Abstract: A unitary, composite wall foundation and floor slab structure and system is provided by a pre-stressed cast concrete structure having a wall foundation region, a floor slab region and a transitional region therebetween and strands passing through all of those regions. One or more such structures are also post-tensioned using cables passing through tube embedded in the cast concrete structure and, when a plurality of such structures are employed in a modular manner, such post-tensioning draws all such modules into a larger unitary composite wall foundation and floor slab structure. The transition region may be further reinforced by angular reinforcing elements. Intermediate and end sections of varied shape may be used to complete the structure.

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

Abstract: A multistory residential building provides private access to each unit in order to eliminate breezeways and common stairwells. If a unit is located on the first level, private access is provided by a privately used front door disposed on an end wall of the residential building. Units that are located on the second and third floors are accessed by privately used front doors on internal stairways, wherein said stairways are secluded and inaccessible to other residents and guests. The front doors of the third-floor units are located on intermediate landings wherein access to each landing is provided by a semi-private monumental stairway. The front doors located on the second and third floors are disposed on end wall opposite the end wall having the first floor doors. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to provide breezeways and common stairways connecting all the floors of each building to provide access to each unit.

Abstract: This invention presents a modified reinforced concrete structure, which has a steel structure composed of a beam steel box unit, column steel box unit, and beam-column joint steel box unit with lap jointing reinforced steels. The side plate and/or end plate of the steel box has through holes for concrete flowing therebetween. In this way, the workability of concrete grouting and tamping are improved, and the phenomena of hive, segregation, or floating can be avoided. It can also enhance the performance of beam-column joints (e.g. with better confinement ability, etc.). Applying the invention, the efficiency and accuracy of constructing beam-column joints can be increased, and in addition to better ensure the structural safety, it can also reduce construction manpower and schedule.

Abstract: A foundation footing (30) has a support framework (32) encased within concrete (38). The support framework (32) includes elongate members (34) formed of timber, such as telephone poles, which extend the full length of the footing (30). Brackets (36) rigidly securing terminal ends (42) and intermediate portions (44) of the elongate members (34) in fixed relation. The brackets (36) have steel plates (46) disposed beneath the elongate members (34) and binding chains (48) secured to the steel plates (46). The binding chains (48) are preferably loosely secured around the elongate members (34) until being encased within the concrete (38), which rigidly secures the binding chains (48) to the elongate members (34) and the elongate members (34) to the steel plates (46). Grooves (86) are formed into the elongate members (34) to increase the bonding between the elongate members (34) and the concrete (38).

Abstract: The present disclosure resides in a post, configured to be removably securable in an aperture and having a predetermined first cross-sectional area. The post includes an end portion having an angled face and a wedge, having a complementary angled face arranged against the angled face of the end portion. The wedge is configured to be slidably movable at the end portion to adjust a second cross-sectional area, defined by the wedge and the end portion. The angled face of the wedge is slidably movable relative to the angled face of the end portion to increase the second cross-sectional area relative to the first cross-sectional area to tightly secure the end portion (14) within an aperture. The post may further comprise a mechanism connected to the wedge for slidably moving the angled face of the wedge relative to the angled face of the end portion to increase the second cross-sectional area relative to the first cross-sectional area to tightly secure the end portion within an aperture.

Abstract: This invention provides for reinforced wood structures including framing members and a method to reinforce the connection between structural members to increase the load bearing capacity of framing member intersections by covering the intersecting wood framing members with a layer of a liquid elastomer including polyurea.

Abstract: A vinyl floor panel for a flooring system prepared from a blend of a polymer and cork granules. The floor panel includes top and bottom surfaces with a first layer between both surfaces. A printed pattern is located on the top surface. The first layer is prepared from a blend of a polymer polyvinyl chloride and cork granules, where the cork granules are evenly distributed with the polyvinyl chloride throughout the length, width, and thickness of the first layer.

