Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower comprising at least two annular tower rings placed vertically on top of each other. The wind turbine tower is characterized in that, a first tower ring overlaps at least a further tower ring of the at least two tower rings. The invention further relates to a wind turbine, a wind turbine tower elevator for use in a wind turbine tower and a method for assembling a wind turbine tower.

Abstract: A modular closet unit comprising a structure of upright frame members connected between a floor and a ceiling of an occupied space, a horizontal track between the upright frame members, and bifold doors for closing the space between the upright frame members and between the horizontal track and the floor. The modular closet unit further includes fascia panels positioned above the bifold doors and side panels positioned at one or more ends of the modular closet unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a prefabricated element (1) for a dwelling unit that is notable in that it comprises: a vertical wall (2) of approximately constant thickness comprising a front face (3), a rear face (4) and a peripheral face (5); a first lip (6) along each horizontal edge of said front face (3); a second lip (7) down each vertical edge of said front face (3); first and second ribs (8, 9) forming with the first and second lips (6, 7) a grid of cells (10) suitable for filling with insulating materials (11) and accepting an interior trim (14) to mask the entire grid; a peripheral edging (23) creating at least one bearing face and a barrier buffer; and at least first and second fixing members (20, 21) for connecting the prefabricated elements (1) to each other.

Abstract: An attic tray made from a breathable membrane for use in controlling moisture in a building attic and improving the energy efficiency of the building achieved by installing the tray above the roof rafters thereby providing the presence of an air gap between the breathable membrane and the roof deck such that energy that normally passes from the living space into the attic and out the top of the building is conserved.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated housing mounting system for mounting ornamentation to buildings. Mount components are attached to a building in place of J-channel, J molding, drip edge, gutter apron or siding. Rail components are assembled to the desired length using connector components and lights or signage are attached to a rail component using hooks. A guide member is placed at each end of the assembled rail and the rail is guided through an opening in the mount component securing the lights or signage to the building. The rail components are then guided through an opening in the mount component.

Abstract: An adjustable leveling system for leveling foundations subject to subsidence and frost heave and is particularly suited for use in permafrost and cold regions as characterized by an adjustable leveling system comprising a base for supporting a hydraulic leveling jack wherein the leveling jack has a hollow support tube mounted thereon and the support tube extends upwardly from the hydraulic jack.

Abstract: A support panel for masonry objects that includes an inner surface, an outer surface, at least one stiffening channel formed longitudinally along the support panel, a plurality of substantially c-shaped claws extending from the outer surface, the claws being disposed in spaced apart relation to one another to form a grid, wherein the claws are configured to contactingly support at least a portion of a masonry object, and wherein the support panel is attachable to a wall of a structure via at least one fastener inserted into through the at least one stiffening channel into the wall of the structure such that the panel is spaced apart from the wall of the structure.

Abstract: There is provided a construction element comprising a frame (5) and a plurality of cellulose bales (20), characterised in that the construction element further comprises at least one stabilising element (30) and in that the plurality of cellulose bales (20) is compressed. There is further provided a method of manufacture of such a construction element.

Abstract: A disaster shelter and disaster shelter system. The disaster shelter includes a substantially hollow shelter cell having an interior and an exterior. The shelter cell is made up of three parts; a shelter body, an end cap section and an entranceway section. The shelter body is made up of a plurality of cell sections, each having a substantially identical double elliptical toroid shape, with the endmost cell sections forming an entrance end and a cap end respectively. The end cap section is joined to the cap end of the shelter body an entranceway section is joined to the entrance end of the shelter body. An entranceway is attached to the entranceway section of the shelter cell.

Abstract: A solar energy collector panel intended for invisible incorporation behind and in thermal contact with a climate shield (94) of bituminous roofing felt or tar board on a building, said panel being made of a heat-conducting material and having at least one through- going fluid-impervious duct (91) embedded in said panel for passing a thermal energy carrying-capable fluid through it and having or being attached to a flat member (93) of heat-conducting material and substantial surface area intended to be mounted in direct physical contact with said climate shield. The solar panel provides excellent exploitation and transmission efficiency of sun radiation to an energy carrying-capable fluid in the fluid-impervious duct.

