Abstract: A laundry dryer is provided with an air recirculation channel which recirculates air from an air exhaust channel to an air supply channel. The air recirculation channel comprises a recirculation air filter which removes debris from the recirculated air before it is redirected to the air supply channel. The recirculation air filter is removably accessible behind an access door at a peripheral region of an access passage to the drying chamber such that it may be easily serviced by a user of the laundry dryer. In some embodiments, the air recirculation channel may comprise a nozzle with an outlet which is concentrically arranged at an inlet of the air supply channel. In these embodiments, the nozzle may direct the recirculated air to the air supply channel such that it is enveloped by fresh air entering from within a cabinet of the laundry dryer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of silicon carbide fibers, comprising a step involving the chemical treatment of fibers with an aqueous acid solution containing hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid but free of acetic acid in order to remove the silica present on the surface of fibers and to form a layer of microporous carbon. The invention also relates to a method for the production of a fibrous preform, comprising the formation of a fibrous structure comprising treated silicon carbon fibers and the use of said preform for the production of a part made from composite material.

Abstract: A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material that includes a carbon fiber material of spoolable dimensions and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the carbon fiber material. The infused CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. The CNT infused carbon fiber material also includes a barrier coating conformally disposed about the carbon fiber material, while the CNTs are substantially free of the barrier coating. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) functionalizing a carbon fiber material; (b) disposing a barrier coating on the functionalized carbon fiber material (c) disposing a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on the functionalized carbon fiber material; and (d) synthesizing carbon nanotubes, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused carbon fiber material.

Abstract: An ink jet etching method according to the invention includes an etching step of etching fabric by using an ink set including first etching ink containing an etching agent, and second etching ink containing the etching agent in which a concentration of the etching agent is lower than a concentration of the etching agent in the first etching ink, in which etching fabric includes ejecting the first etching ink is ejected from two or more nozzle arrays among a plurality of nozzle arrays included in a recording head.

Abstract: A method and system for pulp manufacturing used in connection with a kraft process includes a vertical pressure vessel operated in batch mode, a single-vessel or multi-vessel continuous digester, and other equipment for further processing brown stock, such as for washing, oxygen delignification, bleaching, and drying. A feeder and conveyance system may include a high pressure feeder or direct pump system, and selectively provides fiber-containing material to the continuous digester when making lower grade pulp product and to the vertical pressure vessel when making higher grade pulp such as dissolving pulp. The vertical pressure vessel is used for pre-hydrolysis and neutralization, after which the resulting pulp is fed to the continuous digester for cooking. White liquor and black liquor from the same mill may be used for the neutralization fluids. The same continuous digester is selectively used for cooking in connection with making pulp products of different grades or quality.

Abstract: A method of recovering wood pulping chemicals from black liquor produced in a wood pulping process where the process entails burning the black liquor in a recovery boiler to form ash containing high levels of carbonate as well as sodium, potassium and chloride. The ash is dissolved to form a dissolved ash solution that is directed to a first stage crystallization unit that concentrates the dissolved ash solution and which results in the precipitation of sodium sulfate and sodium carbonate. Thereafter the concentrated dissolved ash solution is directed to a second stage crystallization unit which adiabatically cools the concentrated dissolved ash solution to form a glaserite slurry and a purge stream that is rich in chloride.

Abstract: A sheet-manufacturing device that manufactures a sheet of which the quality is stable, by controlling airflow to be constant and causing a defibrated state to be constant. A sheet-manufacturing device including a defibrating unit configured to generate a defibrated material by defibrating a defibration object; a temperature acquiring unit configured to acquire a temperature of the defibrating unit; and a control unit configured to change a mass flow rate of the air including the defibrated material transported from the defibrating unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous slurry comprising natural ground calcium carbonate which has a percentage P5 by weight of particles having a diameter of less than 5.0 ?m of from 98.5% to 90%, a percentage P2 by weight of particles having a diameter of less than 2.0 ?m of from 96% to 80%, wherein the ratio of P2/P5 is from 0.98 to 0.85, and wherein the slurry has a solids content of more than 78 wt %.

