Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”). In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a PDC includes positioning a plurality of diamond particles adjacent to a cemented carbide material. The cemented carbide material includes one or more types of tungsten-containing eta phases. The method further includes subjecting the plurality of diamond particles and the cemented carbide material to a high-pressure/high-temperature process effective to sinter the plurality of diamond particles so that a polycrystalline diamond table is formed without tungsten carbide grains of the cemented carbide material exhibiting abnormal grain growth that project into the polycrystalline diamond table.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a preformed polycrystalline diamond table including an interfacial surface bonded to the substrate and an opposing working surface. The preformed polycrystalline diamond table includes a proximal region extending from the interfacial surface to an intermediate location within the preformed polycrystalline diamond table that includes a metallic infiltrant infiltrated from the substrate, and a distal region extending from the working surface to the intermediate location that is substantially free of the metallic infiltrant. A boundary exists between the proximal and distal regions that has a nonplanar irregular profile characteristic of the metallic infiltrant having been infiltrated into the preformed polycrystalline diamond table.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel includes molds for casting reinforced concrete (RC) elements. The prefabricated wall panel includes foam boards, foam glass panels fixed to the foam boards, fabric mesh fixed to the foam glass panels, wire mesh fixed to the fabric mesh, and an exterior wall finish fixed to the wire mesh. Spaces defined by the foam boards and the foam glass panels form the molds for casting RC columns and beams.

Abstract: A solar energy rain gutter system includes a solar panel connectable to a gutter. One or a multitude of solar panels can be connected in series along the length of the gutter to power various electrical devices. The solar panel can be angularly adjusted to collect a maximum amount of light while also allowing rain water to still flow within the gutter. The solar panels can be controlled from a control box including a rechargeable battery and control logic, such as a timer for automatically activating and deactivating various devices at night or during the day.

Abstract: A gutter insert for a roofing gutter is provided. The roofing gutter has a rear wall, a bottom wall and a front wall. The gutter insert includes a body having a generally triangular cross-sectional shape formed from a top face, a back face and a diagonal face. The diagonal face forms a diagonal from one end of the top face to one end of the back face. A plurality of cutouts originate in the diagonal face and extend into the body. A void is defined by the diagonal face of the body of the gutter insert and the interior surfaces of the bottom wall and front wall of the roofing gutter. The cutouts and the void are configured to facilitate the flow of rain water through the roofing gutter.

Abstract: A vented soffit panel is provided. The soffit panel includes a first panel section, a second panel section and a vent channel. The vent channel is positioned between the first and second panel sections and extends along a width of the soffit panel. The vent channel has a generally dove-tailed shape defined by a first sidewall extending from the first panel section at an acute angle relative thereto, a second sidewall extending from the second panel section at an acute angle relative thereto and a top wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The top wall has at least one row of openings extending substantially along the width. The row of openings in the top wall being positioned such that when the panel is installed the row of openings are obscured from a view of an ordinary observer by at least one of the first and second panel sections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rig assembly and for erecting a mast of a rig and such systems with roller apparatus to facilitate movement of a mast section from a mover. In a first embodiment, the method includes erecting a rig mast section on a substructure, the substructure including a first substructure box spaced-apart from a second substructure box, the first substructure box comprising a first upper box above a first lower box and the second substructure box comprising a second upper box above a second lower box.

Abstract: An assembly system for modular building units having a floor and a plurality of walls is provided. The assembly system includes a floor platform, a plurality of wall platforms, and a plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the plurality of hinge assemblies may be rotatable to at least a first position and a second position when attached to the floor and the one of the plurality of walls. In the first position, the walls and the floor are generally parallel while in the second position the wall and the floor are generally perpendicular. Methods of use are also provided, in which, during use, the hinge assembly of the system may be rotated from the first position to the second position at least in part by moving the walls in an upwards direction relative to the floor.

