Abstract: A masonry block includes a set of block members each having opposing end faces, an outer face and an inner face opposite of the outer face, a top face and a slot that includes a first portion at least partially coextensive with the top face and a second portion transverse to the first portion which is at least partially coextensive with the opposing end faces of the set of block members. The set of block members are supported on a self-supporting wall frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a device and system for removing moisture from the drainage plane of the exterior cladding to the surface of the exterior wall, and is specifically designed for use in soffits and overhangs. The device comprises both at least one angled portion which directs water from the drainage plane of the exterior wall, through the stucco cladding and to the outside of the building. A drip edge and lip on the bottom of the device further create a cup or gap which prevents the moving water from further moving along the underside of the overhang.

Abstract: A structural panel for interior use made of a polystyrene foam core of either extruded polystyrene foam (XPF) or an expanded polystyrene foam (EPF) and a rigid face material having a higher density and being thinner than said foam core and attached to each opposed face of said foam core to capture said foam core.

Abstract: An anchoring device configured for reinforcing and renovating an existing masonry wall. The anchoring device is preferable a plastic anchoring device configured to be inserted in a hole in the existing masonry wall, and then preferable expanded to securely anchor same.

Abstract: A ceiling tile and back panel combination is comprised of PVC plastic preferably made from UV Stabilized 0.013 thick vinyl plastic and formed into the desired shapes. The ceiling tiles and back panel provide all the functionality of conventional drop ceiling tiles and ceiling panels, but at a fraction of the weight. A thin wall construction uses fewer raw materials, and makes the tiles more efficient to ship than conventional mineral fiber ceiling tiles. Additionally, the tiles of the invention do not negatively impact indoor air quality or encourage microbial growth. Also, the tiles are 100% recyclable. Acoustical performance is enhanced by formed surface features, and both thermal and acoustical performance is greatly improved when tiles are used in combination with back panels and intermediate panels, creating isolated air baffles. When installed under fire suppression sprinkler heads, tiles drop out of the way in the event of a fire so sprinklers can do their job.

Abstract: A wall board assembly and fastening system is provided. The wall board assembly has a first wall board having a tongue on at least one edge thereof. A second wall board is provided having a groove on at least one edge thereof for matingly receiving the tongue of the first wall board. A first opening is provided in at least one of the first and second wall boards having a fastener inserted therein that permits movement. A second opening is also provided in at least one of the first and second wall boards. The second opening has a fastener inserted therein that provides a stationary attachment of the wall board. As a result, the wall board assembly is fixed at a stationary point, but has a tolerance or range of movement about the fastener permitting movement. A method of assembling a wall board assembly using the foregoing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bracket for use in acoustically isolating a ceiling support grid from a frame member includes a planar body having a grid receiving formation and at least one mounting aperture, and a resilient grommet secured relative to each aperture for acoustically isolating a fastener passing through the aperture into the frame member.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid beam is provided that has an increased beam height to provide enhanced resistance to downward deflection. The beam has a cross-section generally in the form of an inverted T, with a central web, a pair of panel support flanges extending from one edge of the web, and a reinforcing bulb extending from the other edge of the web. The reinforcing bulb has a generally planar, fin-like structure extending therefrom opposite to and generally co-planar with the central web.

Abstract: A patch for patching a hole in roof decking includes a rigid plug body that has a peripheral edge and that is of a size receivable in the hole in a manner enabling the plug body to be positioned in edgewise juxtaposition with the roof decking. The patch also includes a plurality of separate clips separately secured to the plug body at spaced-apart locations adjacent the peripheral edge of the plug body. A portion, or ear, of each clip extends laterally and outwardly beyond the peripheral edge of the plug body so that it can be disposed on the roof decking and suspend the plug body within the hole. If desired, a flexible flashing material can be applied over the plug body and clips to form a fluid-tight seal between any gaps between the plug body and roof decking. A method of installing the patch is also provided.

Abstract: Nails are manufactured using a sequence of steps including hot galvanizing of the nails with a zinc/tin/flux composition followed by vinyl coating to provide fasteners which resist corrosion that may result from chemically treated wood and cement infused materials.

Abstract: A soffit and fascia system for use on an exterior of a building that includes a soffit member, a soffit flashing, a fascia member, and a fascia flashing. The soffit flashing is adapted to be secured to an exterior of the building and to retain the rear portion of the soffit member in a desired configuration with concealed fasteners. The fascia flashing may be adapted to be coupled to the fascia member in the lower portion thereof and adapted to at least partially retain the forward portion of the soffit member in the desired configuration. The soffit member may include two or more soffit segments.

