Abstract: An adjustable roof truss that includes roof truss members, roof base members and a central body containing a polymer matrix. The roof truss members include a pivot end, a connection end, a roof facing edge, an inside edge, and a pivot surface. The roof base members include a receiving end, a connecting end, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a contact surface. The roof truss members are pivotally connected to the roof base members by a pivot fastener inserted through a pivot opening on the roof base members and a stator opening on the roof truss members. One or both of the roof truss members and the roof base members include an embedded portion extending from the roof facing edge or the bottom edge respectively into the central body. Expansion hole(s) are positioned along the embedded portion such that the polymer matrix expands through the expansion holes.

Abstract: A chair for supporting bars is comprised of telescoping sections which lock in an extended position. The chair is intended for supporting the reinforcing bars utilized in reinforced concrete construction, but can also support other long bodies. The sections of the chair can be extended and locked individually, so the height of the chair is determined by which sections of the chair are extended and which sections are collapsed.

Abstract: A reinforced triangular truss column having two vertical pipe reinforcing columns added to the three rods of the truss column is provided. Also provided is a method of reinforcing triangular truss columns comprising adding two vertical pipe reinforcing columns to a triangular truss column.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to composite fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind tower systems and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite FRP wind tower system including a plurality of tower cells for functional engagement with adjacent tower cells along mating surfaces to form a tower section, each tower cell including a lower end and an upper end for telescopic engagement with a tower cell of an adjacent tower section.

Abstract: An alignment-affixing device for affixing a projecting member through a support structure substantially at a right angle, including at least a first cylindrical collar, the first collar dimensioned to receive a projecting member of varying sizes. The alignment-affixing device further includes a bridging section affixed orthogonally to the first collar, and a pair of arm flexures affixed orthogonally to obverse ends of the bridging section and parallel to the first collar, for releasably securing the alignment-affixing device to the support structure. When a projecting member is placed through the first collar and when the pair of arm flexures is engaged with the support structure and the bridging section is placed against the support structure, the projecting member is oriented substantially at a right angle with respect to the support structure.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a plurality of slab bolster elements, each including a bolster frame member having a male connector disposed on a first end and a female connector disposed on an opposite end, with the male connector including first and second outer prongs for engaging a complementary female connector and the female connector including first and second opposing side walls with first and second transverse slats extending between the side walls so as to form a socket, the male connector further including a flexible prong extending inwardly between the outer prongs, with the flexible prong including a free inward end and a wedge element configured to resiliently contact and lockingly engage the first transverse slat of another of the plurality of slab bolster elements. In a second aspect, a continuous slab bolster assembly.

Abstract: A method of building a structure, the method including the steps of: 1. fabricating a generally longitudinal, steel sub-structure (22, 24) of the structure (20) with a cable retainer (28, 36) attached to, or forming part of, the substructure (22, 24) and that extends substantially longitudinally therealong; 2. assembling the sub-structure (22, 24) into a structure (20); 3. inserting a cable (38, 40) into the cable retainer (28, 36); 4. after step 2, applying a tensile force to the cable (38, 40) relative to the cable retainer (28, 36); and 5. after step 4, bonding the cable (38, 40) to the cable retainer (28, 36).

Abstract: A method for placing a building on a subdivision lot includes the steps of providing a planned community subdivision having a plurality of lots, preparing at least one of the lots to accept at least one building, and assembling at least one substantially complete building in a factory. The method also includes transporting the substantially complete building from the factory to the planned community subdivision, moving the substantially complete building to a position within the subdivision that is adjacent to a first lot, traversing the substantially complete building over the first lot to a second lot, and installing the substantially complete building onto the second lot.

