Abstract: The present technology is directed to devices and methods for dyeing a fiber, including pretreatment of the fiber before contacting it with a dye. The present technology is also directed to methods of improving the dyeability of a fiber, as well as increasing the efficiency of the dyeing process and minimizing waste and loss of dye.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, novel systems, methods and equipment for conveying and/or cooling treated biomass are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a web of fibrous material includes a roll having incisions with a depth of 0.01-2.00 mm, a width of 0.01-2.00 mm, and a pitch 0.01-10.00 mm, and rotated at a peripheral velocity v1 equal to the velocity of an upstream apparatus unit; a belt stretched between transmission rollers that advances at a velocity v2 less than v1, wherein v1/v2 lies between 1.05 and 1.40; a presser roller rotating at a peripheral velocity v2, associated with a presser system acting to press the belt against the metal roll with a pressure of 1-200 kg per centimeter; and a system that feeds a sheet of pliable fibrous material between the belt and the roll, the belt having a longitudinal elongation of no more than 5%, dimensional stability along its entire length, a thickness of 1-10 cm, and a hardness 24-70° Shore A.

Abstract: Railway comprising sleepers and rails supported thereby, wherein each sleeper has a holding piece anchored in or to the sleeper, and a clip or spring is connected to the holding piece and simultaneously presses on the rail to provide a downward holding force to the rail and maintain it on the sleeper. The holding piece and the clip or spring are supplemented with a mounting body and a mounting piece, which mounting body is placed over or adjacent to said holding piece, and which mounting body is arranged to cooperate with said mounting piece.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rail vehicle having a track stabilization unit for use in stabilizing rails into ballast. The rail vehicle comprises a frame and a track stabilization unit coupled to the frame. The track stabilization unit includes a base and a plurality of wheels disposed about the base. The wheels are configured to bias against rails of a railroad track. At least one of the wheels is coupled to a motor through a drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft drives rotation of the wheel. Related methods are described.

Abstract: A tool for removing rail clips of the kind which are applied transversely to the rail, which includes a pair of levers connected at a pivot point and being adapted to move toward or away from each other. Each lever has at its lower end, a rail clip engagement face which engage opposed sides of a rail clip seating transversely on the rail base. Each clip engagement face includes a clamp plate adapted to abut one side of the toes of the rail clip, an engagement pin adapted to engage one side of the rear portion of said rail clip, and a reaction pivot rear edge adapted to pivot about a point behind said rail clip. This arrangement allows the tool to be opened by moving the levers away from each other, placing the engagement faces on either side of the clip and then bringing the levers together so that the clamp plates compress the toes of the clip together so that the clip can be removed rearwardly from the rail clip support shoulder.

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 paving system for paving or flooring includes a top layer of a plurality of paving elements, and an underlayment support layer of a polymeric material configured into panels. The panels are suitable to support the paving elements, the panels having a generally planar support surface.

Abstract: A bearing pad for receiving and retaining the substantially vertically oriented structural members of a module for use in constructing a pathway and supporting the pathway module on a ground surface can include a main body member having a lower ground engaging surface and a first slot defined by a first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member. The first slot can be planar and disposed transversely to the lower ground engaging surface of the main body member. The vertically oriented structural member that can be received and retained in the first slot by the first cross support member engaging portion of the main body member.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an asphalt binder composition to a roadway during construction or repair of an asphalt pavement which apparatus include: a mobile vehicle having a chassis extending in a longitudinal direction which longitudinal direction is aligned with a forward/rearward direction of travel of said mobile vehicle; at least one storage tank supported on the chassis containing an asphalt binder composition; and at least one spray nozzle configured to dispense the asphalt binder composition from the at least one storage tank in a longitudinal strip or band having a width that is no greater that a width of the asphalt binder composition dispensed by one of the at least one spray nozzle. The at least one spray nozzle can include a plurality of spray nozzles that are coupled to a common spray bar. According to one embodiment the asphalt binder composition is a void reducing asphalt membrane composition that is provided between adjacent asphalt pavement passes.

