Abstract: Fire-barriers systems, including pre-assembled intersecting and straight-line fire-barriers having either all male-, all female-, or both types of coupling ends eliminate on-site cutting and construction of barriers required for intersection-spaces and provide easy, rapid, and safe one-step, drop-in installation and coupling. All male/female ended fire-barriers are constructed as single-piece units. All adjacent laid-flat layers are continuously connected having no gaps or folds. Straight-line and L-shaped barriers are certified according to the criteria mandated by both the ASTM E 1399-97 (Reapproved 2005), Standard Test Method for Cyclic Movement and Measuring the Minimum and Maximum Joint Widths of Architectural Joint Systems and the UL 2079 Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems Test for air leakage (Revised and relocated as 1.14 Mar. 10, 2006).

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a plurality of curtain wall members positioned in a horizontal array, a first curtain wall member separated from an adjacent second curtain wall member by a gap. The system further includes a gap-filling member positioned in the gap separating the adjacent first and second curtain wall members, the gap filling member comprising one or more vents.

Abstract: A panel made of concrete-retaining mesh or lath is covered with concrete to form a fault-line defining the boundaries of a foundation break block.

Abstract: A planar building element including: a core layer that is made of plastic foam and a surface or coating for receiving an adhesive mortar or adhesive substance on at least one of the flat faces of the building element, with at least one of the narrow edge faces of the building element, which serves as a contact edge face, having an edge configuration that is suitable for joining to an adjacent board having a compatible edge configuration, wherein, in the building element, at least one of the flat faces, in the region of the contact edge face, has at least one slope converging toward the outside, and in that both the portion of the flat face that is continuously joined to the slope and the continuously adjoining slope are provided with the surface or coating for receiving an adhesive mortar or adhesive substance.

Abstract: A wall panel for retaining masonry units is provided. The panel has a front face provided with a plurality of tabs for supporting the lower lateral face of the masonry units and a plurality of resilient clips for resiliently biasing the upper lateral face of the units against the tabs. In an embodiment, the clips include a frontward curved hook with a downwardly pointing edge to bit on the upper face of the masonry unit and an inverted U-shaped cut-out including the curved hook and providing resiliency. In another embodiment, the clips include at least one downward resilient wing having a longitudinal axis parallel to the plane of the panel. The masonry unit is maintained in place on the panel against the tabs partly by a resilient force applied by the wing and partly by friction of the wing against the upper lateral face of the masonry unit.

Abstract: A brick product includes multiple brick segments respectively bonded to one another via an adhesive agent and a blind hole defined in a body of the respectively bonded brick segments such that the brick product is capable of receiving objects and functions in a way different from the conventional one.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface layer, a plurality of edge surfaces, an interlocking mechanism for attachment to adjacent tiles, and a support system. The support system may additionally include a first rigid level and at least one resilient support member disposed under the top surface layer, the at least one resilient support member extending to a distance further from the top surface layer than the first rigid level. The at least one resilient support member may be compressible toward the top surface layer. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. A method of forming a modular floor that includes an interlocking modular tile is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting concrete wall elements, which together form a wall, running along a curvature at least in sections, of a container, in particular of a fermenter for biogas plants, comprising a horizontal foundation, to which several horizontally extending bounding elements are attached, which between them form fields to be cast with concrete, several formwork elements, which are detachably secured to at least a few bounding elements, which form formwork surfaces, which are opposite each other in a field and which are aligned at an angle with respect to the vertical, which in the erected state form the face side surfaces of adjacent wall elements, that face each other, wherein the formwork elements each have at the formwork surfaces at least one receiving device, and wherein at least one end of at least one reinforcing element to be cast in the concrete is secured in each receiving device of formwork surfaces, which are opposite each other in a field.

