Abstract: A fibrous nonwoven structure formed of a blend of cellulose pulp fibers and melt spun polymer filaments is disclosed. The structure may include a distribution of a plurality of macroscopically visible shaped particles of substantially similar size and shape, included in the blend. The structure may also include outer scrim layers formed of melt spun polymer filaments. A method of manufacturing the fibrous nonwoven structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conductive line stitching method is disclosed, in which a metal line is arranged in a protection layer to form a conductive line, which is subjected to the steps of forming conductive line, disposing cloth, conducting stitching, combining device, and connecting conductive line to have the conductive line located in edging parts to facilitate a subsequent operation for connection with a device, thereby achieving effect of being processed with a one-time process and concealing the conductive line.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a clamping system. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a clamping system for holding material to be sewn/embroidered by a sewing machine.

Abstract: A laundry mover for a laundry treating appliance may include a protrusion located on an upper side of the laundry mover and forming an open-bottom cavity. The protrusion may have at least one opening fluidly communicating the cavity with a portion of the treating chamber above the protrusion. A diverter may be located on a lower side of the laundry mover.

Abstract: An inner door assembly for a drum washing machine includes an inner door internal shell formed of plastic and including a rim portion and a projecting portion projecting from the rim portion; and an inner door external shell formed of metal and including a rim portion and a projecting portion corresponding to the rim portion and the projecting portion of the inner door internal shell, wherein the inner door external shell is combined not to be separated from the inner door internal shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat pump drying or washing-drying machine, including a drum for holding laundry, a heat pump module and a condensed water draining duct. The heat pump module includes a heat pump mounting box, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan and a compressor, the condenser and the evaporator are mounted in the heat pump mounting box, and the heat pump mounting box is provided with a draining port for draining a condensed water. An upper end of the condensed water draining duct is connected with the draining port, a lower end of the condensed water draining duct is communicated with the drum, and the condensed water draining duct extends along a gravity direction from the upper end to the lower end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drum washing machine, including: an outer tank, configured in a shell; a drum, configured in the outer tank and capable of rotating by using a horizontal shaft or an inclination shaft inclining relative to a horizontal direction as a center; a rotating body, configured at a rear part of the drum and having protruding parts in contact with washings on a surface of the rotating body; a driving part, capable of operating in a first drying form and a second driving form, wherein the first driving form refers to a driving form which enables the drum and the rotating body to rotate at different rotating speeds, and the second driving form refers to a driving form which enables the drum and the rotating body to rotate integrally at the same rotating speed; and a control part.

Abstract: A control method of a dual-drum washing machine, comprising the following steps: step S1: before a first washing drum performing heating; step S2: determining whether a second washing drum is heating; step S3: if the determination result is yes, determining whether the remaining heating time of the second washing drum is more than T0; and step S4: if the determination result is yes, performing an alternate heating procedure in which the first washing drum and the second washing drum heat alternately, and if the determination result is no, performing a sequential heating procedure in which the second washing drum heats before the first washing drum, wherein T0 is a time value, set through a system, for determining whether heating of the second washing drum is coming to an end.

Abstract: A water replenishment control method for a multi-drum washing machine. The washing machine comprises at least a first washing drum and a second washing drum. While the first washing drum is in a washing process, if the water level of washing water is lower than a set value, then a water replenishment process is executed, and before that, it is necessary to determine whether or not the second washing drum is executing a water replenishment process; if yes, the first washing drum pauses the water replenishment process, and the second washing drum executes precedence preferentially; if no, the first washing drum executes water replenishment process and terminates it when the water level of the washing water reaches a set water level.

Abstract: A control method of a double-drum washing machine, having a first washing drum and a second washing drum. Whether the heating time required by the first drum is overlong is judged before the first drum performs heating. If yes, the second drum executes the heating, or dewatering, or drying processes. If not, the following steps are performed: judging whether the second drum performs heating; if yes, judging whether the remaining heating time of the second washing drum is greater than T0; if the judgment result is yes, executing the alternate heating program that the first drum and the second washing drum perform heating alternately, and if the judgment result is no, executing the ordered heating program that the second drum performs heating firstly, and then the first drum performs heating, wherein T0 is a time value for judging whether the heating of the second drum is about to finish or not.

