Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: The present system and method enables water entering a dwelling or structure to be contained and removed, while preventing evaporation of the water into the interior of the dwelling. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise a waterproofing system comprising a waterproofing form, affixable to a first surface of a wall at a mounting angle, and comprising a vapor barrier retainer for detachably affixing a vapor barrier to the waterproofing form, and a gutter channel, disposed at a pitch angle, and in fluid communication with the first surface of the wall, the vapor barrier, and a collection area, where the pitch angle and the mounting angle are the same angle, and where the pitch angle causes the water to flow through the gutter channel to the collection area for removal.

Abstract: An insulating glazing panel including two glass panes held in spaced apart relation by a peripherally extending assembly including a spacer (including profile lengths, corners and at least one connection) and a first sealant. The two glass panes and the assembly define a first, closed interpane space and a second, open interpane space. A second sealant is provided in the second, open interpane space and coats the assembly. The thickness of the second sealant coating the majority of the spacer's outermost points that are not at a corner or connection position is less than or equal to 1 mm; and the thickness of the second sealant adjacent to the glass panes, measured parallel to the glass panes from the spacer's outermost point level at the majority of the positions that are not a corner or a connection, is more than 1 mm.

Abstract: A roof structure (10) for photovoltaic generation of electric current and/or for heating a flowing medium, in particular an airflow (14, 20), comprises glass roof panels (24) that are flat, transparent or equipped at least partially with solar cells (60) of flat design. Said panels are laid at a spacing (a) from a subroof (12) with formation of an airtight flat gap (18) that is largely free of obstructions in the flow direction, and are preferably of square or rectangular design.

Abstract: The present invention relates to profiles for attaching rigid plates, especially photovoltaic modules, to a roof and to a method and system for attaching photovoltaic modules to a roof structure with the help of profiles.

Abstract: A shutter having a unitary frame formed by four perimeter rails, each having a receptacle at each of its distal ends, with four connection members, each having structure inserted into and secured within one receptacle of each of two of the perimeter rails. Optionally, a latch pin is movable through a guide hole formed in one of the corner connection members. A further option is louvers extending through a center support.

Abstract: A timber frame panel (10) comprising a plurality of framing members (14, 16) which form a perimeter of a window opening (12), wherein at least one of the framing members (14, 16) has guidance means (40) provided thereon, and wherein the timber frame panel (10) includes a window unit 30 slidably attached to said at least one of the framing members (14, 16) by said guidance means (40) such that the entire window unit (30) can move from a first position substantially within the timber frame panel (10) to a second position in which part of the window unit (30) projects beyond the timber frame panel (10).

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a sleeve system and methods of using the system. The system uses an elongated open-ended sleeve, and mounting plate parts which mate with each other to form a mounting plate and which are securable to each other and to a wall. The mounting plate thus formed comprises a collar which, when the mounting plates parts are secured together, presses against portions of the outer surface of the sleeve to hold the sleeve in place.

Abstract: A structural system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members with tensioned structural elements, typically anchored in longitudinal load-carrying members, which produce longitudinal axial compression in these units. During construction, prefabricated deck units are erected on top of and supported by the longitudinal load-carrying members via leveling devices. Leveling devices permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units, except at two ends of a structural unit, where deck connection units are connected to longitudinal members. In the longitudinal direction, each girder line contains more than one girder or girder segment and the girders or girder segments are not continuous during tensioning. The girder support allows the girder or girder segments to move in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A café may include a food purchasing area, a primary dining area, and a primary child play area. The primary child play area may be defined by at least one wall positioned within a central region of the primary dining area. The wall(s) may be substantially transparent. Seats may be positioned around the primary child play area to enable parents to view children within the primary child play area.

Abstract: Flexible joining element for constructions for placing between contiguous parts of said construction in order to transmit vertical or horizontal loads, which includes at least one body made of braided and pressed steel strands that support said loads, with said braided and pressed steel strands being characterised by a deformation-tension curve that has a zone of shallower slope A and a zone of steeper slope B, with said body using in relation to said curve the zone of greater slope B, thus providing a material especially suited for the stacking of prefabricated modules for construction, particularly due to its deformation-tension characteristics and its high level of predictability which make it very practical for predicting the response of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an attachment system for use in a building comprising a plurality of first wall sections, a plurality of horizontal planks resting on the first wall sections, and a plurality of second wall sections resting on the horizontal planks. The system includes a plurality of threaded rods holding the system together, and may be made of concrete or similar material. The system may be disassembled and reassembled without affecting the structural integrity of the building.

