Abstract: An exterior siding mounting bracket assembly used in conjunction with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having a mounting flange fastened to the sheathing and a water diversion fitting also fastened to the sheathing and flashed in-part beneath the lower end of the mounting flange. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward from the mounting flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of the bracket assembly has a partition arrangement that preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged to substantially cover the water diversion fitting and the cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the mounting flange. Preferably, the water diversion fitting has an elongated drip edge spaced outwardly from the siding to shed water collected from generally cascaded from the mounting flange and outward from the siding.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated service module suitable for use in a multi-story building, includes (a) a chassis dimensioned to be stacked with another pre-fabricated service module to match the floors of the multi-story building; (b) a waste and ventilation subassembly providing access to bathroom and kitchen waste rough-in plumbing and ventilation; (c) a water and electrical subassembly providing access to water and electrical supplies; and (d) a ducts and fan subassembly providing access to a heating and air circulation system.

Abstract: A telescopic support tower has a plurality of tubes nested or stacked with one another. A base is coupled with the outermost tube to stand the plurality of tubes transverse to the base. A mechanism is provided in the base to enable access to an interior space of the plurality of tubes. The mechanism is coupled with a source of compressed air. A plurality of seals, at least two, are positioned on each of the adjacent tubes to seal the tubes with respect to one another. The plurality of seals enables sealed sliding movements of the tubes with respect to one another. At least one first clamp is provided to prohibit movement of selected tubes of the plurality of tubes such that only one tube of the plurality of tubes is enabled to telescope at a time. At least one second clamp fixes the selected telescoping tube to an adjacent tube of the plurality of tubes.

Abstract: A load plate sleeve assembly for maintaining a load plate in position between adjacent concrete slabs and facilitating controlled lateral movement of the load plate includes a housing and an insert clip coupled to the housing. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, opposing side walls extending between the top and bottom walls, and an end wall extending between the top and bottom walls, and between the side walls. The walls define an internal cavity, and the housing includes a cavity access opening. The insert clip includes a opposing side walls having a first end and a second end. The insert clip also includes an end wall extending between the side walls, a plurality of deformable centering fingers extending from the side walls, and a collapsible diamond shaped center support extending from the end wall. The insert clip is positioned inside the internal cavity of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to accessories which are attached to the support grid members of a grid framework system. The accessories are a means to insulate electrified conductors attached to the support grid members from other conductive items located proximate thereto, a management device for cables and wires, and a retention device for fixedly attaching a component to the grid framework system.

Abstract: A reverse molded fiberboard panel; a wainscot kit comprising a plurality of differently sized reverse molded panels, and a planar finishing or spacer panel, adapted to completely cover any size wall between a wall base board and a wall chair rail; and a method of reverse molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, raised panels without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The reverse-molded panels are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press, in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture.

Abstract: A decoration solar panel bridge supplying power sources, for commercial and residential applications, incorporates at least one solar panel in a decoration bridge comprising members of frame, cross brace and board. The wide boards including solar panels cover straight beams and cross braces as a partial or full surface of the bridge. The slice boards cover the top arc beams or alternative round beams as partial surfaces of the bridge. Each solar panel output power and dimension can be designed for desired power consumption and needed. The alternative frame members can be used to construct different shapes of the bridge and can replace the curve shape frame members. The decoration bridge includes optional members: safety fence members, supporting members and handrail members. Solar powered lights can be installed at the top of safety poles and solar powered light stands can replace the vertical spindle of handrails.

Abstract: An adjustable stair riser includes a body portion made of a flexible material. An upper connecting portion is disposed adjacent to an upper end of the body portion. A lower connecting portion is disposed adjacent to a lower end of the body portion. A front surface of the body portion is concavely shaped between the upper and lower ends so as to create slack for moving the upper and lower ends toward or away from each other to accommodate spacing between adjacent treads of a stairway during installation. The concavely shaped front surface of the body portion additionally provides an obstruction free path of foot travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame section (1, 2, 3, 4) for a window or casement frame of a window, door or facade. Said section comprises an undercut cable groove (11), which is situated on the outer periphery of the section and is designed to hold an electric cable (12) comprising two or more electric conductors (14) in a positive fit. The section has a centring (34) frame for the cable (12), which can he placed over the latter (12) and can be fixed to the section.

