Abstract: An illuminated floor assembly, comprising: a composite floor panel; an overlay; a polymer block and an LED light channel between the composite glass floor panel and the overlay; a hook-and-loop fastener between the polymer block and the composite glass floor panel; and a support between the overlay and the hallway foundation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to tile spacing devices for insertion between tiles being spaced apart from one another and/or from other features on a surface. The spacers include a wedge portion and a tongue portion. Unlike previous wedges used for tile spacing, at least one face of the wedge described herein is indented. When inserted between adjacent tiles, at least the indented portion of the face will not contact a tile, which can minimize adhesion of grout, mortar, and adhesives to the spacer, facilitating its removal. The tongue portion of the spacer extends beyond the face of adjacent flat tiles, even when the entire wedge portion is inserted into the inter-tile space. The tongue portion can be gripped by a user to facilitate removal of the spacer from set tiles.

Abstract: Lining arrangement (8, 11) covering an external motion joint (2) between concrete elements (3, 4) and (3?, 4?) in a building in which there is a tile lining (10) at the outer surface of the concrete elements. The lining arrangement comprises tile rows in a vertical direction in relation to the motion joint (2) in which case there is at least one tile (8) or a part of a tile in rows at the both sides of the motion joint (2) and horizontal bars (12) attached to the adjacent concrete elements (4) are installed over the joint (2) crosswise for the attachment of the mentioned tiles (8) in which case the tiles (8) can be attached with the help of their back plate (11).

Abstract: A roof covering of shingles or tiles is provided, with each shingle or tile being relatively rigid, having relatively flexible stress relief nail zones, that may comprise variations in thickness relative to the remainder of the shingle or tile, or variations in materials, such as will allow for relative movement of the shingles or tiles due to temperature variations resulting in expansion or contraction, or due to other forces, such that the movement will be between the shingles or the tiles and the nails or other fasteners that are used to secure the shingles or tiles to a roof or other surface, and is preferably within the elastic limits of the fastening zones of the shingles or tiles.

Abstract: Structures and methods are disclosed regarding deployable structures with expandable longerons adjustably coupled with supporting structures such that an angle between the supporting structures can be adjusted. Such structures can include and/or be used for solar arrays, bridges, support structures, and more. These structures can be easily transported to a new location and deployed from the stowed configuration into a larger functional structure. In some embodiments these structures can use one or more longerons that can have two resting states: deployed and rolled.

Abstract: A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size, and spreads the angle of the truss open ends. One embodiment uses a first plate, having a connection part to a first truss, where the connection part is adapted for connection to a first truss. A second plate is movable relative to the first plate. The second plate also has a second connection part adapted for connection to a second truss. An angle setting part forms a connection between the first plate and the second plate, that holds the first plate relative to the second plate at any of a number of different relative locations between the first plate and the second plate. The plates include angle markings to set the connections.

Abstract: A stiffener ring, and associated method and program product. A stiffener ring is provided having a generally annular shape for supporting a rebar cage, including: a plurality of primary cutouts spaced about an exterior edge of the stiffener ring, wherein each primary cutout is configured to receive a transversely mounted steel bar; a plurality of secondary cutouts spaced about an edge of the stiffener ring, wherein each of the secondary cutouts is configured to received an instrumentation pipe; and a set of flow holes cut into the stiffener ring to facilitate a flow of concrete through the stiffener ring.

Abstract: A method of making and utilizing a column assembly module for a building framework includes providing an elongate column member for being vertically disposed as part of a vertically elongate column assembly of a building framework. And securing to the elongate column member a spaced apart pair of horizontally elongate and vertically and horizontally extending side plates. The step of securing includes locating an inner surface of at least one side plate member and an outside opposing vertical edge of the column member so that a vertical interface plane lies at an interface of the inner surface of the at least one side plate member and the outside opposing vertical edge. During erection of the building framework a full-length beam assembly is disposed at an end portion thereof between the pair of projecting side plates to be connected thereto providing a beam-to-column joint assembly of the building framework.

Abstract: Disclosed are a floating wall bracket and a method for constructing a floating wall using floating wall brackets. A floating wall bracket may have bracket walls designed to hold a vertical member with at least one fastening tab disposed perpendicular to said bracket walls, at least one attachment means to attach the at least one fastening tab to a base plate member, and at least one friction means that provides enough friction to hold the weight of the vertical member, but not so much friction that it will stop the vertical member from moving within the bracket once a floating wall assembly is incorporated into a building/structure. The bracket may also have at least one guide/lateral support flange disposed parallel to the bracket walls and sized/places to guide installation of the floating wall brackets and to provide lateral support to the vertical members of the floating wall assembly.