Abstract: A laminate flooring system includes planks with tile patterns thereon, the tiles of a plank being separated by a precisely formed and positioned interior bevel. The edges of the plank have a bevel as well. The width of the edge bevel is precisely determined and selected such that when two planks are placed adjacent to each other, the adjacent edge patterns combine to form a bevel whose with and appearance is the same as the interior bevels between the tiles of a single plank.

Abstract: A decorative panel is manufactured for installation on a surface of a room. The decorative panel is formed from a material that can be shaped having a decorative portion, two female mounting portions and two male portions. The female portions have punched holes for fastening the panels directly to a surface, and the male portions of an adjacent panel are positioned into the female portions to partially hold the adjacent panel and to obscure from view the punched holes and fastening hardware. The panel design and installation method allows the decorative panels to be attached directly to a building material such as sheet rock without any intervening supporting structure.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of sheets, including a lowermost sheet, have an upper edge, a lower edge, parallel side edges, an upper surface, and a lower surface. A support includes a lower board beneath the sheets adjacent to the lower edges. Parallel boards beneath the sheets are at locations adjacent to and at spaced parallel locations between the side edges. Long brackets couple the lower edge of the lowermost sheet to one of the parallel boards and the lower board. Straight brackets couple one of the side edges of one of the sheets to one of the parallel boards there beneath. Short brackets couple the upper and lower edges of two adjacent of the sheets to one of the parallel boards there beneath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower for a wind power plant having a plurality of corner bars (1) for forming a mast construction, wherein the corner bars (1) are each made up of a plurality of partial profiles (2) connected to each other and having opposing connection areas (3a, 3b) at which the adjacent partial profiles (2) of a corner bar (1) can be connected to each other, and wherein the partial profiles (2) each have two kink points in cross section extending in the longitudinal direction of the partial profiles (2) in a segment located between opposite connection areas (3a, 3b) of the partial profile.

Abstract: A frame member is provided for a structure. The frame member includes a generally flat, elongated first surface having an elongated slot therein extending along an axis. The slot is defined by first and second converging sidewalls lying in corresponding planes which are at acute angles to the first surface. A first diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall and a second diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall. A first diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall and a second diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall.

Abstract: A connecting structure includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has a clip and a stabilizer flange that is spaced apart from the clip. The second connecting part has a first engagement structure that is engageable with the clip of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an insertion direction. The second connecting part also has a second engagement structure that is engageable with the stabilizer flange of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an elevational direction.

Abstract: A protective shelter is presented. The protective shelter includes a substantially cylindrical wall member defining a shelter interior. The wall member has a first end and a second end and an opening formed there through. A domed member is coupled to the first end of the wall member. A door coupled to the wall member. The door is openable to permit ingress and egress into and out of the shelter interior through the opening and being closeable to cover the opening. At least one anchor point is coupled to the wall member adjacent to the second end, such that the protective shelter can be anchored to an underlying substrate.

Abstract: A drilling platform constructed from columns of box support members. Each column has one or more spreader support brackets extending toward another spreader support bracket on an opposite column. Outwardly flaring locking arms rise from the spreader support brackets. A locking aperture is contained in the flared portion of each locking arm. The mouth of the aperture is preferably at about a thirty degree angle to its base so that the mouth is generally facing up. Spreader beams connect the columns. Each spreader beam has a locking pin at each end. The spreader beams are lowered onto the support arms of each column. As they are lowered, the locking pins are aligned to engage the locking apertures and thereby secure the spreader beams to the columns. Once the spreader beams are in place, a work platform can be built on top of the columns and spreader beams.

Abstract: A portable jig used in light frame construction has a rigid body formed from a resilient material that is approximately rectangular in shape with a central planar web with a peripheral, perpendicular flange, and at least three saddles, attached to the central planar web. The jig also possesses a vertical framing flange that extends from one of the saddles and is parallel to the central planar web. The longitudinal axes of at least two of the saddles are parallel to each other and are spaced apart in conformity with standard building code spacing. The longitudinal axis of at least one of the remaining saddles is perpendicular to the aforementioned parallel saddles. These saddles are used to position the vertical framing elements at the desired spacing and at the same time ensure that they perpendicular to the horizontal framing elements.

