Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for rendering a non-metallic substrate stably antimicrobial. The method comprises: (a) contacting the substrate with an antimicrobial surfactant; (b) contacting the substrate with a polymeric binder; and (c) subjecting the substrate, surfactant, and binder to conditions at which the substrate becomes stably antimicrobial. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a substrate into which an antimicrobial surfactant and a binder have penetrated.

Abstract: A short oxygen delignification method employs a mixing assembly including a mixing chamber having an interior wall which is generally symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis. At least one inlet is used to introduce paper pulp, a basic compound, optional steam and an oxygen-containing gas into the mixing chamber. At least one axial baffle is connected to and extends along the interior wall. At least one transverse baffle is connected to and extends from the interior wall transverse to the axis. A rotatable agitator includes at least one agitator baffle extending transverse to the axis at a location in alignment with a respective transverse baffle. This forms at least one gap between the at least one agitator baffle and the at least one respective transverse baffle. The paper pulp fluid is forced to travel through the at least one gap. A short delignification reaction occurs inside the mixing chamber. Delignified paper pulp fluid leaves the mixing chamber through at least one outlet of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.

Abstract: A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.

Abstract: A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.

Abstract: An innovative papermaking belt is disclosed. The papermaking belt has a framework and a reinforcing structure. The framework has a first surface defining a paper-contacting side of the papermaking belt, a second surface opposite the first surface, and conduits extending between the first and second surfaces. The reinforcing structure is positioned between the first surface and at least a portion of the second surface. The reinforcing structure comprises a plurality of machine direction warp yarns interwoven with a plurality of cross-machine direction weft yarns. At least one of the machine direction warp yarns further comprises a measuring device.

Abstract: A system comprising: one or more deckle board that are configured to extend along a machine direction of a paper machine and wherein the deckle board includes a stock side and a non-stock side and the stock side includes a microstructure that generates turbulent flow along a face of the deckle board that breaks up a boundary layer when stock contacts the stock side of the deckle board.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a papermaking process for producing rolls of convolutely wound web material having a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CD) coplanar and orthogonal thereto is disclosed. The process improves the operating life of a papermaking belt used therefor.

Abstract: Process for treating a fibrous material, to make said material hydrophobic and/or water-repellent, comprising the operation of impregnating said material with a suspension comprising nanoparticles of a hydrophobic material and a cyanoacrylate in an organic solvent and causing the crosslinking of said cyanoacrylate; the process uses an amount of cyanoacrylate and a weight ratio with the nanoparticles such as to produce complete or partial coating of the fibrous material with a matrix of crosslinked cyanoacrylate in which said nanoparticles are dispersed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of increasing retention and drainage in papermaking processes using high molecular-weight, water-soluble polymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation of optical brightener, polyvinyl alcohol, glucomannan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and sorbitol which can be used on the sizing or coating application of papermaking. This composition yields high whiteness and brightness on the product paper.

Abstract: A sheet including a substrate and a security device including at least one area having an interferential effect. The security device further includes at least one tactile recognition member provided in the same region as the area having an interferential effect. A security document and an article to be authenticated including the sheet are also provided.

Abstract: A device (100) for the cutting to size of coated decorative paper web sections (5, 6), with a processing line (10) with units (11 to 13) for purposes of decorating and impregnating a continuous paper web (15) to form a decorative paper web (1), and at least one transverse cutting unit (30, 31) for purposes of cutting off decorative paper web sections (5, 6) of defined length (l1, l2) from the decorative paper web (1). In accordance with the invention provision is made for at least one longitudinal cutting unit (18) to be arranged ahead of the at least one transverse cutting unit (30, 31) in the direction of feed, for purposes of separating the decorative paper web (1) into at least two continuous decorative paper web lengths (2, 3), and provision is made for at least one deflection unit (25), which spaces the two decorative paper web lengths (2, 3) apart from one another and feeds each of them to a separate transverse cutting unit (30, 31).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides high bulk tissue products, as well as an apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. The tissue products provided herein not only have high bulk, but they also have improved surface smoothness, particularly compared to tissue products of similar basis weights.

Abstract: A tie fastener apparatus for attaching railroad ties to a superstructure. The apparatus comprises a threaded hook bolt, including a hook with a hook end to engage the underside of a flange of a superstructure beam. The apparatus further includes a metal member for engaging plural ties, the metal member including a tie fastener hole at plural locations, and a nut for fastening a threaded end of the threaded hook bolt for installation when the threaded hook bolt is passed through the bolt hole and optionally a washer. When the threaded hook bolt is installed, including passing a threaded end of the threaded hook bolt through the bolt hole and fastening with the nut, the hook engages the superstructure. The apparatus is installed from above the superstructure without drilling holes in ties or the superstructure, or requiring manned installation from below the superstructure.

