Abstract: A wind turbine tower arrangement (10), having: a concrete tower (12) including an upper portion(14) and a base portion (16); a footer (22) beneath the base portion; a plurality of tendons (30), each tendon spanning an entire height of the concrete tower, at least a portion of each tendon arranged external to concrete (42) forming the concrete tower, and each tendon is pre-stressed to provide compressive force to the concrete in the concrete tower; and a plurality of pilings (28). The tendons are secured by the plurality of pilings.

Abstract: A method for the construction of an improved tank base. A tank base is constructed for protection against accidental spills and/or leaks associated with a tank battery. The improved tank base comprises at least one part of a suitable substrate, which allows for the adhesion of an elastomer such as polyurea. Polyurea is preferably applied using a spray device which yields an average coverage of about 50-80 mils, and most preferably 60 mils. If more than one substrate is used, one or more substrates can be bound together with a fastening system. Once pressure is applied in the form of weight, the fastening system can be removed, resulting in an improved tank base having at least one seam and impervious to the fluid of the tank battery.

Abstract: A foam ornament surface enhancing method includes the steps of: providing a pigment, a PU protective material, a PU supportive material and a mold; spraying the pigment into the mold; spraying the PU protective material onto a side of the pigment; casting the PU supportive material into the mold within a first predetermined time; and letting the materials sit still for a second predetermined time to dry the PU protective material and the PU supportive material sufficiently to manufacture the foam ornament. The PU protective material can protect the foam ornament from UV exposure and enhance the surface strength and flame retardation effect, so as to enhance the service life, aesthetic appearance and surface texture.

Abstract: Thermally-isolating wall anchors and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed. A thermally-isolating coating is applied to the wall anchor, which is interconnected with a wire formative veneer tie. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated wall anchors provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing floor panels, wherein boards of laminate material are formed by means of a press treatment and wherein these boards are divided into several panels, from which the actual floor panels are formed. In a press treatment of the method, at least one impression is provided in the board, which at least is employed as a guiding groove for guiding the aforementioned board or the subsequently obtained panels in further treatments.

Abstract: An insulation system for coupling to a building substrate comprising a plurality of insulation panels, bracket members and splice members. Each insulation panel includes a longitudinal slot. Each bracket member is formed from a polymer and includes an elongated body having a body wall, a first end wall and a second end wall. Upper and lower ribs extend from the body wall and are structurally configured to extend into the longitudinal slot of each of the plurality of insulation panels, and to elastically deform the longitudinal slot so as to effectively seal along a length thereof, defining a vapor barrier. A similar structure is on each splice member. The bracket members are positioned in a spaced apart relationship with insulation panels therebetween. The upper and lower ribs extend into corresponding ones of the longitudinal slots of the insulation panels, with splice members extending between adjacent adjacently abutting insulation panels.

Abstract: A structural insulated building panel with a moisture barrier seal includes a structural insulated panel, a seal section, a first spline-receiving grove, and a second spline-receiving groove. The seal section is extended from a phenolic resin sheet of the structural insulated panel so that the seal section can be positioned in between multiple structural insulated panels in order to prevent moisture penetration. The seal section is adjacently positioned with the second spline-receiving groove of the initial structural insulated panel and extends into the first spline-receiving groove of the adjacent structural insulated panel during the installation of multiple structural insulated panels.

Abstract: Building panels, such as floorboards, provided with a mechanical locking system. The mechanical locking system includes a displacement groove at a first edge of a first floorboard and a tongue groove at a second edge of a second floorboard A tongue is arranged in the displacement groove and is configured to cooperate, in a second position, with the tongue groove for vertical locking of the first and the second edge. The tongue includes, in a first position, an inner element and an outer element. The inner element is removable along the displacement groove, and is configured to cooperate with the outer element to obtain a displacement of the outer element towards the tongue groove and thereby obtain the second position. Said inner element and said outer element vertically overlap each other.

