Abstract: A modular railroad track assembly includes spaced-apart cross-ties, side ties, and railroad track rails. Each cross-tie includes a planar edge with the cross-ties being arranged such that each planar edge lies in a common plane. The sides of each cross-tie define an acute angle with the cross-tie's planar edge. The acute angle is in the approximate range of 65° to 80°. Railroad track rails are coupled to the planar edge associated with each cross-tie. A first side tie is coupled to first sides of the cross-ties wherein at least a portion of the first side tie is at the acute angle with respect to the planar edges associated with the cross-ties. A second side tie is coupled to second sides of the cross-ties, wherein at least a portion of the second side tie is at the same acute angle with respect to the planar edges associated with the cross-ties.

Abstract: A composite railway sleeper (1; 50; 100) comprising an outer coating shell (2; 51; 101) made of composite plastic material and a shaped structural core (3; 52; 102), made of a material comprising at least concrete contained within said outer coating shell (2; 51; 510; 101), wherein said outer coating shell (2; 51; 510; 101) presents in the upper outer face (2a; 51a; 101a) two distinct and opposite groups of grooves (4; 53) suitable to receive the angular guide plates (G) belonging to pre-assembled elastic type fastening systems (64) for the connection of two respective rails (R) with said railway sleeper (1; 50; 100).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to form a rail joint, in which staggerings (6, 7) corresponding to each other are made in joinable solid-profile rail ends (4, 5) of parts (2, 3) of a rail (1) so that when a completed rail joint is viewed from above the rail heads bond; both rail ends are secured to a corresponding mounting; the rail ends secured to the mountings are brought against each other whereby said bonding is established; and the mountings that are against each other are secured to one another. The staggerings (6, 7) are made in such a manner that the lower edges (4a, 5a) of the rail ends (4, 5) are left substantially unstaggered whereby the staggerings extend from these lower edges towards the top surfaces or the rail ends; and the rail ends (4, 5) are welded by their lower edges (4a, 5a) at their entire width to their mountings (8, 9). The invention also relates to a rail joint made by this method.

Abstract: A sealing panel device for use with a guillotine well having a length, width, and depth is provided. In some embodiments the device may comprise an elongate panel having a length and width that is greater than the length and width of the guillotine well. A first arm and a second arm may be coupled to the elongate panel. The first arm may comprise a width greater than the width of the guillotine well and a depth greater than the depth of the guillotine well. The second arm may comprise a width greater than the width of the guillotine well and a depth greater than the depth of the guillotine well. A sealing gasket may be coupled to the elongate panel, first arm, and second arm which may extend around the guillotine well when the device is positioned over the guillotine well of a Modular Causeway Systems section.

Abstract: A line striping system comprises a chassis, wheels, a spray system, a propulsion system and a steering system. The wheels are mounted under the chassis. The spray system is mounted on the chassis. The propulsion system is mounted on the chassis to drive a wheel. The steering system is coupled to the chassis. The steering system comprises a handlebar rotatable to steer a wheel, and a speed bar pivotable to control the propulsion system.

Abstract: A bridge system is provided that utilizes foundation structures that are formed of the combination of precast and cast-in-place concrete. A method of constructing the combination precast and cast-in-place concrete foundation structures involves receiving at a construction site a precast concrete foundation unit having elongated upright wall members that define a channel therebetween, and multiple upright supports located within the channel; placing the precast concrete foundation unit at a desired use location; delivering concrete into the channel while the precast concrete foundation unit remains at the desired use location; and allowing the concrete to cure-in-place such that the elongated upright wall members are connected to the cured-in-place concrete by reinforcement embedded within both the cured-in-place concrete and the upright wall members. The bridge units may be placed before the pouring step to embed the bottoms of the bridge units in the cast-in-place concrete.

Abstract: A transition slab connected at opposing ends to a deck compression slab and to an anchoring. The transition slab absorbs the expansions of the deck by means of compressing sheets of polymer, elastomer or the like, that are arranged in parallel spacing and integrated in the transition slab to be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the road. The transition slab absorbs the contraction movements of the deck limited expansion due to the summation of crack openings in induced cracks. Crack planes are created by forms made of wood, polymer or the like arranged in parallel, spaced relation within the body of the transition slab.

