Abstract: The space above a suspended ceiling grid that extends along a corridor is kept open and free of hang wires by creating a truss at each end of a beam in the grid. The truss includes the beam itself, an opposing wall along one side of the space, and a gusset stay that extends from the wall to the beam.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete ceiling is characterized by a combination of the following features: a concrete slab (1) the thickness (D) of which falls short of the total thickness of the reinforced concrete ceiling, and intersecting ribs (2) which are each connected with an end region (3) to the concrete slab (1) in a force-transmitting manner and project freely upwards from the concrete slab (1), i.e., without being integrated in a further supporting surface structure, wherein their top end regions (4) are designed to absorb compressive and/or tensile forces and wherein the ribs (2) are connected to each other in a frictional manner at the respective intersection points (9), and their regions lying in each case between the top and bottom end regions (3,4) have at least one aperture (6).

Abstract: A U-shaped rigidifying member cooperates with parallel metal “logs” each usually extending horizontally. A curved portion of the U wraps halfway around a first log, and first and second legs respectively descend in parallel from opposite sides of the curved portion. The legs are substantially tangent to a second log. This structure is repeated with the U-shaped members overlapping and inverted or otherwise oriented to shed rain, and forms all or part of a wall or sloping roof of a building. The U-shaped members are secured to each other and to the logs to form a continuous structural ensemble that is aesthetically pleasing, even without additional interior and exterior sheathing. It is moreover strong and highly resistant to an external force having a horizontal component parallel to the plane of the wall or roof. The rigidifying members can alternatively be J-shaped.

Abstract: The moulding has a back part (1), one straight arm (2) at right angle relative to the back part, and a second arm (3) which is slant, situated at acute angle relative to the back part (1). The slant arm (3) has notches (4) in its longitudinal edge, situated locally at certain intervals each from the other, along its lenght.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to create such construction of outer wall and ceiling, as is needed to lead the dry water steam (water gas) away from the room through the wall, according to the Fick law of concentration declivity and natural steam pressure flow diffusion, without the water steam being able to concentrate to the condensation water in the wall.

Abstract: An improved article of manufacture for Metal Siding, which can be formed into or painted to have the texture and appearance of raised grain which has the colors and appearance of weathered, rough sawn, or hand hewn wood.

Abstract: A vapor barrier for use in buildings, in particular for use in facades and/or in the rehabilitation of building roofs, wherein the barrier has a water vapor diffusion resistance (sd factor) of 0.4 to 1.9 m diffusion-equivalent air layer thickness which is constant over the entire surface area.

Abstract: “Environmental Empty Fiber Cement Form” is a fiber cement form which includes two fiber cement panel and/or boards, rigid insulation (optional), vapor barriers, concrete adhesives, steel rebar (optional), cell spacers are made of the same fiber cement board or any compatible material like metal, plastics, etc. The cell spacers vary in depth, height and thickness. The forms have attached electrical connections (optional). The two exterior fiber cement boards are joined together using the appropriate adhesive/glue. The cell spacers are also joined to the exterior board/panel with adhesive/glue producing empty cells of different height and depth as needed for the chosen application. These cells/chambers can be filled with any type of mixture, compounds and/or a combination of both like but not limited to: concrete, sand, plastics, polymers, cast, insulation material, etc.

Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.

Abstract: A building element (10) comprises a substantially metallic, substantially planar core member (20) and a thermally insulating and water resistant sheathing member (30) either side of the core member. The core member is continuous along a substantial length of the building element and a void (40) is created between the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. At least one bridging member (50) is provided in the void and couples the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. A building system and method of construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unit for block walls and block walls assembled from said units. The units have top and bottom surfaces joined by spaced-apart planar abutment surfaces that form equal dihedral angles such that when two units are abutted at their base surfaces, they form in side view a hexagonal array that is self aligning and mutually supporting. Fractional units can be provided at ends of the wall which carry only a single abutment surface.

Abstract: A system is provided having a number of interlocking panels for constructing a building. Each of the panels has a linear concave member protruding from a first surface and a linear convex member protruding from a second surface. The convex member is configured to slide linearly into the concave member and become locked therein against separation in a direction perpendicular to the line of sliding. The convex member is positioned adjacent to a first edge of each panel and the concave member is positioned adjacent to a second edge of each panel in a manner that when assembled, a first assembled panel is offset from a second assembled panel, creating a lapped series. The panels additionally have holes for being fastened to a building frame.

