Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure including a plurality of mats, each mat including a substantially fixed matrix of spaced tubular rings. The mats are vertically stacked such that the tubular rings are co-extensive and form a matrix of tubular columns. Materials may be poured into the columns and into the void region between the columns, and geotextile or geomembrane-type fabric may wrap the mats and materials to form a block. The blocks may be arranged in one or more horizontal layers, and may be stacked and staggered with respect to blocks in a lower layer. A method of installing the structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A building block arrangement comprises a first layer of building blocks and a second layer of building blocks. The first layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the first layer. The second layer of building blocks includes two spaced apart rows of building blocks whereby a space is provided between adjacent side faces of the building blocks of the second layer. The space includes communicative vertical portions such that that the space at least partially isolates an interior wall portion from an exterior wall portion. The second layer of building blocks is positioned on top of the first layer of building blocks. The second layer of building blocks spans across at least a portion of the space in the first layer of building blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for moulding a substantially hollow building panel (12) of the kind having spaced opposed outer panel walls (14) interconnected by a plurality of spaced formations 16 such that adjacent formations each define a void (18) therebetween. The apparatus including a mould (20) having means to define an outer surface of least one of the outer panel walls and a plurality of spaced apart inflatable void forming plug members (26) connectable with an inflation means, disposed within the mould. The apparatus further including a means to introduce a settable wet mix into the mould.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a panel having at least one locating bracket having a substantially C-shaped attachment portion having an opening along at least one sidewall and a flange adapted to attach the at least one bracket relative to a surface, a plurality of first members disposed in a first direction, at least one second member disposed in a second direction, at least one side surface of at least one member being shaped to engage the C-shaped attachment portion of the locating bracket, wherein at least a part of the C-shaped attachment portion is adapted to be coplanar with at least one side surface of the at least one member.

Abstract: A shear lug is disclosed for transferring shear stresses from a structural element, such as a column in a framing element, down into the foundation supporting the framing element. The shear lug is not initially affixed to the structural element. The shear lug is instead affixed to anchor rods of an anchorage assembly, and is installed into the foundation with the anchorage assembly at the time the concrete foundation is poured. The structural element is subsequently affixed to the anchor rods, so that shear forces are transferred from the structural element, through the anchor rods and to the shear lugs, which effectively dissipate the shear forces to the foundation.

Abstract: An anchor bolt suspending array comprises a biodegradable bridging structure attachable across a concrete form or in cantilever from one side thereof conformed by folding longitudinally a corrugated cardboard panel into overlying segments each provided with a set of spaced openings that are aligned upon folding to receive the shank of an anchor bolt therein. A retainer either formed as a frustoconical cardboard pulp structure dimensioned to capture the anchor bolt shank end, or as an accordion folded corrugated cardboard strip perforated by spaced holes conformed to grasp the shank, is then useful to suspend the bolt from the bridging structure into the poured concrete. Both the retainers and the bridging structures can be color coded by a biodegradable coating in accordance with the size of the anchor bolt that is receivable therein.

Abstract: A support plate positioned on or within a construction block formed on the upper surface thereof a channel for the receipt and engagement of a short leg of an anchor bolt, there being two planar vertical upstanding panels adjacent the channel, said vertical upstanding panels engaging the outer circumference of the long leg of the anchor bolt in 180 degree relationship, thereby insuring its maintenance in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A cover for a siding trim member which has an integral J-channel includes a peripheral three-sided edge portion that includes a peripheral C-channel and a raised central portion. The C-channel of the edge portion is designed to slide over the peripheral edge of the J-channel holding the cover in position and protecting the electrical outlet or plumbing fixture within said trim member.

Abstract: A sleeve for covering the exposed rafters of a structure to prevent premature damage to new construction, and to cover older damaged rafters. The rafter sleeve has two elongated side walls and an elongated bottom for covering the longer side and bottom dimensions of the exposed portion of a rafter. An end cap covers the terminal end of the rafter, and a top covers the portion of top of the rafter extending beyond the eave of a roof. The rafter sleeves can be made in rectangular profile for flat rafters or in parallelogram profile for the rafters of a pitched roof. The rafter sleeve is attached to a rafter in a manner that a portion of the sleeve extends under the eave, and is sealed around the edges. After installation, the sleeve can be painted to resemble an undamaged rafter.

Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of cooling energy required to heat and cool a building is provided. The method includes disposing a porous insulating material in the exterior walls and substantially covering the ceiling in the attic space of the building to a substantial depth. The porous insulating material includes a desiccant. The method further includes permitting the desiccant—bearing porous insulating material to adsorb water moisture from the attic space and then permitting the adsorbed water moisture to desorb from the desiccant—bearing porous insulating material into the enclosed room of the building, resulting in a reduction in the amount of energy required to heat and cool the building.

Abstract: A system and method of fabricating and assembling of large-sized modules remote from a heavy industrial hydrocarbon processing plant site, and overland transportation thereof to the plant site. The method may rely on a computer-based heavy-haul transportation logistics system.

Abstract: A concrete footing is laid by a set of forms each with side walls forming an elongate area and transverse connecting elements with at least one lift element mounted for lifting by a fork lift system extending across the side walls. The forms include legs engaged into the ground and adjusted to a required height relative to the ground. After setting of the concrete the elongate frame members are lifted from the concrete using the fork lift system. Connecting members shaped to match the side walls are clamped on an inside surface so as to bridge between the frame members. The set is carried on a transport cradle which includes a pair of side walls on which a lowermost one of the set sits with a pair of transverse sleeves connected across the side walls by which the cradle is lifted by the forks of the fork lift system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction. More specifically, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first floor lower linkage beam attached to a foundation of a structure. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed including attaching a first floor lower linkage beam to a foundation of a structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof, ceiling or wall element (1) made of several successive superposed layers of wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b), where the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b) of the successive superposed layers lie on top of each other with their broad surfaces (3) facing, and the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b) of a layer are connected to the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b) of at least the abutting layer by holding elements (4). A cost effective manufacture with small loss of material can be achieved by the fact that the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b) on the mutually facing broad surfaces (3) are unplaned, and at least the small surfaces (8) of the wooden boards (2; 2a, 2b), which surfaces form a visible side of the roof, ceiling or wall element (1), are stepped at their edges with an upper and lower notch (9, 10).

Abstract: A distance from a printing section to a heat sealing section of a medicine packaging apparatus is shortened without generating wrinkles on a package sheet. A unfolding guide 65 included in a packaging unit 4 for unfolding and opening a package sheet 61 has a main ridge 94 extending along with the fold of the package sheet 61, and a pair of unfolding guide surfaces 90a, 90b which are convex curved surfaces stretching from the main ridge 94 and which are symmetrical to each other with respect to the main ridge 94.

Abstract: A device for inserting articles in blisters of a blister strip in a blister packing machine is described, the device being associated to a supply station which terminates with a supply channel and comprising an obstructing strip located in contact on an upper surface of the blister strip and affording at least a through-hole and an obstruction carriage interposed between the channel and the obstructing strip and affording at least a through-seating of such dimensions as to contain at least one of the articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container filling machine including at least one filling spout, and a cleaning device including a stationary collecting member with a passage opening, a sealing member that can be displaced between a retracted position and a service position in which said sealing member is capable of tightly sealing the passage opening, and displacement means for displacing said sealing member between the retracted position and the service position thereof. The sealing member includes an elastically deformable membrane mounted on a holder and forming therewith a tight deformation chamber capable of receiving a pressurised fluid in order to deform the deformable membrane for sealing the passage opening when said holder is displaced into the service position by the displacement means.

Abstract: The device for the roll-sealing of sheets has a mating roll and a sealing roll, which presses against the mating roll with a sealing force, so that a molded sheet and a cover sheet can be guided between the sealing roll and the mating roll and sealed to form a sealed composite sheet structure. The surface of the mating roll has recesses to accept blister pockets of the molded sheet and a rippled structure. The elevations formed by the rippled structure comprise contact areas of different sizes.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for real-time alignment of packaging surfaces can include two or more sensors for detecting the positioning of carton surfaces and a servo system. The servo system can include a servo motor and a controller. The servo system records the positioning of the carton surfaces and calculates a difference in position. The controller compares the calculated value with a predetermined value and if necessary, the servo motor turns a correction wheel to align the carton surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging tube for a pre-determined volume of a biological substance to be stored at a low temperature and to a system including same. The inventive packaging tube comprises a portion (2) for receiving the volume and an annular end portion (3) designed to be more easily crushed by pinching than the receiving portion (2) and to adopt a flattened position in which two lips (30) are in contact with one another. In addition, the annular end portion (3) is designed such that the lips (30) are secured to one another in order to form a seal (31) on the tube. The system includes at least one such tube and a jaw welding device designed to move the annular portion (3) into the flattened position and to weld the lips (30) to one another in order to form the seal (31).