Abstract: A barrier system including an elastic net coupled to a cable, an energy absorption member coupled between the cable and an anchoring assembly, and an actuation assembly coupled to the net and configured to rotate the net about an axis of rotation between a closed position restricting vehicle access through the barrier system, and an open position allowing vehicle access through the barrier system.

Abstract: A snow plow lifting device is operatively connected to a snow plow for selectively imparting a lifting force on the snow plow. This lifting force reduces the effective weight of the snow plow bearing on an underlying surface such as a roadway. Thus, during a snow plowing operation, this reduces the wear on a lower edge of a blade that forms a part of the snow plow.

Abstract: A snow vaporization assembly includes a vehicle that has a cab and a box. The cab has a front side and the box has a top side. A collection unit is attached to the vehicle and the collection unit collects snow while the vehicle is driven. A vaporizing unit is positioned within the box and the vaporizing unit is in fluid communication with the collection unit. The vaporizing unit converts the snow collected by the collection unit into steam. The vaporizing unit expels the steam from the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a brick, comprising a brick body, which comprises at least one slot position for connecting a column, and a method for using the bricks to build dikes in water, including the following steps: (1) drilling a plurality of pile holes at water bottom; (2) casting concrete into each of the pile holes to form concrete columns; (3) stacking up a number of the bricks along the concrete columns and having them tightly connected to form a wall; (4) filling the clearances between the concrete columns and the bricks with mortar. The bricks and dike building method provided by the present invention are suitable for direct over-water dike building, the construction is fast and the dikes built are firm and stable, have superior waterproof function and can effectively prevent the impact of currents, winds and waves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for removing floating waste which includes a storage filter support that has a conical shape and tapers to a lower end thereof when it is installed for use and a storage filter that is inserted into the storage filter support from above. The system further includes a pump and an internal impeller when the system is a model to be used in water with zero velocity. Alternatively the system further includes an internal impeller and a speed increaser when the system is a model to be used in water with a velocity that is not zero. The speed increaser is installed in the storage filter support and drives the internal impeller.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to marine rig equipment, and specifically to a mobile jackup rig having one or more moveable cranes. The one or more moveable cranes are configured to operate along a rail, and the one or more moveable cranes are positioned to reach more than one work site location. In one embodiment, a mobile jackup rig includes at least one two-rail system having a first guide-track rail and a second guide-track rail, and at least one moveable crane positioned to operate along the two-rail system. In another aspect, a mobile jackup rig may include at least one moveable pedestal crane positioned on at least one curved or straight guide-track rail system.

Abstract: A soil compacting device has an upper mass, a lower mass coupled to the upper mass so as to be capable of movement and having a soil contact plate, and a holding device for holding the soil compacting device, the holding device being situated so as to be capable of movement relative to the upper mass. In addition, a vibration decoupling device is provided that is situated between the upper mass and the holding device. The vibration decoupling device has a guide device for guiding the movement of the holding device relative to the upper mass. The guide device is fashioned such that the holding device is capable of displacement in parallel relative to the upper mass. The vibration decoupling device also has in addition a spring device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and controlling a grouting operation are described. In one aspect, the method includes: performing the grouting operation by injecting grout into a borehole and cyclically: monitoring the borehole pressure until the borehole pressure equals a first pressure threshold; in response to determining that the borehole pressure equals the first pressure threshold, halting the injection of grout into the borehole; monitoring the borehole pressure until the borehole pressure decreases to a second pressure threshold, the second pressure threshold being lower than the first pressure threshold; in response to determining that the borehole pressure equals the second pressure threshold, restarting injection of grout into the borehole, until a terminating condition is satisfied and, as a result, terminating the grouting operation.

Abstract: A permanent frost protected shallow foundation footing for a building is assembled from a plurality of form parts arranged in a chain that is partially below ground level to form a foundation perimeter. The form parts are made of a lightweight material such as insulating foam material shaped as an elongated sectional unit with an overhang part overhanging a cavity part of an interior cavity. The interior cavity has an opening for receiving a concrete pour concurrent with a concrete pour of a floor. Open ends of the assembled sectional units abut each other in end-to-end alignment to form an elongated cavity inside the perimeter chain of form parts that is filled with concrete. The overhang part may have a foot shape that fits inside the interior cavity of another form part that may also have a foot shape for compact storage or transport prior to assembly.