Abstract: In a control method of a washing machine, a washing operation is performed through a heating washing process for a first set time and is performed through a non-heating washing process for a residual time, and, if the heating washing process is started, the rotation of a driving motor is weakly controlled until a washing water temperature reaches a primary target temperature, and is strongly controlled until the washing water temperature reaches a secondary target temperature after the washing water temperature reaches the primary target temperature, so that the washing water temperature is relatively gradually increased.

Abstract: A water reuse control method of a multiple-drum washing machine, having a first washing drum and a second washing drum. When the first drum reaches a drainage process, comparing a time for the second drum to reach a water supply process T12 to a time for the first drum to reach a next drainage process T11; if T12<T11, the first drum waits until water is supplied into the second drum; if T12?T11, water in the first drum is directly drained. Alternatively, when the first drum reaches the water supply process, comparing time for the second drum to reach the drainage process T22 to time for the first drum to reach a next water supply process T21; if T22?T21, clean water is directly supplied into the first drum; if T22<T21, the first drum waits until the second drum drains water.

Abstract: A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The driving apparatus for a washing machine according to the present invention includes a clutch housing including a washing shaft and a dewatering shaft penetrating the inside; an annular clutch holder installed in the lower part of the clutch housing; a clutch lever hinge-coupled to the clutch holder, including an upper rotation part and a coupler receiving part; a driving lever having a lever arm interlocking with the upper rotation part of the clutch lever; a clutch coupler laid on the upper part of the coupler receiving part performing up and down spline movement by the coupler receiving part; and a motor assembly coupled to the lower part of the clutch holder, including a stator assembly and a rotor assembly.

Abstract: A washing machine having a breathing lamp set and a method for controlling the same are provided. The breathing lamp set is disposed on an outer wall or inner wall of a housing of the washing machine and is composed of a plurality of breathing lamps. The washing machine further includes a controller, configured to change, according to work process changes of the washing machine, a quantity ratio of lighted breathing lamps to dimmed breathing lamps among the plurality of breathing lamps in the breathing lamp set. The method for controlling the washing machine having the breathing lamp set includes step S1: changing, by the controller, the quantity ratio of lighted breathing lamps to dimmed breathing lamps among the plurality of breathing lamps in the breathing lamp set, so as to discriminately display different work states of the washing machine.

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub disposed in the cabinet to provide a washing space, a drum rotatably disposed in the tub to receive laundry placed therein, a detergent pump for supplying detergent to the tub, and a detergent box removably mounted to the detergent pump and configured to contain the detergent. The detergent box includes a body for providing a space containing the detergent and a through-hole formed in a rear side of the body to allow the detergent to flow out therethrough. The body includes a lower surface including a first slanted surface, which is slanted downwards from a front side of the body toward the rear side of the body. The through-hole is located at the lowermost position of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling laundry treating apparatus including supplying power to a driving unit configured to rotate a drum, an input unit configured to input a control command and a communication unit configured to receive a remote control command transmitted from a remote control device, setting a remote control mode so as to operate the driving unit if the communication unit receives the remote control command, and executing a standby operation so as to cut off power supply to the driving unit and to maintain power supplied to the communication unit, when the remote control mode is set.

Abstract: A washing machine has a reservoir configured to hold materials to be washed, the reservoir positioned to receive water from a water source, a drain pipe connected to the reservoir, at least two cleaning agent dispensers, a controller connected to the cleaning agent dispensers, the controller arranged to control water flow into and out of the reservoir, and dispensing of agents from the cleaning agent dispenser, and at least one sensor arranged to sense contents of one of either the water or materials to be washed and communicate the contents to the controller, the controller to dispense cleaning agents based upon the contents. A method of dispensing cleaning agents includes receiving signals from at least one sensor, wherein the signals provide information about soil in a reservoir, using the information to select appropriate cleaning agents from a set of cleaning agents, and dispensing selected cleaning agents into the reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a washing machine, having a drum configured to accommodate laundry, a water supply unit configured to supply water into the drum, and a liquid additive supply device configured to supply a liquid additive into the drum, where the liquid additive supply device includes a reservoir tank configured to store the liquid additive, and a floater installed in the reservoir tank and configured to float upward by a buoyant force to determine a fill-level of the liquid additive. The floater has a slanted portion having a width narrowing toward a top thereof to reduce a resistance of the liquid additive when the floater floats upward by the buoyant force.

