Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a fluid additive receptacle. The fluid additive receptacle includes a cup received within an opening of the top cover. A reservoir is disposed below the cup. The reservoir has a siphon valve standpipe and a water inlet conduit. A siphon valve standpipe is positioned on a bottom wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance having an improved additive dispenser is provided. The chamber geometry and water flow pattern of the additive dispenser provide complete delivery of wash liquid, even when using powdered detergent during low water volume dispense cycles. The water flows past the siphon inlet to clear the siphon path, dissolve and entrain wash additive, and clear the chamber floor upon delivery of the wash liquid.

Abstract: There is provided a collapsible drying rack for easy packing and transport. The drying rack in configurable between a non-operative compacted configuration to an operative deployed configuration where a plurality of arms extends outwardly of the body for drying operation. Reversible conversion of the rack from the non-operative configuration to the operative configuration is performed by actuation of a triggering assembly. Once deployed, each arm may be used for hanging wet items such as clothes or sport's equipment. The drying rack may be anchored to various types of support via a retainer assembly including one or more elements for clipping and/or hanging the drying rack to the support.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the production of a dyed fabric using enzyme aggregates. In particular, provided is a process that comprises a step of providing a woven fabric that comprises a base layer and an additional layer which is located on at least one side of the fabric, wherein the yarns of the additional layer comprise fibers that are at least partially dyed, and a step of contacting the woven fabric with enzyme aggregates such as cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs), to remove at least part of the dye from at least the yarns of said additional layer. The disclosure also provides a fabric obtained with the process and garments including the fabric.

Abstract: Provided are treated carbon fibers particularly suited for making thermoplastic composites with polyamide resin, and methods to make such treated carbon fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electroconductive staple fibers, fabrics and other substrates. The invention further relates to fibers fabrics and other articles of manufacture produced using the method. The method and articles of manufacture find particular use in functional wearable garments, e.g., outerwear, gloves, and in devices in which electroconductivity is desirable. Exemplary devices include a fiber, fabric or leather substrate or component.

Abstract: A textile fabric for preventing the penetration and water spreading in cables, having at least one layer, which is at least partially covered by an absorbent material and has pores, which pores can be at least partially closed under the effect of liquid due to absorbent material swelling, the absorbent material being bonded to the textile layer, at least in some areas, has a DIN ISO 9073-3 tensile strength in machine direction of >50 N/5 cm, and obtainable by a method involving: treating a layer containing pores with a mixture containing a polymerizable monomer or oligomer and a cross-linking agent and, as absorbent material precursor, a wetting agent and initiator, and polymerization of the monomer or oligomer under formation of a bonded connection between the absorbent material and the layer. The textile fabric can have a DIN EN ISO 9237 air permeability in dry state of greater than 200 dm3/(m2s).

Abstract: Provided is a production method in which a sheet-like article that has high moist heat resistance and has good surface quality and texture can be produced, regardless of the coagulation technique used for the polyurethane, by an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that is designed to cause reaction of a crosslinking agent while maintaining the texture possessed by the material before crosslinking. The production method for sheet-like articles is a sheet-like article production method characterized by impregnating a fibrous base material with water dispersed polyurethane as a binder, coagulating it to provide a sheet, adding a solution or dispersion liquid of a crosslinking agent to the sheet, and then heating it at a temperature of 100° C. or more and 200° C. or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for dye application to textile manufactures, exhaustion of the applied dye, and drying of the textile manufacture. The apparatus, in some implementations, includes a dye applicator that applies dye evenly to a textile manufacture of varying length, one or more steam release conduits for heating the textile manufacture with applied dye to exhaust the dye, and a blower system to dry the textile manufacture after application of the applied dye.