Abstract: A device for sealing the opening of a manhole. The device includes a seal coupled to a lid; a valve; and a compression inducing device. The lid is set within an existing manhole frame and operates without modification. The seal is coupled to a lower surface of the lid and contacts a lip within the frame. The seal is compressed to the lip and the compression inducing device is used to grip the frame below the lip to maintain the compressive state of the seal. The manhole cover is placed on top of the lid. Gases escape through the valve. Water or moisture is prevented from passing through the seal or valve. One or more grooves or ribs are optionally included to create a gap between the lid and the manhole cover for the routing of released gases.

Abstract: In a state in which an arm 21 is oscillated to a lowest position, each control link 22 is arranged to be horizontally extended backward where the control link 22 is pivotally connected to a point A, and is pivotally connected to the arm 21 at a point D. An arm cylinder 23 is arranged to be vertically extended upward where the arm cylinder 23 is pivotally connected to a point B, and is pivotally connected to the arm 21 at a point E. The lift link 24 is arranged to be vertically extended upward where the lift link 24 is pivotally connected to a point C, and is pivotally connected to the arm 21 at a point F. The points E and F are located above the point D.

Abstract: A payload monitoring system on a machine includes a payload sensor configured to generate a plurality of payload data corresponding to a payload amount in a bucket of a machine, the plurality including a first payload data and a second payload data and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the first payload data from the payload sensor and off-board payload data from an off-board system, compare the first payload data to the off-board payload data to generate a payload data offset, receive the second payload data from the payload sensor, and generate an adjusted payload data based on the second payload data and the payload data offset.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating a longitudinally extensive member comprises a main body portion, ground contacting assemblies on which said main body portion is mounted, said ground contact assemblies being operable to convey the apparatus over a ground surface, a trench cutting device, and a mounting arm depending directly or indirectly from said main body portion and having a proximal end arranged proximate said main body portion and a distal end arranged distal from said main body portion, said distal end being operatively laterally movable with respect to the main body portion between a first limit position towards a first side of the apparatus and a second limit position towards an opposite second side of the apparatus. The mounting arm is provided with a lifting device configured to lift, and/or support assembly configured to support, said longitudinally extensive member, proximate said distal end thereof.

Abstract: A system for uncovering a trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine and a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched with a saw blade contained therein. The blade is supported on a hub which is slidably movable relative to the frame by operation of a linear actuator, which may be a hydraulic cylinder or the like. The vertical location of the blade within the frame is continuously adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench. A monitoring system is provided to monitor the vertical location from an operator station.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a control unit having a motor switch control unit and a motor command determining unit. The motor switch control unit controls a motor switching mechanism so that a third motor connects to a first motor when a first rotation speed is less than a second rotation speed. The first rotation speed is the rotation speed of the first motor corresponding to that of a rotating shaft of the third motor. The second rotation speed is the rotation speed of the second motor corresponding to that of a rotating shaft of the third motor. When the third motor is connected to the first motor, the motor command determining unit determines a command torque for the first motor and the third motor so that the command torque for the third motor is no more than the command torque for the first motor.

Abstract: A controller includes a neutral control determination unit, a forward-reverse clutch control unit, and a commanded torque setting unit. The neutral control determination unit executes quasi-neutral control when a quasi-neutral control determination condition is satisfied. The quasi-neutral control determination condition includes cases where the forward-reverse operation member is in the neutral position. The forward-reverse clutch control unit keeps the forward-travel clutch or the reverse-travel clutch engaged during the quasi-neutral control. During quasi-neutral control, the commanded torque setting unit determines a commanded torque sent to the motor so that a neutral state is set where the output torque from the power transmission device to the travel device is kept at a prescribed value regardless of the drive power output from the engine.

Abstract: A wear assembly for a loader bucket. The wear assembly includes a first side plate coupled to the side wall and a second side plate spaced apart from the first side plate, coupled to the side wall. The wear assembly includes a top plate disposed on the first side plate and the second side plate. Further, the top plate has a first end disposed proximal to the side wall and a second end distal from the side wall. The wear assembly includes a shroud member disposed adjacent to the second end of the top plate and coupled to the first side plate. The wear assembly also includes a wear plate disposed adjacent to the first end of the top plate in front of the shroud member. The wear plate is detachably coupled to an upper surface of the top plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatic flushing of fluid lines, in particular potable water lines. The invention further relates to a device for automatic flushing of fluid lines, in particular potable water lines. The invention is based on the technical problem to provide a method and a device for automatic flushing which allows a flushing behaviour that is better-suited to the circumstances and more reliable. The technical problem is solved by a method for automatic flushing of at least one fluid line, in particular a potable water line, in which a temperature profile of the fluid is measured, in which the measured data are evaluated and in which the automatic flushing of the at least one fluid line is influenced by an outcome of the evaluation.

