Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable building material. In one embodiment, the tie system includes multiple ties configured to be directly interconnected into a vertically extending tie stack such that multiple tie stacks can be positioned over a footing in a spaced apart arrangement. The multiple tie stacks are configured to extend substantially perpendicular between substantially parallel panel structures. Each tie stack includes one or more base members and one or more wall ties, each of which directly attach to each other in a vertically stacked arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prefabricated construction element (1) having a permanent form, such as a longitudinal beam or a panel, consisting of two parallel plates that are formed, through molding and spaced apart from each other, from a hydraulic mixture such as concrete and from a built-in metal reinforcement, said plates being separated by an insulating block and connected together by transverse spacers (not shown), characterized in that said construction element (1) comprises consecutive prepositioning and bottom (6, 7) and/or top (8, 9) linking means, said bottom means (6, 7) consisting of a metal male connector (6) secured to the metal reinforcement of a first element (1) and arranged at the end of the bottom portion of said first element, and a metal female connector (7) secured to said metal reinforcement of a consecutive second element and arranged at the end of the bottom portion of said second element, the relative positioning of the male connector (6) and female connector (7) being such that said

Abstract: An aqueous gypsum plaster-cement composition comprises a hydraulic binder consisting of calcined gypsum and hydraulic cement in a weight ratio of from about 4:1 to about 2:1, an aggregate which comprises sand, a foam, a perlite, rice hulls or a mixture thereof, a superplasticizer comprising an air entraining agent, a retarder, and water in an amount of from about 0.4 to about 0.75 parts by weight per part of binder, with the proviso that the gypsum plaster-cement composition contains essentially neither a pozzolana nor lime. The use thereof, a method of constructing buildings using this composition and the buildings obtainable in this way are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for light steel frame construction which utilizes a single type of material for panels and fill to produce an affordable, thermally efficient, strong and durable building. The system and method for light steel frame construction generally includes a light steel frame to which is secured a plurality of outer block panels and inner block panels via fasteners. Each of the block panels is made of a porous concrete mix which is pre-cured and cut to form the rectangular panels. Gaps between the outer and inner block panels is filled with a fill material, the fill material being formed of a dry mix porous concrete which is mixed with water on-site and pumped into the gaps before being allowed to expand and cure. Adhesive materials may be applied to the panels to fill gaps and secure the panels to each other.

Abstract: A wall panel system that includes a plurality of rails positioned substantially parallel to each other, a plurality of panels wherein each panel extends between two adjacent rails, and a cross spline is positioned between each pair of panels and extending substantially perpendicular to adjacent rails is provided. The rails are attachable to a wall support structure. The rails receive the panels and maintain the panels in a spaced-apart relationship. Each panel includes a peripheral edge having a groove formed into the peripheral edge such that the groove is continuous and extends about the entire peripheral edge of the panel. Both the rails and the cross spline include a tongue that is insertable into the groove of each panel to allow the rails and cross splines to be in engagement with the panels.

Abstract: A wall panel system and method is disclosed. The wall panel system for covering an unfinished wall including one or more studs, includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a first stud cover. The first sheet has a length, a width, a first edge, and a second edge. The second sheet is attached perpendicular to the first sheet at the second edge. The first stud cover is attached perpendicular to the first sheet at the first edge and the first stud cover includes a base with a first side and a second side, a first leg attached perpendicular to the base at the first side, and a second leg attached perpendicular to the base at the second side and wherein the first leg and second leg are parallel. Additional wall panel systems are also disclosed. In addition, storage units may be secured to the stud covers and the underlying studs.

Abstract: Wooden tiles are disclosed having a top surface that is milled to produce multiple individual planks from a single individual tile. The tiles are configured such that when laid adjacent to one another on a surface, the pattern defined by the individual planks repeats. In one arrangement the tiles are milled on a CNC machine that allows for producing planks having non-linear edges.

Abstract: A decorative floor tile including at least one decorative layer and a backing layer having an array of resilient annular projections. Each annular projection includes a concave top surface, an outside wall surface, and an inside wall surface. The inside wall surface defines a central, blind passageway area. When the decorative floor tile is installed over an underlying surface, and pressure is applied to the decorative floor tile, a vacuum is created within the blind passageway and the underlying surface. The vacuum increases the amount of frictional drag between the surface covering and the underlying surface, and thus allows the surface covering to remain in place without the need for an adhesive.

