Abstract: The present invention relates integrating trees into urban environments. It is a method for creating a tree well that is permeable, supports tree growth, safe for pedestrians, and aesthetically pleasing. The invention solves many of the problems associated with urban trees such as drainage problems, odor problems, and trip hazards.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for subvehicularly accessed treatment of ground surfaces about a rail track occupied by a rail vehicle. A mobile treatment unit having a propulsion mechanism for subvehicular passage between the rails occupied by the rail vehicle includes a dispensing portion for expelling a treatment material therefrom onto regions of the ground surface about the rails. The mobile treatment unit is maneuverable between the rails and maintains height clearance for unobstructed passage beneath the occupying rail vehicle. At least one sensor unit is coupled to the mobile treatment unit, which acquires environmental feedback data about the mobile treatment unit. A control unit is operably linked to the mobile treatment and sensor units, and receives the environmental feedback data. The control unit controls actuation of the mobile treatment unit responsive to the environmental feedback and/or a maneuver control command.

Abstract: A slide hammer tamper has a slide hammer positioned within a tamper sleeve. The slide hammer is a solid metal component or has a cavity containing a plurality of metal shot. A connector secures the slide hammer to the tamper sleeve, while allowing vertical, slideable motion between the slide hammer and tamper sleeve. The connector also limits the vertical movement of the slide hammer in relation to the tamper sleeve. Rotation between the slide hammer and tamper sleeve is restricted by a tamper bushing/connector configuration within the tamper sleeve. The tamper is adapted for use with different tamper heads, interchangeably connected to the tool. An adjustable handle secured around the tamper sleeve allows the position of the handle to be varied along the tamper sleeve. The tamper tip can be replaced with a new, unworn tip, when necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frangible base having a base top, a base bottom, and sides. The bottom including a plurality of openings for joining the frangible base to a surface and for passing wiring into the frangible base. The sides having at least one opening for accessing an interior of the frangible base. A stand pipe includes a pipe top, a pipe bottom, and mounting points disposed on a side of the stand pipe. The pipe bottom is configured for joining to the base top. The mounting points are configured for joining to a signaling equipment. A tether is joinable to the frangible base and the surface, wherein the tether is operable for maintaining the apparatus within a locality of a place on the surface, where the frangible base is joined to, upon a breakage of the frangible base.

Abstract: A traffic barrier assembly alerts motorists to a hazardous road condition and helps guide the flow of traffic around the hazardous condition. The assembly includes a base member having a top end, a bottom end and a perimeter wall attached to and extending between the top end and the bottom end. A top member has a top edge, a bottom edge and a peripheral wall attached to and extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. The top edge defines an opening extending into an interior of the top member. The top member is telescopic relative to base member.

Abstract: A snowthrower includes a body, a chute rotatable relative to the body among a plurality of chute positions, wherein the chute is configured to discharge snow from the snowthrower, a motor for rotating the chute, a user input device configured to set a preferred chute bearing, and an electronic control unit configured to control the motor to automatically rotate the chute to an appropriate chute position to maintain the chute at the preferred chute bearing without additional input from the user input device.

Abstract: A broom assembly for a vehicle includes a frame, a broom core axle rotatably coupled to the frame and defining an axis around which a broom rotates when in use, an actuator coupled to the frame and positioned to raise and lower the broom core axle relative to the frame, and a controller. The controller has an output for adjusting the actuator and an input for receiving position information from a sensor. The controller is configured to use the received position information to automatically lower the broom core axle over a period of operation to account for an estimated wear of the broom.

Abstract: A floating device is disclosed. The device comprises a first cup member and a second cup member, each having a base and an open end, the first cup member being formed with an opening at a center of a respective base. In some embodiments of the present invention the device comprises a connector member having a peripheral wall fittingly connected to the open ends and enclosing a barrier. The peripheral wall is preferably formed with openings arranged between the barrier and the first cup member such that, when the floating device contacts a liquid, the liquid enters through the openings into the first cup member to submerge the first cup member and to impart a restorable upright orientation to the device.

