Abstract: A roofing module provides weather protection generates electrical power. The module includes an injection molded base having a size, a shape and an appearance of a conventional flat concrete roofing tile with a top surface having a slate-like striated texture. The base is made from lightweight plastic material. The base includes a depressed portion in an upper surface. A photovoltaic panel assembly is positioned in the depressed portion with electrical conductors from the photovoltaic panel passing through an opening in the depressed portion.

Abstract: A system of construction using a mechanical device (20) which applies a force to an assembly of elements having a high resistance in compression in order to build walls, roofs, floors, and beams. The device makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the assembly even when undergoing changes in volumetry. It comprises three parts: a first component, namely a winch (24) applies a force to the assembly at one of its ends. A second component, a thin steel band (22) transmits the force to the assembly over a long distance. A third component, a spring (30) in compression maintains the force applied by the first two components even when there is a change in volumetry. A compressible and impermeable membrane (49) ensures the sealing of the assembly and metal fasteners ensure the stability of the assembly, sideways.

Abstract: The present invention provides a half panel having on its back ribs defining symmetrically complimentary closed wall open faced cells and ribs having spaces there between. The half panel may be placed in back to back relationship and rotated through a required degree of rotation so that the open faced closed wall cells and ribs having spaces there between interlock so the open faced closed wall cells have at least one diagonal cross member. This provides a rigid panel suitable for a number of applications including forms for pouring concrete.

Abstract: A bracket for use with metal construction framing which is a generally planar construct having a first outer flange and a second outer flange, configured to form a recess between such flanges suitable to engage at least one face of a metal construction stud and to interlock with the stud via at least two non-longitudinal tabs.

Abstract: The invention is an improved cementitious mixture used to form structural components that are strong, lightweight, heat and fire resistant, and very economical to produce. The material includes a mixture of cement, water, ribbon-like virgin polyethylene strips and aggregate materials. The aggregate preferably includes recycled industrial waste products. Examples of these industrial wastes include shredded tires, wood by-products, waste coal combustion by-products, recycled waste gypsum products, recycled industrial foundry sand, and waste foam products such a Styrofoam. This new cementitious material is strong and lightweight. It has a lower thermal conductivity than conventional concrete and therefore improved insulative properties. The use of industrial recyclables not only enhances the performance characteristics of the components made from this material but aids in maintaining the environment by providing a practical use for industrial waste.

Abstract: The floor member is a laminated structure in the form a floor tile or a floor plank. A bottom portion of the floor member is formed with a plurality of moisture dispersal pathways that lead toward peripheral side edges of the bottom portion. The moisture dispersal pathways permit any moisture that develops between a floor base and the bottom portion of the floor member that is installed on the floor base to flow in the moisture dispersal pathways toward at least one of the peripheral side edges of the bottom portion, for passage beyond the one peripheral side edge of the bottom portion. Adjacent tiles of a floor tile installation have communicable moisture dispersal pathways such that moisture is not entrapped below the floor member and can migrate through the communicable pathways to an outermost peripheral side edge of the floor tile installation for dissipation of moisture into the ambient air.

Abstract: A framing system for mounting flexible sheets of material, such as screening in an opening in a wall or porch includes U-shaped channels, or lineals, having at least one external built-in groove for receiving a spline strip for holding an edge of the sheet in place in the groove. Four lineals define a rectangular opening over which the sheet is stretched and then secured in place by jamming its edges into the external spline grooves of the surrounding four lineals with the spline strips to hold the sheet in place. Universal fasteners hold the lineals to the porch walls. The universal fasteners also have alignment grooves on their upper surface, lower surface or both of these surfaces that are useful for receiving an alignment string or wire to align a series of the fasteners across a surface so that they are in line to receive and accurately align a single lineal or multiple lineals arranged end to end.