Abstract: A high-strength laser configured column anchor and anchoring system is disclosed. The high-strength column anchor provides high-strength pullout resistance when embedded within the wall bed joint. Specially-configured apertures, edging and dimension restrictions provide for flow-through mortar embedment within the wall bed joint. The edging provides irregular and regular patterns ensuring a secure fit within the bed joint. The column anchors include a flat and rotated form for secure attachment to the column flanges and optionally include a securement bar or clamp to further secure the column anchor to the column flanges.

Abstract: An interlocking panel system for top-down or bottom-up installation on an underlying structure including a plurality of panels, with an uphill course and a downhill course where each panel is generally rectangular, having an uphill edge and opposing downhill edge. An interlocking member is disposed along the uphill edge, and a receiving member adapted to receive the interlocking member and a joining flange are disposed along the downhill edge. A first panel is positioned on an underlying structure. In top-down installation, a clip is disposed along the downhill edge of the first panel and affixed to the underlying structure, and a second panel is engaged with the receiving member of the first panel. In bottom-up installation, the first panel is affixed to the underlying structure, and a second panel is engaged with the interlocking member of the first panel, and then affixed to the underlying structure.

Abstract: A shingle, a method of making it, and a roof embodying the shingle is provided, in which an exterior surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.

Abstract: An interlocking panel system for top-down installation on an underlying structure including a plurality of panels, with an uphill course and a downhill course where each panel is generally rectangular, having an uphill edge and opposing downhill edge. An interlocking member is disposed along the uphill edge, and a receiving member adapted to receive the interlocking member and a joining flange are disposed along the downhill edge. A panel of the uphill course is affixed to an underlying structure via fasteners through the joining flange. The interlocking member of a panel of the downhill course is insertable into the receiving member of the uphill course, and the position of the panel of the downhill course is adjustable within the span of the receiving member.

Abstract: An approximately planar roofing material body is arranged adjacent to another roofing material body. A side end part of the roofing material body is overlapped and laid to the another roofing material body. The roofing material body is provided with an inclined piece formed at a side end edge part of the roofing material body so as to be inclined downward. Further, a tip of the inclined piece (an inclined-piece tip) of the roofing material body is formed so as to abut on a front face bent downward of the another rooting material body laid to a downside of the roofing material body.

Abstract: The wall building system and method uses a block for building walls and other structures. The block is formed with an external face member and an internal face member connected by an inner core, which has an outer surface formed with a concave profile. The block is fabricated in one piece to enhance strength and stability. Each face is provided with a continuous groove therearound. The continuous grooves are adapted to receive locking elements therein to interlock the blocks. Utilizing a locking element eliminates the need for binding compounds, such as mortar, thereby greatly reducing labor and material costs.

Abstract: A truss system designed to simplify the addition of lights, audio equipment, and other stage-related equipment through the use of essentially circular strut channel members. The system is designed to enclose such equipment, be lightweight, and facilitate easy set-up and take-down of truss assemblies. The lightweight truss system includes an open-sided structure with rigid ends, and a strut channel system that facilitates the installation of lights, audio equipment, and other stage-related devices.

Abstract: A truss chord for use in a light steel truss includes a flange portion, a pair of web portions and at least one wing. The flange portion has an end and an end portion. The end portion has a double thickness. The pair of web portions extend substantially orthogonally from the flange portion and are spaced inwardly from the ends of the flange portion. The at least one wing extends outwardly substantially orthogonally from at least one of the pair of web portions. There is provided an alternate embodiment wherein the wing having a plurality of spaced apart holes formed therein. There is also provided a truss web. As well there is a truss which uses the truss chords and truss webs and a truss system which uses a plurality of trusses. In addition there is a mass customization system for the trusses.

Abstract: A corner piece is provided for interconnecting frame members. The corner piece includes a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The first plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. A second plate member defines an inner face contiguous with the inner face of the first plate member, an outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The second plate member includes a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis generally parallel to the inner face of the first plate member.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for supporting a plurality of parallel spaced apart trusses, each truss having top and bottom member each having an inside and an outside edge wherein the top member is angularly oriented relative to the bottom member. The apparatus comprises a body having a truss engaging slot adapted to engageably receive a top or bottom member of the truss therethrough and first and second brace engaging panels extending substantially perpendicularly to the slot. Each brace engaging panel is adapted to engageably receive a braces thereagainst wherein each brace extending angularly between adjacent trusses. The system comprises top and bottom brackets on the top and bottom member of the truss and at least one brace member extending therebetween.

