Abstract: An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive.

Abstract: A shingle has a color changing outer surface. The color changing outer surface can have a first color under a first environmental condition and a second color under a second environmental condition. The color changing outer surface is capable of both changing from the first color to the second color and from the second color to the first color. Methods using the shingles for reducing energy absorption and for producing an image or pattern are also disclosed.

Abstract: A long span solar collector mounting system with a deployable truss structure centered beneath the beam, and a single centered vertical support and a stabilizing end support, for mounting solar panels and other equipment on roofs and other surfaces, that can be tilted to a desired angle with respect to the ground, and can be rotated about its vertical axis to maximize solar production, with a vertical member that is offset to direct resultant wind loads directly through the base thereby minimizing twisting or bending stresses on roof structures, with beam clamping capability for attaching to roof beams below the roof with only access above the roof, that can be tilted during and after installation for reroofing and servicing access, with angled retaining nuts that provide secure attachment of solar panels and other equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction panel and a reinforcement plate. More specifically, the present invention has an object to provide a construction panel and a reinforcement plate for obtaining superior waterproof effect between a panel connection portion and the reinforcement plate by means of a sealing member in the case of connecting a plurality of panels.

Abstract: An arrangement for a laboratory room that is confined by a floor, a ceiling and walls connecting the floor with the ceiling, the arrangement comprises: a main base suspended on the floor; a tool base arranged on the main base; a platform arranged around the tool base, wherein the platform is permeable for air, and the platform is suspended at the walls; an air inlet arranged below the platform; an air outlet arranged above the tool base; and air guides for directing an air flow upwards at least partially parallel to the main base and/or the tool base.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a fire retardant biolaminate composite assembly. The assembly includes a biolaminate layer. The biolaminate layer includes a PLA sub-layer, wherein the biolaminate layer includes a fire retardant. The assembly also includes and an intumescent layer comprising an intumescent material that swells as a result of heat exposure, wherein the biolaminate has good char and low flame spread with minimal smoke generation.

Abstract: A light steel framing construction technique for light gauge load bearing wall type buildings uses specialized brackets to suspend poured slab floors. Multiple stories of the building can be erected without waiting for individual concrete slab floors to be poured and set at each story. During construction, a building is protected from torsional warping, such as may be occur under wind loads, by a series of lateral and diagonal bracing structures at each level affixed in a plane perpendicular to the load bearing elements. Multiple concrete floor slabs can be poured sequentially or simultaneously, as desired, during the construction process.

Abstract: A notched drywall trim piece that can take the form of a bead, hinged trim piece or bullnose piece that generally is constructed from a semi-rigid core that forms two flanges. At least one of the flanges is notched allowing the piece to follow the shape of an arch or arbitrarily curved corner. The piece can be installed using only wet mud or other mastic. The outer or room-facing surface can optionally be treated or prepared to bond with the mud or can be prepared to directly receive paint or texture. The preparation of the flange surface can take the form of a paper or other fibrous layer, scoring, frocking (bonding a powered fibrous material), roughing, protrusions, or a water-activated adhesive or pressure sensitive (or any other) adhesive may be used.

Abstract: A self-leveling grout provides a level surface for the disposition of a wind turbine base. The self-leveling grout is placed within the foundation grout trough as an initial slurry having a viscosity at ambient temperature approximately the same as the viscosity of known grout slurries utilized in turbine foundations. After placement in the grout trough, elevated temperature is applied to the grout slurry, which lowers the viscosity of the slurry such that the slurry becomes self-leveling and the top surface assumes a nearly perfectly level surface. Additional elevated temperature is applied which initiates the curing of the grout to the required compressive strength for supporting the turbine tower.

Abstract: A protective cover for covering an end of a reinforcing bar is provided. In some aspects, the protective cover includes a collar having a first end, a second end, and an impact absorbing portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the collar is configured to receive the end of the reinforcing bar. The impact absorbing portion of the collar is configured to withstand an impact without penetration of the reinforcement bar through the protective cover and is further configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact. The impact absorbing portion resides solely within the collar. The protective cover further includes a cap disposed at the second end of the collar. The cap has a surface area of about sixteen square inches.

