Abstract: An insulated concrete form is provided with a hinge on one of the side walls and indicia on the opposite side wall. The indicia indicate a desired angle for a wall being constructed, and which presents cut lines to remove a section of the opposite wall. The concrete form is then rotated about the hinge to the desired angle and set in place. A plurality of sections may be stacked to form a wall of any desired height and length.

Abstract: An alignment tool, for aligning masonry structures, includes at least one pair of upright guides arranged on one side of the alignment tool for centering masonry materials such as blocks or bricks. In a first embodiment for use with laying bricks, other uprights are provided on an opposite sides of the alignment tool for aligning a center of a brick over or under a mortar joint and an additional pair of uprights are provided on one end of the alignment tool. In a second embodiment, an upright is provided along a central rib of the alignment tool for insertion into a hole in a brick. Method steps for using the tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: Drywall joint formed by a sheet having a first side, a back side, and oppositely arranged beveled edges. A flap is arranged in an area of one of the beveled edges and has a free end which extends out beyond an end of the one of the beveled edges. At least one of the flap being an integral part of a facing forming the first side of the sheet and the flap being a separately formed member that is secured to a facing forming the first side of the sheet. The method provides for arranging the first beveled edge of one sheet adjacent to the second beveled edge of another sheet, securing the adjacent first and second beveled edges to a stud with fasteners, and applying a joint compound over at least a portion of the flap. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A swimming pool assembly having a plurality of side wall panels certain adjacent ones of which have juxtaposed apertured edge flanges joined together by compression plates each having planar blade and a first plurality of pre-alignment fasteners extending away from the plane of the blade through aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange and engaging a flange plate surface opposite the blade to temporarily align the side wall panels. Each compression plate further includes a second plurality of alignment towers passing through additional aligned apertures in each juxtaposed flange terminating in wedge receiving slots. Wedges, upon being forced into respective slots, clamp the flanges tightly together. Adjacent panel flanges may further include FML flat surfaces oriented to compensate for panel flange draft angle whereby adjacent panels when clamped together present generally coplanar pool surfaces.

Abstract: Insulated Fabric Pocket Panels were designed to provide safe, economical, portable energy saving insulation for the interior living spaces of un-insulated or under insulated structures. The embodiments inserted into the fabric pocket panel include the following but not limited to either one layer of double bubble reflective foil insulation (15), an insulation bundle (25) or foil radiant barrier (28) inserted inside the pocket. The insulated fabric pocket panels insulate against heat and cold transfer through perimeter interior surfaces from outside weather. Heat and cold are reflected out of the interior of the structure to the outside environment. The reflective foil on the interior side of the panel reflects heated furnace air or cooled air conditioning air away from interior surfaces back into the interior or center of the rooms. Furnaces or air conditioners do have to heat or cool the interior finished wall surfaces. Only the air is heated or cooled.

Abstract: A synthetic roofing material for a roofing tile and a method of extruding a resinous polymeric precursor of an exterior polymeric sheet for one or more roofing tiles; and applying a weather durable coloring matter on a surface of the precursor, wherein the cooling matter comprises one or more pigment colors in a variegated surface coloration pattern, which simulates a distinctive coloration of a natural material. The precursor is impressed with surface topography features and a surface roughness that simulate the surface features of the natural material.

Abstract: This invention describes a snap-lock interlocking joint which locks a pair of mating construction pieces together by the insertion of a specially shaped tongue into a corresponding groove (having a complimentary shape to the tongue). The invention works well with engineered wood composites such as medium density fiberboard and certain other plastic products, namely free foam cellular plastic. The pieces may be joined together in the complete absence of glue or nails. No clamping is required to provide a strong joint.

Abstract: A panelling system preferably for floors is defined by a series of panels each formed of a plurality of tongue and groove main floor plank strips arranged side edge to side edge and cut to a common length with a tongue along one cut edge and a groove along the other. At the edges are attached edge strips formed also from the flooring planks with tongue and groove and fastened together to form a common panel member for transportation and installation. The outwardly facing edge of each edge has a tongue or groove for mating with a groove or tongue of a next adjacent panel. The strips are fastened by pins from the rear or by a bonded sheet material on the rear.

