Abstract: A locking core plug includes an upper plate, an insertion portion extending outward from the upper plate and forming an outer perimeter, and a locking mechanism positioned within the outer perimeter of the insertion portion. The locking mechanism includes a rotating member, a plurality of locking arms having a first end connected to the rotating member and a second end extending outward toward holes in the outer perimeter, and a plurality of guides fixedly mounted to the upper plate. Each guide engages a corresponding locking arm to convert the circular movement of the first end of the arm as rotating member rotates into a generally linear movement of the second end between a release position retracted toward or within the outer perimeter of the insertion portion and a locking position extended outward from the outer perimeter of the insertion portion.

Abstract: A glass run includes an outer side wall, an inner side wall and a bottom wall, which define a generally U-shaped cross-section. A first outer seal lip and an inner seal lip are respectively formed in the outer side wall and the inner side wall. An extension part is formed to extend from an open end of the outer side wall of the glass run for attachment to vertical side portions of the door frame in an extending direction thereof, and a second outer seal lip is formed to extend from a tip end of the extension part in a direction of a front side of a vehicle body such that the second outer seal lip seals the door glass on a front side of a part sealed with the first outer seal lip.

Abstract: A four component roofing system uses three reflective subsystems and one radiant subsystem to provide passive temperature control of a building comprising: (1) Shingles that reflect high angle summer sun light back to the sky, but absorb low angle winter sunlight; (2) A temperature sensitive attic insulator placed under a sunlit roof that reflects radiation and blocks convection from the roof to the attic at hot temperatures, permits radiation and convection at warm temperatures, and blocks radiation and convection from the attic at cold temperatures; (3) A temperature sensitive attic insulator placed under a shaded roof that permits radiation and convection at warm or hot temperatures, and blocks radiation and convection from the attic at cold temperatures; (4) Non-reflective shingles on a shaded roof that emit radiation continuously, but that are heated by air and radiation from the attic only when the second temperature sensitive attic insulator permits convection, so that radiant heat loss is reduced at c

Abstract: A low cost method and device for diverting water away from a flat roof's low spots, thus preventing it from puddling there during a rainstorm. Such puddles, if allowed to stand, can damage a roof deck structurally. The device includes a flexible membrane, an air valve mounted thereon, and mechanical fasteners for attaching the membrane along its periphery, to both the roof deck and its existing covering. Ideally, the membrane can be heat welded, taped or glued to the roof covering and joined thereto to form an airtight seal, thus simplifying construction of inflatable barriers for the roof's low spots. For each such barrier, a membrane, sized and shaped to cover at least one low spot, substantially overlaps the latter's edges and defines, in combination with the roof covering, an air pocket which, when inflated via the air valve, causes the membrane to protrude upwardly, effectively elevating the covered spot.

Abstract: A roof-mounted actuator of a gutter dumping assembly is actuatable to rotate a gutter from an initial, upright position to a downwardly-facing dumped position in order to dump debris from the gutter. The actuator is coupled to the gutter support by a flexible structure so that, after the actuator positively engages a support for the gutter and forces it to an over-center position, the gutter falls to a dumped position under only the force of gravity.

Abstract: A display unit comprising a plurality of vertical truss members anchored to a floor surface; a plurality of horizontal rails attached to the vertical truss members thereby forming a frame; a horizontal track anchored to a floor surface in front of the vertical truss members; a plurality of cantilever supports attached across the top of the frame, the cantilever supports each having a front portion providing an upper frame and lower frame; a plurality of upper rectangular panels mounted in a first row adjacent one another in the upper frames; a plurality of lower rectangular panels mounted in the lower frames adjacent one another a second row below the first row; first and second side panels anchored to the floor track and to a plurality of the horizontal rails; a plurality of cabinets located adjacent one another between the first and second side panels and anchored to the floor track and at least one of said horizontal rails; and a plurality of display panels disposed between the top surfaces of the cabinets

Abstract: The present invention provides cold climatic protection to the hydro tanks and associated fluid conduits present on a frac pad. A modular endoskeleton is provided and covered by a plurality of rip resistant tarps. A heat entrapment canopy results which maintains an inner temperature above freezing even in extreme cold outside temperatures.

Abstract: Protective shelters for enclosing one or more persons and/or animals are described. A capsule can be a spherical or substantially spherical, water-tight shell surrounding a frame and forming an interior portion which accommodates the one or more persons and/or animal; and at least one sealable entry door configured to seal at least one opening formed in the shell.

