Abstract: An improved track member for use in stud and track wall construction, particularly with metal structural members, that comprises a generally U-shaped track member with a plurality of measurement lines and/or measurement designations along the base or flange portion of the track member to assist in the positioning of the studs in the channel of the track member. In the preferred embodiment, the track member is divisible by both sixteen and twenty-four inches. If vertically disposed slots are utilized, they are positioned evenly along the track member with or without measurement lines or designations. The track member ends have an improved mechanism, having notches and tabs for interlocking engagement, for longitudinally connecting two adjacent track members. A soffit track member comprises two attached track members having their lateral axis in orthogonal relation. The soffit track member can incorporate the measurement lines and/or designations and the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: A construction rule tape and a construction layout tool include a non-metallic material that conforms to a construction surface. The non-metallic material includes graduations that correspond to a combined thickness of at least one of a gap and an adhesive material used to secure the construction unit to other construction units and to the construction surface.

Abstract: A structural tower having a space frame construction for high elevation and heavy load applications is disclosed, with particular application directed to wind turbines. The structural tower includes damping or non-damping struts in the longitudinal, diagonal or horizontal members of the space frame. One or more damping struts in the structural tower damp resonant vibrations or vibrations generated by non-periodic wind gusts or sustained high wind speeds. The various longitudinal and diagonal members of the structural tower may be secured by pins, bolts, flanges or welds at corresponding longitudinal or diagonal joints of the space frame.

Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the shear forces through expansion and/or compression of spring members. In another embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the foundation and the bottom of the shear assembly and in yet another embodiment, the lateral motion device is embedded in the foundation so as to be interposed between the anchor bolt and the foundation. The shear assembly can be either a panel assembly or an A-frame assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a solar array on the roof of a residence or the like which uses a pan in the installation of the solar modules that make up the array. The pan may also be used as part of the packaging of the solar modules. The pan is comprised of a length of material having a trough-like cross-section. For packaging, shipping inserts are fitted into the trough of each pan. Opposite edges of a solar module are fitted into respective slots in the inserts of two facing pans and a protector is fitted over each end thereof to form a package for shipping. Once on site, the packages are disassembled, the pans are mounted on the roof, and the modules are connected to the pans to form the array.

Abstract: A roof design has an external sheet covering (1), an insulating layer (3) provided beneath the sheet covering (1) and a load carrying structure (10) that supports the insulating layer (3). It is significant of the roof design that elements (7) for transporting an energy absorbing medium is provided in the insulating layer (3).

Abstract: A floor made up of interlocking floor panels locked together by locking members includes floor reinforcements having mid-sections substantially equally spaced from one another across substantially an entire length of each floor panel. The reinforcements are configured to accommodate the locking members while not disrupting the uniform spacing of the reinforcements at their mid-sections. The reinforcements are configured to permit insulation to be positioned within an interior space of the floor panels.

Abstract: A stairway for use in an opening formed between an attic and a floor below comprises a frame adapted to fixedly engage the opening and a plurality of stairway sections operatively coupled to the frame. The stairway sections each have a pair of rails and a plurality of steps coupled between the respective rails. The rails further comprise respective upper and lower edge surfaces having corresponding shapes to permit nesting engagement of the stairway sections on top of each other and relative parallel movement of the stairway sections with respect to each other. Successive ones of the stairway sections are operatively coupled to each other such that they remain nested while being moved relative to each other. Upon reaching an extent of travel relative to each other, orientation of the successive ones of the stairway sections changes to a substantially contiguous and axially aligned structure in which the successive stairway sections are linked end-to-end to provide a continuous stairway.