Abstract: A foundation system for bracing a manufactured home on its foundation is disclosed comprising a plurality of vertically stacked blocks stacked on footings, and a plurality of elongated braces connected to the mobile home and a foundation footing. A plurality of elongated braces comprising unitary brace tubes, flexible joints, and footing anchor tabs at first ends of the brace tubes, and adapted to connect to an I-beam of the home at a second remote end of the brace tube. Each footing anchors including a major leg and a minor leg, the major and minor legs being flattened to form an anchor tab intersecting the longitudinal axis of the brace tube at an acute angle of inclination. The flexible joint provides a degree of rotation of the brace tube relative to the anchor tab so that the angle of inclination may be changed.

Abstract: A wind power plant with a tubular tower, wherein the tubular tower will be or is arranged above a foundation body, preferably arranged in the ground, and the tubular tower has a tower foot flange, which is or will be connected with the foundation body by means of a flange connection, on its bottom side. The wind power plant is characterized in that at least one injection hose is or will be arranged in the area of the top side of the foundation body facing the tower foot flange, in particular on the top side of the foundation body, or at least one injection hose is or will be arranged on the top side between the tower foot flange and the top side of the foundation body facing the tower foot flange or a connection part is provided in the foundation Body.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for use in forming a decorative feature on a structure, and a method of forming a decorative feature on a structure. In an embodiment of the invention, apparatus (10) for use in forming a decorative feature on a structure such as a building is disclosed.

Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame, and louvres, and with a side pull bar located along one edge of the frame and connected to the adjacent ends of the louvres, the louvres being pivotally mounted in the frame in parallel relation to one another, and being rotatable between open and closed positions, and having a pull bar having a plurality of hinge assemblies, a hinge sleeve member at one end on each louvre, each respective hinge assemblies being engaged with a respective sleeve member, and an anti rotation formation on each sleeve member engaging the interior of its respective louvre so as to to retain said sleeve member in its respective louvre.

Abstract: The lightweight concrete panel is comprised of a thin concrete slab, a standard stud frame, optional insulation strips to increase its thermal performance for exterior wall applications, and specially engineered blind rivets or screws that connects the thin concrete slab to the metal frame. The specially engineered blind rivet has a protruding and shaped head that can act as an anchor when embedded in the hardened concrete slab and has an optional elastic cover in its embedded head to allow slight movement of the concrete slab. The engineered screw with an elastic cover can also be used as the connecting device that allow slight movement of the concrete slab.

Abstract: The lightweight concrete panel is comprised of a thin concrete slab, a standard steel stud frame, optional insulation strips to increase its thermal performance for exterior wall applications, and specially engineered blind rivets or screws that connect the thin concrete slab to the metal frame. The specially engineered blind rivet has a protruding and shaped head that acts as an anchor when embedded in the hardened concrete slab and has an optional elastic cover in its embedded head to allow slight movement of the concrete slab. The engineered screw with an elastic cover can also be used as the connecting device that allows slight movement of the concrete slab.

Abstract: A roofing system including horizontal or sloped metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The roofing system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: The convection baffle for hollow blocks increases the R-value of a hollow block when one or more convection dampers are received within passages defined through the hollow block. The convection baffle includes an upper wall having laterally opposed first and second side edges, a lower wall having laterally opposed first and second side edges, first and second laterally opposed sidewalls, and a central wall having opposed upper and lower edges. The convection baffle is substantially G-shaped. The convection baffle decreases convection current flow within the passage of the hollow block to increase the overall R-value of the hollow block.

Abstract: A shingle includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, an upper end, a lower end, a first side, and a second side. The body has a width defined as the distance between the first and second sides and a length defined by the distance between the upper and lower ends. In a preferred embodiment, the shingle also includes a water diverter tab attached to the first side for channeling water onto the top surface of a lower adjacent shingle, and a recess adjacent to the second side for receiving the water diverter tab of a laterally adjacent shingle in an interlocking manner. An anchor tab attached to the second side secures the lower ends of adjacent, interlocked shingles.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of roofing using a plurality of the shingles. The shingle comprises an upper surface comprising an attachment area and an exposed area having a coating and an inking. The attachment area is in a plane lower than a plane of the exposed area and extends longitudinally along a top of the exposed area and horizontally along a side of the exposed area. The shingle comprises a bottom surface opposite the upper surface and an adhesive layer applied to a length of the attachment area adjacent to the exposed area. The shingles are attached to each other by the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a linking system (10) for fixing building elements (20, 30) such as natural or artificial stones. The linking system (10) comprises: a first dowel (60) having a first internal orifice (80) comprising a first hole axis, and which is introduced into a first building element (20) by being adapted to be fixed into a first hole (40) which has a first hole axis; and a second dowel (70) having a second internal hole (90), and which is introduced into a second building element (30) by being adapted to be fixed into a second hole (50) which has a second hole axis. Between the first dowel (60) and the second dowel (70) is provided a sleeve (100) wherein a rod (110) is inserted.

