Abstract: A workspace system provides for payment units allowing electrical current and other workspace amenities to be purchased, internalizing the costs of electrical charging stations, thereby promoting their use within public spaces.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus providing a column forming assembly formable from multiple column forming sub-assemblies that are stackable providing a compact storage or transport configuration. A column forming structure is formed from multiple elongated wall sections configured for interlocking engagement with each other to form a hollow, open ended structure adapted to accept a settable substance, such as concrete or plaster. The multiple elongated wall sections are stackable and can be stored to shipped to a job site in a condensed or nested configuration. The nested configuration reduces empty or hollow spaces provided by assembled forms. In some embodiments, the forms can be disassembled after use for transport from the jobsite, storage, and later reuse. The column forming assembly can be combined with one or more column-end forms and with thin-walled column forming inserts.

Abstract: A wind turbine foundation having a central pedestal, a bottom support slab, and a plurality of prefabricated radial reinforcing ribs. The pedestal and support slab are poured in situ at the site. When the concrete cures the support slab is united to the prefabricated ribs and the ribs are also united to the pedestal. The result is a continuous monolithic foundation wherein loads are carried across the structure vertically and laterally through the continuous structure by doweled and spliced reinforcing steel bars which are integrally cast into the pedestal, ribs and support slab. The slab thus behaves structurally as a continuous slab reducing deflections, improving fatigue conditions and increasing the stiffness of the foundation as well as allowing for the benefits of an economical design.

Abstract: A method for securing a sole plate to a slab, the method including securing an anchor strap to a form, the anchor strap having a first part and a second part opposed to the first part; a body, two bendable spaced-apart holding portions extending from the first part, the two holding portions and the body co-planar, a first part of each holding portion positioned at a level so that material poured into the form will be at substantially the same level as said the holding portions; pouring the material into the form to make the slab; allowing the material to harden; placing a member on the first parts of the holding portions; bending parts of each holding portion around the member so that the member is within the holding portions; and securing the member to the holding portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an athletic surface having a resilient layer operatively positioned on the supporting structure including a top playing surface; and a bottom surface associated with the supporting base structure. The bottom surface associated with the supporting base structure includes a first side surface and a second side surface, both of which extend in the longitudinal direction of the layer. The said bottom surface also includes a first end surface and a second end surface, both of which extend in the transverse direction of the layer. The top playing surface of the athletic flooring system includes a drainage facilitating means associated with the top surface.

Abstract: Multiple polymeric panels molded as a rigid integral body having a planar top surface and a bottom grid structure are interlocked together mechanically along side edges. Each side edge has alternating upwardly and downwardly facing steps with concave dimples on one and mating convex projections on the other for securely interlocking adjacent panels to each other. The steps of adjacent panels interlock with each other to form a complete floor system. The multiple polymeric panels can be molded to simulate flooring materials such as brick or overlaid with sections of linoleum, carpet, synthetic grass, tile or wood flooring. Alternately, the assembled panels can be covered with a sheet of decorative material.

Abstract: An improved locking device is essentially characterized by the following features: at least two recessed sections extend radially outwards from the central axis and are arranged at regular angular intervals from one another, a setting member or rotary member is provided in the inside of the pot-like or housing-like fixed element; the rotary member comprises an actuation portion with a locking element which is axially offset in the direction of the base; the locking element has a structure provided with locking arms which project radially outwards, so that the thus designed locking element can be axially inserted through the recess.

Abstract: A tubular structural member has substantially constant cross-sectional size and configuration along its length between its opposite ends. The member has a pair of parallel oppositely aligned flat areas in its exterior surface. The member has substantially uniform wall thickness except in a selected portion of each the opposing areas where the member's wall thickness is a selected amount greater than the uniform wall thickness. The increase wall thickness preferably is manifested in the interior of the tubular member. The cross-sectional area of the member can have orthogonal neutral axes, and the exterior dimension of the member along one of those axes can be greater than the exterior dimension of the member along the other of those axes which is normal to the exterior flat areas; the amount and distribution of the thickening of the member's walls over the uniform thickness can be defined to cause the section modular of the member about each of the neutral axes to be substantially equal.