Abstract: A dye discharge composition exhibiting extended shelf life and/or pot life and high suitability for inkjet printing on dyed substrates, is disclosed. The composition comprises a reducing agent such as, for example, a sulfur-based reducing agent, and a chelating agent, such as a sodium salt of a polyamino carboxylic acid chelating agent. Use of the dye discharge composition in combination with a translucent colored composition and an optional opaque underbase composition, for forming an image on a dyed substrate is also disclosed. Processes for inkjet printing of an image on a dyed surface using the dye discharge composition, kits for use in such processes or an ink formulation containing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture, which can be a fiber and or a film. In one aspect, the fiber or the film comprises a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and an inorganic filler comprising particles having an average diameter of less than about 20 micrometers. The PVOH has a degree of hydrolysis of greater than about 95% and is present in a range between about 20 wt. % and about 99 wt. % based on the total fiber weight. Methods of making the fibers and films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A color sampling display product is provided that includes a radiation-curable water-based coating composition applied to a substrate, and shows mechanical integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A multi-layer through air dried tissue including a first exterior layer comprised substantially of hardwood fibers, an interior layer comprised substantially of softwood fibers, and a second exterior layer comprised substantially of hardwood fibers. The interior layer includes a first wet end additive comprising an ionic surfactant and a second wet end additive comprising a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: An interface pad for a concrete tie includes a resilient contact pad to cushion the tie from any overlying parts in a railway application, such as panels in a grade crossing or rails in a turnout. The pad may be flat or a cupped shape and may be of varying size to accommodate varying tie widths. The invention further comprises means and methods to correctly secure such an interface pad to a concrete railroad tie and minimize the possibility that the interface pad will be forcibly removed from the tie during installation of the tie.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an improved railroad track ballast tamping tool. The tamping tool may be lowered into ballast underlying railroad tracks and between railroad track ties for performing ballast tamping operations. The tamping tool includes a shank and a paddle coupled to the shank. The paddle comprises a top ridge disposed on a top surface of the paddle and a bottom ridge disposed on a bottom surface of the paddle. The tamping tool additionally includes a top surface wear tile coupled to the top surface of the paddle and abutting a rear face of the top ridge, a bottom surface wear tile coupled to the bottom surface of the paddle and abutting a rear face of the bottom ridge, and a nose wear tile coupled to the top and bottom surfaces of the paddle and abutting a front face of both the top and bottom ridges.

Abstract: A modular roadway structure that includes a body portion including a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface is configured to be positioned on a surface, and the top surface is formed with a predetermined textured pattern for defining a predetermined coefficient of friction across the top surface.

Abstract: A paver extension bracket device automates extension and retraction of a paver platform extension to correspond to and be driven by extension and retraction of a pre-existing laterally extendable paver mechanism. The device includes a bracket configured for coupling to a laterally extending paver mechanism of a paver. A post is coupled to and extends from the bracket such that said post is configured for coupling to a paver platform extension such that the paver platform extension is extended and retracted respectively by extension and retraction of the paver mechanism.

Abstract: A portable dispensing device for dispensing a crack sealant, comprises an outer housing, a melting kettle for holding crack sealant to be melted, a guide mechanism in the housing below the kettle for positioning a burner below the kettle, a burner assembly removably mounted in an air gap between the outer housing and the melting kettle using the guide mechanism, the removable burner assembly configured to direct a flame against a surface of the melting kettle, a control valve fluidly connected to the melting kettle to dispense melted crack sealant, and a handle assembly for manually moving the portable dispensing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various aspects for mobile and automated processing utilizing additive manufacturing and the methods for their utilization. In some examples, the mobile additive manufacturing apparatus may perform surface treatments that support the building of walls. Other examples may involve the support of creating and repairing advanced roadways.

Abstract: A structural panel and method of fabricating and manufacturing same comprises a top panel and a bottom panel separated by and attached to at least one, but preferably a plurality, of structural composite preforms which may be fabricated by a continuous manufacturing process and may be saturated by resin using a continuous wetting process. The composite preforms may take any cross sectional shape but are preferably trapezoidal. The top and bottom panels may be fabricated from a plurality of layers of woven fabric layers and non-woven fabric layers which are saturated with a resin that is subsequently cured using cure processes known in the art. The composite structural panel of the invention is usable as a flat structural member for use as bridge decking, ramps, trestles, and any application requiring a structural panel.

