Abstract: A steam channeling structure adopted for use on a steam iron to transfer steam to perform cleaning function. The steam iron includes at least a soleplate heated to perform ironing function and at least one steam vent. The steam channeling structure includes a coupling dock and at least one cleaning tool mounted onto the coupling dock. The coupling dock has a protective portion to cover the soleplate and a steam directing portion communicating with the steam vent to direct steam discharged through the steam vent. The cleaning tool has a steam passage connecting to the steam directing portion and a steam channeling vent located in the steam passage. Steam generated by the steam iron is conveyed through the steam directing portion to the steam channeling vent to be discharged to perform steam cleaning function on a selected article.

Abstract: A steam iron comprises a soleplate (1) and a separately arranged steam generator (30) having heating means (31) for heating a content of the steam generator (30). The soleplate (1) comprises an embossed area (11) for distributing the steam. As the soleplate (1) does not play a part in the process of generating steam, and does not need to comprise additional means for distributing steam, it is designed in a relatively lightweight manner, which has the advantage that the time needed for a temperature change of the soleplate (1) is relatively short. On a top surface of the embossed area (11), heating tracks for heating the soleplate (1) are arranged. As the top surface of the embossed area (11) is not capable of directly touching other objects, for example objects to be ironed, situations in which the heating tracks are subjected to severe thermal shocks are avoided.

Abstract: A steam iron (1) comprises a steam conditioning device (30) having two vortex chambers (31, 32). Inside the vortex chambers (31, 32), directing means such as a conduit for directing a steam flow toward outlets (33) of the steam conditioning device (30) are arranged. Further, inside the vortex chambers (31, 32), vortex generating means are arranged, which are arranged along a path followed by the steam flow, and which are adapted to creating local pressure differences in the steam flow in order to obtain local vortices in the steam flow. By means of the vortices, during operation of the steam conditioning device (30), water drops which are present in the steam flow are broken down to a smaller particle size. In this way, the steam conditioning device (30) is capable of producing mist-steam or dry steam.

Abstract: A calendar is formed of a plurality of substrates. A first substrate carries indicia thereon which identifies selected time periods, such as days or months of the year. A second substrate is positioned adjacent to the first substrate. The second substrate defines a plurality of cavities dimensioned to individually retain a respective information carrying article, such as a web. Each of the cavities is corresponding supplied with a respective information carrying article. Each indicia on the first substrate is positionally associated with a respective cavity in the second substrate. A third substrate, positioned adjacent to the second substrate, is positioned to retain the information carrying articles releasably within the second substrate.

Abstract: A method and system for advertising that includes preparing a band that includes printed indicia around a pillow in a hotel or the like that includes promotional benefits to the customer that would conventionally replace a typical chocolate placed on the pillow.

Abstract: A firing pin assembly is provided that includes a firing pin and a firing pin shaft. The firing pin is received in a slot of the end of the firing pin shaft to be retained therein with a spring retaining sleeve, a main spring, and a mainspring sleeve. The firing pin is removable from the firing pin assembly and can be replaced to result in a prolonged use of the firing pin assembly. The firing pin assembly will operate as a one-piece unit when the spring retaining sleeve is oriented to hold the components securely in place.

Abstract: A scope assembly for use with a projectile firing device including an erect image telescope mounted upon the device. The telescope includes a housing with a series of spaced apart lenses, a reticle display field being disposed along an optical path established within the telescope and which is viewable by a user. A laser range-finding scope is housed within a component in parallel disposed fashion relative to the erect image telescope, the range-finding scope incorporating a microprocessor and timer in operative communication with a pulse generator and an infrared projector. The distance to the target is measured by the laser, pulse detector, and timer. The data is transmitted to the microprocessor which determines the vertical position required to hit the target. The compensated target aimpoint is then illuminated in the reticle display field as a horizontal line.

Abstract: A method for preventing and controlling insect pests is provided. First, the spectral sensitivities of photoreceptors in the compound eye of the insects were measured intracellularly by equal quantum flux measurements; the measured signals were preamplified and then sent to a PC-based data acquisition system. Next, the colored papers were chosen according to the spectral sensitivities of the photoreceptors to test the color preference of the insect, and the data was analyzed with the ANOVA test. A linear model was used to analyze the choice rate data obtained from the color preference tests. Finally, the spectra of the colors, which preference of the insect were obtained to further developing a visual cue trap.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for blocking radiation to horticultural crops in order to reduce light-induced freeze and chill damage which involve treating the surface of the horticultural crops with an effective amount of one or more particulate materials.