Abstract: A lap siding system for use on an exterior of a building that includes a plank having a length and a complementary member, such as corner trim, door trim, etc. The lap siding system further includes a flashing disposed between the plank and the complementary member. The plank, the complementary member, and the flashing are adapted to be coupled to an exterior of a substructure of a building. At least one of the plank, the complementary member, and the flashing is adapted to create at least one ventilation channel between the substructure of the building and at least one of the plank, the complementary member, and the flashing.

Abstract: A flooring system for radiant heating includes a top floor portion and a subfloor portion. The top portion is releasably connectable to the subfloor portion in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to a walking surface of the top portion. The top portion includes a bottom side and top channel portion downwardly depending from the bottom side. The subfloor portion includes a top side and a bottom channel portion extending upwardly from the top side. The top channel portion and the bottom channel portion bound a channel for receiving a heating conduit. The channel extends longitudinally relative to the top floor portion and the subfloor portion.

Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.

Abstract: A masonry block wall system includes a plurality of brackets which establish a wall framework. Each bracket includes a plurality of fins adapted to receive and support at least one block member such that the fins establish a desired alignment of block members relative to one another.

Abstract: A construction block includes rectangular front and rear panels and at least one web connecting the front and rear panels. Each of the front and rear panels has top, bottom, and right and left edge surfaces. At least one web having top and bottom surfaces co-extensive with the top and bottom of the front and rear panels is provided to define top and bottom surfaces of the block. The top surface of the block has a shallow rectangular ridge along its length, flanked by outer support surfaces. The lower surface of the block has a shallow rectangular channel along its length, flanked by flat outer feet corresponding to the outer support surfaces. The right and left edge surfaces of the front and rear panels are profiled to interfit with one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a reinforced wood panel comprising a first lignocellulosic layer, and a prepreg layer.

Abstract: A building has a frame which includes of several frame elements parallel to one another and located with a distance to one another. Each frame elements has two vertical supports and at least one horizontal beam. The frame elements are connected to one another to form the frame of the building by uprights which are attached outside to their vertical supports. To connect the supports, the beams and the uprights angles of steel sheet are used which in their legs have holes (19) for passage of connecting elements bent out and released from the legs of the angles, in the manner of nail plates. Connecting are located and attached between vertical supports. The girders (37) bear wall elements which adjoin stops on the vertical supports from the inside.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved synthetic-fiber reinforced window component that provides additional thermal efficient properties without a reduction in strength, provides resistance to temperature conduction and wind deflection of the window component, and is adequate or suitable for screw retention of hardware. The inventive synthetic-fiber reinforced window component includes a sash for retaining window glass, the sash defining at least one hollow, and a solid reinforcement profile nested within the hollow. The profile may comprise first and second side walls and a transverse wall extending between the first and second side walls. The profile may include at least one synthetic, organic fiber strand embedded within the profile proximate the intersection of the first side wall and the transverse wall. The fiber strands may extend in the longitudinal direction of the profile.

Abstract: Furred woven wire fabric lathing is provided which incorporates a plurality of wires twisted together forming a wire mesh with a major portion of the wire in a plane with a portion of the mesh comprising furr portions extending out of the plane of the mesh and configured for embedment in plaster upon application of plaster to the wire mesh.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system is disclosed for affixing a column to a beam in a construction. The lateral bracing system includes a pair of buckling restraint blocks, one each affixed to a top and bottom flange of a beam. Each buckling restraint block includes one or more bores formed through a center of the block. The lateral bracing system further includes at least one yield link for each buckling restraint block. Each yield link includes a first end affixed to the column, and a second end fit through a bore in a buckling restraint block and affixed to an end of the buckling restraint block.