Abstract: A building manufacturing system is provided. The system includes a temporary assembly facility configured to substantially cover one or more permanent building locations. The temporary assembly facility is further configured to enable one or more buildings to be assembled up the one or more permanent building locations. The temporary assembly facility can include a manufacturing facility. The temporary assembly facility can include a transportation system. The transportation system can include an overhead rail system. The temporary assembly facility can include a roof configured to divert precipitation. The roof can be flexible. The roof can include a canvass portion. The roof can include a plastic portion. A method of building a building is also provided. The method can include covering a permanent building location with a portion of a temporary assembly facility, assembling the building upon the permanent building location and removing the portion from the permanent building location.

Abstract: A basement wall and floor system includes a plurality of connected horizontally and vertically disposed panels. Each panel includes a metal C-channel defining an end thereof. Another metal C-channel defines an opposite end. A plurality of metal studs extend between the C-channels and fit between inside and outside flanges of the C-channels. A metal deck including an outwardly disposed facade and an inwardly disposed face is connected to the studs. Insulation is disposed on the facade side of the metal deck. A waterproofing material is disposed on the insulation.

Abstract: The present invention involves the recycling of asphalt based roofing materials by comminuting the roofing material and subsequently separating a rock component from an asphalt component of the roofing material. The asphaltic component is separated into a feed stream having a mesh size of less than about 50 mesh while the rock component is separated into a feed stream having rocks in the size of 10 mesh or larger. A portion of the comminuted material may be recycled back for additional comminuting. The separated asphaltic component is placed in contact with the solvent to dissolve the asphalt in the asphaltic component providing a mixture of filler, fiber and dissolved asphalt. The liquid may then be applied to a surface of a wall to form a substantially continuous solidified film on the wall to provide waterproofing and an air barrier.

Abstract: A wallboard construction method is provided and comprises the following steps. First, a prefabricated wallboard and a wall are provided, the prefabricated wallboard comprising a substrate, a frame and a solar energy board, wherein the frame is disposed on the substrate, and the solar energy board is fixed in the frame. Finally, the prefabricated wallboard is disposed on the wall.

Abstract: A machine for fabricating a composite structural panel is provided that receives trusses vertically and feeds them into a foam spray chamber driven by first and second drive mechanisms. The drive mechanisms form the filler material and maintain the trusses in place while a cutting blade trims off excess foam.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for holding reinforcing bars in fixed positions. A reinforcing bar securing device comprises a base and a securing means for securing the reinforcing bar to the base, which is configured to engage at least one rib of the reinforcing bar. The securing means may include a flange, a hinged member, or a flexible member, such as plastic, for example, configured to allow the reinforcing bar to enter the securing means in one direction and engage at least one rib on the reinforcing bar to prevent the reinforcing bar from withdrawing from the securing means. The flanges are configured to bend to press against the reinforcing bar as the ribs contact the flanges and as the reinforcing bar moves relative to the securing device as the reinforcing bar enters the surface. A system of the present invention is also presented for holding reinforcing bars in fixed positions.

Abstract: A panel consisting of a single covering member constituting the formwork surface and having folded edges forming the panel sides. The panel is lined with transverse and longitudinal reinforcing members and has coupling means provided on some of the side edges and on the inside thereof for joining together the sides of two adjacent panels in the case of wall formwork, or for joining one panel perpendicularly to another panel to define the cross-section of a column by perpendicularly coupling together four panels.

Abstract: A roofing structure for buildings, and more particularly a roofing assembly having high resistance, especially for use with roofs of residential and industrial buildings. The assembly comprises a plurality of sheet panels (2) to be interconnected along side edge portions (4, 4?) shaped to define a first longitudinal projection (5) facing laterally outwards, and multiple mounting brackets (6) to be anchored to a roof (T). Each bracket (6) has at least one longitudinal groove (7) to house in a snap fit relationship the first longitudinal projections (5) of adjacent panels (2), so that the first longitudinal projections (5) and the groove (7) have opposing upper surfaces (8, 9) at least partly flat and substantially parallel or slightly inclined, so to enhance the retaining action (R) of the brackets (6) and increase the separation load (p) causing the separation of the edge portions (4, 4?) from the brackets (6).