Abstract: Especially designed to allow the wheelchairs in which disabled persons move to pass from a lower level to a higher level and vice-versa, although it is also valid for mothers, with trolleys whether of babies, shopping, etc. or for any other similar application; the stairs have steps which can move upward and/or downward to be positioned coplanarly and establish a platform, whereto the disabled person's wheelchair can directly access, allowing this by horizontal raising and/or lowering of this platform to pass from one floor level to another. For this purpose, it is provided that each step is supported by a scissor structure, associated to a mechanism, preferably formed by a motor and a spindle, making it possible to simultaneously raise and/or lower, and in controlled fashion, all the steps to form the platform of direct access of the disabled person's chair.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive bushing easily installed extending through walls, particularly, gypsum board membrane walls for providing firestopping around a limited number of linear penetrating members such as cables or wires. This grommet construction includes first and second half sections for facilitating attachment around cables more easily. A split internal seal preferably of resilient foam material is positioned within a split mechanical shell which facilitates placing of the bushing around penetrating members prior to placement thereof through walls or after positioned thereof penetrating through a panel such as wallboard. A split mechanical shell with a two-piece foam insert retained within a bore extending therethrough can be formed as two separable half cylindrical shells. Barbs are included on the outer portion of the shell to facilitate mounting thereof. The foam firestopping seal portion can be intumescent.

Abstract: A notched drywall trim piece that can take the form of a bead, hinged trim piece or bullnose piece that generally is constructed from a semi-rigid core that forms two flanges. At least one of the flanges is notched allowing the piece to follow the shape of an arch or arbitrarily curved corner. The product can generally be installed without any mechanical fasteners since the inner or wall-facing surface of the product is prepared or treated to bond directly with drywall mud or other mastic. In this manner, the piece can be installed using only wet mud or other mastic. The installation process can be aided by the used of a corner roller common in the industry to help set and align the material with the corner being trimmed. The outer or room-facing surface can optionally be treated or prepared to bond with the mud or can be prepared to directly receive paint or texture.

Abstract: A tongue for a building panel, said tongue is of an elongated shape, wherein the tongue has at least two protrusions that extend in the same direction at a first long edge of the tongue, and the protrusions are bendable in a plane parallel to the upper surface of the tongue and extending essentially in the parallel plane and, the tongue has a second long edge, which is essentially straight over substantially the whole length of the tongue, and, a vertical protrusion is arranged at the upper side and/or at the lower side of the horizontal protrusions.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7).

Abstract: A system for transferring loads across a joint between cast-in-place slabs, more particularly at crossover point of a joint between cast-in-place slabs, includes at least one dowel plate and joint elements and includes elements or abutments for limiting the relative movements of the dowel plate towards the joint elements along three orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A framing structure (10) includes elements that are integrally connected by a poured bonding core (18). The elements include a hollow-interior column (12) having an opening (22) in a wall (20) that allows access to the interior and a beam (14) having a cavity (28) that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material (18). The beam (14) is positioned with respect to the column (12) such that the cavity (28) is aligned with the opening (22). Flooring sections (16) are supported by the beams (14).

Abstract: A bracket assembly is disclosed for facilitating the installation of a concrete wall on a concrete footing, as well as a method of forming the concrete wall. The bracket assembly includes a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface, and first and second upwardly extending flanges. A first aperture is formed through the base member and a sealant is positioned in the cavity. A retainer and shock absorber assembly is secured to the upper surface and an aperture is formed therethrough which is coaxially aligned with the first aperture. A fastener having a shank with a pointed end is inserted through the aperture such that the pointed end is initially encased in the sealant. The fastener is inseparable from the bracket assembly and is capable of being driven into the concrete footing.

Abstract: A main tee member having a measurement indicia system for use with a suspended ceiling includes a support flange and a web extending upwardly from the support flange. The web has first and second sides and a plurality of receiving channels extending from the first side of the web to the second side of the web. The receiving channels are configured to receive a cross tee member. A plurality of first indicia are marked on the first side, and a plurality of second indicia are marked on the second side, and are disposed at the same incremental distances along the length of the main tee member for indicating the location of a selected receiving channel for receiving a first selected cross tee member, and for indicating the location of a selected receiving channel for receiving a second selected cross tee member to be introduced from the opposite side.

Abstract: Provided herein is a liquid-filled, non-reclosable tetrahedral or pillow-shaped packaging container having a longitudinal fin seal and a pair of transverse seals. In the case of tetrahedral packages, the transverse seals are perpendicular to one another. Also provided herein is an apparatus for the formation of such fin seals as part of a continuous packaging and filling operation. A third aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure is the development of a heated jaw that exhibits consistent heating across the jaw face. Yet another feature of the apparatus of the present disclosure is provided in a modified, closed-loop electrical system for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the temperatures of the heated jaws, as they are moving.