Abstract: A non-metal window muntin formed from plastic or wood is described for use in hermetically sealed insulated glass windows. The process for forming the muntin includes machining polystyrene sheets which are painted with a latex pain and baked prior to use between sealed glass of the window.

Abstract: A multilayer tile for flooring and the like has a cementitious top surface, a lower density intermediate layer preferably incorporating expanded polymeric beads mixed with cement, and a lower layer reinforced by tension-bearing fibers embedded therein. The interface between the top and middle insulative layers may be upwardly domed to reduce the tendency for cracks to form in the bottom surface of the top layer. Channels formed along the edges of such tiles allow insertion of heat transfer tubing to provide a hydronic floor surface. A composite tile may have cementitious top and bottom surfaces with an intermediate lower density layer there between. Such intermediate layer may be divided into two portions by a water impervious layer that serves as a binder and vapor barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting structure including: a node member having an accommodating space formed therein; a lower truss member disposed penetratingly at the lower portion of the node member, the lower truss member being made of a material with tension and compression-resistant rigidity and having a predetermined length; an upper truss member disposed penetratingly at the upper portion of the node member in such a manner as to be spaced apart from the lower truss member, the upper truss member being made of a material with tension and compression-resistant rigidity and having a predetermined length; and a filler adapted to be filled in the node member in such a manner as to be initially injected in a fluid state into the accommodating space of the node member so as to surround the lower truss member and the upper truss member, and then to be hardened as time elapses so as to rigidly couple the lower truss member and the upper truss member therewith.

Abstract: A fire-resistant glass block including a thermal break and methods for making same. Embodiments of the glass block assembly include at least two portions filled with fire-resistant gel, wherein the at least two portions are connected using a thermal break channel. The thermal break channel improves the thermal conductions characteristics of the assembly and mitigates the potential for breakage in either glass block half unit through direct heat transfer. The glass block assembly can be made by connecting two or more glass portions using a thermal break channel and filling the connected glass block portions with fire-resistant gel.

Abstract: A composite cladding panel 1 comprises a backing tray 2 and an external skin 3 with a layer of foam insulation 4 therebetween. A plurality of spacers 10 are attached to the external skin 3. The spacers 10 are of top-hat form with mounting legs 41 for mounting to the skin 3 and a support 40 to which side edge clips 20 are mounted. The clips 20 have spaced-apart formations 21 that engage in corresponding side edge recesses 22 of tiles 5. The top hat spacers 10 space the tiles 5 apart from the skin 3 of the panel so that the tiles 5 define with the skin 3 ventilation passageways 30 which can remove moisture.

Abstract: Perimeter and transverse troughs, possibly 3-5 inches wide and deep, can be formed in an existing building subterranean concrete floor, with the perimeter trough being immediately adjacent and extended along the foundation wall and the traverse trough connecting the perimeter trough to a nearby sump pit formed in the floor. Each trough can be formed by cutting narrow shallow grooves outlining its desired location, and then breaking away the concrete there between. Water seepage through the wall will collect in the perimeter trough and drain away via the transverse trough to the sump pit, eliminating water pooling on the building floor itself. The troughs can be covered by separate metal or plastic covers, secured by adhesives, sealants and/or nails relative to the floor and/or foundation wall.

Abstract: A noise control flooring system is presented herein for reducing noise transmission in a building structure that contains the system. The system comprises a solid substrate layer, a compressible layer overlying at least a portion of the substrate layer, and an entangled net layer that overlies at least a portion of the compressible layer, wherein the net layer is comprised of multiple polymer filaments and air, together forming a void space. A separation layer overlies at least a portion of the entangled net layer. The separation layer carries a floating solid substrate layer thereupon. This solid substrate layer provides loading for causing the compressible layer to compress into the overlying entangled net layer.