Abstract: An apparatus for mutually stably connecting profiled elements, comprising inserts which are adapted for stably accommodating, each within a respective profiled element, units for anchoring to the contoured ends of the inserts which are directed toward the outside of each profiled element, and a tension member whose ends are associated with the units.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A wall fastener that attaches a wallboard member to a mounting track in a manner that allows for relative movement between an overhead roof structure to which the mounting track is secured and a non-load bearing wall. The wall fastener holds the wallboard in a fixed position relative to the wall and the overhead structure to maintain a fire barrier.

Abstract: A method for assembling a fiber-reinforced composite structure by connecting fiber-reinforced composite members to additional members, comprising the steps of providing at least one of said fiber-reinforced composite members with projections having information concerning the identification and connecting positions of said additional members, to which said fiber-reinforced composite member is to be connected, and positioning said additional members to said fiber-reinforced composite member using said projections.

Abstract: A support beam and attachment clevis assembly having a pair of “J” beams, each “J” beam having a stem and a tail, each “J” beam's tail having a distal end and a longitudinal extension, each “J” beam's stem having an upper end and a longitudinal extension, the longitudinal extension of each “J” beam's stem being greater than that of said each “J” beam's tail; and incorporating a plurality of blind rivets interconnecting the pair of “J” beams so that the distal end of each “J” beam's tail contacts the upper end of the other “J” beam's stem.

Abstract: A height adjustable jack piling assembly has a piling with a top and a bottom. A hinge axis is disposed on the top and a bearing plate is disposed at the bottom. A height adjustment mechanism extends upwardly from the bearing plate and through the piling to raise the piling, and the corresponding hinge axis, by operating the height adjustment mechanism from the top. The method includes placing a jack piling assembly and second lower piling, each having a hinge axis, into the earth and operating the height adjustment mechanism of the jack piling assembly to align the hinge axes.

Abstract: A pre-embedded connector formed by hot-rolled steel for concrete including a channel bar and an anchor-bolt connecting with it. The channel bar has a channel shape and has a notch. A T type of connecting screw bolt having a bolting portion is provided inside each of the channel feet of the two sides of channel bar. The channel bar is formed by hot-rolling. There are small teeth which are provided on inboard surfaces of the two channel feet of the channel bar, forming two inboard teeth-shape surfaces, which firmly connect with the two inboard surfaces of the bolting portions of the T type of connecting screw bolt. The anchor-bolt is installed on the top of the channel bar and the feet of the anchor bolt are fixed on a planar surface of the top of the channel bar by welding.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of producing ballast pavers for use in a roof system. A concrete mixture may be provided. The concrete mixture may be shaped into an uncured paver including a top surface. A reflective coating may be applied to the top surface. The uncured paver may be heated in a kiln to cure the concrete mixture. The reflective coating being substantially cured upon removal from the kiln.

Abstract: A connector device is provided for a curtain wall system of the type having structural members secured to the building framing to define frames to support glazing panels. The glazing panels each have a sash by which they are secured to the frames of structural members to form an outer wall portion of a building. The curtain wall system has connector devices securing one of the glazing panels to the frames of structural members. The connector device comprises a keeper secured to a frame, and a latch mechanism secured opposite the keeper on the sash. The latch mechanism has a latch bolt automatically displaceable to a locking position upon contact with the keeper. The keeper and the latch mechanism cooperate in the locking position to lock the glazing panel to the frame in a secured position. A method for installing the connector device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and processes for accurately positioning and rotating coupons for application on cigarette packs or pack film.