Abstract: Provided herein is a liquid-filled, non-reclosable tetrahedral or pillow-shaped packaging container having a longitudinal fin seal and a pair of transverse seals. In the case of tetrahedral packages, the transverse seals are perpendicular to one another. Also provided herein is an apparatus for the formation of such fin seals as part of a continuous packaging and filling operation. A third aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure is the development of a heated jaw that exhibits consistent heating across the jaw face. Yet another feature of the apparatus of the present disclosure is provided in a modified, closed-loop electrical system for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the temperatures of the heated jaws, as they are moving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a docking device for transferring the contents of, filling, and/or emptying containers, comprising first and second coupling closures flushly applicable or positioned flush to one another via the respective closing sides thereof. The docking device is equipped with at least one locking unit suitable for locking the pipe socket of the first and second coupling closure, said locking unit comprising at least one movable first locking means present in a passage having an opening to the exterior of the second coupling closure, particularly in the form of a ball, and being suitable to cooperate with a corresponding second locking means present on the exterior of the pipe socket of the second coupling closure. The docking device further comprises a pin movable in a cylinder, said pin comprising a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter that is less than the diameter of the first section.

Abstract: Systems and processes for packaging a product. In one implementation a process involves transporting the product in a first direction, printing information on a film by use of a first printer prior to the film being applied to the product, the film having a width that is less than a width of the product and shrinkable only in a longitudinal direction. In one implementation the film is then applied to the product to produce at least a partial film sleeve around at least a first portion of the product as the product is advanced in the first direction. In one implementation heat is then conveyed to at least a section of the film applied to the product to cause the film to shrink in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An system and method for coupling a capsule body and cap is provided. The system and method provide a first conduit configured to align a capsule body and a second conduit configured to align a capsule cap. The system and method provide for a pressure-relief cavity in at least one of the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: A deployment flap can be used with inflatable airbag to reduce the risk of the airbag getting caught between the instrument panel of a vehicle and an out of position occupant. The manner in which the airbag and deployment flap are folded prior to deployment alters their deployment characteristics, such as trajectory.

Abstract: A process for the automatic filling of cans with foodstuff that is in the form of a continuous cylinder, characterized in that it includes transporting and inserting a portion of the cylinder into a can that is positioned vertically, and then slicing the cylinder so that it is level with the can.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming packages. The device comprises at least two transverse seam jaws, which are movable relative to each other, for forming a transverse seam constituting a bottom in a first package to be formed and, simultaneously therewith, forming a transverse seam constituting an upper side of a second package to be formed in said second package. The transverse seam jaws additionally form two connecting seams extending transversely to the transverse seams, to which connecting seams the two longitudinally extending transverse seams are connected, preferably near the ends thereof. The connected packages define a collecting space between said connecting seams and said transverse seams.

Abstract: There is described herein a wrapping machine for wrapping a web of at least two stretchable films around a product. The wrapping machine comprises a dispenser for dispensing the at least two stretchable films with a longitudinal overlap. Each of the at least two stretchable films has a film edge in a longitudinal direction. The wrapping machine further comprises a roper for roping the film edges of the at least two stretchable films; a stretching device for stretching, after the roping, the at least two stretchable films; and a frame structure on which is disposed the dispenser, the roper and the stretching device for delivering the web for wrapping around the product.

Abstract: A hot-fill container has a body portion that may utilize interchangeable dome-like top portion. A top portion is located above the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon. A bottom portion is located below the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinct inbred tomato lines and hybrids. This invention also relates to plants and seeds of such inbred tomato lines and hybrids, and to parts thereof. The invention also relates to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such inbred tomato lines and hybrids with themselves or other tomato plants.

Abstract: A cordless mower includes a deck, a rechargeable battery, a blade for cutting grass, a blade motor and a drive motor. The deck is supported by front and rear wheels and has a top side, a bottom side, a front end and a rear end. The rechargeable battery is supported on the deck. The blade is on the bottom side of the deck and is coupled with a blade motor. The drive motor is connected to the rear wheels for driving said rear wheels to move the mower. The drive motor is located in a chamber at the rear of the mower adjacent the rear wheels. The chamber has an opening therein to allow air to flow through.

