Abstract: A method of making a polycrystalline diamond compact includes mixing a diamond particle feed with a binder to form a mixture, forming the mixture into a precompact, heating the pre-compact in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to substantially drive off the binder, oxidizing the pre-compact in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature and for a time sufficient to burn off non-diamond carbon without overoxidizing diamond, and sintering the pre-compact at high pressure and high temperature to form a polycrystalline diamond compact. The method may also include oxidizing the diamond particle feed prior to mixing with the binder.

Abstract: PCD materials comprise a diamond body having bonded diamond crystals and interstitial regions disposed among the crystals. The diamond body is formed from diamond grains and a catalyst material at high pressure/high temperature conditions. The diamond grains have an average particle size of about 0.03 mm or greater. At least a portion of the diamond body has a high diamond volume content of greater than about 93 percent by volume. The entire diamond body can comprise high volume content diamond or a region of the diamond body can comprise the high volume content diamond. The diamond body includes a working surface, a first region substantially free of the catalyst material, and a second region that includes the catalyst material. At least a portion of the first region extends from the working surface to depth of from about 0.01 to about 0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are abrasive grains based on zirconia alumina melted in an electric arc furnace, comprising a content of 52 to 62 wt % Al203 and 35 to 45 wt % ZrO2, wherein the high-temperature phases of the zirconia are stabilized by a combination of reduced Ti compounds and yttrium oxide.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile performance stage mounted on a hydraulic lift truck for enabling a quick and easy performance setup in a location that does not already have a dedicated stage. The lift truck supports a hydraulic lift mechanism, which supports the stage and enables the stage to be elevated to a desired height. The stage is a rectangular cuboid resembling a cargo hold of most cargo trucks, with doors at each of the four lateral sides that open to reveal a performance area. The perimeter of the stage is outlined by short sidewalls except for the side of the stage between the performers and the audience. The stage comprises trusses outlining the vertical sides and roof of the stage for mounting lighting and other performance equipment. The stage also comprises a digital display, a safety railing, and a utility platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rainwater gutter for mounting on a building to collect rainwater from the roof. It is shaped similar to a letter S. The rainwater flows from the roof covering onto the top section of the S shaped curved element, where, due to the contour of the gutter and surface tension will flow down from the upper curved section into the cylindrical section via the opening formed by the bottom section of the S returning to terminate as an open end close to the top section. The small opening also emits daylight thus reducing the possibility of vegetation growing in the gutter. This will reduce expensive and dangerous maintenance of eave gutters. Because the water gathered from the eave of the roof is cleaner it would reduce filtration costs for rainwater harvesting. The gutter can be formed in plastic, aluminium, copper or zinc.

Abstract: An anchor bolt device includes an anchor bolt having a threaded first end and a second end. A flange portion has the threaded first end of the anchor bolt extending freely therefrom. The flange portion defines a planar surface aligned in parallel with a surface of a concrete foundation when the second end of the anchor bolt is received in the concrete foundation. A raised column projection having a threaded portion through which the threaded first end of the anchor bolt is threadably received. The raised column projection is set to a user defined position. The flange portion extends radially outward from and is integrally connected to the raised column projection. The flange portion has at least one offset tab used to position the device a defined distance away from a boundary of a concrete foundation wall. The offset tab includes a series of marks defining multiple break points.

Abstract: The present invention integrates the use of pre-manufactured structures with minimal on-site installation and lift-slab construction to achieve the construction of multi-story buildings. The pre-manufactured structures are designed to be readily integrated with both horizontal and vertically adjacent building components, including lift-slab components, so that multiple building stories may be readily and securely stacked, one on top of the other. The present invention advantageously permits top- down lift-slab construction for multi-story buildings. The present invention also provides for the development of flexible design plans for institutional, residential, office and other types of buildings. The present invention advantageously provides for easier, more efficient, faster, cheaper, safer, higher quality and more consistent, environmentally advantaged, energy-efficient, easier to maintain, intelligently designed, and customizable multi-story building construction.

Abstract: A panel fastening device has a baseplate and a latch with a hook emerging on one side of the baseplate, oriented towards this baseplate, and this latch is longitudinally movable on the referred baseplate, and they are manufactured on a non-ferromagnetic material. The latch has a magnet or a magnetic part, so that such magnet permits the movement of the latch towards a closing position on the baseplate when the panel is set in the assembling position and the magnet approaches the metal framework for supporting roof or wall panels that carry the closure device.