Abstract: A system installed in building foundations to absorb forces from earthquakes. The earthquake force absorption system includes a footing structure extending into a foundation hole, an anchoring substrate lining a bottom of the foundation hole, opposing springs disposed around the footing structure, and attachment plates coupling the springs to the footing structure and the anchoring substrate.

Abstract: The drywall repair system comprises at least one drywall patch template. The drywall patch template comprises a square made of gypsum plaster as cut to a pre-determined repair-area-size, which is pressed between a first and a second paper boundary sheet layer. The first paper boundary sheet layer extends outwardly from the outer edge of the square made of gypsum plaster thereby creating a perimeter frame and comprises an area larger than the second paper boundary sheet layer which does not extend outwardly from the outer edge of the square made of gypsum plaster. The first paper boundary sheet layer, when the drywall patch template is installed, comprises tier which is located in front of the drywall wall and the square made of gypsum plaster is located within and adjacent the pre-cut hole in the drywall wall.

Abstract: A transparent building, comprising a building body and at least a thin film solar cell. Said building body has a top portion, and said thin film solar cell is arranged on said top portion of said building body. Said thin film solar cell absorbs green light, blue light, and ultraviolet light in sunlight, and converts them into electrical energy, and also allows red light, orange light, yellow light, and infrared light to pass through said thin film solar cell and reach inside of said building body. A transparent canopy having said thin film solar cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: A support structure made of precast concrete and a building thereof, comprising a building top portion and at least a support structure. Said building top portion includes at least a thin film solar cell and a steel frame lateral beam structure supporting said thin film solar cell. Each said support structure includes a support column and a base, said support column supports said building top portion, and said base is at bottom of said support column. Said support column and said base form integrally into one piece by means of concrete material.

Abstract: An office building, comprising a building body and at least a thin film solar cell. Said building body is provided with a top portion, and said thin film solar cell is arranged on said top portion of said building body. Said thin film solar cell absorbs green light, blue light, and ultraviolet light in sunlight, and converts them into electrical energy, and reflects a part of infrared light and said ultraviolet light that are not absorbed; while red light, orange light, and yellow light pass through said thin film solar cell and reach inside of said building body.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed for attaching solar panel grids to standing seam roof structures. The clamp may comprise a pair of opposing clamp halves having a plurality of inter-engageable projections and recesses. One or more fasteners engage the halves to draw the halves together. At one end of the clamp, a first set of recesses on the first clamp half may receive a first set of projections on the second half. At an opposite end of the clamp a second set of recesses on the first clamp half may receive a second set of projections on the second half. In the loosened condition, the first set of recesses may be engaged in the first set of recesses to act as a detent, while the second set of projections may be spaced a sufficient distance away from the second set of recesses to enable the clamp to be slid down onto the vertical seam portion of a standing seam roof. Tightening the fasteners then causes the second set of projections to deform the seam portion into the second set of recesses, fixing the clamp to the seam.

Abstract: A roof vented closure strip 200 comprises profile piece 210, filter material 220, and top layer 230, the strip manufactured with at least two different materials combining to fill the space between a ridge cap 140 and a sloped roof 112. The profile piece includes a lower surface 213, side surfaces 215, a front exterior surface 216, a rear interior surface 217. The strip is disposed on the sloped roof such that a lip is formed between strip rear interior surface, and the ridge slot. Filter material fills between the profile piece, the top layer, the front exterior surface, and the rear interior surface wherein the rear interior surface slopes at an angle 206 toward front exterior surface, and one or more moisture channel 250 extends laterally across the width of the strip, such that moisture flows from the lip down and drains through the moisture channel exiting the structure.

Abstract: A sheet glass fixing structure and wall structure that fix pairs of panes of sheet glass inside a frame, wherein the sheet glass fixing structure and wall structure comprise a frame made of a metal material; pairs of polygonal panes of sheet glass fixed inside the frame in parallel spaced condition; spacing members sandwiched between the pairs of panes of sheet glass to parallelly space the panes; and spacers installed between edge faces of the sheet glass and the frame and between the inside surfaces of the pairs of panes of sheet glass and the spacing members, which spacers are installed apart from corner regions of the sheet glass.