Abstract: A method of constructing an internally braced geosynthetic-reinforced earth zone and slope facing system uses a single-layered, three-dimensional, high-profile pyramidal-woven geotextile fabric in conjunction with a bracing assembly of bars inserted into the geotextile weave and bracing an upright fold of the geotextile fabric with soil backfill to form an upright geotextile layer or lift in a plurality of wrapped, reinforcement layers of an earth wall or steepened slope. The wrapped geotextile reinforced earth wall or slope system can be internally seeded during construction or externally hydroseeded post-construction to form a vegetated facing. The wrapped geotextile lifts can be sandwiched around longer, supplemental geogrids that extend the width of the reinforced zone for taller slopes and walls.

Abstract: The invention concerns a recoverable gabion for use in protecting military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like. The gabion comprises opposed side walls comprising a plurality of side wall elements connected together at spaced intervals by a plurality of partition walls such that spaces between neighboring pairs of partition walls define, together with the side walls, individual compartments of the gabion, adjacent side and partition walls being connected to one another by pivotal connections enabling the gabion to be folded between fully flattened and deployed configurations, wherein at least one of the pivotal connections is a releasable connection which when released allows a side wall element to open with respect to the gabion to allow access from the side of the gabion to any contents of the gabion compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a slab foundation comprises a narrow, vertical moisture barrier assembly spaced outside and surrounding the perimeter grade beam of the slab foundation by a predetermined distance, and extends to preferably five feet below surface grade. The narrow trench for the barrier is preferably less than three inches wide. A membrane formed of a synthetic composition forms a moisture barrier against one wall of the narrow trench, and is held in place by back fill. The moisture barrier is intended for use in expansive soils that are subject to shrinking and swelling.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for a machine includes a work implement having a float mode, in which the work implement moves relative to the machine, and a lock mode, in which the work implement has a fixed position relative to the machine. A pin assembly connects the work implement to the machine and itself is movable between a float position, in which the pin assembly supports the work implement in the float mode, and a lock position, in which the pin assembly supports the work implement in a lock mode. A retainer has a float assembly configuration, in which the retainer holds the pin assembly in the float position, and a lock assembly configuration, in which the retainer holds the pin assembly in the lock position, thereby facilitating adjustment of the work implement between float and lock modes.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to controlling a swing body of construction equipment. Disclosed methods may include selecting a representative signal vs. speed curve, receiving an operating signal value from the operating input device, obtaining a reference speed value by applying said operating signal value to the selected curve, transmitting a command for rotational speed equivalent to said reference speed to the swing motor making the swing body rotate, obtaining rotational speed of said motor, determining whether a value obtained by subtracting rotational speed from reference speed exceeds the maximum permissible errors, obtaining a new signal vs. speed curve equivalent to rotational speed when a value obtained by subtracting rotational speed from reference speed exceeds the maximum permissible errors, obtaining a new reference speed value from an operating signal value using said new curve, and transmitting a new command for rotational speed equivalent to said new reference speed to said motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling an engine of a wheel loader, and the apparatus includes: a sensor unit, configured to sense vehicle information and working machine information; a vehicle control unit configured to select a working condition according to a priority of the vehicle information and the working machine information, select an engine mode corresponding to the selected working condition, and output an engine mode signal representing the selected engine mode; and an engine control unit configured to control the engine output according to the engine mode signal output from the vehicle control unit. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides the method and the apparatus for controlling an engine according to a working condition of a wheel loader, thereby smoothly maintaining performance of equipment without requiring a separate manipulation by a worker, and thus achieving an effect of improving fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A display system of an excavating machine including a work machine with a bucket and a main body part to which the work machine is attached, includes: a storage storing positional information of a design surface indicating a design land shape and outer shape information of the bucket; and a processor determining, among measurement reference points predetermined along an outer shape of a buttock part of the bucket for measuring a position, including at least a tip of the bucket, a measurement reference point closest to the design surface, based on information on a current position of the excavating machine, information on a posture of the main body part, information on a position of the tip of the bucket, and the outer shape information of the bucket.