Abstract: A heat pump module for a laundry treatment device and the laundry treatment device are provided. The heat pump module includes a base plate, a top cover and a compressor. The base plate has a first side wall and a second side wall adjacent to the first side wall; the top cover defines a mounting chamber together with the base plate; the compressor is located in the mounting chamber; and an extension line of an axis of the compressor intersects with the first side wall and the second side wall separately. For the heat pump module according to the present invention, the extension line of the axis of the compressor intersects with the first side wall and the second side wall, which facilitates the layout of leads and pipes connected with the compressor and the arrangement of other components on the base plate, thereby improving utilization rate of installation space on the base plate and optimizing the layout scheme of the heat pump module.

Abstract: A laundry treatment device and a heat pump module thereof are provided. The laundry treatment device includes a cabinet, a tub component and a heat pump module. The cabinet defines a front side and a top side, an opening is formed at the front side. The tub component is disposed in the cabinet, and defines an open end opposite to the opening. The heat pump module is disposed at the top side of the cabinet in an overhead manner, and includes a compressor imbedded in the cabinet in a sunken manner.

Abstract: A washing machine comprises a first washing drum with a first heater and a second washing drum with a second heater. Before the first washing drum performs a heating procedure, it is necessary to determine whether the second washing drum is performing the heating procedure; if not, the first washing drum performs the heating procedure; if yes, it is necessary to determine whether the remaining heating time of the second washing drum is less than a set value, T min; if yes, the first washing drum pauses the heating procedure; when the second washing drum finishes performing the heating procedure, the first washing drum then performs the heating procedure; if not, remaining heating time of the first washing drum and that of the second washing drum are determined, whichever drum having the shorter remaining heating time performs the heating procedure first, while the other drum performs the heating procedure second.

Abstract: In a control method of a washing machine, a primary nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) of washing water is sensed before a washing course is started in a washing cycle, a second NTU is sensed based on the primary NTU, and a washing time, an amount of washing agent, and/or a number of times of rinsing are varied based on a difference value between the primary NTU and the secondary NTU, thereby improving washing performance and washing efficiency.

Abstract: A storage and drying container for storing and drying outerwear, sports clothing or equipment is provided. The unit comprises an enclosure having a back wall, a front wall, a top wall, and two side walls defining the internal storage portion of the container. The container may also include shelf members for supporting the outerwear, sports clothing or equipment. The shelf members may optionally include holes for allowing for air circulation throughout the container in order to facilitate the drying of the outerwear, sports clothing or equipment placed in the chamber. Further the design of the drying container is such that sports equipment may remain in a bag, such as a hockey bag, thereby allowing for easy storage and drying prior to the next use. The container may be provided with a heating element and drying fan to encourage airflow to facilitate drying and temperature uniformity throughout the container.

Abstract: A heat pump mounting box for a heat pump drier or washer-drier, and a heat pump drier or washer-drier having the same are provided. The heat pump mounting box includes a base provided with an air suction port, a two-device mounting chamber, a fan mounting chamber, and a fan air inlet for communicating the two-device mounting chamber and the fan mounting chamber; an air passage guide plate mounted to the base and defining, together with the base, an air guide passage that has a drying air inlet in communication with the air suction port and a drying air outlet in communication with the two-device mounting chamber; an air guide wall disposed in the two-device mounting chamber and opposite the drying air outlet; and a cover plate mounted over the base and at least covering the two-device mounting chamber. The heat pump mounting box according to the present invention has a high utilization rate of the drying air and a good drying performance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clothes dryer or washer-dryer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a clothes dryer or washer-dryer. The clothes dryer or washer-dryer includes: a cabinet; an inner drum rotatably disposed in the cabinet and having an air inlet and an air outlet; and a heat pump module disposed to an upper end of the cabinet and including: a casing connected with the cabinet and defining a heat exchange chamber therein, the heat exchange chamber having a heat exchange inlet and a heat exchange outlet; a condenser disposed in the heat exchange chamber; a compressor disposed to the casing; an evaporator disposed to the casing; a throttling device disposed to the casing and sequentially connected with the condenser, the compressor and the evaporator to form a heat pump circuit; and a fan assembly disposed to the casing and having an inlet communicating with the heat exchange outlet, and an outlet communicating with the air inlet.