Abstract: A cool roof batten assembly with a vertical batten spacer which facilitates the rapid installation of battens on a roof comprises a unitary inverted U-shaped sheet material, a mounting flange extending outward perpendicularly from the ends of the sheet material and two outwardly directed retention flanges, into which the battens fit.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for making building blocks for construction that requires neither mortar nor additional internal or external finishing. A building block includes joining elements for attaching blocks from top to bottom as well as from side to side. Additionally, blocks have internal and external finishes that are complete. Thus, after construction of a structure, there is no additional need to paint, hang wallpaper or otherwise treat the outer and inner walls of the final structure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing insulation for a wall panel, an embodiment of an insulated wall panel including a weather barrier, an insulating layer adjacent to the weather barrier, a moisture barrier adjacent to the insulating layer, and structural layer adjacent to the moisture barrier, and possibly a second insulating layer adjacent to the structural layer. The insulated wall panel may also include a plurality of nails, each nail having a head embedded in the insulating wall panel adjacent to the structural layer. A nail gun including a barrel with a toothed end or an end with an adjacent having a flat outer side may propel the nail into the insulating wall panel.

Abstract: A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a formwork ribbed metal profile member assisting in the construction of metal/concrete flooring, including longitudinal edges (2, 3) defining upper (4) and lower (5) areas connected by webs (6) and comprising recessed deformations, characterized in that at least a portion of each web comprises a recessed deformation (60) defined by a continuous line which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the profile member, and the length of which is greater than that of said portion of the web in said longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A flooring system may comprise a top floor layer, a subfloor, and/or an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer. The top floor layer may include a plurality of luxury vinyl tiles, configured such that respective tile joints may be formed between adjacent luxury vinyl tiles. The underlayment material may comprise a cross-linked, polyolefin foam. The composition of the underlayment material may be such that the tile joints between the adjacent luxury vinyl tiles may bend by less than about 45 degrees over a twelve hour period when 3.1 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure is applied. The underlayment material may have a compressive creep of less than fifty percent of an original thickness associated with the underlayment material at a load of 3.1 psi and/or a compressive strength of more than 15 psi.

Abstract: An elongated grid runner, and its manufacture, comprising a pair of overlying metal strips roll-formed together into a shape suitable for use in a rectangular grid to support ceiling panels, one of said strips serving as a visible cap for concealing the other strip forming the main body of the grid runner when the grid member is employed in a completed ceiling, the strips being lanced at each end of the grid runner to lock the cap strip on the main body strip whereby when the overlying strips are simultaneously cut to a finish length prior to finish roll-forming, the ends of the strip are maintained in substantially overlying end-to-end registration where the cap is visible in a finished ceiling.

Abstract: A molded synthetic polymer based shingle is provided as is a roof made up of underlying and overlying of courses of such shingles. The shingles are generally rigid and are provided with upwardly protruding moisture guards on the upper surfaces of their headlap portions, for guarding against wind-blown moisture entering fastener locations at which fasteners are used to attach shingles to a roof. The moisture guards may be of various configurations and by either completely or incompletely surround the fastener locations. Shields having recesses for receiving moisture guards therein, or other downward projections, may be provided at under surface locations of the shingles in cooperative engagement for further protection against moisture penetration and for facilitating alignment of shingles relative to other shingles.

Abstract: A wall anchor for use in an insulated cavity wall has an elongated body extending from a driven end to a driving end. A threaded portion at the driven end is adapted to be mounted on an inner wythe of a cavity wall structure. A drive head at the driving end has a surface facing the driven end of the wall anchor, with teeth formed on the surface. A collar with at least one aperture for a veneer tie is located near the driving end. The collar has teeth formed on a top surface generally facing the drive head. The teeth of the drive head and the collar are interengaging ratchet teeth, and a spring washer biases the collar against the drive head. The collar can only be rotated relative to the wall anchor in a single direction, with the interengaging ratchet teeth preventing rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Veneers for walls, retaining walls, retaining wall blocks, gabions, wire faces, and other structures are provided. Various methods of attaching the veneers are also described. A combination of a wall block and a veneer is provided. The wall block has a front face with a block connection space, and the veneer has a front face with a veneer connection portion. The veneer is attached to the front face of the wall block by the veneer connection portion, which is disposed in the block connection space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a framing for panels (5) sliding in an opening (3) defining an outer surface (Se), in particular for windows and French windows, arranged to hold at least one panel (5) comprising a fixed frame (1) and an intermediate element (4) intended to be fixed to the said panel (5) and cooperating with displacement means (2) associated with the said fixed frame (1) so as to permit the displacement of the said panel (5) along the said fixed frame (1), wherein the opening (3) comprises at least one through slot (6a, 6b), and wherein the said intermediate element (4) comprises at least one main longitudinal wing (4a, 4b) passing through the said at least one through slot (6a, 6b), and at least one longitudinal pad (4d, 4e) connected to one of the ends of the said at least one main longitudinal wing (4a, 4b) and intended to cooperate with the displacement means (2), the said fixed frame (1) being positioned entirely above or below the outer surface (Se) so that the fixed frame does not disclose any