Abstract: A wear assembly for excavating equipment which includes a wear member and a base each with upper and lower stabilizing surfaces that are offset and at overlapping depths to reduce the overall depth of the assembly while maintaining high strength and a stable coupling. The nose and socket each includes a generally triangular-shaped front stabilizing end to provide a highly stable front connection between the nose and wear member for both vertical and side loading. The lock is movable between hold and release positions to accommodate replacing of the wear member when needed, and secured to the wear member for shipping and storage purposes.

Abstract: Water is supplied from a mains water supply station to a main supply conduit which feeds a plurality of regional supply networks, via respective pressure reducing valves, at respective regional pressures. Each regional supply network has a boundary value for a parameter related to a property of the water, which may be water pressure or concentration of a water treatment agent. Each network has a critical point at which the value of the parameter is deemed least acceptable. Water supply characteristics in respect of each regional supply network are monitored and the water supplied into the main supply conduit is processed to ensure acceptable values of the parameter are maintained at each critical point.

Abstract: A modular sleeve valve apparatus can include a valve body including a first port and a second port on a first and second sidewall of the valve body. The apparatus can include a first and second valve core sleeved within the valve body. The first valve core can be a cylinder including a first aperture in a cylindrical sidewall and a second aperture in a top base-wall. The second valve core can be a cylinder including a third aperture in a cylindrical sidewall and a fourth aperture in a bottom base-wall. The first and second valve cores can be removable from the valve body and radially rotatable within the valve body. The second valve core can be positioned stacked upon the first valve core to align the second aperture and the fourth aperture.

Abstract: A sink drain pedestal strainer with a central longitudinal axis includes a pedestal extending upwardly away from a base. The pedestal includes a perforate sidewall to facilitate flow of water toward the inner periphery of the base, and a perforate upper wall extending radially inwardly from the sidewall.

Abstract: A foldable sink cover is presented. The sink cover comprises a foldable substrate having a base section and at least one foldable section in mechanical communication with the base section, wherein the foldable substrate is capable of being unfolded to cover a sink, and capable of being folded for storage when not being used to cover a sink.

Abstract: A support device to maintain a mounting assembly on the exterior of a sink flange engaged to a sink adapted to engage a garbage disposal. The support device employs a body portion engaged to one or a plurality of magnets. The body portion is adapted to engage with or upon the sink flange and thereby position the magnets to magnetically hold the mounting assembly upon the exterior of the sink flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting wear in a flush valve includes at least one programmed controller. The flush valve comprises at least one pressure sensor and a valve element, and operates when an internal pressure causes the valve element to open. The controller is programmed to record at least one water pressure detected within the flush valve with the at least one pressure sensor after at least one operation of the flush valve, record a water pressure detected within the flush valve after a subsequent operation of the flush valve, and determine if the flush valve is faulty based at least partially on a comparison between the at least one water pressure detected after the at least one operation of the flush valve and the water pressure detected after the subsequent operation of the flush valve.

Abstract: A recycling flush toilet has a receptacle for human waste, a liquids holding tank, a base, a toilet pipe whose upper end is in fluid communication with the base of the toilet and extends downwards, a waste separation pipe extending out from the lower end of the toilet pipe, having a first end, wherein the lower end of the toilet pipe extends into the separation pipe near the first end, a filter at the lower end of the toilet pipe for separating solids and liquids, a solids container axially aligned, and in fluid communication, with the toilet pipe, and a liquids container in fluid communication with the separation pipe and adjacent to the solids container. The filter separates the waste into liquid and solid components that are disposed into the liquids and solids containers, respectively. Liquids within the liquids container are used to flush the toilet.

Abstract: Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels and panel assemblies, sized and configured for construction of non-portable wall structures permanently fixed to the ground. Fibers in the panel are typically oriented within 15 degrees of a top-to-bottom, e.g. axial, direction in the panel providing, in part, enhanced top-to-bottom crush strength of a panel/wall. The panels typically have a bias to deflect toward the surface of the panel which faces outwardly of the building, toward the backfill soil which faces the panel on the outside the building. Panels of the invention typically have mass of no more than 18 pounds per foot height per linear foot length of the building panel, and vertical crush resistance capacity of at least 2000 pounds per linear foot length of the building panel, using a safety factor of 3.