Abstract: A mechanism including a hinge and movement assembly having a first fastening region, a second fastening region, and a hinge defining an axis of rotation of the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region is provided. The mechanism further comprises an assembly for maintaining a releasable portion of the partition relative to a stationary portion of the partition, the maintenance assembly having at least one frangible connection that can be broken to rotationally free the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region. The hinge and movement assembly includes relative movement means for the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region at least in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An adjustable bird slope has a face that can be extended or contracted so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area.

Abstract: A deterrent device can include an elongated base having a plurality of spikes coupled to the base that are configured to extend from the base such that the spikes alternate on each side of the base between a lower-angled spike and an upper-angled spike. The base can further include first and second wings that each has a width that is at least twice a width of the base.

Abstract: A double glazed window glass structure includes a frame defining an outer perimeter of the window glass structure, and first and second sheet glasses mounted on respective sides of the frame to define a heat insulation space therebetween. The frame includes an outer frame portion and an inner frame portion extending from an inner surface of the outer frame portion toward an inside of the frame. The inner frame portion has first and second sheet glass receiving surfaces bonded to the first and second sheet glasses, respectively. The inner frame portion is provided with a groove having an opening that opens in the second sheet glass receiving surface, the groove containing a drying agent therein, and a communication passage allowing only a fluid to flow between the groove and the heat insulation space. The opening of the groove is closed by the second sheet glass.

Abstract: A method of removing accumulated frozen rain/ice/snow from a metal roof. The method comprising the steps of inducing vibration into the metal roof, via at least one vibration imparting member attached to the metal roof, to break up the frozen rain/ice/snow accumulated on the metal roof and separate the frozen rain/ice/snow from the metal roof; and allowing the frozen rain/ice/snow to slide off the metal roof under an effect of gravity.

Abstract: A gabion includes panels of metal meshes that can be assembled so as to form a casing for receiving a bulk of filler material such as pebbles, natural rock fragments, wood chips or the like and/or a mixture of said materials. The gabion further includes at least one flexible sealed pouch provided with gripping members and configured to be inserted between the assembled panels.

Abstract: A duct bank assembly may include an elongate extending conduit with a length for receiving and passing through a cable or wire and an encasing body encasing the conduit along its longitudinal extent between a first mating end and an opposed second mating end of the body. Each mating end has a shear transfer mechanism associated therewith for engagement with a corresponding shear transfer mechanism of an adjacent duct bank assembly.

Abstract: An embeddable device (11, 41) for passing conduits through a constructional component (6), includes a tubular housing (12, 42) having an attachment flange (14) provided at one of its ends for temporary securing the device on a formwork (7) of the subsequently cast constructional component (6), and a receptacle (15) for isolation means (8) and which surrounds, at least regionwise, an axially extending through-opening (16). A connection device (21, 44) connects a plurality of embeddable devices (11) with each other and includes at least one connection element (23, 24, 26, 27) provided on the housing (12) and extending parallel to a plane (E) defined by the attachment flange (14) at a distance from the plane (E).

Abstract: A fire protection module is provided for wall and ceiling openings. The fire protection module includes a sheath for insertion into the wall or ceiling opening and a flange to be placed at the wall or ceiling. The assembly of the fire protection module may be performed with few steps. For example, the sheath and the flange are embodied in one piece.

Abstract: A panel frame for suspended ceiling, at least one side of this frame having, when seen in section, a top wall and a side wall. The top wall is provided with a fitted flat section, this flat section having at least two through-holes for the passage of an assembly mechanism such as screws, one of the through-holes being ovalized or oblong.

Abstract: A foundation system is disclosed that is used when building a structure on expansive soils. The foundation system includes a vertical wall that prevents moisture from migrating beyond the vertical wall into the zone of influence under the foundation. The prevention of the moisture migration into the zone of influence precludes damage to the foundation and structure caused by expansive soils.