Abstract: A harvest aid machine and method of use is provided comprising a self-powered vehicle having a main chassis upon which a crate storage unit may be mounted. The harvest aid machine has improved maneuverability and may have a near zero-point turning radius. Crate storage unit may comprise a platform for receiving packed crates and a second platform for receiving empty crates. Alternatively, crate storage unit may include a chute assembly for receiving empty crates and/or a roller table for receiving packed crates. A harvest aid machine may further include harvest modules that may be removably mounted to a main chassis and are width-adjustable such that the harvest modules are adaptable to different crop row spacing, and optionally different crate sizes.

Abstract: Lettuce can be commercially harvested by removing the bottom portion of a head of lettuce to obtain only the top portion of the head. After the top portion of the head is obtained, a center section of the top portion of the head is removed to leave a cup-shaped portion of the head. The bottom portion of the head is removed and the center section of the top portion is removed in the field in which the head is harvested.

Abstract: An improved pickup comprising offset pickup tines for improved feeding of balers or harverters. The offset mounting of the rotor tines and auger tines of the pickup reduces and/or substantially eliminates the “dead area” between the pickup and the rotor during the handing off of crop from one feed mechanism to another feeding mechanism resulting in improved control of the crop as the crop travels through the machine. The rotor tines and the auger tines may comprise the same structure providing improved efficiencies in manufacturing, inventory and maintenance of the pickup equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved raking or sweeping implement such as a yard and trail rake that is configured to be pulled by an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), lawn mower, or the like. Rake can include a frame portion connected to a rotary portion. Frame portion can include an attachment mechanism for attachment to a pulling mechanism, such as an ATV. Rotary portion can include a drive shaft, a plurality of rotary shafts with raking tines, and a planetary gear system for driving the rotary shafts as the rotary portion is rotated. Rotary portion can be rotated by engaging a tire of frame portion with a drive mechanism connected to drive shaft such that rotation of the tire caused by pulling the rake causes the rotary portion to rotate. As rotary portion rotates, planetary gear system causes raking tines to rotate forwardly, raking up debris.

Abstract: A link chain comprises a chain link including two shank portions and two arc portions connecting the two shank portions. The two shank portions and the two arc portions define an interior space of the first chain link; and a dividing element extends inwardly from an inside surface of one of the two shank portions and extends inwardly from the inside surface of the other shank portion. The dividing element divides the interior space into two movement spaces, and the dividing element has a centerline, and the centerline is not a straight line perpendicular to the shank.

Abstract: A propulsion system may be operated by determining pressure in a cryogenic liquid tank storing a fluid and cooling the cryogenic liquid tank in response to determining that the pressure is greater than a predetermined value. The cryogenic liquid tank may be pressurized by admitting a gaseous form of the fluid into the cryogenic liquid tank in response to determining that the pressure in the cryogenic liquid tank is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a plurality of actuators (9a, 9b, 9c) for a movable thrust reverser cowl (1), characterized remarkable in that the position deviation between adjacent actuators is measured in real time, and in that the speed profile of the actuator or actuators in question is adjusted by a position deviation exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: According to the invention, the engine (I) includes a means for supplying fuel to the combustion chamber (7) of the fire tube (2), that comprises a variable-volume transfer chamber (9) for receiving fuel, a fuel transfer means (10) from the tank (4) of the engine (I) towards the transfer chamber (9), and injection means (11) for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber (7) from the transfer chamber (9). The engine further includes an elastic return means at least partially defined by the fuel contained in the transfer chamber (9).

Abstract: A system and method for initiation and control of passive regeneration (38) of a diesel particulate filter (34), and the integration of that regeneration strategy with an active regeneration strategy (36) and a strategy (40, 40A) for inhibiting passive regeneration. Passive regeneration can be initiated by driver actuation of an instrument panel device, such as a switch, while the vehicle is parked with the engine idling provided that certain conditions confirming that the vehicle is parked and the engine is at proper temperature are satisfied. Regeneration is inhibited by driver actuation of another switch for a maximum amount of time that may be shorter, or even prevented if DPF loading is too high.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas flows, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst provided in the exhaust passage, a urea water supply device and a control unit for controlling amount of urea water to be supplied into the exhaust passage upstream of the SCR catalyst at predetermined intervals. The control unit further estimates amount of ammonia converted from adsorbed deposit which is converted from the urea water and adsorbed on the SCR catalyst during the predetermined interval based on a physical quantity of the internal combustion engine or the exhaust gas purification apparatus, and determines amount of urea water to be supplied into the exhaust passage based on the estimated amount of ammonia converted from the adsorbed deposit on the SCR catalyst.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing NOx emissions using a branched exhaust system with a first and second turbine including an emission-control device containing a zeolite, are described. In one example approach, a method comprises: during a first duration when exhaust temperature is below a first temperature threshold, directing exhaust gas through the second turbine and the emission-control device, and adjusting the second turbine to control intake boost; and during a second duration following the first, directing exhaust gas through the first turbine, and adjusting the first turbine to control intake boost. The emission-control device may be purged when exhaust temperature is above a second temperature threshold higher than the first temperature threshold, where during the second duration exhaust gas does not flow through the emission-control device.