Abstract: A modular interlocking exterior wall system comprises one or more laminated panels formed of a paper product core sandwiched between two cementitious skins, two vertical posts having laterally extending flanges which interlock in vertical grooves formed in the sides of the panels, and a top rail having a downwardly opening top groove which receives and reinforces the horizontal top edge of the top panel, wherein bottom portions of the posts are anchored below ground. An optional bottom rail has an upwardly opening groove for receiving and supporting the bottom edge of the bottom panel, and laterally extending flanges of an optional mid rail are received in top and bottom grooves, respectively, of bottom and top panels to interlock and reinforce the panels.

Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable has an end and an opposite end. The end of the stay cable attaches to an upper region of the mast. The opposite end of the stay cable anchors at earth. The stay cable is oriented at an angle not exceeding ten degrees.

Abstract: A prefabricated roof plate element (4), including one or more longitudinal box-shaped girders (24), each having two predominantly U-shaped metal sections (10, 18) which at mutually facing, open sides are interconnected along narrow outwards bent lateral edges (5). The girders (24) are connected at upper and lower sides (19) corrugated in longitudinal direction which office corrugated metal plates (7) which are corrugated in a transverse direction and have approximately the same width as the roof plate element (4). The girders (24) are disposed along opposed sides and at a center of the roof plate element (4). One of the sections (10, 18) is shorter than another one of the sections to forming eaves (6).

Abstract: An environmentally friendly fiberglass utility pole that comes in three sections that are telescoped one around the other to provide a strong, wind and bending resistant structure. Each of the three sections has alternating protruding and intruding surfaces that are slip fit together to provide maximum strength while conserving material. Additionally, each of the three sections preferably are different lengths such that maximum reinforcement is provided along the center of the length of the pole, without requiring excessive material (or weight) at the top end of the pole.

Abstract: A large bale transporter and an accompanying bale wrapper create a system for wrapping plastic around large bales retrieved by the transporter. The transporter has a loading apparatus that deposits large bales onto the load bed of the transporter until filled. The transporter is then manipulated to connect to a bale wrapper physically and operatively so that the bales can be moved into the wrapping apparatus. The frame of the transporter is pivotally connected to the axle to allow the rear end of the frame to be lowered to the ground to engage the bale wrapper and/or retrieve previously wrapped bales. The wrapping apparatus is powered by the drive mechanism of the transporter and is automatically disengaged when a pusher member placed at the end of the bales being discharged engages the drive coupler. An endless chain drive is drivable in opposite directions to move the bales on the transporter.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a palletized load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include a ramp configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The ramp may include at least one fixed portion. The ramp may also include a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion may be configured to support one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck, and move the one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for a wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a film made of plastics, comprising a table which rotates around a wrapping axis and which supports the product to be wrapped, a frame provided with a plurality of supporting wheels, which are mounted free to rotate around respective rotating axes and which support the table, wherein the supporting wheels are connected to the frame so that the respective rotating axes are tiltable with respect to a supporting plane of the apparatus.

Abstract: Decapping system for opening or closing reagent containers or cartridge systems closed by a lid which is removed and secured by a rotational movement and method thereof are disclosed. The decapping system has a centering unit at its lower end that provides a snap-in element which engages the lid, and a plurality of simultaneously driven and vertically movable screwing heads which compensates for variable heights and/or sizes of cartridge systems to be processed.

Abstract: A thermal seal packaging systems and methods thereof. In one implementation a thermal sealing packaging system has a container transfer unit for transferring a container which is to contain a package item, a measuring unit for measuring the weight of the item that is loaded in the container being transported before it is loaded into the container, a capping film supply unit for a capping film to cover the opening area of the container, an indication means for indicating the measurement data of the measurement unit on the capping film, and a sealing unit for heat-sealing an opening area of the container, into which the package item is loaded, with the capping film, the opening area of the container into which the item is loaded is covered by the capping film on which the corresponding measurement data is indicated.