Abstract: A panelling system preferably for floors is defined by a series of panels each formed of a plurality of tongue and groove main floor plank strips arranged side edge to side edge and cut to a common length with a tongue along one cut edge and a groove along the other. At the edges are attached edge strips formed also from the flooring planks with tongue and groove and fastened together to form a common panel member for transportation and installation. The outwardly facing edge of each edge has a tongue or groove for mating with a groove or tongue of a next adjacent panel. The strips are fastened by a corrugated fastening plate bridging the junction or by pins from the rear or by a bonded sheet material on the rear.

Abstract: A system for providing both partial-height and full-height wall modules can include a plurality of wall module portions. The plurality of wall module portions can include lower wall module portions and upper wall module portions. A lower wall portion can be configured with a top bracket upon which a trim cap can be placed to form a partial-height wall module. One or more upper wall module portions can also be stacked on the lower wall module portion to form a full-height wall module.

Abstract: A reinforcement mesh, an architectural moulding reinforced by the mesh, and methods of making the architectural moulding and the mesh. The mesh is adhered by an adhesive to the architectural moulding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lattice support structure comprising lattice rods interconnected in an articulated manner, wherein, in accordance with the invention, a first structure having small cross-sections extending constantly over its length can be spread apart into a truncated double pyramid structure which tapers toward its ends, with a plurality of first structures being able to be joined together and with the joined together first structures being able to be interconnected by lattice rods to form a second structure, with the additional lattice rods engaging at corner points of the spread-apart cross-sections.

Abstract: Method of producing a wall-floor reinforced concrete construction in which use is made of prefabricated permanent shuttering systems made up of a wall shuttering system (100) with two shuttering panels (101; 103) and a floor shuttering system (120) which comprises a base plate (123) with a multiplicity of individual longitudinal bars (121) next to one another which are each fastened by means of a multiplicity of stirrups (122) on the base plate (123) at a distance above the base plate in such a way that they come to lie in the lower region of the floor (171) to be produced. The connecting element between the wall and floor that is used is a coupling reinforcement (150) which, on one side, is fastened into the wall shuttering system (100) and, on the other side, to the individual longitudinal bars (121) of the floor shuttering system (120) which extend perpendicularly to the wall shuttering system (100).

Abstract: One embodiment provides for a method of placing a structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes constructing the structure in an essentially vertical position, the structure being defined by a first end. The structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the structure is in the essentially vertical position. The structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an insulated system such as, for instance, an insulated window unit, includes introducing an insulating material between adjacent walls and stabilizing the system. Particulate insulators preferably are introduced in the system by filling an expanded internal volume. Stabilization of the system can be carried out by reducing the pressure within the internal volume. A stabilized insulated system is fabricated by introducing an insulating material between adjacent walls and stabilizing the system. Also disclosed are processes and equipment for filling insulated systems, such as fenestration units, and insulated systems comprising mixed insulating materials.

Abstract: These disclosed embodiments relates to a device for fixing a light-weight panel onto a support. Such device includes an insert including at least one flange, such insert being intended for receiving a fixing device of the bolt type. According to the disclosed embodiments, such flange has an outer surface including toothing elements and the device includes a part made of a ductile material including an opening for the passage of the fixing member. The toothing element are intended for cooperating, upon fixing the panel onto the support, with the part made of a ductile material to allow such fixing without causing any deformation of the panel.

Abstract: A baluster includes at least one first post made of non-composite wood and having a longitudinal engaging end portion, and a second post made of a wood flour composite, which includes wood flour and a resin binder, and having at least one longitudinal connecting end portion connected longitudinally to the engaging end portion. The connecting end portion and the engaging end portion are sleeved one onto the other. A coating layer is coated on an outer surface of each of the first and second posts.

Abstract: A baluster includes a longitudinal hollow post and a tubular core. The hollow post is made of a wood flour composite which includes wood flour and a resin binder, and has a first end portion, and a second end portion longitudinally opposite to the first end portion. The tubular core is disposed longitudinally in the hollow post. A coating layer is provided on an outer surface of the hollow post.