Abstract: A cover for a concrete parking block has a first lateral end, second lateral end and a longitudinal enclosure. The first lateral end and the second lateral end can be either open or closed. The longitudinal enclosure is the same length as the concrete parking block. The protective cover can be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), Acrylonitrile Butadiene styrene (ABS) or foam and resin. The protective cover can also be used to as a bicycle stand. In doing so, the bicycle wheels are inserted into V-shaped slots of the longitudinal enclosure. A water bladder is attached to the protective cover when used as a bicycle stand. A reflective coating is applied on the exterior of the protective cover in order to provide more visibility during low light conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snow plow assembly for a vehicle comprising a snow plow frame that is attachable to an associated vehicle. The snow plow blade is attachable to the snow plow frame and has a snow plow surface for use in plowing associated snow. An end gate is pivotally attached to at least one distal end of the snow plow blade. The end gate has a snow plow surface for use in plowing associated snow. A hydraulically operable adjustment mechanism is operatively attached to the snow plow blade and the end gate. The adjustment mechanism releasably secures the end gate in at least three different positions relative to the snow plow blade. A pivotally connected stop assembly means is operably attached to the snow plow blade and the end gate by a hydraulically operable adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: Heated platform systems are disclosed herein. Heated platform systems according to the present disclosure include a fiber reinforced panel that has a heating element that is made from a plurality of conductive mats. The plurality of conductive mats are placed into electrical continuity with one another by electrical leads, and are electrically isolated from one another by electrical insulating interleaf layers that prevent electrical shunting of adjacent conductive mats.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve hydraulic systems and methods for altering a flow of a body of water, such as a river, channel, and/or other flowing or uncontained bodies of water. In one aspect, a hydraulic system provides a velocity barrier for the impedance of aquatic organism migration. More particularly, the velocity barrier may be adapted based on the swimming capabilities of one or more aquatic organisms to impede migration. The aquatic organism may be one or more species of fish, such as species sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). The example implementations shown and described herein reference the restriction of the sea lamprey. However, it will be appreciated that other aquatic organisms could be restricted by the presently disclosed technology, for example, with different hydraulic targets depending on swimming capabilities.

Abstract: A water area may be sheltered by installing, at an active boundary of the water area, a plurality of shields mounted on posts, each shield having a lower edge immersed in the water. Each shield may dissipate at least a portion of wave energy approaching the active boundary of the water area. One or more piers may be positioned within the sheltered water area or basin.

Abstract: A resiliently deformable containment structure having an open bottom end and a raised center portion. A central hub, situated centrally in a textile containment sheet, is provided. A plurality of elongate inflatable beam members are arranged circumferentially around the central hub, each extending radially outwardly and in a downwardly-extending manner therefrom and each underlying or overlying the textile containment sheet to support, when inflated, the textile containment sheet in a downwardly-extending shape to form an enclosure having an open bottom end. Distal ends of the inflatable beam members are tethered to one or more anchor members situated below the open bottom end of the dome structure. The structure is suited for placement above and over a compromised sub-sea structure for collecting and recovering to surface fluids which may be leaking therefrom. A method for containing and recovering such fluids from a compromised sub-sea structure is further disclosed.

Abstract: A molded concrete U-wall construction block including a molded concrete U-wall construction block structure formed from cured concrete poured about a block cage made from reinforcing material during a block manufacturing process. The block cage includes an open aperture formed in each of its stem reinforcing portions. During the block manufacturing process, the first and second support members of a support mechanism are inserted within the open apertures formed in the stem reinforcing sections of the block cage, and cooperate with the open apertures of the block cage so as to (i) support the block cage when being loaded into a block manufacturing machine, (ii) define central apertures molded in each stem portion of the concrete U-wall construction block structure, and (iii) lift the molded concrete U-wall construction block when being unloaded from the machine.

Abstract: A compressed netting sleeve for in situ formation of a compost filter sock comprises a sleeve of netting material having a pair of opposed open ends, wherein the sleeve of netting material is bunched primarily along a longitudinal axis, whereby each of the open ends of the netting material remains accessible to form a compression bundle netting material; and a protective sleeve extending through the open ends of the sleeve of netting material to extend through the interior of the sleeve of netting material and around the exterior of the sleeve of netting material thereby surrounding the compression bundle netting material with the protective sleeve.

Abstract: When hydraulic fluid discharged from a hydraulic actuator is to be recovered for driving a different hydraulic actuator, the recovery frequency is increased to achieve further energy saving. To this end, a pressure increasing circuit 36 is provided in which a communication pressure increasing valve 12 is disposed in a communication passage 26 that connects a bottom side line 23 of and a rod side line 24 a boom cylinder 4. A recovery control valve 11 is controlled such that, when a first operation unit 5 is operated in a boom lowering direction (own weight falling direction of the boom) and a second operation unit 6 is operated simultaneously, only if the pressure at the bottom side of the boom cylinder 4 is higher than the pressure at the arm cylinder side that is a recovery destination of hydraulic fluid, the recovery control valve 11 is opened to recover the flow rate discharged from the bottom side of the boom cylinder 4 to the arm cylinder side.

Abstract: A wheel loader includes: an operating state detecting unit detecting an operating state; a target setting unit setting a relationship between a target position of a working equipment and a travel distance of the wheel loader for the operating state detected by the operating state detecting unit; a travel distance detecting unit detecting the travel distance of the wheel loader; and a working equipment controlling unit moving a boom and a bucket to the target position of the working equipment determined depending on the travel distance detected by the travel distance detecting unit.