Abstract: A method for covering and protecting a pitched roof deck having an eave including a starter block having unitary construction and a first course of semi-rigid shingles. The starter block has a generally rectangular shape and is tapered wherein the front surface has a greater height than the back surface. The starter block used in the starter course of a roofing project to facilitate the positioning the shingles upon a hip roof without causing said the shingles to bend. In one embodiment, the starter block and shingles are formed from a composite material, such as a combination of at least a polymer component and a filler component. The at least one course of shingles are positioned to lie flat on and at least partially overlap the course of starter blocks with the shingles extending back to the upper surface of the roof without substantially bending.

Abstract: A decorative floor tile including at least one decorative layer and a backing layer having an array of resilient annular projections. Each annular projection includes a concave top surface, an outside wall surface, and an inside wall surface. The inside wall surface defines a central, blind passageway area. When the decorative floor tile is installed over an underlying surface, and pressure is applied to the decorative floor tile, a vacuum is created within the blind passageway and the underlying surface. The vacuum increases the amount of frictional drag between the surface covering and the underlying surface, and thus allows the surface covering to remain in place without the need for an adhesive.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes multiple base boards, multiple cover panels, multiple shelves and multiple accessories so as to be fixed to a wall. The multiple base boars and the multiple cover panels define a path, a space and a gap. The path, the space and the gap communicate with each other. Sand the shelves or the accessories are inserted into the path, the space and gap. The panel assembly can be quickly assembled and replaced to change the arrangements and suitable for decoration and display or storage.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a building floor structure comprising two or more spaced-apart beams, each beam comprising an upwardly facing support surface on at least one side of the beam; and one or more frameworks positioned between and adjacent two of the two or more spaced-apart beams, each of the one or more frameworks having two side regions, each side region comprising a downwardly facing bearing surface adapted to be received on the upwardly facing support surface of the respective beam. This disclosure also relates to a process for constructing the building floor structure.

Abstract: An assembly of a ground anchor embedded within an artificial surface playing field is disclosed. The field has an artificial surface layer extending in a taut, level and smooth manner over an uppermost subsurface layer. A ground anchor body is embedded in the uppermost subsurface layer such that an upper wall of the ground anchor body engages an underside of the artificial surface layer. The upper wall of the ground anchor is fastened to the underside of the artificial surface layer with mechanical fasteners, an adhesive, or the like. An anchor member is connected to the ground anchor body and is extendable to a position in which the anchor member extends from the ground anchor body through a slit in the artificial surface layer to a position above the artificial surface layer so that it can be connected to an object to be anchored to the artificial surface layer.

Abstract: An anchor assembly releasably securable to a structure with a receiving hole therethrough. The anchor assembly permits an object or person to be anchored to the structure and comprises a longitudinal member for placement through the receiving hole of the structure, first and second end portions, means to draw the first and second end portions into contact with the structure about the openings of the receiving hole with the longitudinal member positioned therethrough to secure the anchor assembly to the structure, and a visual indicator associated with at least one of the end portions. The end portions are larger in size than the openings of the receiving hole through the structure and the first and second end portions are received on opposite ends of said longitudinal member when the longitudinal member extends through the receiving hole. The visual indicator presents a visual signal identifying when the anchor assembly is secured to the structure.

Abstract: A furring strip fastening member is formed by a furring strip receiving plate, a bolt hole portion, a spring portion, and a rear face plate. The furring strip receiving plate and the rear face plate are shaped as flat plates that face each other. The bolt hole portion is provided at a central portion of the furring strip receiving plate. The spring portion connects the furring strip receiving plate and the rear face plate. The rear face plate has in a central portion thereof a through-hole. In a construction structure for buildings, a bolt is mounted to an anchor that is driven into a skeleton wall of a building that is formed by a concrete wall and a heat insulating material disposed outside the latter. This bolt traverses a through-hole in the rear face plate, and the bolt is screwed into a bolt hole portion. The furring strip is connected to the furring strip fastening member, and an external wall material is fastened to the furring strip.