Abstract: A method of making a paper product includes forming an aqueous cellulosic web on a structuring fabric in a papermaking machine, non-compactively dewatering the cellulosic web on the structuring fabric, and drying the cellulosic web to form the paper product. The portion of the structuring fabric on which the cellulosic web is formed has a planar volumetric index of at least about 26.

Abstract: A process of manual, semi-automatic and fully-automated integration of discrete components into a container that results in fast, reliable, cost-effective, and scalable production of composite containers is disclosed. The process can be embodied in manufacturing equipment that has a series of stations and may be called an assembly device. The equipment can produce containers, tubs, canisters, cartridges, etc. which are easily separated into different bio-degradable or compostable parts. Other container types are possible and are contemplated.

Abstract: A paving slab. The paving slab has a unitary body made of concrete-based material, the body having sidewalls extending between top and bottom faces, providing the body with a thickness. The top face is provided with longitudinal false joints defining rows extending from a first to a second side of the unitary body. The first side has a staggered outline and the second side has a stepped outline, the first and second sides being able to engage with respective first and second sides of an adjacent slab shaped as the paving slab, but rotated by 180 degrees. When several of the slabs are assembled on a surface, it creates an illusion that the surface is covered by individual plank pavers randomly assembled.

Abstract: A concrete dowel device including a sleeve and plate in which the sleeve includes break-away alignment tabs at the opening of the sleeve to ensure proper alignment of the plate within the sleeve during field installation. The tabs are positioned at the sleeve opening, rather than along the length of the socket, to avoid misalignment of the plate in the sleeve, simplify use and reduce manufacturing costs of the product. The sleeve and plate may include additional alignment surfaces on the plate, at the rear corners, or along the rear side of the plate and sleeve. To facilitate manufacturing, the break-away alignment tabs may be formed as molded components rotated and snapped into position. Alternatively, the break-away alignment tabs may be formed as part of an insert plate manufactured apart from and attached to the flange of the sleeve.

Abstract: A system for controlling a cutting machine for cutting continuous sinusoidal strips in a road surface includes a rotatable cutting head, a cylinder for driving the cutting head out of and into contact with the road surface, and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute an input/output function to control the cylinder to cut a subsurface sinusoidal strip wherein the cutting drum remains in the road surface once the cutting operation begins.

Abstract: A vibratory pod system for a vibratory compactor includes a central bulkhead defining a first mounting orifice and a plurality of second mounting orifices. The first mounting orifice is defined at a center of the central bulkhead and the second mounting orifices are defined at a location radially outward from the first mounting orifice. The vibratory pod system includes a transfer bearing hub supporting a transfer shaft for transferring rotary motion, and the transfer bearing hub is mounted within the first mounting orifice. The vibratory pod system includes a plurality of vibratory pods, each of the vibratory pods having a pod shell for rotatably supporting an eccentric mass. Each of the vibratory pods is partially inserted through one of the plurality of second mounting orifices and mounted to the central bulkhead.

Abstract: A sleeve for a post that is generally rectangular in horizontal cross-section, may have two or three panels, may have perforation which allow portions of one or more panels to be removed, may incorporate retroreflective materials, may have holes, bushings, and/or adhesive layers to facilitate attaching the sleeve to a post, may have top-bottom and side-to-side connectors to facilitate connecting the top of one sleeve to the bottom of another or the edge of one sleeve to an edge of another, may be accompanied by spacers to allow the sleeve to be connected to posts of different size and geometry.

Abstract: A tsunami breakwater wall of retaining wall structure supported by a steel pipe pile (1), includes a steel pipe pile (2) that has a bottom end thereof reach a support layer (18) of a ground (16) and is installed to a ground such that an upper end thereof is positioned to a part below a surface of a ground (16), a retaining wall (3) that is placed on a ground (16) and supported by the steel pipe pile (2), and a ground anchor (6) that connects the retaining wall (3) and a support layer (18) of a ground (16).

