Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating starch in pulp, paper and board making processes, in which processes recycled fibre material is used as raw material wherein the recycled fibre material is pulped in a pulper and obtaining a pulp flow comprising an aqueous phase and at least recycled fibres and starch dispersed in the aqueous phase. The method comprising the following steps: —adding amylase enzyme inhibitor and/or at least one biocide to pulp flow or to an aqueous process flow comprising starch for preventing starch degradation, and—adding an amphoteric polymer obtained by copolymerisation of (meth)acrylamide with cationic and anionic monomers to pulp flow or to an aqueous process flow comprising starch for binding starch to the fibres.

Abstract: The method disclosed relates to production of regenerated fiber from cellulose-containing plant species, in the textile sector. In particular, the method relates to obtaining water-soluble regenerated cellulose fiber using high or low purity cellulose raw material isolated from the wild plant species of Calluna Vulgaris.

Abstract: A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.

Abstract: The spent liquor (SL) of a thermomechanical pulping (TMP) process introduces a high load to the wastewater system of this process. To reduce this load, fly ash from a biomass boiler is used and the application of fly ash improves the performance of biological process. Three different alternatives are introduced to apply fly ash to treat spent liquor.

Abstract: The problem of runaway smelt explosions due to a sudden influx of smelt into a dissolving tank is mitigated by a system comprising an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit ultrasonic waves toward the dissolving tank at a frequency above 20 kilohertz. A system comprising the ultrasonic transducer may further comprise sensors and a data processor configured to regulate the properties of the ultrasonic waves in response to process conditions affecting the smelt flow.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vacuum dewatering apparatus comprising a vacuum box disposed opposite of a steam box where the steam box comprises a bottom plate having a substantially linear portion and a curvilinear portion. A plurality of apertures are disposed along at least a portion of the curvilinear portion to permit the transmission of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the curvilinear portion is adjacent to the trailing edge and the linear portion is adjacent to the leading edge of the apertured bottom plate. Further, at least a portion of the apertures are aligned opposite the vacuum box which acts to remove the steam. The vacuum dewatering apparatus of the present invention enables the use of high levels of steam improving vacuum dewatering and improving drying efficiency.

Abstract: A press jacket includes at least one polymer layer. The polymer layer includes, or has been produced from, a polyurethane. The polyurethane has been formed from a prepolymer and a cross linking agent. The prepolymer is a reaction product of phenylene 1,4-diisocyanate and a polyol. The cross linking agent includes the following components: a first component including 1,4-butanediol or 1,4-hydroquinone bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ether (HQEE), a second component including at least one aliphatic diamine, and a third component including at least one alkanolamine. A press roll, a shoe press and a process for the production of a press jacket are also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for the drying of permeable and semi-permeable webs such as paper products in a physical environment with limited space while providing for higher flow rates. The devices and methods of the present invention are for use with rotating, foraminous shelled roll dryers and are implemented by redesigning the aspects of the devices and methods associated with exhausting spent drying gas.

Abstract: A Yankee dryer cylinder comprising a fixed hollow shaft provided with an inlet mouth through which a flow of hot air is fed into the cavity, and an outlet mouth through which the flow of hot air exits the dryer cylinder. The Yankee dryer cylinder provides, furthermore, a cylindrical shell having an internal surface and rotatably mounted about the fixed hollow shaft. Into the cavity a partition wall is provided which divides the fixed hollow shaft in a feeding portion and in a discharging portion.

Abstract: A method of producing a paper product by forming a paper web on a paper machine, the web including a plurality of sections, analyzing the web, marking the web, winding the web to form a parent roll after the web has been inspected and marked, assigning an action score to each section of the web, at least one action score having an action value, unwinding a web from a parent roll, reading at least one of a plurality of marks with a mark reading unit, obtaining the action score associated with a second one of the marks, calculating a distance between a mark read by the reading unit and the second one of the marks, changing at least one operational parameter of a converting line based upon the action score of the second of the marks when the distance is less than a threshold, and converting the paper web.