Abstract: A sheathing product having a structural substrate with two or more edges. The sheathing product also having a weather resistive barrier attached to the structural substrate prior to securing the structural substrate to a frame of a building. A part of the weather resistive barrier extends beyond an edge of the structural substrate to create a flap that allows the weather resistive barrier to be attached to an abutting sheathing product.

Abstract: Manufacture of roll formed one piece sheet metal grid tees that affords different load ratings with the same gauge and quality of sheet stock and the same overall cross-section dimensions by varying the width of the strip used to make the tees and disposing material added for increased load rating at the area of the hollow reinforcing bulb of the tees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for lining an in particular flat surface with a flexible covering material, particularly textile material, in which the surface is lined with one or more flexible covering material pieces and in which the material piece or pieces are stretched. The method is inventively characterized in that for stretching a material piece at least one stretching rail with a holding side and an assembly side is used, that the stretching rail is brought into pivotable engagement on the holding side with a holding rail provided on the flat side, that a first side of the material piece is brought into tensile loadable engagement with the assembly side of the stretching rail, that second side of the material piece is directly or indirectly connected to the flat surface and that the stretching rail is pivoted for stretching the flexible covering material and fixed in a stretching position. The invention also relates to a lining for an in particular flat surface.

Abstract: Wall blocks and methods of constructing walls from the wall blocks which have a side connection system interlocking adjacent blocks whereby a side of the block is provided with a channel or slot that is configured to engage a corresponding projection on the adjacent block. The side connection system may alternatively have a connection receiving cavity formed by channels or slots on the sides of the blocks which are configured to align with a channel or slot from adjacent blocks where a connector may be received to interlock the blocks.

Abstract: A segmental retaining wall system utilizing extruded strips for soil reinforcement. The retaining wall is composed of a plurality of wall blocks that are stacked securely using interlocking pins and an extruded strip. The wall can be built such that it has vertical or battered angle dependant on the orientation of the interlocking pins.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a split frame assembly for supporting a chamber in a processing system. In order to adequately fit into the body of an airplane for transport, the frame may be split into two pieces. Once split, each piece may individually be loaded onto the airplane. The upper piece may comprise all of the various components necessary to operate the chamber including gas panels, control panels, or other panels. The lower piece may support the upper piece.

Abstract: A weather strip includes a bottom wall that faces or is in contact with an end face of a fixed window glass that closes a window opening of a side door. An outer wall extends from the bottom wall on an outer side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass, and an inner wall extends from the bottom wall on an inner side of the vehicle body with respect to the fixed window glass so that the inner wall and the outer wall sandwich a peripheral portion of the fixed window glass in a thickness direction. The inner wall is provided with a spacing groove for creating a space between the fixed window glass and the inner wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of constructing a foundation substructure and a building involving pouring concrete between resilient sheets of insulating material, preferably polystyrene, so as to form a complete concrete shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a facility for manufacturing non-roadable buildings. The facility includes an enclosed area having a roof, a plurality of bays for positioning the non-roadable buildings therein, each of the plurality of bays configured to have one non-roadable building positioned therein, a plurality of movable manufacturing areas configured to manufacture elements for manufacturing and a lifting device positioned within the enclosed area and configured to move the elements for manufacturing of the non-roadable building through the facility, including movement of the elements from each of the plurality of movable manufacturing areas to each of the plurality of bays.

Abstract: An automated method of building construction utilizes a horizontal force to extrude a structural member formed from a plurality of elongate joists, upper panels, and lower panels. A framing machine includes an upper panel bay and feeder, a joist array and feeder, and a lower panel bay and feeder. The machine installs a plurality of pegs into each joist and positions each joist into a forward installation position and a rear installation position. Panel press means press the upper and lower panels onto the pegs of each joist. Joist positioning means move successive joists into the installation positions, and push the structural member being formed outwards. Additional means for insulating the structural member, installing pipes and wires, and an exterior finish may also be provided.