Abstract: A method for constructing a continuously reinforced concrete pavement includes: the reinforcing steel bar arrangement step of moving reinforcing steel bar introducing/fixing equipment having guide tubes adapted to guide reinforcing steel bars to proper positions thereof and a reinforcing steel bar holding apparatus adapted to apply an instant tensile force to the reinforcing steel bars upon concrete casting to allow the reinforcing steel bars to be located at the proper positions thereof, and longitudinally arranging the reinforcing steel bars; the concrete casting step of casting concrete on top of the reinforcing steel bars arranged in the reinforcing steel bar arrangement step; and the finishing step of flattening the surface of the concrete cast in the concrete casting step by means of a paver.

Abstract: A soil compactor—comprising at least one compactor roller rotatable about a roller rotational axis and a liquid storage/dispensing system for storing and dispensing liquid to at least one compactor roller, wherein the liquid storage/dispensing system comprises at least one main liquid storage and one main liquid pipe associated with this—is characterized in that at least two main liquid storages are provided, wherein main liquid pipes of at least two main liquid storages are in connection with a common filling connection for filling the main liquid storage associated with these, and/or at least one, preferably all main liquid storages can be filled and emptied via main liquid pipes associated with these.

Abstract: A construction machine for the treatment of ground surfaces includes a machine frame, a drive motor, a work drum supported from the machine frame and including exchangeable tools fastened to the work drum, a belt drive and an auxiliary drive. The belt drive includes a motor-side pulley connected to the drive motor, a drum-side pulley connected to the work drum, and at least one drive belt connecting the motor-side pulley to the drum-side pulley. The auxiliary drive may be permanently coupled to the belt drive, or the auxiliary drive may include an adjustment mechanism for moving the auxiliary drive between a coupled and an uncoupled position.

Abstract: A bridge configured to allow access by an operative to an aircraft compartment via a manhole formed in a wall. The bridge comprises an overlapping section which includes at least one plate, a transverse runner beneath the plate or plates with at least one groove configured to receive a lower edge of the manhole, at least a first support configured to rest on one side of the wall and at least a second support configured to rest on the other side of the wall.

Abstract: A molded funnel shaped cone joined with a base molded of compress crumb rubber has a pair of peripheral, outside flanges spaced apart and in contact with upper and lower surfaces of the base. The body has a pair of opposing apertures adjacent to the top end for placement of a barrier marking tape and for other uses.

Abstract: A self-driven device to resurface an ice rink. The device includes a rotating brush to sweep the ice anterior to a blade used to the scrape the ice. Collected snow is moved into a hot water tank where it is melted and moved to a warm water tank for redeposit onto the skating surface.

Abstract: A deicing method includes the steps of determining a necessary quantity of heat to substantially vaporize an interfacial layer between a solid surface and a layer of ice and applying pulsed heating at the interfacial layer. The pulsed heating is applied with the determined necessary quantity of heat to substantially vaporize the interfacial layer.

Abstract: A rapid deployment barrier which is specifically configured and adapted to be easily transitionable between a stowed configuration during storage and transport, and a deployed configuration when constructing the barrier.

Abstract: A revetment block comprising a body having a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of peripherally extending side edges. The body has at least two arms extending laterally outwardly from the respective side edges and at least two sockets extending laterally inwardly from the respective side edges. There is at least one hole extending through the body, the hole having a first and a second portion. The first portion of the hole opens through the first surface of the block while the second opens through the second surface of the block. The first and second portions intersect interiorly of the block. The cross-sectional area of the first portion is less than the cross-sectional area of the second portion at the intersection of the first and second portions. Accordingly, the intersection of the first and second portions forms a ledge.

Abstract: A high capacity flood pump system includes a floodwater diversion pathway; a pump assembly above the floodwater diversion pathway, the pump assembly including a flood pump having a pump housing with a pump housing inlet and a pump housing outlet; an impeller housing disposed in fluid communication with the pump housing between the pump housing inlet and the pump housing outlet, the impeller housing disposed beneath the pump housing; at least one impeller disposed in the impeller housing; and a power unit drivingly engaging the at least one impeller.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems and methods for the in situ monitoring of a fire burning area. The device comprises a flotation unit having a body housing, an electronic unit with a radiofrequency antenna exteriorly disposed thereon configured to monitor, record and transmit/receive data obtained from within a burning fire, such as an oil fire, wirelessly to a primary collecting unit and, optionally, an ignition unit to ignite the fire. The system comprises the flotation units, means for connecting the units for deployment on the water and the hardware/software necessary to run the system and analyze and calculate temperature, position and surface area of the burn. The flotation devices communicate wirelessly to each other and to a primary collecting unit which provides the communicated data to a processing unit.