Abstract: A facade is formed on an upright supporting surface using a plurality of facade elements formed of plastic material having a flat rear side and a decorative front side protruding from the rear side. The flat rear side of the elements can be abutted directly against the upright supporting surface with the elements in spaced relation with one another and secured thereon using nails from an air driven nailer. Grouting in the form of mortar repair or caulking can be used to fill the gaps between adjacent elements on the supporting surface to complete the appearance of a natural stone facade on a building wall.

Abstract: A carpet stretching tool comprised of a frame member and a head moving mechanism for attachment to the frame member to bias carpet towards a wall. The frame member of the invention comprises a pair of frame side members connected at one end by an engagement member, at the opposite end by a rear member and between the engagement member and the rear member, by a handle member. The head moving mechanism is attached to the rear frame member and comprises a carpet engaging head that is operable to extend and retract the head relative to the rear frame member and is permitted to slide laterally along the length of the rear frame member.

Abstract: A metal building stud having two supplemental flanges extending from at least one slot in the stud web yielding a stud with increased strength, both in compression (longitudinally) and in shear (transverse). The slotted stud also includes a plurality of indents that also enhance the stud strength both in compression and in shear. The slotted web further presents a reduced web area through which heat or sound may be conducted and slots in which insulation is received, both increasing resistance to heat and sound transfer. Slots and supplemental flanges may also be provided in the stud primary flanges. The primary flanges may include a fold back portion under a line of flexure presenting two layers through which an attaching screw must pass under that line of flexure that retains the screw in the primary flanges.

Abstract: An Idler is provided for a web wrap device. The idler has a deflector acting on web moved over the idler. The deflector has areas of different deflection intensity over its area of contact with the web.

Abstract: A novel method for storing a photocatalytic member containing fluorine-containing anatase-type titanium oxide is provided, which is capable of suppressing the decrease in content of fluorine during storage in a photocatalytic member containing fluorine-containing anatase-type titanium oxide. The storage method of the present invention is a method for storing a photocatalytic member containing fluorine-containing anatase-type titanium oxide including storing the photocatalytic member in a surrounding environment with a relative humidity of 30% or less. According to the storage method of the present invention, for example, the elimination of fluorine from the surface of fluorine-containing titanium oxide can be suppressed, and the decrease in content of fluorine during storage in a photocatalytic member can be suppressed.

Abstract: The packing according to the invention comprises: a container for holding said at least one object to be sterilized, having an inlet opening and a discharge opening via which said at least one object may pass into and out of said container, said container comprising a rigid part which comprises a peripheral wall bored with a multitude of small holes having dimensions smaller than those of the said at least one object, and a non-rigid part in a material porous to the sterilization fluid and non-porous to microbial contamination, this non-rigid part being able to contain said rigid part and to be sealed thereon; and at least one envelope made in a flexible and airtight material, which is vacuum sealing fitted on said container.

Abstract: A non-foil packaging laminate for liquid food packaging comprises a layer of paper or other cellulose-based material, outermost liquid tight, heat sealable layers of polyolefin-based polymers and, vapour-deposition coated onto the inner side of the layer of paper or cellulose-based material, an induction heat susceptible metal coating. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing of the packaging laminate, a packaging container that is made from the packaging laminate and a method of induction heat sealing the packaging laminate into packaging containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine with a forming station, which forms depressions in a sheet of film, wherein a heating element heats the sheet of film before the deforming, in which the heating element has a multiplicity of discrete heating means which can be activated individually or in groups, and so the sheet of film has temperature gradients.

Abstract: A packaging module for wrapping packs or article groups with packaging film. The packs or article groups to be wrapped are transported in an upright position on a horizontal conveying device to a packaging station. A film wrapping device includes at least one wrapping rod extending perpendicular to the transport direction and is guided on both long sides of the horizontal conveying device by continuous traction devices. The continuous traction devices each includes guiding sections that define the position and the deflection of the continuous traction device. The corresponding guiding sections of the two parallel continuous traction devices are adjustable pair wise in the same direction in their vertical and/or horizontal position and/or in their angular position about a pivot point.