Abstract: Pedestrian trafficable skid-resistant flexible articles (24) are described. These articles (24) include a flexible substrate (17) having a non-skid coating that may be either a pressure-sensitive adhesive (13) or a highly- filled, textured binder. These articles may be applied to trafficable surfaces such as roof and floors. Articles in the form of roof underlayments having a skid-resistant surface are described in particular.

Abstract: A roofing system for buildings includes a plurality of rafters spaced apart across an area to be roofed, each having an upper surface adapted with keying formations and two longitudinal sides from the bottom of each of which a lateral ledge extends. A plurality of infil units are positioned, one between each two adjacent rafters. Each unit is formed from an insulated panel of similar depth to the depth of a rafter and a support layer secured together.

Abstract: A shingle installation device comprises a body that maintains an alignment stop and a positioning stop that are parallely spaced by a predetermined distance to provide suitable overlap of successively installed shingles. The body also maintains a retainer that forms a gap that is configured to receive and retain the position of a shingle that is being installed. Thus, when the installation device is positioned such that the alignment stop rests against an edge of an installed shingle, an edge of the shingle to be installed is placed within the gap where it is retained in its correct position until the shingle is fastened to the surface being covered.

Abstract: The invention includes a corrugated decking flooring system. The corrugated decking flooring system can include a corrugated deck having at least two flutes and a trough between the flutes. A sound insulation layer generally conformal with both the flutes and the troughs of the corrugated deck can be provided. An underlayment layer can be provided over the sound insulation layer.

Abstract: A device and a method for fastening, clamping, or adjusting a molding part to a body-mounted part are provided. To allow the absorption of large tensile forces, a tensioning element designed as a tension strut is provided, which includes at least one oblong element made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The length of the tensioning element is adjustable between two end positions via a bracing device.

Abstract: There is provided a hand rail comprising a balustrade defining a hollow tubular cavity; and plural mounting brackets for mounting said balustrade to a support surface of a building. At least one of said plural mounting brackets is provided with at least one light source for emitting guide light therefrom and wherein, a back up power supply for said at least one light source is provided within said hollow tubular cavity. The hand rail is suitable for use in providing emergency lighting for stairways and/or corridors of buildings.

Abstract: A cladding assembly comprises first and second cladding panels, each having top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, and a corner connection element disposed to couple a pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels together. The corner connection element includes top and bottom edge portions and a pair of lateral sides, wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of female connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of male connectors for mating with the female connectors, or wherein the corner connection element comprises a pair of male connectors disposed at its lateral sides and the pair of adjacent lateral sides of the first and second cladding panels comprises a pair of female connectors for mating with the male connectors of the corner connection element.

Abstract: Safety bar systems are disclosed comprising a first bar and a second bar selectively lockable to the first bar at a desired height and angle. The second bar may be selectively locked into one of a plurality of positions with respect to the bar or into one of a continuous plurality of positions with respect to the bar, based on the coupling mechanism coupling the second bar to the first bar. Several coupling mechanisms are disclosed. The safety bar system may be connected to a wall adjacent to a bathtub to facilitate a user entering and exiting the bathtub. The safety bar system may be used in other locations, as well. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery-operated mobile toy vehicle is mounted for movement within a compartment of an interactive package. A switch having a depressable portion extends through a cover of the package. A flexible conductor connected to the switch and to the toy vehicle is operative for conducting electrical energy between the switch and the toy vehicle and for causing the toy vehicle to move within the compartment when the depressable portion is depressed.

Abstract: A wrapping machine (1) comprises a rotating table (2) for supporting products (14); an upright (3) with a perimeter wall (4) in which there is a longitudinal opening (5); a dispenser unit (6) for a wrapping film (15); and a supporting and connecting structure (7) for the dispenser unit (6), connecting it to the upright (3), comprising a carriage (8) and a plate (9). The carriage (8) can be translatably guided by the upright (3). The plate (9), lying in a vertical plane (10), passes through the upright (3) perimeter wall (4) at the opening (5), and connects the carriage (8) to the dispenser unit (6), so that they can translate together along the upright (3). The structure (7) comprises a vertical bar (11) contained in the upright (3) and translating supporting means (29) which connect the plate (9) to the bar (11) and comprise at least one sleeve (13) coaxially coupled with the bar (11) and at, least able to translate guided on the bar (11).