Abstract: A connector strip is mechanically attached to the planar surface defined by wooden or metallic walls. In a first embodiment the connector strip has an elongate I-beam configuration with a proximal end having transverse arms that define a flattened base that is attachable to the wall. A central rib member extends from the proximal end and is transverse to the plane of the transverse arms. The distal end of the connector strip is also defined by arms that are transverse to the central rib and which define an insulation board receiving slot between the arms on the proximal and distal ends. The arms at the distal end-the outer end of the connector strip when it is attached to a wall, serve as a surface onto which exterior materials such as siding and sheetrock may be anchored with nails or screws.

Abstract: A mounting base is formed from a metal foundation, height adjustment bolts for adjusting the height dimension of the foundation, support bolts inserted into support bolt insertion holes, a metal cover installed on the foundation, and mortar filling the space between the foundation and the upper surface of a concrete slab. In the base, the first fixed ends of the bolts are inserted into insertion holes formed in a metal plate and are fixed to the metal plate with nuts, and the second fixed ends of the bolts are fixed to a steel beam with nuts. The portion of the first fixed ends of the bolts which extends between the metal plate and the top surface of the concrete floor is integrated with the mortar filling the space, and the metal cover covers the opening at the top of a metal tube of the foundation.

Abstract: A post-and-beam type structure includes: a connector having four plate portions forming a cruciform cross-section for the connector, the cruciform cross-section extending in a vertical direction, wherein the four plate portions define four quadrants; a first column configured for detachably coupling to a bottom portion of the connector; and a first beam with a first end configured for detachably coupling to a first one of the plate portions; wherein the first beam comprises a first beam member and a second beam member that are coupled to each other, and wherein the first end of the first beam is configured for placement in a first quadrant of the four quadrants.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to enhance drainage of a rack in a case where a single-lip channel steel bar is used as a transverse beam or/and a longitudinal beam and a flat-plate-like solar panel module or the like is placed on the transverse beam. The single-lip channel steel bar of the present invention, which serves as a transverse beam and a longitudinal beam, includes a second side plate formed on one side portion of a channel steel bar body. The second side plate is formed only of a flat plate formed at a right angle or a non-right angle with respect to a back plate.

Abstract: A machine is described for covering book covers and sealing envelopes or articles of various kind. The machine comprises a fixed lower base suitable for resting a sheet of flexible plastic material for an article to be covered, an upper part movable towards said base and a heatable blade accommodated in the upper part to execute soldering of the overlapped ends of the plastic material sheet along the article edges when the upper part is approached to the lower base. The machine comprises an electric motor, a control member accessible from the outside of the machine for operating the electric motor and movement transmission means acting on the sides of the upper part to induce, at every activation of the electric motor, movement of the upper part towards the lower base for executing the soldering of the ends of the plastic material sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refillable container to be used with a laundry cleaner mix. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a refillable container for use with a laundry cleaner bottle closure (cap) containing a laundry cleaner mix to be diluted within the refillable container, wherein the closure (cap) includes a water dissolvable seal.

Abstract: A device and a method for packaging articles (14) are proposed, wherein the device comprises the following: at least one insertion device (30) which transfers articles (14) to be packaged into a folded box (28), at least one transport means (16) which transports a plurality of articles (14) to be packaged in the form of a stack in at least one packaging material bowl (12) into the gripping region of the insertion device (30), wherein an aligning unit (20) is provided which, in order to stabilize the stack, acts on the articles (14) which lies in the packaging material bowl (12), before said articles (14) pass into the gripping region of the insertion device (30).