Abstract: A mounting adapter for attaching an object to a mounting surface such as a flat roof includes a planar anchor plate having first apertures and second apertures extending therethrough. The first apertures receive an elongated fastener having a length sufficient to fasten the anchor plate over and to a support structure positioned beneath the mounting surface. A cover plate includes third apertures aligned with the second apertures and at least one fourth aperture. The cover plate extends over the first apertures and a second fastener extends through each third aperture and engages with a corresponding second aperture to secure the cover plate over the anchor plate. At least one third fastener interfaces with the at least one fourth aperture for attaching the object to the adapter such that load forces from the object are transferred directly to the support structure beneath the mounting surface through each elongated fastener.

Abstract: A cast-in anchor system for anchoring objects to concrete structures. The preferred system uses an extruded cast-in anchor and an extruded bolt retainer. The cast-in anchor is embedded within concrete with a face left exposed. The bolt retainer has a bolt inserted through it and is placed within an anchor channel on the exposed face of the cast-in anchor. The bolt retainer allows for use of an industry-standard bolt and prevents the bolt from rotating once the bolt-head is seated against it. The cast-in anchor and the bolt are positioned along the length of the anchor channel, with a threaded portion of the bolt extending out of the anchor channel. A workpiece is placed over the threaded portion of the bolt and a nut is tightened. Tightening the nut causes locking surfaces on the bolt retainer to engage with corresponding surfaces on the anchor channel which prevents the bolt retainer from exiting the anchor channel.

Abstract: Thermally-isolating wall anchors and reinforcement devices and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed for use in masonry cavity walls. A thermally-isolating coating is applied to the wall anchor, which is interconnected with a wire formative veneer tie. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated wall anchors provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Abstract: An arbitrary structural insulated panel and an adjoining structural insulated panel, which include magnesium oxide boards as the exterior panels, can be connected together by a first spline and a second spline. The arbitrary structural insulated panel is first connected to a building floor foundation. Then the first spline and the second spline are adhered into the arbitrary structural insulated panel. The adjoining structural insulated panel is then secured to the arbitrary structural insulated panel as the first spline and the second spline engage with the adjoining structural insulated panel. A plurality of fasteners is used as the final step to further secure the arbitrary structural insulated panel and the adjoining structural insulated panel.

Abstract: A wall system for basements includes a horizontally-extending floor member defining an upwardly facing channel. A first vertically-extending support beam is coupled to the floor member and defines a pair of laterally-adjacent channels separated by a center rib. A second similar support beam is laterally displaced along the floor member with respect to the first support beam. A foam panel is disposed in the upwardly facing channel of the floor member and in one of the laterally-adjacent channels of the first support beam and in one of the laterally-adjacent channels of the second support beam. The floor member, first support beam and second support beam comprise a non-organic plastic material. The foam panel comprises a closed-cell non-organic foam material. The wall system can be formed in-situ and can be configured as a free-standing wall.

Abstract: An automated dispensing system includes a container dispensing module for storing and discharging a plurality of small object containers, a printer applicator for printing selected information on a label and positioned to apply the label to a container as it is discharged from the dispensing module, a plurality of product dispensing modules for storing and dispensing a selected number of small objects into a labeled container, a container transport unit, a conveyor assembly for transporting filled containers away, and a control unit for coordinating and controlling operation for the dispensing system. A container transport unit picks a labeled container from the container dispensing module, transports it along a track to a selected product dispensing cell, and travels back along the track to the container dispensing module while the product dispensing module fills and ejects the filled container onto an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: A crimp control apparatus includes a threaded connection between a dipper and a punch to adjust the distance between the die and the bottom of the cylinder. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a cylinder, a connector, and a cylinder mount bracket, the cylinder mount bracket bore having threads engagable to threads of the connector, and a lock in the cylinder mount bracket to restrict movement of the connector through the cylinder mount bracket bore. In another aspect, the apparatus includes a cylinder, a piston within the cylinder and having a piston shaft, a stud extending from the piston shaft and having threads, a punch holder having threads engagable to the threads of the stud, a lock to lock the position of the stud and the punch holder, and an adjustment device in the piston shaft.