Abstract: An airform that can be inflated, for example, for facilitating construction of a structure is provided. The airform may include a first portion, a second portion, or multiple other portions, and reinforcement. The first portion may, for example, be configured to be disposed in a first orientation, such as vertically or in a radial profile, when the airform is inflated. The second portion transitioning from the first portion may be configured, for example, to assume an alternate shape and profile, such as a radial shape and profile, when the airform is inflated. The reinforcement may, for example, be provided at a portion of the airform that defines a transition from the first portion to the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention integrates the use of pre-manufactured structures with minimal on-site installation and lift-slab construction to achieve the construction of multi-story buildings. The pre-manufactured structures are designed to be readily integrated with both horizontal and vertically adjacent building components, including lift-slab components, so that multiple building stories may be readily and securely stacked, one on top of the other. The present invention advantageously permits top-down lift-slab construction for multi-story buildings. The present invention also provides for the development of flexible design plans for institutional, residential, office and other types of buildings. The present invention advantageously provides for easier, more efficient, faster, cheaper, safer, higher quality and more consistent, environmentally advantaged, energy-efficient, easier to maintain, intelligently designed, and customizable multi-story building construction.

Abstract: Exterior wall systems, cladding for same and components of such systems, including a clip for use in mounting cladding and a thermal block comprising a silica aerogel material.

Abstract: Protective membrane, in particular a waterproofing or noise insulation membrane, based on mineral or vegetable bitumen, comprising a membrane body, and a first and second surface situated on either side of said membrane body, where the first surface comprises cork particles, characterised in that said particles have a granulometry of between 0.5 and 3 mm, preferably between 1 and 3 mm, and have been heat treated with steam.

Abstract: An improved flashing attachment apparatus and method consists of a mesh with a length and a width where the mesh is folded over along its width to create a closed end and an open end along its length and a top and a bottom. A membrane is connected with the mesh between the top and the bottom of the mesh where the membrane extends past the open end at least partially along the length of the mesh.

Abstract: An insulation system that includes opposing panels with a partial dead air space in equilibrium with outside air. In one embodiment, two panels are supported parallel to one another separated by a distance. Each of the panels has a plurality of openings. The openings on facing panels are offset from one another so that openings on the two sides are not aligned. The openings are small enough so that a small amount of diffusion can occur allowing the panel to breathe. The panels can be used in attics, over windows or part of a building. In an alternate embodiment, they can be made from flexible sheets and be used to prevent fire hydrants or other objects from freezing. When used in attics, the panels will support weight allowing them to be walked on or used to store objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connecting system for connecting wall panels to the support frame, and more particularly to the rigid corner support posts of a support frame, of a modular building unit. The connecting system includes a modular bracket assembly and is configured so that two modular connecting brackets attach to each corner vertical support column, which modular brackets are configured to receive the vertical edge of a wall panel. The brackets themselves are configured for easy replacement and/or adjustment through minimal effort, are fully symmetrical to allow use of bracket elements at varied locations, and may be replaced or adjusted particularly without removing, altering, or otherwise disturbing the corner vertical support column of the frame of the modular building unit.

Abstract: An insulated concrete panel comprising an insulation layer having one or more openings extending therethrough, a first concrete layer adjacent to a first surface of the insulation layer, a second concrete layer adjacent to a second surface of the insulation layer, and a wall tie received within one or more of the openings. The wall tie includes a central section received within the one or more openings of the insulation layer, a first concrete engaging at least partially embedded within the first concrete layer, and a second concrete engaging section embedded within the second concrete layer. The second concrete engaging section has a maximum width that is larger than a maximum width of the central section. The central section of the wall tie is configured to transfer shear forces and resist delamination forces between the first and second concrete layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wall system and a method of fabricating that wall. The system uses a stanchion, or bracket. The bracket is installed between the outer flanges of the structural girts that make up the wall and a wall panel. The tabs create space between the girt and panel that enables insulation to be spread out into the additional space created. This reduces heat losses in the wall.