Abstract: An apparatus for swinging a last hopper of automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system having a tablet cassette and a deck includes a last hopper, a shutter controller, and a last hopper swinging device. The last hopper, for collecting one or more tablets falling from the tablet cassette, has a top opening, a bottom orifice, and a shutter provided at the bottom orifice. The shutter controller is provided for opening the shutter to release the tablets collected in the last hopper. The last hopper swinging device is provided for swinging the last hopper in order for the tablets in the last hopper to be aligned in a predetermined direction. The tablets aligned by the last hopper swinging device drop into a wrapping paper in the predetermined direction to be packaged.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with flowable product, such as ice cream, includes a plurality of carrier and frame assemblies which are configured to respectively receive the containers to be filled. Notably, each carrier of each assembly has a vertical dimension which is substantially greater than that of the associated container, with the carrier, and associated container, being vertically movable with respect to the associated carrier frame. By this arrangement, the carrier frame desirably acts in cooperation with the carrier to stabilize the container against lateral forces to which it is subjected, thereby facilitating filling of the container, and in particular, wiping of each container against an associated filling nozzle at the conclusion of filling.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of cover members (52) and an arrangement (104) for positioning the plurality of cover members on, or adjacent, openings of a plurality of containers (12). The system further includes an arrangement (106) for exerting a force substantially simultaneously on the plurality of cover members such that each of the cover members contacts a portion of its respective container adjacent the opening, the cover member becoming attached to the container and thereby acting as a cover for the container.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a pair of sealing members, a cutting device and a switching unit. The sealing members are configured to selectively seal a cylindrical packing material that extends therebetween. The cutting device includes a pressing member arranged on one of the pair of sealing members and a receiving member arranged on the other of the pair of sealing members. The cutting device is configured to selectively press the pressing member against the receiving member to melt and cut the cylindrical packaging material by heat and pressure. The switching unit is configured to switch the pressing member between a pressing state and a non-pressing state with respect to the receiving member when the sealing members are pressed together. The stopping unit is configured to selectively stop the pressing member from retracting from the pressing state with respect to the receiving member.

Abstract: A hand dispenser for stretch film. The stretch film from the hand dispenser is dispensed by using one hand from a person. The hand dispenser comprises a handle with prongs, a collar with a flange and a notched cylinder with flexible sections, and a foam sleeve for a cushion grip. The handle prongs are inserted into the extended core of the roll. The film is wound around one end of the extended core.

Abstract: A strapping machine is provided to feed a strap around a load, position, tension and seal the strap around the load. The strapping machine includes a surface to support the load in the strapping machine; a strap chute to carry a strap around the load and release the strap from the strap chute; a motor assembly to convey the strap around the strap chute, retract the strap material around the load, and tension the strap around the load; and an adjustable speed drive capable of receiving a first reference signal and a second reference signal, and configured to actuate the motor assembly to apply a first amount of torque to the strap when receiving the first reference signal and to apply a second amount of torque to the strap when receiving the second reference signal.

Abstract: A light-weight, elongate plastic bag having a first end and a second end is provided for transferring air into inflatable items. One end of said elongate flexible bag has an opening, while the opposite end of said elongate flexible bag has a nozzle or other similar fitting. Additionally, an optional check valve can be provided on said nozzle. Air or other gas can be easily introduced into said elongate bag at low pressure and, thereafter, transferred at a relatively higher pressure into an inflatable item to be filled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus (1) for the aseptic packaging of a food product in presealed and internally presterilized pouches. The apparatus comprises a filling chamber (2b) positioned above a sterilization pre-chamber (2a) of the pouches (S). At an opening (9) between said filling chamber (2b) and said sterilization pre-chamber (2a) there is arranged a widening device (17) of the pouches (S) which is suitable for holding a pouch (S) in a working position for the filling wherein only a filling end thereof is located in the filling chamber (2b).

Abstract: An apparatus for covering goods, and goods stacked on a pallet with plastic wrap supplied in a roll comprises: a) a roll head adapted to rotatably carry the roll of plastic wrap, said roll head having a friction mechanism so that ease of rotation of the roll with respect to the head is controlled thereby facilitating stretching the wrap around the goods after an end portion of the wrap is initially secured adjacent to the goods; and, b) an elongate handle portion carrying the roll head and extending therefrom in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the roll of plastic wrap.

