Abstract: A dormitory module comprising components erectable from a flat pack to define a free standing wall structure of interconnected panels to define an enclosure with an open side arranged to be closed by a screen or door, at least one of the wall panels being pre wired to lighting and at least one power socket whereby assembly of the panels completes an electrical circuit from the lighting and power socket to an outlet lead that can be coupled to a main supply to provide power to the module.

Abstract: A building assembly utilized in connecting building members together while permitting limited relative movement between the members. The assembly includes a structure such as a track or plate that includes one or more longitudinal slots. Integrally formed in the longitudinal slot is a breakaway washer that receives a fastener that extends into an adjacent structure. When a certain force is applied to the breakaway washer, the breakaway washer breaks away from the slot and this permits the slot to move about the breakaway washer and fastener which results in there being relative movement between two connected structures.

Abstract: A modular assembly capable of converting from a shipping container configuration into a building unit, and from a building unit into a shipping container configuration. From the shipping container configuration, a plurality of frame panels and unit panels moveably connected to a frame of the modular assembly are selectively positioned to form the floors, walls, and ceilings of the building unit configuration thereby forming a living and/or commercial structure complete with electrical, water and sewage connections. The assembly may include an automated erection system, which may include a system of electric motors, gears, pulleys, cables, automated mechanical arms and electronic controls, located within the container structure of the modular assembly, and which interact with a plurality of frame panels and unit panels to deploy and retract the plurality of frame panels and unit panels for constructing the shipping container configuration and building unit configuration.

Abstract: An active dynamic vibration absorber 1 includes a weight 2; a frame 3 which is adjacent to the weight 2 in such a manner as to surround the weight 2 with clearances X1 and Y1; a holding mechanism 4 which is interposed between the weight 2 and the frame 3 and holds the weight 2 movably in an X direction with respect to the frame 3, while holding the weight 2 immovably in a Y direction and a vertical direction V; a detecting means 5 for detecting the relative vibration of a predetermined value in the X direction of the weight 2 with respect to the frame 3; and a moving means 6 for relatively moving the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 on the basis of a detection signal from the detecting means 5 such that the relative movement of the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 is allowed, while the vibrational displacement of the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a self-centering energy dissipative brace apparatus. A bracing system is often needed to stabilize, strengthen or stiffen structures such as buildings which are subjected to severe or extreme conditions. The brace apparatus may be installed in a structure to dissipate input energy and minimize residual deformations related to exceptional loading imposed on the structure by winds, earthquakes, impacts or explosions. The apparatus integrates self-centering properties and energy dissipative capacities which help minimize structural damage.

Abstract: A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular mat having an integral main body with offset mounting and assembly flanges and a lattice interior. The mat is constructed from a unitary piece of high strength plastic. Each flange edge contains an outward radiused edge, while each non-flange edge contains an inward radiused edge. Each flange engages with a corresponding flange on an adjacent tile, allowing the outward radiused and inward radiused edges to properly mate. One or more metal cam locks located along the upper flange edges are secured into corresponding cam receptacles located along the lower flange edge. The mats may utilize optional top covers to prevent water and debris from entering the mats. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface in heavy industrial applications.

Abstract: A deck assembly uses plurality of joists preferably formed from metal located side by side and each having a web portion and a deck portion integrally formed with the web portion. The deck portion extends laterally from the web portion and the joists are spaced from one another such that the deck portions from a continuous deck surface with the joists being connected to one another.

Abstract: A tread module (10) for a walkway or stairway includes a body of material which defines a load-carrying surface (14), the tread module including at least two sub-module sections (20,21,22) which are formed integrally with one another and inter-connected by at least one severable formation (23) whereby the tread module may be reduced in size by severance of the severable formation(s).

Abstract: A hollow column having a wall surrounding an inner space is erected. Pre-stressing cables comprising tendons and two cable terminations are pre-assembled. Each tendon is contained in a respective jacket with a protective substance. Each cable termination comprises a block for anchoring each tendon of a pre-stressing cable, a chamber filled with a protective substance on a rear side of the block and a sealing system closing the chamber opposite the block. Each tendon of the pre-stressing cable extends through the sealing system and has its jacket interrupted in the chamber. The pre-assembled pre-stressing cables are installed in the inner space of the hollow column, with the two terminations of each cable bearing against abutment portions provided at the upper and lower parts of the column. The pre-stressing cables can then be tensioned.