Abstract: A method is provided for decision support in regulating an adhesive coating applied to Yankee dryers. Online sensors are configured to continuously measure stock characteristics, and additional sensors provide actual stock flow rate and machine speed. A controller predicts potential natural coating application from a fibrous sheet generated from the stock to the Yankee dryer surface, substantially in real time, based on the measured characteristics and sensed actual machine values. An output signal may be provided to a display unit, wherein an optimal adhesive coating feed rate may be determined and displayed for operator decision support. The controller may in an automatic mode be configured to regulate the adhesive coating feed rate based on a comparison of one or more determined optimal values associated with respective actual values. The method may include identifying fiber source changes in real time, and predicting a natural coating potential based partly on predetermined correlations.

Abstract: A method for producing an anionically-modified cellulose nanofiber dispersion, the method comprising: preparing a dispersion containing anionically-modified cellulose; and defibrating the cellulose in the dispersion, wherein at least a part of hydroxyl groups in pyranose rings in the anionically-modified cellulose is modified by oxidation or substitution, and an electrical conductivity of the anionically-modified cellulose aqueous dispersion that is subjected to defibration is 500 ?S/cm or lower at a concentration of 1.0 wt %. The dispersion has high transparency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for improving dewatering when manufacturing a film comprising high amounts of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) without negatively impacting the film properties. According to the present invention a high amount of nanoparticles is used as an additive, optionally together with a polymer.

Abstract: Method of making a substrate comprising cellulosic fibres such as paper comprising at least steps (a) and (b): (a) providing an aqueous suspension comprising cellulosic fibres; (b) adding to the suspension provided in step (a) an acrylate copolymer containing carboxyl groups or a salt thereof and ester groups; wherein the acrylate copolymer is the polymerization product of monomers at least selected from an acrylic acid ester of general formula I CH2?CR1—CO2R2 and an acrylic acid of general formula II CH2?CR3—COOH or a salt thereof, wherein R1 and R3 are independently selected from H, CH3, or C2H5; and R2 is a C1-10 alkyl group.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the production of a composite comprising microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and precipitated calcium carbonate. The method is characterized in that MFC is added to a suspension of calcium hydroxide during carbonation, whereby calcium carbonate is precipitated onto fibers or fibrils of the MFC in a controlled manner. By adding microfibrillated cellulose to the calcium suspension during the carbonation, the brightness and the strength of the MFC/PCC-composite is enhanced. Moreover, the inventive method facilitates the distribution of calcium dioxide and MFC in the suspension and thus gives rise to a more homogenous product.

Abstract: Embossed tissue products having improved strength and softness are disclosed. The products as described have a continuous curvilinear emboss element which carries discrete emboss elements, thereby providing the product with the softness and handfeel benefits associated with the long linear elements, but the visual appearance of discrete emboss elements.

Abstract: A module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic comprises a base member that defines a lateral groove disposed at its perimeter edge and extending along a first end, and a tongue structure disposed at its perimeter edge and extending along a second end. The tongue structure is received in the lateral groove and comprises a plurality of tongue portions that includes a first type of tongue portion and a second type of tongue portion disposed in alternating relation along the length of the tongue structure, to thereby define a throughpassage for receiving a securing rod. The first and second tongue portions have no vertical overlap one with the other. To form a pathway for traffic, the modules are placed in perimeter-edge to perimeter-edge relation, with the tongue structure of the modules inserted into the lateral groove of an adjacent module, and are secured together by the securing rod.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a curb block. The curb block includes a main curb block and a male tubular block. The main curb block includes: a body case formed through injection molding of a plastic material, having an open bottom, and including a plurality of vertical partition walls arranged therein to form a plurality of empty compartments; semicircular female slots vertically formed at opposite ends of an upper surface of the body case to face other main curb blocks adjacent thereto, respectively, and the male tubular block is inserted into and coupled to adjacent female slots of a pair of adjacent main curb blocks, has a thickness smaller than the width of the female slot such that an array of the adjacent main curb blocks can be two-dimensionally curved at a predetermined angle in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic comprises a base member and a top plate is securable to the base member and having a plurality of horizontally spaced upwardly projecting button structures, including solid button structures and fastener-receiving button structures. The solid button structures are each integrally formed with the top plate. The fastener-receiving button structures each comprise an upwardly projecting peripheral portion and a depressed central portion. The fastener-receiving apertures are disposed one within each of the depressed central portion and are each surrounded by the upwardly projecting peripheral portion. A cap member is securable within the depressed central portion of each fastener-receiving button structure. To form a pathway for traffic, the modules are placed in perimeter-edge to perimeter-edge relation, and each top plate is secured to the base member by fasteners extending through the fastener-receiving apertures and securely engaged in the base member.