Abstract: A machine includes a material working mechanism movable relative to a frame to vary working depth of the material working mechanism. A control system monitors certain parameters, and controls a liquid dispensing mechanism to control application of a liquid such as water or an emulsion to be applied to material being worked by the material working mechanism based upon the parameters. The control system functions to produce a desired proportion of the liquid such as a liquid percent density in worked material.

Abstract: A fluid housing for a spray gun includes a main body with a first inlet for connection to a source of pressurized air, a second inlet for connection to a source of a first polyurethane foam component, and a third inlet for connection to a source of a second polyurethane foam component. The main body also includes a valve block having a center gear, a first valve gear coupled to and driven by the center gear, a second valve gear coupled to and driven by the center gear, and a third valve gear coupled to and driven by the center gear.

Abstract: A method of producing a precast concrete bridge and headwall assembly including casting a reinforced concrete bridge unit having a top wall connecting opposite side walls; positioning the bridge unit with a first side supported by a horizontal casting surface, wherein the top wall is positioned adjacent a framing unit for the headwall; forming a precast concrete headwall on the casting surface adjacent the top wall with a series of earth anchors at laterally spaced intervals along the top wall between the side walls, each earth anchor formed with: a) a body member extending outward from the headwall to the top wall; and b) a foot member extending laterally outward from the body member engaged on the top wall and including an upper surface generally parallel to the top wall; and removing the headwall and earth anchors as a unit from the bridge unit.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for securing an offshore platform to a bottom of a body of water comprising a shear assembly and a sleeve assembly. The shear assembly is operable to secure to the offshore platform at a first end and having a first connector portion at a second end. The sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve body forming an interior opening, the interior opening operable to receive at least a pile. The sleeve assembly further comprises a second connector portion secured to the sleeve body, the second connector portion securable to and un-securable from the first connector portion of the shear assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a temporary wellbore sealant, comprising water, a gelling agent; and a filler, wherein: the filler has a lower specific gravity than the water of the sealant; and the sealant has a lower specific heat than the water of the sealant and a method of temporarily sealing a liquid filled wellbore therewith.

Abstract: An adaptor for quickly, easily, and safely attaching and removing compatible tools from the end of a boom of an excavating machine.

Abstract: The single cylinder hydraulic coupler includes a hydraulic cylinder system, a first pivot linkage system, a second pivot linkage system, a first spring system, a second spring system, a first locking pin system, and a second locking pin system. The single cylinder hydraulic coupler couples an attachment to a machine with increased efficiency and reliability over conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an excavator arm having a rotation device. The excavator arm is connected to a boom of an excavator to be operated by a cylinder, connected with a bucket for excavation at the lower end through a quick coupler, and connected with a bucket cylinder for operating the bucket over the arm. The arm is divided into an upper arm and a lower arm and a rotation device that selectively rotates the lower arm at predetermined angles over 360° in both directions is fixed between the upper arm and the lower arm.

Abstract: A sectional grader system for a mold board that includes a plurality of abutting grader segments for detachable connection to the mold board. Each grader segment includes a front face, a back face, a first bolt hole aperture, a right edge having a first recessed section, a left edge having a second recessed section, and a lower edge having a plurality of spaced sockets. The first recessed section may be adapted to accommodate a first portion of a second bolt hole aperture. The second recessed section of an adjacent grader segment may be adapted to accommodate a second portion of the second bolt hole aperture. The sectional grader system may further include a bridge segment adapted to engage the first recessed section and the second recessed section of the adjacent grader segment in flush mount.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first blade mountable to the machine and configured to engage a ground surface below the machine, and at least a first actuator configured to move the first blade. The control system may also have a second blade mountable to the machine and configured to engage the ground surface below the machine, and at least a second actuator configured to move the second blade. The control system may additionally have a controller in communication with the at least a second actuator. The controller may be configured to determine a first position of the first blade, and to automatically cause the at least a second actuator to move the second blade to a second position based on the first position of the first blade.