Abstract: A water supply system includes a first pipe, a water reservoir, and a Venturi pipe having a first Venturi nozzle terminal, a second Venturi nozzle terminal and a Venturi nozzle branch arranged between the first and second Venturi nozzle terminal. The first Venturi nozzle terminal is connected via the first pipe to the water reservoir. The first Venturi nozzle terminal is connectable to a second pipe to fill the water reservoir. The branch of the Venturi pipe is connectable to a third pipe to supply taps. Water flows through the Venturi pipe from the first Venturi nozzle terminal to the second Venturi nozzle terminal when the water reservoir is filled, and water flows through the Venturi pipe from the second Venturi nozzle terminal to the Venturi nozzle branch during the supply procedure, to provide a water supply system which requires less maintenance and is less temperamental.

Abstract: An automatic faucet includes a housing constructed to receive at least one water inlet conduit and having a spout for delivering water. The automatic faucet includes a valve module, a sensor module, a battery module, a turbine module, and a control module. The valve module includes a valve controlled by an electromagnetic actuator for controlling the water flow from the spout. The sensor module is constructed to provide sensor data influenced by a user. The control module is constructed to control opening and closing of the valve by providing signals to the electromagnetic actuator. The control module is also constructed to receive sensor data from the sensor module and execute a sensing algorithm. The control module is also constructed to execute a power management algorithm for managing electrical power generated by the water turbine and provided to and from the battery.

Abstract: A touchless faucet including a tubular spout having a curved portion including an inlet end through which a fluid flow enters the spout and an outlet end through which the fluid flow exits the spout. The outlet end is located forward and downward of an apex of the curved portion and the inlet end is located rearward and downward of the apex. The faucet also includes an electronic valve for controlling the fluid flow and a sensor disposed completely within the spout along an underside of the curved portion adjacent the apex. The sensor includes a transmitter for emitting a signal and a receiver for detecting an interruption of the signal within a detection zone that does not intersect with the fluid flow from the outlet end of the spout. The sensor communicates with the electronic valve to control the fluid flow when the interruption of the signal is detected.

Abstract: A flush operating apparatus includes: a flush valve for opening and closing a discharge port on a storage tank; a manual operating unit, provided on the flush water tank and capable of manually operating the motion of the flush valve; a powered operating unit capable of operating the motion of the flush valve with power; and a control device for receiving a toilet flush start signal transmitted from either an instruction device by which a user instructs a toilet flush operation, or from a body sensor for sensing a user and activating a power drive motor; wherein the powered operating unit is separately installed from the manual operating unit, and is installed so as to be removable from the flush water tank in accordance with flush water tank apparatus or toilet main unit usage conditions.

Abstract: A drainage fitting (1) for a cistern, including a valve body (2) with a sealing element (4), which cooperates with a valve seat (3), and a float (5), wherein the valve body (2) is movable with the sealing element (4) from the valve seat (3) along a movement axis (B) from a rest position into a flushing position and from the flushing position into the rest position. Furthermore the drainage fitting comprises a full and a part volume control unit which onto the valve body.

Abstract: In general, a flush toilet with a built-in clog removal system is described. Additionally, a flush toilet with a one-way valve system for efficient and water conserving operation is disclosed. In one embodiment, the disclosed toilet is defined by: a bowl connected to an drain pipe; at least one one-way valve positioned pipe; and a pump in fluid communication with the pipe so that (a) initiating the pump to force the piston downward or upward causes fluid-flow in the pipe so that the one-way valve closes or opens as a result of pressure or a vacuum against debris clogging the drain.

Abstract: This device serves to improve water quality under gravity flow conditions. The water quality treatment device traps floating debris with replaceable netting, it contains oil spills and settles sediment in self-cleaning settling cells above a collection bunker inside a chamber. The device directs the water below the inclined cells, through the inclined cells, or over the inclined cells, depending on the inflow intensity. All inflowing water enters the net cavity and the net is supported by the inclined cell assembly. The pollutant collection surfaces are overlapping each other and aligned with the water flow direction. A hinged baffle with orifices controls the flow rate through the inclined cells. The netting is replaceable when filled with debris through an access opening in the ceiling of the chamber. The sediment bunker is cleaned through access openings in the ceiling from the chamber inflow side and the exit side.