Abstract: A bag accumulating device is provided with a first drive mechanism and a second drive mechanism. The first drive mechanism is configured to advance an open-mouth portion of a bag at a first speed. The second drive mechanism is provided adjacent and downstream of the first drive mechanism. The second drive mechanism is configured to advance the open-mouth portion of the bag at a second speed that is less than the first speed so as to accumulate and foreshorten the open-mouth portion of the bag. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging system for transporting vials containing biological samples may comprise a first tray defining at least one first tray cavity; and a second tray defining at least one second tray cavity and configured to mate with the first tray. The packaging system may further comprise at least one first tray cavity and at least one second tray cavity, wherein the at least one first tray cavity and the at least one second tray cavity are configured to securely hold respective vials for transport, and to restrain caps on the respective vials during transport, wherein the at least one first tray cavity and the at least one second tray cavity oppose each other when the first tray and the second tray are mated together. The packaging system may also be configured to permit barcode scanning of vials held within the first tray cavity and the second tray cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is a wrap designed to protect the saddle horn when a lariat rope is dallied around it and pressure applied, as when roping cattle in the sports of team and calf roping. The horn wrap consists of a strap having desired elasticity and durability, as well as a sufficient coefficient of friction. The horn wrap can have one or two apertures at the tips which can be pulled over the saddle horn and act to attach the horn wrap to the saddle horn. Generally anticipated to be in a generally bell shape, the attachment pieces act to protect the saddle pommel near the base of the saddle horn. The horn wrap may be beveled near its edges so as to allow for smooth layers on the saddle horn which can increase the contact of the rope to the saddle horn to increase the friction resisting the dally sliding when weight is applied to the rope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to saddles and saddle trees, especially English saddle trees, particularly for horses. In particular, we describe a method of manufacture for a tree which is simplified by the use of leather, webbing and plastic in flat sheet material. This fabrication can be simply stitched and riveted together and a Y-bar and headplate are then bolted and or riveted to the finished leather plastic fabrication. This method of making a tree is fast, efficient, cost effective, safe, reliable, provides more consistent symmetrical performance, and above all is very light, providing a weight saving of 60% compared with conventional methods. The tree fabrication requires no additional finishing or tidying, unlike other forms of manufacture. As soon as the parts are assembled they are ready to go to the next stage of making the finished seat for the saddle.

Abstract: The present invention is an edging and trimming apparatus for attachment to lawn mowing machines for use to edge and trim grass and weeds. A gear assembly enclosed in a housing may have a drive gear attached to a drive shaft of a lawn mower and may be engaged with a driven gear attached to a driven end of a shaft. A socket end of the shaft may be positioned in a hole in a side wall of a blade housing and the shaft may be slidably attached to the blade housing by a first bracket and a second bracket to position the shaft approximately orthogonal to the drive shaft. A head coupling assembly with a trimmer head may be releasable attached to said socket end.