Abstract: A controller is configured to acquire current terrain information indicating the current terrain in the travel direction of a work vehicle. the controller is configured to generate an inclined virtual surface extending form the current position of the work vehicle. The controller is configured to decide the soil volume of the current terrain located above the virtual surface. The controller is configured to set the virtual surface in which the soil volume of the current terrain becomes a predetermined target soil volume to be a virtual design surface. The controller is configured to generate a command signal to a work implement of the work vehicle to move the work implement along the virtual design surface.

Abstract: A terrain information acquisition device acquires terrain information about a work site. A controller is configured to decide an inclination angle of the current terrain along a travel direction of the work vehicle from the terrain information. The controller is configured to decide a virtual design surface that is inclined at an inclination angle smaller than the inclination angle of the current terrain. The controller is configured to generate a command signal to a work implement of the work vehicle to move the work implement along the inclined virtual design surface.

Abstract: A current terrain acquisition device acquires current terrain information indicating the current terrain to be worked. A controller is configured to decide a virtual design surface that is located below the current terrain and has an inclination angle. The controller is configured to generate a command signal to the work implement of the work vehicle to move the work implement along the virtual design surface. The controller is configured to update the current terrain information with the current terrain acquisition device as the movement proceeds, and change the inclination angle with the updated current terrain information.

Abstract: A current terrain acquisition device acquires current terrain information indicating a current terrain to be worked. A controller is configured to generate an inclined virtual surface extending from a current position of the work vehicle. The controller is configured to decide an estimated held soil volume of a work implement of the work vehicle when the work implement is moved along the virtual surface in the current terrain. The controller is configured to decide whether the estimated held soil volume has reached a predetermined held soil volume threshold. The controller is configured to set the virtual surface extending from the current position of the work vehicle when the estimated held soil volume has reached the held soil volume threshold as a first virtual design surface, and generate a command signal to the work implement to move the work implement along the virtual design surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus (10) and method for entrenching a flexible elongate member (18) in the ground (11). The apparatus comprises a downwardly extending blade (12) having a forward facing edge for parting the ground, the apparatus thereby forming a trench in the ground as the apparatus is moved forwards. It also comprises an aggregate dispenser (14) having an opening (15) located rearwardly of the blade, the apparatus thereby filling the trench with aggregate as the apparatus moves forward. A guide (16, 22) for the flexible elongate member (18) extends through the apparatus such that the member exits the apparatus rearwardly at or near a lower end of the blade. The apparatus thereby embeds the member in the aggregate in the trench as the apparatus is moved forwards along the ground in use.

Abstract: A frame assembly for a machine includes a main frame and a crossmember. The main frame includes first pair of rails and a second pair of rails laterally spaced from the first pair of rails. Each of the first pair of rails and the second pair of rails includes a first rail and a second rail vertically spaced from the first rail. The crossmember includes a first flange connected to both the first rail and second rail of the first pair of rails. The crossmember further includes a second flange connected to both the first rail and the second rail of the second pair of rails.

Abstract: An operator's cab arrangement for a construction machine (100) is proposed which comprises side wall elements, a front wall element, a rear wall element and a roof element (4). At least one of said side wall elements is closable by a door element (1) which is pivotably mounted to said arrangement with a pivot axis being substantially vertical with respect to said construction machine (100). Said door element (1) is inclined towards a central axis of said construction machine when closed.

Abstract: To provide a construction machine including a novel preheating unit that can efficiently preheat entire circulation channel where fluid flows, and a preheating method of the construction machine. A bypass channel is arranged in a circulation channel through which the fluid is circulated, this bypass channel is provided with the preheating unit that is formed of a heater and a bypass pump. According to such configuration, even in a state circulation of the fluid may stop in the circulation channel, the fluid can be heated while the fluid is circulated through the bypass channel, and therefore the entire circulation channel can be efficiently preheated. Moreover, since retrofitting to the existing circulation channel is possible, sound versatility can be exerted.