Abstract: A method of containing a floral grouping or potted plant in a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has first and second panels, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second panels is constructed of at least two layers of material. At least a portion of the at least two layers of material may be connected.

Abstract: A chip component packaging arrangement prevents occurrence of defective loading of chip components during a taping process that is carried out to the package chip components. This arrangement has a small size. A cover tape is prepared having a base tape and a plurality of cover film pieces sequentially attached to the base tape. Each cover film piece has an adhesive part. The cover tape extends in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of a carrier tape. The carrier tape has a plurality of component receiving parts sequentially formed in its longitudinal direction. The cover tape is pressed to the carrier tape so that one of the cover film pieces is adhered to the carrier tape to seal the corresponding component receiving part.

Abstract: A collapsible mobility assistance device which may be configured in an operable configuration and a storage configuration. The device may be configured such that each individual component is planar, which may allow the device to be packaged, stored, and/or shipped in minimally sized containers.

Abstract: A dust collector includes a dust container; a centrifugal separator installed inside the dust container to separate dust from air; a filter unit installed at a discharge hole of the centrifugal separator and provided with a filter member; and a dust-removing device for dislodging dust from the filter unit. The dust-removing device includes a dust removal unit including a dust-removing member having dust-removing projections formed on an undersurface thereof, wherein the dust-removing projections move back and forth while contacting the filter unit to dislodge dust from the filter unit; and a drive unit for providing driving power to the dust removal unit.

Abstract: In a multi-stage steam-water separation device and a steam-water separator, a first swirl vane (6) which causes a gas-liquid two-phase flow to rise while swirling is provided in a first riser (5) of a first steam-water separator (2), and a second swirl vane (12) which causes the gas-liquid two-phase flow which has passed through the first swirl vane (6) to rise while swirling at a speed higher than that provided by the first swirl vane (6), is provided in a second riser (11).

Abstract: A tube for the conduction or the discharge of wet gases, especially for the conduction or discharge of flue gases subjected to a scrubbing (wet cleaning) is described. The tube has a helically formed guide element at its inner wall. The entrainment or the injection of droplets of the tube is reduced by this design. Furthermore, a guide element for the installation in such a tube is described. The tube is preferably a wet chimney.

Abstract: A method, including receiving a turbine filter unit in a plasma treatment system, wherein the turbine filter unit comprises a filter media assembled with a framework, and applying at least one plasma treatment coating to the turbine filter unit via the plasma treatment system.

Abstract: A collapsible air cleaner filter is provided. The filter includes a pleated media filter having a first end, a second end, and a filter media extending between the first and second ends, wherein the filter media includes a first plurality of flexible end portions and a second plurality of flexible end portions, the first and second plurality of flexible end portions are separated by a plurality of pleats, and the filter media extends a first length between the first and second plurality of flexible end portions, and an end member coupled to the first end of the pleated media filter, the end member extending a second length parallel to the first length, the first length being greater than the second length.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner is provided having guide elements that protrude into the crop material flow. The guide elements make it possible to influence the direction of the trajectory of the cut crop material. Each guide element can be mounted on at least one component of the mower-conditioner by way of the least one holder. At least one component contains openings, through which at least one holder can be inserted into and/or fitted in the component.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus has at least one support track adapted to be mounted to an area to be maintained and a mowing device adapted to be supported on the at least one support track. The mowing device of the mowing apparatus has a power supply for moving the mowing device along the at least one support track and for operating the mowing device to carry out a mowing operation. The at least one support track of the mowing apparatus is configured to guide the mowing device to move along the at least one support track during a normal mowing operation. A grass maintenance system is also provided and has one or more grass maintenance devices, such as a mowing device.

Abstract: An adjustable rake for raking agricultural products includes a wheeled cart configured to be pulled in a direction of travel on a surface of travel and first and second rake arm positioners coupled to the wheeled cart and configured to translate in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the wheeled cart. First and second front rake arm assemblies are pivotably coupled to the first and second rake arm positioners, respectively. First and second inner rear supports are included, and each of the first and second inner rear supports is pivotably coupled to the wheeled cart and is configured to pivot as a result of translation of the first and second rake arm positioners in the direction transverse to the direction of travel of the wheeled cart. The rake may include optional splitter wheels.