Abstract: A method for converting a wrapping machine into a transport condition, said wrapping machine comprising a wrapping machine frame, as well as a circular guide mounted on the frame, whereby, in order to convert the wrapping machine into a transport condition, the circular guide mounted on the wrapping machine frame is tilted with respect to the wrapping machine frame. The invention relates also to such a wrapping machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for automatic release of a refuse bag from a refuse receptacle. The device and method provided herein substantially eliminates all contact by a user with a filled refuse bag and the unsanitary contents therein.

Abstract: A machine for composite packages has an entry first carrier which is oriented in a first carrying direction and carries a composite package including a pallet, having a plurality of parallel and coplanar upper grooves and an overhanging load. A travelling-lifting device located at an exit of the first carrier has a first translator for translating the pallet and the load, and a lifter to move vertically the first translator, the pallet and the load between a lowered first state, and a lifted state where the pallet grooves are at a certain predetermined height. A drive has rods parallel and coplanar to the pallet grooves in the lifted state. The rods move between a complete disengagement state and an engagement state where the rods enter the grooves. A winder for packaging materials winds at least the sides of the load supported by the rods.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for charging a gas into a gas compartment portion (6) of a bag (1), after a pre-heating step which is performed in stop position (IV) so that the gas compartment portion of the bag is heated by a heated gas-blowing nozzle (27), a preliminary gas injection step for injecting gas into the gas compartment portion is performed by a gas blowing nozzle (28) and a receiving member (29) in stop position (V). Then, a gas filling step is carried out in stop position (VI) by gas injection nozzles (23, 24), and the incision (9) in the gas compartment portion is sealed in stop position (VII). In the following pre-heating step, the front and rear film sheets (7, 8) of the gas compartment portion are softened, and in the preliminary gas injection step, the film sheets are separated and their adhesion is eliminated.

Abstract: A method for detecting and removing foreign particles in polymeric resin powder comprising drying the resin powder; removing static energy from the resin powder; producing a layer of resin powder 0.2 to 0.8 mm in height in a feeding tray which feeds a conveyor; conveying the layer of resin powder with a transparent conveyor belt at a speed of between 12.2 and 36.64 meters/minute into a foreign particle detection zone; illuminating the polymeric resin powder in the detection zone from above and below with a light; continuously imaging the resin powder from above with a high speed digital CCD camera; continuously analyzing the images with a control device to detect particles having nonwhite colors; and actuating a suction system with the controller to suction off any detected particles to produce a polymeric resin powder having a reduced number of foreign particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to an method of manufacture of an implantable medical device comprising an oxygen-sensitive rapamycin derivative that is protected by addition of an antioxidant during the manufacturing process where the amount of antioxidant added at the outset of the processing is such that when the device is fully fabricated, sterilized and packaged the amount of antioxidant has reduced to a minimal, preferably non-detect, amount.

Abstract: A device (10) for filling a transport container (12) with notes of pecuniary value, has a displacement unit (700) that conveys the notes of pecuniary value into the transport container (12) through a movable frame (16). When the transport container (12) is closed, the displacement unit (700) is in a second operating state in which its cross sectional area is reduced so far that it passes through the partially closed frame (16).