Abstract: An antivibration uniform-strength connector including two mating connection plates and a bolt. The connection plates are made of steel material having tensile strength proximate to that of steel reinforcements. The connection plates are made in accordance with the specifications of the steel reinforcements. Each connection plate has a central hole and two lateral extension sections. Each extension section has an opposite contact face. Contact recesses are formed on the contact faces and spaced from the central hole by equal or unequal distances. With steel reinforcements respectively held in the contact recesses, the bolt is tightened in the central hole of one connection plate to fasten the connection plates and fix the steel reinforcements in a double-cross or parallel pattern. The antivibration uniform-strength connector is applicable to the major steel reinforcements of a beam, a column, a bridge, a bridgeboard, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the automatic construction of buildings or other heavy constructions by a method and a device suitable for reducing the construction time and for assisting its relative operations. This method comprises the steps of CAD-modelling a structure through volume or surface modelling steps, sectioning the structure computed model with horizontal parallel planes according to a predetermined pitch, prearranging an apparatus that deposits in alternation a layer of granular material and a liquid binder only in coincidence with the solid portions of said plane, within containing walls that define a closed perimeter. This method can be carried out by an apparatus having a horizontal frame (1) suitable for supporting a bridge crane (15) capable of causing and operating head to move (16) in a horizontal plane defined by said horizontal frame (1).

Abstract: A system for erecting structures, includes at least one support profile and at least one clamping profile. The clamping profile is attachable to a lateral face of the support profile and has at least one laterally open first groove, which, in the state of the clamping profile attached to the lateral face, extends parallel to the lateral face of the support profile in relation to its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An automatic medicine packaging machine with door lock unit that prevents the supplement and outflow of tablets by an unauthorized person and makes tablets kept and treated more safely is disclosed. The automatic medicine packaging machine comprising a plurality of tablet cassettes and a door includes; a door lock unit that is established on a body of the automatic medicine packaging machine and locks or unlocks the door; a button operation unit that is established on the front of the body and that operation is inputted by a user; and a lock controller that controls the operation of the door lock unit according to a lock or unlock signal inputted by the button operation unit, in which the lock controller includes a user authentication unit that authenticates user of the door lock unit.

Abstract: A closing device for closing channels in which pressure fluid is conveyed in a housing. The closing device includes a sealing body that is designed as a sleeve member, the peripheral surface of which is arranged between the accommodating bore and the closing member for sealing purposes, and is subjected to a defined surface pressure in sections.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing foam cushions in particular for packaging purposes, said device comprising a foil supply station and a foam dispensing station, said foil supply station being provided for supplying to said foam dispensing station a foil material, having a first and a second side wall joining each other at a common first border and positioned so as to delimit an inner space accessible by an opening applied in a second border, said foam dispensing station comprising first retaining means, provided for retaining said second border, said foam dispensing station further comprising a dispensing member, provided for penetrating through said opening and supplying a foaming substance into said inner space, said device further comprising transport means, provided for transporting said foil material through said dispensing station towards a welding station, said foam dispensing station further comprises slot shaping means mounted offset and downwards from said first retaining means in such a manner as to form

Abstract: A wetness indicating wrap system that provides evidence to the user if the roll wrap system has been exposed to water or other aqueous material. The wetness indicating wrap system includes a water contact indicator (e.g., soluble dye present as indicia) on an outer surface of the roll wrap system, the water contact indicator configured to bleed, run, or otherwise distort when exposed to water or other aqueous material. The water contact indicator dries in its distorted image, thus providing an indication that the water contact indicator, and thus the roll wrap system, had been exposed to water or other aqueous material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved packaging systems for storing ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and to methods for packaging such ophthalmic devices with aqueous packaging solutions to improve the comfort of the lens during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to a packaging system for storing an ophthalmic device in an aqueous packaging solution comprising an anionic polymer and a non-ionic polyol. Such solutions can be retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, which may provide significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: In a method for the gas-tight packing of objects with film material bearing tightly against the objects, by means of a vacuum, wherein the object is inserted in a bowl and a deep-drawable film is connected to the bowl for sealing the bowl, and wherein a bowl with at least one peripheral edge is used for forming the packaging material, the deep-drawable film is cut to the dimension of the peripheral edge and the deep-drawable film is subsequently or simultaneously applied to the peripheral edge in a gas-tight manner. A further film is then cut to the dimension of the peripheral edge during the application of the deep-drawable film, or after its application, and the further film is subsequently or simultaneously applied to the peripheral edge. The further film remains approximately in the plane of the peripheral edge after its application. A system for the gas-tight packing of objects with a first cutting device for a deep-drawable film has at least one cutting device for a further film.

Abstract: A machine and method for shrink-fitting shrink film onto packaged goods, in particular for packaging packing units, having a conveyor for transporting the packaged goods. In order to reduce the energy consumption and simultaneously to improve the shrinking result, the machine has hood type shrink devices which are moved along at least a part of the path with the packaged goods moved on the conveyor.