Abstract: A roof product has a thermal heat storage layer, a vent layer with channels for transferring excess heat through a length of the roof product, and a flame retardant to suppress fire through the vent layer. These three materials form a unitary structure. The roof product may have a radiant layer, the thermal heat storage layer and the vent layer to form the unitary structure. The roof products are assembled in an abutting configuration on the roof of a building. The vent layer vents excess heat from an eave of the roof up to a ridge of the roof and out to atmosphere. The roof products manage thermal energy in the roof by storing thermal heat with the unitary roof product during a heating cycle; venting excess heat through the unitary product; and releasing the stored thermal heat from the unitary product into or out of the building during a cooling cycle.

Abstract: A cladding system for cladding a supporting wall is disclosed. The cladding system includes a plurality of building blocks, each having a body and a facing; and a plurality of support brackets for mounting the blocks on the supporting wall in a plurality of adjoining horizontal rows. The body of each block includes engagement means for engaging at least one of the support brackets such that, in use, at least a part of the body of each block abuts at least a part of the body of a neighbouring block in an adjoining row so as to guard against water penetration between the rows.

Abstract: A panel for forming a covering, more particularly a floor panel for forming a floor covering, which at least at two opposite edges, comprises coupling parts arranged to couple two of such panels to each other by means of a downward movement of one panel in respect to the other. The coupling parts form a first locking system arranged to lock in the plane of the panels and perpendicularly to the edges, as well as form a second locking system, which effects a locking perpendicularly to the plane of the panels. At least one of the coupling parts is formed at least partially from soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride), as well as at least partially formed from a milled profiled part of the soft PVC.

Abstract: Floor panel of the type comprising a hard top layer forming a decorative surface, from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels, a floor covering can be formed, wherein this floor panel includes at least one sound-absorbing layer which is integrated into the floor panel and is located between other layers of this floor panel.

Abstract: A disk shaped modular floor tile includes three sets of a first projection, a second projection, and a third projection wherein the second and third projections of the same set are arranged oppositely to each other; and notches each formed between any adjacent first projection and second projection, any adjacent second projection and third projection, or any adjacent third projection and first projection. The first projection has a convex edge between two adjacent notches. The notch has a concave edge formed continuously with the convex edge. Each of the second projection and the third projection comprises a convex edge formed continuously with the concave edge, a first straight edge formed continuously with the convex edge, and a second straight edge formed continuously between the first straight edge and the concave edge. The second straight edge is at an obtuse angle with respect to the first straight edge.

Abstract: Methods and systems for isolating objects from seismic vibration, isolation flooring systems, vibrational damping devices, and methods for their use are disclosed. The present invention has the advantage of having a minimum of moving parts, and being extraordinarily easy to install and inspect. In preferred embodiments, the invention is drawn to methods of isolating sensitive objects from the full extent of seismic vibrations.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes an underlay sheet, an overlay sheet, and a structural lattice layer bonded between the underlay sheet and the overlay sheet.

Abstract: A self-counterboring screw-threaded headed fastener, for the threaded insertion into an underlying fixed support or substrate in order to fixedly secure a structural component, such as, for example, an insulated metal panel (IMP), to the underlying fixed support or substrate without the need for pre-drilling a bore within the insulated metal panel (IMP), in order to accommodate the screw-threaded head of the fastener, prior to the insertion of the screw-threaded fastener into and through the insulated metal panel (IMP) for fixation within and to the underlying fixed support or substrate, is disclosed. Cutting wrench or screw-gun sockets are also disclosed for similar purposes.

Abstract: A lightweight beam may have a triangular prism core and a triaxial fabric cover wrapped around the core, with at least one rod proximate an apex of the core. The rod may extend substantially parallel to a centerline of the core. Multiple lightweight beams may be joined to form a larger lightweight structure.

Abstract: A structural element comprising a web, a pair of substantially oppositely directed flanges projecting outwardly from respective ends of the web, wherein the web comprises two or more channels formed therein, and wherein at least two of the two or more channels project into the web in opposed orientation to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for packaging a product in a packaging material. It also relates to packaged products obtained by packaging them in the packaging material that has been provided with one or more openings, in order to make it easy to open the package. The packaged products can also be provided with a cover element. A punching unit (5) is also described that comprises a rotatable backing roll (34), a rotatable punch roll (33) and a frame in which the backing roll (34) and the punch roll (33) are arranged with respect to each other, and where the punch roll (33) can rotate independently of the backing roll (34). The punch roll (33) can make one or more openings in the packaging material.

Abstract: A new blood unit cooling system was designed to cool blood rapidly to about 22° C. and maintain it at about that temperature, even in ambient temperature extremes, for several hours. The system incorporating a preferred eutectic solution including 98% -dodecanol, 1.5% myristyl alcohol and 0.5% 1-decanol (having, a melting point of about 23° C.) contained in a sealed flexible polymer layer, was used to cool whole blood-filled bags.