Abstract: A fluid dispensing container is provided. The container includes a container body formed from a first flexible material defining an interior cavity. The container includes a membrane formed from a second flexible material and a seal coupling the membrane to the inner surface of the container body. The membrane divides the interior cavity into a contents chamber and a dispensing chamber, and the membrane and the seal are configured to be fluid tight to maintain fluid within the contents chamber prior to rupture of the membrane. The rupture stress of the second flexible material is less than the rupture stress of the first flexible material such that, as fluid pressure within the contents chamber increases, the membrane is configured to rupture without the container body rupturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging facility and a method for operating a packaging facility to manufacture a folding package, where said folding package is folded using a folding device and is closed using a latching device.

Abstract: A helical, easy-to-utilize reusable grip for a nail polish bottle that wraps around said elongated handle of a nail polish bottle in a winding fashion.

Abstract: A device for packaging a wiper blade for a windshield wiping system of a motor vehicle including a flexurally stiff container as well as at least one insert, which is able to be inserted into the container together with the wiper blade. The device includes at least two inserts, developed essentially having mirror symmetry, for accommodating each of an end section of the wiper blade, each insert having at least one accommodation region for accommodating a spring-elastic carrier element and/or a wiper lip of the wiper blade, an accommodation region provided for accommodating the wiper lip being oversized compared to the dimensions of the wiper lip, so that the wiper lip is able to be accommodated in such a way that a sensitive wiping edge of the wiper lip has no contact with the insert.

Abstract: The invention relates to a saddle for horseback riding which has on the distal side of its cantle or on the rear end face thereof a one- or multipiece backpanel reversibly releasably attached by one or a plurality of fastening means; to a one- or multipiece backpanel including one or more fastening means for reversibly releasable connection; and a set comprising a saddle and a backpanel therefor, the said provided with complementary fastening means for reversibly releasable connection.

Abstract: A filter assembly, filter element, and methods associated therewith are provided. The filter assembly includes a housing and a primary element situated within the housing. The primary filter element is insertable into the housing along a first direction. The primary filter element includes a biasing arrangement for biasing the primary filter element in a second direction transverse to the first direction to form a seal within the housing.

Abstract: A filtration system for a ventilation hood includes a first filter and a second filter, operatively disposed in series. The first filter is configured to be mounted within the ventilation hood, and has an air inlet, an air outlet, and a grease outlet. The second filter includes a filter material with an upstream surface and a downstream surface, an upstream housing element abutting the upstream surface of the filter material, and a downstream housing element abutting the downstream surface of the filter material. The housing elements include openings, and hold the filter material in compression.

Abstract: A filter assembly is provided which is particularly suitable for use in filtering intake air for gas turbines. The filter assembly (6) includes a final filter (9) and a pre-filter (8) which are directly engageable one with the other to provide a complete filter assembly. By so providing, pre-filter units may easily be removed and replaced in a compact configuration. A kit of parts is also provided.

Abstract: A filtration device including a contoured support having 1) an interior surface, 2) an outside peripheral surface spaced farther from a center of the contoured support than the interior surface, and 3) a rim enclosed and sealed to a perimeter of the contoured support. The filtration device includes macroscopic openings in the contoured support extending from the interior surface to the outside peripheral surface, and a plurality of nanofibers having diameters less than 1 micron. The nanofibers are disposed on the outside peripheral surface of the contoured support, and cover the macroscopic openings to form a filtration medium on the contoured support.

Abstract: A filter for use in safety air bags as employed in vehicles and the like comprises compressed corrugated wire wherein the corrugations are formed as a periodic sequence of substantially identical first sinusoidal waves coplanar in one orientation of a first given amplitude and pitch and a periodic sequence of substantially identical second sinusoidal waves of a second amplitude and pitch different than the first given amplitude and pitch oriented orthogonal to the plane of the first waves to form a wire with complex three dimensional waves. The wires so formed are wrapped about a mandrel in multiple layers and the ring so formed distorted into an oval shape that is inserted into a filter forming die. A plunger then is forced under high pressure into the die to form the compressed wire filter. The layers of undulations of the wire interlock to preclude separation of the compressed layers during deployment of an air bag.