Abstract: A system for waterproofing a basement or similar structure including a horizontal section disposed on the top surface of the structure's foundation footer, and a vertical section that extends from the horizontal section in communication with the structure's foundation wall. The horizontal section includes a top surface, side walls, and a bottom surface that define a central drainage area, the side walls include lower apertures. The vertical section includes front and back surfaces, the back surface includes an edge having passages in fluid communication with the lower apertures. The vertical section includes an upper flange that protrudes a distance from the back surface such that the lower edge and flange portion abut the interior surface of the foundation wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an elongated C-shaped backing stud having a plurality of receiving notches positioned along its outer flanges. The backing stud is fastened to the studs of a sheet metal wall assembly by means of a plurality of fasteners, and such that the plurality of studs of the wall assembly abuts a planar web portion of the backing stud. The backing stud may be characterized in that (i) the ratio of the width of the web portion to the width of the backing stud flanges ranges from about 8 to 16, (ii) the ratio of the width of the backing stud flanges to width of the outer returns is at least about one, and (iii) the ratio of the width of the plurality of studs to the width of the outer returns ranges from about 6 to 8. The backing stud is configured to support wall hung grab bars, hand rails, cabinets, shelves, and the like.

Abstract: A panelized cladding system including a plurality of battens securable to a building structure, each batten having a structure engaging surface and an integrally formed finish ready panel supporting surface, and fiver cement cladding panels secured to or through the battens such that the finish ready panel supporting surface of each batten forms an external recessed surface of an express joint formed thereon.

Abstract: A roofing system and kit including a texture layer for application to an upper surface of the deck of the roof with an upper face of the texture layer being contoured to resemble a different roofing material, a transition texture strip for positioning across gaps between texture layer occurring at transitions in the upper surface of the roof deck and having a contoured upper surface, and an edge strip for application along the perimeter edges of the roof to create an outer perimeter for the roofing system. A finish layer is applied to the texture layer, transition texture strip and edge strip positioned on the roof deck in a liquid sprayable form as a coating onto the texture layer, transition texture strip and edge strip to solidify into a solid layer such that the finish layer forms a continuous membrane over the texture layer, transition texture strip and edge strip.

Abstract: Building or structural panels may be joined, such as to form walls or floors. The panels may be connected in various orientations via one or more connectors. The connectors may mount to anchors associated with the panels. The panels may have outer skins located over an expanded core comprising a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings, with the anchors located at edges of the panels.

Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges (5a, 5b, 4a, 4b) allowing installation with vertical folding and where the long edge (5a, 5b) locking system prevents separation of the short edges (4a, 4b) during the folding action.

Abstract: Floor covering (10) including panels (12,14; 112) having a core (24) of a plastic material and at least one cover layer (28,30) covering the upper side of the core, the panels being provided with complementary and mutually engaging locking profiles (20,22; 120) at their connected lateral edges (16,18). For forming a groove between two connected panels (12,14; 112) at least one of these panels is provided with a milled-out portion (60,160) at the upper side of its lateral edge, with the cover layer (28,30) excavated completely over the width of the milled-out portion (60,160) so that the bottom (62,162) of the milled-out portion (60,160) is formed by the material of the core.

Abstract: An expandable structure formed from a single piece of material is moveable between a stowed position and an extended position. The structure has a base and a plurality of support members integral with the base that move between a stowed position and an extended position. In the stowed position, the base and the plurality of support members are essentially a two dimensional shape. A biasing force makes the structure self-erecting and moves it to the extended position. In the extended position, the expandable structure has a hollow interior and a cross-section that is bounded by a closed path.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for a frame structure. The hinge assembly includes a first generally flat plate having an inner face, an outer face and a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. The bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along a bore axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A second generally flat plate has an inner face, an outer face and a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. The bolt-receiving bore in the second plate extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a bore axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A pin pivotably connects the first plate to the second plate. A first lip extends from the inner face of the first plate and a second lip extends from the inner face of the second plate.

Abstract: A device and method for the protection of a first member and second member from corrosion by utilizing a connector that bonds the members without allowing direct contact of the members.

Abstract: A variety of roof mount sealing assemblies are disclosed. The roof mount sealing assemblies allow a user to mount rails for solar panels, signs, satellite dish or any other desired item on the roof and have the mounting location sealed against water. The roof mount sealing assemblies has a body with a recess for a flexible washer, which is attached to a bolt body (or formed with the bolt body) and threaded either down in a base plate or directly into the roof. The bolt body and body form a double stud assembly, which also holds a flashing onto the roof to provide further water proofing.

Abstract: A continuity tie is provided for connecting a prefabricated shearwall to a structural member above the prefabricated shearwall. In the preferred embodiment, the continuity tie is a steel tube with aligned openings for receiving a threaded rod therethrough. The tube is welded to the shearwall. A pair of tubes are preferably attached. Nuts attach the threaded rod to the tube. The threaded rod attaches to a structural member above the tube.