Abstract: A hollow first accommodating case (28) is provided on a front part of a revolving frame (5) at a position on a front side of a fuel tank (23), and a fuel supply pump (34) for supplying a fuel stored in an external fuel storage source to the fuel tank (23) is provided on the fuel tank (23) by being connected. A fuel suction port (35) for sucking the fuel toward the fuel supply pump (34) is provided in the first accommodating case (28) by being opened to an outside, and a urea water tank (25) is provided by being accommodated in the first accommodating case (28). A water supply port (25G) of a urea water is provided in the urea water tank (25) by being opened to the outside, and the fuel suction port (35) and the water supply port (25G) of the urea water are juxtaposed and arranged in the first accommodating case (28).

Abstract: A leak prevention apparatus for an operator cabin of a construction equipment is provided which, in the case of the construction equipment being washed, or rainfall during the running of the construction equipment, can prevent water from leaking into the operator cabin includes a leakage prevention apparatus for an operator cabin of a construction equipment including a first plate which is fixed to the frame of an operator cabin of a construction equipment, a second plate which is connected to the first plate and diverges from the first plate in the opposite direction to a lower glass of the operator cabin, and a damper which is mounted on the second plate and is formed displaceably toward the lower glass of the cabin so as to control the pressure which presses the lower glass.

Abstract: Provided is a grip heater apparatus for a construction machine that can improve operability by heating the grip portions of left and right operating levers and maintaining a favorable operating environment for the left and right operating levers when work is carried out in a cold region and the operator's hands get cold. The grip heater apparatus includes: left and right grip heaters 31 and 32 provided in grip portions of left and right operation levers 26 and 28, respectively; a battery supplying electric power to the left and right grip heaters; a heater switch 34 for instructing the left and right grip heaters to be turned on or off; and a control device supplying the electric power from the battery to the left and right grip heaters only when the engine is running, the gate lock lever 27 is at a getting-on/off prevention position, and the heater switch instructs the left and right grip heaters to be turned on.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a multi-axis rotary actuator that includes a first rotary piston actuator configured to controllably actuate a first pivotal joint between a first linkage to a second linkage about a first axis, and a second rotary piston actuator configured to controllably actuate a second pivotal joint connecting the second linkage to a third linkage about a second axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic drive system capable of improving the fuel efficiency of a work machine by reducing the pressure loss and drag loss of a hydraulic pump. There are provided an electric motor M; a third pump P3 driven by the electric motor; a third pump hydraulic line L3 to which the delivered hydraulic fluid from the third pump is supplied; a third directional control valve V4 provided in the third pump hydraulic line, switch-operated by an arm operation device 19, and controlling the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the arm cylinder 8 from the third hydraulic pump; and a controller 18 drive-controlling the electric motor, wherein the controller drives the third pump by the electric motor when a swing/arm combined operation is detected by pilot pressure sensors S6, S7, S10, S11.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a fluid actuator including a housing defining a first chamber having a first cavity and a first open end, a first piston assembly including a tubular first piston defining a second chamber having a second cavity and a second open end, disposed in said first housing for reciprocal movement in the first chamber through the first open end, wherein a first seal, the first cavity, and the first piston define a first pressure chamber, and a second piston assembly having an second piston disposed in said first piston assembly for reciprocal movement in the second chamber through the second open end, wherein a second seal, the second cavity, and the second piston define a second pressure chamber, and a first portion of the second piston contacts a first end effector.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and alerting of a working equipment proximity to a utility system. The invention provides a device on the working equipment with sensors and GPS location capabilities to determine location and/or movement event data of the equipment. The invention further includes the establishment of an imaginary buffer boundary established around the utility components to use in combination with the event data to provide a reference for alerts to be triggered. Alerts are automatically provided by the system and method at the working equipment and/or a remote operator dashboard.