Abstract: A method of reducing the proportion of oxygen in an at least partly formed package before product is filled into the package in a filling station in a filling machine, where the package comprises a tube-shaped blank of packaging material, the blank being closed in a first end and open in a second end. The method involves, during transport of the package to the filling station from an immediately preceding station in the filling machine, passing the package beneath a supply means for inert gas, and when the package passes the supply means generating a gas pulse in a direction down into the package. An apparatus is provided for reducing the method into practice.

Abstract: A packaging system for hydrating sterile devices without comprising the integrity of the sterilization. The packaging system may include an enclosure for enclosing a device requiring hydration, a container containing a hydrate, a base located within the interior of the enclosure and an activating member located within the interior of the enclosure. The container and the device may be located within a receptacle. The receptacle may rest on the base and the activating member may be affixed on top of the receptacle. A force may be exerted on an exterior portion of the enclosure such that the activating member pushes on the receptacle and crushes or ruptures the container. The hydrate located within the container is then released to the device, thereby hydrating the device without breaking the seal of the enclosure. The sterilized environment is therefore maintained and the device is hydrated.

Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment has: a positioning functionality that sequentially locates, at a predefined bight, coupons of a continuous web of coupons; a burst functionality whereby a foremost coupon is separated at the predefined bight from a next coupon of the continuous web of coupons; a staging functionality whereby the separated foremost coupon is moved to a staging position; and an insertion functionality whereby the first coupon is inserted into a container. In another embodiment the first coupon is inserted into a container only after the next coupon is separated from the continuous web. In another embodiment after the second coupon is sensed, the first coupon is burst and inserted into a container.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising a non-porous deformable outer wrap characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to at least partially surround the item of three-dimensional shape therein. The device includes a mass of loose fill elements disposed within the outer wrap and can occupy a first volume in a first storage state sufficient to permit the packaging device to be stored. The device further provides that the mass of elements disposed within the outer wrap can occupy a second volume in a second use state to shape about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit the elements to deform within the outer wrap to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item. The outer wrap and the elements disposed within the outer wrap are biodegradable. The elements are adapted to change from the first storage state of unpopped corn kernels to the second use state of popped popcorn kernels.

Abstract: A sealing device producing sealed packages filled with pourable food product from sheet packaging material comprises a supporting frame, a forming mechanism movable with respect to the frame along a path to fold the sheet packaging material, a sealing arrangement carried by the forming mechanism to seal the sheet packaging material and form the packages, and an electromagnetic power device supplying electric energy to the sealing arrangement. The power device comprises at least one primary winding fixed to the frame and connectable to an electric energy source, and a secondary winding movable along the path, powering the sealing arrangement, and receiving electric energy by electromagnetic induction from the primary winding as the secondary winding travels past the primary winding. When interconnected by electromagnetic induction, the primary and secondary windings are so arranged as to have respective adjacent portions interjacent in a first direction crosswise to the forming mechanism movement path.

Abstract: A machine for the production of bags made of alveolar or foamed plastic material starting from at least one continuous web with superimposed flaps fed continuously to a heat-sealing assembly. The heat-sealing assembly is actuated according to a pendular motion in synchronism with continuous advance of the web, and is pre-arranged for carrying out, at the same time as heat-sealing, half-cuts on the web, which is then folded in concertina fashion by means of a lapper assembly at output from the machine.

Abstract: A filtering system for the air directed towards an internal combustion engine intake, comprising a feed conduit (2) conveying the air through two separate series-disposed filtering baffles (3, 4), of which a first filtering baffle (3) retains the large-dimension solid particles carried in suspension by said air, and a second filtering baffle (4) retains the smaller-dimension solid particles which have been allowed to pass by the first filtering baffle (3); said first filtering baffle (3) being of generally elongated shape and being inserted directly into said air feed conduit (2).