Abstract: A container forming assembly and method includes receiving a parison within a cavity of a mold, enclosing the parison within the mold having a wall with a recess, inflating the parison in the mold to form a blow molded container where the blow molded container has a sidewall, a movable region formed at the recess, and a hinge circumscribing an interface between the sidewall and the movable region, and moving or repositioning the movable region toward an interior of the blow molded container about the hinge before filling. The movable region can form a deep-set grip. Further, multiple movable regions can be provided, each of which may form respective deep-set grips. The container shape can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Abstract: A blank of material for use in assembling a container is provided. The blank includes four side panels each including a top edge and a bottom edge, and four bottom panels each extending from a respective one of the side panel bottom edges, such that in the assembled container, the bottom and side panels are oriented to at least partially define a compartment configured to store at least one meter therein. The blank further includes at least one securing assembly including a plurality of cutouts shaped and oriented to secure the at least one meter within the compartment in the assembled container, the securing assembly extending from the top edge of one of the side panels.

Abstract: The method and the device are used to produce filled containers. A preform (2) made of a thermoplastic material is first subjected to thermal conditioning in the area of a heating section along a transport path. Then the preform (2) is shaped into the container (11) inside a mold by applying pressure. A filling medium (21) with which the container is to be filled is used as the fluid for forming the container. The preform (2) is guided at least intermittently while the preform is shaped into the container (11).

Abstract: A flexible cellulosic fiber-based material including: a core portion having a geometrically patterned structure defining two spaced-apart substantially planar faces and providing air space therebetween, the core portion including cellulosic fiber-based walls having a core grammage; and at least one cellulosic fiber-based liner bonded to a respective one of the planar faces of the core portion and having a liner grammage lower than the core grammage, the material being flexible along a plane defined by the at least one liner.

Abstract: A meat trussing system is provided which incorporates the use of an elastomeric net to receive and restrain meats and other food components, both unitary and combinations including independent meat and/or food elements. At least one flexible wrapper is provided into which the meat and/or food products are encased forming a cylindrical circumferential wrap having a low coefficient of friction with respect to the elastomeric net. The wrapper permits a relatively easy insertion of the wrapped food products into the elastomeric net. The wrapper is preferably provided with at least one perforation adapted to be circumferentially disposed near the midpoint of the food products within the elastomeric net. A method of use includes the deformation of the meat and/or food product. In order to sever the perforation which permits the relatively easy removal of the now separated wrapper portions from between the meat and/or food products and the elastomeric net.

Abstract: Disclosed is a package having a rigid tray and a dual purpose portion that can serve either as a base for the tray or a lid for the tray. The dual purpose portion has a first grooved portion sized to be retained by a base portion of the tray, and a second grooved portion sized to be retained by an upper lip portion of the tray.

Abstract: A filling assembly for filling of a tube of packaging material having a seal starting at a first level, comprises a conduit arranged to lead liquid into the tube of packaging material below said first level and a passage arranged to eject gas through openings into the tube of packaging material below said first level. The filling assembly is characterized in that a gasket is arranged to provide a seal between said filling assembly and said tube of packaging material upstream said openings such that the overpressure P1 downstream the gasket may exceed an ambient pressure Pa upstream the gasket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packing products includes a dunnage product. The dunnage product includes a bracket engageable with a shipping container, a shaft connected to the bracket, and a number of elongated flexible members movable along the shaft. The elongated flexible members can be placed between the manufactured products during the packing process. The dunnage product is preferably reusable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of suitable sized cork stoppers for spirit wine with still wine. More particularly, relates to the use of “Bartop” stoppers with still wine bottles. The use of stoppers having a cork body which diameter size exceeds just about 0.5 to 3 mm the neck diameter of still wine bottles to be sealed, enables to keep the organoleptic attributes of wine while prevents wine leakage from bottles regardless its storing position.

Abstract: A coreless film roll product which may be used for both hand wrapping and machines wrapping with or without retrofitting stabilizing components.

Abstract: A handy spur structure related to a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/7261860 includes: a spur main body, which is a curved rigid body adapted to a configuration of a heel section of a rider's shoe/boot, the spur main body having at least one post outward protruding from a middle section of the spur main body; and a soft and elastic lining member disposed on a portion of an inner circumference of the spur main body that is closer to a lower edge thereof. Multiple recessed/raised anti-slip stripes are formed on a surface of the lining member. The junction face between the spur main body and the lining member is more approximately orthogonal to the direction of the action force when treading on a horse's belly, whereby the possibility of peeling of the lining member from the spur main body along the junction face is minimized.

