air inlet to the cyclone unit, a dust collection unit formed at one side of the cyclone unit to collect the separated dust, and an air outlet where the dust-separated air is discharged.

Abstract: Disclosed are a dust receptacle fixing/separating apparatus that fixes and separates a dust receptacle with respect to a cyclone unit, and a cyclone dust collecting device having the same. The dust receptacle fixing/separating apparatus comprises a fixing/separating handle, a locking/unlocking part, and a fixing part. The fixing/separating handle pivots between a first position and a second position, the first position in which the cyclone unit and the dust receptacle are fixed to each other and the second position in which the cyclone unit and the dust receptacle can be separated from each other. The locking/unlocking part fixes and releases the fixing/separating handle when the fixing/separating handle is in the first position. The fixing part pivotably mounting the fixing/separating handle releases connection between the cyclone unit and the dust receptacle when the fixing/separating handle is in the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a filter module having a mechanically positionable test probe disposed therein and a method for testing a filter. In one embodiment, a filter module includes a housing adapted to receive a filter element. A sample probe suitable for leak testing the filter element is disposed in the interior volume of the housing. The sample probe may be moved to scan the filter by an actuator. In another embodiment, a method for testing a filter includes challenging a room side of a filter element disposed in a housing with a test aerosol, moving a probe disposed within the housing to obtain samples for testing and determining if the samples exceed a predefined leak criteria.

Abstract: An air intake filter assembly for filtering air flowing from a front end to a rear end includes a housing, a first filter stage, and a second filter stage. The filter stages are insertable in and removable from the housing. A latch is movable between a latched position in which the first filter stage is secured to the housing, and an unlatched position in which the first filter stage is not secured to the housing. A hinge is formable between the housing and the first filter stage, and the hinge allows the first filter stage to pivot with respect to the housing when the latch is in the unlatched position. When the first filter stage and the second filter stage are inserted in the housing and the latch is in the latched position, then the first filter stage is compressed against the second filter stage, which is compressed against the housing.

Abstract: A thin and uniform nonwoven fabric air filter for an internal combustion engine with a pleated form which comprises an air-laid nonwoven fabric obtained by forming a plurality of layers mainly composed of polyester-based binder fibers having a fiber length of 1 to 10 mm by an air-laid nonwoven fabric production process and performing heat adhesion, wherein an upper layer side (fluid inflow side) comprises large fibers, a lower layer side (fluid outflow side) comprises fine fibers, a final fluid outflow side comprises 100% of the polyester-based binder fibers, the basis weight (METSUKE) is from 100 to 350 g/m2, the apparent density is from 0.04 g/cm3 to 0.3 g/cm3, and the dry-heat shrinkage factor after 300 hours at 100° C. is 3% or less. The air filter induces no environmental pollution, is high in dust collection efficiency, and has long life.

Abstract: An air treatment apparatus that affords the ability to treat air according to aroma preference and applicable air space with scented support structures being adaptably exposable to release variable portions of fragrance into an airflow, and a corresponding method of treating air through the use of the air treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A channel filter is provided by corrugated fluted flow channels folded back and forth transversely to the pleats.

Abstract: Porous ceramic wall flow filter bodies of unitary or segmented construction wherein the honeycomb channels are alternately plugged with plugging cements incorporating low expansion refractory fillers and permanent inorganic bonding agents, the latter imparting improved plug integrity and plug bonding to the porous ceramic honeycomb channel walls.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a harvesting machine various units of the harvesting machine are adjusted and/or monitored in a plurality of separate control processes based on certain received control commands, using a process coordination unit, an operating mode of a first control process is determined with consideration for a current operating mode of a second control process, and corresponding control unit and a harvesting machine with a control unit of this type are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a mounting hitch for attaching an accessory, such as a grass collection unit, to a vehicle, such as a riding lawn mower. The lower portion of the hitch is disposed relatively close to the ground to aid with the mounting of the hitch to the riding mower. Being mountable relatively close to the ground also allows the riding mower to maintain a relatively low center of gravity such that the riding mower is relatively resistant to tipping when cutting on a hill or other uneven surface. The mounting hitch comprises a removably attachable portion and hitch attachment portions. The hitch attachment portions are directly connected to the riding mower and comprise structures for receiving the removably attachable portion. The removably attachable portion is mountable to the hitch attachment portions such that a single user is able to mount the hitch to the riding lawn mower.