Abstract: A reinforced concrete column (110) includes a plurality of axially oriented reinforcing steel bars (112) within a surface of the concrete column (110). A first spiral wire (114) within the surface of the concrete column (110), the first spiral wire (114) being around an outer circumference of the plurality of axial reinforcing (112) and a second spiral wire (116), the second spiral wire (116) also being within the surface of the concrete column (110). The second spiral wire (116) is around a circumference of the plurality of axial reinforcing bars and the second spiral wire (116) is opposed to the first spiral wire (114).

Abstract: The machine for filling and closing containers comprises: a conveyor, step-activated in an advancement direction, laterally provided with a plurality of gripping devices which are able to bear containers at an active branch of the conveyor invested by a main gas flow of a sterile substance; a filling station in which a plurality of nozzles operated, for batched filling of the underlying containers, and weighing organs for detecting that a correct filling of the containers has been accomplished; a closing station in which capping organs operate which enable closure of the containers with caps, and sensors able to detect correct closure of the containers by the capping organs; a release station, located downstream of the closing station, in which manipulator organs operate, which manipulator organs are maintained de-activated in order to allow transit of the containers in which incorrect filling and/or closing parameters have been detected, which are released onto a reject conveyor downstream and in line with t

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine for inserting articles which are prepackaged in bags, into folding boxes in an insertion area. The bags can be inserted via an opening cross-section of the box which is able to be at least partially covered by an essentially flat top flap. A device having a receiving area for a top flap of a box is provided in the insertion area. The top flap is, in the insertion area, positioned in the receiving area and is kept in a convex shape so that, at least during the insertion of the bag and of the box when the top flap is convexly shaped, the opening cross-section of the box is larger than when the top flap is flat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for introducing goods to be packed into a packaging container, especially into folding boxes. The device comprises transport devices for the packaging container and the goods to be packed. The goods to be packed are compressed by means of pressure elements, in order to be introduced into the packaging container. The pressure element is guided on a carrier element in a displaceable manner, in order to avoid damage caused by the occurrence of an excess load. Due to the mobility on the carrier element, only very small masses are displaced in the event of an excess load, such that the excess load protection device reacts in a reliable manner, and the device has a relatively simple construction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling and sealing containers, including a filling device for filling at least one containers a sealing device for sealing at least one container and a transport device for conveying at least one fillable container to the filling and locking devices and displacement means for modifying a distance between the filling and locking devices in a transport direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for replacing a sterilizing agent in a gaseous form with an inert gaseous material in a package to be aseptically or sterile filled, wherein the inert gaseous material is selected in such a way that it has a temperature at addition which provides a volume, which is smaller than a volume of sterilizing agent to replace at the temperature at which the sterilization takes place.

Abstract: A container packaging machine includes a container handling and counting apparatus including an upstream accumulation portion and a downstream container separation and counting portion. The containers having a relatively tightly nested configuration as the containers move through the accumulation portion and having a relatively loosely nested configuration as the containers move through the container separation and counting portion where separation of the containers form distinct peaks and valleys for use in counting the containers.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging consumer products that include a number of individual pieces is provided. A pulp insert tray that includes a number of form fitting receiving locations to receive the individual pieces of the set separates and protects the individual pieces from damage resulting from uncontained packaging. A retainer may be used in association with the insert tray to provide additional support of the individual pieces, and assist in the final assembly of the packaged set. The use of pulp as the insert tray material provides significant ecological benefit.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a package containing a compacted particulate composition, comprises wrapping a compacted particulate composition with a first film and treating the wrapped compacted particulate composition at an elevated temperature to shrink the film such that it clings to said composition. The resulting packages may be made using low compaction pressures and consequently may have low friability and be fast dissolving.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus for helically wrapping articles with a stretchable flexible film of wrapping material. A first conveyor (11) for transports unwrapped articles towards a wrapping material applicator (13) and a second conveyor (12) transports articles that have been helically wrapped. The first and second conveyors are spaced apart and the wrapping material applicator (13) is disposed between said first and second conveyors. The wrapping material is applied between the first and second conveyors so as to wrap an article disposed in the space between the conveyors. The applicator has a rotary ring (14) that is supported in rotation by a fixed guide ring. Reels of wrapping film are mounted on the rotary ring and unwound around tensioning rollers. The relative motion of the guide and rotary rings is converted into rotation of the tensioning rollers by a gear train so that the wrapping material is stretched prior to being applied to the articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming waste containing packs from a length of flexible tubing is formed of a housing having a top portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The top portion displays an opening to receive waste material therein and a cassette containing a package of a flexible pleated tubing. The intermediate portion has a retractable guillotine-type member sealingly contacting the tubing dispensed from the cassette and extending downwardly into the lower portion of the housing. Retraction of the member causes waste material received in the tubing of the upper and intermediate portions of the housing to be dispensed in a closed end tubing in the lower portion of the housing.