Abstract: A customizable personal space unit having a personal area having at least one customizable feature; a communications subsystem configured to receive configuration information for the at least one customizable feature; and a processor communicating with said communications subsystem, the process configuring the at least one customizable feature of the personal chamber based on the received configuration information.

Abstract: A decorative frame body includes at least four decorative boards and several fixing seats. Each decorative board has a sunshade section and an engagement channel formed on the bottom face of the decorative board. Each fixing seat has a fixing base and latch sections extending from the fixing base in adaptation to the engagement channel. The fixing seats are fixed on the wall face beside the window frame. The latch sections of the fixing seats are latched in the engagement channel to connect the decorative boards with the fixing seats as a decorative periphery of the window. The sunshade sections of the decorative boards serve to block the gaps between the blind slats and the window frame and prevent the sunlight from going into the room from the gap.

Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable interconnection structures having field-configurable shapes and methods of installing thereof. An interconnection structure may be cut or otherwise modified in the field during installation to form one or more openings. These openings can then be positioned around various obstacles that are frequently present in building installation areas. Some examples of such obstacles include chimneys, vents, and skylights. In some embodiments, the interconnection structures can be provided as part of a set or configured to be installed in an array with building integrable photovoltaic (BIPV) modules of the same size. This installation configuration allows preserving an offset between adjacent rows of the array. Furthermore, the interconnection structures can have the same perimeter features as the BIPV modules, such as electrical connectors and moisture flaps.

Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The enhanced components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a secondary water sealing ability such that the typical veneer coverings of siding and/or shingles, which are typically required to provide a primary sealing system from water influent to the structure, are relegated to the role of cosmetics for the structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to prefabricated building panels for use in structures, and walls external to structures, such as outdoor privacy walls and the like. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and system for providing building panels that provide improved structural integrity, distribute loads, thermal performance, among other attributes using conventional framing members fit into precision cut grooves.

Abstract: A structure anti-torsion device includes a structural column. The structural column is positioned between adjacent studs of a structural stud wall construction and oriented vertically between the studs. A structural column lower end is fastened to a lower base plate which rests on a wall construction bottom plate. A pair of anchor bolts secured to a foundation extends through the bottom plate and the lower base plate and are fastened to the lower base plate. A structural column upper end is bolted using first and second bolts to an upper base plate. The first and second bolts cooperate through the upper base plate to connect the upper base plate to a double top plate of the wall construction such that the double top plate is connected by the upper base plate, the structural column, and the lower base plate to the foundation.

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

Abstract: An air barrier system is provided. The air barrier system includes a plurality of framing members configured to form insulation cavities. A plurality of panels is attached to an exterior surface of the framing members and gasket material is positioned therebetween. Adjacent panels form joints. Insulative batts are positioned within the insulation cavities. Sealing material is positioned over the joints.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element.

Abstract: An easy-to-install and remove flooring system comprises three components: 1) a plurality of rolled-out liners, 2) a plurality of tiles, particularly resilient tiles, and 3) an adhesive adhering the tile to the liner. A grid pattern matching the size of the tiles is printed on the liner to enable easy centering and balancing of the tile in the room. The edge portions of adjacent liners are adjacent or overlapped. At least some of the tiles are adhered to two of the liners.

Abstract: A building panel assembly is provided. The building panel assembly comprises a plurality of pyramidal elements with each pyramidal element having an apex with a plurality of pyramidal feces extending to a base, each face separated from each adjacent face by a face edge, and the base having base edges. A plurality of inverse pyramidal elements are provided with each inverse pyramidal element having inverse pyramidal faces and mateable with the pyramidal elements. A flattened edge is formed along the face edges between each of the pyramidal faces creating a continuous adhesive flow channel and an adhesive substance positionable within the continuous adhesive flow channel. Upon mating, the pyramidal elements with the inverse pyramidal elements, the adhesive travels through the continuous adhesive flow channel and upon hardening the adhesive substance creates a space truss structure thereby strengthening the building panel assembly.

Abstract: A wall block comprises an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. A front face and an opposed back face, and a first side face and an opposed second side face, are disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first side face and the second side face generally extend from the front face to the back face. The block includes one or more features that define a horizontal alignment direction. The front face extends from the first side face to the second side face generally along a direction that is slanted with respect to the horizontal alignment direction.

