Abstract: A group 13 nitride crystal substrate according to the present invention is produced by growing a group 13 nitride crystal on a seed-crystal substrate by a flux method, wherein a content of inclusions in the group 13 nitride crystal grown in a region of the seed-crystal substrate except for a circumferential portion of the seed-crystal substrate, the region having an area fraction of 70% relative to an entire area of the seed-crystal substrate, is 10% or less, preferably 2% or less.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sheet production apparatus comprises a vessel configured to hold a melt of a material. A cooling plate is disposed proximate the melt and is configured to form a sheet of the material on the melt. A first gas jet is configured to direct a gas toward an edge of the vessel. A sheet of a material is translated horizontally on a surface of the melt and the sheet is removed from the melt. The first gas jet may be directed at the meniscus and may stabilize this meniscus or increase local pressure within the meniscus.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microarray including the steps of: (a) contacting a substrate having wells with a reagent reactive with said substrate to produce a surface modification within said wells and a surface modification surrounding said wells; (b) polishing said substrate to produce a polished surface modification surrounding said wells, wherein said surface modification surrounding said wells is removed and said surface modification within said wells is retained, and (c) depositing a biopolymer onto said substrate, wherein different affinities of said surface modification within said wells and said polished surface facilitate localization of said biopolymer within said wells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to carbon fibers having high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for making the carbon fibers. The method comprises advancing a precursor fiber through an oxidation oven wherein the fiber is subjected to controlled stretching in an oxidizing atmosphere in which tension loads are distributed amongst a plurality of passes through the oxidation oven, which permits higher cumulative stretches to be achieved. The method also includes subjecting the fiber to controlled stretching in two or more of the passes that is sufficient to cause the fiber to undergo one or more transitions in each of the two or more passes. The invention is also directed to an oxidation oven having a plurality of cooperating drive rolls in series that can be driven independently of each other so that the amount of stretch applied to the oven in each of the plurality of passes can be independently controlled.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing carbon fibers, includes a first spinning step of a fiber of PAN precursor and a second oxidation/carbonization step of the fiber and the plant thereof. The spinning and oxidation/carbonization steps are performed directly in line and continuously, and hence without any stocking buffer area of a PAN precursor between the two steps. The spinning step is performed at low speed, so that the output speed from the spinning step, downstream of the stretching operations, is a speed falling within the range of the suitable processing speeds in the subsequent oxidation/carbonization step. Moreover, the spinning step is performed in a modular way on a plurality of spinning modules aligned in one or more rows, each spinning module having a productivity not above 10% of the overall productivity of the spinning step. In any individual spinning module, the fibers downstream of the spinning area follow zig-zag, rectilinear paths.

Abstract: A spinning preparation machine for producing a roving from a fiber bundle includes a vortex chamber having an infeed opening for the fiber bundle and a yarn forming element extending at least partially into the vortex chamber. The spinning station includes spin nozzles, which lead into the vortex chamber in the region of a wall enclosing the vortex chamber and via which air is introduced into the vortex chamber in a specified direction of rotation in order to set the fiber bundle, which is fed in a transport direction, into rotation in the region of an inlet mouth of the yarn forming element. The yarn forming element includes a draw-off channel, which adjoins the inlet mouth and via which the yarn can be drawn out of the vortex chamber. The wall of the vortex chamber has a transition section, which adjoins the infeed opening, and has the shape of the circumferential surface of a truncated cone, and the diameter of which increases in the transport direction.

Abstract: A hybrid cord of at least two multifilament yarns twisted together is described, where the first yarn is a viscose multifilament yarn and the second yarn is a non-metallic multifilament yarn composed of a material that is not identical to the first multifilament yarn. The viscose multifilament yarn is conditioned in the standard climate in accordance with DIN EN ISO 139-1:2005, and has a yarn linear density <1100 dtex and a breaking tenacity of ?45 cN/tex. The hybrid cord has a cord linear density of ?3000 dtex.