Abstract: In a bed escalator for carrying a wheel chair or an electromotive bed provided with a supporting board, a pedestal for supporting the supporting board, a main escalation unit and an auxiliary escalation unit affixed to the pedestal, a hydraulic cylinder of the auxiliary escalation unit pivoted at the proximal end to the pedestal supports an escalating roller via an L-lever and, when escalation is in a descending position, the escalating roller is in contact with an abutment affixed to the supporting board

Abstract: A partition panel assembly includes a stationary panel member having an exposed surface including a longitudinally-extending, downwardly-exposed channel, and a door member slidably supported from the stationary panel member for movement between a closed position and an open position. The partition panel assembly also includes a door member support assembly comprising a roller assembly operably coupled to the door member, and a support member having an upwardly-extending arm received within the channel of the stationary panel member, a downwardly-extending arm abutting the exposed surface of the stationary panel member, and a track member supporting the roller of the roller assembly such that the door member is slidably supported from the stationary panel member.

Abstract: The modular wall structure for underground swimming pools comprises a number of wall panels each comprising an upright portion defining opposite inner and outer sides, opposite first and second edges and opposite top and bottom ends. The wall panel also has a shelf portion generally perpendicular to the upright portion and attached thereto at the top end in cantilevered fashion. The wall panel includes an inclined bracing portion linking the outer side of the upright portion to the shelf portion in an inclined fashion. The wall panel further has complementary attachment members provided on the upright portion first and second edges to allow the wall panel to be edgewisely attached at its first edge to the second edge of an adjacent the wall panel and along its second edge to the first edge of an adjacent the wall panel.

Abstract: A modular enclosure, such as a shed, may include sidewalls and a roof. The roof, for example, may include one or more roof panels. The roof may also include a truss that is sized and configured to support the roof panels. The shed may also include one or more support beams that may be connected to the truss and may be connected to one or more panels. The shed may include one or more brackets used to connect a pair of panels that are positioned at an angle to form a corner of the shed. The shed may also include a cover, which may include one or more receiving portions sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the brackets. A plurality of roof panels may be positioned within a shipping container to form storage areas or cavities sized and configured to receive all or at least a portion of one or more floor panels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering a corner with trim includes a trim section. The trim section includes a resilient corner section having, a first and second generally-planar surfaces intersecting at an angle on the back of the resilient corner section and first and second tabs having a cross-sectional thickness less than a cross-sectional thickness of the corner section. The method for installing a molding system includes mounting the corner piece of trim to a wall corner defined by two walls intersecting at an angle with respect to each other and mounting a tab associated with the corner piece or trim to the wall, wherein an angled corner defined by the walls is covered by the corner piece of trim, and the angled corner is fitted to a surface on the corner piece of trim complementing the angled corner.

Abstract: An exterior finish system for building walls is provided. The system includes a moisture permeable insulation layer having interconnected voids and exterior finishing materials applied over said insulation layer. A building wall incorporating the exterior finish system is also provided. A process for finishing an exterior building wall is further provided.

Abstract: An insulated concrete wall system is disclosed in which the insulation is provided at the time the concrete wall is poured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming contraction joints in concrete works. The invention comprises a plurality of assemblies which are made from a concrete-separating material and which are mounted to rigid linear elements in an alternate manner on one side and then the other of the surface crack line on the upper face of the concrete work surface, leaving spaces therebetween for cracking. The inventive device enables the adjacent slabs formed by the contraction joint to be fixed, thereby improving the resistance performance thereof. The invention is suitable for in situ concrete works, such as roads, channels, esplanades, sewers, tunnels, railways, dykes, etc.

Abstract: An exterior siding mounting bracket assembly used in conjunction with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having a mounting flange fastened to the sheathing and a water diversion fitting also fastened to the sheathing and flashed in-part beneath the lower end of the mounting flange. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward from the mounting flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of the bracket assembly has a partition arrangement that preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged to substantially cover the water diversion fitting and the cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the mounting flange. Preferably, the water diversion fitting has an elongated drip edge spaced outwardly from the siding to shed water collected from generally cascaded from the mounting flange and outward from the siding.

