Abstract: A system for constructing a structure, such as a wall, by assembling a plurality of interlocking panels together, is provided. Each of the panels includes a core made of an insulating material, preferably, an expanded polystyrene (EPS). Importantly, the panels include stiffeners (studs) on the outer surfaces; each spaced, preferably, about 24 inches on center (OC), to form a rigid exoskeleton. Unlike in conventional wood framing, the studs do not extend from the exterior surface to the interior surface. Instead, the studs are each structured as C-shaped supports wherein each stud is inserted into a grove pair cut into the core. Accordingly, conduction across the studs from the exterior to the interior, and vice versa, does not occur because the studs do not extend through the panels.

Abstract: A seal plate for building panels includes an elongate body having a first side and a second side. The first side of the elongate body includes first and second seals and a recessed channel. The first and second seals and the recessed channel extend at least a portion of the length of the elongate body. The recessed channel is positioned between the first and second seals.

Abstract: A lath and rain screen assembly for fastening to an exterior building surface or the like is provided. The lath and rain screen assembly comprises (a) a rain screen having a first side and a second side and defining a first plane, the first side including a plurality of first side spacer elements extending outwardly in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane; and (b) a lath defining a second plane spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first plane, the lath being operatively attached to an outermost surface of each of the first side spacer elements positioned adjacent the second plane. In certain embodiments, the lath and rain screen assembly further comprises a plurality of second side spacer elements extending outwardly in a second direction. A method of applying the lath and rain screen assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An under deck drainage system for use with a deck. The system includes at least one starter strip mounted to one or more joists of the deck, a plurality of clips coupled with the starter strip, where the clips are slidable along the starter strip. The system further includes an elongate channel member coupled with at least one of the plurality of clips, and the elongate channel member has at least one channel therein.

Abstract: A board with preformed seals. In an exemplary embodiment, a sealing material is applied to at least one edge of a board to form a preformed seal on that edge. The board is configured such that when the board is attached to a frame adjacent to a another board, at least a portion of the sealing material applied to the edge of the board seals against at least a portion of an edge another board. In one exemplary embodiment, the boards are configured to seal against edges of substantially identical boards. A plurality of the sheathing boards may be installed on a building frame to form a sheathing system that provides a moisture and/or gas barrier between and interior and exterior of a building.

Abstract: A modular construction system is made of a plurality of panels having peripheral frame elements defining a top channel, a bottom channel and side channels. An exterior planar sheet and an interior planar sheet enclose an inner core region that is filled with an adhesive bonding material that attaches the components together.

Abstract: A folded slatwall insert is provided. A slatwall cover is illustrated anchored to a typical slatwall and covering at least one slat of the slatwall. A folded slatwall insert as disclosed prevents surface damage to a typical slatwall, allows for rapid and cost effective customization of the aesthetics of the slatwall, and can be used to mount custom graphics to the slatwall.

Abstract: A system and method of attaching a natural stone to a wall surface includes attaching a piece of natural stone to a base plate so as to leave at least a portion of the base plate uncovered by the piece of natural stone and attaching the base plate to the wall surface with a fastener extending through the uncovered portion of the base plate.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a wall construction panel, comprising: a pair of walls connected by a plurality of stringers that allow the walls to be opened from a folded flat configuration to a popped open configuration; wherein the folded flat configuration allows for compact shipping; wherein the popped open configuration allows the walls to be filled with one or more tilling materials to provide strength, mass and/or impact resistance to the panel.

Abstract: A welded wire mesh for use in securing stucco, plaster or other exterior finishing material to a building wall or other structure wherein the mesh comprises a matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending wires. The wires define intersections where the transversely extending wires are welded to the transversely extending wires and a plurality of deformations are formed in at least a portion of the wires between the intersections. The deformations cooperate with the stucco, plaster or other exterior finishing material to define a mechanical locking keys therebetween. The mesh can be disposed adjacent a flexible backing for providing a water vapor barrier, fire retardant or other desired property to the lath.