Abstract: A pollution-free propulsion engine includes a rotating arm, a hollow axle defining a fuel delivery chamber, and hydrogen and oxygen sources. The rotating arm is formed with a detonation chamber, an opening and two tubular ducts therebetween. The axle is inserted into the opening. A pair of holes is formed in the axle to establish paths of fluid communication from the fuel delivery chamber through the ducts and into the detonation chamber as the rotating arm turns. The hydrogen source comprises a thin palladium binding layer deposited onto an aluminum sheet. Hydrogen molecules that are trapped in the binding layer are released, and the hydrogen is fed into the delivery chamber, through one duct and into the detonation chamber. At the same time, oxygen is delivered into the detonation chamber through the other duct, and the oxygen-hydrogen combination is detonated to release energy, which is converted into mechanical energy.

Abstract: Hydro-carbon nanorings may be used, e.g., in power storage power transmission and transportation. Sufficiently cooled, an externally hydrogen doped carbon nanoring may be used to create a radial dipole containment field for electrons rotating in the nanoring. Such nanorings may transmit DC current with little or no loss. Similarly, an internally hydrogen doped carbon nanoring may be used to create a radial dipole containment field for positrons rotating in the nanoring. Virtually lossless transmission of AC current may be achieved by pairing such streams of electrons and positrons in their respective containment fields. Closed rotation of such streams may also be used to efficiently store large amounts of electrical energy. Finally, by selectively accelerating and decelerating pairs of such paired electron and positron streams, which are moving at relativistic speeds, differential momentum may be created to cause physical movement.

Abstract: The Hall effect plasma thruster comprises a main annular channel (120) for ionization and acceleration that presents an open downstream end (129), at least one cathode, an annular anode concentric with the main annular channel (120), a pipe and a manifold for feeding the channel (120) with ionizable gas, and a magnetic circuit for creating a magnetic field in said main annular channel (120). The main annular channel (120) comprises inner and outer annular wall portions (127, 128) situated in the vicinity of said open end (129), each of which comprises an assembly of juxtaposed conductive or semi-conductive rings (150) in the form of laminations separated by fine layers of insulation (152).

Abstract: According to the invention, a plurality of embossments (20) having a rectangular section is provided at the inner periphery of the outlet opening (7) of the fan duct (12), said embossments being separated by longitudinal channels (21) having a convergent (22C) and a divergent (22D) for the cold flow (9).

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an accessory gearbox within an engine pylon. The accessory components may be mounted within the engine pylon to save weight and space within the core nacelle as well as provide a relatively lower temperature operating environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of a flight vehicle are provided, as are embodiments of a method for manufacturing a flight vehicle. In one embodiment, the flight vehicle includes a solid-propellant rocket motor, control circuitry, and an electrically-interconnective support structure. The electrically-interconnective support structure includes a load-bearing frame and a plurality of electrical conductors embedded within the load-bearing frame. The solid-propellant rocket motor is mounted to the load-bearing frame, and the plurality of electrical conductors embedded within the frame electrically couples the solid-propellant rocket motor to the control circuitry.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine having an exhaust port, an exhaust system for conditioning an engine exhaust stream, a nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor positioned within the exhaust stream, and a controller. The controller has an out-of-range diagnostic tool for evaluating a range performance of the sensor. The controller detects a predetermined engine-on fuel shutoff event, and then temporarily disables the diagnostic tool during the fuel shutoff event. The fuel shutoff event may be a vehicle deceleration-based event. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device may be positioned within the exhaust system, with at least one NOx sensor positioned at the outlet of the SCR device. An additional NOx sensor may be positioned in proximity to the exhaust port. A method for use aboard the above vehicle includes detecting the engine-on fuel shutoff event via the controller, and temporarily disabling the diagnostic tool for the duration of the detected fuel shutoff event.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treating system for a gasoline engine, comprising an exhaust gas manifold comprising an annular reforming catalyst mounted within an annular housing and fuel supply means in direct fluid connection with the catalyst, an outlet for reformed fuel products in direct fluid connection with the catalyst, and means to permit a proportion of the engine-out exhaust gases to enter the annular catalyst to mix with fuel from the fuel supply means and to pass through the catalyst, the annular housing being located such that hot engine-out exhaust gases can flow around and through the centre of the housing, such that heat is transferred from the exhaust gases to the catalyst within the housing. The reformate may be passed to the inlet side of the engine, to improve overall efficiency of the engine, and/or may be mixed with exhaust gas before catalytic aftertreatment, to improve the control of emissions.