Abstract: A dome-shaped shelter, which is readily manually assembled and disassembled, as needed, the shelter comprising a plurality of side-by-side generally triangular shaped arched segments enclosing a generally circular area, a support base with each of the segments comprising a lower end resting on the support base and a pair of spaced apart rigid upwardly arched side members converging upwardly from the lower end and a weather and UV resistant covering skin, a latch assembly securing each arched side member of a segment to the adjacent arched side member of an adjacent segment, a rigid vertical support mast releasably secured at the center of the encircled area, and manually releasable locking means securing the segments to the mast.

Abstract: Technologies for making self-erecting structures are described herein. An exemplary self-erecting structure comprises a plurality of shape-memory members that connect two or more hub components. When forces are applied to the self-erecting structure, the shape-memory members can deform, and when the forces are removed the shape-memory members can return to their original pre-deformation shape, allowing the self-erecting structure to return to its own original shape under its own power. A shape of the self-erecting structure depends on a spatial orientation of the hub components, and a relative orientation of the shape-memory members, which in turn depends on an orientation of joining of the shape-memory members with the hub components.

Abstract: The present application describes an automated structure for reception of modular constructions and respective automation system comprised by a lower structure (1), which contains an opening (4) for accommodation of a fixed shaft, comprised by the element of attachment of the shaft with the exterior, where, preferably, the structure and the fixed shaft of fixation to the exterior (5) can be coupled, a lifting mechanism (2) preferably located in the side sections of said lower structure (1) which is coupled to an upper structure (3) allowing its movement through the joint and support (6). The axial movement and the upper structure (3) are managed through an automated system based on a programmable automaton and a set of sensors and actuators, namely anemometers and frequency inverters that control these movements.

Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.

Abstract: A concrete wall pre fabrication for the easy assembly of walls for residential and commercial buildings. More specifically, there is an apparatus and method for enabling the outer form of a concrete wall to be more precisely assembled off site and then transported to the work site and assembled the wall in the proper place with appropriate rebar before filling the forms with cement or concrete material as disclosed in the specification and drawings of the invention and the related claims. Additionally, there is a need for a form spacer that efficiently attaches between the form walls with a more precise use of glue and stronger attachment to the form walls.

Abstract: A subfloor component comprises an insulating foam panel having first and second opposing faces and a plurality of intersecting grooves in the first face to define, in cross-section, a plurality of pedestals having at least one wall extending toward the second face, a moisture-resistant layer formed on the first face of the panel that conforms to the pedestals, and a hardboard layer on the second face of the panel.

Abstract: A beam is an H-shaped steel having flange parts above and under a web part. A through hole is formed on web part to let pipes and the like pass through. A ring beam reinforcing metallic material is disposed through hole. A beam reinforcing metallic material is disposed along the upper and lower flange parts at positions away from the through hole. The beam reinforcing metallic material on the front surface of the web part (opposite side of a flange of the ring beam reinforcing metallic material). The beam reinforcing metallic material in a direction in which a counter-flange surface of the beam reinforcing metallic material faces the flange part. A contacting surface is in contact with web part and is fixed to the web part with a welded section. At this time, the welded section is formed up to the height to which an angle varying part is covered.

Abstract: A roof system is secured to a roof deck on a building. The roof system has a thermal energy absorbing product including a desiccant located between the roof deck and a roof barrier. The desiccant reversibly absorbs moisture, and in response thereto, heat is released and absorbed by the desiccant to effect a thermal management of the roof system.

Abstract: Leaks in a roof membrane are detected by applying a grid of electrically conductive shielding elements on the upper surface separating the membrane into a plurality of zones and generating a potential difference between the elements and a conductive component such as the roof deck or a layer at the deck. In each zone a respective one of a plurality of sensor conductors is mounted separate from the shielding elements and an electrical potential difference is applied between the sensor and the conductive component such that, in the presence of a leak located within the zone, current flows between the sensor conductor and the conductive component through moisture at the leak for detection of the current or resistance indicative of a leak.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a ridge vent having a longitudinally-extending top panel, a longitudinally-extending first side, a longitudinally-extending second side, and a first end. The longitudinally-extending top panel is bendable along a longitudinally-extending axis. The longitudinally-extending first side is composed of a longitudinally-extending first arcuate side panel having a concave shape directed toward the ridge vent interior. And the longitudinally-extending second side is composed of a longitudinally-extending second arcuate side panel having a concave shape directed toward the ridge vent interior.