Abstract: An anchoring assembly for anchoring a liner of a cured lining material applied in liquid form to metal objects, comprising a fixing device welded or soldered to a metal object, the fixing device comprising a weld element and a fixing element provided with a through hole, and an anchoring element configured to be passed through the through hole of the fixing device, wherein the weld element comprises a weld or solder stud.

Abstract: A method of forming a grout trough for a wind turbine foundation replaces the heavy and single piece template with a plurality of arc-shaped sections which are light weight and connected together to form the grout trough. The individual sections include mechanisms which enable the sections to be removed from the cured concrete by rotation of nuts on the anchor bolts which either pushes or pulls the template section away from the contact with the cured concrete. An embodiment of an individual section has a lifting bale which may be used to pick up an entire bolt package of up to twenty bolts.

Abstract: In the method according to the invention in the manufacture of an elevator a partially completed elevator is used during the manufacture of the elevator, which elevator comprises a platform that is in the elevator hoistway during the manufacture of the elevator for supporting the elevator car via hoisting roping, and hoisting roping supported by the aforementioned platform and hanging in the elevator hoistway, in which method a lift is performed, in which the aforementioned platform is lifted to extend the operating area of the elevator car below the aforementioned platform to reach to higher in the elevator hoistway. During the lifting of the hoisting roping, the downward-pulling force exerted on the platform is reduced by transferring a part of the roping supported by the platform to be supported by a bracket that is separate from the platform for at least the duration of the lifting of the platform.

Abstract: Floor element (1), which is mainly in the form of a board with triangular, quadratic, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape as seen from above. The floor element (1) is provided with edges (2), a lower side (7) and a decorative upper layer (3). The floor elements (1), which are intended to be joined via tongue and groove are on at least two opposite edges (2), preferably on all edges (2) provided with holes (4). The holes (4) extends inwards from the edge (2) mainly parallel to the decorative upper layer (3). The holes (4) are arranged on a predetermined distance from the decorative upper layer (3) and on a predetermined distance from a closest corner between two adjacent edges (2), whereby the holes (4) are intended to receive each one part of a guiding means (6).

Abstract: A mounting hardware and a mounting system for mounting a vertical panel from a support member suspended from a ceiling. The mounting hardware has a panel mounting section, a support member receiving portion, and a movable mounting section. The support member receiving portion extends from the panel mounting section. The movable mounting section can be rotate relative to the support member receiving portion to secure the mounting hardware to the support member.

Abstract: A packaging machine (1) to form packets (3) of smoking articles (2), in particular cigarettes, comprising a wrapping wheel (13), in order to wrap, at least partially, products (4) in wrapping sheets (6, 8), comprises a plurality of peripheral pockets (14) to receive the products (4) and the wrapping sheets (6, 8), a first loading station (PSC) to load the products (4) in succession into the peripheral pockets (14), and a second loading station (SSC) to load, in succession, first wrapping sheets (6) of the wrapping sheets (6, 8) into the peripheral pockets (14; 114). The wrapping wheel (13) also comprises a third loading station (TSC) to load, in succession, second wrapping sheets (8) of the wrapping sheets (6, 8) into the peripheral pockets (14), thus reducing the bulk of a packaging machine (11) including said wrapping machine (13).

Abstract: A forming station comprises first and second forming die members. A closing station comprises first and second closing die members. A lift operatively couples at least three of the members together such that operation of the lift moves the three members together. The closing station is located downstream of the loading station and is for closing a pocket in a first web of packaging material with a second web of packaging material. The second web of packaging material is oriented in the closing station so as to engage with the first web of packaging material and fold a foldable flap downwardly with respect to a conveyor as the conveyor moves from upstream to downstream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine, used for allowing a work insert to be removed from the work station laterally relative to the working direction, said tool insert being adapted to be raised to a position above a chain guide on at least one side.