Abstract: A lath securing system is provided that is configured to durably retain wire lath in a spaced position from a wall that is to be coated, the system comprising a retaining member for retaining a section of wire lath therein to restrain the wire lath in a secure position; and a fastening member comprising rigid means for securing the retaining member to the wall so that when the retaining member is fastened to the wall, the section of wire lath within the retaining means is secured in a spaced position away from the wall so as to permit application of wall coating without significant movement of the wire lath.

Abstract: A support assembly connected with a stud for securing and guiding conduit and/or cable is provided. The support assembly includes, but is not limited to, a securing arm for securing and guiding the conduit and/or cable and an engaging tab coupled with an end of the securing arm. The engaging tab includes a first engagement member facing a second engagement member, a side engagement member connecting the first and second engagement members together, and a first compressible member extending in a first direction D1 either from the first engagement member towards the second engagement member or from the second engagement member towards the first engagement member. The first compressible member is compressible in a second direction D2 opposite that of the first direction D1.

Abstract: A saddle hanger for connecting at least one bracing member to a truss chord includes a base having a first end portion for receiving a bracing member and an adjacent portion for receiving a truss chord. A projecting element extends from a transverse edge of the base portion, and has a width narrower than the transverse dimension of the hanger base. A plurality of flanges extends upward from side edges of the base and defines with the base a channel for receiving one of the truss chord and bracing member. The saddle hanger can be formed from a stamped metal blank, with portions of the saddle hanger being nested in side-by-side relation to minimize the amount of material used.

Abstract: A device for use in the fastening of a panel or cladding to a wall is disclosed. The device includes a base plate, a panel connecting plate, and a connecting assembly that connects the panel connecting plate to the base plate and that is constructed and arranged so as to provide minimal thermal bridging between the base plate and the panel connecting plate through an insulation layer that covers the base plate and the wall while simultaneously providing structural integrity for attaching the panel or cladding to the wall.

Abstract: A molding for attachment to a flange portion includes a retention portion having first and second legs defining a channel for receiving the flange portion, and a support member coupled to the retention portion and movable relative thereto. The support member includes an outboard surface and an inboard surface. A film is disposed along the outboard surface of the support member. A clip is formed along and extends out from the first leg of the retention portion. The clip is engageable with the support member to lock the support member in place relative to the retention portion for positioning the film along the flange portion.

Abstract: A method for installing a thrower's circle in the ground of an athletic field includes assembling a form for constructing a thrower's circle dimensioned for a player throwing at least one of a hammer, a shot put, and a discus from a plurality of sections having mounted thereto a plurality of arcuate portions. When the plurality of sections are assembled together, the plurality of arcuate sections together form a full circle, and wherein a portion of the plurality of sections is disposed outside the full circle and a portion of the plurality of sections is disposed inside the full circle. The method further includes excavating the ground, placing the assembled form in the excavated ground, placing cement in the assembled form, and allowing the cement to dry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for barrier cable anchorage in a concrete formwork such that individual anchors are positioned relative to each other and to the formwork. A galvanized plate is provided with series of holes spaced from a reference point at the plate edge, and a registered assembly of individual anchors are provided in the holes. Female threaded plate caps are secured within the holes for frontal engagement, and a PSR stud is secured to each plate cap on the back side. The assembly is frontally set against the formwork with the reference point spaced from an external datum. The formwork is cured and barrier cables are affixed to the plate caps through the plate by threaded engagement with a barrel anchor and wedge. After tensioning, each cable is anchored to the formwork in desired relative proximity to one another and to the external datum.

Abstract: A packaging device, particularly for manually or automatically packaging trays containing food products or technical materials which can be inserted, by means of a loading platform, between longitudinally folded parts of a single-folded film and comprising elements for thermal bonding or heat-sealing for sealing, and at least one nozzle for producing a vacuum and/or for introducing the gas or mixture, and a vacuum chamber. The single-folded film is fixed and the vacuum chamber is movable and comprises at least one movable presser arranged above the single-folded film. The presser is forced on top of the tray and is provided with elements adapted to convey the streams of air and/or gas. The return of air into the vacuum chamber occurs by means of a series of holes provided between a transverse heat-sealing bar and the wall of the vacuum chamber that is parallel thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: A carton processing apparatus and method can be used to reduce inventory of pre-printed or pre-labeled cartons. The carton processing apparatus can use a stacked inventory of unassembled cartons in a first planar orientation. A carton can be picked from the inventory, rotated from the first planar orientation to a print plane, and transported near a carton coding device, such as an ink jet printer, which can apply indicia to the carton. The processed carton can be further rotated or provided to a downstream device or process.