Abstract: A method and unit for feeding products to a group-forming unit forming groups of products, each defined by a given number of products; an orderly succession of products is fed in a first direction by a first conveyor; the products are transferred from the first conveyor to a second conveyor by a first transfer device; an orderly succession of products is fed in a second direction by the second conveyor; the products are transferred from the second conveyor to a third conveyor by a second transfer device; an orderly succession of products is fed by the third conveyor in a third direction parallel to the second direction; and, when a vacancy is detected on the first transfer device, the second conveyor is stopped, and, at the same time, the second transfer device is moved towards the first transfer device in the opposite direction to the second direction.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for separating products, such as napkins or rolls of paper, encased in a tube of continuously moving thermoplastic wrapping material into product units is disclosed. At predetermined intervals spaced products are fed into the tube at wrapper length intervals, and the tube is thermally cut at wrapper intervals to form individually girth wrapped articles.

Abstract: A system for collecting a harvested product is provided. The system may include a continuously constructed flexible container for collecting the harvested product. For instance, the continuously constructed flexible container is a continuous sheet of flexible material such as plastic. A sealing device may be included within the system which is operationally coupled to the continuously constructed flexible container to allow the container to be sealed in discrete increments. Further, the system includes a traceability device operationally coupled to each of the discrete increments of the continuously flexible container to allow the harvested product included within each increment to be tracked. The use of the continuously constructed flexible container allows the harvested product to be collected continuously.

Abstract: A high speed, flexible pouch form-fill-seal machine includes a form line having a plurality of pouch forming stations that conducts an operation to form a body of the pouch. An intermittent transport means transports the laminate material between each of the pouch forming stations, and stops at each station so that the corresponding pouch forming operation can be performed. The machine includes a fill-seal line having a plurality of pouch fill-seal stations arranged sequentially along the fill-seal line that conducts an operation to open, fill and seal the flexible pouch. A continuous transport means transfers the pouch between the plurality of pouch fill-seal stations, and the continuous transport means moves continuously between the each of the pouch fill-seal stations so that the corresponding pouch fill-seal operation can be performed. A transfer means transfers the formed flexible pouch from the fill line to the fill-seal line.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for loading a plurality of items into a plurality of containers. The system may include a plurality of pucks, each puck adapted to retain an item. A puck delivery sub-system may include a puck-infeed conveyor to move each of the pucks along an in-feed conveyor path, and a transition apparatus operable to facilitate the transition of the pucks to a continuous puck unloading conveyor. The puck un-loading conveyor may have a releasable engagement mechanism such that when each of the pucks is engaged with said puck unloading conveyor, each of said pucks is fixed in a relative longitudinal position relative to the puck unloading conveyor. An item transfer apparatus may transfer an item from each puck when engaged with the puck un-loading conveyor, to a corresponding container.

Abstract: A device for packaging bags in a box at least comprises a bag supplying device for supplying bags to a pickup position, as well as a transfer device provided with at least one nozzle for moving at least one bag from a pickup position to a depositing position. The device further comprises a flap which is movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, under which flap a box can be positioned. The flap is positioned opposite the pickup position in such a manner that a bag can be dragged from the pickup position to the depositing position on the flap in use, during which dragging at least a part of the bottom side of said bag is substantially constantly supported on the pickup position or on the flap.

Abstract: The method provides for monitoring pressure applied by a heat sealing tool. The heat sealing tool seals a lidstock to the flange of a rigid polymeric container with a well containing a contact lens and an aqueous storage solution. The flange includes an upper sealing surface and a lower surface. The tool includes a first plate adapted to contact the lower surface of the flange and a second plate adapted to press the lidstock against the sealing surface of the flange.

Abstract: A typically monolithic particulate filter including a highly porous block made primarily of intertangled polycrystalline mullite fibers, a set of channels formed through the block, and a set of porous walls separating adjacent channels. Exhaust gas is flowed through the channels and interacts with the walls such that particulate matter carried in the exhaust gas, such as soot particles, is screened out by porous fibrous mullite walls.