Abstract: Packaging for one or more shower doors is provided where the doors are displayed to the consumer at the time of sale while associated hardware/header rails are secured from view, vandalism, and theft. The packaging provides a buffering frame around the doors. There are lateral wrap structures that retain the hardware and header rails, and end caps that provide locking cradles for the ends of the doors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bridle for an animal, such as a horse, wherein the bridle can be adjusted, and readjusted, simply, and without altering buckles, clasps, and/or fasteners. Such an adjustable bridle for mounting on the head of an animal includes a mouthpiece including an elongate bit having a first end and a second end, a first strap, a second strap and a pulley ring, wherein the first strap is shorter in length than the second strap, wherein the first strap has a first end and a second end, such that the first end of the first strap is attached to the first end of the bit, and the second end of the first strap is attached to the pulley ring.

Abstract: A cyclonic vacuum cleaner comprises a first stage 10 comprising a single cyclone separator for separating heavier dirt and dust particles and a second stage 11 comprising a plurality of cyclone separators 25 arranged in parallel in a plurality of groups, each group of cyclone separators 25 comprising a respective inlet duct 24, each inlet duct 24 being connected at its upstream end to the first stage 10 and at its downstream end to the cyclone separators 25 of its respective group.

Abstract: A uniform sealing force in an air filter assembly apparatus includes a housing having a channel with a plurality of incline portions and a plurality of land portions. The apparatus also includes an opening configured to receive a filter element assembly having a gasket flange, and a lid configured to cover the opening. The lid is coupled with at least one bayonet extending outward from the lid. The bayonet includes a plurality of incline portions and a plurality of land portions, the incline and land portions of the bayonet are configured to interface with the incline and land portions of the channel and provide a uniform axial sealing force on the gasket flange.

Abstract: A purifier for air having a housing and at least one component on the housing for changing a characteristic of air in a space within which the air purifier resides. The housing has an external surface that is shaped to simulate the appearance of an animate object.

Abstract: A filter is disposed inside an air chamber in a handle of a nail gun and located close to the end of the handle to divide the air chamber into a front chamber and a rear chamber. A cover with a connector extended therefrom is fixed on the end of the handle and a plurality of protruding ribs are formed on the inner wall of the front chamber, so that the filter is fixed between the protruding ribs and the connector. The filter includes an inner plate formed with a plurality of through holes and disposed adjacent to the front chamber, an outer plate formed with a plurality of through hole and disposed adjacent to the rear chamber and connected with the inner plate, and at least one filter element fixed between the inner and the outer plates to filter particles of high pressure air introduced into the air chamber.

Abstract: A method for packaging, shipping, displaying and positioning a foldable filter having a hinge into an air filtration unit wherein the foldable filter is pivotable about the hinge between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The method includes the steps of positioning the foldable filter in the collapsed position, inserting the collapsed foldable filter into a package, shipping the collapsed foldable filter within the package to a store, positioning the packaged foldable filter for display at the store, removing the foldable filter from the package, moving the foldable filter to the expanded position and positioning the foldable filter into the air filtration unit. The foldable filter includes first and second frame sections connected by the hinge and pleated filter material that includes at least one pleat edge extending generally parallel to a hinge axis. The hinge is formed at least partially by a portion of the at least one pleat edge.

Abstract: A filtering element for air filter is formed by joining an upstream layer arranged upstream in flow direction of air integrally with a downstream layer located downstream in the flow direction of the air. The upstream layer collects dust from the air and the downstream layer supports the upstream layer. The upstream layer is formed through press forming of a nonwoven fabric formed of fibers having an average diameter of 0.5 ?m to 2.5 ?m. The thickness of the upstream layer is set to 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm, and the porosity of the upstream layer is set to 78% to 92%. The downstream layer is normally formed by a filter paper layer. The press forming is performed preferably at 20° C. to 160° C. and 1 MPa to 5 MPa. The mass per unit area of the upstream layer is preferably 1 g/cm2 to 15 g/cm2. The density of the fibers forming the nonwoven fabric is 0.9 g/cm3 to 1.5 g/cm3.

Abstract: An improved ceramic honeycomb filter has at least one porous partition wall defining a channel that is (1) microstructurally different along the length of the channel, (2) microstructurally different than at least a portion of a partition wall defining another channel or (3) combination thereof. The improved filter may be used for filtering Diesel exhaust and may have reduced back pressure and equivalent soot capture efficiency compared to a filter without having said microstructural differences.