Abstract: A building system can comprise wall, floor, and/or ceiling panels. A first profile with two cavities extending along different sides of the profile can be used to connect similar panels together. A second profile can be used to connect dissimilar panels. A plurality of fastening clips can be used to lockingly engage a wall panel at one end and one of either a wall panel, a floor panel, or a ceiling panel at the other end. The building system can be configured to not require other fasteners besides the clips and profiles to hold the panels together.

Abstract: A space truss system for use in foundations, floors, walls, and roofs is provided. The space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing an assembly configured for hooking to a ridge rafter of a building is provided. In one embodiment the device comprises a single piece unit, made from steel or another sufficiently strong material which is hooked at one end and looped at the other end thus forming an eye. The hook starts by turning a 90 degree and then a 0 degree to 180 degree turn. The compound angle thus formed allows the device to be angled into a small opening. The device is used to hook the ridge rafter from the bottom side of a building roof while having a tie-off point for fall protection.

Abstract: Concrete coupling assembly comprises a base holder for being attached to a concrete forming surface, the base holder including a central opening; a coupler having one end disposed within the central opening, the coupler having an axis for being positioned substantially transverse to the forming surface, the coupler having first and second threaded bores through the one end for attachment of a threaded rod; and a separate anchor body threadedly attached to another end of the coupler.

Abstract: A joist hanger typically includes one or more teeth which can be manually pressed into a header to hold the joist hanger in place on the header to free up a worker's hands so that a worker can nail the joist hanger to the header without having to manually hold the joist hanger in place while driving the nails. The joist hanger may also include a height-setting tab configured to engage the bottom of the header to set the height of the joist hanger relative to the header. The tab may be a break-off tab to allow the joist hanger to be used without the tab if desired.

Abstract: A roof member anti-torsion bracket device includes a base plate portion having a planar base plate surface. The planar base plate surface is adapted to sit on a top plate of a wall construction and to receive a truss assembly. At least one transverse planar surface is oriented substantially transverse to the base plate surface. A locating tab extending longitudinally with respect to the base plate portion abuts an edge of the top plate, thereby locating the anti-torsion bracket device an offset distance from the edge of the wall construction top plate. The base plate portion further includes first and second fastening openings oppositely located with respect to the at least one transverse planar surface. The first and second fastening openings define first and second fastening positions in the base plate, thereby providing torsion resistance, compressive load support, and tension lifting resistance for the base plate portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to roofing products. The present invention relates more particularly to roofing products for use with photovoltaic elements, and to photovoltaic systems that include one or more photovoltaic elements is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, a roofing product includes a flexible roofing substrate having a top surface, the top surface having one or more receptor zones thereon, each receptor zone being adapted to receive one or more photovoltaic elements, each receptor zone having a different surfacing than the area of the top surface adjacent to it.

Abstract: A method for erecting a facility includes the steps of constructing initial tower panels on a foundation. Work platforms and guys are installed so that additional tower panels may be installed on top of the existing tower panels. The work platforms with guys may then be raised, so that the process may be repeated until tower section height is reached. Tower sections are them completed by the addition of peripheral trusses and permanent guys, and additional tower sections are constructed by repeating the process to reach the desired facility height. Lifting units including truss and rail systems and rotatable modules with turbines in shrouds are assembled on the ground, then raised up the towers and operably mounted for generating electricity from wind. The erection process is sequenced to maintain structural integrity.

Abstract: A leveling spacer for laying wall tiles, paving tiles and the like with the interposition of gaps, which comprises a base with spacing protrusions for the abutment of the edges of corresponding tiles so as to define the width of the gaps, a threaded stem, which is fixed at right angles to the base in at least one easily breakable point, a knob for clamping and removing the threaded stem, which comprises a female threaded portion adapted to be screwed to the threaded stem.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to improvements to composed stave flooring, methods for the production thereof and the corrective maintenance of same. The improvements allow corrective maintenance to be performed without negatively affecting the physical aesthetic and functional properties thereof. The flooring comprises a sight substrate and a base substrate, with the sight substrate having a minimum practical thickness of 4 mm and the base substrate having a minimum practical thickness of 12 mm, the two substrates being assembled using adhesive and securing means that distribute the adhesive uniformly between both substrates, thereby rendering the flooring more durable and stable.