Abstract: A combination rake and hay baling apparatus including a baler, a hay rake with extendable sweep arms and a plurality of rakes having tines attached to the sweep arms mounted to a tow bar pulling the baler, and a windrow diverter mounted to the tow bar behind the rake and in front of a hay pick-up of the baler, all of which is pulled and powered simultaneously by a single tractor.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device has a substrate and a first window layer on the substrate with a first sheet resistance, a first thickness, and a first impurity concentration. A second window layer has a second sheet resistance, a second thickness, and a second impurity concentration. A semiconductor system is between the first window layer and the second window layer. The second window layer has a semiconductor material different from the semiconductor system, and the second sheet resistance is greater than the first sheet resistance. A method for manufacturing is provided, having the steps of providing a substrate, forming a semiconductor system on the substrate, and forming a window layer on the semiconductor system. The window layer has a semiconductor material different from the semiconductor system. Selectively removing the window layer forms a width difference greater than 1 micron between the window layer and semiconductor system.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing strands from wires is disclosed. The machine comprises a first support for supporting a bobbin, wherein a rotor can rotate around a main axis for stranding wires and winding or unwinding around the main axis a strand or the like comprising these wires, while the first support can move along the main axis, which rotor is provided with a second support which rotates with the rotor around the main axis and can move along the main axis for supporting the bobbin, wherein the first support and/or the second support rotate the bobbin around the main axis when the rotor rotates around the main axis.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing a metal cord with three concentric layers, rubberized in situ, of M+N+P construction, wherein the method comprises the following steps which are performed in line: an assembling step by twisting N wires around a first layer to form, at a point named the “assembling point”, an intermediate cord named a “core strand” of M+N construction; downstream of the assembling point, a sheathing step in which the M+N core strand is sheathed with a rubber composition named “filling rubber” in the uncrosslinked state, an assembling step in which P wires of the first layer are twisted around the core strand thus sheathed, and a final twist-balancing step.

Abstract: A new metal fiber yarn is provided. The metal fiber yarn (10) constitutes a construction comprising continuous metal fibers (13) forming a metal fiber yarn. The construction comprises at least 5 bundles (12) of continuous metal fibers twisted together to form a yarn. Each of the metal fiber bundles (12) comprises at least 30 metal fibers (13). The yarn comprises at least one partial yarn (11), said partial yarn comprising at least two metal fiber bundles (13) twisted around each other with a predetermined number of torsions per meter.

Abstract: Colored monofilament ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin lines, and methods of making such colored lines are disclosed. The colorant can result in a product that provides a visual indication of metered length. When the colorant has a luminescent response to ultraviolet or infrared light, a line can change color based on the environmental conditions to which it is exposed. Methods of making the line can include feeding a substantially untwisted multifilament ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin yarn; coating the substantially untwisted multifilament yarn with at least one colorant; twisting the coated multifilament yarn; and heating the twisted multifilament yarn to a temperature and for a time sufficient to at least partially fuse adjacent filaments together while stretching the yarn.

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 industrial gas turbine engine capable of operating at higher temperatures than air cooled nickel based alloy airfoils in the turbine. The engine burns stoichiometric or rich to produce a hot gas stream that is mostly without oxygen, and the turbine airfoils are made from a high temperature resistant material such as a refractory material that also has poor oxidation resistance. A second small gas turbine engine is used to compress nitrogen gas that is used to pass through the turbine airfoils for cooling where the film cooling nitrogen gas is injected into the hot gas stream but without igniting the fuel rich gas stream.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine system includes a gas turbine engine using vaporized liquefied gas as fuel. The gas turbine engine is configured to ingest intake air from an intake port and direct exhaust gases to an exhaust port. The gas turbine engine system also includes a heat exchanger with a heat transfer fluid therein. The heat exchanger is configured to create at least a part of the fuel by heating the liquefied gas. The gas turbine engine system also includes an intake air temperature control circuit. The intake air temperature control circuit includes conduits configured to direct the heat transfer fluid to the intake port and the exhaust port. The gas turbine engine system also includes a control system configured to selectively direct the heat transfer fluid to one of the intake port and the exhaust port.

Abstract: A method and system for improving sensor accuracy of diesel emissions is disclosed. The method and system change the sensor reading as a function of sensor age to provide a more accurate measure of the diesel emissions. By estimating the degree of sensor error and then providing a gain correction factor as a function of sensor age, a more accurate measure of the diesel emissions is provided.

Abstract: A system, method, and software for determining an amount of reductant to be supplied to a NOx adsorber during a regeneration event is disclosed. A reductant calculation module is executable by an electronic control unit for calculating a quantity of reductant delivered which is required to periodically regenerate the adsorber by accumulating the reductant fuel delivered as a function of a total fuel quantity being supplied to the internal combustion engine by a fuel system and subtracting an amount of fuel required to achieve a stoichiometric air to fuel ratio at an inlet of the adsorber.