Abstract: An industrial machine and methods for providing automatic tilt control for the same. One method includes determining a current tooth vector of a tooth included on a bucket of the industrial machine and a current path vector of the tooth and determining a current digging angle between the current tooth vector and the current path vector. The method also includes determining a delta angle based on the current digging angle and a target angle and automatically adjusting a tilt of the bucket based on the delta angle.

Abstract: A vibratory plow has a lift bracket. The lift bracket couples to an upper link by an upper spring having an upper energy absorptive member. The upper spring and upper energy absorptive member are configured to limit upper link movement relative to the lift bracket in a first direction. The lift bracket is coupled to the upper link by a lower spring having a lower energy absorptive member; the lower spring and lower energy absorptive member are configured to limit upper link movement relative to the lift bracket in a direction opposite the first direction. The upper link is coupled to a shaker box which is attached to a plow blade. The shaker box is configured to travel from a baseline position a first distance greater than two inches in the first direction before the upper spring compresses enough that the upper energy absorptive member dampens shaker box movement.

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 surrounding monitoring device for a work machine including an work device on an upper swing body includes: a plurality of cameras configured to acquire a surrounding condition of the work machine; an image processing unit configured to generate a bird's-eye image based on images imaged by the plurality of cameras; a display unit configured to display at least one of: a single camera image imaged by one of the plurality of cameras; and the bird's-eye image; and a display control unit configured to display, on the at least one of the single camera image and the bird's-eye image, distance guide information formed of linear parts with a predetermined length respectively extending perpendicularly to straight lines extending from a swing center of the upper swing body to front-rear and right-left directions, and arc parts of concentric circles connecting end parts of the linear parts.

Abstract: A domestic pipe system for delivery of hot water includes hot water source (10) and a piping to a faucet (12). The piping comprises a splitter (14), two pipes (20, 22) and a controller (16), the controller having a housing, first and second inlets (24, 26), an outlet (28), and a thermally actuated valve. The first inlet is a permanently open inlet whereas the second inlet is opened depending on the temperature of water arriving at the controller. Stagnant water that cooled down only runs through the first pipe (20) until the temperature exceeds a preset threshold. Than the controller (16) opens the second inlet such that the stagnant cold water from the second pipe can be mixed gradually with the hot water from the first pipe. Thus, the user receives warm water earlier than if both pipes need to be emptied.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a fluid flow monitoring system includes an ultrasonic sensor for generating measurement signals associated with respective ultrasonic signals propagating through the fluid in the lumen, a shut-off valve for blocking fluid flow in the lumen, and a controller. The controller can be communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and to the shut-off valve. The controller can be configured to compute a plurality of fluid flow parameter estimates based on a plurality of measurement signals generated by the ultrasonic sensor over a time window while the shut-off valve is open. The controller can obtain an offset value associated with fluid flow parameter measurements during a zero flow state of the shut-off valve. The controller can then check for presence of a fluid leak event based on the fluid flow parameter estimates over the time window and the offset value.

Abstract: A cool water draining device of a bathtub includes a main body, a waterway switch valve, a flow regulating valve; the waterway switch valve and the flow regulating valve are disposed at the outlet passage of the main body; the flow regulating valve is disposed with a temperature control passage and a normal open passage; the waterway switch valve is disposed with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet keeps connected to the outlet passage; when the waterway switch valve is in the initial position, the outlet is connected to the temperature control passage; when the waterway switch valve is switched to a first gear, the outlet is connected to the normal open passage; when the waterway switch valve is switched to the second gear, the outlet is closed; the temperature control passage has a static element, a moving element and a thermal element.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for regulating water flow to a structure. The apparatus generally comprises an electrically operated valve, sensors for temperature and flow-rate, and a module for communication. The remotely controllable shutoff valve contains a battery backup to provide power in case of an electrical outage. The apparatus is installed downstream from a structure's main water valve, shutting off the water supply according to a schedule that can be programmed into a controller, or smart-home hub.

Abstract: An aerator including a faceplate for dispensing a first water stream, and a nozzle for dispensing a second water stream, the second water stream surrounded by the first water stream.

Abstract: An apparatus to allow or stop an air or water passage into an enclosed environment comprises a housing, an air supply outlet, an air intake inlet, a ball, a gasket, an inlet air filter, an outlet air filter, wherein the ball is inside the housing and moves freely inside the housing, wherein the ball can reside on the gasket and temporarily forms seal to stop the air or water passage, and wherein the ball can be lifted by a lifting force to detach with the gasket when the lifting force is created by an pressure difference when ambient pressure above the gasket inside the housing is less than ambient pressure in the air intake inlet and when the lifting force is greater than the weight of the ball, wherein the air or water passage will flow through the housing and the air supply outlet when the ball is lifted.