Abstract: A fatigue resistant gravity based spread footing under heavy multi-axial cyclical loading of a wind tower. The foundation having a central vertical pedestal, a substantially horizontal continuous bottom support slab with a stiffened perimeter, a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs extending radially outward from the pedestal. The pedestal, ribs and slab forming a continuous monolithic structure. The foundation having a three-dimensional network of post-tensioning elements that keep the structural elements under heavy multi-axial post compression with a specific eccentricity intended to reduce stress amplitudes and deflections and allows the foundation to have a desirable combination of high stiffness and superior fatigue resistance. The foundation design reduces the weight and volume of materials used, reduces cost, and improves heat dissipation conditions during construction by having a small ratio of concrete mass to surface area thus eliminating the risk of thermal cracking due to heat of hydration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a roofing ventilation system component and methods of installation of the same. In one embodiment, the component includes a fiber matting strip of air-permeable compressible nonwoven fibers and a thermoplastic polymer binding agent. The fibers may be polyester and nylon. The fiber matting may be installed in connection with a ridge vent, roof rafters and a fascia, or hip or ridge shingles.

Abstract: An expansion joint system for bridging an expansion joint gap between two spaced-apart underlying stair structures. The expansion joint system includes a movable plate that is connected to a fixed plate through a hinge. The hinge connection permits the movable plate to move in response to thermal movements and seismic events that causes the width of the expansion joint to open to a greater width or close to a smaller width. Following the seismic or thermal event, the hinge connection automatically returns the movable plate to its original position.

Abstract: A brick comprises a thermoplastic material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), and a cement-containing material. The brick may be made by mixing thermoplastic material and dry, uncured cement-containing material. This mixture is placed in a mold. The mold is heated while the mixture is compressed to melt or soften the thermoplastic material and to bind the particulate material in the mold into the shape of a brick. After the hardened brick is removed from the mold, the surface of the brick may be sprayed with water to cure cement-containing material on the surface of the brick.

Abstract: A cold formed metal stud is provided for commercial and residential construction applications. The metal stud of the present invention is suitable for use in both composite and non-composite applications. The metal stud of the present invention includes an intermediate web, a first flange and a second flange. The first flange has a longitudinally extending channel. Each of the intermediate web, first flange and second flange may include a number of different design features that can increase the structural and heat transfer characteristics of the metal stud.

Abstract: A system for finishing a prefabricated wall panel includes a rack wall, three tracks, and a roller. The rack wall includes columns that can insert into molds in the prefabricated wall panel. The columns are rotatable from a vertical position to a horizontal position. Two lateral tracks each include a channel and bolts along a length of the track. The two lateral tracks are mounted to two ends of the wall rack and spaced apart about the width of the prefabricated wall panel. A top track includes bolts along a length of the track. The top track is located parallel to the wall rack at a distance about the height of the prefabricated wall panel. The roller has wheels that travel in the channels of the two lateral tracks so the roller is can roll over mortar on the surface of the prefabricated wall panel.

Abstract: A saddle connector, having an inverted channel, engages a bulb of a beam in the grid of a suspended ceiling. The channel has hardened teeth staggered along the opposing walls of the channel. The teeth are forced into the bulb of the beam, one at a time, by the full force exerted by hand operated pliers.

Abstract: A combined thermal insulation barrier and installation guide for fiber cement siding. A rectangular insulating board has a flat, rectangular back surface, and a front surface shaped to form a number of flat-faced, protruding ridges, aligned parallel to an edge of the rectangle. The cross-section, taken orthogonal to the ridges has a saw-tooth shape. When a standard-size, fiber cement plank is placed face-down on a face of a ridge with its edge abutting the short face of an adjacent ridge, and a second board is placed face-down on an adjacent ridge, the second board overlaps first board and lies flat on the first board. Once the shaped insulating board is aligned to a required orientation, and attached on a building surface, it serves as a positioning guide for attaching fiber cement boards. Left in the siding, the shaped, insulating board acts as insulation throughout the life of the siding.