Abstract: A horse protection equipment ventilation structure, the design of which specifically provides for aeration and ventilation at the horse-equipment contact area during the usage of saddles, heel protectors (boots), headgear, and other horse protection applications to eliminate perspiratory suppression and discomfort problems due to over tightening. The structural design features a ventilation pad that is assembled to a predetermined position on the interior surface of various horse protection equipment of assorted shape. The ventilation pad is fabricated of a tactile-feel, exceptional quality resilient material, which in addition to a plurality of arrayed vent holes, has various protruding patterns of predetermined shape formed on its interior surface. Furthermore, assorted reticulations and indentations are disposed on the protruding patterns.

Abstract: A particulate removal tool and method are provided to remove the particulates such as ash and soot from a particulate filter. The particulate filter can be placed on a filter holder in a housing of the tool where a quick burst of air can be provided to clean the particulate filter. The air then can travel to a container which includes additional filter to filter the air. A vacuum can be used to remove additional particulates from the container.

Abstract: A dust-collecting apparatus of a vacuum cleaner includes a first dust-collecting unit, a second dust-collecting unit, and a dust receptacle. The second dust-collecting unit is adapted to be mounted to one side of the first dust-collecting unit. The dust receptacle is adapted to be mounted on a lower part of both the first and the second dust-collecting units, and the dust receptacle is adapted to store dust separated by the first and the second dust-collecting units. The first and second dust-collecting units are arranged so that air discharged from the first dust-collecting unit enters the second dust-collecting unit.

Abstract: A cyclone separating apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a first cyclone having an inclined part and adapted for separating dust and air; a first dust chamber adapted to be disposed substantially around the first cyclone and to be in fluid communication with the first cyclone; at least one second cyclone for separating dust and air adapted to be disposed above the first cyclone and to be in fluid communication with the first cyclone; and a second dust chamber adapted to be in disposed within the first cyclone and to be in fluid communication with the second cyclone.

Abstract: A highly durable engine grass screen assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a grass screen for covering an air intake port of the engine, a grass screen stiffening mechanism for supporting the grass screen, a washer mechanism for compressing the screen such that the screen is pre-stressed during manufacture and such that the screen remains in compression during engine operation. The assembly can include one or more stud mechanisms which are securable to either an engine flywheel assembly or an engine fan assembly. The washer mechanism, the grass screen and the grass screen stiffening mechanism are engaged in a secured fashion to one or more stud mechanisms. A method of assembling and positioning a grass screen assembly in an engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: Gas-permeable membranes comprising a microporous film and a coating on the microporous film, the coating being obtained by coating the microporous film with a liquid coating composition comprising a polymer and hollow polymeric particles dispersed in the composition, and then solidifying the coating. The gas-permeable membrane has a reduced ratio of carbon dioxide permeability to oxygen permeability.