Abstract: An installing structure for modularized electronic structure is provided, including a first receiving element, a second receiving element, a first buckling element and a second buckling element, wherein the first receiving element and the second buckling element are of the same structure in order to simplify molding structure for the installing structure, and solving problems such as time-consuming disassembling, tool requirement, complicated structure and high cost encountered in the prior art

Abstract: The invention relates to a profile (1) for the frames of wall elements, doors or windows, comprising a top part (16), a bottom part (2) and side walls (3, 4) interlinking the same. Said side walls (3, 4) have webs extending at an angle and considerably reducing heat transfer due to thermal conduction. The side walls (3, 4) are configured in such a manner that the height (h) of the side walls is smaller or equal the distance (A) between the front walls of the top part (16) and the bottom part (2). The side walls (3, 4) are furthermore welded to the top part (16) and/or the bottom part (2).

Abstract: A method for forming a structure is provided. The method including: forming at least one expandable member used in constructing the structure. The forming including: expanding a covering to define a cavity; and expanding foam in the cavity in an expansion direction to expand the covering into a predetermined shape.

Abstract: This process, unique to the flooring industry, includes moulding and then adding dimensional stability and moisture resistance to solid wood flooring by sealing all six sides of each piece. In addition to the moisture resistance and superior dimensional stability, accurate moulding results in optimum fit and therefore less sanding needed at the job site. The final result is a floor with all the desirable characteristics of a jobsite finished floor and the added value of dimensional stability and moisture resistance throughout the life of the floor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing access for cable or conduit installation from a roof top 2 or a basement of a building to the building interior 20. The method comprises the steps of mounting a drilling apparatus 22 on the building roof top and above a wall 6 of the building, or in the basement and below the building wall. The drilling apparatus is then used to drill a bore 26 that extends from the roof top into the wall, or that that extends from the basement into the wall. At least one aperture 28 extending from the building interior into the wall can be provided and the building interior can then communicate with the bore. The drilling apparatus 22 can comprise a drill string 24 comprising a drill bit, a drill motor adapted to drive the drill string and a support frame 32 having a lower portion 34 adapted to be mounted on the roof top or in the basement, and an upper portion 36 adapted to support the weight of the drill string, substantially independently of the drill motor.

Abstract: A platform including an upper deck and a lower deck longer than the upper deck, both being constructed of a light-weight sturdy material. The edges of the upper deck extend downward and the edges of the lower deck extend upward. The decks are hinged together at the forward edge of the platform, which comes in contact with the roof. Male-female sleeves are attached to the inner parts of the sides and support pieces of both decks to provide support. The sleeves adjust so the platform can accommodate varying roof pitches. The bottom surface of the lower deck is covered in non-skid material to provide adhesion to the roof. The forward edge of the lower deck has extensions with holes so the platform can be secured to the roof with screws or nails.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural component, especially a shielding component, with structural parts (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) which are at least in part differently configurated with respect to their surface extent and/or the directional pattern, of which at least one structural part (10) of a first type is provided with a curvature and with a longitudinal orientation, and with structural parts (12) of a second type which at least in part follow the pertinent curvature. In that the structural part (10) of the first type is designed as a shell and in that the structural parts (12) of the second type combined in pairs into groups (20, 22) extend transversely to the longitudinal orientation of the structural part (10) of the first type, the edge area definitely is strengthened by way of an additional structural part which is an integral component of the shielding body and need not consist of mounting-bracket parts which are positioned on the edge side.

Abstract: A grain bin roof ring mounting bracket having a mounting plate secured to a roof bin, a clip portion extending vertically from the mounting plate, and a back portion that extends outwardly from the clip portion.

Abstract: A wrapping paper for a roll having two opposed roll ends, the wrapping paper includes: a paper layer; and at least one exposed strip having adhesive properties. The at least one exposed strip is proximate to a side edge of the paper layer and covers at least a portion of one of the roll ends when wrapped around the roll. A method for wrapping a roll having a pair of spaced roll ends and an outer roll surface extending between the roll ends.