Abstract: A cyclone dust-separating unit is provided that includes a whirling current generating unit to rotate air drawn in through a suction nozzle, and a dust collecting bin having opened and closed ends to collect and store dust separated by a whirling current. The generating unit and the bin are separate tube members, and the generating unit includes a cyclone body having a first end with an air inlet and a second end with an air outlet, a spiral guide member on the first end to guide air flowed in through the air inlet in a spiral shape, an outflow pipe on the second end to extend to the outside of the cyclone body while penetrating through the air outlet, and a dust guide to connect a dust discharging opening with the opened end and to guide dust or dirt discharged through the dust discharging opening, to the opened end.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes a plurality of cells, an inorganic fiber, and an inorganic matter. The plurality of cells are disposed substantially in parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween. The inorganic matter forms a fixed portion in which said inorganic fibers are fixed to one another, part of the fixed portion having a fissure.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically correcting a steering command from an auto guidance system to adjust for misalignments between the crop rows and the header due to errors which may include, but are not limited to a stack up of errors from the remote positioning system information translation, planter and harvester machine centerline differences, harvesting and planting pattern differences, and the like, that integrates row sensor information into the auto guidance system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hybrid lawn mower powered by a fuel cell and an electrical storage system, both of which supply electric power to the drive wheels and cutting units of the mower. The electrical storage system comprises an ultracapacitor pack or a battery pack. The electric motor driving each cutting unit comprises a brushless motor having an integrated gear reduction stage. In addition, the motor includes an integrated electronics housing in which the electronics for controlling and powering the motor are packaged. The cutting units are lifted out of engagement with the ground by a lift and lower system comprising an electric/hydraulic actuator that is driven only during lifting of the cutting units. The cutting units are lowered by releasing fluid pressure in the lift and lower system and permitting the force of gravity to lower the cutting units.

Abstract: The lawn mower includes a vehicle body supporting front and rear wheels and a mower unit suspended from the vehicle body between the front and rear wheels by front and rear links. The links are movable to raise and lower the mower unit. A grass striping mechanism is associated with the vehicle body. The mechanism includes a stay arm connected to the mower unit and a roller support member movably connected to the stay arm so that the member is capable of movement in a vertical direction. A grass striping roller is rotationally supported by the roller support arm. A lift link is pivotally connected to the vehicle body and is associated with the roller support member. The lift link interfaces with the rear link such that upward movement of the rear link imparts movement to the lift link and roller support arm to lift the roller from the ground.

Abstract: A multi-purpose maintenance machine having interchangeable units to perform different maintenance functions such as: lawn mowing; lawn aerating; dethatching; lawn seeding and/or fertilizing; salt spreading; and snow blowing/throwing. The machine has a frame on four wheels and an exchangeable maintenance component has arms which are slidably received in slots. Different maintenance components perform different maintenance functions. A drive shaft is inserted in an axial bore of the component to engage the component and a sun gear so that rotates the component. The sun gear is rotated by an electric motor.