Abstract: A casted concrete stone having opposed parallel surfaces formed in a mold and wherein the opposed parallel surfaces have a molded textured surface. The concrete stone is fabricated by a dry-cast concrete mold wherein a profiling plate is provided with mold bottom wall formations each having a textured outer surface. A bond release film or spray or permanent coating is provided on the textured outer surface of the mold bottom wall formations. Mold forming side walls are disposed about the mold bottom wall formations. After the mold is filled with a dry-cast concrete mixture a top plate, having mold top wall formations, is disposed over the mold forming side walls with the mold top wall formations disposed inside respective ones of the molds to close the molds. Pressure and vibration is applied to compact the dry-cast concrete whereby to form a dry-cast concrete stone with opposed molded textured surfaces.

Abstract: An anchor for attaching a structure to a concrete structure, comprises an anchor rod having a lower threaded portion for being embedded in a concrete structure and an upper portion for extending outside the concrete structure; an anchor body including a first threaded central opening for threadedly receiving one end portion of the lower threaded portion; and a support including a floor. The support includes a second central threaded opening through the floor portion for threadedly receiving another end portion of the lower portion.

Abstract: An anchor for supporting a load comprises an anchor rod having a lower threaded portion for being embedded in a concrete structure and an upper portion for extending outside the concrete structure; a metallic body attached to the lower portion, the body including a top surface and a bottom surface joined by a vertical side surface; and the side surface including at least one shoulder extending therefrom.

Abstract: A roofing support system includes a spacer bracket having a lower edge adapted to pierce through a layer of insulation to abut in direct contact with a purlin, a fastener that fastens the spacer bracket to the purlin, and an upper portion adapted to support a beam above the insulation layer and in spaced relationship to the purlin.

Abstract: An edge molding providing an edging for a floor covering such as a carpet, rug, tile and the like floor coverings comprising a stepped-molding which attaches to a subfloor edge through a hook and loop means to provide an edge molding for a floor covering which floor covering is attached to the subfloor through a means of a hook and loop arrangement.

Abstract: A method of affixing a frame around a wall penetration such as a window box before siding panels are affixed to the wall. The frame has front and back faces and inner and outer edges, a primary channel extending along the outer edge, and a flange extending along the outer edge, The steps include: placing the window frame around the window box; affixing the flange to the wall; placing a first panel against the wall and inserting a vertical edge of the first panel into a primary channel of the frame; affixing the first panel to the wall; inserting a vertical edge of a second panel into the primary channel and engaging a longitudinal edge of the second panel with a longitudinal edge of the first panel; affixing the second panel to the wall; and repeating steps until the all sides of the frame engage siding panels.

Abstract: A door, method of making a door, and stack of doors includes providing a door having front and back skins that have differing, but complementary profiles, one for the front side of the door and one for the back side of the door where each allows and fits onto the other, while still providing direct contact in the stile and rail zones of the door permitting conventional door layup practices.

Abstract: A method of constructing plates from tetrahedral and or pyramid shaped cups joined to one another at their base perimeter in an array and joined at their apexes to a flat sheet resulting in a rigid plate with open tetrahedral or pyramid shaped cups on one side and a flat surface on the other. Between the cup shape and flat sheet pipes and or wires may be run. The plates may be made in any size and various materials. Joining of the shapes may be as molded or secondary by fasteners, gluing or welding. Variations of the method include mirroring said tetrahedral or pyramid shaped cups joined at the base and joining them at their apexes with or without a flat sheet between. In addition the sheets may be curved.