Abstract: A current terrain acquisition device acquires current terrain information. The current terrain information indicates the current terrain to be worked, and includes the height of the current terrain at a plurality of points. A controller is configured to decide the smoothed height for each of the plurality of points. The controller is configured to decide a smoothed current terrain that includes the smoothed height of the plurality of points. The controller is configured to decide a virtual design surface on the basis of the smoothed current terrain. The controller is configured to generate a command signal to a work implement of the work vehicle to move the work implement along the virtual design surface.

Abstract: A method for monitoring wear of a ground-engaging tool associated with a machine in relation to productivity of the machine is disclosed. The ground-engaging tool defines an inner cavity and a first wall. The method includes receiving a first characteristic signal associated with the first wall from a first sensor, the first sensor operatively associated with the first wall. The method further includes receiving one or more productivity metrics associated with the machine from a performance monitoring system, the performance monitoring system operatively associated with the machine. The method further includes determining a first dimension of the ground-engaging tool based on the first characteristic signal, determining a first wear metric of the ground-engaging tool based on the first dimension, and correlating the first wear metric and the one or more productivity metrics.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for controlling a flow of water through a faucet includes a shank and a head. The shank is configured to pass through an aperture in a wall and terminates at a flange at a first end of the shank. The head is configured to be coupled to the shank. The head includes a base, a top portion, and circuitry. The base has a first side configured to be supported by a first side of the wall and a second side configured to interface with a first side of the flange. The base includes an opening configured to receive the flange and a hole configured to receive a portion of the shank. The circuitry is configured to be positioned between the cover and a second side of the flange opposite the first side of the flange. The circuitry interfaces with the second side of the flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jet regulator (2) has a jet regulator housing with at least two housing parts (5, 6) which are rotatable relative to one another and of which an inflow-side first housing part (5) is mountable in a rotationally fixed manner on the water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting and of which an outflow-side second housing part (6), at least at its outflow-side housing outer circumference, is configured as a handle or is connected to a handle, wherein the first housing part (5) has a jet splitter (7) having a plurality of splitter openings (8), wherein spaced-apart jet ducts (9) are provided on the housing inner circumference of the second housing part (6), and wherein the individual jets coming from the splitter openings (8) are guided through the jet ducts (9) and formed into an annularly circumferential outlet jet pattern in a first rotary position of the housing parts (5, 6), and are deflected in the housing interior of the jet regulator (2) to a central outlet opening (10) in t

Abstract: A sanitary fixture is provided having an upstream end and a downstream end, the sanitary fixture includes a mounting housing having a thread which is matingly engagable with a thread provided on a water outlet of a sanitary outlet fitting. The mounting housing has a downstream housing end side with flow-through holes. At least one insertion part can be inserted into the mounting housing as far as an insertion stop. The fixture includes an aerated jet regulator which is configured such that a circumferential wall of the mounting housing includes at least one aeration duct at least in a subregion of at least a double-walled configuration. The at least one aeration duct, which is arranged towards the downstream housing end side, opens out in at least one aeration opening leading into a housing interior of the mounting housing.

Abstract: A blockage prevention device is releasably supported within a vent pipe of a plumbing system having an open top end which is externally vented through the roof of a building. The device has a hollow venting tube with an outer diameter which is less than an inner diameter of the vent pipe and a suspension element fixed to the venting tube having an overall width which is greater than the inner diameter of the vent pipe to suspend the venting tube within the vent pipe. The suspension element is spaced above the bottom end of the venting tube for engaging the top end of the vent pipe such that i) the bottom end of the venting tube is suspended within the vent pipe in open communication with the vent pipe, and ii) the top end of the venting tube communicates externally of the vent pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for disposal of liquid and food into a sink basin. The disclosed system cooperates with and delivers the received waste material to the main waste system on-board the vehicle. This is typically an aircraft waste tank. The system does not require a manual flush, but includes a sensor system that activates drainage of the holding line when the liquid and/or other waste material reaches a certain level therein. The disclosed system combines the functionalities of a common galley sink and a galley waste disposal unit, but occupies only the space envelope of an existing galley sink. The use of an existing galley sink means that no additional space on the countertop is required.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a receptacle suitable for control, data collection, and remote management. An exemplary receptacle may include a basin for receiving at least one viscous element; at least one sensor physically associated with the basin; and at least one actuator responsive to the at least one sensor, wherein actuation of the actuator outputs the viscous element to the basin. The receptacle may further include a controller at least partially physically proximate to the basin and capable of controlling the actuation of the at least one actuator; and a control system communicative with the local controller over at least open data path, wherein the control system imposes a plurality of rules to the controller.