Abstract: A siding panel assembly includes an ornamental facing and a first insulation layer made from fibrous insulating material. That fibrous insulating material includes polymer fibers and glass fibers, polymer fibers, natural fibers and mixtures thereof. A method for making the siding panel assembly includes the steps of cutting a groove in and molding a first surface of a sheet of the insulation layer to match in profile a concavity in the ornamental facing and assembling the insulation layer and the ornamental facing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of cellular or foamed, cast concrete bodies that are reinforced with metallic reinforcements, and to a reinforcement support frame for use in the production of cellular or foamed, cast concrete bodies that are reinforced with metallic reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A tread and bearer member locating system for a modular decking system, the modular decking system including decking in the form of a plurality of treads, and the decking being carried by one or more bearer members. The treads are elongate and have a longitudinal axis, a topside, an underside and a lateral width. The tread and bearer member locating system includes treads and bearer members, wherein the underside of at least one tread includes, at or near each end thereof, a bearer member receiving area, at least one of the bearer member receiving areas being bound longitudinally between a pair of spaced apart, downwardly extending locating projections, and laterally between opposed coupling members capable of, in use, coupling with correspondingly shaped coupling members in adjacent treads.

Abstract: A chair for supporting bars is comprised of telescoping sections which lock in an extended position. The chair is intended for supporting the reinforcing bars utilized in reinforced concrete construction, but can also support other long bodies. The sections of the chair can be extended and locked individually, so the height of the chair is determined by which sections of the chair are extended and which sections are collapsed. Each section may have two or more different locking heights to increase the height adjustability of the chair.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perpendicular attachment of a first structural member to a second structural member, or of a first structural member between a pair of parallel structural members that uses a uniquely designed angled connector bracket that is formed with angled plates from which a plurality of teeth or nails extend. The teeth on one plate are intended to be driven into the end of the first structural member, and the teeth on the other plate are to be driven into an upper or outer surface of the second structural member to effect a generally perpendicular joint between such members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sealing natural stone tiles and stone articles by applying and curing by UV radiation a liquid, solventless sealant onto natural stone tiles and articles to provide permanent protection, abrasion resistance, chemical and stain resistance and resistance to mold and other biological growth stains. The UV-curable solventless sealing composition comprises an effective amount of carboxyl functional, UV-curable reagent to provide for adhesion of the cured coating to the stone article. Additionally, the method describes the application of an optional liquid primer sealant comprising a UV-curable aqueous dispersion of an acrylate-functional resin.

Abstract: A method for constructing a building made from site specific cultured stone blocks is disclosed. The site specific cultured stone blocks are created by placing an open form on prepared ground covered by plastic sheeting and pouring in concrete into the open form. The pressure of the concrete on the plastic sheeting imparts the contours and details of the ground onto the facing of the block, creating a non-uniform facing that corresponds to the features of the ground. In one embodiment the blocks also contain a tongue and groove configuration to aid alignment of the blocks and to give added stability, strength and general air tightness. Many types of buildings and structures can be constructed with these blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for positioning and fixing floorboards (12) includes an anchor portion (16) and a floorboard-engaging portion (18) which can be urged, via pneumatic actuators (22), into engagement with a floorboard. The apparatus (10) also includes a pneumatic fixing device (36) for fixing the positioned floorboard in place. The apparatus (10) is lightweight and portable, and operated by a user from a standing position.

Abstract: A construction system utilizes a plurality of pre-manufactured units to form a concrete wall. Structurally, each pre-manufactured unit includes a wallboard mounted to an insulation board. Specifically, each wallboard has a first surface and an opposite second surface parallel thereto. For each wallboard, the insulation board is mounted to the second surface of the wallboard and extends to a face substantially parallel to the surfaces. In addition to the pre-manufactured units, the system comprises a temporary backing frame constructed from commercially-available aluminum forms which establish a wall. Also, the system includes a plurality of ties for supporting the units at a desired distance from the backing frame to establish a cavity for receiving concrete to form the concrete wall. After the concrete wall is formed, the backing frame is removed and the pre-manufactured units remain bonded to the wall.