Abstract: Transport assembly comprising a transportation means which comprises a pallet-like carrying structure with two long sides, two short sides, four corners, an upper surface and a lower surface. The carrying structure is provided with wheels at each of the four corners of which at least two of the wheels possibly are of the swivel castor wheel type. The upper surface is furthermore provided with receiving means which are intended to receive the wheels of a second transportation means stacked on top of a first transportation means so that a number of such transportation means may be stacked, and fixated horizontally, one on top of the other. The upper surface is provided with two narrow long side channels arranged parallel to the long sides and stretching from one short side to the other.

Abstract: Systems for enclosing at least one target product in a covering material, include an elongate product chute having an outer surface and opposing receiving and discharge end portions with an interior cavity extending therethrough and an elongate breech loading chute alignably positioned generally above the product chute, the elongate loading chute configured to direct at least one target product into the product chute.

Abstract: A method of bagging an article into a bag comprising: providing a web of stretchable film folded in two so as to provide first and second superposed bag panels, selecting a length of stretchable film as a function of the article to be bagged, cutting the film at the selected length, sealing the bag panels at the length to form a bag having an opening for receiving the article, stretching the bag in a taut open state, and lowering the bag in the taut open state thereof over the article.

Abstract: An improved pharmaceutical dispensing system that allows direct transfer of doses from bulk blister packs into custom pharmaceutical packages in which medication doses are arranged by day of the week and/or time of day. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a positioning mechanism that controls a de-blister apparatus. The de-blister apparatus comprises a de-blister means, such as a plunger, to remove individual doses from the blister pack and dispose them into a corresponding cavity of the custom pharmaceutical package. The apparatus may operate under manual or automatic control. Such an invention alleviates the operator from having to remove all of the medication doses from the blister pack before distributing the doses amongst the cavities of the custom pharmaceutical package.

Abstract: A V-pack filter includes a frame construction having a first frame structure and a second frame structure. The V-pack filter also includes first and second panel sections mounted in extension between the first and second frame structures. The first panel section has first and second ends. The second panel section has third and fourth ends. The first and third ends have a first distance therebetween while the second and fourth ends have a second distance therebetween. The second distance is generally greater than the first distance. The first and second panel sections and the second frame structure define an air flow aperture. A seal arrangement circumscribes the air flow aperture and projects outwardly from the second frame structure. The first frame structure defines a first receiver indent. Assemblies and methods are also included.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed, by which dust collecting performance can be enhanced while a flow resistance of air is reduced.

Abstract: An air filtration system includes a support structure, an enclosure coupled to the support structure and including an air outlet, a filter and a fan operatively coupled to the enclosure, and a diffusion screen configured to cover the air outlet. The diffusion screen includes a screen frame configured to be removably attachable to the enclosure with at least one releasable fastener, and at least a diffusion layer substantially spanning the screen frame to cover the air outlet to provide unidirectional or laminar air flow from the air outlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed, by which a dust collecting device is facilitated to use. The present invention includes a cleaner body, a cyclone chamber having a primary cyclone separating particles from an introduced air and at least one secondary cyclone provided outside the primary cyclone to re-separate particles contained in the air discharged from the primary cyclone, a dust collecting container detachably assembled to the cleaner body, the dust collecting container including a primary dust storing part storing dust separated by the primary cyclone and a secondary dust storing part storing dust separated by the at least one secondary cyclone, and a fixing means for assembling/dissembling the dust collecting container and the cyclone chamber.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a base, one or more filter units and a cover unit. The base has a housing, a blower, vents in the housing for the egress of air from the blower, a first channel providing ingress of air to the blower and a connector on the housing. One or more filter units attach to the base, each of which includes a filter unit housing, openings in the filter housing for ingress of air, a second channel providing air from the openings to the first channel and a filter media between the openings and the channel to filter the air. At opposing ends of the filter unit are connectors configured to matingly engage with the connector of an adjacent unit. The last filter unit mounted is engaged with a cover having a housing and another connector, wherein the connectors engage with a connector on an adjacent unit.