Abstract: A self-supporting panel is used to form building components, including roofs that have no independent supports for the panels between the ends of the panels. The panel system includes a base support or structural component having a top face sheet supported by longitudinally load carrying webs and a layer of insulation on the exterior of the face sheet. The insulation spans the entire face sheet to overlie connectors between the edges of adjacent panels when the panels are assembled to form a wall or roof, to eliminate thermal shorts.

Abstract: A passive ventilation panel and system, in particular for use in doors, ceilings, walls and partitions enables an exchange of supply and return air for at least one room or a room, without the need for additional ventilation equipment, such as ducts, and without the needs to install wall openings or grills for the supply and exhaust air in the space.

Abstract: A composite steel I-beam member. The member includes confined top and bottom flanges, and a composite laminated web. The confined flange comprises a wooden core and a metal jacket wrapped around an outer perimeter of the wooden core. The overall load carrying capacity of the composite I-beam is significantly increased through a list of composite actions occurring in the individual components and their connections. Most importantly, a two-way lateral interaction can be normal to the interface between the metal jacket and the wooden core and provide an amount of compressive support to the top flange surpassing the sum of amount of support provided by the metal jacket and the wooden core when being used separately.

Abstract: An embodiment is directed to a duct coupler for joining two segments of conduit. The duct coupler includes a coupler body. The coupler body is generally tubular and has an inner diameter generally corresponding to the outer diameter of a section of conduit measured at an annular locking rib positioned on the section of conduit. The duct coupler further includes one or more protrusions formed on the interior surface of the coupler body. Each protrusion is generally wedge shaped. The one or more protrusions are positioned to engage with at least one annular locking rib to retain the section of conduit within the coupler body. The duct coupler further includes a body gasket. The body gasket is generally tubular and positioned on the interior surface of the coupler body. The body gasket is positioned to form a seal between the inner wall of the coupler body and the outer wall of the section of conduit.

Abstract: A synthetic roofing material for a roofing tile and a method of extruding a resinous polymeric precursor of an exterior polymeric sheet for one or more roofing tiles; and applying a weather durable coloring matter on a surface of the precursor, wherein the cooling matter comprises one or more pigment colors in a variegated surface coloration pattern, which simulates a distinctive coloration of a natural material. The precursor is impressed with surface topography features and a surface roughness that simulate the surface features of the natural material.

Abstract: The roof covering element (tiles-like sheet) equipped with an angle bracket characterizes by that the ending surface (3) of the roof covering element (1), in the wave-shaped rib of the upper edge surface (2), preferably in a part without assembling hole (4), has at least one notch (5), in which is placed an angle bracket (6), and said notch (5) width is bigger than the angle bracket (6) width.

Abstract: A roofing underlayment comprising an asphalt-coated fibrous sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface is provided. A first portion of the upper surface has granules adhered thereto. A slip-resistant member is bonded to a second portion of the upper surface, an upper surface of the slip-resistant member having substantially no granules adhered thereto.

Abstract: A snow guard assembly for a standing seam metal roof includes a first snow support bracket including a first bracket body secured to a first standing seam on the metal roof, and a second snow support bracket including a second bracket body secured to a second standing seam. The first and second snow support brackets are substantially aligned on the roof and removably receive an elongated snow support having a snow support surface extending upwardly relative to the panel of a roofing segment over which it is mounted such that the snow support surface will support snow accumulating on the standing seam metal roof and reduce its ability to slide off the standing seam metal roof.

Abstract: A coffer includes a panel; beam wall boards attached perpendicular to a first side of the panel and extending away from the panel and forming the side walls for a pattern of intersecting, non-structural hollow box beams, wherein the panel extends past the beam wall boards to create a fastening flange or point by which one or more modules are secured to a substrate; and a beam wall molding cut to size and custom-fitted to the beam wall boards and a panel after the beam wall boards have been attached to the panel, wherein the beam wall molding connects surfaces between the beam wall boards and the panel without covering the beam wall board edges and wherein the panel directly terminates into a perpendicular wall or surface or into the substrate and wherein the modules and resulting hollow box beams include polygonal and curved shapes and wherein the beam wall moldings follow the exact shape of the beam wall boards to eliminate spaces between the beam wall moldings and the beam wall board that would require fill