Abstract: A reinforcing rod made from fiber-reinforced plastic is provided on its peripheral surface with profiling projecting outwardly in the radial direction in the form of ribs extending at least across one part of the periphery. The reinforcing rod has ribs with different geometric and/or material properties.

Abstract: A packaging system, packaging method and method of depositing a thin layer of material at a desired location upon a substrate, and in particular a layer of thermally-conductive phase change material at the interface between a heat-dissipating component and heat sink coupled therewith. The packaging comprises a thin layer of material sandwiched between a first base liner and a second top liner. A segment of tape is adhesively bound to the top liner and preferably includes a graspable portion, such as a tab, to enable the same to pull the top liner away from the material to thus leave the layer of material deposited upon the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in packing containers into a carton, the apparatus including a base defining a support surface having a width substantially equal to the width of the carton bottom wall, a longitudinal stop disposed at an end edge of the support surface, a lateral stop disposed at a side edge of the support surface, and a corner edge stop. A corner edge stop support connects the corner edge stop to the base and positions the corner edge stop such that the distance between the corner edge stop and the support surface is substantially equal to the carton side wall widths.

Abstract: Food service set assembly systems and methods include delivery of one or more utensils and a napkin to a receiving cradle where they are grasped by two fingers attached to a rotatable shaft and wound to a desired tension. Utensils are delivered to the receiving cradle is a uniform alignment via a gravity driven system. Sterilization of the utensils can also be provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: A protective wrap material enclosing a stack of cut sheets of paper is folded so that overlapping flaps of the wrap material cover opposite ends of the stack. The overlapping flaps are secured and sealed together only at selected areas that comprise a minor portion of the overlapped flaps, wherein the sealed areas have sufficient burst strength to avoid inadvertent opening of the wrap but at the same time are relatively easy to separate when it is desired to open the wrap to gain access to the cut sheets of paper. In a preferred embodiment the wrap material is heat sealable, and a modified heat plate for applying heat only to the selected areas has a grooved front surface defining heat focusing bars that concentrate heat sufficient to fuse the wrap material only in the selected areas.

Abstract: An envelope filling machine for introducing sheets into envelopes includes a sliding surface, for transferring the sheets to an envelope filling station by means of pushing lugs, operated along the sliding surface. An envelope supplying conveyor supplies individual envelopes to the station placing them between vertical shafts of a pair of screws. The turns of the screws hold the sides of the envelopes and move each envelope downwards keeping the envelope separated from a subsequent envelope. When the envelope has come to rest on a conveyor belt placed between and under the screws, the lugs push the sheets into the envelope kept steady by movable stop strips yieldingly maintained by elastic means. When the sheets are fully inserted, the lugs push the envelope and force the movable strips to swing and let the filled envelope leave the envelope filling station.

Abstract: A horse bit (1) has a mouth bar (2) and two control bars (3). The mouth bar (2) is arched and is in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm in diameter and its length is dependent on the size of the horse. The control bars (3) are formed integrally with, and from the same material as, the mouth bar (2) and are located at opposed ends of the control bar (2). The mouth bar (2) and the control bars (3) are substantially coplanar. Each control bar (3) is angled inwardly and makes an angle that is in the range of 75° to 90° with the adjacent portion of the mouth bar (2).

Abstract: A particularly advantageous vacuum cleaner system has at least two filters and self-cleans its filters via back-flushing, without needing to stop normal operation to self-clean. Also, a self-cleaning valve assembly is provided for use in a vacuum cleaner. Also, a vacuum cleaner is provided that uses permanent, self-cleaning filters, and does not need disposable filters or filter bags, and advantageously can use inexpensive plastic bags. In another vacuum cleaner system, waste is collected in an ordinary plastic bag without any special preparation or modification of the bag being needed. Further, an inventive self-cleaning X-valve assembly cleans itself and is useable in the vacuum cleaner system.