Abstract: A filtration device is disclosed, wherein filtering layers are formed from foam and include convolutions formed in at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: With respect to the task of creating a frame for holding a filter element, the frame being easy to install following the inexpensive production thereof, a frame for receiving a filter element, comprising four wall elements (1, 2), which rest against one another on installation edges (3, 4) and form a peripheral wall (5), is characterized in that two wall elements (1, 2), respectively, are configured identically. Furthermore a cassette filter is provided.

Abstract: A method for making high temperature filter media includes the steps of melt-spinning a plurality of fibers of pre-ceramic thermoplastic polymer to form a non-woven textile web of the fibers, curing and cross-linking the thermoplastic polymer to a thermo-set polymer and thermally decomposing the thermo-set polymer to ceramic.

Abstract: An all-wheel steering system and vehicle, e.g., riding lawn mower, incorporating the same. The system may include a linkage system that operatively connects the vehicle wheels for simultaneous turning. The system, in one embodiment, includes a power steering unit having fixed or variable output for a given steering input. The system may further include a mechanism for reducing speed based upon mower steering angle.

Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a traction drive system structured and operable to provide movement of the vehicle across a ground surface, and an electric motor structured and operable to provide rotation of a cutting device that includes a plurality of cutting blades. The vehicle additionally includes a vehicle controller that is configured to receive a programmable vehicle clip rate data input and monitor a groundspeed of the vehicle and a rotational speed of the cutting device as the vehicle moves across the ground surface. The controller is additionally configured to actively control the electric motor based on the monitored vehicle groundspeed to thereby actively control the rotational speed of the cutting device in order to maintain the programmed clip rate of the vehicle as the vehicle moves across the ground surface.

Abstract: The reel of a harvesting machine is rotatably supported at its opposite ends by a pair of fore-and-aft extending arms. Carrier assemblies adjustably couple the reel with the arms such that the reel may be adjustably positioned in fore-and-aft directions along the arms. The reel drive at one end of the reel is totally supported by the carrier assembly at that end of the reel such that all parts of the drive remain in aligned operating relationship with one another regardless of the fore-and-aft position of the reel or any unintended skewing thereof.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a height-of-cut adjusting system and a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The height-of-cut adjusting system includes a first frame; a second frame; a cutting reel supported by the second frame; a bedknife arranged adjacent to the cutting reel and supported by the second frame; at least one support element arranged to translate along the ground and arranged to support the first frame; and at least one first actuator connected between the first frame and the second frame and arranged to adjust the relative elevation of the second frame with respect to the first frame. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one second actuator operatively connected between the reel and the second frame and a sound detector.

Abstract: The apparatus is a rotatable bale forming roller for use in farm machines that form round crop bales. The roller is a cylinder with multiple ribs oriented parallel to the roller axis and formed in the roller surface. The roller is constructed with a frame of channel shaped members oriented parallel to the roller axis with the channel members interlocking with several discs oriented perpendicular to the roller axis. A thin high strength steel sheet is installed completely around the frame to form the surface of the roller, and the integral ribs are formed directly in the sheet. In the preferred embodiment, the ribs have leading surfaces oriented in planes that are radial to the axis of the roller, and the trailing surfaces of the ribs are oriented to form an acute angle with the leading surfaces.

Abstract: A press-fitting apparatus includes a first retaining jig having a required number of pin insertion holes into which generally longitudinally half portions of pins and interpieces can be inserted, a second retaining jig having a required number of pin insertion holes into which one end portions of the pins and interpieces can be inserted, and pressing jigs each for pressing the link into a predetermined position relative to the pins and interpieces. In the press-fitting of the links, the press-fitting operation is divided into two steps, and in each of the two steps, the links are stacked from central portions of the pins and interpieces.

Abstract: A cable protection and guide device having a connected link module enables quick assembly and reduces the number or parts and parts management necessary to form the cable The cable protection and guide device includes a plurality of side plate portions formed by connected link modules each integrally molded with coupling portions. Stopper links each incorporated with the coupling portions on the cable accommodating space side by a snap-fit mechanism limit the flexional angles of motion. Connecting arms interengage the stopper links on the outer and inner flexion inner circumferential sides.