Abstract: A laminated shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower for a wind power installation, wherein the walls of the tower are at least partially produced from individual wall sections which are connected to one another by means of connection means. The object of the invention is therefore to provide a tower which can be assembled with a sufficient degree of precision. It is also the object of the invention to provide a method for erecting a tower of this kind. The object according to the invention in respect of a tower of this kind is achieved in that an empty framework is at least partially provided in the interior of the tower and the wall sections are retentively connected to said empty framework.

Abstract: Reinforcing system for retrofitting wall to increase the ductility and resistance to shear forces of a gypsum board wall to a level comparable to plywood-sheathed wall. Fiber-reinforced polymer panel is attached to substantially cover surface of gypsum board to protect it against rupture in earthquake. Reinforcement is enhanced by fiber anchors installed along base of wall and door frames. Connector strips tie together frame members to prevent separation from wall.

Abstract: There is provided a method of attaching bracket apparatus to a curtain wall mullion having a fastening channel for receiving screw-threaded fasteners for a bracket element having upper and lower attachment ports. The method comprises the steps of: a) positioning the bracket element on the fastening channel so that a longitudinal opening of the channel is blocked along the longitudinal extent of the bracket element, and providing upper and lower blocking elements within the fastening channel so that the upper and lower attachment ports are in between the upper and lower blocking elements; and b) forcing an adhesive into one of the said upper and lower attachment ports until it appears in the other of the upper and lower attachment ports. There is also provided curtain walling bracket apparatus for use in such a method, and curtain wall mullion apparatus wherein said curtain walling bracket apparatus is attached to a curtain wall mullion using said method.

Abstract: In 1974 I was surveying tornado damage caused by an F-3 tornado when I noticed houses that were 75% destroyed and a farm silo that was ? destroyed. The top ? of the silo was completely gone. The bottom ? was still intact. When I investigated to see why the bottom ? was not damaged I found that the bottom ? still had silage in it which gave the bottom ? extra strength. That is when I got the idea for the closet shield. A silo is used for the storage of grain. The clothes closet is used for the storage of clothes. Since 1974 I have surveyed tornado damage in three different states being Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. I found the same thing in all three states. I found that silos that were full were destroyed. Silos that were empty were also completely destroyed. This led me to believe that by adding extra strength to the bottom half of the clothes closet it would make it work in the same way as the strength in the bottom of the silo works.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created for air to move from at least one edge

Abstract: A masonry block core fill nozzle for filling cores in a hollow block wall with a masonry grout mix is provided. The masonry block core fill nozzle has a hollow manifold body. The body has side walls, an upper wall, a bottom wall, a first end and a second end. The side walls terminate, adjacent to the first end, in a downwardly projecting u-shaped edge formation. The bottom wall is truncated in relation to the first end so that a ventral nozzle opening is formed between the first end and the lower wall. The body has a conduit with an inlet and an outlet ends. The ends are in fluid communication with the ventral nozzle opening. The outlet end is connected to the second end of the manifold body, and the inlet end has a fitting which is adapted for coupling to a grout hose.

Abstract: In a load-bearing construction (1) having at least one load-bearing element (2), the load-bearing element (2) has at least one cavity (5) in which at least one rod (4) is disposed, the total cross-sectional area of all rods (4) each arranged in a cavity (5) being smaller than the cross-sectional area of this cavity (5), and the remaining volume of the cavity (5) being filled with a material (6). The rod (4) is displaceable along its length relative to the load-bearing element (2) when the load-bearing element (2) is deformed, the rod (4) being non-displaceably fixed at only one point relative to the load-bearing element (2) and being designed such that it dissipates energy upon the occurrence of a relative displacement with respect to the load-bearing element (2).