Abstract: Fan-folded panels are provided with longitudinal cuts or fold lines along an extended length of the panels to enable folding of edge sections of the panels into channel walls on either side of an intermediate panel section together forming a channel having a heat reflective surface inside the channel, the channel for insertion between two facing joists or studs so that tops of the channel walls are pushed up against a facing surface supported by the joists to form an air cavity between the facing surface and the channel acting as the radiant thermal barrier. A hydronic under floor heating pipe may be pre-installed attached to the facing surface supported by the joists or studs with the result that a proper air cavity is maintained with the radiant thermal barrier.

Abstract: The present invention is a plank precision spacing device comprised of a sheet component and a pluralty of clamp components with a flattened upper surface perpendicular to the sheet component, and a gripping component and protuberances which engage siding planks. The clamp component further includes a lip which is angled outward. The plank precision spacing device eliminates the need to measure and chalk a line for each siding plank, reducing installation time and labor costs.

Abstract: A novel wall system for residential and light commercial construction that incorporates autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). This wall system comprises AAC blocks married to a building frame with a system of clips. The AAC blocks are joined one to the next with thin-bed mortar. The cavity between the frame and the AAC blocks is injected with structural insulating foam. The exterior of the autoclaved aerated concrete walls is finished with waterproof decorative stucco.

Abstract: A device is provided for joining pre-cast concrete sections, the device including a cable loop, wherein the cable sections forming bent portions of the cable loop have sleeves for keeping the cable sections in a bent-over position. The sleeves are plastically deformable before bending and surround the bent portions of the cable sections, but the material of the sleeves is such that the sleeves break under return deformation.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards including horizontal joining of a first and a second joint edge portion of a first and a second floorboard respectively at a vertical joint plane and vertical joining of the first and second joint edge portions, the tongue, the tongue groove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by inward angling of the second floorboard towards the first floorboard while maintaining contact between the joint edge portions, and the tongue, the tongue grove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by a substantially vertical snap action.

Abstract: A longitudinal length adjustable header made up of a center section and two end sections moveably attached to the center section. The center section has an “L” shaped cross section and at least two longitudinal slots that are adapted to receive bolt means there through. The end sections have a plurality of apertures that align with the slots in the center section and are adapted to receive bolt means there through. The end sections are longitudinally slidable with respect to the center section whereby enabling adjusting the length of the header.

Abstract: A structural member and method with an improved arm connection is provided that allows quick connection of an arm to the structural member. Pins are inserted through aligned apertures in first and second thru-vangs, as well as an abutting arm bracket. A flexible securement member is inserted through an aperture in the pins that is transverse to the pins. Last, an arm is secured to the arm bracket for support of electrical conductors strung thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reinforcing a waffle-structure ceiling having vertical members. The method includes drilling a hole through the vertical members and through a continuous upper layer covering the vertical members. Then, a reinforcing pin is inserted into the hole such that the shear stresses on the vertical member are transferred to the pin.

Abstract: A continuity tie is provided for connecting a prefabricated shearwall to a structural member above the prefabricated shearwall. In the preferred embodiment, the continuity tie is a steel tube with aligned openings for receiving a threaded rod therethrough. The tube is welded to the shearwall. A pair of tubes are preferably attached. Nuts attach the threaded rod to the tube. The threaded rod attaches to a structural member above the tube.

Abstract: A structural member joint structure can easily join members to each other by using a simple structure having a reduced number of parts and can provide the members with a large fastening force which makes the members less likely to be loosened from each other. The joint structure is used to join one pillar and the other pillar to each other such that the other member is vertically abutted against a side face of the one pillar. The structure has a pair of fastening members positioned in the inside of the other pillar and arranged so as to be movable in the widthwise direction of a groove formed in a side face of the one pillar, a nut mechanism located on the inward side of the other pillar and formed between the pair of fastening members, and a bolt operated from the outside through an opening in the other pillar to be fitted into the nut mechanism. Rotating the bolt causes the nut mechanism to urge and move the pair of fastening members in the direction in which the pair is separated from each other.

Abstract: The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a method and system for hazardous drywall remediation (1). The main stages of the hazardous drywall remediation method and system include conducting pre-remediation (2) of a structure, conducting remediation (3) of the structure and conducting post-mediation (4) of the structure. During pre-remediation of a structure the existence or non-existence of hazardous drywall in a structure is confirmed and documented in a written pre-remediation report (8). Next, during remediation of the structure all hazardous drywall, contaminated building materials, hazardous gasses and hazardous residues are removed from the structure. Finally, during post-mediation of the structure the non-existence of hazardous drywall in the structure is confirmed and documented in a written post-remediation report (29), which is then may be recorded in the public records (30).