Abstract: A method for packaging a liquid product (1), such as a food product, and, in particular, a product sensitive to oxygen, in a container (2) with a low oxygen content, the container including an opening (3). The method includes the following steps: the air is removed from the container by filling same to capacity with the liquid product in a non-controlled atmosphere; the full container is placed in a non-oxidizing atmosphere formed by at least one non-oxidizing gas; the liquid product is partially emptied from the container in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, such that the at least one non-oxidizing gas replaces the product discharged from the container; and the above-mentioned container opening is closed in a gas-tight manner while the container is partially full of the liquid product in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compact palletizers that include a stretch-wrap operation as the pallet is built. A four-sided compaction mechanism compresses the rough-built load to the final pallet size and then the entire layer is released to the pallet. Individual items or group of items are picked and placed onto a layer support device in a loose orientation. The loose orientation enables a much faster palletizing operation because the robotic arm that pick-and-places the item, the items, or the row of items, can travel much faster as it does not have to precisely locate the item, items, or row of items. During the time that a layer is being loosely constructed on the layer support device concurrent wrapping can occur.

Abstract: A packaging machine (1) comprises a device for the formation of a tube (5) of wrap material into which a succession of products (6) can be inserted; a sealing device (7) being active on said tube (5) to make a succession of seals (23) transverse to the direction of advancement “A” of tube (5) and to define a corresponding succession of pockets (11) for holding the products (6); an air-removing device (13) being active on each pocket (11) in correspondence of a respective aperture (25) to produce a vacuum inside each pocket (11); an additional sealing device (22) operatively located at least in correspondence of the air-removing device (13) for isolating said aperture (25) and hermetically sealing the pocket (11).

Abstract: A machine for forming foam cushions comprises a web of film comprising a pair of film panels positioned face to face and having first and second lengthwise edges, and first and second foam dispensing assemblies positioned to dispense foam between the film panels, each foam dispensing assembly comprising first and second valves that dispense first and second foam components, respectively, the valves positioned so that respective foam component streams exiting the valves intersect.

Abstract: Cartons with semi-rigid or rigid box-like container sections, along with attached plastic or polymeric reclosable flexible material structures, are disclosed. The resulting containers with reclosable flexible material are intended to be formed so as to be easily filled and closed. Furthermore, methods and apparatus for the manufacture of these cartons are disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging machine (1) for forming packets (3) of smoking articles (2), in particular cigarettes, comprises movement means for moving groups of smoking articles at least partially wrapped by an inner wrapping sheet (4), along a movement direction, a wrapping wheel (13) to receive the groups of smoking articles wrapped by the inner wrapping sheet (4) and to move them along a substantially circular wrapping path (P), and transfer means (22) to transfer the groups of smoking articles wrapped by the inner wrapping sheet (4) from the movement means to the wrapping wheel. The transfer means (22) transfer the groups of smoking articles wrapped by the inner wrapping sheet (4) along a transfer direction (T) radial with respect to the wrapping path (P), in order to reduce the bulk of the packaging machine (1).

Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacting by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.

Abstract: A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material. Further, the insert may include at least one reinforcement, including at least one wire or metal strip, or portions thereof.

Abstract: An oil mist separator includes a first filtrating unit, a second filter unit and a third filter unit. The first filter unit contains plural first filters and the second filter unit contains plural second filters, for sucking oil mist air to flow spirally so as to remove oil and water mixed in the mist, utilizing a centrifugal force. The third filter unit can directly remove oil and water possibly still existing in the air. So the oil mist separator can not only make air contaminated by oil totally recovered by three stages of separation, but also reduce consumption of filter to lower cost and be friendly to environment.

Abstract: A work cell assembly such as welding cell assembly and a method for assembling the same is provided. The work cell has a perimeter wall including an upper wall edge defining an open top. A fluid filtration unit draws in fluid from the work cell and removes contaminants. A fluid moving device including an air blade assembly adjacent the upper wall edge and an inlet adjacent the upper wall edge and spaced downstream from the air blade assembly establish therebetween a sheet-like fluid barrier extending across the open top. The fluid barrier is defined by a continuous flow of fluid traveling across the open top for entraining the contaminant and creating a ceiling effect across the open top to prevent escape of the contaminant from the work cell through the open top. The fluid barrier has a narrow vertical extent to prevent disturbance of the fluid in the work cell.