Abstract: An on-board re-inflatable containment boom system for a waterborne vessel providing an on-board re-inflatable containment boom that lies substantially flat and capable of being spooled when deflated and floats in the proper orientation when inflated, that has re-inflatable float sections which are sequentially inflated during deployment and sequentially deflated during recovery, that can be repeatedly deployed and recovered for the purposes of training and testing, and that can be deployed immediately upon occurrence of an oil spill from a waterborne vessel because of its on-board location and its rapid deployment, providing controlled inflation and deflation during deployment and recovery, and a method for containment of an oil spill from a waterborne vessel using an on-board re-inflatable containment boom system.

Abstract: A soil densification system and method is disclosed. The presently disclosed soil densification system includes an air delivery probe or pipe that can be driven or otherwise installed into a soil mass. An inlet of the air delivery probe is supplied by an air compressor and an air storage tank, which are used for the rapid delivery of air impulses or bursts into the air delivery probe, whereas the air impulses or bursts are expelled out of an outlet of the air delivery probe and into the soil mass. The method of using the presently disclosed soil densification system includes the steps of inserting the end of the air delivery probe into the soil mass to any desired depth and then releasing an impulse or burst of air into the soil mass, thereby forming a densified region in the soil mass via the forces of the air impulse.

Abstract: There is provided a method that achieves ground reinforcement, a rise of ground surface level, and ground surface flattening, and so forth even on ground free of a building construction on it or soft ground. The method involves: determination of the degree of consolidation at a grout injection depth position; prediction of a permeation radius at which grout will permeate first on the basis of the degree of consolidation and the amount of grout for single-shot injection; setting of a plurality of grout injection points so as to be spaced apart by an adjacent distance greater than twice the permeation radius; starting of time-spaced injections at each grout injection point; and formation of a solidified portion during the first injection and formation of an enlarged solidified portion during the second injection.

Abstract: An auger assembly designed for creation of bores at sites where solid earth has a layer of loose overburden comprising an elongated auger shaft presenting a working end, with outwardly extending, helical fighting along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. Apparatus proximal to the working end is operable to compress the loose material as the auger assembly is rotated in a first direction, and preferably is in the form of arcuate rake structure above the working end; the auger serves to compress the loose material during rotation in the first direction until the solid earth is encountered, whereupon the auger assembly is rotated in the opposite direction to form the bore within the solid earth. The auger assembly preferably includes an upper auger section and a detachably secured lower auger bit assembly. The auger assembly is particularly useful in the formation of cast-in-place cementious piles.

Abstract: A reusable nose cone device (and related retrieval apparatus) in a hollow helical piling system having a terminal helical anchor are described. The method and system include placing or installing either (i) reinforced concrete piles in situ and/or (ii) grounding systems into the ground—without utilizing a pile driver or an auger, without deconsolidating the surrounding earth and creating spoils (as with an auger), and without unnecessary sacrifice of materials. A terminal helical anchor may be installed through the hollow center of the helical piling system into the ground. The helical anchor may be installed after the removal of the nose cone device. With the system and method, independent and accurate measurement of the anchor's torque may be made and hence complementary “load” bearing, or compression, (or “pull” resisting, or tensioning) capacity may be determined prior to filling the entire pile with reinforced wet concrete.

Abstract: A method of disassembling a combined steel sheet pile in which a steel sheet pile and an H-shaped steel are joined to each other, in which, when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction, in a weld zone formed by a fillet weld, the weld zone is cut off to leave a portion on a side which is closer to the steel sheet pile than a throat depth surface, and thereby the combined steel sheet pile is disassembled into the steel sheet pile and the H-shaped steel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a bottom of a borehole in the ground and also to a method for creating a bored pile in a borehole. The cleaning device has a pumping means, through which sedimented ground material in the region of the bottom of the borehole can be sucked away via a suction opening and can be discharged from the borehole via a suction line. At least one flushing nozzle is provided, through which a flushing jet can be produced, which exits the cleaning device and flushes sedimented ground material from the bottom of the borehole. A bored pile can then be produced in a thus cleaned borehole.