Abstract: A heat and fire protection system and methods of protecting structural elements and assemblies from heat and fire. When a steel structure is erected vertical columns of the structure typically comprise I-sections. In order to provide fire protection for the I-sections and so improve the resistance to fire of the steel structure a column protection system has been developed. The column protection system includes column protection elements which are placed around an I-section. The column protection elements are secured to the I-section. Horizontal beams can also be protected by the column protection system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposing of waste in a safe manner by supplying an apparatus with a sealing system configured to only apply a seal to an elongated tube of material when several conditions are met, wherein the conditions indicate that the apparatus is in a safe configuration for applying the seal. The apparatus includes a push switch for sensing when the lid has been closed, and another push switch for sensing when a bin has been locked in the apparatus. Thus, when the lid and bin are closed and locked, a child cannot reach into the apparatus and the seal can be applied safely without fear of burning a child.

Abstract: An ice cream sandwich apparatus for making and wrapping ice cream sandwiches. The ice cream sandwich apparatus includes a plurality of stations driven by servo motors.

Abstract: A tray sealing machine comprising an upper tool which can be laterally moved out of the tray sealing machine from a working position into a second position for maintenance and cleaning purposes, wherein the upper tool may be pivotable in the second position so as to improve accessibility to a bottom of the tool for maintenance and cleaning. The tray sealing machine may also include a lower tool that can be laterally moved out of the tray sealing machine from a working position into a second position for maintenance and cleaning purposes, wherein the lower tool is additionally pivotable in the second position so as to improve the accessibility during cleaning.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a packaging system for compressible goods utilizing pre-punched alignment apertures on wicketed and/or chain-linked open bottom bags. The disclosure relates to a bag transport and indexing system through the form fill compress and seal system. The disclosure further relates to the use of sprocket pins spaced accordingly on either a horizontal linear or rotary machine so that the sprockets correspond to the pre-punched apertures on the wicketed and/or chain-linked open bottom bags.

Abstract: Fibrous insulation products have a binder composition that may include a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent, and potentially other optional ingredients. The shelf life and physical properties of fibrous insulation products, particularly those having bio-based binders, can be improved by packaging that completely envelopes and seals the fibrous product from exposure to atmospheric conditions. Exemplary envelopes disclosed include sealed bags, double stretch wrap and stretch hoods. Properties that can be improved include recovery of loft, restoring force and tensile strength among others.

Abstract: A foldable mattress support is made by covering a metal frame with a fabric covering. The metal frame includes two sections that fold together at two hinges. A first section includes first upper and lower frames, and a second section includes second upper and lower frames. Each of the upper and lower frames is pivotally attached to a hinge. A bolt that is oriented along a first axis passes through the first upper frame and through a plate of the hinge. The first upper frame pivots about a first axis; the second upper frame pivots about a second axis; the first lower frame pivots about a third axis; and the second lower frame pivots about a fourth axis. Each of the axes is orthogonal to the plate, and the third axis is spaced farther apart from the fourth axis than the first axis is spaced apart from the second axis.

Abstract: A container, utilized for the storage and transport of articles, includes a body comprised of one or more sidewalls drawn in a generally longitudinal fashion and two end pieces, disposed distally on either end of the container body. A plurality of ribs are disposed between the end pieces to facilitate inward compression of the container body. In his manner, the container volume can be permanently or temporarily altered to take up the tolerance between the volume of articles and the otherwise fixed volume of the package.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system for packaging a product bundle comprises a first conveyor packaging line that applies a first wrap of packaging film in one direction around the product bundle, wherein the first wrap may be preprinted with a plurality of graphics that after wrapping of the first wrap may be each displayed on at least four sides of the product bundle. The system further comprises a second conveyor packaging line that applies a second wrap of packaging film around the product in a second direction, wherein the second wrap may be preprinted with the plurality of graphics that after wrapping of the second wrap may be each displayed on at least two additional sides of the product bundle.

Abstract: A wrapping support apparatus includes an object information acquiring unit, a wrapping method acquiring unit, a rear surface drawing information generating unit, and a printing unit. The object information acquiring unit acquires identification information of a wrapping target object which identifies a shape and a size of a wrapping target object to be wrapped. The wrapping method acquiring unit acquires a wrapping method for wrapping the wrapping target object. The rear surface drawing information generating unit generates rear surface drawing information for drawing fold lines at which a wrapping material is folded to wrap the wrapping target object on the basis of the identification information of the wrapping target object and the wrapping method. The fold lines are printed on the rear surface of the wrapping material. The printing unit prints the fold lines on the rear surface of the wrapping material in accordance with the rear surface drawing information.