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing and filling of plastic containers, said process comprising the steps of: a. positioning a preform (1) with relation to a mold assembly of two or more components (20, 21, 22), said preform generally being fabricated from a plastic and being provided with a longitudinal axis (17) and presenting a stretchable portion (13) and a non-stretchable portion (11); b. stretching said preform along its longitudinal axis (17); c. injecting a fluid (29) into the interior volume (6) of the preform (1), said fluid (29) being under such pressure as to cause the preform (1) to plastically deform until achieving the desired size and shape; and d. releasing said container from the mold assembly (20, 21, 22) and sealing the container, and in which at least a portion of the stretchable portion (13) of the perform (1) is at a temperature below its vitreous transition temperature (Tg) and, preferably, at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus, its components, and corresponding methods for wrapping a load in packaging material are described herein. The apparatus has a packaging material dispenser having a frame and a plurality of packaging material supplies. The apparatus also has a load press for wrapping an upper surface of the load, where the load press has a central press section and a peripheral press section which can disengage the upper surface to allow wrapping of at least a part thereof. The apparatus also has an enclosure to prevent access during operation, as well as a packaging material seeking assembly which seeks out the packaging material to be wrapped. The apparatus and methods described allow for an automatic wrapping of a load which minimizes operator intervention, and further allow for the automatic resupply of packaging material.

Abstract: Packaging of a stack of confectionery pellets comprises a tubular pack formed from a flexible wrapper and a re-closable cap member mounted to one end of pack. The cap member has a base affixed to a side wall of the pack and a scoop attached to the base for movement between closed and open positions. The scoop is shaped to act as a receptacle for holding a pellet dispensed from the pack when in the open position. The wrapper has a line of weakness extending around all or part of the end wall region and during manufacture an inside surface of the scoop is bonded to the end wall region. When the scoop is first opened, the wrapper tears along the line of weakness to create an opening in the pack through which pellets can be dispensed. A method of manufacturing the packaging is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A single serving beverage container has a body having a first end, which in the drinking vessel serving position is at the top, and an opposite second end that functions as the base of the container. Accessible from the first end is a closure that can be opened and the second end is closed. The body defines a two-chamber interior cavity of a first predetermined volume for containing a beverage and a second adjacent volume for increasing the total useable container volume after the closure has been opened and for providing a drinking rim optimized to enhance the drinking experience.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for separating particles from a fluid has a housing with a structural element provided with an opening. A cyclone cell having an inflow opening and an outflow opening is provided and is adapted to produce a swirl in a fluid that is flowing in through the inflow opening and exits through the outflow opening. The cyclone cell is secured in the opening of the structural element by being form-fittingly embedded by injection molding in the structural element. In a method for producing the centrifugal separator, at least one cyclone cell is provided and is embedded by injection molding so as to form the structural element that secures at least one cyclone cell in the housing.

Abstract: This disclosure describes examples of a seal element that can prevent leaks that occur due to sagging and/or displacement of a filter device from the tubesheet in a power generating system. The seal element can have a non-uniform profile that defines a material thickness for the seal element. In one example, the non-uniform profile defines an area or section of the seal element that is thicker relative to other areas or sections of the seal element. The thicker area corresponds to certain positions on the filter device that are susceptible to movement that can occur, e.g., due to particulate build-up during operation of the turbo-machine.

Abstract: A framed air filter and method of making. The framed air filter includes air filter media and a frame with a frame portion with an upstream flange and a downstream flange and an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall. The inner sidewall includes an open-ended, offset slot.

Abstract: An air filter system (30) includes a filter housing (10) with a filter element (1) received within the housing. A secondary housing is secured to and closing the filter housing. The secondary housing includes a locking element operable to engage the filter housing and the filter element. The filter element (1) includes at least one fastening element (7) wherein the locking element (22) of the secondary housing (20) engages the at least one fastening element (7) in such a way, when the filter element (1) is accommodated in the filter housing (10) and is disposed between the filter housing (10) and the secondary housing (20), that the secondary housing (20) is detachably clamped to the filter housing (10).

Abstract: Melt-blown fiber comprising a terpolymer of propylene, ethylene and a C4 to C10 ?-olefin, wherein further said melt blown fiber and/or said terpolymer has/have a melt flow rate MFR25 (230° C.) of at least 300 g/10 min, the amount of propylene in said terpolymer is at least 90.0 wt.-%, the weight ratio of ethylene and a-olefin within said terpolymer is 1/100 to below 1/1, and the terpolymer has <2,1> regiodefects of below 0.4 mol.-%.