Abstract: The Multi-Hole Concealer Strip conceals any exposed holes in cabinetry designs. It is a decorative strip that accents any cabinet with a smooth appearance to leave a finished look to the cabinetry.

Abstract: A transportable, transformable structure utilizing a tower shuttle apparatus for converting the structure from a closed, transportable unit to an open, stationary unit. The tower shuttle includes a connection post, including a socket joint, connected to a shuttle cart on casters. The socket joint is capable of receiving a ball connection at the base of a structural tower affixed to the transformable structure. This connection allows a single operator to fully assemble a mobile performance stage or other transportable, transformable structure with ease and with no damage to the stage deck. The tower shuttle allows the towers to be moved into position no matter the required direction.

Abstract: A tile aligning and leveling method and system that uses an under tile base re-usable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a re-usable flexible edge slotted cap, configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible, spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile, even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.

Abstract: A tile aligning and lippage tuning method and system that uses an under tile base reusable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a reusable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.

Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine feeding device which can apply uniform tension to wrapping paper wound in a roll state to wrap a medicine. The medicine feeding device comprises a tablet case which stores a medicine, and the wrapping paper wound in the roll state, wraps a medicine discharged from the tablet case in wrapping paper 72, and comprises a tension application mechanism 113 which applies predetermined tension to the continuously pulled-out wrapping paper. This tension application mechanism is constituted to freely move up-and-down, and to apply tension to the pulled-out wrapping paper by its own weight.

Abstract: A machine (M) for filling and capping vials (F), comprising, arranged in a cascade fashion: a supply station (1) of empty vials (F); an Archimedes screw (2) having a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal development of the machine (M), supplied with the vials (F) in arrival from the supply station (1); a device (D) for disengaging a predetermined number of vials (F) from the screw (2), activated in phase relation with the screw (2), and for transferring the vials (F) transversally; a comb conveyor (3), step-moved and designed to receive the predetermined number of vials (F) from the device (D); a filling station (6, 7), designed for introduction of a liquid solution contemporaneously into a plurality of vials (F); a capping station (10, 11) for contemporaneously sealing a plurality of vials (F); an outlet zone (U) for conveying the vials (F) out of the operating line of the machine.

Abstract: A plastic bag for retaining a food product is formed of first and second plastic sheets sealed along the bottom and sides. The bag has an exterior increased friction surface section proximate the mouth. The bag is used in combination with a glove having an exterior increased friction surface portion. The exterior increased friction portion of the glove engages the increased friction section of the bag to facilitate opening of the mouth of the bag. Preferably, aligned increased friction sections are formed on the exterior surface of opposite sides of the bag and the glove has exterior increased friction portions on the tips of the finger stalls. When the bag is held between the thumb and index finger of the glove user, movement of the thumb and index finger of the glove in opposite directions facilitates opening of the bag.

Abstract: A harvest aid machine and method of use is provided comprising a self-powered vehicle having a main chassis upon which a crate storage unit may be mounted. The harvest aid machine has improved maneuverability and may have a near zero-point turning radius. Crate storage unit may comprise a platform for receiving packed crates and a second platform for receiving empty crates. Alternatively, crate storage unit may include a chute assembly for receiving empty crates and/or a roller table for receiving packed crates. A harvest aid machine may further include harvest modules that may be removably mounted to a main chassis and are width-adjustable such that the harvest modules are adaptable to different crop row spacing, and optionally different crate sizes.

Abstract: A method of adapting a plurality of tissues for dispensing, includes cutting each tissue into a rectangular shape having a length and a width; folding each tissue in half lengthwise into a first attitude having the same length and one-half of the width; folding each tissue in half lengthwise again into a second attitude having the same length and having only one-quarter of the original width; placing an even number of equally spaced, widthwise folds, in the tissue dividing the tissue into an odd number of rectangular portions arranged in a Z-folded accordion arrangement; and aligning the plurality of folded tissues in a linear sequence with one rectangular portion of each succeeding folded tissue in the sequence engaged between two adjacent rectangular portions of a preceding folded tissue in the sequence.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, and cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. Each flexible pouch has an open end and an overlap portion specifically suitable for operation with the apparatus of this invention. The open end is separated and a load is inserted into one of the flexible pouches. After the load is inserted, air is withdrawn and a gas is preferably injected into the flexible pouch by a plurality of flat-profile snorkels, or a single, wider snorkel. The flexible pouch is then heat sealed to form a gas-tight seal. Controls, preferably including a servo mechanism, are used to simultaneously operate the cutting, sealing, fluid transfer and product infeed stations of the automatic packaging apparatus. As the flexible pouch moves from the fluid transfer station to the sealing station, the gas-tight seal is maintained.