Abstract: An equipment for installing silt fencing includes a motive vehicle with an attached trencher to cut a trench having a predetermined depth and width. The trencher includes a cutting wheel and a trenching foot having a predetermined width for determining a width of a trench cut with the trenching assembly. The trencher is vertically positionable and a gauge is provided to the operator for controlling the depth of the trench as terrain and soil condition varies. The cutting wheel and trenching foot are also rotatable to control the orientation of the trench with respect to plumb. The equipment may also include a silt fence installation station including a power hammer on a positionable boom for another operator to use to drive the silt fence stakes into the ground. The equipment may also include a back filler on a side opposite the trencher for backfilling the trench.

Abstract: An anchor bolt device for securing a structural member to a concrete foundation is described. The anchor bolt device includes a first anchor bolt, which has an enlarged portion, a shank portion, and a tail portion. The enlarged portion extends from a first end of the first anchor bolt and has an enlarged portion cross-section. The tail portion extends from a second end of the first anchor bolt and has a tail portion cross-section. The shank portion is disposed between the enlarged portion and the tail portion and has a shank portion cross-section that is smaller than the enlarged portion cross-section. A first coupling is disposed at the first end of the first anchor bolt for securing the first anchor bolt to the structural member. A second anchor bolt may be coupled to the second end of first anchor bolt at a second coupling.

Abstract: An interconnecting member for a sand or soil bag comprises a plate having a first side and a second side. There is a plurality of projections on the first side of the plate and a plurality of projections on the second side of the plate. There is also a pair of serrations on the first side of the plate. The serrations each include a plurality of teeth arranged in a row and extending away from the plate in a first direction, and an end tooth at one end of the row which extends away from the plate in a second direction which is opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: An electric swiveling type construction machine includes a lower travelling body, an upper swivel body which is turnably mounted on the lower travelling body, a boom in which one end is rotatably attached to the upper swivel body, an arm in which one end is rotatably attached to the other end of the boom, a working element which is rotatably attached to the other end of the arm, a brake mechanism which holds the upper swivel body, a swiveling motor which swivels and drives the upper swivel body, a state monitoring unit which monitors the state of the brake mechanism, and a controller which detects releasing of braking performed by the brake mechanism based on the monitor by the state monitoring unit. The swiveling motor does not generate a force until the controller detects the releasing of the brake.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hybrid excavator boom actuating system and to a method for controlling the same. The boom actuating system comprises: an electric motor serving as a motor or a generator; an ultra capacitor for storing electricity generated by the electric motor; a hydraulic pump motor driven by the electric motor to supply hydraulic fluid to a boom; a boom control valve which has a closed circuit for selectively connecting or disconnecting an outlet line and an inlet line of the hydraulic pump motor to or from a head or a rod side of the boom; a main pump driven by the engine to supply hydraulic fluid to a bucket, a travel motor or an arm; a motor bypass valve connected to the outlet line and the inlet line to interconnect the outlet line and the inlet line or disconnect the outlet line from the inlet line; and a controller for controlling the electric motor, the hydraulic pump motor, the boom control valve and the motor bypass valve.

Abstract: A device to actuate a contamination cover on a machine bracket is disclosed. The device may include a first transition cylinder mounted on the machine bracket and connected to the contamination cover, a transition circuit connected to the first transition cylinder for transmission of hydraulic pressure to the first transition cylinder; and a transition sensor coupled to the transition circuit to control the transmission of hydraulic pressure to the first transition cylinder. The activation of the transition sensor may permit the transmission of hydraulic pressure to drive the first transition cylinder for transition of the contamination cover from a close to an open position.

Abstract: Device for detachable fastening of two mechanical components between which a channel or housing is defined, including a peg, with at least two grooves on opposite faces, and a band accommodated in the grooves, fastened by pinching at the lower part of the peg and with a flexible portion that has the upper end thereof bent in order to retain the peg/band assembly in a transverse grove of the channel The invention applies in particular to the fastening of a tooth in a tooth holder of the scoop of an excavating machine or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining device, a retaining system between a female part and a male part, and a female part and male part to assure the retention between a wear element or tooth and an adaptor element or tooth bar used in excavators and the like. The female part, which can be a wear element or tooth, or an adaptor element or tooth bar, comprises, auto-fixed thereto, a retaining device which participates in the coupling with a pin of the female part with a male part, and prevents the pin from coming out of its blocking position, maintaining the fixing between the two parts, i.e., male part and female part. The coupling between both parts is detachable, allows removing the pin from the coupling and replacing the female part or male part together with the retaining device.