Abstract: A heat pump drying or washing-drying machine is provided. The heat pump drying or washing-drying machine includes a heat pump module, and the heat pump module includes a soft-flock filtering mesh assembly having a first support frame and a second support frame which are used for mounting the soft-flock filtering mesh, and the second support frame is disposed to the first support frame, so that the soft-flock filtering mesh assembly is capable of being mounted and dismounted as a whole.

Abstract: A heat pump mounting box for a heat pump dryer or washer-dryer, and a heat pump dryer or washer-dryer having the same are provided. The heat pump mounting box includes a base provided with an air suction port and a two-device mounting chamber; an air passage guide plate mounted on the base and defining, together with the base, an air guide passage that has a drying air inlet in communication with the air suction port and a drying air outlet in communication with the two-device mounting chamber; and a flock filter mesh assembly drawably mounted on at least one of the base and the air passage guide plate and located at the drying air outlet. The heat pump mounting box according to the present invention has good connection tightness and is easy to clean, thereby being less likely to cause air quantity loss and flock accumulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a clothes dryer or washer-dryer including a cabinet; a drum body rotatably disposed in the cabinet, defining a containing chamber therein, and having an air inlet and an air outlet both communicating with the containing chamber; a heat pump system disposed to the cabinet to transport hot air into the containing chamber; and a fan assembly having a fan air channel that is in communication with the air inlet, located between the heat pump system and the air inlet in an airflow direction, and provided with a heating member therein to further heat air transported into the fan air channel, thus further heating the hot air in the fan air channel, raising a temperature of the hot air entering the containing chamber, shortening a period for drying clothes, bringing great convenience to user's life, and shortening a work time of the components like a compressor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat pump drying or washing-drying machine, including a cabinet; a fan assembly disposed in the cabinet and provided with a draining adapting port; a draining duct disposed in the cabinet and connected with the draining adapting port; and a base disposed to the cabinet, located above the fan assembly and provided with a water outlet, in which the water outlet is corresponding to the draining adapting port in terms of position and configured to be connected with the draining adapting port.

Abstract: A heat pump mounting box for a heat pump drier or washer-drier machine and a heat pump drier or washer-drier machine having the same are provided. The heat pump mounting box includes: a base provided with an air suction port, a two-device mounting chamber, a compressor mounting chamber, a cooling air supplement port for communicating the compressor mounting chamber with the outside, and a bypass orifice for communicating the two-device mounting chamber with the compressor mounting chamber; an air passage guide plate mounted to the base and defining, together with the base, an air guide passage that has a drying air inlet in communication with the air suction port and a drying air outlet in communication with the two-device mounting chamber; and a cover plate mounted over the base and at least covering the two-device mounting chamber.

Abstract: A heat pump module for a laundry treatment device and the laundry treatment device are provided. The heat pump module includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a casing and a cooling air passage. The casing has an accommodating chamber provided with a partition plate to divide the accommodating chamber into a first mounting chamber and a second mounting chamber, the compressor is disposed within the first mounting chamber, and the evaporator and the condenser are disposed within the second mounting chamber. The compressor has an air exhaust port and an air suction port; the condenser has a first end in communication with the air exhaust port; and the evaporator has a first end in communication with a second end of the condenser, and a second end in communication with the air suction port. The cooling air passage has an air outlet end in communication with the first mounting chamber, and an air inlet end in communication with the outside.