Abstract: A wrap removal system for removing a film wrap from a load on a conveyor, the wrap removal system including an upright support member, a beam coupled to an upper extent of the support member for movement along a height of the support member, a gripper assembly coupled to the beam and operable to engage the film wrap to create a space between the load and the film wrap, and a cutter assembly.

Abstract: A container has a product chamber for containing a product. The product chamber has a product opening that opens into the exterior. A closure member is releasably mounted on the product opening. The container further includes an additive chamber for containing an additive, and a pressure valve that connects the additive chamber and the product chamber with each other. The pressure valve has a closed position when the pressure inside the product chamber is higher than the pressure inside the additive chamber, and an open position for discharging additive from the additive chamber into the product chamber when the pressure inside the product chamber is lower than the pressure inside the additive chamber. The pressure inside the product chamber is higher than the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the additive chamber is both lower than the pressure inside the product chamber and higher than the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of providing a containment compartment that is substantially free of an antimicrobial agent; positioning a suture within the containment compartment, said suture comprising one or more surfaces having an antimicrobial agent disposed thereon, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; placing the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package; and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the suture to the containment compartment, while retaining an effective amount of said antimicrobial agent on the suture, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sealed containers or pouches. More specifically, the present invention relates to containers, such as flexible packages or bags wherein the containers or pouch can be compressed or evacuated to remove excess air, fluid or other gaseous content and then sealed in such compressed or evacuated arrangement.

Abstract: Sealable, thermoformable, heat-shrinkable multi-layer film having a symmetrical construction around a two-ply inner layer, and having a heat shrinkability in machine direction and in cross direction of in each case at least 20% at 93° C., the heat-shrinkability being substantially unaffected by thermoforming, and use thereof with specially equipped packaging machines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a transportable container for bulk goods. A bag is placed through a former opening of a slip frame former which surrounds a portion of the bag. The bag receives the bulk goods from a feed source. A stretch wrap is disposed radially about a bottom support and a portion of the slip frame former to initially form the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. During filling, the slip frame former is maintained at a position surrounding the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. As the fill level increases in the bag, previously disposed portions of stretch wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the bag and lock together the bulk goods as additional portions of stretch wrap are disposed around the slip frame former.

Abstract: An apparatus (010) for packing a group of items, in which the items are preferably packs containing respective products, in a special wrapper formed by a plastic film includes elements for supplying groups of items, elements for feeding a wrapping film, and elements for wrapping the group of items in the wrapper. The wrapping elements include members for forming a tubular film (019) for wrapping the group of items, starting with a film being fed and members for inserting a plurality of items in the tunnel forming the tubular film (019) forming members.

Abstract: A packaging method includes the step of comparing a total package weight to a freight rate schedule and thereby determining a normal freight rate. The total package weight includes the weight of a container (22), an article (24) to be shipped and a normal amount of dunnage. If predetermined criteria are met, the method also includes the step of reducing the amount of dunnage dispensed below that of the normal amount of dunnage such that the total package weight falls within a freight rate that is less than the normal freight rate. The predetermined criteria include one or more of a predetermined percentage above a change in freight rate, a predetermined weight above a threshold weight for an increase in freight weight, and dunnage requirements including void-volume, degree of fill for the void-volume, type of article, weight of article and type of dunnage.

Abstract: The hardware for mounting the blinds is located in the head rail such that it does not interfere with the cutting operation but remains with the blind after the blind is cut-to-size. The hardware overlaps with a blind component and the hardware may include a mounting bracket that includes a notch for receiving the blind component. The ends of the blinds are aligned in a package by the manufacturer during the packaging process. The blinds are secured in the package such that the blind elements are properly aligned. The aligned blinds and the package are inserted into a cutting machine as a unit and the cutting machine cuts the blinds and the package simultaneously.

Abstract: The device places filled and sealed collapsible containers. The device has a gripping unit with a number of finger pairs that correspond to the number of containers in a packing state. The gripping unit has a gripping state in which each finger is arranged to make a squeezing motion such that the contents of the container forms an inner counter-pressure structure to provide a well-defined grip.

Abstract: The invention deals with a device for packaging items, in particular confectionery, such as for example lollipops, comprising a packaging conveyor having a series of holders rotating along a movement path for holding each item and its associated packaging sheet securely during conveying, a feed station for feeding the items and the packaging sheets to the packaging conveyor and a discharge station for discharging the items packaged on the conveyor, the packaging conveyor being provided with means for closing the packaging sheet on the respective item and with a series of heat-sealing means co-rotating with the holders for heat-sealing the closed packaging by supplying heat, each of the heat-sealing means comprising a sheet gripper which is provided with a heating body, the device furthermore comprising means for heating each heating body, the induction means comprise induction means for heating the heating body by means of induction, whereas the induction means are cooled at most by natural convection.