Abstract: A pack for consumer goods includes an outer packaging container and an inner packaging container. The outer packaging container includes a lower box portion with an upper lid portion hingedly connected thereto. The inner packaging container includes a dispensing opening with a resealable closure, a front panel, a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and opposing side panels; each side panel having an inner panel and an outer panel, the inner panel having a first width defining a width of the inner packaging container, and the outer panel including at least a portion having a second width defining flanges having a width greater than the first width. The inner packaging container is insertable within the outer packaging container, the flanges on the back panel of the inner packaging container exert biasing forces on the hinged lid of the outer packaging container to assure lid closure is maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a bag made of a polymeric material by applying heat activated layers on different portions of the bag, wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer have respective heat activation temperatures below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material; after creasing the bag along a fold line, applying heat at a temperature below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material to activate the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer to adhesive states after the bag has been filled with contents; and folding the bag to form an adhesive-to adhesive seal by contact between the heat activated first adhesive layer and the heat activated second adhesive layer.

Abstract: A folded, substantially wedge shaped pack useful for holding thin, elongate products such as tobacco sticks includes a back panel, inner front panel, top panel and front closure panel, the front closure panel including a tab at a free end thereof engageable with a closure slot in the inner front panel. The closure tab slides into the closure slot by sliding along a bearing surface and the top panel establishes a raised fulcrum effect which tends to maintain the closure tab in the closure slot when the pack is in a closed condition.

Abstract: A process for pressurizing a container assembly includes engaging the outer container around a neck of the outer container at a location between a shoulder of the outer container and a mouth of the outer container with a neck clamp device. The neck clamp device is used to support the outer container as the outer container moves from one location to a different location. An at least partial seal is formed about the neck of the outer container by engaging the neck clamp device with an outer bell member of a crimper-pressurized fluid fill head.

Abstract: A multilayered polymeric structure for use as a packaging container comprising a first layer of oxygen barrier material and a second protective layer bonded to the first layer where the oxygen barrier layer material is selected from the group consisting of saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, modification products thereof, and mixtures thereof, and the second protective layer comprises a polymer and an inorganic filler in an amount sufficient to further enhance the moisture barrier property of the outer protective layer over what it would be in the absence of the filler.

Abstract: A filter system includes a housing having an inlet opening surrounded by a sealing surface, an outlet opening. The housing may be rotational molded or be configured to be nestable with additional housings for shipping purposes. The system may also be configured such that the filter to be mounted therewith can be placed interior to the filter housing during shipment. A V-bank filter or a single-header box filter is positioned in the inlet opening, has a flange in general alignment with the sealing surface, and a plurality of filter media sections projecting away from the flange and into the housing interior. A seal is disposed between the flange of the V-bank or single-header box filter and sealing surface. A pre-filter, such as a panel filter, may be provided upstream from the primary filter.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the use of an Air Filter Sleeve to protect an air conditioning's air filter from getting dirty. The idea is to keep the original air conditioning's air filter clean to help consumer avoid high cost on air conditioning's air filters replacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reinforcing a tubular-shaped sealing collar, extending from a filter cartridge are provided, by embedding, or substantially encapsulating, a reinforcement element within the tubular-shaped sealing collar, for resisting a change in circumference of at least a portion of the tubular-shaped collar. The collar may be formed from a resiliently compressible foam material, and the reinforcement element may be formed from a substantially non-compressible material.

Abstract: A gas turbine air filter system includes a frame and at least one guide attached to the frame. A first lever is attached to the frame and can pivot with respect to the frame to engage a first filter. A second lever is attached to the frame and can pivot with respect to the frame to engage a second filter. A method for securing gas turbine air filters includes inserting a first filter into a frame inside at least one guide and pivoting a first clamp connected to the frame to engage at least a portion of the first clamp with the first filter. The method further includes inserting a second filter into the frame inside the at least one guide and pivoting a second clamp to engage at least a portion of the second clamp with the second filter.

Abstract: A corn head divider lift assist linkage comprises two members and a spring pivotally coupled together, wherein one of the two members is pivotally coupled to a row crop divider and another of the two members is pivotally coupled to a bracket that is fixed at the rear of two adjacent row units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leaf stripper for removing leaves from a plant. The leaf stripper includes a housing having an interior. The stripper has a grille supported by the housing and in communication with the interior. The grille is shaped to selectively enable the leaves to at least partially pass therethrough. The stripper has a stripping motor disposed within the interior of the housing and supported by the housing. The stripper has a rotatable string member operatively connected to the stripping motor. The string member is configured to create a partial vacuum within the interior of the housing for at least partially sucking the leaves through the grille when rotated and to at least partially shred the leaves at least partially passing through the grille.