Abstract: A carbon filter panel for an air cleaner is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The carbon filter panel includes a frame including one or more side members and a frame interior space and a plurality of spaced-apart carbon elements extending across the frame interior space. Airflow can pass between the plurality of carbon elements and through the carbon filter panel.

Abstract: Provided is a composite fuel filter material which comprises (A) a support layer made of wet laid cellulose and/or synthetic fibers, (B) a barrier layer having wet laid glass fibers for providing increased efficiency to the filter material, (C) a thermosetting bonding agent dispersed through the composite and in an amount sufficient for bonding the composite into a strong, tear resistant and pleatable material, and (D) a water repellant agent dispersed in the composite for removing and coalescing water dispersed in a fuel to be filtered. In a preferred embodiment for a diesel fuel filter, the glass fibers have an average diameter of about 0.1 to 2.0 microns and the thermosetting bonding agent is an epoxy resin in the composite in an amount of between 1 and 5% by weight. A filter efficiency of at least 90% or even 99% can be achieved, along with a water removal of 90 to 99.9%.

Abstract: An extremely thin profile filter is sized and configured to be installed between tubing couplers of an automotive air conditioning system in regions of an engine compartment that are cramped or otherwise will not accommodate a longer in-line filter. The filter comprises a thin flat filter housing formed from first and second thin shells joined together at opposed inside faces. Each shell is formed with a shallow well on its inside face and the wells align to define an interior camber within the filter housing. The outside opposing faces of the filter housing are configured to mate with corresponding sections of a tubing coupler so that the filter is installed by being sandwiched between the sections of the tubing coupler.

Abstract: A high efficiency air filter for use in a standard return air grille is provided. Standard return air grilles possess filter receptacles for accepting air filters, a closeable cover with a cover flange for engaging air filters and a duct interface that leads away from the air grille to the remainder of the return air ducts. The air filter comprises a filter flange with a gasket that is sized to fit within the filter receptacle of the air grille, such that when the cover is closed, the cover flange seals against the cover and the filter receptacle. The gasket is affixed to a housing that is sized to extend beyond the filter receptacle into the duct extending beyond the return air grille. An extended pleat air filter is contained within and sealed to the walls of the housing such that air passing through the return air grille substantially passes through the air filter prior to entering the remainder of the return air duct.

Abstract: A cylindrical shaped pleated media includes adhesive beads arranged on a periphery to bridge pleats and provide structural support for the pleated media. The pleated media is used in a fluid filter.

Abstract: A diesel soot particulate filter medium, as subject of the invention comprises fibers, preferably metal fibers. The diesel soot particulate filter medium has a thickness T between its inflow side and its outflow side being equal or more than 5 cm. The S/V at the inflow side is preferably more than 50 m2/m3and the S/V at the outflow side is preferably less than 80000 m2/m3, whereas S/V increases stepwise or gradually from the inflow side to the outflow side. S is the sum of all mantle surface of the fibers present in a volume V.

Abstract: A hard object or stone detection method and apparatus for detecting and removing discrete hard foreign objects from mobile agricultural equipment, particularly an agricultural harvester including apparatus for providing a flow of cut crop material to an elevator for delivery to a threshing system. The apparatus includes a foreign object detecting mechanism, including a foreign object detecting circuit for detecting foreign objects and an object exclusion or rejection mechanism operationally connected to be activated by the detecting circuit. The detecting circuit includes at least one vibration sensor operable for outputting a signal, and a combination of high pass filters and frequency bandpass filters and variable threshold comparators for processing the signal along first and second signal paths, and at least one microprocessor or microcontroller including a pulse rejection network.