Abstract: The compact sickle drive mechanism is adapted to incorporated into or beneath a floor or pan of a header at a location between and spaced from the sides or ends of the header, and can be configured for reciprocatingly driving two knife assemblies disposed in end to end relation, in opposite directions, such that potentially vibratory forces, including those generated by the moving masses of the knife assemblies, at least substantially cancel one another and thus are not transferred to structure of the header. As a result, the overall width of the header and structure thereof can also be reduced.

Abstract: A flail element including a base at the proximal end of the flail element which is connected to a pair of elongated fingers. The base has a bore formed therein which is sized to receive a mounting rod. The bore and the fingers are split to enable a flail to be mounted on the rod by spreading open the fingers and the bore and snapping the flail segment over the rod. Another method of attachment can be achieved by utilizing the shaped base and an appropriate receiving system. The elongated fingers and base form a substantially unitary flail element structure. A plurality of flail elements are mounted to the mounting rod to form a flail. In a defoliating machine a plurality of flails are mounted to a rotating drum.

Abstract: A bale shape indicator includes a sensor configured for use with a substantially cylindrical bale being formed, to indicate, in a non-contacting manner, the presence of crop components corresponding to a predetermined area of an end region of the bale. The indications are capable of being manipulated to determine a density value for the end region of the bale.

Abstract: A synthetic fiber rope can be used to the limit of failure by setting a sensitivity of detection of the state of wear of the rope. Strands of the rope have indicator fibers or indicator yarn that have a high probability of losing electrical conductivity and thereby indicate cable wear. The matrix of the strand with indicator fibers or with at least one indicator yarn has a lower resistance to abrasion than the matrix of the other strands without indicator fibers or indicator yarns.

Abstract: A chin chain for bits/bridles for use on a horse (for example, curb bit), includes a first chain element turning out to the left and a second chain element turning out to the right, the chain elements connected by a connecting element. In one example, the connecting element is formed from one piece and engages at least two links of the first chain element turning out to the left and at least two links of the second chain element turning out to the right.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a civil-certified aircraft engine rotating part subject to fatigue failure during service use, the method comprising the steps of providing an assembly including the rotating part and at least one other component mounted to the rotating part; determining a maximum safe operating life for the assembly; and specifying a life limit for the assembly based on the maximum safe operating life, the life limit being the maximum number of cycles the assembly may be used before replacement.

Abstract: A turbofan engine assembly includes a core gas turbine engine including a high-pressure compressor, a combustor disposed downstream from the high-pressure compressor, and a high-pressure turbine coupled to the high-pressure compressor using a shaft, counter-rotating booster compressor coupled to the core gas turbine engine, the counter-rotating booster compressor comprising a first rotor section configured to rotate in a first direction and a second rotor section configured to rotate in an opposite second direction, a single stage fan assembly coupled to the first rotor section, a drive shaft coupled between the low-pressure turbine and the fan assembly, and a gearbox coupled between the drive shaft and the second rotor section such that the low-pressure turbine drives the gearbox and such that the gearbox drives the second rotor section. A method of assembling the above turbofan engine assembly is also described herein.

Abstract: A method for assembling a turbine engine assembly is provided. The turbine engine includes a core engine. The method includes coupling a first rotor spool within the engine assembly wherein the first rotor spool includes a first shaft. The method further includes coupling a second rotor spool within the engine assembly wherein the second rotor spool includes a second shaft. The method also includes coupling a third rotor spool within the engine assembly wherein the third rotor spool includes a third shaft. At least one of the first, second, and third shafts include a first end, an opposing second end, and a tubular portion extending between the first and second ends. A reinforcing layer circumscribes a portion of the tubular portion wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing layer is a metallic matrix composite (MMC) material that includes reinforcing fibers. A turbine engine is also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method including providing an exhaust aftertreatment system including an adsorber, commanding rich operation wherein the adsorber is provided with increased reductant, and ending rich operation upon the first of a commanded rich operation threshold being met or a confirmed rich operation threshold being met. Other embodiments include additional methods, software, apparatuses and systems. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is adapted to protect an exhaust aftertreatment system by preventing the system from becoming clogged and/or damaged during periods of light engine load. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention protects the exhaust aftertreatment system by increasing the load on the engine during periods of light engine load and/or low exhaust temperature.