Abstract: A filter for internal combustion engine air intake comprised of a synthetic fiber media uniquely enhanced with a gradient density configuration. The media described in this application is a low restriction synthetic fiber media enhanced with gradient density configuration to greatly improve efficiency and dust holding capacity. The invention is for use and configuration for use in engine intake air filtration.

Abstract: A filter bag includes a first filter material layer including an inflow opening, a second filter material layer having edges along which the second filter layer is joined to the first filter material layer to form an inside space; and a flat, multi-layer filter insert arranged in the inside space and having sections connected, respectively, to the first and second material layers. The filter insert has at least two outer layers defining an intermediate area there between. The intermediate area includes a center layer or an intermediate space for dust collection.

Abstract: An improved air filter having a frame that permits collapse and compression of the entire filter to save costs associated with transportation and for other advantageous reasons. The ends of the filter frame open to permit collapse of the frame to reduce the volume thereof. The filter frame is made of frame members at opposing frame ends, and each frame member has web panels that open for collapse of the frame, and close for construction of the useful frame. The web panels have legs on opposite lateral edges to form a channel in which filtration media is inserted, and four frame members are attached at opposing ends to form a rectangular frame. The web panels open by removing a temporary fastener, such as adhesive, or by other means.

Abstract: A filter cartridge arrangement is provided which includes a media pack comprising Z-filter media, a preform and a housing seal member. Improvements in the preform and seal member are described which include: a single beveled surface of the seal member to facilitate installation; and, an inside region of the seal member having a tip adjacent in inwardly directed lip of the preform, to control flash during molding. A variety of media pack configurations and features are described.

Abstract: A filter element for use as an engine intake air filter, comprising a frame and a filter medium, wherein the frame at least partially surrounds the filter medium and wherein the frame comprises a sealing means that protrudes from the filter medium, is, with respect to the object of providing a filter element that exhibits a very high separation efficiency and is economically produced, characterized in that the frame is designed as a two-component part that comprises the sealing means and a seat for the filter medium.

Abstract: A method for selecting a filtering structure for a gas laden with particulates, said structure comprising a filtering part formed from a porous ceramic material and comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality, of porous walls, said method being characterized in that, starting from a first image of the surface of the wall, a processing operation is carried out on said first image comprising a morphological erosion by a structuring element in such a manner as to obtain a second characteristic image of the regularity and of the uniformity of the microstructure of said wall. Silicon carbide filtering structure obtained by application of said method.

Abstract: A filter for removing particles from a gas stream has a filter pad with a coating which contains at least one of the following substances: (a) at least one aluminum oxide selected from alpha-, gamma-, delta- and theta-aluminum oxide, (b) hydrous aluminum oxide which is doped with silicon dioxide, at least one oxide of a metal of the 3rd to 5th B group, at least one oxide of a lanthanoid including lanthanum or a mixture of one or more of these oxides, (c) silicon dioxide or silicon-rich zeolite or (d) titanium dioxide which is doped with at least one oxide of a metal of the 3rd to 6th B group or an oxide of a lanthanoid including lanthanum, (e) a mixture of zirconium dioxide with at least one oxide of a metal of the 3rd to 5th B group, at least one oxide of a lanthanoid including lanthanum or a mixture of one or more of these oxides.

Abstract: A finger for a crop gathering auger for an agricultural combine, including an elastomeric tethering outrigger which arches a failure region of the finger and will retain a free end of the finger in connection with a mounting end thereof when the failure region is broken.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lawn mower attachment for controlling lateral discharge of clippings expelled from a discharge chute of a mover. The attachment includes a flap pivotally connected to an exterior surface of a lawn mower proximate a discharge chute thereof. A support strut and a control bracket spaced therefore are connected to the exterior surface of the lawn mower. A shaft extends between the control bracket and the support strut. A linkage having a first end pivotally coupled to the shaft proximate the support strut and a second end pivotally coupled to the flap is provided. A distal edge of the flap is pivoted away from the discharge chute upon rotational movement about a longitudinal axis of the shaft in a first direction, and pivoted toward the discharge chute upon rotational movement in an opposite second direction.