Abstract: A method for repairing damaged asphalt shingles includes inserting a tube under the damaged shingle such the terminal end of the tube lies in the vicinity of the damaged area of the shingle, pushing a liquid emulsion through the tube and under the damaged shingle in and around the damaged area, applying a sealant to the upper face of the damaged shingle to fill and seal the damaged area, applying color granules to the sealant to match the granules associated with the damaged shingle, and allowing the sealant and liquid emulsion to seal the damaged area. The method may also include forming a hole in the center of the damaged area of the shingle and applying a sealant through the tube into the hole in sufficient quantity to allow the sealant to spread underneath the damaged shingle and around the damaged area of the shingle, filling the hole with a liquid emulsion, and applying colored granules to the liquid emulsion.

Abstract: An architectural finish element operable to be placed adjacent similar architectural finish elements to form a finished surface on an architectural structure includes a body formed of a rock-based composite material comprising a low density solid particle additive, a plurality of unitary real stone veneer elements bonded to the body in courses extending in a first direction and in a random non-repetitive pattern, the real stone veneer elements having respective face surfaces generally lying in a plane to form an overall face surface of the architectural finish element. The low density solid particle additive is provided in an amount suitable to cause the architectural finish element to have a density of between about 10 to 15 pounds per square foot. The architectural finishing element may be mounted by mounting a portion of a body of at least one dual architectural finish element support to a surface of an architectural structure.

Abstract: A board assembly for mounting to one or more support structures of a ceiling, deck, floor, or wall. The board assembly includes a board and a mounting member. The board has a length along a longitudinal direction, and first and second side channels that extend lengthwise along the board. The mounting member has first and second flanges biased inwardly toward one another. The first and second flanges are configured to be received inside the first and second side channels, respectively, of the board and to press inwardly on the board to limit movement and warping by the board. A plurality of the board assemblies may be included in a kit. Such a kit may also include a plurality of clip members configured to removably couple the board assemblies to the support structure(s). The mounting member may be constructed from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

Abstract: Simulated log siding is formed of an engineered cementitious composite. Single or dual flanges on each log piece is used to apply siding units to a surface. Some siding members are molded into a three dimensional configuration to appear as a structural wood log. Individual end pieces and molded tail clusters when used with the siding provide the appearance of the characteristic stacked or staggered corners of a log structure.

Abstract: Floor covering, made of floor elements, which, at least at two opposite sides, comprise a male and a female coupling part, which allow that two of such floor elements can be interconnected at the respective sides at the respective sides by pushing one of these floor elements with the associated male coupling part, by means of a downward movement, home into the female coupling part of the other floor element, wherein at least one of said coupling parts, either the male coupling part or the female coupling part, is made as least partially in a filled synthetic material composite, such as extruded wood.

Abstract: A floor panel has a core, a print and a wear resistant layer. The core is assembled at least from a plurality of paper sheets, or other carrier sheets, impregnated with a thermosetting resin.

Abstract: Surface coverings, such as floor coverings, with an interlocking design are described. Methods of making the surface coverings are further described. A plank including a resilient composite sheet having four sides, an upper surface, a lower surface, and an overall thickness, and said composite sheet comprising at least one base layer, wherein said at least one base layer comprising at least one polymeric material and at least one filler, wherein opposite sides of the composite sheet comprise a first tongue on a first side and a first groove on the opposite second side, wherein the first tongue and first groove have complementary shape to each other to be interlockingly engageable with a corresponding groove or tongue on an adjacent floor plank.

Abstract: A method of forming an architectural concrete structure having a desired look (i.e., color) and texture, wherein the method generally includes pouring a base concrete layer using conventional concrete. A surface concrete mixture is prepared and includes a mixture of sand and small aggregates to give the surface concrete mixture the desired color and texture for the architectural concrete structure. The base concrete layer provides strength and durability to the concrete structure, while the surface concrete layer provides the desired look and texture of the concrete surface. The surface concrete mixture preferably includes small aggregates to create a smooth and uniform texture.