Abstract: A deicing system may include one or more walkway cassettes, a temperature control element, and a control unit. Each walkway cassette may include a casing and a heat tracing; cable in good thermal contact with the casing. The temperature control element may include a comparatively smaller casing and a heat tracing cable in good thermal contact with the casing, and may exhibit similar heat loss characteristics to the walkway cassettes. The temperature control element may include a temperature sensor on a top surface of its casing, which may generate temperature data and send the temperature data to the control unit. The control unit may provide power to the temperature control element and the walkway cassette(s) in parallel based on the temperature data. The temperature control element may be placed in proximity to the walkway cassette(s), and may be exposed to substantially the same environmental conditions as the walkway cassettes.

Abstract: A road finisher comprising a screed plate extending at right angles to the working direction of the road finisher, and a tamper bar disposed rearwardly and/or forwardly of the screed plate in the working direction, wherein at least one electrically operated heating element is present, which is configured so as to heat up a heating surface facing a road subsurface, and wherein the heating element comprises a heating layer at least partially obtained through thermal spraying onto a substrate surface, wherein the tamper bar is made from two parts with an upper tamper bar member and a lower tamper bar member assembled together. Further, a tamper bar for a road finisher and a method of manufacturing a tamper bar are provided.

Abstract: A road-making machine is provided in the form of a road-finishing machine for producing a paving layer from a laying material or a charger vehicle for supplying the road-finishing machine with a laying material. The road-making machine comprises a material bunker, and a pushing means fixed forward of the material bunker at a chassis, such that pushing rollers of the pushing means may dock to rear tires of a truck. The pushing rollers comprise a pair of first pushing rollers mountable in a first position in a seat of a traverse of the pushing means. Either the pushing means is expandable by at least one changeable attachment to which the first pushing rollers may be mounted in a second position further forward with respect to the first position, or the pushing means comprises a pair of second pushing rollers which may be selectively positioned forward of the first pushing rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground milling machine, in particular a road milling machine, comprising a machine frame, traveling devices connected to the machine frame, a drive engine, a ground milling device with a milling drum box open towards the ground and a milling drum mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis inside the milling drum box, wherein the ground milling device is adjustable by means of an adjusting device between a raised transport position and a milling position engaging the ground, a conveyor device with at least one primary conveyor belt, with which milled material produced inside the milling drum box can be transported away from the ground milling device, the primary conveyor belt including a receiving side and a discharge side, a belt holder arranged in front of the ground milling device in the working direction of the ground milling machine, in which the receiving side of the primary conveyor belt is mounted, and an operator platform, from which an operator controls the groun

Abstract: A milling machine for milling a surface of a roadway includes a frame and a milling assembly having a cutter drum that is mounted for rotation with respect to the frame. The cutter drum has a drive shaft on which a sheave is mounted. A primary drum drive assembly is adapted to rotate the cutter drum with respect to the frame. The primary drum drive assembly includes a drive belt that cooperates with the sheave on the drive shaft for the cutter drum to rotate the cutter drum. A belt lift assembly may be operated to selectively disengage the drive belt from the sheave of the drive shaft for the cutter drum.