Abstract: A replaceable mower blade assembly for attaching to a rotatable spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft is provided. The blade assembly includes a mounting member having a plurality of ends extending from a central bore that is configured to receive the spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft. Each end includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of caps. A locking mechanism is operatively connected to the mounting member, and each arm of the locking mechanism includes a pin. A cutting blade is removably attachable to each end of the mounting member and the cutting blade includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of keyhole apertures. Each pin of the locking mechanism is insertable and engageable with an indexing aperture of both the mounting member and the cutting blade for positively securing each cutting blade.

Abstract: A replaceable mower blade for attachment to a mounting member operatively connected to a mower is provided. The blade includes a central portion having opposing side edges, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The blade also includes a tip portion extending from the central portion. The central portion includes at least one attachment mechanism for operatively connecting the blade to the mounting member.

Abstract: A tine mounting bracket for connecting tines to tine bars on an agricultural pick-up reel. The tines include a coiled spring section at the base of the tine and adjacent to the tine bar connection. The improved mounting bracket includes a flange that extends in adjacent contact with a portion of the coiled spring section and inhibits lateral deflection of the tine spring.

Abstract: A wave disc engine apparatus is provided. A further aspect employs a constricted nozzle in a wave rotor channel. A further aspect provides a sharp bend between an inlet and an outlet in a fluid pathway of a wave rotor, with the bend being spaced away from a peripheral edge of the wave rotor. A radial wave rotor for generating electricity in an automotive vehicle is disclosed in yet another aspect.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle assembly for use with a combustor is provided. The fuel nozzle assembly includes a fuel nozzle including a discharge end. A cap is coupled adjacent to the nozzle discharge end, wherein the cap includes an outer surface. At least one dampener mechanism is coupled to the cap outer surface to facilitate reducing vibrations induced to the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a system having a compressor bleed air recirculation system. The compressor bleed air recirculation system includes a compressor bleed air line extending from a compressor to an air intake, wherein the compressor bleed air line is configured to flow a compressor bleed air flow, and the air intake is configured to supply an air flow to the compressor. The compressor bleed air recirculation system further includes an eductor disposed along the compressor bleed air line between the compressor and the air intake, wherein the eductor is configured to receive and mix the compressor bleed air flow and a first ambient air flow to form a first air mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spark plug for combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine comprising: an external body (1) forming ground electrode, intended to be received mainly in a bypass of the combustion chamber, an internal central electrode (2), an interposed insulator (3) with clearance between the external body (1) and the internal electrode (2), said spark plug terminating in a nose forming portion (5) intended for its part to be received in the flame tube of the chamber of the combustion chamber, a semi-conductor element being interposed between the central electrode and the ground electrode at the level of said nose forming portion, wherein the external body (1) comprises at least one cooling air inlet (6) which communicates inside the spark plug with at least one outlet (8, 9, 10) arranged at the level of the nose forming portion.

Abstract: Several improvements to optimize aircraft power plant and aircraft operations are disclosed, as well as methods of using these improvements to reduce fuel consumption, gas emission, noise, aircraft weight, maintenance costs, operating costs, aircraft incident and accidents, and improving aircraft performance. The improvements consist of a power plant fitted with a front propulsor, core engine, and aft propulsor. The fan of each propulsor is separated mechanically from the core engine. The front fan is separated mechanically from the aft fan. The aft fan is driven by free turbine that is supplied by exhaust gas of the core engine. If the core engine fails, both propulsors operate and provide thrust and reversed thrust when needed. If one propulsor fails, the other propulsor of the same power plant operates and provides thrust and reversed thrust.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a dual use hydrazine propulsion thruster system. The dual use hydrazine propulsion thruster system may include a storage vessel configured to store hydrazine and a chemical thruster configured to provide thrust using the hydrazine. The dual use hydrazine propulsion thruster system may also include a convertor configured to catalytically convert hydrazine to a product comprising ammonia, and an electric thruster configured to provide thrust by ionizing ammonia and accelerating the ionized ammonia out of the electric thruster.