Abstract: The reflective drywall panel to reduce radiant heat transfer is a drywall panel constructed with a reflective surface on one side thereof. The reflective surface functions to reflect radiant heat waves into a space during heating season or away from the space during cooling season. The reflective surface is fabricated from a plastic-metal sheet having a shiny surface. The sheet is attached to the back side (stud side) of a drywall or ceiling panel.

Abstract: A wall panel that can be secured along an associated wall structure is formed from a thin-walled material having a substantially uniform thickness. The wall panel includes first and second longitudinally-extending edges, and first, second and third wall portions. A first interengagement feature extends lengthwise along the first wall portion, and a second interengagement feature extends lengthwise along the second wall portion. The first and second interengagement features are dimensioned to cooperate with one another to operatively provide a non-visual indicator of a positive interengagement between two wall panels. A wall panel kit and a method of manufacture are also included.

Abstract: A covering unit for use in combination with similar units for covering a surface with a natural random look, the unit having an hexagonal body comprising first, second and third pairs of opposed and parallel sides. Each side has a central point of angular symmetry. The second and third pairs are similar to each other while the first pair is different from the others. The sides of the second and third pairs are provided with at least one split deviation along their length arranged so that each side of the second pair is a rotational image of the sides of the third pair, whereby in use in combination with other covering units: each side is matingly engageable with the sides of an equivalent pair of a neighbouring unit; and the unit has a central point of angular symmetry and is matingly engageable with a plurality of neighbouring unit.

Abstract: A flange component used to secure a first panel to a second panel including a first section to be affixed to the first panel and a second section to be affixed to the second panel. The second section is integrally formed with the first section, which has a length dimension that is longer than a length dimension of the second section forming first and second tabs. The second section of the flange component is integral to an intermediate section between the first and second tabs. The second tab is offset relative to the intermediate section and first tab whereby when the first section is attached to the first panel, a space is formed between the second tab and the first panel. A first tab of an adjacent flange component is inserted this space, and the second section protrudes from a periphery of the first panel for receiving the second panel.

Abstract: A mounting clip and wall panel assembly is dimensioned for securement along an associated wall structure. The wall panel is formed from a thin-walled material having a substantially uniform thickness. The wall panel has a longitudinally-extending length, and includes first and second longitudinally-extending edges with a mounting wall portion extending lengthwise along the first edge. The mounting clip includes a fastener portion dimensioned for securement along the associated wall structure, and a panel-engaging portion configured to interengage the mounting wall portion of the wall panel. A mounting clip and wall panel kit, and a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and fanned with a snap-together joint.

Abstract: A construction system using framing components in the shape of a double-Y member wherein two longitudinal members which are connected to form a right angle are then connected to one end of a third longer longitudinal member at the vertex of the pair. Another pair is connected at the other end of the longer member, thus forming a Y-shape at each end and wherein all five longitudinal members are co-planar. Multiple ones of these double Y elements are joined at the ends of the double Y, each double-Y element being rotated 90° before joining to the next one. The resulting construction yields a three dimensional framework which defines a repeating pattern of volumetric shapes which all fall into one of two categories: cubes and rhombicuboctahedrons (a 26 sided three dimensional shape which can be described as a cube which has been mitered at each corner and each edge).

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements to building construction. Particularly, the present invention relates to a structural unit for the use in building construction of floors, roofs and walls of a building. There is provided a structural unit for a building comprising: at least one truss; at least one fibrous cementitious building element; and at least one connection member configured to connect the at least one truss to the at least one fibrous cementitious building element, wherein, the connection member is integral with the building element and accessible for connection of the at least one truss to the building element. Also claimed is a method of constructing the structural unit.