Abstract: A separating apparatus includes a shroud that has a wall having a multiplicity of through-holes. At least one baffle is provided on the inner surface of the wall of the shroud. The baffle directs the airflow entering the shroud towards the central region of the shroud, thereby reducing conflicting air currents. The baffle may also be used to assist correct assembly of the separating apparatus. The baffle may be arranged to locate with a member provided on another component of the separating apparatus, such as a cyclone assembly, in order to locate that assembly in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter composed of a multi-ply filter medium, which comprises at least one non-woven stiffening layer, at least one filtration layer, at least one covering layer and where necessary at least one non-woven microfibre layer, the non-woven stiffening layer comprising fibres of synthetic polymers and the fibres being both partially oriented and oriented fibres.

Abstract: The invention is a can-filter structure of an oxygen concentrator, which includes: a first can-filter having filter material; a second can-filter having filter material; and an outlet cover. The first can-filter includes an air inlet provided at the entrance side of the first can-filter and a first conical joint formed at the exit side of the first can-filter, wherein the first conical joint is hollow and at least one recess is provided on the outer surface thereof. The second can-filter includes a second conical joint formed at the entrance side of the second can-filter, wherein the second conical joint is hollow, and at least one engaging hook corresponding to the recess is provided on the inner surface thereof for coupling to the first conical joint. The outlet cover is provided at the exit side of the second can-filter and is coupled thereto by ultrasonic fusion.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple layer filter media for removal of particles from a fluid stream. The multiple layer filter media may include a depth filtration layer, a membrane filtration layer and a support layer. Additional layers may be present. The membrane filtration layer may comprise expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The various layers of the multiple layer filter media may be bonded together through a plurality of point bonds. The point bonding process may include simultaneously bonding multiple layers of the multiple layer filter media together in a single operation. The point bonds may be created using ultrasonic bonding.

Abstract: A pulley/belt drive system attached to a mower deck has a belt tensioning mechanism for maintaining tension in an endless belt. The belt tensioning mechanism includes an idler arm pivotally mounted with respect to the mower deck such that the idler arm pivots about an idler arm pivot. A back-side idler pulley engaging a back-side portion of the belt and an inside idler pulley engaging an inside portion of the primary belt are rotatably mounted onto the idler arm. A belt tensioning device is attached to the idler arm to pivot the idler arm, wherein the back-side idler pulley and the inside idler pulley remain in a fixed orientation with respect to each other when the idler arm is pivoted.

Abstract: A unitary rear frame mounting an engine and hydrostatic transmissions to the rear of a ZTR mower is disclosed. The unitary rear frame includes a lower mounting surface supporting the engine, an upper mounting surface above and forward of the lower mounting surface; a wall extending between the upper and lower mounting surfaces; and a pair of integral side panels depending downwardly from the upper mounting surface and extending forwardly of the wall. Each side panel may have a side pocket for mounting a hydrostatic transmission thereto.

Abstract: A working vehicle includes a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels; an implement supported by the vehicle body via a link mechanism such that the implement can be raised and lowered, the implement being permitted to be lowered under its own weight; an abutting member that moves in tandem with the raising and lowering movement of the implement; a receiving piece for limiting the lowering of the implement under its own weight by receiving a first portion of the abutting member; and a manually operable first operating piece for changing the position of the receiving piece between a receiving position and a retracted position, wherein a lowering limiting position is set to a vertical position that is closer to the upper limit of a range of the raising or lowering movement of the implement than to the lower limit of that range.

Abstract: A vehicle for harvesting espalier fruit, such as berries or grapes, and for further processing to a must on the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame configured to reach over a row of plants to be harvested in an area of a u-shaped recess of the vehicle. Also included are wheels on both sides of the u-shaped recess and arranged on the frame. Further included is a picking device to separate the fruit from a remainder of the plants. A solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge is arranged directly on the vehicle, which solid-bowl screw-type centrifuge separates and clarifies a fruit mash into at least a solids phase and a liquid phase.

Abstract: A straight-type finish, which has improved storage characteristics and is capable of preventing synthetic fibers from becoming electrically charged and uneven dyeing from being generated, contains a lubricant and a functional improvement agent at specified ratios. A metal organic sulfonate of a specified type is contained at least as a part of the functional improvement agent at a specified mass % of the total.