Abstract: An arch-shaped corrugated chamber having corrugation peaks and valleys, with reinforcing ribs provided on the corrugation peaks. The ribs extend upwardly from a chamber base to a rib upper end, and have an arch-shaped cross-section with an outer surface extending outwardly from a corrugation peak and a fin extending inwardly from the corrugation peak, and optionally, a rib line provided on the rib outer surface on the rib arch-shaped cross-section. A channel formed by the inner surface of the rib is sized to receive a corresponding rib of a second chamber so that multiple similar chambers with ribs may be stacked together.

Abstract: A linear drain system that is configurable and adaptable on-site. The system includes an outlet section that is coupleable to a drain line of an existing plumbing system. The outlet section includes a pair of engagement flanges to which elongate channels are coupleable. The channels are easily cut to desired lengths on-site using hand tools or common power tools. Endcaps are coupled to terminal ends of the channels to form a trough. A strainer or a tile-ready strainer is provided for insertion into the trough. The strainer/tile-ready strainer are easily cut to length on-site as needed. A construction cover is provided that is disposable into the trough alone or overlying the strainer/tile-ready strainer to resist entrance of debris into the trough. The outlet section and channels include a longitudinal V-shaped canal.

Abstract: Device in the form of a combined non-return valve and rat killer for internal fitting in a sewer pipe comprising a valve (2), which can swing between an open and a closed position, the valve (2) being able to serve as a seal against possible back-flow (B) and also as a rat killer. The valve (2) is fitted with a projection (2a) on its inner side near its lower end and when swinging down, the blow-impact of the valve with the rat (12) can kill it. The valve (2) is operated by an actuator (7), preferably in the form of a voice-coil linear motor, which is controlled by sensors in the sewer pipe. Due to a continuous flow (A) through the sewer pipe, the device will remain clean and thus functional.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for drain cleaning using high voltage, high frequency AC electrical power supplied through a video push-cable are disclosed. In one embodiment, a drain cleaning system may include a cable for carrying electrical control and/or data signals as well as alternating current (AC) power at a high voltage and high frequency relative to AC mains frequencies.

Abstract: A hanger for connecting a structural component to a wall having sheathing mounted thereon after the hanger is connected to the wall. The hanger includes a channel-shaped portion configured to receive a structural component. An extension portion extends from the channel-shaped portion and is configured to extend through the sheathing. A connection portion extends from the extension portion and is configured for attachment to the wall. The connection portion includes connector flanges configured to attach to a stud of the wall. The extension portion minimally disrupts the continuity of the sheathing to maintain the fire resistive rating of the sheathing.

Abstract: An expansion joint design for supporting transfer loads. The system includes an elongated core and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member which are bonded together.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for improving the water management of exterior walls clad with panel siding. The present invention improves on prior art wall designs by directing water on the exterior surface of a building away from areas which are vulnerable to water penetration, such as joints between panels, joints between trim components, and locations where fasteners are driven from the exterior. The water management system generally comprises a vertical batten assembly, and in certain embodiments a horizontal joint cover. The water management system is designed to be installed on an outer surface of the exterior wall panels. Thus, the system may be installed without removing and replacing existing siding or covering panels with an entirely new layer of siding. The present invention may also be used on new panel siding installations as a lower cost alternative to other siding systems.