Abstract: A nonwoven filter media comprising: polyphenylene sulfide fibers, an inorganic fibers wherein said filter media exhibits physical properties taken from the group consisting of: (a) a clean gas concentration of less than 0.1 mg/m3, (b) an average cycle time of greater than 125 seconds when the media at 16.0 ounces per square yard is tested per ASTM-D6830-02, (c) residual pressure drop of less than 350 Pa as measured by ASTM-D6830-02; (d) weight of between 5.0 and 20.0 ounces per yard2 and a thickness between 0.020 and 0.100 inches, (e) air permeability of between 10 and 60 cubic feet per minute, (f) Mullen Burst strength of 225 lbs/inch2, (g) less than 50% strength loss according to a tensile test after being submerged in sulfuric acid according to test ASTM-D461-93, (h) total mass removal efficiency of 99.99% and (i) resists burn-through by a stainless steel ball bearings heated to 800° C.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a load on an agricultural harvester (100) comprising a first sensor (124, 126, 128, 130) to sense a first load, a second sensor (132, 134, 136, 138) to sense a second load, an electronic control unit (200) coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, the electronic control unit (200) being configured to determine a difference between the first load and the second load, and to either (a) raise a harvesting head (102) or (b) stop the agricultural harvester (100), or (c) both, when the difference exceeds a threshold load.

Abstract: A corn header (4) for a forage harvester for harvesting stalked crop includes a set of cutting and intake conveyor mechanisms for cutting the crop in a substantially horizontal direction. A separating mechanism for separating the crop in a substantially vertical direction is positioned on at least one side of the corn header, laterally next to the cutting and intake conveyor mechanisms.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle (10) may include a frame, a steering assembly (30), a cutting deck (50) and a lifting assembly. Wheels (32,34) of the riding lawn care vehicle may be attachable to the frame. The steering assembly may be operably coupled to wheels of the riding lawn care vehicle to provide steering inputs to the wheels. The cutting deck may house at least one cutting blade and may be attachable to the frame. The cutting deck may include at least two cutting deck wheels (52) to facilitate level cutting responsive to operation of the at least one cutting blade when the cutting deck is in a cutting position in which the at least two cutting deck wheels contact the ground. The cutting deck may be liftable to an elevated position in which the at least two cutting deck wheels are not in contact with the ground.

Abstract: Automated rotary brush harvesters that reduce or prevent damage to fruit or other crops (“produce”) when they are removed from trees or bushes, and methods of using such harvesters are disclosed. The harvesters may include a brush having flexible radiating members (e.g., filaments or bristles) for removing crops from trees or bushes and a conveyor paired therewith for receiving the produce from the brush. The brush and conveyor may be angled to aid in collecting the produce and preventing damage to the produce. The conveyor may be configured to deliver the produce to one or more bins, which may be mounted on a bin elevator system.

Abstract: A mechanical berry harvester and a method for harvesting berries in the field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a framework, collectors, spring elements, pulleys and belts. The collectors are configured to collect berries fallen from branches of the berry bush. Each spring element is connected to the framework and a collector. Each pulley is connected to a spring element and a collector. Each belt has an inner face and an outer face, and the inner faces of the belts are in contact with the pulleys. When the trunk of a berry bush comes in contact with a portion of the adjacent belts, the spring element(s) connected to the portions of the adjacent belts in contact with the trunk are each configured to independently compress and create a gap between the adjacent belts.

Abstract: A harvester for agricultural products such as fruits such as grapes, berries, vegetables, and the like, and method of harvesting, using an RFID system capable of detecting and interrogating RFID tags associated with objects or conditions along a path of the harvester in a manner to determine both presence and location of the associated object or condition, to enable responsively adapting or altering the operation of harvesting apparatus in a predetermined manner, such as by reducing or interrupting forces exerted thereby when about or proximate the object or condition.

Abstract: A pick-up assembly having a pick-up drum, rotatably mounted to a frame; a windguard, attached to a support linkage which is pivotably mounted to the frame; at least one winch drum, rotatably attached with respect to the frame; and at least one flexible elongate element having opposite first and second end regions. The first end region is attached to the support linkage and the second end region is windably attached to the at least one winch drum.