Abstract: A handheld cleaning appliance includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from an airflow in an airflow path leading from the air inlet to the air outlet. The separating apparatus includes a cyclonic separator having at least one first cyclone and a plurality of second cyclones arranged in parallel with one another and located downstream of the first cyclone. By providing a cyclonic separator having a plurality of second cyclones in parallel, the handheld cleaning appliance is capable of separating fine dirt and dust particles without using barriers such as filters or bags which need maintenance to ensure that performance remains high over a period of time.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a motor-vehicle air cleaner includes a main filter, an auxiliary filter set apart from the main filter, and a filter mount fixed to and configured to support the main filter and the auxiliary filter. In one embodiment, the filter mount is fittable in and removable from a housing of the air cleaner, and comprises a sealing element passing between the main filter and the auxiliary filter.

Abstract: A filter element for filtering fluids has a support tube having a circumferential wall provided with passages for a fluid. A hollow elongate filter medium is arranged axially on the support tube. The passages are adapted in regard to size; distribution; or size and distribution to a fluidic configuration of the filter element such that non-uniform fluid flows that exist in operation of the filter element upstream of the support tube are compensated. The filter element is used in particular in air filters for internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A wire mesh mist collector pad having multiple density zones, the zones being arranged other than to provide a constantly increasing density gradient, provides a reduced pressure drop and increased capacity. For example, the pad can include at least three zones with the zones arranged so that the density gradient in the direction of gas flow through the pad varies from low to high to low or from high to low to high.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lawn mower (1), which has cutting width adjustment mechanism, cutter housings articulating mechanism and which provides convenient servicing and storage positions. The lawn mower (1) comprises a seat (3) defining an operator position, a front mounted cutting deck (8), and at least a first cutter bar enclosed in a first cutter housing (12) rotatable about a first vertical axle (Y1) and a second cutter bar enclosed in a second cutter housing (13) rotatable about a second vertical axle (Y2), a hinge mechanism for connecting footplates (6a-6b) to the lawn mower (1), a pivot support arm (5) for connecting a steering wheel (4) to the lawn mower (1), a movable arm (10) for lifting the lawn mower (1) to an upright position, the first and second axles (Y1, Y2) being spaced from each other by a transversal distance (d), wherein the transversal distance (d) between the axles (Y1, Y2) can be adjusted to increase or decrease.

Abstract: A compression roll housing (1) for an agricultural machine having opposing front and rear ends (11b, 12) for connection to parts of the machine, an upper and a lower panel (16) and two opposing side panels (15). Each of said side panels is provided with at least one substantially vertical elongated aperture (7) for receiving a shaft (3) of a compression roll (2a). Each of the side panels is also provided with a horizontal aperture (8) which extends across the at least one elongated aperture to the front or rear end of the housing.

Abstract: A harvesting header includes a header frame, a cutterbar assembly mounted to the header frame, and a conveyor assembly supported behind the cutterbar assembly to receive crop severed by the cutterbar assembly. The conveyor assembly includes a pair of side conveyors and a fore-and-aft draper located between the side conveyors. The header further includes a central crop-conveying member that overhangs the rear margin of the fore-and-aft draper and a floor pan that at least partly defines a transition area. The floor pan presents a forwardmost edge adjacent to and rearward of the rear margin. The forwardmost edge is located above a lower run of the draper to direct severed crop materials from the upper run of the draper and to facilitate crop material flow through the transition area.

Abstract: A rope system comprising a rope structure comprising an intact portion comprising intact strands and a disassembled portion comprising loose strands. The loose strands are passed into an interior of the rope structure. Each loose strand is passed from the interior of the rope structure to the exterior of the rope structure adjacent to an associated intact strand. Each loose strand is extended along and wrapped around its associated intact strand at at least one wrap location.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment system for a power system is disclosed. The exhaust treatment system includes an exhaust conduit directing exhaust gas produced by the power system towards at least one exhaust treatment device. The exhaust treatment system may also include a substrate positioned within an enclosure of the at least one exhaust treatment device. The exhaust conduit may be configured to preheat the substrate with the exhaust gas prior to directing the exhaust gas into the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a catalyst temperature control device that can properly control a temperature of a catalyst which influences an emission performance of an internal combustion engine. A plurality of temperature measurement points are disposed continuously or dispersedly at least in a flow path direction inside the catalyst. The temperature measurement points can include not only actual measurement points where temperature sensors are disposed, but also virtual measurement points where temperature sensors are not disposed. A control point is selected from the plurality of temperature measurement points in accordance with operation conditions of the internal combustion engine, and a target value of the temperature of the catalyst is set. As a temperature at the selected control point, when the control point is the actual measurement point, an actual measurement value by the temperature sensor can be used.