Abstract: A method of assembling an adjustable frame assembly for supporting a fenestration article includes the steps of sliding sections of each rail member along adjustment splices to adjust a width of the adjustable frame assembly and/or sliding sections of stile members along adjustment splices to adjust a height of the adjustable frame assembly. The fenestration article is disposed along a wall and at least partially within a groove of the rail member and stile member. A plurality of rail clips are inserted into the groove of each rail member to secure the fenestration article to each rail member. A plurality of stile clips are inserted into the groove of each stile member to secure the fenestration article to each stile member. The rail clips are disposed adjacent the stile clips to prevent adjustment of the width and/or height of the adjustable frame assembly resulting from compression forces.

Abstract: Structures for supporting and aligning a reinforcing bar (“rebar”) during the construction of a column, beam or other structure in which the rebar is laid out in parallel to an axis. One such structure includes a support structure having a square ring, where the corners of the square ring include a rebar receptacle configured to receive a reinforcing bar. The rebar receptacle includes an opening through which the reinforcing bar can be inserted, where the opening is configured to allow the reinforcing bar to enter the rebar receptacle and further configured to retain the reinforcing bar after the reinforcing bar has been seated due to the width of the opening being less than a diameter of the reinforcing bar.

Abstract: A support structure for retaining a reinforcing bar (“rebar”) in stacked layers. Such a structure includes a first support structure retaining a first rebar for a first mat. The support structure further includes a second support structure retaining a second rebar for a second mat. The first support structure and the second support structure can have similar configurations. The second support structure includes a first layer engaging portion, a second layer engaging portion and a support portion for connecting said engaging portions. The second layer engaging portion may include a reinforcing receptacle which includes a channel open to receive a rebar. The channel is defined by sidewalls that extend radially outward from an inner end receptacle. The sidewalls spread so that the rebar can pass retaining features on the walls of the channel and rest in a bar retaining portion as the rebar moves down the channel.

Abstract: An improved connection between supporting and supported structural members, particularly between the sheathing and framing members of curtain walls.

Abstract: An installation tool for a fence post has a body having a front wall, a top wall, and side walls extending from the top wall and a rear wall. A groove is formed in the front wall. A block is positioned within the front wall. The groove extends around the block. The groove has inner walls for accommodating a post of a first dimension. The block has outer walls for accommodating a post of a second dimension, where the first dimension and the second dimension are different from each other.

Abstract: A masonry wall is constructed of multiple courses of bricks, concrete blocks or other masonry units. A single-component urethane closed cell foam material is employed as bonding agent and is applied to the facing surfaces of the masonry units. The single-component material cures by absorbing water from its environment. The material sets up slowly to permit the mason to adjust positions of the masonry blocks, and cures to hardness in about a day. The amine in the single component material exchanges water molecules from alumina in the masonry units, and permits strong alumina-amine bonding. The blocks may favorably be formed of a pair of masonry faces with a foam core sandwiched between them.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable and easy to use device for measuring and cutting a starter course set for shingling a roof.

Abstract: Vacuum-insulated glass windows include two or more glass panes, and glass-bump spacers formed in a surface of one of the panes. The glass-bump spacers consist of the glass material from the body portion of the glass pane. At least one of the glass panes comprises chemically-strengthened glass. Methods of forming VIG windows include forming the glass-bump spacers by irradiating a glass pane with a focused beam from a laser. Heating effects in the glass cause the glass to locally expand, thereby forming a glass-bump spacer. In embodiments where the glass-bump spacers are formed in a chemically-strengthened glass pane, the glass-bump spacers may be formed before or after the chemical strengthening. A second glass pane is brought into contact with the glass-bump spacers, and the edges sealed. The resulting sealed interior region is evacuated to a pressure of less than one atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a sampling control station for a containers or bottles filling plant and to a containers or bottles filling plant comprising the same. The sampling control station according to the present invention comprises at least one grasping and transporting group (22) for picking up containers or bottles (16) from conveying means (18) and transporting them to at least one measuring module (21?,21?,21??), the containers or bottles (16) being provided with a body tapered into a neck and ending with a mouth, wherein an annular ribbing (19) is foreseen at the mouth, and it is characterised in that the grasping and transporting group (22) comprises gripping means (23) connected to a mobile support structure (30), the gripping means (23) being mobile between a gripping position, in which they are engaged with the neck of the container (16) at and below the annular ribbing (19), and a release position in which they are not engaged with the container (16).

