Abstract: Seed index system and methods for treating agricultural seeds with one or more seed care products employing a size-adjusted application rate based on the size of the seeds. Such size-adjusted application rates can be determined by a supplier of seed care products and communicated to an applicator who applies the seed care product to a quantity of seeds. Such size-adjusted application rates can be in the form of a chart, an equation, or a calculator.

Abstract: A low cost valve and system for automated ebb and flow irrigation utilizes a collapsible sleeve to control fluid flow direction. No external power, moving parts, or floats are needed to operate the valve, resulting in improved reliability, low operating cost, and minimal need for maintenance. The valve operates using feed pressure to close the drain when hydroponic nutrient solution is pumped into the cultivation chamber. The valve drains automatically once the pump is stopped, usually by means of a timer, and the spent hydroponic solution is recovered. The fill/drain cycle is repeated as needed to keep the plants moist, yet not waterlogged.

Abstract: A method for hydroponical aeration of plants may include supplying, via an air pump, oxygenated air to a plant within a section of a plant vase that is part of a plant vessel. The section includes roots of the plant submerged in water. The method may further include evenly distributing, via an air diffuser, the oxygenated air to the roots of the plant to facilitate hydroponic growth of the plant.

Abstract: A hollow pot includes a pot unit and a connection unit. The connection unit is a hollow unit and installed to inner surface of a mold set before pressurized air is introduced in the mold set and before the mold set is closed. A probe is inserted into the mold set and blows the plastic material in the mold set. The plastic material expands and contacts against the inner surface of the mold set and seals the connection holes of the connection unit. The plastic material is extended and broken to match upon the connection holes of the connection unit. The plastic material is solidified to form the pot unit. The pot unit is air-tightly connected to the connection unit, and the conjunction area of the connection unit communicates with the space in the pot unit.

Abstract: A sliding door with reversible hand configurations can include a plurality of mounting locations along a top and a bottom edge thereof. The plurality of mounting locations can be configured to allow the sliding door to selectively hang and operate according to multiple orientations in order to satisfy site-specific handedness requirements. In one implementation, the sliding door includes a door frame and mounting hardware for selectively mounting the sliding door to a roller track affixed near the upper portion of a doorway.

Abstract: A method of assembling a z-bar extension member to a z-bar that negates the need for trimming the z-bar. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

Abstract: An improved layout for a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The layout includes a production area which includes a hub which is at least partially surrounded by a production corridor. The production corridor comprises production stages used in the manufacturing process. The hub, having direct line-of-sight to the production stages, can easily monitor the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for building a living space during construction of a multi-unit housing structure. In particular, the present application describes various embodiments of prefabricated building modules that may be built and equipped with plumbing, HVAC and/or electrical fixtures prior to installation in a multi-unit housing structure. Because modules may be configured prior to installation in a housing structure, the use of prefabricated building modules may increase efficiency of construction and provide enhanced customization over other non-configurable building units.

Abstract: There is herein described a connector system. More particularly, there is herein described a connector (100) system which is capable of being used to connect construction modules (120) in a substantially horizontal and/or substantially vertical manner.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for shelter comprising two sections, a base section and a top section. The base section and the top section have cavities that can be filled with water or are pre-filled with foam. The top section may be cone-shaped or dome-shaped, and is dimensioned to be placed on the base section. After the top section is placed on the base section, the top section can be secured to the base section via bolts. Finally, both the top section and bottom section are divided into sections such that if one section develops a leak the other sections remain unaffected.

Abstract: A low-cost hurricane and earthquake resistant house structure includes a rounded shape external wall constructed of a plurality of circumferentially adjacent wall segments, each secured to an adjacent structural vertical stud secured to the ground via a shock absorber. Each wall segment includes a plurality of blocks located and secured on top of one another. A foundation groove receives at least a portion of a lowest block of each wall segment therein, and spaced from inside foundation walls. An aerodynamic roof is secured to the vertical studs, and a floor is mounted on shock absorbers on the ground and connected to the wall with a flexible material.

Abstract: A damper has two sets of first elongate members, second elongate members that are connected so that they can rotate and that connect the first elongate members to one another, and damping members which attenuate the relative movement between the first elongate members and the second elongate members. The respective first joints of each of the first members are connected to the first connection members and the second connection members so that they can rotate. The first joint of the first elongate member, the first joints of the other first elongate members, and each of the second joints are located along the common axes.