Abstract: In order to insert packages, particularly bags (10) having fragile packaging goods into containers or cartons (14), the carton (14) is held ready in a packing station (16) such that the bags (10) can be inserted into the carton (14) by means of a delivery device, particularly a pusher (56). In order to create different, ordered formations of the bags (10) within the carton (14), said carton can be moved during the filling or packing process such that the packing formation is created due to a corresponding relative positioning of the carton (14) at a predetermined feed plane.

Abstract: A bag making and packaging machine includes a conveying unit, a transverse sealing mechanism, and a gusset forming mechanism. The conveying unit is configured and arranged to continuously convey a tubular packaging material. The transverse sealing mechanism has a pair of sealing jaws configured and arranged to revolvingly move while following annular loci to seal the tubular packaging material in a transverse direction with respect to a conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material. The gusset forming mechanism has a pair of folding members configured and arranged to be pressed against side portions of the tubular packaging material to form gussets in the side portions of the tubular packaging material while the folding members move along the conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material before the transverse sealing mechanism seals the tubular packaging material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for delivering a beverage into a thermoplastic container formed from a heated preform, the preform being approximately cylindrical and positioned in a mold, characterized in that it includes injection unit for injecting at least one beverage into a recess in the preform so as to promote expansion of the preform inside the mold, the mold defining the shape of the container, the injection unit comprising an injection head designed to inject at least one beverage through a mouth of the recess, the injection head being integrated into the mold.

Abstract: A lawn rake or lawn rake attachment provides a capture structure which cooperates with the tines of a lawn rake to increase the collection of small leaves and debris with each stroke of the rake. More specifically, the capture structure provides a broad surface preferably spanning the width of the rake and positioned an effective distance trailing behind the rake tine structure. In operation of the lawn rake equipped with the capture structure, during the course of a stroke of the rake the rake tines stir up the small leaves in or on the lawn grass. The stirring-up action propels the leaves a distance up above the ground before they fall back on the rake stroke trail. The trailing rake capture structure intercepts the airborne leaves and holds them at its surface while the rake is in a forward raking motion.

Abstract: A rope structure comprises a plurality of link structures each defining first and second ends. Each link structure is formed of synthetic fibers. Each first end comprises at least first and second bend portions. Each second end comprises at least third and fourth bend portions. The first end of a first one of the plurality of link structures engages the second end of a second one of the plurality of link structures such that the first and second bend portions of the first end of the first one of the plurality of link structures are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth bend portions of the second end of the second one of the plurality of link structures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are screw shaft turbine compressors having (i) a compressor section, (ii) a turbine section, (iii) a combustion section coupling to the compressor section and the turbine section, and (iv) a grooved shaft. The grooved shaft can include one or more grooves for providing fuel from the compressor section to the combustion section and for allowing exhaust to leave the combustion section and exit the turbine section. A method for generating different speed to torque ratios on the shaft and a system for generating torque on the shaft are further disclosed.

Abstract: A laser ignition system for an internal combustion engine, and more specifically a gas turbine engine, is provided. The system comprises at least one laser light source configured to generate a laser beam and an optical beam guidance component. The optical beam guidance component is configured to transmit the laser beam to irradiate on an oxygenated fuel mixture supplied into the combustion chamber at a region of highest ignitability to generate a combustor flame in a flame region. The system further includes an integrated control diagnostic component configured to detect at least a portion of a light emission and operable to control one or more combustion parameters based in part on the detected light emission. The system further includes additional enhanced ignition control configurations. A method for igniting a fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine is also presented.

Abstract: It is disclosed herein a breakthrough concept for in-space propulsion for future Air Force, NASA and commercial systems. The invention combines the fields of micro-electrical-mechanical (MEMs) devices, optical physics, and nonequilibrium plasmadynamics to reduce dramatically the size of electric thrusters by 1-2 orders of magnitude, which when coupled with electrodeless operation and high thruster efficiency, will enable scalable, low-cost, long-life distributable propulsion for control of microsats, nanosats, and space structures. The concept is scalable from power levels of 1 W to tens of kilowatts with thrust efficiency exceeding 60%. Ultimate specific impulse would be 500 seconds with helium, with lower values for heavier gases.