Abstract: Devices and associated methods are provided for improving ventilation of insulation material and building construction and renovation. Specifically, the present disclosure includes devices and system(s) to achieve the ventilation of exterior walls and roofs. Components of the system(s) consider shut-down of the ventilation process when it is not necessary, such as in winter, and in the event of fire, where the prevention of vertical and horizontal fire spread is desired.

Abstract: A method and system for installing shakes on a building comprising a ledger board and a shake jig for assisting with installation of shakes. The shake jig comprising a base member supporting an adjustable member with a releasably fastener facilitating releaseable retention of the adjustable member in a desired relative position with respect to the base member. The base member has a shake shelf for abutting against a surface of a shake to prevent further insertion of the base member, between an installed topmost shake and an at least partially overlapped shake, and facilitate desired alignment of the shake jig with respect to the installed topmost shake. The adjustable member has a ledger shelf for engaging with the ledger board and retaining the ledger board in a desired horizontal orientation with respect to the shake shelf and assisting with installation of shakes.

Abstract: A door comprising first and second door skins secured to each other to form a cavity therebetween filled with expended foam. Each of the door skins has an opening therethrough for receiving a glass insert and a flange portion. Distal ends of the flange portions of the first and second door skins engage each other in an overlapping relationship by the expansion pressure of the expanded foam. The door further comprises a glazing rim member having a leg portion snap-locked between the flange portions of the first and second door skins. The method for assembling the door comprises the steps of filling the cavity between the door skins with foam material, then inserting the glass insert through the openings in the door skins and mounting the glazing rim member to the first door skin by snap-locking between the flange portions of the first and second door skins.

Abstract: A steel stud construction member for use in supporting structures and having openings and reduced heat transfer characteristics as compared with solid web studs, and having a web defining side edges and an axis, a flange on at least one side edge, openings through said web at spaced intervals therealong, of predetermined size and profile, at least a side portion of said web removed from said opening remaining attached integrally to said web, by bend lines being formed along axes parallel to said web axis. Also disclosed is a composite member (130) made up of two such members (132) joined together. Also disclosed is a method of making such a member (10,40,70,100,130,132).

Abstract: A strip pack device is adapted to manufacture a strip-pack product having an article attached to a strip. The strip pack device includes a conveying part, a drawing-in part, a moving part and an attachment part. The drawing-in part is configured and arranged to draw a front end of the article conveyed by the conveying part to a predetermined position. The front end is located frontward in a conveying direction. The moving part is configured and arranged to receive the article at the predetermined position in the drawing-in part, to move the article from the predetermined position in a generally opposite direction of a draw-in direction of the drawing-in part, and to move the article to an attaching position. The attachment part is configured and arranged to attach the front end of the article to the strip after the article has been moved to the attaching position.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping is disclosed. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may have one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus is equipped with a circulatable member arranged downstream of an envelope feeding path and rotatable about an axis transverse to the envelope feeding path. The circulatable member has envelope flap catcher members, each having a free edge arranged for entering between a flap and a body of an envelope fed along the envelope feeding path for engaging the flap and for holding the flap while the circulatable member is circulated so as to turn the flap to an opened position. An envelope support is provided for holding an envelope of which the opened flap is held by one of the catcher members of the circulatable member in an inserting position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel construction arrangement in a packaging machine for incubator trays, which enables the general automation of the packaging process of eggs in incubator trays. The packaging machine for incubator trays accepts several arrangements and capacity for four, five, six and twelve eggs, depending on the incubator trays to be used. The packaging machine for incubator trays of the present invention exhibits great improvements. One of these great improvements is related to the introduction of an automatic feeder for trays, commonly called tray dispenser or denester for incubator trays. Another great improvement refers to a constructive change in one of the main elements of the disclosed machine, and this change was made in order to stop vibrations that the eggs were eventually exposed. The benefits obtained from the use of the packaging machine for incubator trays, the main object of this invention, are related to the possibility of greater automation of the process.