Abstract: A secondary containment system (1) for installing around a ground-based primary vessel (6), the secondary containment system comprising a bund (2) having a base panel (3) and an endless wall (4) defining an enclosure. The bund (2) is made from several prefabricated sections (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), each pre-fabricated section being itself made from one of more component parts (31-34, 41-48). When the pre-fabricated sections are assembled around the primary vessel a central opening (3b) is defined in the base panel (3), whereby inner edges (30) of the base panel (3) which define the central opening (3b) surround the primary vessel (6). The inner edges (30) are hermetically fastened to a substrate surface (50) on which the primary vessel (6) and the bund (2) are installed to form a continuous liquid-impermeable surface. The bund (2) also comprises a fire-proof cover (100, 170) covering the wall (4) for fire and UV protection.

Abstract: An ice vending apparatus adapted to remove moisture from ice pieces during dispensing, which apparatus includes a ramp having a lower lip and being adapted to transfer a quantity of ice pieces from a holding vessel to a container; and a channel having an upwardly facing opening that is in operative association with the ramp and arranged so that moisture is adapted to flow around the lower lip of the ramp into the channel while excluding the ice pieces so as to separate at least a portion of the moisture from the ice pieces as the ice pieces are transferred to the container. Methods of providing ice pieces, particularly with reduction of associated moisture to a consumer, are also described.

Abstract: A cargo shipping system is provided with a steam dispersion system, a cargo carrier and a shipping container. The steam dispersion system may include a manifold and a plurality of steam diffusers for expelling steam into the shipping container in order to heat the entire surface area of the cargo carrier substantially, instantaneously and completely in order to heat a liquid cargo within the cargo carrier. Methods of making and using the steam dispersion system are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transporting a plurality of beverage containers. The apparatus may include first, second, third, and fourth sides, and a floor. The first, second, third, and fourth sides may be attached to the floor so that the first second, third and fourth sides can pivot with respect to the floor, and so that each can be placed in a first state in which each is parallel with respect to the floor and in a second state in which each is at a ninety degree angle with respect to the floor. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth sides may have a bottom protrusion which can be adhered to the floor in the second state, to hold at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth sides in the second state.

Abstract: There is provided a method for packing a pellicle container in plastic resin bags, which is meant to prevent foreign particles from reaching the pellicle container and eventually the product pellicle; the points of the invention lie in that bags are either antistatic or of special cleanroom-use grade prepared and preserved in a cleanroom environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for storing and accessing a variety of different cooking spices. The method includes the steps of providing an outer container, introducing a cover that fits over the outer container, inserting a plurality of spice storage containers positioned within the outer container whereby each spice storage container has a top opening, providing at least one of the spice storage containers with a cover that extends across and covers only part of the top opening of the spice container and defines an edge that extends across the spice container opening, removing the cover of the outer container, inserting a means for measuring spices into one of the spice storage container, and removing the means for measuring and leveling the amount of spice by sliding the means for measuring along the defined edge.

Abstract: Multi-stage gas packaging systems and methods are provided that may be implemented in a first bulk packaging stage for bulk shipping of multiple items and then converted to a second single pack stage for single item shipment in an environment that is totally different from the bulk shipment environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for forming, filling and closing bags provided with respectively one pouring device, comprising a device (23) for forming a tube (25) from at least one material web (12), a filling device (28) for filling the tube (25) and/or the bags (5) and a cross-seam sealing and separating device (33) for separating respectively one bag (5) from the tube (5). According to the invention, said device (23) for forming the tube (25) comprises a forming device (24) which forms the tube (25) from one single material web (12) and the filling device (28) fills the tube (25) with the filling material over the entire cross-section of the tube (25) and one outer part (4) of the of the pouring device (1) is joined to the material web (12) after forming the tube (25).