Abstract: A system for stretching, drying and pressing a garment includes a clothes-hanger and at least one stretching device. The stretching device includes a first rod connected to the clothes-hanger by a coupling-release and two pairs of arms. Each pair includes a first and second arm, each arm having a first end connected to the first rod at a respective anchoring position and a second end movable with respect to the first anchoring position, adapted to controllably move toward or away from the anchoring position. The stretching device includes a first stretcher having two garment stretching elements on opposite sides of the first rod. Each stretching element connects to the second ends of one of the pairs of arms, to move in a direction perpendicular to, toward, or away from the first rod, from movements of the second ends. A controller controls movement of the second ends of the arms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a laundry treating apparatus, if a user selects a uniform course, including performing a preheating operation of a heater to generate steam, performing a first cooling operation to operate a blower unit and a moving hanger after the preheating operation has been terminated, performing a steam operation to operate the blower unit and a steam unit and to circulate steam to a treating chamber after the first cooling operation has been terminated, performing a standby operation to operate the blower unit after the steam operation has been terminated, performing a second cooling operation to operate the blower unit after the standby operation has been terminated, and performing a drying operation to operate the blower unit and a heat pump unit and to provide heat to the treating chamber to dry the treating chamber after the second cooling operation has been terminated.

Abstract: The present application relates to steam iron (1). The steam iron (1) comprises a sole plate (3). The sole plate (3) has a steam channel (6) for the passage of steam, an ironing surface (10), vents (4) for the passage of steam between the steam channel (6) and the ironing surface (10), an aperture (9) extending between the steam channel (6) and the ironing surface (10), and a fragrance cartridge (7) being received in the aperture (9) such that it extends into the steam channel (6) to diffuse fragrance in the steam channel (6). The aperture (9) secures the fragrance cartridge (10) in the sole plate (3) such that fragrance cartridge (7) is flush with the ironing surface (10). The present invention also relates to a fragrance cartridge (7) and to a method of imparting a fragrance to steam produced by a steam iron (1).

Abstract: Processes for cutting carpet tiles that when abutted, have a seamless appearance. The processes cut an extended length of carpet into individual tiles through the backing of the carpet, thus not disturbing the pile of the carpet, resulting in reduced visibility of the seam between abutting carpet tiles. The processes include cutting the carpet crosswise, through the backing, to form strips, and then cutting the strips, through the backing, to form tiles.

Abstract: Provided is a fiber material for cement reinforcement, configured such that a resin A containing an isocyanate compound as a constituent component is present inside a fiber bundled body, and a resin B containing an epoxy resin as a constituent component is present on a surface of the fiber bundled body. Further, it is preferable that the resin A contains a polyol or an epoxy compound as a constituent component in addition to the isocyanate compound, the resin B contains an acrylic-modified epoxy resin or a bisphenol-A epoxy resin as a main component, the fiber bundled body has a tensile strength of 7 cN/dtex or more, and the fiber bundled body includes 50 to 3,000 single fibers. The invention is also addressed to a concrete or mortar molded article using the above fiber material for reinforcement.

Abstract: A process for coating a fabric web on upper and lower sides in one pass containing unwinding a fabric web, coating the upper side of the fabric web with a upper coating composition using a first coater, coating the lower side of the fabric web with a lower coating composition using a second coater, drying the coated fabric web in a horizontal dryer, and winding up the coated fabric web. The upper and lower coatings are each in an add-on amount of between about 10 and 75 GSM. The second coater comprises an entry edge and a beveled exit edge, where the entry edge is located closer to the first coater than the beveled exit edge, the entry edge of the second coater is in contact with the lower side of the fabric web, and the beveled exit edge of the second coater is not in contact with the web.

Abstract: Provided is an enzymatic treatment on polyester/cellulose blend textile by contacting the textile with a cutinase and preferable with cellulose as well.

Abstract: Provided is a fabric having a novel design in which an uneven-surface design is partially formed by embossing. A polyurethane resin is applied to the surface of the fabric having, on the surface, a low fineness portion and a high fineness portion having a higher single fiber fineness than that of the low fineness portion, the fabric is dried; and embossing is performed on the surface of the fabric. By performing the embossing, while an uneven-surface design is not imparted to the high fineness portion by the embossing and a non-uneven-surface design portion 3 is formed, the uneven-surface design is imparted to the low fineness portion by the embossing and an uneven-surface design portion 2 is formed.