Abstract: The components of a rotary conveyor (1) for a carousel type capping machine (2) include a centre shaft aligned on a main axis (X) coinciding with the main axis of the machine (2), a carrier element (4) coupled to the shaft so that the two rotate as one about the main axis (X), and a set of gripper mechanisms (5) associated operationally with the carrier element (4), distributed circumferentially about the supporting shaft. Each gripper mechanism (5) is switchable between a first configuration, establishing a recess (6) in which to accommodate a respective container (3), a second configuration in which the container (3) is retained within the recess (6) by a predetermined gripping force, and a third configuration in which the container (3) is restrained by a gripping force greater than the force exerted in the second configuration, so as to counteract any unwanted rotation of the container (3) about its longitudinal axis (Y) that might be induced during the course of capping operations.

Abstract: A punch assembly is provided in a form, fill, and seal machine that provides a package that includes a sealed end portion and contains an article. The punch assembly includes a housing, and a heat sink provided in and retained by the housing, where the heat sink includes a punch tip that is to provide an opening in the sealed end portion of the package. The punch assembly also includes a coil heater contacting the heat sink to provide heat to the heat sink and the punch tip, where one or more air gaps are provided between the housing and the heat sink to prevent heat transfer from the heat sink to a seal jaw assembly of the form, fill, and seal machine.

Abstract: A stepless adjustable film packing device for a roll of film without a reel includes a first tube and a second tube. The first tube is formed with a first threaded portion. The second tube is formed with a second threaded portion corresponding to the first threaded portion of the first tube for engaging with the first threaded portion. Thereby, the length of the film packing device is adjustable by adjusting the first threaded portion with respect to the second threaded portion according to the width of a roll of film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing wrapped bales. Bales (3) is in a first wrappingstage moved past wrapping means (6) while said wrapping means (6) provided with dispenser means (4) are rotated around said bale (3) along a circular path in a first plane of rotation. In a further optional second stage of wrapping said bale (3) is rotated by rotating means in a second plane of rotation substantially normal to said first plane of rotation. Between said stages the surface of the wrapping material web is turned about 90° such that said surface of said web is always substantially normal to said planes of rotation in both stages. The first wrapping stage includes using of a tunnel means (9), which makes it possible to produce both unbound wrapped bales and bound wrapped bales.

Abstract: Provided are films wherein at least one layer of the film comprises a first polymer component and a second polymer component. The first polymer component comprises propylene-derived units and ethylene-derived units and/or a C4 to C20 alpha-olefin. The second polymer component comprises ethylene-derived units and a units derived from a co-polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated ester. The films are particularly useful in stretch hood applications.

Abstract: A packaging material dispenser includes a brake arm with a horizontal portion that rests across the width of the peripheral surface of a roll of packaging material and includes a cutting tool arranged on the brake horizontal portion to aid in cutting across the width of the packaging material. The cutting tool is a slider-cutter that rides along a channel along the horizontal portion to enable the slider-cutter to ride within the channel to cut the packaging material. In another approach, the cutting tool is a stationary tear initiator configured to initiate a tear at one edge of the packaging material to facilitate tearing across the rest of the width of the packaging material. The brake arm is rotatably connected to a mast of the dispenser capable of holding at least one roll of packaging material on a support arm and allowing rotation of the roll thereabout.

Abstract: An inflatable device with air bag includes an air bag, two first assembly portions and two second assembly portions. The two first assembly portions are respectively fastened at two sides of the air bag, and the two second assembly portions are respectively fastened at another two sides of the air bag. The two second assembly portions correspond to the two first assembly portions. Thereby, by utilizing the assembly portions to repeatedly assemble the air bags, the dimension of the inflatable device with air bag is quickly expanded to a proper size to wrap the objects with different sizes. It prevents the object from being impacted, and achieves the waterproof effect and the moisture-proof effect. A packaging method by using the inflatable device with air bag is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cigarette packing machine for producing a rigid packet with a hinged lid has a first packing unit which folds a first blank about a group of cigarettes to form an outer container with a hinged lid; and a second packing unit which folds a second blank about the outer container to form a tubular slide surrounding the outer container to slide axially with respect to the outer container; the tubular slide has a transmission member, in turn having a first end integral with the lid, a second end opposite the first end and integral with the slide, and a deformable intermediate portion having a U-shaped fold between the outer container and the slide.

Abstract: A method for clearing stalled containers in a taping or other container sealer includes the steps of (i) conveying a container to a sealing station, (ii) sealing the container with a sealer at the sealing station as the container travels through the sealing station, (iii) detecting a stalled container in the sealing station, and (iv) raising the sealer upon detection of a stalled container in the sealing station to relieve the stalled condition so that the container travels through the sealing station and is sealed by the sealer. Raising the sealer can clear the stalled container, thereby minimizing or eliminating events that require an operator's attention.