Abstract: A controller that controls a registered mark sensor stores, in a storing unit, a registered mark setting (239) which indicates a setting of the detecting sensitivity of the registered mark sensor in association with a bar code number (231). Upon reception of the bar code number (231) from a bar code reader, the controller reads out the registered mark setting (239) associated with the bar code number (231). Then the controller sets the registered mark sensor to the detecting sensitivity associated with the registered mark setting (239) thus read out.

Abstract: Sheets of material having a first printed pattern or color disposed on or visible through an upper surface thereof and a second printed pattern or color disposed on or visible through a lower surface thereof are disclosed, as well as methods for producing same. Such sheets of material may be employed to provide a decorative cover for a floral grouping or a decorative cover for a flower pot; or to form a preformed flower pot cover for covering a flower pot; or to provide a sleeve for wrapping or covering a floral grouping or a flower pot; or to provide a ribbon material. The sheets of material of the present invention may be constructed of a single layer of material or multiple layers of material.

Abstract: A horizontal banding machine comprising, an elastic band supply mechanism for providing an elastic band in a gravity assisted fashion; at least two band holding devices for, receiving the elastic band from the elastic band supply mechanism, stretching the elastic band for providing a band opening surrounded by the elastic band for accommodating a plurality of objects for banding therein; and, disengaging the elastic band from the holding devices for deploying the elastic band onto the plurality of objects, and an actuator coupled to the band holding devices for moving the band holding devices between a first position for receiving the elastic band and a second position for disengaging the elastic band.

Abstract: A system and method for pull-off sanitation patches for bagged water dispersion systems.

Abstract: A clip machine for dividing up and closing tubular packagings filled with filling material by closure clips, including at least a first and a second closure tool unit which for setting and closing at least one closure clip (clip) are reversibly movable relative to each other between an open position and a closure position. There is provided at least one piezoelectric sensor which is connected to one of the closure tool units and which is adapted to measure a closure force applied upon closure of a closure clip and to output a measurement value representing the closure force.

Abstract: Computer program products that operate packaging systems with an automated product pusher and clipper for attaching at least one closure clip to a product held in a covering such as netting.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated multi-stage end-to-end cytotoxin handling system includes a first stage for receiving a cytotoxin drug and for preparation of a dose of the cytotoxin drug; a second stage in selective communication with the first stage for further processing the prepared dose; and a third stage in selective communication with the second stage for further processing of the prepared dose. The third stage includes an automated apparatus for sealing the prepared dose in an enclosure. During the entire time from reception into the first stage for drug preparation thereof and to produce a cytotoxin dose to being scaled in the enclosure, the cytotoxin drug remains in a controlled, sealed environment.

Abstract: A heat welding member 23 of a seal head 21 formed in the shape of a flange portion 11a of a container 10 is heated by high frequency induction heating and a cap 12 is welded by pressing the heated seal head 21. By using the seal head 21 comprising the heat welding member 23 having a shape necessary for sealing the cap 12, influences by temperature drop and inflation of gas in a head space can be prevented and sealing at a high speed and in a stable manner can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for plastic tube sealing and testing. A housing may have in a sealing chamber a tube sealing positioning apparatus with a tube holder slidable on a vertical guide from a lower portion to an upper portion to be positioned adjacent a heating apparatus and a clamping apparatus. The tube holder may be moved and positioned by a linear positioning device. The heating apparatus may have a nozzle to direct heated air on an open end of a plastic tube. The clamping apparatus may have two clamping devices slidably disposed to clamp the heated open end of the plastic tube to fuse the tube wall adjacent the open end. A spacing distance sensor and a tube position distance sensor may be attached to the clamping devices for sensing the position of the tube and the spacing of the clamp jaws of the clamping devise. A control processor may be connected to the linear positioning device to control movement and dwell time of the tube holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing prepared medications in enclosures includes a tubular sleeve having an open first end, an open second end, and an outer surface. The first end includes at least one first locking member for securely attaching the tubular sleeve to another member. The apparatus also includes a length of a flexible packaging sleeve that is open at one end and has an open interior space. The packaging sleeve is disposed about the outer surface of the tubular sleeve in a compressed form. The open end of the sleeve is sealingly attached to the first end of the tubular sleeve. A tensioner device is disposed about an outer surface of the packaging sleeve and includes a first section that couples the first end of the packaging sleeve to the tubular sleeve and at least two elongated tensioner arms that extend along a length of the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A powerful throughput magazine of the ‘first in first out’ type is activated for the handling of diapers (10) or similar objects during the transport from a converter (13) to a packer (14), the diapers being transported as diaper groups (19) through said magazine. The magazine (15) comprises of an endless magazine conveyor (18) having transversely directed bars (20), wherein one diaper group (19) each is disposed between adjacent bars on the magazine conveyor (18) in an upright position. After removing the diapers (10) from the magazine (15), the diaper groups (19) are separated again, and the diapers are individually fed to the packer (14).