Abstract: A method for timing performance of a maintenance function, in particular the timing of regeneration of a diesel particulate filter (22) to conserve fuel as a motor vehicle (10) travels along a projected travel route. Certain road data about roads in a roadway system is processed to develop data for anticipating certain modes of vehicle operation during travel of the vehicle along the projected travel route. The data for anticipating certain modes of vehicle operation along the anticipated route of travel and data geographically tracking vehicle travel along the projected route are interactively used to control timing of performance of the maintenance function as the vehicle travels along the projected route.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust purification device for an internal combustion engine provided with a venturi-shaped mixing chamber (13) upstream of a NOx catalyst (16), said mixing chamber (13) formed continuously from a tapering part (13a) along which the radius decreases in the downstream direction, a waist part (13b) at which the radius is at smallest, and a widening part (13c) along which the radius increases in the downstream direction. A vane plate (18) and an aqueous urea solution spray nozzle (19) are arranged inside the tapering part (13a). The ratio (a/b) of the distance (a) between the vane plate (18) and the center of the waist part (13b) and the distance (b) between the center of the waist part (13b) and the mouth of the NOx catalyst (16) is set between 0.5 and 1.0.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an exhaust emission control device capable of favorably dispersing urea water for improved mixing with exhaust gas even if a flow rate of the exhaust gas is increased. An entry end of a mixing pipe is formed with a first opening at a position near an exit side of a particulate filter and is formed with a second opening at a position away from the exit side of the particulate filter and diametrically opposite to the first opening. Arranged in a downstream end of a gas gathering chamber are a first partition which guides all of the flow of exhaust gas from the particulate filter into a one-way swirling flow around the entry end of the mixing pipe, a second partition which divides the flow of the exhaust gas guided by the first partition into two to cause an inner one of the divided swirling flows to tangentially enter into the first opening and a third partition which causes the remaining outer swirling flow to tangentially enter into the second opening.

Abstract: In an exhaust purification device of an internal combustion engine, a pair of upstream side NOx storage catalysts storing NOx contained in the exhaust gas when the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas is lean and releasing the stored NOx when the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas becomes the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or rich are arranged inside an engine exhaust passage. At the downstream side of the upstream side NOx storage catalysts, a downstream side NOx storage catalyst is arranged. The upstream side NOx storage catalysts and downstream side NOx storage catalyst are formed so that the spatial velocity in the downstream side NOx storage catalyst becomes larger than the spatial velocities in the upstream side storage catalysts.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery system (EHRS) for a vehicle is provided that is operable to direct coolant heated by exhaust heat to a vehicle transmission under certain operating conditions after the engine is adequately heated by the exhaust heat and without further heating the engine with the exhaust heat. Thus, recovery of exhaust heat is increased as the transmission is heated to a higher operating temperature than the engine using the heated coolant. The EHRS may also operate in a bypass mode during which exhaust heat is not directed to the engine or the transmission. A method of managing exhaust heat is also provided.

Abstract: An exhaust gas diffuser includes a center body having an inlet adapted for coupling to a gas turbine, an outer wall, an inner wall and an end downstream from the inlet. The inner wall forms a continuous curve from an entry location to the end. The diffuser also includes a second portion coupled to the end of the of center body.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a turbine shell; a turbine hub fixedly connected to the turbine shell; and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes: a damper hub; first and second cover plates fixedly connected to one another and engaged with a first plurality of springs, the second plate fixedly connected to the turbine hub; third and fourth cover plates fixedly connected to one another and engaged with the plurality of first springs and with a second plurality of springs disposed radially inward of the first plurality of springs; a third spring for displacing the third cover plate in a first axial direction such that the first and third cover plates are in contact and the turbine and damper hubs are in contact.