Abstract: A flexible height-adjustable clamp for clamping a solar panel to a support structure or base, with flat surfaces on the upper and lower parts of the clamp, the upper section clamping on the panels; and the lower section mounting against the base; with a hole through both flat surfaces for bolting a connector through the surfaces to secure the clamp and panel to the supporting structure; and a flexible section connecting the two surfaces in the form of an arc or folded section; with mechanical stops to allow positioning to against said panel.

Abstract: A self-lock glazing mechanism of two aluminum extrusion profiles, a male profile and a female profile, to self-lock glass panels using beadings. The mechanism functions when a glass panel is positioned on setting blocks over the flat surface of the upper leg of the female profile—with spacers between the vertical leg of the female profile and the glass panel and the male profile with the locking tip facing upward on its horizontal leg inserted into the gap between the upper leg and the lower leg of the female profile against the female locking tip above. The locking tips of both male and female profiles are then engaged by tilting the vertical leg of the male profile outward about its built-in fulcrum, and inserting wedges into the space created between the glass panel and the vertical leg of the male profile, for keeping the glass panel locked in position.

Abstract: A composite reinforced mull post is disclosed for use in an entryway assembly. The mull post may engage a door on one side and a side light window on the other side. The mull post may comprise a one or two piece outer portion and one or more internal reinforcing members. The outer portion may comprise a plurality of interlocking pieces. The pieces may include a stop portion and a support portion, each with interlocking ribs. A first internal reinforcing member may be formed of engineered material such as a wood laminate, and a second reinforcing member may comprise a channel that extends partially around the first reinforcing member. The reinforcing member may include orthogonal portions conterminously received within a correspondingly shaped central chamber formed by the housing formed by the joined interlocking pieces.

Abstract: A fenestration unit such as a window or door has a frame with an outer peripheral surface. An array of support brackets are secured to the outer peripheral surface and extend inwardly toward the interior of a building in which the fenestration unit is to be installed. The support brackets are formed with a bendable metal and are secured to the outer surface of the frame without forming holes in the frame through which water may leak. The support brackets may be secured by heat, sonic, or friction welding, or with solvents or adhesives, structural tapes, or other appropriate mechanisms. In one embodiment for use with frames having a vinyl surface, the support brackets may be vinyl coated steel to enable attachment of the support brackets with welding or vinyl adhesive techniques. A method of fabricating fenestration frames with support brackets includes obtaining support brackets and securing them to the fenestration frame without forming holes in the fenestration frame.

Abstract: A conduit duct for sealing at least one conduit includes an elastomer body for sealingly contacting the conduit. The elastomer body comprises at least two elastomer parts, wherein each of the elastomer parts includes a plurality of hollow sleeves. In an assembled condition of the elastomer body parts, the hollow sleeves of one of the body parts are arranged with the hollow sleeves of the other one of the body parts to form a sequence of layers surrounding the conduit. A tensioning device positioned on the elastomer body compresses the elastomer body to thereby sealingly press the body onto the conduit.

Abstract: A steel structure including pre-stressing brackets for improving load-carrying capacity and serviceability comprises: a steel girder; a plurality of connecting brackets connected to the bottom surface of the steel girder spaced and apart from one; and a cover plate connected to the bottom surfaces of the connecting brackets. Since the cover plate is installed regardless of the connecting portion of the steel girder, pre-stressing section can be consecutively formed therefore pre-stress effect is improved. Moreover, since the connecting brackets space the cover plate a constant distance from the steel girder, the moment of inertia is increased so the span of a bridge might be increased.

Abstract: A construction insulating panel includes a main body formed of a first polymer, and a mounting structure formed of a second polymer. The mounting structure is at least partially disposed within the main body and has cross members adapted to fasten mounting structure and thereby the insulating panel to a building structure under compressive loading to reduce formation of cold bridges through the insulation panel when an exterior finish material is fastened to the insulating panel.

Abstract: A ventilated exterior wall or roof system comprises frame including a plurality of frame members, and a double envelope structure attached to the exterior of the frame. The double envelope structure comprises a water resistant membrane, an exterior sheathing material disposed on the exterior side of and spaced from the water resistant membrane, and one or more air channels between the water resistant membrane and the exterior sheathing.

Abstract: A mortar and debris collection device for use in a masonry wall assembly includes a water permeable body made of an open-space defining array of polymer filaments that twist and turn between filament intersections where adjacent filaments are bonded to each other. The water permeable body comprises a shell having a hollow interior and includes an elongated base and extensions upwardly projecting from the base.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a masonry wall system consisting of a plurality of panels and artificial masonry units. The panels are provided with channels sized to receive the artificial masonry units and delimited by protruding ribs. The protruding ribs have a predetermined width w and also have notches uniformly spaced along the ribs. The artificial masonry units have protuberances devised and positioned on the masonry units to be fitted in the notches of the protruding ribs so that the masonry units are equally spaced-apart from each other by a predetermined gap (g).