Abstract: A vertical garden includes a reservoir containing a nutrient rich liquid. A stack of modular planters are nested together above the reservoir. A vertically extending tubular pipe passes through central openings in the modular planters. The tubular pipe communicates with a manifold within the reservoir. An air pump located outside of the reservoir has an outlet hose terminating in an air inlet port in the manifold. Compressed air flows from the air pump into the manifold and flows up through the pipe to a diffuser plate at the top. Compressed air rises in the vertically extending pipe entraining some of said liquid upward towards the top diffuser plate. Each modular planter has radiating planter ports for growing plants, wherein the planter ports contain plant media. Nutrient rich liquid trickles down from the diffuser plate, intersecting with and soaking the plant media in the planter ports.

Abstract: An improved safety railing for use with an opening in a rooftop or other location. The safety railing is easily securable to the curb, or upstanding wall, surrounding the opening. The securing mechanism of the safety railing also takes advantage of any outwardly protruding lip on the curb of the opening. The safety railing features a base portion that is reversibly securable to the curb portion of the opening and a railing portion that rises above the base portion. The base portion includes a pair of side members that are shaped and sized to abut the upstanding portion of the curb. Each of the curb members also present a surface to underlie the lip of the curb and engage it if the base portion is lifted. The base portion also includes two base members that interconnect the two side members. The base members are preferably formed of round hollow stock and have threaded nuts welded to each axial end. Threaded bolts are used to affix the side members to the base members.

Abstract: Snow stop includes a base member, and a snow-restraining member. The snow stop can have a series of holes for ventilation of adhesive as well as for forming “glue-rivets” with cured adhesive, and can have slots (grooves) to the holes or boundary of the snow stop to assist in ventilating adhesive solvent. The holes and grooves also can provide for increased physical bonding with the adhesive and hence, roof. The base may be round with the snow-restrainer included in intersecting upstanding members.

Abstract: A fabric covered rigid frame structure having at least three elongate rafters; at least one column supporting the rafters; a fabric cover; a cord system or a web system encircling the fabric cover; and at least one tensioner formed in an end of at least one elongate rafter, wherein the tensioner includes an opening formed in an end of the elongate rafter along the axis of the rafter; a first fitting disposed between the opening and an end of the elongate rafter; a rod disposed in the elongate rafter along an axis of the rafter through the first fitting, wherein the rod comprises threads that are exposed to at least a portion of the opening; means for engaging the rod through the first fitting; and a sliding block with hook disposed on the threads of the rod interior of the elongate rafter wherein the hook engages the fabric cover.

Abstract: An exterior siding mounting bracket used in conjunction with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having a base flange fastened to the sheathing. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward from the base flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of the bracket has a partition arrangement that preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged to cover cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the base flange. Integrated at least into the trim member is a water diversion device that diverts water away from the base flange and sheathing. Preferably, the water diversion device has an elongated trough supported by the trim member and projecting laterally inward from the trim flange and toward the base flange and above the wall and partition arrangements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a holder for fixedly attaching a panel to a substructure. The holder comprises a connection member capable of being fixedly connected non-rotatably to the substructure, a panel holder fixedly attached to the panel and a spacer element threadedly attaching the connection member to the panel holder. The spacer element can be axially adjusted and fixed relative to the connection member and the panel holder.

Abstract: A construction bracket for creating a roof venting space has a first flange having a first flange portion with an first flange outside surface and a first flange side extension that extends away from the first flange outside surface, and a second flange having a second flange portion with a second flange outside surface and a second flange side extension that extends away from the second flange outside surface where the second flange is connected to the first flange forming a predefined angle between the first flange and the second flange.

Abstract: A split door frame assembly, including: a hinge jamb, a strike jamb and a header that connects the hinge jamb to the strike jamb. The hinge jamb, the strike jamb and the header each formed by a stop element and a trim element. The stop element is substantially L-shaped with a short leg and a long leg. The long leg has a first member, a second member, a first wall, a second wall, and a joining wall extending between the ends of the first and second walls. The joining wall is parallel to the first and second members. The second wall has a plurality of apertures spaced along its length. The trim element is an L-shaped member wherein a first leg of the L-shape forms an outer trim flange and a second leg of the L-shape extends 90° from the trim flange and has projections at its free end which are engagable in the apertures in the second wall.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a connection, having an anchored, elongated tension member, a fastening member attached to the elongated tension member, a resisting member that receives the elongated tension member and an expansion device that receives the elongated tension member there through. The expansion device is formed with a sleeve. First and second bearing members are received in the central aperture of the surrounding sleeve A torsion spring connects the first and second bearing members and is located within the surrounding sleeve. The torsion spring biases the first and second members in opposite rotational directions.