Abstract: An acoustic cleaning assembly that includes a horn assembly and a generator body that is coupled to the horn assembly. The generator body includes an inner surface that at least partially defines an outlet plenum, and an opening that extends in flow communication between the horn assembly and the outlet plenum. An end cap is coupled to the generator body and includes an inner surface that at least partially defines an inlet plenum. A diaphragm is coupled between the generator body and the end cap. The diaphragm channels air from the inlet plenum to the outlet plenum to facilitate generating sound waves within the outlet plenum.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cooling system of an internal combustion engine (10) which comprises a combustion engine (12) having at least two cylinder banks (14, 16) and a number of exhaust gas exchangers (18, 20) identical to the number of cylinder banks, as well as a retarder connection, wherein the cooling system can be flown through by a fluid serving as coolant in a preferred flow direction and comprises a cooling system trunk section (30) and a number of cooling system branch sections identical to the number of the cylinder banks (14, 16) of the combustion engine (12), said cooling system branch sections comprising each a cylinder bank branch section (22, 24), an exhaust gas exchanger branch section (36, 38) and a combining branch section (44, 46). The invention further relates to an internal combustion engine (10) corresponding thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising a housing from which a plurality of inlet pipes emanate, which, in the built-in state, lead to cylinders of the internal combustion engine, and comprising a flange, which is welded to the inlet pipes and which, in the built-in state, is screwed to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine by means of a screw connection. The fatigue strength of the exhaust manifold can be improved by subdividing the flange into at least two partial flanges in a longitudinal direction of the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a damper assembly including a cover plate including a first plurality of openings, a flange, and at least one spring in contact with the flange and the cover plate; a turbine including at least one first blade and a shell including a portion disposed radially inward of the at least one blade, and a second plurality of openings in the portion; a turbine plate with a third plurality of openings; and a plurality of fasteners passing through the first, second, and third pluralities of openings. The plurality of fasteners: fixedly secure the cover plate, the portion of the turbine shell, and the turbine plate to one another; or fixed securing the portion of the turbine shell to the turbine plate and restricting rotation of the cover plate with respect to the portion of the turbine shell to the turbine plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing undesirable pressure fluctuations over predetermined pressure and frequency ranges in a working fluid system, facilitating maintenance of appropriate levels of stored energy in the fluid system. Embodiments may be employed within a fluid system to dampen pressure fluctuations over an adequately large pressure range, for example in a resonant vibratory system. In such systems, pressures vary dramatically depending on whether resonance is achieved. An apparatus comprises a pressure vessel having a self equilibrating flexible piston device. The piston separates a gas volume from a fluid volume exposed to the system flow. The piston translates within the pressure vessel to equilibrate the gas and fluid pressures. A flexible portion of the piston deflects at high frequency and adequate volume to reduce undesirable pressure fluctuations. The flexible portion translates force via its outer periphery to a ring portion which translates within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A thermo-magnetic engine apparatus includes a magnetic element having a high temperature end to which hot energy is supplied and a low temperature end to which cold energy is supplied, a magnetic-field applier device, and a power source device. Curie temperature of the magnetic element is set between a temperature of the high temperature end and a temperature of the low temperature end. The power source device gains a magnetic power generated between the magnetic element and the magnetic-field applier device as kinetic energy.

Abstract: A supplementary intercooler cools engine air after it has passed through the turbocharger of a vehicle's turbocharged internal combustion engine, but before it enters the engine. The unit has an inlet for capturing the turbo's air charge and an outlet for routing the air charge to the engine after passing through the intercooler. A container stores water until it is needed and a water pump transfers water from the container to the unit. This loosened bond of water is then sprayed on capacitor plates under turbo pressure to be converted into hydrogen and injected into the air intake stream making it a totally “hydrogen-on-demand” intercooler.

Abstract: A compressor comprises an impeller wheel mounted within a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. The wheel has a plurality of vanes and is rotatable about an axis. The housing has an inner wall defining a surface located in close proximity to radially outer edges of the impeller vanes which sweep across said surface as the impeller wheel rotates about its axis. The inlet comprises a tubular wall extending away from the impeller wheel in an upstream direction. An enclosed chamber is defined between said inner wall and an outer wall and in communication with at least one opening in said in said inner wall. The outer wall is penetrated by at least one ventilation aperture that is designed to be connected via a conduit to a location upstream of the inlet and downstream of an air filter.