Abstract: Provided is a fabric to which an uneven-surface design which is fine and has flexibility and wear resistance is imparted. The fabric has a polyurethane resin applied portion on at least a portion of a surface side of the fabric, and an uneven-surface design shaped on the polyurethane resin applied portion. The polyurethane resin applied portion is a region in which a polyurethane resin which is applied is present, and the polyurethane resin permeates between the fibers at least in a surface portion of the fabric such that a surface of the fabric is formed by the polyurethane resin and the fibers. In the polyurethane resin applied portion, an application depth of the polyurethane resin is 50 to 200 ?m, a filling ratio of the polyurethane resin is 15% to 45%, and a filling ratio of the fibers of the fabric is 50% to 80%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a cellulosic pulp process for producing a pulp product having a desired pulp property is disclosed. The method involves illuminating an in-process portion of pulp using a first wavelength of light, and receiving a scattered light spectrum from the illuminated portion of pulp, the scattered light spectrum including spectral components that have been shifted in wavelength through interaction with a constituent of the illuminated portion of pulp. The method also involves filtering the scattered light spectrum to separate the spectral components, and identifying spectral features in the filtered scattered light spectrum that correspond to the pulp property. The method further involves generating a control signal for controlling the pulp process based on variations in the identified spectral features to cause the pulp property to fall within a desired range.

Abstract: A blade for creping a paper web from a Yankee cylinder surface is made of a steel substrate having a thickness of 0.7 mm-2 mm. The steel substrate is covered by a cermet coating that forms a working edge adapted for contact with the surface and a web impact area upon which the web impacts during creping. The cermet coating includes chromium carbides and tungsten carbides in a nickel based metal matrix. The cermet coating has a porosity of <2 volume % and a hardness of >1100 HV0.3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for the production of a coated substrate comprising cellulosic fibres, the process comprising the steps of: i) providing a first substrate comprising cellulosic fibres and having a dry content of less than 50%; ii) applying a coating composition to the first substrate in an amount of more than 5 g/m2, calculated as dry weight of the coating composition, wherein the coating composition comprises: microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), and optionally a water retention agent selected from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), anionic polyacrylamide (A-PAM), sodium polyacrylates, polyacrylic acid derivatives, guar gum, alginate, MFC prepared from carboxymethylated fibers, MFC prepared from oxidized fibers, MFC prepared by CMC-functionalised fibers, and/or combinations thereof; and iii) mechanically dewatering the first substrate. The present process provides an energy efficient coating process which can be performed online.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a fluff pulp sheet, comprising contacting at least one cationic trivalent metal, salt thereof, or combination thereof with a composition comprising fluff pulp fibers and water at a first pH, to form a fluff pulp mixture; forming a web from the fluff pulp mixture; and applying at least one debonder surfactant to the web and raising the pH to a second pH, which is higher than the first pH, to make the fluff pulp sheet. A fluff pulp sheet is also provided, comprising a web comprising fluff pulp fibers; at least one cationic trivalent metal, salt thereof, or combination thereof; at least one debonder surfactant; and a fiberization energy of <145 kJ/kg. Products and uses of the fluff pulp sheet are also provided.

Abstract: An on-line control and reaction process for pH adjustment and a control device for automatically adjusting pH value are provided. The process includes mixing a first enhancer and a second enhancer, optionally after diluting the first enhancer and/or the second enhancer with water, to form a mixture, setting a base pH value (?1) and a target pH value (?2), and adding pH adjuster into the mixture via a pH control unit and mixing to obtain a product with the target pH value. The pH control unit adjusts the adding of the pH adjuster by measuring or inputting certain parameters.

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: A system which creates a durable seal between adjacent horizontal panels, including those that may be curved or subject to temperature expansion and contraction or mechanical shear. The durable seal system incorporates plurality of ribs, a flexible member between the cover plate and the ribs and may incorporate a load transfer plate to provide support to the rib from below, and/or cores of differing compressibilities.

Abstract: A self-heating surface, system and method for use in a transportation network are described. The heated surface does not require electricity to generate heat as a heating source. The self-heating surface preferably forms one or more portions or sections of a transportation network, including pedestrian walkways, roads, railways, or airport runways. The self-heating surface comprises an inner heating member which is fully encapsulated by an outer shell material. The self-heating surface is designed to prevent or minimize accumulation of snow or ice upon the surface by providing a heated surface capable of melting any snow or ice falling on, resting on, or forming thereupon.