Abstract: A new class of high modulus polypropylene multifilament fiber and/or yarn is provided. Such a multifilament fiber and/or yarn exhibits an exceptional combination of high strength and toughness with low weight and density. The inventive fibers thus permit replacement of expensive polymeric fibers within certain applications with lower cost alternatives, or replacement of high density components with such low density fibers, without sacrificing strength or durability. Such multifilament fibers are produced through melt-spinning processes and exhibit highly unique microstructures therein, including significant void volumes, interspersed and crossed voids, and nanofilament bridges within such voids. Such microstructural characteristics appear to impart the exceptional properties noted above.

Abstract: A method for making carbon nanotube composite wire includes providing at least one carbon nanotube film. A graphene film is grown on a top surface of a substrate. The at least one carbon nanotube film is pasted with the graphene film. The substrate is removed to form a carbon nanotube/graphene composite film. The carbon nanotube/graphene composite film is curled and then twisted.

Abstract: A process is described wherein pile yarn is woven with cotton weft and warp yarns to produce terry fabrics, such as towels. The fabric is then washed in warm water to dissolve the PVA fiber. The amount of fibers dissolved, depends upon the count of the yarn or yarns used. By dissolving the PVA fibers, a hollow air space is produced throughout the pile yarn, corresponding to an increase in the air space in the pile yarn. By increasing the in space in the pile yarn, the resulting towels are softer and bulkier than standard cotton towels. The present invention further relates to pile yarn in terry woven fabric (warp yarn), or weft yarn, in the case of flat fabrics.

Abstract: A process is described wherein pile yarn is woven with cotton weft and warp yarns to produce terry fabrics, such as towels. The fabric is then washed in warm water to dissolve the PVA fibers. The amount of fibers dissolved, depends upon the count of the yarn or yarns used. By dissolving the PVA fibers, a hollow air space is produced throughout the pile yarn, corresponding to an increase in the air space in the pile yarn. By increasing the air space in the pile yarn, the resulting towels are softer and bulkier than standard cotton towels. The present invention further relates to pile yarn in terry woven fabric (warp yarn), or weft yarn, in the case of flat fabrics.

Abstract: A device comprising: (a) a body portion including: (i) a first end and ii. a second end; (b) a holder at the first end; (c) a holder at the second end; (d) a rotation device at the first end in communication with the holder at the first end; and wherein the holder is fixedly attached to a split gear having a channel therethrough so that one or more flexible mediums may be placed through the channel and removed from a work area located between the holder at the first end and the holder at the second end.

Abstract: A sun control textile with high transmittance and a manufacturing method thereof. In the manufacturing method of the sun control textile, a high-performance sun control film is processed into slender filaments. The slender filaments are woven and assembled with other yarns by a weaving device to together form a sun control textile. The different connection manners of the sun control film yarns lead to different visible light transmittance and sun control effect of the sun control textile, whereby an excellent sun control textile with high transmittance can be achieved.

Abstract: A process is described wherein pile yarn is woven with cotton weft and warp yarns to produce terry fabrics, such as towels. The fabric is then washed in warm water to dissolve the PVA fibers. The amount of fibers dissolved, depends upon the count of the yarn or yarns used. By dissolving the PVA fibers, a hollow air space is produced throughout the pile yarn, corresponding to an increase in the air space in the pile yarn. By increasing the air space in the pile yarn, the resulting towels are softer and bulkier than standard cotton towels. The present invention further relates to pile yarn in terry woven fabric (warp yarn), or weft yarn, in the case of flat fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention provides fabrics with cut loop pile comprising a synthetic filament core yarn and covering yarn of a split microfiber yarn and a viscose rayon yarn and a manufacturing method thereof. The core yarn at the section where said loops are cut is outwardly protruded from the covering yarn, wherein the synthetic multifilament core yarn is separated into multiple filaments to function as hooks. The fabrics with cut loop pile show superior characteristics in polishing properties, sliding properties, water absorption properties, rapid drying properties and feeling of touch owing to the split yarn of microfibers and the viscose rayon yarn which comprises the covering yarn, and polishing can be performed while easily catching foreign substances such as extremely minute dust particles or human hairs and the like by the hook-shaped multifilaments of the core yarn.