Abstract: A brick bracket which is installed in a recess provided by removal of brick of a brick veneer in order to be attached to studs of a framework of the building without contacting the bricks. The brick bracket has a front wall which extends outwardly and covers the brick facing and carries carriage bolts to which a ledger can be affixed such that the ledger is able to support an attached structure so that the brick bracket will not apply any force to the bricks of the brick facing.

Abstract: A composite membrane of wood floor diaphragm for construction of new buildings and strengthening of existing buildings to provide improved load transfer capacity and enhanced resistance to gravity and lateral loads, such as earthquake and/or wind for buildings with wood floor framing. The aforementioned composite membrane is a system, comprised of four-way interlocking mosaic end grain parquet floor attached to a plywood subfloor beneath. A floor to floor sound blocking barrier that can operate in high eighty decibel and above range may preferably be installed under the subfloor.

Abstract: An insulating wall assembly, including a framework having opposite interior and exterior sides and including a plurality of vertical and horizontal support studs defining an inner spacing within the framework, a substantially rigid insulating panel mounted to the framework, and an insulating material extending in the inner spacing and juxtaposed to the rigid insulating panel. Each one of the vertical and horizontal support studs has an outer stud member having a thickness t1 and an inner stud member mounted inwardly to the outer stud member and having a thickness t2 thinner than the thickness t1. The substantially rigid insulating panel is supported peripherally by the inner stud members with the outer stud member circumscribing the rigid insulating panel.

Abstract: A system and method for insulating a metal roof include a blanket of insulation laid over at least one purlin. A series of thermal blocks are fastened above the purlin over the blanket of insulation. Each thermal block in the series of thermal blocks has legs that pin the blanket of insulation to a top of each purlin. Gaps are defined between the legs, the gaps enabling regions between the legs wherein the blanket of insulation is only partially compressed between the purlin and an underside of each thermal block. Each thermal block can include a first end, a second end, and a first leg between the first and second ends. The first end includes slots for receiving clip legs of a first roof clip. The second end includes an abutment surface and a landing surface for receiving a next thermal block in a series of thermal blocks.

Abstract: The composite joist floor system includes joists supporting metal decking and a stand-off fasteners are spaced along the length of the joist Each fastener has an upper portion with a through hardness between HRB 70 and HRC 40 and a lower portion having a threaded portion with a through hardness of between HRB 70 and HRC 40 and a thread-forming portion adjacent the threaded portion with at least a HRC 50 hardness and failure torque to thread-forming torque of at least 3.0 and a drive torque at least 20% less than a thread-forming torque, and a fluted lead portion adjacent the thread-forming portion with a nominal diameter between 70 and 95% of major diameter of the threaded portion adapted to form a fastener opening. These stand-off fasteners extend into and are encapsulated by a cementitious slab supported by the metal decking to form a composite floor system.

Abstract: A process for the production of panels (10) with integrated insulation in particular for the production of buildings, includes the following stages: pouring a concrete that includes natural fibers into a mold M to form an interior surface (12) of the panel, pouring a light hydrophobic concrete, with reinforcements, to form an exterior surface (14) of the panel, adjustment of reinforcements (28) on the edge of each panel to ensure a cottering and adjustment of chain reinforcements (32). Also described are the panels obtained by the process.

Abstract: A stud frame comprising a first side member (14), a second side member (16) and a plurality of sets of interconnecting members (18) extending from the first 5 side member (14) to the second side member (16). Each set includes a first interconnecting member (34) having a second end (42) connected to the second side member (16) offset longitudinally from a first end (40) thereof in a first direction, a second interconnecting member (36) having a second end (42) connected to the second side member (16) offset longitudinally from the 10 first end (40) thereof in a second opposite direction and a third interconnecting member (38) extending from the first end (40) thereof on one longitudinal side of the first side member (14) to the second end (42) thereof on an opposite longitudinal side of the second side member (16).

Abstract: A wall framing system includes a channel member having two opposite side walls and a stud having two opposite side walls and at least one locking member. The locking member is integrally formed with the stud and is arranged, when the stud has been located at a desired position in the channel member between the side walls thereof, to be bent into a locking position in which the locking member exerts outwardly directed forces on the side walls of the stud thereby achieving a frictional engagement between the stud and the channel member.