Abstract: Coupling assemblies for releasably holding separable parts together, and in particular for releasably securing a wear member to a support structure in excavating equipment are formed so as to provide increased take up to ensure a tight fit of the wear member on the support structure even if considerable deviation between the parts exists due to wearing, manufacturing variations or the like. The coupling assemblies are suitable for securing points, adapters, shrouds, or other replaceable component to various excavating equipment. The components of the coupling assembly include a wedge and a spool that pivots about a fulcrum when the wedge is driven into assembly for increased take up capabilities. The spool is rotatably engaged around a fulcrum of the support structure and has a bearing portion that bears against and moves the wear member to be secured to thereby take up any gaps between the engaging surfaces of these members.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a remote controlled shower assembly having an electronically controlled shower head that is controlled by a computerized control unit as well as related methods of installation and use. The assembly can automatically bathe a user by following a program that dictates time of bathing, shower head position and motion, and the dispensing of bathing agents such as body wash or shampoo.

Abstract: A single push button multi-function water output switching structure, comprising: an outer shell, and a water output panel, a seat body, and an inner sleeve disposed in the outer shell. Wherein, the seat body is provided with three through hole channels, while inside the three through hole channels are each provided with a set of water output guiding sleeve and a core plug. The water output panel is provided with three sets of independent water output channels, and a water output end surface of the water output guiding sleeve is provided with water output hole corresponding to and in communication with the water output channels. An inner sleeve is sleeved in a cavity in rear portion of the seat body. The switching structure is simple in structure, optimal in design, and is capable of achieving various different water outputs through pressing a single push button.

Abstract: A flushing mechanism includes a housing with an outfall made at the housing bottom surrounding an axis; a guide rod with axial restraint relative to the housing along the axis; a first piston that hermetically slips on the cylindrical inner surface and guide rod at the same time along the axis direction; a spring loading the first piston installed in the upper cavity surrounding the guide rod; the second piston that hermetically slips on the guide rod along the axis direction and locates between the first piston and the housing bottom; a spring loading the second piston installed surrounding the guide rod; control valve; lower part of the first piston is provided with ring protuberance. The large seal ring of seal assembly of the second piston is sealed over the small seal ring of seal assembly of the second piston.

Abstract: A toilet odor removal system and method of use uses an air intake member connected to an air exit member with a fan member attached to the air exit member. When installed, the air intake member is inside the toilet tank and the air exit member is outside of the toilet tank so that the air in the toilet tank and toilet bowl may be evacuated therefrom by activating the fan member to draw the air from both the toilet tank and toilet bowl via the passageway from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl or water overflow tube in communication with a toilet tank. A toilet tank water supply line runs through the air intake member and air exit member.

Abstract: A wax free pop-up seal 450 may be integrated with a spring 200 or other resilient component to connect a toilet to an existing soil pipe flange 325. A pop-up seal system 100 provides toolless, nondestructive and seamless height adjustment and comports with both smaller and larger diameter soil pipe flanges. For retro fit installations, a pop-up seal may comprise extended fins 471 for use with larger diameter soil pipe flanges and for use with smaller diameter soil pipe flanges, the extended fins may be removed. For new construction a new soil pipe flange is provided and a customized pop-up seal 600 comprises a seal system well suited for the new soil pipe flange. The pop-up seals may operate with or without springs or other external flexible components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in conjunction with grassy swales to collect and filter or otherwise treat dirty or polluted storm water runoff or other fluid is disclosed. The swale overflow screen device is used in connection with a catch basin. One or more swale overflow screen devices are installed within a bioretention swale, such that during periods of routine flow, at least a portion of storm water runoff or other passing fluids can enter the swale overflow screen device, through the catch basin, and be released to a drainage system.

Abstract: A baffle insert is disclosed for a catch basin having a sump, a plurality of walls defining a passage to the sump, and an outlet. The insert comprises a ramp for positioning in the passage to partially occlude the passage and direct inflowing fluid downwardly and toward a wall of the basin. A grate is positioned below the ramp to intercept fluid falling from the ramp and direct it toward the basin outlet. The grate forms a barrier above the sump and has a plurality of apertures for permitting fluid to communicate with the sump. The ramp and the grate mounted to an post that rests on the bottom of the sump. The post is extendible to adjust the heights of the ramp and the grate above the sump.

Abstract: The ground water collection system is a filtering system for removing debris from ground water prior to drainage into a sewer line. The ground water collection system includes a basin having a drainage outlet formed through at least one sidewall. A filter shell is removably inserted within the basin, and a filter basket is removably inserted within the filter shell. A funnel member includes at least one funnel sidewall formed from mesh and opposed open upper and lower ends. An angled rim extends about the open upper end for funneling ground water through a central portion of the funnel member and into the filter basket. The funnel member is removably inserted within the filter basket so that the at least one funnel sidewall is positioned adjacent the open upper end of the filter basket. A grate removably covers an open upper end of the basin.