Abstract: A plank (10) used to construct a platform such as a catwalk (C3, C4) extending about the exterior or interior of a building (B) includes first and second generally horizontal sections (12, 22). The second generally horizontal section of the plank extends from one side of the first section. During construction of the platform, the first section of one plank overlaps the second section of an adjacent plank. A third generally vertical section (52) of the plank extends generally perpendicularly from one side of the second section and includes lips (58, 60) at its inner and outer ends for attaching the plank to toe boards (40, 44) to secure the plank to the frames. When installed, the planks extend from a side of the building. The resulting catwalk extends either in a straight line, or is curved, depending upon the amount of overlap the first and second sections of the respective planks.

Abstract: A rod clamp assembly and method for securing a rod. The assembly includes a housing and wedge member. The housing has an oppositely-disposed pair of sidewalls and an oppositely-disposed pair of endwalls. The sidewalls have a side passage that passes through the housing and defines an interior cavity within the housing. The endwalls have an end passage that passes through the housing and its cavity. The end passage includes at least two end passage walls within the housing, each end passage wall being between the cavity and one of the endwalls. The end passage has a cross-sectional shape defined at least in part by two opposing series of holes that increase in diameter toward the cavity, resulting in each of the end passage walls comprising a series of steps. The wedge member has a cross-sectional shape that enables the wedge member to be inserted through the side passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in erecting a temporary guardrail on a stair, having a stair stringer. The apparatus has an elongated stanchion. A first jaw assembly is operatively attached to the stanchion for engaging one side of the stringer, proximal the bottom edge thereof, and includes a first compression assembly to operatively urge the stanchion against the stringer. A second axially spaced, jaw assembly is operatively attached to the stanchion for engaging the one side of the stringer proximal a top edge thereof, and includes a second compression assembly to urge the stanchion against the stringer, and a bracket attached to the stanchion, and being adapted to receive a temporary guardrail member.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a spa having a base and a shell supported by the base is provided. The cover assembly includes a cover member selectively movable between a covered position and an uncovered position, and a lifting assembly having a first lifting mechanism rotatably coupled to the cover member and to the base. The first lifting mechanism provides two axes of rotation for the cover member relative to the base.

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 manufacturing area. The manufacturing area 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: An umbrella stand is used to mount umbrellas or flags to tables, vehicles, structures, and various structures. The umbrella stand includes a mounting assembly and a rod holder. The rod holder is used to attach an umbrella or flag to the umbrella stand. The mounting assembly is used to secure the umbrella or flag to a surface. The mounting assembly includes a support plate, a first mounting plate and a first mounting fastener. The support plate is used as a base. The first mounting plate and the first mounting fastener connect to the support plate and help secure the support plate to a surface. The rod holder includes a holder tube and a plurality of holder fasteners. The holder tube is connected to the support plate and houses the shaft of an umbrella or a flagpole. The plurality of holder fasteners secure the umbrella shaft or the flagpole in place.

Abstract: A portable barrier includes a junction assembly. The portable barrier further includes a pedestal assembly including (i) a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of legs includes a first leg and a second leg, and (ii) a first limiter connected to the first leg and the second leg. In addition, the portable barrier includes a cover assembly including (i) a plurality of arms that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of arms includes a first arm and a second arm, and (ii) a covering connected to the first arm and the second arm. Further, the portable barrier includes a second limiter extending between the first arm and the first leg. The portable barrier also includes a supplemental component movable with respect to the second arm. Additionally, the portable barrier includes a third limiter extending between the second arm and the supplemental component.

Abstract: A striker plate has an exterior edge, an interior edge, and a latch-receiving hole. The latch-receiving width is defined by inner and outer sides of the latch-receiving hole. A supplemental hole formed in the striker plate constitutes an inwardly extending extension of the latch-receiving hole. An adjustment block is coupled to the striker plate adjacent to the supplemental hole. The threaded end of a threaded adjustment bolt is received in a threaded aperture of the adjustment block. The threaded adjustment bolt has a head in the supplemental hole accessible to a user for rotation and axial movement to and from the latch-receiving hole to effectively vary the width of the latch-receiving hole.