Abstract: A building wall system has a plurality of panels positioned adjacent one another for securement to a frame structure of a building via a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of rails secures a façade to the panels. Each rail has a first, second and third portion. The first portion receives the fasteners to secure the bracket to the frame structure. The second portion provides a surface for securement with the façade. The second portion is spaced from the panel so that fasteners do not enter the panel. The third portion rests against the panel to provide rigidity for the rail.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an extruder for producing a thermoplastic material having a first and second portion comprising an axially extending barrel and a screw conveyer axially disposed within said barrel so as to define a passage for conveying thermoplastic material from an input through a melt zone to an output. Furthermore the present invention discloses an insulation member comprising an elongated insulation member formed of a thermoplastic insulating material, said insulating member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second side edges; the top edge comprising a protrusion, said top edge extending beyond a corresponding top edge of a corresponding panel of siding; and the bottom edge comprising a ledge, said ledge operable to overlap the protrusion.

Abstract: Attachment members are disclosed for use with an insulation panel or composite siding panel. The attachment member includes a male connecting member, a hem portion, and a connection portion joining the male connecting member and the hem portion. The male connecting member extends into the body of a foam insulating layer along a first end edge. The attachment member and the first end edge cooperate to be complementary in shape with the second end edge such that adjacent panels can engage each other.

Abstract: A shingle and method is provided, wherein the shingle includes a shingle back having at least one back conductive trace and a shingle front configured to securely include at least one solar cell. The shingle front includes at least one front conductive trace configurable such that when the shingle front includes a solar cell, the solar cell is conductively connected to the at least one front conductive trace in a series fashion. At least one of the back conductive traces is conductively connected to at least one of the front conductive traces. The back conductive traces and the front conductive traces are configured such that when the shingle is associated with a like shingle, the back conductive trace of the like shingle is conductively connected to the at least one front conductive trace of the shingle to be in a series fashion.

Abstract: Floor panel, with a horizontally and vertically active locking system allowing that two of such floor panels can be connected to each other at said sides by providing one of these floor panels, by means of a downward movement, in the other floor panel; wherein the vertically active locking system includes a locking element in the form of an insert; wherein this locking element includes at least a pivotable lock-up body. The pivotable lock-up body includes a support portion which is rotatable against a support surface pertaining to the floor panel concerned, and more particularly in a seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice support structure having lattice bars in connection with one another, wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars directly or indirectly connecting them, wherein the connecting lattice bars are connected to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be reduced on the folding in of the lattice support structure and can be enlarged on the unfolding of the lattice support structure, characterized in that one, several or all of the connecting lattice bars are not displaceably arranged on the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction, but are rather pivotably arranged at the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction or are pivotably arranged at further connecting lattice bars which are in turn pivotably arranged a

Abstract: An anchor bolt locator is provided that is inexpensively manufactured on automatic die-press machines from sheet steel and a structural nut that does not require any welding, while also being easy to use and install with current, commonly-used building practices and anchor designs. The anchor bolt locator is made from a galvanized sheet metal chair and a structural nut attached to the chair by way of a friction fit.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of building concrete walls, columns and other vertical or sloped structures using a vertically oriented vibrating screed and utilization of the thixotropic properties of wet concrete. The vertical screed is a simple, inexpensive and highly flexible apparatus that may be used for a wide variety of applications that involve the applying of cementicious material in the construction of a vertical structure. By using highly thixotropic concrete, the vertical screed is able to place concrete and other cementicious materials in a vertical plane much like concrete is placed with vibrating screeds in the horizontal plane. The vertical screed's applications range from applying a thin cementicious coating to placing concrete in a vertical plane to construct a wall or column. The various configurations of the vertical screed range from a small hand held device to a much larger mechanically controlled apparatus.

Abstract: A method for providing standardized modular elements usable to construct a building. The method includes defining a set of allowable functional building block configurations divided into assembly levels, defining allowable configurations and allowable interactions for each allowable functional building block configuration usable in a building configuration. The method also includes producing standardized modular elements based on the allowable configurations and allowable interactions for a desired building configuration. Fabricated standardized modular components are provided (produced, assembled, or fabricated) at an off-site location and employed in a building at an on-site location.

Abstract: A method of making a shim comprises the steps of providing a first structural component, such as a rib foot of an aircraft wing. The rib foot is then scanned or mapped to generate the surface profile of the rib foot. The shim is then formed to include a feature on its surface which complements the surface profile of the assembly surface.