Abstract: A packaging machine with at least one pneumatic drive is proposed, which packaging machine is insensitive to dirt and is easy to clean. According to the invention, this is achieved by provision of an integrated structural unit (8, 9, 10) which comprises a pilot valve and a pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable strapping device to strap packaged goods using a strapping band, the device comprising a tightening mechanism for applying tension to a loop of a strapping band, a frictional welding element (5) to generate a friction weld connection of two overlapping strapping-loop segments, and a rechargeable energy-storing device (10) for storing energy, in particular mechanical, elastic or potential energy that may be released as drive energy applied to a frictional welding system (5) to produce a frictional weld connection. One objective of the invention is to attain applicability, in the absence of an electric storage battery, at the highest possible efficiency, to such an above described portable strapping device. This objective is attained in that the energy storage (10) may be loaded using a manually triggered drive component and in that, when energy stored in the storage is released, the energy storage carries out a displacement devoid of any reversal of motion.

Abstract: A mammal interface system, an apparatus and method, providing a housing, a formable material within the housing which is molded into a customed fitted interface which redistributes forces transmitted to the mammal.

Abstract: A self-cleaning device of a filtering net of air conditioner is installed on a filtering frame in an air inlet of a dust spiral case of a package air conditioner and is disposed outside the filtering net. A filtering net guide rail with slots is installed on an upper frame and a lower frame. The filtering net is fixed on the filtering net frame by the slots of guide rails. The cleaning device of the filtering net includes a sweeping assembly with a brush, a drive motor fixed on the sweeping assembly, a transmission mechanism connected to the drive motor, a rack group installed on the left and right side of the filtering net, a dust collecting box installed under the filtering net for collecting dust, and a dust exchanging device is disposed between the dust collecting box and the filtering net.

Abstract: An inlet barrier filter system for mounting on an aircraft to filter air prior to intake into an engine of the aircraft includes a frame having at least two curved frame members defining an opening. A filter element has a curved inward face and is received in the opening of the frame. The filter element includes filter media having pleats. A comb is attached to the frame and includes spaced-apart teeth that support the pleats. The comb is curved to generally conform to the curved inward face of the filter element.

Abstract: A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic spinning of thermoplastic polymers for obtaining nano and microfibers, is introduced. The method if characterized by the following steps: solving the thermoplastic polymer in a corresponding solvent; adding a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to this solution, and introducing the solution into an electric field and spinning under the effect of the electric field to nano and microfibers.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner attachment useful to collect dispersed packing particulates and the like comprises a thin-walled polymeric enclosure defined by a plurality of generally planar panels surrounding at their free edges a receiving opening through which the particulates are collected by the vacuum draw against a perforated screening structure. As the particulates accumulate in the enclosure the large pressure drop across the outer ranks thereof produces inward pressure forces across the panels, resulting in the inward flexures thereof to assist in the retention of the particulates in the enclosure as it is moved over a collection receptacle.

Abstract: A filter device has a housing assembled of a housing bottom part and housing top part. A filter element is inserted into the housing and is made of a filter medium. A locking device connects the filter element with the housing bottom part and the housing top part in a mounted position of the filter element inside the housing. The locking device has a locking element connected to the filter element. The housing bottom part and the housing top part each have locking parts, wherein the locking element engages the locking parts on the housing bottom part and the housing top part.