Abstract: A housing module (10) for a haulage chain capable of hauling cables and hoses. The housing module (10) comprises a pair of opposed housing members (12,14) side wall portions of which abut to define opposed side walls (16,18) extending between opposed first and second walls (20,22). The housing module (10) includes releasable retention members (24) to retain the side wall portions of the housing members (12,14) in abutment whilst allowing selective separation of the housing members (12,14) to permit the loading and removal of cables and hoses into and out of a hollow interior (26) bounded by the walls (16,18,20,22) of the housing module (10). The side wall portions on each side of the housing module (10) define pockets (28) openable on separation of the housing members (12,14) to receive mutually interengaged endless links (44) of a chain (42) and thereby permit use of a pair of such chains (42) to interconnect a succession of housing modules (10) to define a haulage chain.

Abstract: A method of detecting an ice shedding event in a gas turbine engine, the engine having a rotor comprising a compressor drivingly connected via a shaft to a turbine; the method for detecting an ice shedding event comprising the steps of measuring the temperature at regular intervals and where a temperature drop of at least 20 degrees per second is recorded, producing a signal indicative of an ice shedding event and sending the signal to an indicator device. Advantageously, the engine may then be inspected for damage associated to an ice impact rather than other foreign object ingestion event or fuel flow irregularity. Alternatively, instead of temperature, pressure may be measured and a pressure drop of at least 20 kPa per second is indicative of an ice shedding event.

Abstract: A power transmission arrangement comprises a first power transmission member connectable to a first main shaft of an engine. The arrangement also includes a second power transmission member connectable to a second main shaft of the engine and to a third power transmission member. A coupling assembly is provided which has a selectable coupling condition to couple the first power transmission member to the second power transmission member to allow power to be transmitted from the third power transmission member to the first main shaft of the engine via the first power transmission member. The coupling assembly has a decoupling condition to decouple the first power transmission member from the second power transmission member to allow power to be transmitted from the main shaft of the engine to the third power transmission member via the second power transmission member.

Abstract: An aircraft includes at least one turbofan engine assembly having a shrouded core engine, a short nacelle surrounding a fan and a forward portion of the core engine, and a fan exhaust duct through the nacelle. A mixer duct shell is positioned substantially coaxial with the engine shroud and extends forwardly into the fan duct to provide an interstitial mixer duct between the mixer duct shell and the core engine shroud. The aft portion of the mixer duct shell extends over a turbine exhaust frame, an attached mixer (if included), and a tail cone exhaust plug. The mixer duct shell can reduce noise and plume exhaust heat radiated from aircraft turbofan engines.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to estimate a temperature jump (?T) of a catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine in the event of a change in the composition of the exhaust gas. To this end, a quantity of a reactand (SI) stored in the catalytic converter is monitored (2-7), and the heating (?T) of the catalytic converter resulting from the reaction heat released during the reaction of the stored reactand is assumed (13, 14, 16, 17) as the temperature jump (?T).

Abstract: A method, a device and a computer program product for the diagnosis of an oxidation catalyst for the oxidation of NO into NO2 in a motor vehicle is provided. An exhaust gas aftertreatment system includes at least the aforementioned oxidation catalyst and a particulate filter and/or an NOx-reducing catalyst arranged downstream of the oxidation catalyst, and a predetermined quantity of a reducing agent is supplied to the exhaust system upstream of the oxidation catalyst, and the NOx content or NO2 content is measured downstream of the oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A system that diagnoses regeneration of an electrically heated particulate filter is provided. The system generally includes a grid module that diagnoses a fault of the grid based on at least one of a current signal and a voltage signal. A diagnostic module at least one of sets a fault status and generates a warning signal based on the fault of the grid.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an exhaust system including a catalyst and a post-catalyst oxygen sensor is provided. The system generally includes a fuel control module that commands fuel to transition from a rich condition to a lean condition and that commands fuel to transition from the lean condition to the rich condition. A first diagnostic module monitors the post-catalyst oxygen sensor during the transition from the rich condition to the lean condition. A second diagnostic module monitors the catalyst during the transition from the lean condition to the rich condition.