Abstract: A dust filter of an evaporated fuel treatment device is taught that preferably include a filtration member for filtering air introduced to an atmosphere introduction path, and a casing receiving the filtration member therein. The dust filter being disposed on the atmosphere introduction path of the evaporated fuel treatment device. The filtration member has an arcuate shape in cross section, and wherein the filtration member is arranged and structured such that air flows in a radial direction thereof, so as to be filtered.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a filter cartridge includes providing filtration media formed into a plurality of pleats, wherein the filtration media have a substantially tubular configuration with a pre-determined circumferential spacing between each of the plurality of pleats. The filter cartridge is configured to remove particulates from a particulate-laden fluid stream flowing in a direction through the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge is also configured to be periodically subjected to a cleaning fluid stream flowing in a substantially opposite direction of the particulate-laden fluid stream. The method also includes coupling at least one retention device to the filtration media, wherein the retention device is fabricated from a melt-extrudable polymer material that is configured to facilitate extending a life expectancy of the filter cartridge when operationally exposed to operating temperatures ranging from 135° C. (275° F.) to 204° C. (400° F.).

Abstract: A filter apparatus having an element configured as a tubular filter, which is mounted in a carrier tube such that an annular space for fluid flow is formed between the outer surface of the tubular filter element and the inner surface of the carrier tube. The tubular filter is releasably mounted inside the carrier tube such that it can be pulled by one end out of the carrier tube and a second tubular filter element connected to the opposite end of the filter element being pulled out can simultaneously be pulled into the carrier tube.

Abstract: A mulching mower unit comprising a mower deck having a top plate, and a plurality of rotary blades arranged side by side inside the mower deck. A mulching baffle for providing at least part of boundary walls of a plurality of mulching chambers is detachably attached to the interior of the mower deck. A vertical guide wall constituting the mulching baffle has an inclined surface. A terminal end guide surface is formed in a terminal end portion of the vertical guide wall with respect to a direction of rotation of the rotary blade in a region around an opening for allowing the adjacent mulching chambers to communicate with each other, whereby grass clippings are deflected inwardly of the mulching chamber with which the terminal end guide surface is associated.

Abstract: A rotary zero-turn steer-by-wire mower for golf courses includes a chassis, forward drive wheels mounted on axles mounted underneath the chassis and connected to an engine and transmission and swivel-mounted rear wheels mounted on the chassis. Side-by-side rear mower decks are mounted underneath the chassis with three side-by-side mounted forward mower decks mounted on a forward mower deck mounting structure extending forwards from the chassis, each of the five mower decks being independently mounted on a floating mount structure with hydraulic connections for driving the mower blades mounted therewithin. The mower unit is controlled by a steer-by-wire twin stick speed and direction control system which eliminates mechanical connection between the mower controls and steering and throttle systems, thereby reducing mechanical breakdown possibilities.

Abstract: A motorized grass trimmer having a modular tri-wheeled carriage that incorporates an integrated tubular telescopic shaft as an integral part thereof and slidably fitted into an elongated cylindrical receiving chamber, which is affixed to the housing core as a structural member thereof and extends obliquely upward as supporting beam upon which a hand lever is mounted as a means to avail operational control and maneuverability. Attached to the bottom end of said telescopic shaft is a fork mount upon which the ground contact wheel is adopted and operated in coordinated fashion in conjunction with the two rear ground wheels, which are steadfastly secured and disposed laterally apart on the rearward zone of the housing carriage protective skirt.

Abstract: A riding work vehicle includes an engine hood provided at a rear portion of the vehicle body, an engine cooling air inlet provided at a front end area of the engine hood, and a mower connecting portion for connecting a mower to the vehicle body. A pair of right and left first fenders are supported to the vehicle body so as to be located above the front wheels or rear wheels. Second fenders are provided separately from the first fenders and overlapping at least partially with the first fenders as viewed from above. Second fender support portions support the second fenders to the vehicle body. Each one of the second fenders includes an overlapping portion overlapping with the first fender as viewed from above and a dust cover portion disposed laterally of the engine cooling air inlet.