Abstract: In a two-pulse rocket motor provided with a pressure vessel, a first propellant placed within the pressure vessel that burns during a first pulse stage, a second propellant placed within the pressure vessel that burns during a second pulse stage following the first pulse stage, and a barrier membrane placed so as to cover the entire initial burning surface of the second propellant, wherein the barrier membrane is provided with an inner barrier membrane that covers the inner peripheral surface of the second propellant and an aft barrier membrane that covers the rear surface of the second propellant, and an end portion where the aft barrier membrane and the inner barrier membrane meet is joined over the entire circumference thereof. The ignition device includes an energy supply unit, an energy transfer unit connected at one end to the energy supply unit, and an ignition unit.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust filter positioned within an exhaust conduit, and having a first and a second NOx sensing mechanism positioned upstream and downstream the exhaust filter. An electronic control unit is coupled with the NOx sensing mechanisms and generates a signal indicative of a soot loading state of the exhaust filter responsive to a difference in species composition of the sensed NOx upstream and downstream the exhaust filter. Related methodology and control strategy are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a differential pressure sensor of an exhaust gas aftertreatment system includes sensing a learned value (n?1, n, n+1, n+2, etc.) of the differential pressure sensor for each after-run occurrence of the vehicle, and calculating an absolute value of a rate of change between a current (n) learned value of the differential pressure sensor and a previous (n?1) learned value of the differential pressure sensor. The absolute value of the rate of change is compared to a threshold pressure value to determine if the absolute value of the rate of change is greater than the threshold pressure value or is less than the threshold pressure value. A fault in the differential pressure sensor is signaled when the absolute value of the rate of change of the learned values is greater than the threshold pressure value.

Abstract: A method and system for treating exhaust emitted via an exhaust line from a diesel engine. A POC system is installed on the exhaust line, and has at least one diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a set of two or more particulate oxidation catalyst (POC) elements, a first differential pressure sensor (?P1) to measure the pressure difference across the first and all but the last POC elements, and a second differential pressure sensor (?P2) to measure pressure differences across the last POC element. During operation of the engine, ?P1 is monitored to determine whether its POC elements require active regeneration, and ?P2 is separately monitored to determine whether its (the last) POC element requires active regeneration.

Abstract: An ammonia generating device is used for the treatment of exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, particularly for motor vehicles. The device includes a tank having a body capable of releasing ammonia by desorption. The device is also provided with a first single connection member comprising an electrical connection to supply the device with electricity and a fluid connection to allow evacuation of the ammonia produced following the desorption reaction.

Abstract: An ammonia generating device is delimited by an outer casing that includes a main reservoir and a secondary reservoir. The main reservoir is capable of reloading with ammonia the body in the secondary reservoir. A heater is capable of heating the bodies in each reservoir. A connector connects the main reservoir to the secondary reservoir. The heater comprises first and second heating devices respectively installed inside the main reservoir and the secondary reservoir and operating independently. The main reservoir is thermally decoupled from the secondary reservoir to generate a temperature gradient between both reservoirs.

Abstract: An ammonia generating device for treating exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, notably of automobile vehicles, includes a reservoir having a body capable of releasing ammonia by desorption and a heating device positioned inside the reservoir to heat the body in the reservoir. The heating device comprises a heat generating element that has an elongated form. The heating device further includes at least one heat transfer feature laid out along an axial direction of the heat generating element and extending in a direction radial to the heat generating element.

Abstract: The invention relative to an exhaust gas system (10) for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine (12), comprising an HC adsorber (22) as well as, downstream from it, a catalytic converter (20) designed at least to convert hydrocarbons (HC), and it also relates to a method for operating an exhaust gas system (10). It is provided that a burner device (30) which is operated or can be operated with air and fuel is installed downstream from the HC adsorber (22) and upstream from the catalytic converter (20).

Abstract: A method and system are described for on-board treatment of an exhaust stream containing CO2 emitted by a hydrocarbon-fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) used to power a vehicle in order to reduce the amount of CO2 discharged into the atmosphere which include: a. a first waste heat recovery zone on board the vehicle for receiving the high temperature exhaust gas stream in heat exchange relation and discharging the exhaust stream at a lower temperature, the waste heat recovery zone further including at least one heat exchanger and/or heat recovery device with an inlet for receiving the hot exhaust gas stream from the ICE for passage in heat exchange relation and an outlet for the cooled exhaust gas stream, the heat exchanger further including an inlet for receiving a heat exchange fluid at a first temperature and an outlet for discharging the fluid at a second higher temperature, the heat recovery device including power transmission means; b.