Abstract: An exhaust flow divider is interposed between a head and an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust flow divider may be configured to maintain separation between two exhaust streams flowing from a cylinder of the engine through the head until, e.g., the exhaust exits the head and flows into the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A computerized method includes receiving signals from a particulate matter sensor relating to an amount of particulates at a point in time within a time period in a diesel engine exhaust stream, calculating one or more running statistical parameters relating to a particle mass in the diesel engine exhaust stream, determining an upper control limit for the amount of particulates, receiving a threshold for an allowable amount of particulates in the diesel engine exhaust stream, comparing the threshold to one or more of (a) a current instantaneous particulate reading from the particulate matter sensor and (b) the upper control limit for the amount of particulates, and generating an output signal when one or more of the current instantaneous particulate reading and the upper control limit for the amount of particulates are above the threshold.

Abstract: Control methods for regenerating particulate filter and an apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with and configured to receive exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, and a particulate filter assembly in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and configured to receive exhaust gas flowing therethrough. The particulate filter assembly includes a particulate filter to remove particulates from the exhaust gas, a heater device disposed near a front face of the particulate filter, to supply heat for regeneration of the particulate filter after shut-off of the internal combustion engine, and an air pump to input air into the particulate filter to transfer the supplied heat from the heater device to the particulate filter.

Abstract: An exhaust gas after treatment system for an engine comprises an oxidation catalyst NOx adsorber wherein an oxidation catalyst compound and a NOx adsorber compound are disposed. A fuel injector is connected to and is in fluid communication with the oxidation catalyst NOx adsorber device for delivery of a hydrocarbon fuel thereto and an air pump is connected to and is in fluid communication with the oxidation catalyst NOx adsorber device for delivery of air thereto. The fuel injector and the air pump supply fuel and air to the oxidation catalyst NOx adsorber device for oxidation thereof and heating of the NOx adsorber compound to a NOx release temperature following shut down of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method to improve NOx reduction in diesel engine exhausts by selective catalytic reduction using reductants comprising hydrocarbons, comprising passing the exhaust gases through a series of zones, said zones comprising a first zone in which a first catalyst is located that promotes HC SCR, to yield a first product gas; a second zone through which the first product gas is passed and in which a second catalyst is located that promotes the H2-promoted HC SCR reaction to produce a second product gas and a third zone through which the second product gas is passed and in which a third catalyst is located that promotes CO/H2 SCR to yield a final, NOx-depleted, exhaust gas, and admixing a reformate gas comprising CO and H2 with one or more of the exhaust gases, the first product gas and the second product gas. The use of the series of catalysts offers a sound alternative to urea-based SCR, without requiring a source and storage of urea.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas post treatment system for an internal combustion engine, including an intake device for taking hydrocarbons into an exhaust gas pipe carrying the exhaust process gas from the internal combustion engine and a treatment device through which exhaust process gas flows downstream of the intake location and which increases the exhaust process gas temperature by means of oxidation of the hydrocarbons taken in. The invention specifies an exhaust gas post treatment system and a method for operating such an exhaust gas post treatment system which can be implemented cost-effectively.