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

Abstract: A bridging system comprising a bridge (10) and a trolley (70), the bridge comprising a bridge deck (40) having at least two pre-formed bridge sections (42), the trolley including a set of wheels (573) with a track width configured such that in use with the trolley located on the bridge deck, at least one wheel contacts one stringer (443A) and at least one other wheel contacts another stringer (443B), the system further including tracking means for maintaining the at least one wheel in contact with the one stringer and for maintaining the at least one other wheel in contact with the other stringer such that the trolley and bridge deck may remain in contact while moving relative to, or with, one another for the launching of the bridge deck over a space to be bridged, the trolley being configured to carry goods and/or personnel over, and along, the bridge deck after the bridge has been positioned over the space to be bridged.

Abstract: A warning device used for road safety includes a warning sign and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a base, a driving unit, at least one wheel, a plurality of supporting units, and a plurality of driving members. The driving unit is accommodated in the base. The at least one wheel is connected to and driven by the driving unit. The plurality of supporting units are movably connected to the base. The plurality of driving members can manipulate the supporting units. Each of the supporting units is movable between a receiving or retracted position and a supporting or extended position. For stability in placement, the device can be lifted a small distance above the road by the supporting units when these are deployed. The driving mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a parking gate barrier rod projecting system, the system comprising: a projection screen material attached to at least a portion of a parking gate rod and a projector. The projector is adapted to project digital content on the projection screen material. The digital content is adapted to be fitted on the front projection screen material to thereby allowing a person in a vehicle arriving at the parking gate rod to view the digital content. A sensor or a camera may detect when the parking gate barrier rod is opened and may send a control command to the projector to stop projecting or to darken the projecting in order to avoid dazzling of a person in the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus positioned at a guardrail lead end portion for absorbing energy resulting from vehicle impact includes an impact terminal, a support structure supporting the impact terminal at or adjacent to a lead end portion of the guardrail and a chute. The guardrail is in frictional engagement with inner chute surfaces and the chute applies torquing forces on the guardrail during passage of the guardrail through the chute to cause twisting of the guardrail and absorb vehicle collision impact energy.

Abstract: A snow deflector for a snow blower is formed from a plate member. The plate member includes a first surface portion for being disposed covering a portion of a snow-receiving opening of a fan housing of the snow blower, and a second surface portion configured to cooperate with an adjacent rear interior surface of the snow blower to guide snow along a direction laterally toward a predetermined target region of the snow-receiving opening that is after a discharge chute opening in the fan housing along a direction of fan rotation. The snow is guided simultaneously vertically upward and longitudinally frontward. The first and second surface portions are disposed within respective first and second planes that intersect one another along a common edge shared between the first and second surface portions. The common edge being aligned generally toward the predetermined target region when the plate member is in the installed condition.

Abstract: A plow assembly for forming a trench within soil of a selected land area. The plow assembly has a blade element, a displacement element, and an attachment element that permits attachment of the plow assembly to a vehicle, such as a tractor. A first end of the displacement element is secured to a distal end of the blade element, and a second end of the displacement element is spaced from a rear edge of the blade element and connected to a pipe. As the plow assembly is advanced within soil, the cutting edge of the blade element cuts through the soil and the displacement element displaces the soil to form the trench and pulls the pipe into the trench as the trench is formed.

Abstract: A flood protection system and a method of using such a system. The system includes at least one elongated flexible tube arranged for being filled with and containing a fluid, wherein the at least one flexible tube comprises a number of positioning elements. The positioning elements ensure that the tubes can form barriers of any desired form, of any length, any height, any width/breadth, and on all terrains, thereby providing a barrier in an area threatened by flooding. The system according to the invention may be deployed quickly and easily irrespectively of the terrain/ground and weather conditions.

Abstract: An erosion control roll comprises a porous outer casing having an interior, a fill material within the interior, wherein the fill material comprises a mineral wool. The erosion control roll is flexible and positionable where it can provide one or more of erosion control, sediment separation, water flow diversion, and a fire barrier.