Abstract: A combustion exhaust gas treatment system comprising: a heat exchanger (A) for recovering heat contained in the combustion exhaust gas into heat medium, an absorption column for obtaining CO2 removed gas by absorbing CO2 in the combustion exhaust gas into absorbent, a heat exchanger (B) for applying heat recovered by heat medium to the CO2 absorbed absorbent, a desorption column for desorbing the absorbent by removing CO2 from the CO2 absorbed absorbent, a flash tank for flash vaporizing the desorbed absorbent and a heat exchanger (E) for transferring heat from the desorbed absorbent to the CO2 absorbed absorbent, wherein the CO2 absorbed absorbent can be supplied from the absorption column to the desorption column via the heat exchanger (E) and the heat exchanger (B) in this order, and the desorbed absorbent can be supplied from the desorption column to the absorption column via the flash tank and the heat exchanger (E) in this order.

Abstract: A device for providing liquid reducing agent includes a reducing-agent tank with a tank wall which delimits a tank interior. The tank wall has a metallic wall section and the device has a temperature sensor which is disposed outside the reducing-agent tank. The temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the reducing agent in the reducing-agent tank through the metallic wall section. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.

Abstract: A device for storing and supplying ammonia to an exhaust line of an automobile vehicle, includes a solid material provided for absorbing the ammonia, a reservoir for storing the solid material, and a heating unit to heat the solid material to desorb the ammonia. The solid material comprises solid elements with a mass of less than 50 grams. The heating unit is insulated from the reservoir. The device also includes a first assembly for transferring solid elements from the reservoir to the heating unit.

Abstract: A system includes a slurry depressurizing system that includes a liquid expansion system configured to continuously receive a slurry at a first pressure and continuously discharge the slurry at a second pressure. For example, the slurry depressurizing system may include an expansion turbine to expand the slurry from the first pressure to the second pressure.

Abstract: In various embodiments, cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.

Abstract: Hydraulic apparatus for recovering energy, said apparatus comprising a hydraulic motor, and a high-pressure fluid source and a low-pressure fluid source. The apparatus has: an energy consumption mode, in which the fluid is transferred from the high-pressure fluid source to the low-pressure fluid source while driving the motor in rotation; and an energy accumulation mode, in which, by the action of the motor operating as a pump, the fluid is transferred from the low-pressure source to the high-pressure fluid source. The apparatus further comprises a pressure reducer disposed on a duct interconnecting the two fluid sources. In energy accumulation mode, if the level of the low-pressure source is tending to become excessively low, the reducer opens, enabling fluid to reach the low-pressure fluid source via the first duct.

Abstract: A combined power take-off and hydraulic pump assembly includes a power take off including a housing portion having an opened end, an input put mechanism that is adapted to be connected to a source of rotational energy, and an output mechanism that is rotatably driven by the input mechanism. The assembly also includes a hydraulic pump including a housing portion having an opened end, a fluid inlet port that is adapted to communicate with a reservoir containing a quantity of relatively low pressure hydraulic fluid, and a pumping mechanism that is rotatably driven by the output mechanism of the power take-off. An intermediate housing has a first opened end that cooperates with the opened end of the housing portion of the power take-off and a second opened end that cooperates with the opened end of the housing portion of the hydraulic pump. The intermediate housing also has a fluid outlet port that communicates with the pumping mechanism and that is adapted to communicate with a hydraulically driven device.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an access arrangement having a platform configured for movement between a deployed position and a stowed position, the hydraulic system including: at least one hydraulic power unit configured to urge hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic circuit; at least one hydraulic cylinder directly or indirectly connected to a portion of the platform and configured to urge the platform towards at least one of the stowed position and the deployed position, wherein the at least one hydraulic cylinder is in fluid communication with the hydraulic power unit; and a pressure regulating valve in a path between the at least one hydraulic power unit and the at least one hydraulic cylinder, wherein the pressure regulating valve is operable to prevent the at least one hydraulic cylinder from urging the platform to the stowed position if a load on the platform exceeds a specified threshold.