Abstract: An adsorbent having an excellent VOC-retaining ability is achieved. A adsorbent for a canister includes an activated carbon and a hydrophobic substance supported on the activated carbon, wherein the adsorbent has a butane working capacity that is greater than or equal to 9.0 g/100 mL, a butane retentivity that is lesser than or equal to 1.5 g/100 mL, and a pore volume that is lesser than or equal to 0.25 mL/mL.

Abstract: A mat member includes an inorganic fiber, an organic binder, and a material which expands at a temperature of approximately 130° C. to approximately 200° C.

Abstract: It is to provide a ceramic sintered body and a ceramic filter having a long-term stability which can prevent cracks from occurring due to the breakage of ceramic particles when thermal stress is applied in regeneration process and the like, and can prevent catalyst carried from deteriorating when regeneration treatment is conducted repeatedly. The invention is a ceramic sintered body comprising ceramic coarse particles and porous bonding layers existing between the ceramic coarse particles to connect the particles and comprising ceramic fine particles having an average particle size smaller than that of the ceramic coarse particles and/or the aggregates thereof, and a ceramic filter prepared by using the ceramic sintered body.

Abstract: An agricultural combine for supporting an agricultural header and carrying that agricultural header to a field to harvest a crop. The combine includes a chassis, front and rear drive wheels, a hydraulic motor, a device for sensing and a controller. The front and rear drive wheels support the chassis. The hydraulic motor is drivingly coupled to the front wheels. The device for sensing senses a presence of a header mounted to the combine. The controller is configured to monitor the device for sensing and to change the specific displacement of the hydraulic motor dependent upon the presence of the agricultural header.

Abstract: A cutting tool for a mowing system for cutting plants is provided. The mowing system includes a driving mechanism capable of being driven by an external shaft. The cutting tool includes a plate member and at least one chain member. The plate member is removably connected to the driving mechanism. The plate member is capable of being rotated by the driving mechanism. Each chain member of the at least one chain member is coupled to the plate member at an end of the each chain member. The at least one chain member is capable of cutting the plants upon rotation of the plate member when the plants come in contact with the at least one chain member.

Abstract: A grass catcher retaining device is disclosed for a reel mower cutting unit. The retaining device includes a central support ring on the grass catcher and removably fastened to a loop projecting forwardly from a lift arm for the reel mower cutting unit. The central support ring may be pivotably mounted to the top of the grass catcher, and may have a gate that is spring biased to the closed position to engage a wireform loop extending forwardly from the lift arm that supports the reel mower cutting unit. Additionally, a rod may extend horizontally from the sides of a grass catcher and may be pivotably attached to the reel mower cutting unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting grapes without damaging the grapes. A cluster hanger clip is provided to securely hold a cluster of grapes by the stem, in order to cut, carry, and transport the cluster with minimal or no touching of the grape berries. A grape harvesting vehicle which moves between the rows of grapevines in the vineyard, includes grape conveyors, on which the hanger clips are suspended, either temporarily or permanently. The conveyors convey the grape clusters to packers at packing stations on the platform. The packers segregate the grape clusters and pack the clusters into boxes. A palletizer stacks the boxes on pallets in a bin. The platform can change configuration for use in the vineyard, and for travel on the highway.

Abstract: An agricultural baling machine that includes a rotating element, a plunger, a guiding channel and a linking element. The plunger has a pivoting point. The pivoting point travels in the guiding channel. The guiding channel defines the longitudinal axis. The linking element is connected between the rotating element and the plunger. The plunger has a face configured to have a line of loading. The line of loading is generally normal to the longitudinal axis. The line of loading shifts across the face as the linking element drives the plunger generally in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A rake head comprising at least one substantially rigid helical coil portion and at least one resiliently deformable helical coil portion. The substantially rigid helical coil portion is supported. The deformable helical coil portion is able to flex by bending, and is compressible under the influence of external forces.

Abstract: Device and method for producing a rope lap. The device includes a rope-forming device structured and arranged to combine threads drawn off from a plurality of thread bobbins in a creel to form a rope, and a bobbin carriage having a warp beam with side disks and a traversing device with a rope guide arranged adjacent to the warp beam. The rope is guided through the rope guided.