Abstract: A composite yarn is provided which comprises a core and a covering layer formed by wrapping a covering fiber around the core, the core being composed of a metal thin wire and an attending yarn comprising a filament yarn, wherein the attending yarn is wound around the metal thin wire at 5 to 60 turns per meter of the metal thin wire. A cut-resistant glove formed of the composite yarn is also provided. The composite yarn of the present invention is preferably usable for protective products such as protective fabrics, protective clothes, protective aprons and protective gloves used for protecting workers and a cut-resistant glove formed of the composite fiber is excellent not only in moisture absorption property, but also in putting-on-feeling, use feeling and workability in the state of being put on.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic Rankine cycle power system, which comprises means for superheating vaporized organic motive fluid, an organic turbine module coupled to a generator, and a first pipe through which superheated organic motive fluid is supplied to the turbine, wherein the superheating means is a set of coils through which the vaporized organic motive fluid flows and which is in direct heat exchanger relation with waste heat gases.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a gas turbine engine includes one or more subsets of combustors, and at least two fuel manifolds including a fuel manifold coupled to each combustor subset and configured to deliver fuel to only the subset of combustors during a predetermined gas turbine engine operating mode. A gas turbine engine assembly including a fuel delivery system and a method of operating a gas turbine engine is also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for, in a gas turbine engine, braking a turbine comprising a rotor, having at least one disk (63?) with a rim (63?B), driving a shaft and capable of rotating with respect to a stator, this device being for the event of said shaft breaking and comprising a first braking member (110), secured to said rim and provided with at least one cutting element (110A), and a second braking member (120) secured to the stator downstream of the rim (63?B), comprising a ring-shaped element (120A) made of a material that can be cut by the cutting element (110A), the two braking members coming into contact with one another through axial displacement of the rotor once the shaft has broken, the cutting element (110A) of the first braking member (110) cutting the ring-shaped element (120A) of the second braking member (120).

Abstract: A combined-cycle power plant, a steam thermal power plant, and a method for operating the power plant, which are capable of effectively utilizing raw fuel produced from medium- or small-scaled gas fields and oil fields. Raw fuel produced from a gas field is separated into a gas component and a liquid component by a separator. The gas component is burnt in a combustor of a gas turbine, and resulting motive power is converted to electricity by a power generator. The liquid component separated by the separator is burnt in a steam generator to generate steam that is supplied to a steam turbine. Resulting motive power of the steam turbine is converted to electricity by a power generator. Since the electricity generated by the power generators is AC power, the AC power is converted by a converter to DC power that is transferred from the vicinity of the gas field to a consuming area via a cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for opening or closing a turbojet engine thrust reverser (1) by using at least one mobile cowl (2) displaceable by means of at least one electric motor (7) consisting in analysing at least one parameter representative for a pressure in the turbojet engine jet and in carrying out an operating sequence in which the operating parameters of the electric motor (7) are adjusted to a situation.

Abstract: A method of controlling an engine having a lean NOx trap in the exhaust is described. The method comprises during a first mode, at a first temperature, storing NOx at a lean condition and then purging stored NOx from the NOx trap at a rich condition without concurrently supplying oxygen to the trap during the purging and during a second mode, at a second, lower temperature, storing NOx at a lean condition and then purging stored NOx from the NOx, where an exothermic reaction is generated to temporarily raise the temperature of the trap by supplying oxygen and reductants with an overall rich mixture to the trap during the purging.

Abstract: A system for removing carbon dioxide from an atmosphere to reduce global warming including an air extraction system that collects carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a medium and removes carbon dioxide from the medium; a sequestration system that isolates the removed carbon dioxide to a location for at least one of storage and generation of a renewable carbon fuel; and one or more power supplying units that supply heat to the air extraction system to remove the carbon dioxide from the medium, at least one of the one or more power supplying units being a fossil fuel plant.

Abstract: A reservoir (120) for storing an additive solution includes a reservoir volume (128) formed internally to the reservoir (120). The reservoir volume (128) is arranged to sealably store the additive solution. An inlet passage (122) is in fluid communication with the reservoir volume (128). A canister (140) is disposed on the reservoir (120). The canister (120, 300) includes a cup portion (308) that forms an internal volume having a permeable portion (314), and a head portion (316) connected to the cup portion (308). A plurality of pellets (310) is disposed in the internal volume of the cup portion (308) of the canister, such that a fluid (306) contained in the reservoir volume (304) is in fluid communication with the plurality of pellets (310) through the permeable portion (308) of the canister.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust treatment system has both a NOx reduction device and a diesel particulate filter. The system is designed to ensure that the NOx reduction device operates within its optimal temperature conditions. Using exhaust flow control valves, the exhaust flow can be directed into either the NOx reduction device first or into the diesel particulate filter first, and then into the other device, before exiting out the tailpipe.