Abstract: A tablet filling instrument 1 for dispensing tablets into a vial 9 in accordance with prescription data and discharging the vial 9 filled with the tablets in one of a plurality of outlets 113 designates at least one of the outlets 113 to be a priority outlet 113p and discharges the vial 9 filled with the tablets in the priority outlet 113p when the tablets are to be dispensed in one of the outlets 113 at a time-point within a predetermined time length from a present time-point.

Abstract: A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree includes opposed, hingedly connected elements for securing to a saddle tree head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, and an engaging element for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. The engaging element includes at least one insert and a threaded fastener for compressing the insert against the rotatable displacing element to selectively prevent rotation thereof. A portion of the rotatable displacing element may be made of a material having a first hardness, and the insert may be made of a material having a second hardness which is less than the first hardness whereby a portion of the rotatable displacing element impinges into the material of the insert. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.

Abstract: A horse boot assembly comprises: a boot body shaped to accommodate a hoof of a horse, fastening means associated with the boot body for fastening the boot assembly onto the hoof, and an adapter. The adapter is compressed against a rear part of the hoof upon fastening of the fastening means.

Abstract: A protective article for a horse includes a protective member and a replaceable securing member. The protective member includes a body portion extending between a pair of opposing ends and dimensioned to be wrapped around and secured to a horse's body part, and further includes a first engagement member coupled to the body portion adjacent one end, and a second engagement member coupled to the body portion adjacent the other end. The replaceable securing member is adapted to be selectively engaged with the engagement members in a manner that urges the engagement members towards one another. The replaceable securing member includes a first securing assembly adapted to be manually reversibly secured to the first engagement member, and a second securing assembly adapted to be manually reversibly secured to the second engagement member, the first securing assembly securing to the first engagement member independently of the second securing assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil mist separator of an internal combustion engine, comprising at least one gas-permeable diffusion separation body, through which a crankcase ventilation gas of the internal combustion engine can flow and in which oil mist present in the crankcase ventilation gas can be separated from the gas. The novel oil mist separator is characterized in that in the or each diffusion separation body additionally continuous free gas channels are formed, and that, viewed in the flow direction of the crankcase ventilation gas, behind the gas channels at least one further diffusion separation body, or an impingement separation surface is disposed at a distance from the or each diffusion separation body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element consisting of a filter medium (10) that is pleated in a zigzag manner and has a concentric shape, and a first end disk (11) and a second end disk (12) disposed on an opposite front, wherein the end disk (12) has a concentric opening (13) and extends substantially annularly across the pleats of the filter medium. The end disk (11) has a ring collar (14) extending radially toward the outside. Said ring collar (14) has a seal (15) that surrounds the ring collar at least partially, wherein the seal has an axially extending region, which carries radially peripheral sealing lips (17), and said radially peripheral sealing lips are supported in a groove (18) or in a housing wall (19) of a housing receiving the filter element.

Abstract: A multi-layer bag assembly is used with a housing for collecting particles from air flowing through the multi-layer bag assembly. Multi-layer bag assembly includes at least two bags arranged one inside the other. Each of the bags includes an air permeable filtering material for collecting particles carried by air flowing through the material. The air permeable filtering material being may be the same or different for the at least two bags. The multi-layer bag assembly includes structure for holding the at least two bags in a wide open position. The structure may be a cooperating bag structure incorporated in the at least two bags for cooperating with the housing for selectively holding the respective bags in their respective open conditions. The structure may also be a removable collar attached to at the open portion of the at least two bags, where the removable collar is part of an integral collar of the multi-layer bag assembly.

Abstract: An air filter for internal combustion engines and interiors of motor vehicles has a filter insert in the form of a bellows of filter material folded in a zigzag shape by a first folding, wherein the bellows has a plurality of neighboring pockets extending in a longitudinal direction of the bellows, wherein between the pockets first folds are formed at ridges between the pockets. A seal is connected to the bellows. The folded filter material has a second folding in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and second folds are formed by the second folding that extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction. End faces extending transversely to the longitudinal direction are formed by cutting the bellows to a desired length. The seal extends across the end faces and longitudinal sides of the bellows.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a filter clamping device for use in a filtering system that provides filtered intake air for a power generation facility. In some embodiments, a filter clamp is provided, which includes an over-center action mechanism that locks the clamp in place against the filter gasket. Some embodiments also include a camming surface that provides gradually increasing pressure on the filter gasket as the clamp is engaged. The clamp may also include a stop that engages the filter frame at a predetermined position and determines, in part, the amount of clamping pressure applied to the filter.