Abstract: A moisture management fabric using denier differential to facilitate the movement of sweat away from the wearer's body is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment constructed from an exemplary moisture management fabric is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment is a moisture transporting sport bra. A denier differential is employed to provide superior moisture transporting and evaporation of perspiration from a wearer during exertion. The denier differential relies upon a facing layer and a back layer with substantially different yarn thickness and fabric porosity to achieve fluid transport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knit with outwardly protruding barbs on each of its faces, said knit being obtained by: i) knitting yarns on at least four guide bars, one bar forming a chain leaving one needle free in two; two bars threaded with monofilament yarn generating loops protruding outwards from the faces of said knit; the fourth bar producing the connection between the yarns of the three other bars, ii) thermosetting the knit obtained at i), iii) forming the barbs by melting the loops. The invention also relates to a prosthesis comprising such a knit.

Abstract: A knitted fabric, a method of producing the knitted fabric and a warp knitting machine. The knitted fabric includes a first covering layer; a second covering layer; and an arrangement of pile threads formed as spacer threads between the first covering layer and the second covering layer. Each covering layer includes multiple stitch rows arranged one after another. The spacer threads have different lengths, and the spacer threads woven into each stitch row have equal lengths. The spacer threads in a first width region have a different length than the spacer threads in a second width region. For at least two adjacent stitch rows, one stitch row is connected to spacer threads of a first length in the first width region and one stitch row is connected to spacer threads of a second length in the second width region.

Abstract: A system and method for forming synthetic/artificial grass or turf products in which a series of tufts of artificial/synthetic grass filaments or yarns are formed in a backing material with various graphic pattern effects being formed therewith. The system generally will include at least one needle bar having at least one row of needles mounted along a tufting zone and reciprocated through the backing to a desired penetration depth, and will present a desired set or group of yarns to a series of pattern pixels or stitch areas. A series of level cut loop loopers or hooks will be aligned with and will engage the needles in order to form tufts of yarns in the backing material. Clips of the level cut loop loopers will be selectively controlled to control the retention of selected ones of the yarns presented at each pattern pixel. The remaining, non-selected yarns generally are not retained at the pattern pixels, and can be formed as lower pile tufts or removed from the backing material.

Abstract: An end cap sleeve stretch sub-assembly for holding the ends of the sleeve portion of a spreader roller assembly being rotatable on a stationary shaft, including a pivot arm assembly for adjusting the angular displacement of the end cap assembly with respect to an axis of the shaft in order to expand and contract sections of the roller assembly resilient sleeve, an outer bearing ring and bearing assembly including a slide ring which is adapted for slidable adjustment parallel to an axis of the shaft on the outer bearing ring in order to preload the end cap sub-assembly by adjusting the tension on the sleeve, and a clamping assembly for securely attaching the sleeve portion to the outer slide ring.

Abstract: A suspension unit assembly comprises a strut having a first end and a second end and a coupling disposed at the first end of the strut. The coupling has a strut part connected to the strut and a mounting part configured to tilt relative to the strut part of the coupling. A spring is disposed about the strut, one end of the spring being restrained relative to the mounting part of the coupling so that tilting movement between the strut part and the mounting part of the coupling causes the spring to deform and provide a return force that acts to return the coupling to an equilibrium position.

Abstract: A laundry treatment device (100) includes a casing (2) with a front wall (4) defining a continuous front surface (4a). The front surface (4a) has a laundry opening (3a) to load and/or unload a laundry treatment chamber (12) contained in the casing (2). The casing (2) includes a panel aperture (15) having an edge defining a closed curve. A control panel assembly (1) is provided for controlling operation of the laundry treatment device (100). The control panel assembly includes an outer dashboard (11) which is structured to be coupled to the front wall (4) at the panel aperture (15) and to be operated by a user. The outer dashboard includes a dashboard external portion (11ext). The portion (11ext) is, in an assembled configuration, external to the casing, visible and accessible to a user. A drawer (63) is provided as well as a drawer seat (61) to house the drawer. The drawer seat is fixed or fixable to the front wall so that the drawer is coupled in a retractable manner to the front wall (4).

Abstract: A unitary fluid additive dispenser includes a mixing bowl, an inlet conduit and a plurality of nozzles. The inlet conduit and the plurality of nozzles are mounted to the mixing bowl. Each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and is positioned and oriented for directing a flow of fluid from the inlet conduit into a mixing chamber of the mixing bowl. A related method for forming a unitary fluid additive dispenser is also provided.

Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is provided that may include a laundry accommodation device that provides a space in which laundry may be accommodated, the laundry accommodation device having an exhaust device that exhausts air and a supply device that supplies air; a circulation passage that guides air exhausted from the exhaust device to the supply device, the circulation passage having an inlet that communicates with the exhaust device; a heat exchanger provided in the circulation passage; a filter frame provided between the heat exchanger and the inlet; a filter fixed to the filter frame and provided in the circulation passage; and a filter washer fixed to the filter frame, that supplies washing water to the filter.

Abstract: A laundry dryer includes a body having air discharge openings in an upper region, a clothes drum disposed in the body, and a heat exchanger to condense process air from the drum. The heat exchanger is positioned in the body below the drum and has a cooling air outlet. Further provided is an air duct having an air inlet which is connected to the cooling air outlet and an air outlet which is positioned above the heat exchanger. The air duct is arranged to discharge cooling air from the air outlet in an upward direction into the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a laundry treating apparatus including a drum for holding laundry, a connection duct for exhausting air from an inside of the drum, an exhaust duct provided parallel to a length direction of the drum connected to the connection duct, a filter assembly with a filter unit provided to the exhaust duct for filtering the air and a brush for removing foreign matter from the filter unit, a brush drive unit for making the brush to reciprocate a section of the filter unit, and a position sensing unit for sensing a position of the brush.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a motor speed (v) of a motor (16) in a laundry dryer during a drying cycle, which motor (16) is provided for driving a laundry drum (20) and an air stream fan (14) of the laundry dryer. The drying cycle is subdivided into a first part and a second part. During the first part of the drying cycle the motor speed (v) takes a value of a first predetermined motor speed (v1). During the second part of the drying cycle the motor speed (v) takes a value of a second predetermined motor speed (v2). The value of the second predetermined motor speed (v2) is higher than the value of the first predetermined motor speed (v1) and allows laundry tumbling inside the drum (20). The drying cycle changes from the first part to the second part, when laundry dryness (38) of laundry inside the laundry drum (20) has reached a predetermined value.

Abstract: A clothes line for washing and drying delicate items. An elongated member has a distal end and a proximal end. A first connector is secured to said distal end of said elongated member and configured for connection to a first portion of the laundry appliance. A second connector is secured to said proximal end of the elongated member for connection to a second portion of the appliance, the first and second connectors configured to connect the elongated member to the laundry appliance. A holding element comprises a first end and a second end, the first end of the holding element removably mounted along the length of said elongated member. The second end of the holding element is configured to releasably hold at least one delicate garment to prevent entanglements during operation of the laundry appliance. The garment can include, without limitation, lingerie underwear (e.g., a G-string garment), a blouse, a brassier, or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorine-containing polymer prepared by polymerizing (I) a polyfluoroalkyl group-containing (meth)acrylate which is substituted at alpha-position, in the presence of (II) a blocked isocyanate compound. A water- and oil-repellent composition containing the fluorine-containing polymer can impart the excellent water- and oil-repellency, and excellent durability thereof to substrates.

Abstract: Methods for impregnating a liquid material into a rope are provided whereby a liquid material is provided in a tank which defines the liquid level in the tank. An impregnation unit containing a chamber at least partially immersed in the liquid material includes a vacuum-device operatively connected to the vacuum-outlet of the chamber so as to lower the pressure in the chamber below atmospheric pressure. The rope may therefore be passed through the liquid material in the tank and then inside and outside the chamber via the rope-inlet and rope-outlet of the chamber, while maintaining the pressure inside the chamber below the atmospheric pressure to thereby force the liquid material to fill at least part of the interstices between the fibers of the rope by penetrating between the fibers.

Abstract: A selective dyeing method is used for dyeing a substrate, selectively within a first exposed surface portion of said substrate. For this purpose, the substrate consists of a material that is impervious to a dye with the exception of the first portion of the exposed surface. In particular, the impervious material can form a layer which covers a base portion of the substrate in a second portion of the exposed surface. The substrate is heated such that the dye penetrates a pervious material which constitutes the first portion of the exposed surface. The method is particularly useful for eliminating light diffused by the walls of a multilayer structure which is supported by means of ocular glass.