Abstract: Packaging Machine operable to produce sealed packages made of heat-seal sheet packaging material and containing a food product, and comprising an ultrasonic sealing device including an electrical power signal source operable to generate an electrical power signal; an ultrasonic transducer electrically coupled to the electrical power signal source to receive the electrical power signal and responsively heat seal the sheet packaging material; and an electronic counter operable to count the ultrasonic sealing cycles of the ultrasonic sealing device.

Abstract: As monitor 1 held by casing 3 is upwardly pushed, clamp 2 is rectilinearly moved toward push latch 4 in cooperation with rotation of the monitor 1, the monitor 1 is rotatable by claw section 2a disengaged from locking hole 1b, and a striker holding section 4a engages with striker 2b to be forced into the main body of the latch 4 to be in engagement locked position. As the opened monitor 1 is upwardly pushed, the clamp 2 is rectilinearly moved toward the latch 4 in cooperation with the rotation of the monitor 1, the holding section 4a placed in the locked position with the striker 2b is forced into the main body of the latch 4 to be in engagement-lock releasing position, and the released section 2a is urged and moved by spring 5 to lock the hole 1b to hold the monitor 1 in closed position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to relates to the use of trim sensors, registration sensors or pressure sensors to sense the position of a zipper during the manufacture of reclosable packages, particularly manufacturing processes wherein the ends of the zipper need to line up at the fin seal to insure success of the closure. The output of the sensors is used to adjust belt or roller speeds, or similar operational parameters to bring the zipper profiles into alignment at the fin seal.

Abstract: A method of sterilising items by placing items to be sterilised into a puncture resistant sealable vapour barrier sterilisation bag, performing steam sterilisation under pressure via a conduit coupled to the bag whilst maintaining a heated compensating pressure environment around the exterior of the bag during steam sterilisation so as to reduce mechanical stress on the bag and sealing the bag at the completion of sterilisation. There is also provided a sterilisation services apparatus for sterilising the contents of a sterilisation bag including a pressure compensating compartment having a sealable door that maintains a heated compensating pressure environment around the exterior of a sterilisation bag during steam sterilisation so as to reduce mechanical stress on the bag.

Abstract: A system to load trays of produce into a shipping container includes a container positioning mechanism that positions a container in a precise location within the where holes in the bottom of the container are aligned with a plurality of lift rods. The lift rods rise up the container holes to receive a loaded tray of produce onto the top of the lift rods. After receiving the first tray of produce, the lift rods lower slightly so that a second tray of produce may be loaded on top of the first. With each loaded tray of produce, the lift rods retract further until all trays of produce have been received. As the lift rods slowly retract, the trays of produce are gently lowered into the shipping container. The system has a simple mechanism to reposition the container guide assembly and tray feed assembly to accommodate multiple types of shipping containers.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to the a wide mouth gusseted package wherein four machine direction edge seals are formed on the film, and the zipper is applied in the transverse direction on the opposite side of the film from where the machine direction edge seals are formed. In the resulting package, the edge seals are at the exterior of the four corners of the package, and the resulting gussets can be folded inwardly or outwardly. The package may further include a sealing strip with a peel seal layer and a sealant layer whereby a hermetic package may be produced at higher production rates and lower productions costs.

Abstract: A method for packaging products. At least one product is covered or enveloped with protective boards. A board made of naturally curved wood veneer is used as a protective board. The wood veneer is coated on both sides with a film-like or fibrous reinforcement material. A packaging and a packaging material.

Abstract: A device for receiving sheet documents or coins from sheet document or coin processing equipment and sealing the sheet documents or coins in a bag. The device comprises a bag retainer for holding the bag, in a vertical orientation such that an open end of the bag is uppermost, thereby allowing falling sheet documents or coins discharged by the sheet document or coin processing equipment to collect in the bag, and a heat sealer for sealing the open end of the bag.