Abstract: A cyclonic fluid separator has a tubular housing (10) in which the fluid is accelerated and swirl imparting means (2) for inducing the fluid to swirl through an annular space between the housing and a central body (1) mounted within the housing (10), wherein a low pressure fluid (80) is injected through a central opening (82) in the central body (1).

Abstract: A filter element arrangement is provided which includes a media pack comprising Z-filter media, a preform and an overmold sealing a portion of the interface between the preform and the media pack, and also forming an air cleaner seal for the filter element. The overmold preferably comprises molded, foamed, polyurethane. A variety of media pack shapes can be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural haymaking machine intended to be hitched to the lower arms of a tractor, comprising a frame supported on the ground by wheels and at least one work device connected to the frame, the frame being in its front part in pivoting connection with a hitching device configured to be connected to the two lower arms, the center of gravity of the machine being situated between the wheels and the hitching device. According to the invention, the projection of the axis of the pivoting connection, on a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to the direction of advance, has an inclination towards the direction of advance following a direction of the ground upward.

Abstract: Rope (4) having an eye (2). The rope (4) comprises a first rope portion (8) and a second rope portion (10). The first rope portion (8) and the second rope portion (10) are spliced into each other for forming a spliced connection for obtaining the eye (2). The first rope portion (8) and the second rope portion (10) are formed from an end portion of the rope (4).

Abstract: A rope structure comprising a core component comprising core fibers combine to form a first rope structure and a first cover component comprising first cover strands comprising first cover fibers within a first matrix material. The first cover strands are arranged around at least a portion of the core component.

Abstract: A rope with spiral teeth includes a first rope including a first core material with a first resin covering the first core material and a second rope including a second core material with a second resin covering the second core material. The second rope is spirally wound around an outer circumferential surface of the first rope. At least one of the first resin and the second resin contains an infrared reflectance adjusting material to make a temperature rise characteristic of the first resin and a temperature rise characteristic of the second resin different from each other, and the first rope and the second rope are bonded together, preferably without adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinning machine, the drafting arrangement of which comprises a drafting arrangement unit (35, 65, 95) with a first pair of rollers consisting of a first bottom roller (22, 42, 72) and a first top roller (21, 41, 71), wherein the drafting arrangement unit (35, 65 95) is configured as an assembly which is detachably fastened to the spinning machine by means of a fastening device (11, 59). The drafting arrangement unit (35, 65, 95) is preferably designed for one spinning station or as a twin drafting arrangement unit for two adjacent spinning stations. Said unit can also comprise further rollers which, together with the first pair of rollers, form a drafting zone of the drafting arrangement.

Abstract: A jewelry link assembly and method in which successive links are slipped onto prior links and are held together without the need for soldering between adjacent links. An infinitely hinged connection between adjacent links is formed permitting substantial flexibility when the hinged link bracelet assembly is so constructed.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system having a particulate filter is monitored by monitoring a particulate filter regeneration event and detecting an associated regeneration period. The particulate filter regeneration period is compared to a preferred event window. A fault is detected when the monitored particulate filter regeneration period extends beyond the preferred event window.

Abstract: A particulate filter is monitored for a particulate matter load when fluidly coupled to an internal combustion engine. Monitoring of the particulate filter is achieved by determining a rate of production of particulate matter from the internal combustion engine, a rate of capture of the particulate matter within the particulate filter, a regeneration rate for the particulate filter, and an amount of particulate matter collected in the particulate filter.