Abstract: The wall panel system of the present invention includes a flexible sheet interlock to flexibly seal a joint defined by adjacent perimeter framing members and a capillary break to inhibit the entry of water into drainage or weep holes in gutters in the perimeter framing members.

Abstract: A baseboard for covering an expansion gap located at an intersection of a vertical wall and a floor. The baseboard is formed of thermoplastic elastomer and has an L-shaped body having a toe portion and a wall portion. The back side of the wall portion has a plurality of spaced-apart ventilation channels extending from the upper end of the wall portion to the lower end thereof. Each ventilation channel has a substantially rectangular shaped cross-section. The back side of the wall portion further includes a plurality of wall contact surfaces extending between each ventilation channel and a plurality of adhesive gripping grooves formed therethrough that function as a catch element when the baseboard is adhesively secured to the wall.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a roll formed sheet metal tee for grid type suspended ceilings with the face of its flange integral with the stem and the layers of the stem fixed together for improved torsional strength. An upper region of the stem can have one or more of its layers folded to increase suspension wire breakout strength. A stiffening bulb is below suspension wire receiving holes so that a loop of the suspension wire through the tee has a narrow profile and thereby avoids interference with ceiling panels during their installation or removal. Other embodiments of a tee share the feature of a narrow, suspension wire receiving upper stem portion.

Abstract: A fastener system including two interengaging members for securing boards to supporting members.

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

Abstract: Floorboards with a mechanical locking system that allows movement between the floorboards when they are joined to form a floating floor.

Abstract: The aim of this invention is to increase the rigidity of the integrated formworks at the time of their installation, to facilitate the work of the civil engineers if order to determine easily the contribution of the horizontal frameworks and to reduce manufacturing costs. This aim is reached by a formwork including two parallel formwork walls placed one facing the other provided with shaped bars forming the vertical stiffeners and connected by at least one articulated connection device allowing the maintenance of the formwork walls either at a distance defining a space to receive a filler such as concrete, or folded for storage and transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular HD (Heavy Duty) support system (1) having a strongly increased resistance to breaking strain and strain of flexure for the support of very huge and heavy shuttering for use in modern building. This module comprises vertical upright assembly systems (2) consisting of upright elements (2?) with connecting members (3) and intermediate frames (5). The bottom part and/or top part of each upright assembly (2) is provided with a spindle assembly (4), which is capable of carrying a high load and with adjustable butterfly nuts (20) and coupling pieces (21). In upward direction the upright assembly systems (2) are extended by means of connecting pieces (3) provided with locking pins (8a, 8b) for obtaining a connection which is resistant to tensile strain.

Abstract: A reusable concrete anchor strap includes a strap having a first end, a second end, a middle portion, and an intermediate portion. The first end and the second end are proximate a connector end and the middle portion forms a first loop member proximate an anchor end. The intermediate portion is a first segment between the first end and the middle portion and a second segment between the second end and the middle portion. A securement member secures and interconnects the first segment and the second segment to form a second loop member thereby allowing for reuse of the strap when the first loop member is disconnected to create a second anchor end proximate the second loop member. The first loop member and the second loop member are configured and arranged to engage at least one anchor member of a concrete structure.

Abstract: A method and structure are disclosed for causing water seeping through a crack in a basement wall to be directed behind a tape applied to the wall, such tape having edges bonded to the wall and a hydrophobic coating on the rear side of the tape for repelling water flowing therebehind for quicker drainage.

Abstract: A roofing shingle with a laying line that facilitates the alignment of an overlying course of shingles with respect an underlying course of shingles is provided. The laying line is located on a front surface of the shingle and has a width such that the laying line is exposed when an edge of another shingle is placed in contacting proximity with the laying line. The shingle may also have a scale and one or more nibs that protrude from the sides of the shingle that assist in aligning the shingles in the second course with the shingles in the underlying course. The shingle may also include nailing zones located on the front surface of the shingles provide a location for fastening the shingles to the roof. A method of laying the shingles of the present invention on a roof is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vacuum sealing a food item package. Compressed air forces air out of a food item package such that there is substantially no air within the package after it is sealed.

Abstract: A method for applying a reclosable pouring element comprising a pouring opening and a flange and having a removable cap, to a container having an opening. The method comprising the steps of connecting the pouring element to a lid of the container having an opening by affixing the flange of the pouring element to the lid in a liquid-tight fashion. Sealing a section of a closure film on the pouring element so that the pouring opening of the pouring element still remains open. Connecting the lid to the container body in a liquid-tight fashion. Sterilizing an interior of the container. Filing the container with a product through the pouring opening. Closing the container by sealing the closure film onto the pouring element in such a fashion that the pouring opening of the pouring element is closed in a liquid-tight fashion and applying the cap to the pouring element.