Abstract: A system for treating exhaust gasses from an engine is described. The system includes, the exhaust gasses routed from the engine to atmosphere through an exhaust passage, an injector directing a spray of reductant into exhaust gasses against a flow of exhaust gasses, a spray target, the spray target having a front and rear surface, where the front surface is convex and generally facing a direction opposite of exhaust flow, the spray target positioned in the exhaust passage such that injected reductant impinges on the rear surface of the spray target to increase reductant vaporization, an oxidation catalyst positioned upstream of the injector and upstream of the spray target; and a selective catalytic reduction catalyst positioned downstream of the injector and downstream of the spray target.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for dispensing a reactant into an exhaust stream. The system dispenses a mixture of reactant and pressurized air into the exhaust stream. This system includes a mixing manifold that mounts to an exhaust pipe that carries the exhaust stream. The system also includes a metering device remotely mounted from the mixing manifold.

Abstract: An SOX trap catalyst 12 and NOX purification catalyst 13 are arranged in an engine exhaust passage. A substrate 50 of the NOX purification catalyst 13 is formed with a coat layer comprised of at least the two layers of an upper coat layer 51 and a lower coat layer 52. The lower coat layer 52 is formed from an NOX storage catalyst storing the NOX contained in the exhaust gas when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is lean and releasing the stored NOX when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or rich. The upper coat layer 51 is formed from a material of a weaker basicity than this NOX storage catalyst.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, which is provided with a feeding pipe of fresh air to an intake manifold and with a turbocharger arranged along the feeding pipe; the exhaust system displays: an emission pipe for releasing the exhaust gases produced by the internal combustion engine into the atmosphere; at least one gas treatment device, which is arranged along the emission pipe and consists of an oxidising catalyser and an anti-particulate filter; and a recirculation circuit, which displays a recirculation pipe which is regulated by a recirculation valve and connects the emission pipe downstream of the treatment device to the intake pipe upstream of a compressor of the turbocharger to introduce into the intake pipe a certain amount of exhaust gases present in the emission pipe; along the recirculation pipe a filter consisting of a metallic mesh arranged to close the recirculation pipe is arranged.

Abstract: A NOx adsorber catalyst may comprise a housing defining an inlet configured to receive exhaust gas produced by an internal combustion engine, an outlet and a chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A NOx adsorber element may be positioned in the chamber adjacent to the inlet. The NOx adsorber element may be configured to trap NOx in the exhaust gas during lean fuel operation of the engine, and to release the trapped NOx and reduce the released NOx to nitrogen during rich fuel operation of the engine. A hydrocarbon trap may be positioned in the chamber between the NOx adsorber element and the outlet. The hydrocarbon trap may be configured to trap hydrocarbons that travel through the NOx adsorber element during the rich fuel operation of the engine. The trapped hydrocarbons may be oxidized by oxygen present in the exhaust gas during lean fuel operation following rich fuel operation.

Abstract: A power system is provided having a first power source including at least one engine configured to combust a first air/fuel mixture and produce a first exhaust stream. The fuel of the first air/fuel mixture may be liquefied petroleum gas. The system also has a first exhaust passageway fluidly connected to the first power source and configured to receive the first exhaust stream. In addition, the system has a second power source including at least one engine configured to combust a second fuel/air mixture and produce a second exhaust stream. Furthermore, the system has a second exhaust passageway fluidly connected to the second power source and configured to receive the second exhaust stream.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus of an exhaust gas recirculation system includes a first cooling portion, made of a first material, that receives recirculation exhaust gas; and a second cooling portion, made of a second, different material, that receives the recirculation exhaust gas from the first cooling portion and exhausts the recirculation exhaust gas out of the apparatus. A cooling method of an exhaust gas recirculation system includes receiving a recirculation exhaust gas in a first cooling portion made of a first material; cooling the recirculation exhaust gas in the first coolant portion; receiving the recirculation exhaust gas in a second cooling portion made of a second, different material; and cooling the recirculation exhaust gas in the second coolant portion.