Abstract: An adjustable stud adapter is configured to attach to a stud. The adjustable stud adapter includes a front surface, a side surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface, and a first positioning slot and a second positioning slot formed on the side surface. The first and second positioning slots have an elongated shape and are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: The combination of a gutter piece and a gauging apparatus. The gutter piece has a length, a front, a rear, a bottom and a top. The gutter piece has an upwardly opening “U” shape, as viewed in cross-section taken transversely to the length of the gutter piece, for accumulating water and guiding accumulated water in a lengthwise direction. The gauging apparatus is operatively attached to the gutter piece and has a front and rear and a projecting portion to abut a surface on a structure to which the gutter piece is attached so as to thereby allow the gutter piece to be consistently aligned with the structure in a direction lengthwise of the gutter piece.

Abstract: Structural members having enhanced load bearing capacity per unit mass include a skeleton structure formed from strips of material. Notches may be placed on the strips and a weave of tensile material placed in the notches and woven around the skeleton structure. At least one pair of structural members can be jointed together to provide very strong joints due to a weave patterns of tensile material, such as Kevlar, that distributes stress throughout the structure, preventing stress from concentrating in one area. Methods of manufacturing such structural members include molding material into skeletons of desired cross section using a matrix of molding segments. Total catastrophic failures in composite materials are substantially avoided and the strength to weight ratio of structures can be increased.

Abstract: A furring channel framing member for use with joists or studs of a structural support framework for a wall or ceiling includes one or more creases placed specifically to provide a location for curvature of the framing member. In some cases, the one or more creases may establish a flex joint that permits hand-bending of the framing member about such flex joint to create a desired curved configuration for the furring channel framing member. The creases may also or instead placed at pre-determined intervals in a manner that, through the creases themselves, establish a curvilinear configuration of the framing member.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing bottles with a gaseous sterilant. The system includes moving means for continuously moving bottles one after another along a path. An assembly is provided for distributing a predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant from a source of gaseous sterilant to each of the bottles. The assembly includes a plurality of injectors that are movable with the bottles. One of the plurality of injectors is associated with each of the bottles. The injector is fluidly connected to the source of gaseous sterilant when the bottle associated with the injector is disposed along a first portion of the path. The injector is disposed above the bottle when the injector is in a first position. The injector is disposed within an interior of the bottle when the injector is in a second position such that the predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant is conveyed into the interior of the bottle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule support arrangement for a filling and closing machine for two-part capsules with a capsule upper part and a capsule lower part. The capsule support arrangement includes an upper part segment for receiving capsule upper parts and a lower part segment for receiving capsule lower parts. The upper part segment and the lower part segment respectively have at least one first receiving opening with a first diameter and a second receiving opening with a second diameter, the first diameter differing from the second diameter.

Abstract: Prior to assembling mail pieces of which at least a number each comprise a main document and at least one insert of at least one type, one or more mini image files are stored, each defining a mini image of at least a part of a type of insert. The mini image of the respective insert defined by the mini image file is printed on each envelope for a mail piece including that type of insert for one or each of a number of the inserts.

Abstract: A sonotrode comprising: a head defining a sealing surface elongated along a first direction; and a first and a second drive unit distinct from one another, each comprising at least one piezo-electric element; wherein first and second drive unit may be electrically fed by an unique generator to cause oscillation of head; the height of head measured along a second direction transversal to sealing surface being substantially equal to half the wavelength of wave oscillating in second direction; at least one slot extending through head transversally to first and second direction; a finite number of nodal points at which amplitude of oscillation of head is substantially equal to zero; and a plane on which at least some nodal points lie and which divides head in a first portion and second portion; the slot extends completely within one only between first and second portion and at a certain distance by plane.

Abstract: A lancet integrated test element tape includes a plurality of lancet integrated test elements. The lancet integrated test elements each include a lancet configured to form an incision in tissue and a test element configured to analyze body fluid from the incision in the tissue. A cartridge includes a supply compartment configured to store an unused section of the tape. The tape is folded within the supply compartment to limit damage to the lancet integrated test elements. The cartridge can further include a waste compartment in which a used section of the tape is stored. An indexing mechanism moves the tape between the supply and waste compartments.

Abstract: To provide a thermoplastic resin container that contains food or drink subjected to a retort processing for which completion of the retort processing can be confirmed and supervised with simple means without the need of an expensive member or facility, not only whether the temperature of the retort processing is reached but also whether the retort processing is performed as specified can be confirmed, and the consumer also can easily confirm completion of the retort processing of the product. The container is produced by two-stage stretch blow molding of a preform made of a thermoplastic resin in such a manner a part that is not stretched or is insufficiently stretched is formed at a part of the container, and the part that is not stretched or is insufficiently stretched is whitened to form a retort processing completion confirming part by heating in the retort processing after a content is packed and sealed in the container.