Abstract: A product and method for producing a string of individual sealed, filled packages separated by perforations. A string of separate packages optionally may be enclosed in a cardboard or other container designed to sit in a pantry or other location for dispensing of individual units. Perforations in the packaging film between separate packages provide a tear point to aid in separating one package from the next. There are several advantages to this format including easy placement of the string of packages into a carton for shipping or dispensing, and the ability to hang a string of packages in locations without the need to attach the packages to a backing strip. The perforations between packages facilitate the packaging and transportation of the entire string or bandolier, and facilitate the removal and use of a separate package.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for shock absorbing packaging wherein fragile, dangerous, or otherwise valuable cargo can be shipped through normal or abnormal shipping routes while absorbing acceleration and deceleration shock forces which would otherwise damage such cargo.

Abstract: A method for permanently deforming a flexible film material, in which the film material is deformed, forming a receptacle depression, the film material being kept under controlled tension while it is being moulded, so that controlled creases are formed in the film material, and a method of manufacturing a product packed in flexible film material, especially a food product, using the method and device for permanently deforming a flexible film material.

Abstract: A carton formed from a unitary blank for storing food within and methods of manufacture of the carton thereform, are disclosed herein. The carton comprises a generally rectangular bottom having a pair of major bottom flaps and a pair of minor bottom flaps that are folded to form a substantially closed bottom, and a pair of major side panels, a pair of minor side panels, and a secondary side panel that are folded perpendicular to the bottom. An opening is defined by the upper ends of the major side panels and the minor side panels opposite the bottom and is generally non-rectangular.

Abstract: A method of packaging thermally labile goods. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a legend correlating thermally labile goods with a PCM panel color, (b) locating the thermally labile goods to be packaged on the legend and identifying the correlated PCM panel color, (c) obtaining thermally conditioned panels of the correlated PCM panel color from amongst a plurality of differently colored thermally conditioned panels color coded in relation to the phase change temperature of the phase change material contained within the panels, (d) lining the retention chamber of a thermally insulated container with the obtained thermally conditioned PCM panels, (e) placing the thermally labile goods to be packaged into the lined retention chamber, and (f) closing the container.

Abstract: A sheet processing system includes a banding machine which uses a large band to bundle first collected bundles fed out by a bundle collecting device and then feeds out the bundled first collected bundles as a first bunch of sealed five bundles, the a banding machine then using the large band to bundle again second collected bundles fed out by the bundle collecting device and then feeding out the bundled second collected bundles as a second bunch of sealed five bundles, and a bundle handling device which lays the first and second bunches of sealed five bundles fed out by the banding machine on top of each other so that small bands around the first and second bunches are staggered, the bundle handling device then feeding out the first and second bunches laid on top of each other.

Abstract: A trimmer/edger attached to a conventional lawnmower and using the lawnmower's power source. The edger/trimmer cutting element is attached to the front of the lawnmower. A rotatable cable runs from the cutting element to a contact member attached at an opening on the lawnmower housing. A planar disc is located above the conventional grass cutting blade on the same shaft that supports the cutting blade. Upon powering up the lawnmower, both the cutting blade and planar disc begin to rotate. Upon squeezing an operating lever, a rotatable portion of the contact member comes in contact with the rotating disc causing the rotatable cable to turn, which in turn causes the cutting head, having cutting strings attached, to spin and be able to be used as an edger or trimmer, depending on its position, at the same time the lawnmower is being used to cut the grass.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cotton stripper row unit for attachment to the front of a mobile harvester chassis for movement through a field with rows of cotton plants spaced at predetermined intervals. The cotton stripper row unit has a primary frame capable of attachment to the front of the mobile harvester chassis. A series of planar dividing walls extend perpendicularly outward from the front of the primary frame. A cotton row receiving mechanism is located between two planar dividing walls, and each adjacent cotton row receiving mechanism shares at least one common planar dividing wall. The separate cotton receiving mechanisms are capable of receiving a row of cotton plants upon movement through the field, and each cotton row receiving mechanism is made up of only one auger and two brush rolls.