Abstract: A mobile flood protection barrier system for quickly stopping and damming back watercourses, overflows, and for raising the embankment in flood protection as a temporary facility. The system has water-fillable water storage units that are connected to one another and supporting structures, the water storage units are placed into the triangular supporting frames of the supporting structure and fixed to supporting structure, to the spacer bar thereof. The water storage unit is made of a single, continuous, rectangular flexible material, divided into three parts by longitudinal folds, has a triangular prism-shape in the filled-up state, with the surface of the middle folded part in contact with the soil, and is open along its upper edges. The lateral ends of the water storage unit are partially closed. The water storage units can be connected to one another via unit coupling extension portions made from their own material.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a foundation structure (3) in a seabed (1) that includes introducing a receiving structure (6) into the seabed, lowering a support post (5) of the foundation structure (3) into the receiving structure (6), producing a connection between the receiving structure (6) and foundation structure (3) by filling the receiving structure (6) with a curable filling compound (7), and curing the curable filling compound (7), wherein the support post (5) is fixed in the receiving structure (6) prior to filling the receiving structure (6) with the curable filling compound (7). Also disclosed is a foundation structure (3) for an offshore wind turbine, for anchoring in a seabed (1), which includes at least one support post (5) to be introduced into a receiving structure (6), which has fixing elements (11, 20) for temporarily fixing in the receiving structure (6) before grouting is carried out.

Abstract: The present relates to a suction foundation in which is penetrated into the seabed by a vacuum pressure of a suction pump, thereby providing a desired foundation support force. The suction foundation includes a hollow caisson having an opening at a lower end thereof, where the suction pump is connected to the hollow caisson and the suction pump allows the hollow caisson to penetrate into the seabed while discharging a fluid in the hollow caisson to an outside thereof by using the vacuum pressure of the suction pump, a lower skirt provided along a circumference of the opening of the hollow caisson and formed into a wave shape having a series of teeth, and having wedge-shaped cross-sections, and a stiffener increasing rigidity of the lower skirt by increasing thickness of a predetermined portion of the lower skirt.

Abstract: A wall block, wall block system and method of making a wall block. The wall block including at least one core extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, the at least one core having opposed front and rear surfaces and first and second side surfaces the wall block also including at least one pin hole opening onto the top surface of the block and extending at least a portion of the distance from the top surface to the bottom surface. The at least one pin hole may open onto at least a portion of at least one surface of the at least one core. The block may be provided with channels; the pin hole, channels and core may all be formed in a mold box by a single forming member.

Abstract: A coated member is disclosed. The coated member has a member and a coating disposed on the member. The member is metallic and the member is bent at two or more locations along a length of the member. The coating is an elastomeric coating. The coated member is a soil reinforcing member.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism having a retainer member, plunger member, and an engagement indication assembly. The retainer member has a body that defines a void having a first end and a second end and extending along a length of the body. The plunger member is located at least partially in the void and has a length greater than the length of the void. The plunger member is movable a first position in which a portion of the plunger member extends beyond an end of the void, and a second position in which another portion of the plunger member extends beyond another end of the void. The engagement indication assembly includes a retainer member linkage coupled to the retainer member, a plunger member linkage coupled to the plunger member, and a flag member coupled to the plunger member linkage and the retainer member linkage.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for determining a blended position solution for a vehicle, using data from multiple positioning devices, some of which can be external to the vehicle. Some techniques allow a control system of a vehicle to transition from receiving position data from one positioning device to receiving data from another device without ceasing operation and/or while limiting any resulting discontinuity the position solution (and any resulting work performed by the vehicle) to within acceptable tolerances.