Abstract: Cable structures of security systems may include multiple subassemblies having different cut-resistant characteristics. One system includes, inter alia, a portable article, a support, and a length of a cable assembly extending between a first cable end coupled to the portable article and a second cable end coupled to the support, where the cable assembly includes a first cable subassembly extending along at least a portion of the length of the cable assembly, and a second cable subassembly extending along at least the portion of the length of the cable assembly and adjacent to the first cable subassembly, and where the first cable subassembly includes a first cut resistant characteristic and the second cable subassembly includes a second cut resistant characteristic that is different than the first cut resistant characteristic.

Abstract: An improved method for producing paper from pulp includes a plurality of subassemblies arranged in the forming or wet section of a Fourdrinier. The Fourdrinier includes a dewatering table having a plurality of blades that are static and on-the run adjustable in height and/or angle to control orientation of paper fibers in the stock to create a superior quality of paper and improved paper strength characteristics. Gravity and vacuum assisted drainage elements are equipped with on-the-run adjustable angle and height dewatering foil blades starting from a paper dryness of 0.1% and extending all the way to 5% dryness. The result of this process and machine is to improve the paper quality, save fibers and chemicals and fulfill the required paper properties.

Abstract: A sensor signal is generated from a plurality of sensors located on a sensing roll, wherein each signal is generated when each sensor enters a first nip between the sensing roll and a rotating component during each rotation of the sensing roll. A rotating applicator rod forms forming a second nip with the sensing roll such that each sensor enters the second nip during each rotation of the sensing roll. A periodically occurring starting reference is generated associated with each rotation of the applicator rod and the signal generated by each sensor is received so that a particular one of the sensors which generated the signal is determined and one of a plurality of tracking segments is identified. The signal is stored to associate the sensor signal with the identified one tracking segment.

Abstract: Fibrous structures that exhibit a Geometric Mean Elongation of greater than 12.5% as measured according to the Elongation Test Method are provided.

Abstract: A railway nipper machine is provided that includes a nipper frame having a pair of nipper hooks for performing a nipping operation, and a position feedback device having a central control module configured for controlling the nipping operation based on a depth signal and a time signal. Further included in the nipper machine is a depth sensor connected to the position feedback device for generating the depth signal relative to a nipper actuator connected to the nipper frame, wherein the depth sensor transmits the depth signal to the position feedback device. A timer is provided for generating the time signal, and the nipper machine is actuated by the nipper actuator in response to a determination value generated by the position feedback device based on the depth signal and the time signal.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a plurality of mats useful with a plurality of frame style seal members in a load-supporting surface include at least one milling machine, router or pre-formed mold forming at least first and second elongated grooves in first and second offset outer edges of at least a first side of each among at least first and second stepped-configuration, reversible mats. Each groove causes the seal member(s) seated therein to extend into a gap formed between the mats, abut at least one seal member extending from another mat into the same gap and form a liquid-tight seal therewith.

Abstract: Methods and systems for making and using a wide swath offset concrete screed apparatus for screeding wet concrete slurry. The apparatus includes a cross support bar, an attachment mechanism for attaching the cross support bar to a liftable arm of a motorized vehicle, and lateral support bars for attaching a screed bar to the cross support bar. The screed bar is positioned offset from the motorized vehicle used to operate the screed, allowing the motorized vehicle to drive outside the forms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for energy dissipation with a deformable, longitudinally extending material strip which comprises a longitudinal axis and is installed into a cable which can be subjected to tension; and with a deformation device which is also installed into the cable and cooperates with the material strip, characterized in that the material strip, upon application of a tension force to the cable along its longitudinal axis, can be guided in a straight line through the deformation device and in so doing can be deformed.

Abstract: A retractable speed barrier system includes a winged speed barrier assembly, a lateral pivoting assembly that includes a plurality of trapezoidal hinges, a hollow frame assembly, and an electrically activated linear actuator. The winged speed barrier assembly is attached to the hollow frame assembly by the lateral pivoting assembly. The linear actuator causes the winged speed barrier assembly to laterally pivot on the trapezoidal hinges in a direction perpendicular to the flow of traffic between a retracted position and a deployed position.