Abstract: An improvement to the feederhouse on an agricultural combine. The invention includes a stone detection and ejection system on the feederhouse of an agricultural combine and an acoustic array positioned beneath the front drum and having an acoustic sensor and sounding plate. The sounding plate is generally parallel to the feederhouse floor and includes interruptions configured upon its surface to ensure that a stone or other hard object, sliding over its surface, or a flow of crop material carrying a stone, excites the plate to a sufficient magnitude detectable by an acoustic sensor.

Abstract: An object detection system is operable to alert and/or automatically react to a lawn mower, or equivalent mower equipment, contacting an object when the lawn mower is operating in reverse gear. The object detection system comprises a sensor strip, a connection lead wire and an electrical circuit. The sensor strip generates and electrical contact signal traveling through the lead wire in response to the lawn mower contacting an object. The electrical contact signal causes the electrical circuit to enable a warning system and selectively activate a brake system and disable the power take off (PTO) switch to stop rotation of the mower blade.

Abstract: A method for operating an attachment for harvesting stalk-like crops mounted on a carrier vehicle including a plurality of working tools and at least one stalk-guiding element mounted upstream from the working tools, the method including a step of causing the at least one stalk-guiding element to pivot as a function of the location or position of at least one of the attachment and the carrier vehicle.

Abstract: A pressure activated switch senses if air pressure in a grass clippings collection system between a mower deck and a collection container exceeds a specified pressure, and deactivate a power take off to the mower blades if the air pressure exceeds the specified pressure. Additionally, a warning indicator connected to the pressure activated switch indicates if the air pressure exceeds the specified pressure.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for processing organic plant matter into dry powder, oil and juice products for use alone or in combination with other constituents as a food additive, nutriment, dietary supplement, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical or a component of a cosmetic product having a high concentration of polyphenolic compounds, including the naturally occurring antioxidant resveratrol. In a particular embodiment, Muscadine grapes and rice hulls are mixed together in a predetermined ratio and subsequently pressed to extract the bulk of the grape juice from the Muscadine grapes, resulting in a residue consisting essentially of Muscadine grape marc and rice hulls. An active enzyme may be introduced into the mixture to soften the grape skins and thereby facilitate break down of the mixture into the residue. The residue is then pressed again, dried at low heat and high air flow, and the grape seeds separated from the remaining residue.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a crop pick-up having a tined reel for lifting a windrow of crop to a secondary feeder which moves the crop into the baling chamber. Crop feeding is aided by an integrated crop baffle and hold-down assembly suspended from the baler frame for vertical floating movement by a trailing four-bar linkage arrangement. The baffle is located ahead of the pick-up tine reel, and the compressor rods extending rearwardly over the reel from a location close to an upper rear region of the baffle to a region beneath a bale starter roll. The linkage arrangement controls the movement of the integrated crop baffle and hold-down assembly such that the assembly quickly adjusts to varying windrow thickness, and so that interference between the starter roll and the rear sections of the crop hold-down compressor is avoided.

Abstract: A hold down mechanism controlling the top mat of crop material on a pickup belt platform includes a pair of support arms pivotally mounted on the opposite sides of the frame and extending longitudinally parallel to the rotatable pickup belt. A transverse cross member extends between the two support arms. The cross member has a tubular cross section and a transverse array of through holes, each through hole having a first opening and a diametrically opposite second opening in the tubular cross member, wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening. A plurality of hold down fingers are provided. Each finger has a flexible rod portion extending from and secured in a base portion. The base portion has a shoulder opposite the secured rod portion and a retaining portion extending from the shoulder opposite to the rod portion. A plurality of releasable retainers are provided.

Abstract: The device comprises in combination: a first interlacing jet (19); a feed path of the covering yarn (FT) and a feed path of the elastic: yarn (F1; F2) towards the first interlacing jet; supporting means (37A, 37B) for spools of elastic yarn (R1, R2); winding members (54) to wind the composite yarn (FC) on the cop being formed (BC); an interruption device to interrupt feed of composite yarn to said cop being formed and start winding the composite yarn on a new winding tube.