Abstract: A resealable packaging device comprises a frame having a combination of multiple layers made of opaque material, each opaque layer comprising one ore more apertures for insertion of a display container. The display container comprises a removable transparent cover or cap surrounded by rigid opaque material allowing one or more items to be sealed within the display container. A method for packaging at least one object is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for filling and closing pharmaceutical objects disposed in parallel rows in nests includes removing the objects from the nests at an inlet of a conveying device in a removal station and placing the objects into the conveying device. In the conveying device, the objects are fed in succession to a first weighing station and weighed, to filling station and filled and to a second weighing station and again weighed and to a closing station and/or crimping station and closed. After closing, the objects are removed from the conveying section. In every case, pre-sterilized objects are processed in an aseptic manner.

Abstract: A refuse carrying device with a variety of handling features includes a container, an attachable secondary handle, an attachable wheel assembly, and a shoulder resting recess. The durable container has an open top adapted for receiving refuse. Opposing sides of a top edge of the container include a pair of handles. The selectably attachable secondary side handle and the selectably attachable wheel assembly are positioned along an outer lower perimeter edge of the container. The shoulder recess is an indentation along the lower perimeter edge opposite the secondary handle and includes an attachable padded cushion to line the recess. A user places the shoulder rest in contact with the shoulder and grips the secondary handle to carry the container upon the shoulder region.

Abstract: A robot apparatus includes a turning base, a lower arm, an upper arm, a wrist unit, a hand, and a controller. The hand is provided on the wrist unit to hold or release a longitudinally intermediate portion of a noodle lump. The controller controls operations of the turning base, the lower arm, the upper arm, the wrist unit, and the hand. The controller controls the turning base, the lower arm, the upper arm, and the wrist unit so that the hand moves the noodle lump obliquely upward at least in a part of a path from a holding position at which the noodle lump is held and a releasing position at which the noodle lump is released.

Abstract: A bag retrieval assembly and bag, which facilitates the covering of a bale of cotton or other fibrous material, are discussed. The bag is configured to be used with the bag retrieval assembly, which is configured to manipulate the bag from a stacked or stored configuration to an open configuration that may be raised and held into a position for further processing.

Abstract: A combination removable, protective saddle cover and traction control accessory system is provided. The combination system comprises 1-10 flexible, adhesive-backed panels that form a protective layer over the saddle and also increase grip for the rider. The system's individual parts are applied to create a protective, decorative, non-slip interface between a rider and a saddle or other mounted sports riding equipment. The invention also adheres to the non-visible undersides of the saddle and serve as a set of custom saddle-fitting shims, to eliminate the pain of an ill-fitting saddle and providing better anatomical fit between the saddle and the horse.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for cleaning gases containing particles with a bellows and with at least one filter element arranged in the bellows. To ensure effective filtration without limitation of the mobility of the bellows, the present invention provides for at least one filter element to be fixed at a bellows inner flange of a bellows corrugation in a positive-locking manner.

Abstract: A device for cleaning of polluted gas from a combustion engine, includes a centrifugal separator with a centrifuge rotor arranged to cause the polluted gas to rotate. The centrifuge rotor comprises a stack of truncated conical separating discs disposed at mutual spacing so they delimit intermediate spaces between them for the gas to flow through. An outlet chamber is disposed centrally within the stack of separating discs, whereby the centrifuge rotor is configured for counterflow separation. The centrifugal separator comprises a gas outlet which communicates with the outlet chamber. The stack of separating discs is disposed for rotation in a space formed within the combustion engine and arranged to receive the polluted gas, to which end the intermediate spaces between the separating discs communicate directly with the space, and the gas outlet is arranged to conduct the cleaned gas out from the space through a wall which delimits the space.

Abstract: A dust collection device includes a machine body that forms an air chamber and a chassis arranged below the machine body. The chassis receives therein a dust collection tank. A mechanics case that contains a motor and blower assembly is arranged at one side of the machine body. The mechanics case includes a partition board to divide the mechanics case into an inlet flow channel communicating the air chamber and an outlet flow channel for discharging air. The partition board forms an air vent hole in communication with the outlet flow channel. A block unit is provided on the partition board and includes a block plate that selectively blocks the air vent hole. When a fire occurs inside the air chamber, the partition board prevents the fire flame from being drawn into the mechanics case, and the block plate timely blocks the air vent hole to improve operation safety.

Abstract: To allow such a filter unit to be maintenanced easily, it provided according to the invention that the air passage grating is hinged indirectly or directly to the filter housing and can be adjusted between a closed position and an opened maintenance position. The filter housing has a retainer which positively blocks a catch of the air passage grating in the maintenance position.