Abstract: A pedestrian barrier system includes first and second barriers each having first and second sides, first and second ends, and an upper hand guide positioned along the first side. The first end of the first barrier is pivotally connected to the second end of the second barrier, wherein the first and second barriers are pivotable between at least a linear configuration wherein the first sides of the first and second barriers are co-planar and an orthogonal configuration wherein the first sides of the first and second barriers are perpendicular, and wherein the upper hand guide of the first and second barriers are continuous when the first and second barriers are in the linear and orthogonal configurations.

Abstract: Vehicle restraints and fence systems that offer better protection to the driver and vehicle in the event of an accident where the car becomes airborne and leaves the road or track, and catch fences for halting the overrun of a car leaving a racetrack. The catch fences may have pivotable poles and a cable extending between the poles. Net or fencing is installed between the poles, supported by the cable. The poles may be angled or curved, with a plurality of cables extending therebetween or with a net extending from the poles and attached to a Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barrier.

Abstract: Plant for melting and cleaning of snow and ice, distinguished in that the plant comprises a means for melting using enthalpy of a water source in order to melt snow and ice, and a means for cleaning for cleaning out the pollution from the water phase that contains the melted snow and ice. Method for melting and cleaning of snow and ice, using the plant according to the invention.

Abstract: A mobile electric field monitor with a floatable housing, an electric field probe, and a computer processor to measure the electric field generated by an electrofisher while the electrofisher is being used in a body of water, this mobile electric field monitor is coupled to computing system to generate a three dimensional map of electric field.

Abstract: A flood barrier unit having a base and at least one side wall is provided. The walls of the unit are tapered such that it is capable of being stacked vertically with other such units when not in use. The unit preferably includes at least one connection slot on each wall, wherein each connection slot is adapted to sealingly accept a connection piece. A plurality of such units may be connected together to form a watertight flood barrier, where adjacent units are adapted to be connected together in a watertight manner using one connection piece. Additional connection pieces suitable for sealingly engaging a vertical structure such as the wall of a building are also provided.

Abstract: A conventional pneumatic fender has an outer protection cover composed of used tires and steel chains. Due to the high friction coefficient at the tire side surfaces and the ship motion induced high impact forces, the lateral friction forces could be very high. These high friction forces not only increase the wearing damages at the tire side surfaces, but also cause scratching damages to the paints on the ship outer shell. A new type of outer protection cover using plastic plates is utilized to replace used tires and steel chains in order to reduce the wearing damages to the fender and to reduce the scratching damages to ship outer shell paints. Such reduction should be able to help the shipping industry achieve cost savings from decrease of scheduled ship re-paintings in dry docks.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool (1) for oil spill control, preferably offshore, comprises a remotely controlled telescopic arm (5) having a first end (6) and a second end (7). The first end (6) is mounted on a vessel (25) and the second end (7) is provided with a quick-release coupling (8) for the fitting of various replaceable nozzles (15) thereto. The various replaceable nozzles (15) are connected to one or more hydraulic tubes (20) and tubes for supplying oil spill control agents and recovering collected oil.

Abstract: A vibratory compaction plate utilizes pairs of front and rear shock absorbing mounts, each pair of which is set at a different angle with respect to the horizontal plate to optimize the respective shear and compression capabilities and optimize performance. A front mounted vibratory exciter and a rear mounted engine provide different performance capabilities that are optimized by the mounting angles. A flat sheet metal plate and sheet metal frame permit the angles at which the shock mounts are oriented to be adjusted along laterally extending end lines to fine tune performance.

Abstract: A passive annular grout seal assembly is disclosed for sealing an annular opening between a driven pile and a skirt pile sleeve for an offshore platform. The annular seals are located at the bottom of the pile sleeves near sea floor and automatically activated when piles are inserted and driven through the pile sleeves without any active operational procedure during offshore piling. The seal configuration fully utilizes the seal height, the grout column height and the density difference between grout and sea water to produce enhanced sealing capacity against the column of grout above.