Abstract: The crop take-up arrangement includes a take-up rotor having several tine carriers with tines fastened to it that can be moved along a circular track, supported, free to rotate, about their axes of rotation. A housing contains the take-up rotor with strippers between which elongated intervening spaces remain through which the radially outer regions of the tines extend outward over a part of the circular track of the tine carriers. A drive shaft can be driven in two directions of rotation to drive the tine carriers around the circular track. It is proposed that the tine carriers be supported in bearings so as to pivot about their longitudinal axes between two end positions and be able to move between the end position as a function of the direction of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A fibrous tension member comprises a plurality of structural threads and an indicator thread. The indicator thread modulates one or more electrical properties of the indicator thread based at least in part on the elongation of the indicator thread. A system for sensing elongation of a fibrous tension member comprises a plurality of structural threads, at least one indicator thread, and a sensing-processing device. The sensing-processing device is electrically connected to the at least one indicator thread to determine the elongation of the fibrous tension member.

Abstract: A process is provided for optimizing the production performance of a spinning machine. Each individual spinning position is separately monitored in relation to the number of end breaks and is adjusted to an optimal production speed. When this process is applied to an air jet spinning machine, the compressed air fed to the spinning positions is adjusted depending on the respective production speed.

Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas powered turbine includes a premix section to mix a first selected volume of fuel with a selected oxidizer. The premix section includes an injector plate that includes a porosity according to selected characteristics, such as pore size, pore density, pore distribution, and other selected characteristics. Therefore, the fuel may be provided through the porous plate to the premix area in a selected uniform flux.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine (2), in particular in a power plant, includes operating the gas turbine (2) with natural gas. In order to adapt the gas turbine operation to different natural gas qualities, a concentration of C2+ is measured in the natural gas during gas turbine (2) operation. The gas turbine (2) then is operated based on the current concentration of C2+.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide recirculating apparatus (20, 120) is disclosed for use in an arrangement having combination means (115) and a path for the flow of a gas through the combustion means (115). The apparatus (20, 120) comprises extraction means (221) for extracting carbon dioxide from a first region of the path downstream of the combustion means (115). It further includes condensing means (26, 30) for condensing the extracted carbon dioxide, and feed means (36, 136) for feeding the condensed carbon dioxide to a second region of the path upstream of the combustion means.

Abstract: A scalable flat-panel nano-particle MEMS/NEMS thruster includes a grid having a plurality of electrodes to establish electrical fields. A liquid is disposed in a liquid reservoir of the grid. The liquid is positioned within the electrical fields. A plurality of nano-particles are suspended in the liquid. A plurality of MEMS and NEMS micron-size vias are disposed in the grid. The electrical fields extract the plurality of nano-particles from the liquid and accelerate the nano-particles in the vias to provide propulsion system thrust.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a secondary air injection system for an internal combustion engine, and an automotive vehicle comprising such a secondary air injection system. The arrangement includes shut-off valve for selectively passing on or restricting airflow form the secondary air injection system. A flexible connector is arranged to receive the airflow and pass it on to at least two reed-type non-return valves arranged to substantially only allow airflow in the downstream direction. At the downstream side of each respective reed-type non-return valve a conduit for communicating any airflow passed there through to an associated exhaust bank of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seal apparatus for a transmission pump. The seal apparatus includes a ring seal configured to seal a gap defined between a transmission pump body and a hub in order to reduce hydraulic fluid leakage. An O-ring is placed around the ring seal such that the O-ring engages the transmission pump body in an axial direction. A retainer ring is disposed around the hub, and a torque converter seal is disposed radially between the transmission pump body and the hub. The torque converter seal applies an axial force which is transferred through the retainer ring in order to compresses the O-ring against the transmission pump body to seal in parallel with the ring seal such that the rate of hydraulic fluid leaking from the transmission pump is reduced. A corresponding method for sealing a transmission pump is also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for an actuator uses a pair of pressure compensated hydraulic machines to control flow to and from the drive chambers of the actuator by varying the controlled pressure of one of the machines. The machines are mechanically coupled to permit energy recovery and charge an accumulator to store supplies energy. The drive system may be combined with other services including a transmission for incorporation in a vehicle. The transmission uses a pressure compensated supply and torque control of the wheels.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic arrangement is provided for a spring support system. The arrangement comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic fluid feeder, a hydraulic accumulator, a first control valve between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator, a second control valve between the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic reservoir as well as an automatic shut-off valve and a controller with a lifting position, a lowering position and a neutral position for the hydraulic cylinder. In order to prevent different pressure loads between the accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder, it is suggested to equalize the pressure between the accumulator and the hydraulic cylinder, without impairing the spring support system or the automatic shut-off valve. Accordingly, the accumulator is suitably connected to a non-return valve and to a flow restrictor or orifice.