Abstract: A gas turbine with contrarotating HP and LP turbines comprises an LP turbine having a plurality of moving wheels alternating with nozzles, the moving wheels of the LP turbine rotating in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the moving wheel of the HP turbine, and an inter-turbine casing having inner and outer casing walls defining a stream passage between the HP and LP turbines together with arms extending across the passage between the inner and outer casing walls. The gas turbine does not have a nozzle or device for forming the function of deflecting the stream between the outlet from the HP turbine and the first moving wheel of the LP turbine. The HP turbine is advantageously designed to deliver a stream that gyrates in the inter-turbine casing.

Abstract: An engine exhaust sensor diagnostic system for an exhaust system including a catalyst and a post-catalyst oxygen sensor includes a first module that calculates a total integrated area based on a signal generated by the post-catalyst oxygen sensor. A second module compares the total integrated area to a threshold integrated area and generates a pass status signal when the total integrated area is less than the threshold integrated area.

Abstract: An algorithm (26) in an engine control system (14) develops data indicative of pressure across a DPF (20) as a function of time and data indicative of flow rate through the DPF as a function of time, calculates derivatives (32, 30) (38, 36) with respect to time of the data, processes the derivatives (44, 42, 50, 48, 56, 54, 58) to confirm validity of a calculation of particulate loading of the DPF (load_pf) when a result of processing the derivatives discloses the absence of transient conditions in the DPF that would prevent the calculation from being valid and to not confirm validity of a calculation of particulate loading of the DPF when a result of processing the derivatives discloses the presence of transient conditions in the DPF that would prevent the calculation from being valid.

Abstract: Control is performed such that when an HC adsorption catalytic converter having an oxygen storage capacity is in a specified temperature range, fuel supply quantity is increased with a first increase ratio relative to basic fuel quantity based on the operating state of an internal combustion engine, in a first specified period after the end of fuel cut, and increased with a second increase ratio smaller than the first increase ratio, in a second specified period succeeding the first specified period.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst arranged frontward of a catalytic regenerative particulate filter is prevented from being clogged. Disclosed is an exhaust emission control device in which a catalytic regenerative particulate filter 4 is incorporated in an exhaust pipe 3 and has a flow-through type oxidation catalyst arranged frontward of the filter, fuel being added to exhaust gas 2 upstream of the particulate filter 4, heat generated by oxidation reaction of the added fuel on the frontward oxidation catalyst being used for combustion of captured particulates in the backward particulate filter to forcedly regenerate the particulate filter. Arranged frontward of the catalytic regenerative particulate filter 4 is the flow-through type oxidation catalyst 12 carried by a honeycomb-structured metallic carrier.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning apparatus is provided that has a main exhaust passage, a main catalytic converter disposed in the main exhaust passage, a bypass exhaust passage, a bypass catalytic converter disposed in the bypass exhaust passage, a selector valve and a controller. The controller controls the internal combustion engine to a rich combustion state with a rich air fuel ratio while the controller controls the selector valve to block the flow of the exhaust gas through the main exhaust passage, and then, afterwards, controls the selector valve to direct the flow of the exhaust gas through the main exhaust passage such that residual air remaining in the main exhaust passage mixes with rich exhaust gas from the bypass exhaust passage.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, includes an exhaust line, an exhaust gas treatment device, an injection device arranged upstream from the exhaust gas treatment device for injecting a liquid educt into the exhaust line and a mixing and/or evaporation device for the sprayed educt situated downstream from the injection device and upstream from the exhaust gas treatment device. At least one section of the exhaust line carrying exhaust gas is formed by an exhaust pipe that has an end section arranged downstream from the injection device and upstream from the exhaust gas treatment device. The mixing and/or evaporation device is integrally formed on the end section of the exhaust pipe.