Abstract: The invention provides a collection system for containing grass clippings cut by a lawn mower. The collection system comprises a hopper and at least one door. The hopper comprises at least one wall defining a perimeter of the hopper. The wall has an upper portion and a lower portion. The hopper is disposed to receive the grass clippings and contain the grass clippings. The door is disposed near the lower portion of the wall to support at least some of the grass clippings. Additionally, the door is movable from a closed position to an open position by raising the entire door such that at least some of the grass clippings are emptied from the hopper. Because the door is raised when emptying the hopper, the operator of the mower may drive the mower away from the disposal site with the door open and avoid disturbing the pile of grass clippings.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing brush for a four-wheel all terrain vehicle path, the apparatus to be attached to the front of and propelled by a four-wheel all terrain vehicle commonly referred to as a four-wheeler the apparatus comprising a set of blades on a V shaped self-supporting, wheel-mounted chassis.

Abstract: A hose guiding element for routing at least one hose in a hose passageway of a robot. The hose guiding element has a least one guide passage running axially to receive the hose to be routed. The element has particular use in a wrist axis of a painting robot.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine with a split wall, (one wall fixed and one wall free to rotate) annular combustion chamber. The rotating wall of said combustion chamber has vanes or jets affixed around its outer periphery that are canted in such a manner as to cause the reactive force of the escaping gas to rotate that wall of said combustion chamber. The gas then proceeds to impinge on the blades of a turbine wheel driving it in the opposite direction. The two counter-rotating bodies are then coupled to the shaft that drives the compressor stage of the turbine. Said configuration permits operation with higher gas temperatures within the burner which result in higher gas output velocities resulting in efficiency in fuel consumption and relatively clean emissions. The higher output velocities are made possible because the rotation of the gas output nozzles/vanes reduce the velocity of the gas impinging on the turbine blades by the velocity of the nozzles/vanes moving in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A turbofan gas turbine propulsion engine includes a system to transfer power from the low pressure turbine to the high pressure turbine and/or extract additional load from the low pressure turbine during certain turbofan engine operational conditions. The systems include a hydrostatic power transfer system that includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor coupled to the low pressure and high pressure turbine, respectively. The systems additionally include a mechanical and electrical load shifting/loading sharing systems that use clutches and gear assemblies to share and/or shift load between the turbines.

Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a fan, compressor, combustor, single-stage high pressure turbine, and low pressure turbine joined in serial flow communication. First stage rotor blades in the low pressure turbine are oriented oppositely to the rotor blades in the high pressure turbine for counterrotation. First stage stator vanes in the low pressure turbine have camber and twist for carrying swirl directly between the rotor blades of the high and low pressure turbines.

Abstract: An oxygen storage capacity (OSC) monitoring system for a vehicle having a catalytic converter includes an inlet oxygen sensor that generates an inlet sensor signal (ISS) based on an oxygen content of exhaust flowing into the catalytic converter. A control module receives the ISS, increases a closed loop fuel control gain during a first period and determines a fuel control factor based on the ISS during the first period. The control module determines an OSC when an average value of the fuel control factor is greater than a first value and is less than a second value during the first period.

Abstract: A converter (70) which houses a NOx storage/reduction catalyst is provided in an exhaust passage (2) of an engine (1). At a front half portion (inlet side portion) (7a) of a carrier of the NOx storage/reduction catalyst in the converter (70), the amount of an oxygen storage component is made less than it is at a rear half portion (outlet side portion) (7b) of the carrier, and a NOx storage capacity is made larger than it is at the rear half portion (7b) of the carrier. As a result, unpurified NOx released from the front half portion (7a) of the carrier at the beginning of a rich spike due to an02 storage operation is able to be stored in the rear half portion (7b) of the carrier, and so is not exhausted outside the catalyst Moreover, the amount of HC and CO components in the exhaust gas that are needlessly consumed by the02 storage operation without being used to purify NOx is reduced, making it possible to purify NOx efficiently.