Abstract: An exemplary lawn maintenance device for the collection of leaves or other debris on a grassed surface, comprises a substantially flat, planar device having a top surface, a lower surface, and a wedge-shaped front section affixed thereto, wherein the top surface of the device is substantially flat and planar, and has a transverse groove or slot therein for receiving the blade of a push shovel. Additionally, the wedge-shaped front section has a series of vertical tines forming a comb-like structure at the leading edge of the device, wherein the comb-like structure consists of a series of extending tine portions, separated by open areas cut within the leading surface of the device. The lower surface comprises a series of ridges and grooves.

Abstract: A rope structure comprising a plurality of rope subcomponents, a plurality of bundles combined to form the rope subcomponents, a plurality of first yarns and a plurality of second yarns combined to form the bundles. In one embodiment, the first yarns have a tenacity of approximately 25-45 gpd and the second yarns have a tenacity of approximately 6-22 gpd. In another embodiment, the first yarns have a breaking elongation of approximately 2%-5% and the second yarns have a breaking elongation of approximately 2%-12%.

Abstract: A gas turbine including at least one compressor, one combustion chamber, and at least one turbine including at least one rotor and at least one generator coupled to the at least one rotor is provided. The at least one turbine is coupled to the at least one compressor. Once the gas turbine is shut down, the at least one generator can be used as a motor in order to drive the at least one rotor for a predetermined time period following shutdown of the gas turbine and thereby effect a uniform cooling of the rotor. A method of operating a gas turbine is also provided.

Abstract: While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems and methods involving vibration monitoring are provided. In this regard, a representative vibration monitoring method for a gas turbine engine includes: receiving information corresponding to detected vibrations of a gas turbine engine; isolating vibrations attributable to rotating blades of the gas turbine engine from the detected vibrations; and comparing the isolated vibrations to information corresponding to predicted vibrations of the rotating blades.

Abstract: A power unit for providing propulsive thrust includes an efflux duct defining a first fluid flow path along which gaseous fluid travels for discharge from a first fluid exit opening to provide propulsive thrust. The power unit also has a thrust reversing structure which, when in a deployed position, redirects the flow of gaseous fluid along a second fluid flow path to discharge from a second fluid exit opening to provide reverse thrust. The thrust reversing structure includes longitudinally translating cowl portions, which are moveable from a stowed position to the deployed position where the translating cowl portions block a major portion of the first fluid exit opening to cause gaseous fluid to efflux from the second fluid exit opening. The translating cowl portions move in a generally longitudinal direction towards the deployed position along a path which is inclined to the power unit axis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a turbojet for aircraft including engine located in nacelle, and thermal exchanger intended to cool a fluid participating in the engine propulsive system, characterized in that said thermal exchanger is located on engine external wall, an interstitial space within which air can circulate being arranged between the engine external wall and a lower wall of said thermal exchanger. The invention also concerns an aircraft provided with at least one such turbojet.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate methods and devices for measuring flow rate of particulate matter within an exhaust gas stream. In one particular exemplary embodiment, a sensor for detecting and monitoring particulate matter within an exhaust flow path of an engine is provided. The sensor includes a housing having an attachment for mounting the sensor. The sensor also includes a sensing rod supported by an insulating base. The sensing rod is attached to the housing and includes a probe adapted to be placed within the exhaust flow path. The probe includes a section having an increased surface area per unit length as compared to at least one other section of the probe. The sensing rod is configured to detect particulate matter flowing through the exhaust component and generates a signal based thereupon. The sensor further includes an electrical connector in communication with the sensing rod.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an NOX selective reduction catalyst (15) is arranged in the engine exhaust passage, and a urea aqueous solution feed valve (17) is arranged in the engine exhaust passage upstream of the NOX selective reduction catalyst (15). Based on the detections results of an NOX purification rate detecting means for detecting the NOX purification rate by the NOX selective reduction catalyst (15), a urea aqueous solution feed amount detecting means for detecting the amount of feed of the urea aqueous solution, and a urea aqueous solution concentration detecting means for detecting the concentration of the urea aqueous solution, abnormalities in the NOX selective reduction catalyst (15), urea aqueous solution feed system, and urea aqueous solution are judged.