Abstract: A device that excavates soil from beneath buried utility pipe. The excavated soil is pushed out using a piston shaft actuated ram's head. The piston shaft is attached to a power shovel's bucket. The piston shaft is hydraulically operated. Soil from the excavated area, when pushed out, falls into a previously dug opposite trench that is deeper than the bucket side trench where the shovel bucket is positioned for the pushing operation. Once the soil is pushed out from beneath buried pipe, the pipe is now accessible for inspections.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator enabling an efficient arrangement of a coolant pipe is provided. A fuel tank has a lateral side surface located outward relative to a lateral edge of a revolving frame. The hydraulic excavator includes an exterior cover laterally covering a mount member, a coolant pipe directing a coolant for an engine to a reducing agent tank, and a reinforcement plate. The coolant pipe is arranged through a space under the fuel tank and between the mount member and the exterior cover. The reinforcement plate is provided outward of the coolant pipe and inward of the exterior cover.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator capable of achieving suppression of decrease in weight of a counterweight and appropriate arrangement of an exhaust gas treatment device is provided. A rear leg portion forming a leg portion supporting the exhaust gas treatment device against the revolving frame has a main body portion formed to have a U-shaped cross-section, and an open side of the U-shape of the main body portion is opposed to a counterweight. The counterweight has a pair of groove-shaped recesses formed, in which a pair of end portions of the U-shape of the main body portion is inserted.

Abstract: A work machine includes a swing hydraulic motor and a swing electric motor for driving an upper swing structure. A capacitor supplies electricity to the swing electric motor and an operating device outputs through one operation, an operating signal for concurrently operating the swing hydraulic motor and the swing electric motor. A main controller switches between a hydraulic-alone drive mode and an electric-alone drive mode, the hydraulic-alone drive mode being a mode to drive only the swing hydraulic motor selected from the swing hydraulic motor and the swing electric motor when the operating device is operated, the electric-alone drive mode being a mode to drive only the swing electric motor selected from the swing hydraulic motor and the swing electric motor when the operating is operated. Therefore, the actuator that malfunctions can easily be specified among the plurality of mounted actuators.

Abstract: A rear portion is arranged in the rear of a front portion, and has a width smaller than a width of the front portion in a plan view. A wall portion extends from the rear portion outward in a width direction toward the front portion and includes two walls opposed to each other in a fore/aft direction with a gap lying therebetween, in a plan view. Electric components are arranged in the gap and project into an indoor space of a cab from the gap through a through hole formed in the front wall. In a plan view, a foremost portion of the electric components is located in the rear of a foremost normal located foremost among normals to a line connecting a front end and a rear end of a doorway, which intersect with the front wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for training an operator. One system includes a computing device including a processing unit and computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium stores a training simulator application. The training simulator application, when executed by the processing unit, is configured to (i) receive an operating command from the operator, (ii) generate a simulated working environment and a simulated shovel having a simulated dipper, the simulated shovel and the simulated dipper positioned within the simulated working environment based on the operating command, (iii) generate an indicator providing depth-related information to an operator relating to a position of the simulated dipper with respect to a point-of-reference within the simulated working environment, and (iv) output the simulated working environment and the indicator to at least one output device for display to the operator.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to operate an engine in a proper operation state while keeping the remaining amount in an electrical storage apparatus within a proper range. Hybrid construction machinery according to the present invention is provided with a controller for controlling an engine according to a governor characteristic having a predetermined inclination that defines a relationship between load torque and rotational speed so that the rotational speed decreases with an increase in the load torque.

Abstract: In a lowering operation of a boom, the amount of operation of a control lever is detected by a pressure sensor and input to a controller. Based on the input operation amount, the controller obtains a target flow rate Q0 of return oil discharged from a boom cylinder, calculates a deviation ?Q between the target flow rate Q0 and an actual flow rate Q obtained from an actual rotation speed N of an electric motor acquired by a rotation speed sensor, calculates a signal Sm for controlling the opening area of a proportional solenoid valve in a manner allowing hydraulic fluid to flow to a control valve in just as much as ?Q, and controls an operation pilot pressure of the control valve supplied from a sub-pump in accordance with the signal Sm so that the hydraulic fluid will flow to the control valve exactly in the amount of ?Q.

Abstract: A shovel includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators including a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator, a main pump, a hydraulic pump-motor configured to function as a hydraulic motor by using hydraulic oil flowing out of the first hydraulic actuator and configured to function as a hydraulic pump, a control valve configured to control a flow of the hydraulic oil in the plurality of hydraulic actuators, a first oil passage to connect the main pump with the second hydraulic actuator through the control valve, and a second oil passage to connect the hydraulic pump-motor with the second hydraulic actuator. The second oil passage meets the first oil passage between the control valve and the second actuator.