Abstract: A filter pocket arrangement that provides increased filter media area is described. In one embodiment, each filter pocket includes a pocket mouth that attaches to a filter frame and a pocket body extending longitudinally away from the pocket mouth to a closed end. The closed end is folded back inward towards the pocket mouth to form a tuck fold that defines a first sub-filter pocket and a second sub-filter pocket at the pocket mouth. The first sub-filter pocket and the second sub-filter pocket each has a sub-pocket mouth that coincides with a portion of the pocket mouth, with sidewalls extending longitudinally therefrom to form an apex at the closed end of the filter pocket. The first sub-filter pocket is separated from the second sub-filter pocket by the tuck fold.

Abstract: A spring clamp for providing a compressive load to a compression seal in an air filtration system for a vehicle. The spring clamp may be comprised of plastic composite and includes an arch-like arm wherein elastic deformation is distributed throughout the arch while providing a compressive load. The spring clamp may include a head piece with a greater thickness than the other parts of the spring clamp to provide greater material strength at a point of contact between the spring clamp and an air filter housing.

Abstract: A projection display device includes: a leg section that supports a main body of the projection display device with respect to an installation surface on which the main body is installed; and a filter section that is disposed on a bottom of the main body and exposes a first air intake surface to the outside. In this arrangement, the first air intake surface is inclined with respect to the bottom surface of the main body in a direction that departs from the installation surface, and air flows into the filter section through a clearance between the first air intake surface and the installation surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dust-collecting apparatus with a packing member. The disclosed dust-collecting apparatus for separating dust from introduced air comprises: a dust-collecting receptacle with an open bottom; a dust discharge cover arranged at the bottom of the dust-collecting receptacle such that that the dust discharge cover can be opened/closed; and a packing member for sealing the dust-collecting receptacle and the dust discharge cover, wherein the packing member presses the dust discharge cover in the direction of opening the dust discharge cover. Thus, the dust discharge cover can be opened from the bottom of the dust-collecting receptacle in an easier manner.

Abstract: A filter clip for holding a filter media over a supply/return/exhaust of an HVAC system includes a hook portion that secures to a grid of a suspended ceiling system and a filter holding portion that is connected to the hook portion such that the filter holding portion is biased towards the grid and/or a grille. An air filter placed between the filter holding portion and the grid and/or grille is held against the grid and/or grill until, for example, until construction is complete or the filter needs to be changed or removed, thereby covering the supply/return and reducing contamination of the HVAC system from construction dirt/debris.

Abstract: Cellular ceramic articles are manufactured from a green cellular ceramic body that includes a binder material and a plurality of channels. At least one of the channels is coated with a slurry that includes a green coating composition and a solvent to form a coating layer. The binder material is insoluble in the solvent.

Abstract: A system for use with the combine comprises a plurality of sensors to detect the uniformity of crop material being conveyed running threshing portion of the combine to including system into combine. Methods and systems are provided that utilize this plurality of sensors to provide substantially automatic control of combine parameters that mitigate the non-uniformity of a grain bed in the cleaning system. The system may also inform an operator of a suggested manual adjustments to mitigate the non-uniformity.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus having a center of gravity having a frame member, at least one front ground engaging wheel rotatably connected proximate the front end of the frame member and at least two rear ground engaging wheels rotatably connected proximate the back end of the frame member so as to substantially prevent the mowing apparatus from rolling over as it traverses along an inclined surface.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes an expandable hoop for securing a bag to a system for cleaning up yard debris. The expandable hoop includes an outer hoop and an inner hoop. The inner hoop is configured to mate with the outer hoop. The inner hoop includes a band, where the band is curved to form a round shape. The inner hoop also includes an overlapping section of the band. The overlapping section can allow an expanded configuration, where the expanded configuration occurs if the inner hoop overlap is small and a contracted configuration, where the contracted configuration occurs if the inner hoop overlap is large.