Abstract: A mechanism for tightening a partially threaded cap on a container passing along a production line. The mechanism includes a first member having a first end and a second end. The first end being structured to be coupled at or near the production line and the second end being rotatable with respect to the first end. The mechanism further including a second member coupled to the second end of the first member and rotatable therewith. The second member having a plurality of cap engaging portions, each of the cap engaging portions being structured to engage the partially threaded cap on a container passing along the production line in a manner that tightens the partially threaded cap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: An ice bagging apparatus (1) comprising: a) a frame (2), b) a first ice collecting zone (3) and optionally a second ice collecting zone (3?) within said frame (2) comprising a collecting bin (5, 5?); c) an ice bagging zone (6) within said frame (2) comprising i) a film feeding mechanism (7) for conveying two superposed heat-sealable elongated film webs (8) of plastic from a film web stock (9) according to a conveying direction (10), and ii) a welding apparatus (11) for joining said two film webs (8) to form a bag, d) a first ice transport system (12) within said frame (2), having an inlet opening (13) in the first ice collecting zone (12) and an outlet opening (14) in the ice bagging zone (6) and positioned between the two film webs (8) above the formed bag, Optionally an upwardly directional second ice transport system 12?, having an inlet opening 13? in the second ice collecting zone 3? and an outlet opening 14? in first collection zone 3, and e) a measuring arrangement (15) within said frame (2) for

Abstract: A smoke evacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures involving the use of a laser or cautery at a surgical site having an associated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system includes a filter with a site side and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site and the filter. The filter includes a filter media and a housing substantially surrounding the filter media with a space between the filter media and the housing to collect condensed vapor. The filter exhibits low resistance or a low pressure drop and resists fluid flow, whereby the higher than ambient pressure is not substantially diminished and generates a fluid flow in the fluid flow path tending to carry smoke to and through the filter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to radial wall flow particulate filters comprised of ceramic material. The filters include a filter body that has a plurality of adjacent troughs circumferentially arranged around a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid assembly comprising a fluid handling device (11) having a port, a substrate (12) having a fluid conduit, and a block purifier (13). The block purifier includes only one fluid flow path (14) and a purification element (15) is disposed in the fluid flow path. The block purifier is positioned between the fluid handling device and the substrate and the fluid flow path of the block purifier fluidly communicates with the port of the fluid handling device and the fluid conduit of the substrate.

Abstract: Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge additive. The charge additives include ester-substituted and amide-substituted trianilino triazine materials. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media.

Abstract: A corn head includes plural pairs of first and second laterally spaced rotating stalk rolls each having outer fluting and plural outer arrays of spaced knife members extending along the length of each stalk roll. Corn stalks are directed by rotating pick-up cones each disposed forward of a respective stalk roll into the space between adjacent stalk rolls, where the stalks are directed downwardly through the inter-roll space and are reduced by the cutting action of the rotating knives. Each pick-up cone and its associated stalk roll rotate in opposite directions as do the two stalk rolls. Disposed above and extending along the length of the stalk rolls are a closely spaced upper auger and stripper plate which remove an ear of corn from the stalk and direct the ear to the combine for further processing. A skid plate is disposed adjacent a lower, forward portion of each pick-up cone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in situ gas-phase formation and deflagration of nitrocellulose. A nitrating agent such as nitric acid and cellulose are delivered separately to a reaction chamber, where a brief heating pulse initiates nitration of the cellulose and deflagration of the nitrocellulose thus produced. Discharge of the high-pressure gases produced by the deflagration from the reaction chamber can then be used to drive an actuator, turbine, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for detecting the ingestion of an object by an aircraft turbine engine during a mission. The method includes the steps of acquiring during the mission digital images of the operating fan of the turbine engine, these images being acquired at an acquisition frequency proportional to the speed of rotation of the fan and to the number of blades of the fan (E10), identifying the different phases of the mission of the aircraft (E40), for each phase of the mission, comparing the images of the fan with at least one reference image corresponding to sound operation of the fan (E60), and, if necessary, identifying each abnormal image of the fan which differs from the corresponding reference image, the identification of an abnormal image of the fan corresponding to the crossing of an alert level for detecting the ingestion of an object by the turbine engine (E90).