Abstract: A retention system for a wear member may have a flange having a mounting slot defined between a first inner wall and a second inner wall, which are parallel to an axis. The retention system may also have a first retention member having a first through hole, and a second retention member having a second through hole. The retention system may additionally have a fastener configured to be received in the first and second through holes. The fastener may be configured to move the first retention member and the second retention member in opposite directions along the axis. The retention system may be configured such that movement of the retention members along the axis exerts forces on the first and second inner walls perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: A shower flow monitoring and display apparatus that is adapted to be installed inline between a shower arm and head. The apparatus provides different forms of feedback to the user to encourage water conservation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a faucet with a wand that has a geometric orientation of the wand and/or a geometric relationship between components of the faucet.

Abstract: A sink system includes a sink basin. The sink basin includes a bottom surface having a drain; one or more walls extending upward from the bottom surface; one or more ledges formed on at least one wall; and one or more sink accessories configured to be removably and slidably positioned on at least one of the one or more ledges, each of the one or more sink accessories being sized and shaped to fit within the sink basin. The one or more sink accessories are configured to assist with one or more tasks.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cutter system for a waste disposal may generally include a cutter ring having an upper surface and a lower surface. In addition, the cutter ring may define a plurality of cutter slots. Each cutter slot may extend between a top end and a bottom end and may be defined by a first curved sidewall and a second curved sidewall. The first and second curved sidewalls may extend between the top and bottom ends such that each cutter slot defines a curved profile extending axially and circumferentially between the upper and lower surfaces of the cutter ring.

Abstract: A drain trap adaptor adapted to allow draining of a drain trap and retrieval of a material. The drain trap includes a first drain pipe having an entry portion and an exit portion, a second drain pipe extending from the exit portion and a bore disposed substantially at the exit portion. The drain trap adaptor includes a ball valve having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is adapted to connect to the bore; and a container adapted to connect to the outlet end of the ball valve. The container is configured to receive the drainage trapped in the drain trap and the material at the bore upon opening of the ball valve such that the drain trap can be drained and the material can be retrieved.

Abstract: An actuation control for a flush system includes a cartridge valve being actuated between an opened position and a closed position to compete a flushing cycle. The cartridge valve includes a cartridge housing having a valve inlet for communicating with a water source and the valve outlet for guiding water to flow to the flush system, and a control disc unit which is supported in the cartridge housing at the valve inlet thereof and is orientated perpendicular to a water-in direction of the water for biasing against water pressure from said water source. At the closed position, the valve inlet is closed by the control disc unit for blocking the water to pass through the valve inlet. At the opened position, the valve inlet is opened up for allowing the water passing to the valve outlet so as to complete the flushing cycle of the flush system.

Abstract: A method for delaying the maximum rate of discharge of water from a stormwater retention basin includes varying the vertical distance of an intake opening from the waterline inversely with water depth. A flow control device for carrying out the method includes an intake pipe with an intake opening that is pivotally mounted to a float body, the pivot being spaced from the intake opening.

Abstract: A safety barrier for a sump pit is disclosed. The safety barrier cooperates corrugations or discontinuities in the sump pit to support the safety barrier within the sump pit. The safety barrier includes a planar platform and at least two extendible legs that are attached to the planar platform. The extendable legs are used to contact or engage corrugations or discontinuities in the sump pit. The extension of extendable legs from the planar platform traps the device within the recessed surface of one of the corrugations or discontinuities of the sump pit.

Abstract: Concrete masonry unit blocks with recesses providing pockets sized to receive dimensional lumber components, enabling easy design and fabrication of block and lumber assemblies, typically using construction adhesive to bond the blocks to each other. Various dimensions and shapes of blocks are possible, as well as numerous shapes and sizes of pocket-forming recesses in the blocks. A wide variety of attractive and functional structures can be built with the blocks of this invention and widely-available dimensional lumber.