Abstract: A liquid resistant containment membrane and which is durable enough to remain in place during the drilling and fracking phases to eliminate the delay and cost of replacement or can be relocated from site to site, has a slip resistant top surface, is a flexible membrane, and/or which top portion of the containment membrane does not absorb liquids. The containment membrane comprises a polymer waterproof layer and a reinforcement layer. The reinforcement layer is connected to a bottom side of the polymer waterproof layer.

Abstract: A motor grader includes a blade between a front wheel and a rear wheel, the blade being attached to a swing circle which adjusts a blade angle. A control method performed in the motor grader includes obtaining current topography in front of the motor grader and adjusting the blade angle to an angle in accordance with the current topography by revolving the swing circle.

Abstract: The identification method of the difficulty level of the operating condition of the loader, takes the excavating operation segments extracted by the operation segment as the main objects of study to identify the operating conditions, and finally get the difficulty level value of the operating condition. The identification of the difficulty level of the operating condition is beneficial to control the power output mode of diesel engine and realize the distribution according to demand; simultaneously, as the judgement basis of intelligent shift control strategy, it has great significance for intelligent shift, power mode control and improving operation performance of engineering vehicles. It is also beneficial to the improvement of the performance and the energy saving and emission reduction; at the same time, the identification of the difficulty level of the operating condition is used to realize the change of power regulation, improve the application scope of engineering machinery.

Abstract: To achieve saving of fuel consumption and noise reduction by adopting a hybrid type and miniaturizing an engine and to ensure safe and reliable battery charging in a case in which a charge amount of a battery is quite insufficient, a hydraulic work machine includes: a gate lock sensor (28); a forced charging switch (41); a work machine monitor (43) that notifies an operator that a charging rate of a battery (33) falls to be lower than a critical charging rate; and a machine controller (46). The machine controller (46) actuates a generator motor (31) as a generator to forcedly charge the battery (33) when a gate lock lever (26) is operated to a lock position (D), an engine control dial (12) designates a low idle engine speed, and the forced charging switch (41) is operated.

Abstract: An excavator includes a lower travelling body; an upper turning body mounted on the lower travelling body; an engine installed in the upper turning body; a hydraulic pump connected to the engine; a hydraulic actuator driven by hydraulic oil discharged by the hydraulic pump to move a work element; a first control valve configured to control a flow rate of the hydraulic oil flowing from the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic actuator; a second control valve configured to control a flow rate of the hydraulic oil flowing from the hydraulic actuator to a hydraulic oil tank; and a control device configured to control opening and closing of the second control valve.

Abstract: A measuring jig is attached to an antenna support member of a revolving unit, and used to measure a slewing position of the revolving unit together with an external measurement apparatus. The measuring jig includes a prism mirror and an attachment member. The prism mirror reflects projection light from the external measurement apparatus. The attachment member attaches the prism mirror to the antenna support member. The attachment member is configured to be attached to the antenna support member by sandwiching an attached portion.

Abstract: A machine is provided. The machine includes an engine, a work tool attached to the machine, and a work tool recognition system for the machine. The work tool recognition system includes a sensor associated with the work tool. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a weight of the work tool. The work tool recognition system includes a controller coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the weight of the work tool. The controller is configured to monitor the weight of the work tool along a predefined path. The controller is configured to compare the monitored and the received weights associated with the work tool with a predefined dataset. The controller is configured to identify a type of the work tool based on the comparison.

Abstract: A shovel includes a traveling undercarriage, an upper rotating structure swingably mounted on the traveling undercarriage, an attachment attached to the upper rotating structure and including a boom, an arm, and an end attachment, and a display device. The display device is configured to display the attitude information of the end attachment in a three-dimensional model that enables three-dimensional visual recognition of the attitude information. The three-dimensional model is displayed in accordance with the attitude of the end attachment.

Abstract: A shovel includes a traveling undercarriage, an upper rotating structure swingably mounted on the traveling undercarriage, an attachment attached to the upper rotating structure and including a boom, an arm, and a bucket, a guidance device configured to guide an operation of the attachment, and a display device configured to display information related to work by the attachment. The guidance device is configured to display multiple distance indicating parts with respect to the width direction of the bucket on the display device. The distance indicating parts schematically indicate relative distances to a target surface.