Abstract: An exhaust gas filter for a vehicle having a heat engine that includes, inside a filter body, at least one soot-filtering pleated medium, and a mechanism for unsealing the medium.

Abstract: A fat or grease filter for a ventilator or exhaust hood is provided, and includes a cartridge assembly that is removably attached to a tube assembly. The cartridge assembly includes at least one helix assembly that is received in an associated tube of the tube assembly. The at least one helix assembly located inside the associated tube defines a first helical air path between an inlet located at an upper front side of the tube assembly and a bottom equalizer manifold connected to the associated tube, and a second helical air path between the equalizer manifold and an outlet located at an upper back side of the tube assembly. The equalizer manifold directs the air flow from the first to the second helical air path. Centrifugal force created within the first and second helical air paths causes fatty particles to separate from the airstream and stick inside the tube.

Abstract: A dust collecting structure for an air-cooling electric apparatus includes a plurality of first vortex generating members which are disposed at a predetermined interval in a case and form a plurality of suction inlets; and a plurality of second vortex generating members which are disposed in an inner direction of the case and are spaced a predetermined distance apart from the suction inlets, wherein each of the first vortex generating members projects inside the case and has a shape that allows the air, which is sucked through the suction inlets by a suction fan, to generate a vortex near a rear end of the first vortex generating member, and wherein each of the second vortex generating members has a shape that divides the air into air streams and allows the air streams to generate a vortex near a rear end of the second vortex generating member.

Abstract: A metal honeycomb structure includes planar and corrugated sheets brazed together at first and second joining portions made of brazing materials applied to the corrugated sheet. The first and second joining portions are located proximate exhaust inlet and outlet of the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb further includes a joining strip joined to a metal outer tube. The joining strip is made of a brazing material applied to an inner wall of the metal outer tube. The second joining portion overlaps the joining strip and has a brazing length larger than a brazing length of the first joining portion which does not overlap the joining strip.

Abstract: A riding mower includes a pair of right and left front wheels; a pair of right and left rear wheels; a driver's seat provided between the rear wheels and the front wheels; an engine provided in the rear of the driver's seat; and a mower provided under the driver's seat. The riding mower is capable of being mounted with a fuel gas cylinder sideways on a side of the engine in which an operation section of the fuel gas cylinder faces backward. The riding mower further includes a guard member that is opposed to a rear surface of the fuel gas cylinder and is switchable between a protection position to cover the rear side of the operation section and an open position to open the rear surface of the fuel gas cylinder.

Abstract: A windrow merger includes a plurality of rotationally driven tines, a rotation imparted to the tines being a cammed rotation, the camming of the rotation effecting a varying rotational speed of the tines. Further, the windrow merger has an internal drive assembly, the drive assembly being disposed generally in an internal aperture defined internal to a plurality of rotatable tines.

Abstract: The present invention is a rake, comprising a tongue assembly and a wheel assembly operably coupled to the tongue assembly and being rotationally shiftable relative to the tongue assembly and the wheel assembly mounting a pair of rake assemblies. Each of the pair of rake assemblies is disposable in a generally horizontal disposition when the rake is in a transport disposition, the generally horizontal disposition being effected in part by the rotational shifting of the wheel assembly when transitioning between a working disposition and the transport disposition. The present invention is further a method of disposing the aforementioned rake in the transport disposition.