Abstract: A protective cover for concrete anchor bolts includes a hollow, box-shaped housing having a bottom wall with a plurality of elongated, narrow slots thereon that are positioned and spaced to receive various patterns of cast-in anchor bolts. A top wall includes a plurality of wide openings to provide to access to the anchor bolts. Accordingly, a worker superimposes the housing onto a set of concrete anchor bolts with each received within one of the narrow slots on the bottom wall. Using the wider openings on the top wall, the worker tightens nuts onto the anchor bolts to secure the housing to the underlying concrete prior to pouring a surrounding floor. Once the surrounding concrete floor has dried, the nuts are removed and the enclosure is lifted from the formed indention.

Abstract: The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a first foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface and a second foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the first and second foam panels are disposed such that their edges are adjacent each other and define a joint therebetween. The product also comprises an elongate metal strip having a body portion and a projection extending outwardly from the body portion, the metal strip being disposed such that at least a portion of the projection is disposed in the joint between the foam panels and at least a portion of the body portion covers a portion of the second primary surface of the first foam panel and a portion of the second primary surface of the second foam panel. A method of making and using the composite panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: An insulation system including a first retention member having a first channel, a second retention member having a second channel, and a thermal bridge. The thermal bridge includes a first finger and a second finger. The first finger is received into the first channel and the second finger is received into the second channel. The system further includes a first locking tab associated with the first channel for securing the first finger and a second locking tab associated with the second channel for securing the second finger. The thermal bridge substantially reduces conductive heat transfer between the first retention member and the second retention member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting the lower regions of and structure of a building (10) from damage or degradation by termites. The method comprises the steps of creating a region in the ground below the building having properties hostile to termites whereby to discourage them from approaching the vicinity of the building. In one embodiment means for creating a hostile region in the ground below the building are provided by a pump (12) which creates a superatmoshpheric pressure field (40) in this region. Treatment agents (31) such as ozone may be delivered to the ground region in order to provide a hostile effect to the termites by affecting their pheromone chemistry and/or their reproductive or communicative behavior. A secondary function of the present invention relates to the creation of a forced ventilation (46) of the habitable region (18) within which the apparatus of the present invention resides.

Abstract: A structural connector is provided that limits transmissions of vibrations between connected structural elements in a building or structure. The structural connector is formed from two opposing sheets with a vibration damping material connecting the two.

Abstract: A front adjustable wall panel mounting device that is adjustable from the front of a wall is disclosed. The front adjustable wall panel mounting device has a fixed channel configured to be coupled with a wall frame and a moving channel configured to be coupled with wall panel mounting hardware. The fixed channel and the moving channel are configured to be nested together. The tilt of the wall panel is adjusted by turning first or second adjustment bolts. The depth of the wall panel can be adjusted by turning both the first and second adjustment bolts in the same direction, by the same amount. The vertical height of the wall panel can be adjusted by turning the third adjustment bolt. A thin wrench can be inserted into the wall panel gap, engage and turn the adjustment bolt.

Abstract: A removable modular slab for use in the construction industry includes an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second opposing end surfaces, and a conduit extending from an aperture in the upper surface to an aperture in an end surface. The slab is end-to-end abuttable with a second removable modular slab, having: (i) a conduit extending from an aperture in the upper surface to an aperture in an end surface, and/or (ii) a cavity extending from an aperture in an end surface into the slab, whereby the conduits are mateable so as to form an elongate conduit through the two slabs. Such elongate conduit is accessible through the apertures in the upper surfaces of each slab. By such access, a first joining structure is removably locatable to join the two slabs together. Cavities may terminate within the second slab and only be accessible through the aperture in the upper surface of the first slab, into which a joining structure is removably locatable to join the two slabs together.

Abstract: A building comprising strong thermal insulation, at least some walls of which consist of panels made of a low-density thermally insulating material, wherein the panels have edge surfaces which are uniformly planar over an entire thickness thereof and are assembled to one another by interleaving boards in joint areas between two adjacent panels, the boards being connected in contact with the panels over an entire length and width of edge surfaces in said joint areas, so that a junction of the boards with the panels prevents by itself alone deformation of the boards in bending transversally to their plane and in twisting and that the panels ensure wind bracing of the walls.