Abstract: A region removing unit determines a coordinate region of a boom indicating a region in distance image data by using posture information acquired by an acquisition unit, and removes pixel data constituting the determined coordinate region from the distance image data. An interference determination unit detects an interference object that is a work device or a grasped object of the work device by using the distance image data obtained by removing the pixel data constituting the coordinate region to determine danger of interference of the detected interference object in a cab. When the interference determination unit determines that there is danger of interference, an interference prevention unit performs at least one of a warning to an operator and operation restriction of the work device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a female part, a retaining device and a pin system comprising said device, said female part and a male part, to assure the retention between the female part and a male part used in excavators and the like. The female part has a cavity and can be a wearing element, a tooth or an intermediate part (part between a point and a weld on or cast nose in a three part system) and the male part has a nose to be introduced into the cavity of the female part and this will usually be a tooth-holder, intermediate, cast nose, weld-on nose or an adapter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating water conservation and smart water control are provided. Water conservation and smart water control can be achieved using a smart water apparatus having the ability to approximate distance, mass, and/or specific characteristics of an object such as a human or inanimate object and adjust flow rate of water and/or temperature of the water based on the approximated distance, mass, and/or specific characteristics of an object. The smart water apparatus can be embodied, for example, in a network connected shower head or a network connected faucet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are flow control devices including at least one remote temperature sensor configured to determine first temperature data associated with air outside of a dwelling; a valve configured to control a first flow rate of the liquid flowing from an inlet of the supply pipe along a controlled liquid flow path by moving a valve position from a closed position to an open position; a flow control component in fluid communication with the valve, and configured to control a second flow rate of the liquid flowing from the valve; at least one internal temperature sensor configured to determine second temperature data associated with air inside the dwelling; a controller communicatively connected to the temperature sensors and configured to control operation of the valve based at least on at least one of the first temperature data and the second temperature data; and a housing configured to contain the flow control device components and further configured to releasably attach to a spigot or spout of a supply

Abstract: A fire hydrant bonnet cover made of an elastic flexible material component formed in a shape substantially similar to a bonnet portion of a fire hydrant, and including a predetermined color associated with an identifying characteristic of the fire hydrant to which it is to be applied, and a reflective material applied to or integrated into the elastic flexible material component. Such fire hydrant bonnet covers can comprise an upper portion made in a shape of the bonnet of the fire hydrant, and a lower portion defining a cylindrical structure with a lip at a bottom edge of the lower portion to hold the elastic flexible material component onto the bonnet of the fire hydrant.

Abstract: A device 307 for resisting rotation of a tap that has been fitted to a sink, the device comprising an engagement formation 313 for engaging with a part of the tap, a body 312, and at least one distal edge 308 for contacting with a remote part of the sink. The engagement formation 313 comprises an attachment means for securing the device 307 to a part of the tap, the attachment means comprising one or more channels 334.

Abstract: Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials. In some embodiments, the handles of an exemplary faucet can include the same or a similar multiple channel configuration as the spout, providing an advantageously, aesthetically pleasing faucet system. In exemplary embodiments, faucet spouts and their handles are formed so as to couple to standard faucet underbodies, standard valve platforms, or standard threaded hose/waterway connections.

Abstract: A removable strainer basket, a drain assembly incorporating the basket and a method of using the same. The drain assembly includes a flange assembly mounted in an aperture in a bottom wall of the receptacle. The flange assembly defines a bore therein and a stopper is engaged with the flange assembly and is selectively movable between open and closed positions. A strainer basket is removably positionable within the bore between a part of the stopper and a part of the flange assembly. The strainer basket defines a plurality of apertures therein and through which water is able to flow when the stopper is in the open position. The strainer basket captures hair strands and other articles entrained in the draining water. The basket is selectively removable from the flange assembly for cleaning.