Abstract: Synthesis gas (syngas) gasified in a gasification furnace to which coal is introduced burns in a combustor. An exhaust-heat recovery boiler generates steam by using exhaust gas let out from a gas turbine equipped with the combustor. The steam generated in the exhaust-heat recovery boiler is introduced to a steam turbine. A generator is driven by the steam turbine and the gas turbine to generate electrical power. Part of the exhaust gas let out from the gas turbine is introduced to a carbon-dioxide recovery unit, where carbon dioxide is recovered therefrom. Coal is carried to the gasification furnace by the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided and includes an outer annulus defined by an exterior wall and an interior wall and including air inlets through which air flows to a fuel mixing zone and a combustion zone, an inner annulus disposed within the interior wall and including a fuel volume into which fuel is fed to a distal end thereof, which is adjacent to and isolated from the combustion zone and an airflow line, disposed between the fuel volume and the interior wall, through which air flows to the combustion zone with the airflow line and the combustion zone isolated from the fuel volume, and a fuse configured to melt during a flameholding incident and to form a breach through which fuel flows from the fuel volume, bypassing the fuel mixing zone, to a fuel burning zone downstream from the fuel mixing zone.

Abstract: The purpose is to develop, design a very inexpensive rocket to “clean up” the expendable debris orbiting the earth. This liter is a serious pollution of space and a threat to working satellites and the space station. Develop an inexpensive rocket engine with optimum efficiency conversion: propellants-chemicals to acquire the maximum thrust generation offering an inexpensive means to acquire low orbit to space. Parameters selected to minimize fuel consumption: by trying different hydrogen-oxygen mixture ratios. A critical design requirement for the Clean Up space engine is the ease to start and operate reliably in the cold vacuum conditions of space. The space engine will have a reliable pressure feed system, simplicity and dependability multiple starts.

Abstract: A core cowling for a bypass turbojet engine consisting of an internal wall (7) bathed in the main airflow (1) of said turbojet engine and an outer wall (6) bathed in the secondary airflow (2) thereof, the two walls between them forming a cavity (5) which receives the ventilation airflow originating from the hot parts of the turbojet engine to be injected into the secondary airflow through said outer wall, wherein said outer wall is pierced with multiple perforations (8) which are uniformly distributed on the circumference of said barrel and spread longitudinally along said outer wall in the direction of flow of the secondary airflow (2), so as to connect said cavity that receives the ventilation airflow to said secondary flow along at least two parallel circles of perforations.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided with a vehicle-mounted solar cell array capable of generating electrical power. The solar cell array and other elements, including a metal substrate catalytic convertor form a system for reducing exhaust gas emissions from the vehicle in which the power from the array is applied to minimize exhaust emissions. A primary application of the solar cell array-generated power is to preheat the catalytic convertor to a preferred operating temperature prior to engine start. But the power from the solar cells, directed by a controller, may also be applied to charge the battery or to power electric power receiving devices, for example, to control cabin temperatures. The preferred allocation of the solar power available depends on a number of factors including the state of charge of the batteries, and the time of anticipated next use of the vehicle.

Abstract: An engine system includes an electronically controlled compression ignition engine configured to burn diesel fuel to produce an exhaust with a temperature and NOx to soot ratio. An aftertreatment system is fluidly connected to the engine and includes a diesel oxidation catalyst, a reductant supply, and a diesel particulate filter coated with a NOx reduction catalyst but not the diesel oxidation catalyst. A soot load density in the diesel particulate filter is stabilized by oxidizing soot at about a same rate as the compression ignition engine is supplying soot to the aftertreatment system without active regeneration. A NOx reduction reaction is catalyzed by the NOx reduction catalyst on the diesel particulate filter.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle, includes a conversion temperature determination module and a heating control module. The conversion temperature determination module generates a methane conversion temperature corresponding to a predetermined methane conversion efficiency. The heating control module selectively applies power to a substrate of an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) based on a temperature of the EHC and the methane conversion temperature. The EHC includes at least one catalyst that reacts with methane in exhaust output from an engine.

Abstract: A method and device for raising the temperature of exhaust gas from an engine by increasing parasitic loading on the engine without significantly increasing engine speed. This may be accomplished by increasing a demand on a hydraulic fan powered by a variable displacement hydraulic pump and meeting the demand by adjusting the displacement for the variable displacement hydraulic pump.