Abstract: A draper platform (100) has a center endless belt conveyor (118) that is supported on and between two adjacent support arms (246A, 246B) that pivot with respect to each other and with respect to the frame (102, 104, 106) of the draper platform (100) to which the two adjacent support arms (246A, 246B) are pivotally connected.

Abstract: A cable-stranding apparatus includes a stationary guide, a motor, a driven guide, and a controller electrically coupled to the motor. The stationary guide is configured to guide strand elements in a spaced-apart configuration and to pass a core member. The motor is operatively associated with a guide driver. The driven guide is disposed at least partially within the guide driver so as to rotate therewith. The driven guide is configured to receive the strand elements from the stationary guide, individually guide the strand elements received from the stationary guide, and to further pass the core member. The controller is electrically coupled to the motor and configured to control the rotational speed and direction of the motor.

Abstract: A stranding apparatus including a performer attached to a preformer shaft; an adjustable core guide attached to the preformer shaft; and a ring positioned away from the performer and centered on a longitudinal axis of the preformer shaft; wherein a gap is formed between the ring and the adjustable core guide, through which a stranding element can pass.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure may include a core engine defined about an axis, a fan driven by the core engine about the axis to generate bypass flow, and at least one integrated mechanism in communication with the bypass flow. The bypass flow defines a bypass ratio greater than about six (6). The at least one integrated mechanism includes a variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) and thrust reverser, and a plurality of positions to control bypass flow.

Abstract: An inner fixed structure of a thrust reverser includes an inner skin, an outer skin, a cellular core disposed between the inner skin and the outer skin, and at least one crack and delamination stopper extending radially between the inner skin and the outer skin.

Abstract: An engine exhaust component is provided. The engine exhaust component may include a plurality of coolant passages having parallel coolant flow, each coolant passage at least partially surrounding a respectively corresponding exhaust runner. The engine exhaust component may further include a coolant inlet manifold coupled to each of the coolant passages and a coolant outlet manifold coupled to each of the coolant passages. In this way, more even and controlled cooling can be provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an exhaust heat utilisation device for a combustion engine with an exhaust heat utilisation circuit, in which a working medium circulates. An evaporator is arranged in the exhaust heat utilisation circuit for evaporating the working medium, which can be supplied with exhaust gas of the combustion engine, with an expansion machine arranged in the exhaust heat utilisation circuit downstream of the evaporator for expanding the working medium. A condenser is arranged in the exhaust heat utilisation circuit downstream of the expansion machine for condensing the working medium. A delivery device is arranged in the exhaust heat utilisation circuit downstream of the condenser for driving the working medium in the exhaust heat utilisation circuit and with a heat storage unit. The device is given an improved functionality when the heat storage unit is incorporated in the exhaust heat utilisation circuit and can be supplied with working medium.

Abstract: A method of detecting ash in an exhaust particulate filter system for an internal combustion engine includes transmitting electromagnetic energy through an exhaust particulate filter containing soot and ash, and sensing a strength of the transmitted electromagnetic energy after having been attenuated in response to the soot. The method further includes electronically storing a filter monitoring history responsive to a difference between the transmitted strength and the sensed strength of the electromagnetic energy, and detecting an amount of the ash based at least in part upon a pattern of electromagnetic energy attenuation defined by the stored filter monitoring history. An exhaust particulate filter system for implementing related methodology includes a microprocessor configured to determine a value indicative of an amount of ash contained within an exhaust particulate filter responsive to a pattern of electromagnetic energy attenuation defined by a stored filter monitoring history.

Abstract: The oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) in an oxygen-containing gas stream, such as the exhaust stream from a diesel engine, or other lean-burn engine, may be catalyzed using a combination of mixed oxide particles of cerium, zirconium and copper, and discrete particles of an alumina-supported platinum group metal catalyst. The catalyzed oxidation of CO and HC by this combination of oxidation catalyst particles is effective at temperatures below 300° C.

Abstract: A control method for an exhaust treatment system is provided. The method includes: selectively determining a fluid state from a plurality of fluid states based on a temperature of a fluid supply source; estimating an average consumption rate based on the fluid state; and evaluating a fluid supply within the fluid supply source based on the average consumption rate.