Abstract: A peaky filter comprises a covering and a corresponding base, a supporting frame connected between the covering and the base, and a multifold filter covering the exterior of the supporting frame. The supporting frame includes plural transversely spaced first supports and plural connectors. Each support has a supporting rod and a plurality of longitudinally spaced supporting members connected to the supporting rod. Each supporting member has a first supporting leg and a second supporting leg extending radially and outwardly from the supporting rod. Each connector has a first connecting part and a second connecting part, which are used for respectively connecting one end of the first supporting leg of one support and one end of the second supporting leg of another adjacent support to connect elastically the plurality of transversely spaced supports, and consequently alter the size of the supporting frame and the filtering area of the filter.

Abstract: A pleated filter is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web containing a bimodal mass fraction/fiber size mixture of intermingled larger size and smaller size continuous monocomponent polymeric fibers of the same polymeric composition. Rows of pleats are formed in the nonwoven web, and the pleated web is cut to a desired size and shape to provide a filter element containing a self-supporting porous monocomponent monolayer matrix of fibers bonded to one another at least some points of fiber intersection and having an average initial submicron efficiency of at least 15% at a 1.52 meters/sec face velocity. The filter element is deformation resistant without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers or other reinforcing measures in the filter media layer.

Abstract: A polyimide fiber assembly of the present invention includes polyimide fibers having curved shapes with an average fiber diameter falling within a range of greater than 1 ?m to not greater than 100 ?m, the polyimide fiber assembly having a bulk density falling within a range of not less than 1 kg/m3 to not greater than 30 kg/m3. This makes it possible to realize a polyimide fiber assembly that is both excellent in thermal insulation performance and sound absorbency and light in weight.

Abstract: The kit of the present invention is applicable to buckraking machine or silo-bag<\. The buckraking machine includes a reception hopper, a filling tunnel, a worm gear or load screw for the fitted of the bag storage, and a work spear. The self-propelled kit comprises: a movable base having at least one wheel; an independent engine mounted on the movable base, wherein the independent engine activates the worm gear or load screw; a clutch mechanism coupled to the independent engine; a coupling fuse coupled to the clutch mechanism; a speed reducer coupled to the coupling fuse; and a short cardan joint coupled to the speed reducer at one end and to the hopper in the other end.

Abstract: A cotton picking machine comprises a chassis for moving the machine in a traveling direction, a vacuum pump provided to create a predetermined vacuum and a cotton picking unit including a cotton picking head supported by the chassis. The cotton picking head includes upper and lower vacuum compartments both in fluid communication with the vacuum pump and connecting tubes vertically extending between the upper and lower vacuum compartments and movable along a predetermined endless path so as to be in sliding contact with the upper and lower vacuum compartments at the corresponding distal ends thereof. Each of the connecting tubes includes a set of hollow picking fingers radially outwardly extending therefrom. The predetermined endless path includes an extracting zone and an inoperative zone. The connecting tubes fluidly connect the upper and lower vacuum compartments only when the connecting tubes pass the extracting zone of the predetermined endless path.

Abstract: A rotor tine construction for a rotary element of a crop residue treatment system for effecting improved transport of crop residue along a material flow path and, if a counter knife assembly is spaced from the rotary element across the material flow path, for also effecting improved shear cutting of such crop residue by the knife elements of the counter knife assembly and more efficient operation of the crop residue treatment system, which rotor tine construction includes a base portion generally mountable to the rotary member of the rotary element, at least one rotor tine extending outwardly from such base portion and including three distinct blade edges, one of which forms a trailing edge and the other two of which are upper and lower edge portions forming a leading edge, with the lower and upper edge portions configured and intersecting with one another to form a notch-like indentation along the leading edge at an intersection point P defined to be the point of cut contact position, such that, as the rotar