Abstract: An engine system comprises a fuel processor that is supplied with air and a fuel stream to produce a hydrogen-containing gas stream. The fuel processor comprises a housing, and at least a portion of the housing is located within an exhaust stream conduit from the engine. During operation of the engine, heat transfer between the fuel processor and the engine exhaust stream occurs. An exhaust after-treatment assembly is located downstream of the fuel processor and is connected to selectively receive hydrogen-containing gas stream from the fuel processor.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a combustion engine includes an exhaust pipe, and a heat accumulator housing in surrounding relationship to the exhaust pipe. Arranged in the heat accumulator housing are heat pipes to provide a heat transport of heat energy contained in exhaust gas. Heat energy thus withdrawn from the exhaust gas can be carried off via the heat pipes in the heat accumulator housing.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes a joining section extending from a downstream end portion of a second flow passage section to a first flow passage section. The joining section has a communication port formed proximate a valve shaft for directing an exhaust gas from the second flow passage section into a housing section. A valve includes a first valve body supported by the valve shaft for closing a downstream end portion of the first flow passage section, and a second valve body extending from the first valve body for closing the communication port. The first valve body and the second valve body are disposed circumferentially of the valve shaft. The second valve body has an arc-shape having a center provided by the valve shaft.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module (10) has a plurality of series-connected thermoelectric elements which are arranged between a first module housing plate defining a high-temperature side and a second module housing plate defining a low-temperature side, wherein laterally beside the thermoelectric elements and towards the end faces of the module housing plates at least one elastic compensating element is provided, which exerts a lateral holding force on the thermoelectric elements and extends from one inner side of the opposed module housing plates to the other. Such thermoelectric module (10) is contained in a thermoelectric generator unit (100), with a generator housing (102) in which at least one elastic compensating element (20) and at least one thermoelectric module (10) are accommodated, wherein the generator housing (102) exerts a pretension on the thermoelectric module (10) via the elastic compensating element (20).

Abstract: An exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine has at least one exhaust pipe and a flange which can be fastened to an engine block of the internal combustion engine. On the side facing away from the engine block, the flange is provided with a channel which is connected to a fluid line and which is in fluid communication with the interior of the exhaust pipe via a lateral opening in the exhaust pipe. The fluid line opens into the channel on the side of the flange that faces away from the engine block.

Abstract: A hydrostatic stepless transmission joined to a transmission housing includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a port block and a charge pump. The port block includes first and second side surfaces opposite each other. The hydraulic pump and motor are mounted on the first side surface of the port block so as to be fluidly connected to each other via a hydraulic circuit formed in the port block. The charge pump includes a pump housing mounted to the second side surface of the port block. The pump housing includes a mount part to which the transmission housing is mounted.

Abstract: A large displacement hydrostatic variator is disclosed which includes an input shaft coupled to at least first and second hydrostatic pumps. Two hydrostatic pumps are utilized instead of one larger hydrostatic pump because it has been found the two smaller hydrostatic pumps can operate at a faster speed than a larger hydrostatic pump with a displacement equivalent to that of the two smaller hydrostatic pumps. Each hydrostatic pump may include a carrier that includes a plurality of recesses. The recesses may serve as cylinders for slidably accommodating a piston in each piston of each pump may be pivotally coupled to an adjustable swash plate. A hydrostatic motor may be coupled to an output shaft. The motor includes a carrier that also includes a plurality of recesses that may also serve as cylinders for each slidably accommodating a piston. Each piston of the motor may be coupled to a swash plate.

Abstract: Higher pressure exists at the bottom of deep water (including other fluids). This system utilizes machinery to compress a compressible fluid matter such as air with deep water high pressure so as to store the energy in the compressed air having a smaller compressed volume. The compressed air is subsequently injected into an expansion chamber in which it releases the stored energy and returns to its original volume. In constant temperature, a 10 m3 volume of water provides 10 times pressure to compress a single volume to 1/10 its volume. When the pressure is reduced 10 times, the compressed air would return to its original volume to release the stored energy which can be utilized to rotate a turbine and in turn a power generator to generate electric power.

Abstract: A method for generating energy from low-density fluids is provided. The method includes placing a first object in a first portion of fluid having a first density, injecting low-density fluids into the first portion of fluid in order to reduce the density thereof to a second density less than the density of the first object and thereby induce buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object in response thereto, and generating energy based upon buoyancy-dependent translation of the first object. Related apparatuses and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method of conversion of heat into fluid power includes pumping of the working liquid into a hydropneumatic accumulator with gas compression, subsequent gas expansion with displacement of the working liquid from the other accumulator as well as supply of heat to the gas by transferring the gas through the hotter heat exchanger and removal of heat from the gas by transferring the gas through another, colder heat exchanger performed so that the average temperature of the gas during expansion is higher than that during compression, wherein the gas is transferred between different accumulators through said heat exchangers. The device for conversion of heat into fluid power includes at least two accumulators, the means for liquid supply and intake as well as the means for heating and cooling containing at least two flow-type gas heat exchangers installed with the possibility of gas transfer through them between gas reservoirs of different accumulators.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an implement, in particular an excavator or a machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas. In accordance with the invention, a device for adjusting the temperature of the energy recovery cylinder is provided.