Abstract: An apparatus to allow or stop a flow into a piping system or an enclosed environment comprises a housing having an upper flow passage, a gasket, and a lower flow passage, wherein said gasket is between said upper flow passage and said lower flow passage, wherein said gasket has an inner diameter less than an inner diameter of said upper flow passage; a rotary valve inside said housing, wherein said rotary valve further comprises a main body and two guides affixed to said main body in opposition to each other, wherein said main body of said rotary valve is configured to be between said inner diameter of said gasket and said inner diameter of said upper flow passage, and wherein said rotary valve can move inside said upper flow passage and above said gasket; and two guide rails inside the upper flow passage.

Abstract: An apparatus to allow or stop a flow into an enclosed environment or piping system comprises: (a) a housing having an upper flow passage, a middle flow passage, a lower flow passage; (b) a first valve seat, wherein the first valve seat is between the upper flow passage and the middle flow passage, and wherein a first opening is formed on the first valve seat; (c) a first rotary valve inside the housing, moving inside the upper flow passage and above the first valve seat; (d) a second valve seat, wherein the second valve seat is between the middle flow passage and the lower flow passage, wherein a second opening is formed on the second valve seat; and (e) a second rotary valve inside the housing, moving inside the middle flow passage and above the second valve seat.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a drain fitting having a discharge potion comprising a chamber formed by walls extending between and around an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being wider than the outlet or having a greater cross-sectional area than the outlet and the walls having interior surfaces sloping inwardly between the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An anti-oscillation valve for and in a trap primer to restrict the flow of water from the supply line to an upper chamber of the trap primer and to facilitate the flow of water from the upper chamber to the supply line. The anti-oscillation valve having a body with a water supply bore provided therethrough. The bore includes portions defining an inlet and an outlet. First and second bore shoulders are formed in the bore. A filter screen is retained in engagement with the first bore shoulder. An anti-oscillation valve disc freely rests on the second bore shoulder and is retained between the first bore shoulder and the second bore shoulder. The anti-oscillation valve disc includes a valve disc orifice defined through and communicating the inlet with the outlet.

Abstract: A method for distributing water from a trap primer to at least one trap. The method includes providing a trap primer having an upper chamber separated by a flexible diaphragm from a lower chamber, and having a resilient gas enclosure located in the lower chamber. Water is provided to the trap primer at a line pressure charging the upper and lower chambers. As a result of a reduction in line pressure, the diaphragm is disengaged from a valve stem opening an orifice and causing the flow of water from the lower chamber to at least one trap.

Abstract: A disposable cleaning device for unclogging toilets and other bathroom appliances in a sanitary manner is generally comprised of an elongated core or handle joined to a pointed and/or barbed head. When a user has a clog, the user can retrieve a disposable cleaning device and, gripping the handle vertically above the toilet, insert the head into the toilet trapway passage and past the clogging material. The user can provide a gentle twisting motion, or push the sanitary device in and out in a reciprocating motion, or other suitable motion to break up and clear the clog. Once the clog is broken up, the sanitary device is simply released into the toilet bowl, where it will dissolve and/or disintegrate. After a short amount of time, the user simply flushes the toilet, removing both the clogged material and the sanitary device.

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: The disclosure provides a bidet nozzle assembly, which includes a nozzle housing; a nozzle, the nozzle having a distal end and a proximal end, the nozzle including a channel through to the distal end and to the proximal end, the channel having a first channel opening at the distal end and a second channel opening at the proximal end; a nozzle insert, the nozzle insert located at the first channel opening of the distal end of the nozzle, the nozzle insert having at least one nozzle hole; and a nozzle cap.

Abstract: A combined inspection gully trap and gully dish apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a gully trap housed within a gully dish. The apparatus is arranged such that when in use liquid can flow into a gully dish inlet and into the trap which is arranged such that it partitions the dish into a liquid inlet section and a liquid outlet section, and wherein the liquid in the trap creates a seal between the two sections.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide deck bracket, which comprises a bracket face. The bracket face is substantially planar and defines a first plane. The deck bracket comprises a first bracket wall and a second bracket wall, each of which directly contact the bracket face. The deck bracket comprises a first bracket flange that directly contacts the first bracket wall and a second bracket flange that directly contacts the second bracket wall.