Abstract: Method for controlling an injector intended for injecting a pollution-control liquid additive into the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine at a flow rate governed by a given frequency and opening time of the injector, the injector having a calibration curve that establishes, at given frequency, pressure, temperature and nature of the liquid, the amount of liquid injected during an opening of the injector as a function of the duration of this opening, this curve comprising at least one linear zone (calibration line) and a non-linear zone, said method being characterized in that in the linear zone the parameters of the calibration line are used and in the non-linear zone use is made of a set opening time and a variable frequency according to at least one calibration point established for this purpose. SCR system to which this method can be applied.

Abstract: An exhaust control system comprises a nominal specific heat module, a correction module, a specific heat determination module, and a convective loss estimation module. The nominal specific heat module determines a nominal specific heat of exhaust input to a component of an exhaust system based on a temperature of the exhaust input to the component and based on a predetermined oxygen content. The correction module determines a specific heat correction based on an oxygen content measured by a sensor. The specific heat determination module determines a specific heat of the exhaust based on the nominal specific heat and the specific heat correction. The convection loss estimation module estimates a convective energy loss rate associated with the component based on the specific heat.

Abstract: In a method of operating a particle filter in an exhaust system of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine, wherein the particle filter is reconditioned, in intervals, by a soot-burn-off procedure, the amount of noncombustible ashes also collected in the particle filter is reduced by heating the particle filter and supplying to the particle filter, together with the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, a reducing agent which reacts with the ash deposits so as to chemically convert the ash deposits such that at least non-metallic ash components are decomposed and carried out of the particle filter by the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a mode determination module that selects one of a first post-injection mode and a second post-injection mode based on a regeneration enable signal and a particulate filter temperature signal. An adjustment module selects one of N ramp rate tables based on the selected one of the first post-injection mode and the second post-injection mode. N is an integer greater than 1. The adjustment module generates a post-injected fuel signal based on the selected one of the N ramp rate tables, an ambient temperature signal and the particulate filter temperature signal. The adjustment module outputs the post-injected fuel signal to a fuel injection system.

Abstract: A method to control NH3 slippage and NOx conversion in an electronic controlled internal combustion engine exhaust system equipped with a selective catalyst reducer, a diesel particulate filter, a diesel oxidation catalyst and a urea doser.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter (DPF) configured to separate a particulate from an engine exhaust is provided. The DPF comprises a downstream filtration stage including a plurality of downstream channels, an upstream filtration stage disposed upstream of and in fluidic communication with the downstream filtration stage, and including a plurality of upstream channels, and a shell at least partly enclosing the downstream filtration stage and the upstream filtration stage, the shell including an inlet configured to conduct the engine exhaust to the upstream filtration stage and an outlet configured to release the engine exhaust from the downstream filtration stage. The plurality of upstream channels may include a plurality of open upstream channels, the arrangement of which disperses the particulate more evenly over the plurality of downstream channels, as more flow is directed away from the major axis of the filter.

Abstract: An emission reduction device which may be removably affixed to an engine's exhaust system. The device comprises a cylindrical carcass with a beveled opening in a diagonal line in its proximal part. A bobbin is affixed in the distal portion of the carcass. A cylindrical-shaped fibrous blanket may be inserted in the carcass and the fibrous blanket may be wrapped in a wire mesh. A second fiber mesh formed into a cone may be removably inserted in the cylindrical-shaped fibrous blanket with the larger diameter of the cone positioned proximally.

Abstract: A cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold is provided, the integrated exhaust manifold including an exhaust manifold flange. In one example, the cylinder head includes a cooled flange to control exhaust system heat. The cylinder head can improve operation of an integrated cylinder head during at least some operating conditions.