Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is provided that includes a cabinet having an opening to load laundry therethrough; a tub provided in the cabinet to hold wash water therein; a door coupled to the cabinet to open and close the opening; a holding portion provided in a front surface of the cabinet in which the opening is provided, to hold the door, the holding portion including a first inclined portion provided adjacent to a lower portion of the opening and a hole provided at the first inclined portion; and a detergent introduction portion provided in the hole to supply detergent to the tub. The detergent introduction portion may be exposed to an outside of the holding portion when the door is opened and blocked by the door when the door is closed.

Abstract: A retrofit auxiliary laundry device for supporting laundry operations in various makes and models of laundry treating appliances is described wherein the device can monitor appliance health, regulate appliance function, and send the user useful data.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible clothes dryer, for use in drying small articles of clothing while traveling and/or for use in households with limited space, is composed of a cylindrical collapsible central housing with an inlet opening at the bottom, an airflow adapter at the inlet to attach a portable hair dryer, a spin-able clothes hanger, and a removable top member with air exhaust vents. When collapsed, the assembly assumes a compact, flat disk shape. When expanded, the portable hair dryer can blow hot air into the housing, forming a vortex stream within the cylindrical enclosure that exits through the exhaust vents in the top. The top member can be removed to attach articles of clothing to the spin-able clothes hanger. The unit is designed such that the vortex air stream that flows upward within the cylindrical enclosure and out the upper exhaust vents spins the clothes hanger with the articles of clothing, thereby ensuring complete coverage of the hot air over the clothing surfaces and speeding the drying time.

Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus may includes a cabinet, a drum provided within the cabinet and having an accommodation space for laundry for washing or drying, an evaporator to allow a refrigerant to undergo heat exchange with air discharged from the drum to dehumidify air, and a foreign object cleaning unit that injects water on the evaporator to clean foreign objects stuck to the evaporator. The foreign object cleaning unit may is configured to inject washing water supplied from a washing water supply unit to a surface of the evaporator at a prescribed angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control method for a laundry drying machine. The control method includes driving a compressor configuring the heat pump cycle for generation of heated air, sensing a compressor outlet temperature (TE) and a drum outlet temperature (TD), and determining plugging of a filter, based on a difference between the compressor outlet temperature (TE) and the drum outlet temperature (TD).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a steam ironing machine with multiple water inlet points and multi-cavity isolated water paths, including a heating body. The heating body is concavely provided with a first containing cavity and a second containing cavity mutually isolated; an ironing board is connected to the heating body; the heating body is provided with a first steam outlet nozzle and a second steam outlet nozzle respectively in communication with the first containing cavity and the second containing cavity; a temperature sensor is arranged between the heating body and the ironing board to ensure the ironing temperature; and the first containing cavity and the second containing cavity are arranged to prevent the problems that condensate water is produced on the ironing board when the steam ironing machine operates and water is sprayed due to excessive water on one side when the steam ironing machine leans to one side.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a scraper bar in a line for producing a paper web, having a wire, assigned to which are scraper bars oriented transversely to its direction of movement and situated at a distance from one another. The scraper bar is supported by a support bar and is adjustable with respect to the support bar and with respect to the wire by means of a positioning device. The scraper bar and the support bar are coupled together by way of links that are mounted thereon. The distance or the angular position of the scraper bar with respect to the support bar and thus with respect to the wire is adjustable by a displacement of the scraper bar with respect to the support bar.

Abstract: [TASK] Provided is a method of spraying a chemical solution, the method being capable of efficiently applying a chemical solution to a traveling canvas and sufficiently preventing the adhesion of paper powder and pitch to the canvas. [MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM] The present invention provides a method of spraying a chemical solution Y, the method comprising spraying the chemical solution Y continuously on a canvas K used in a dry part D of a paper machine by a spraying apparatus 10 while making the canvas K travel, wherein the canvas K is guided to an inside roll IR and an outside roll OR, and wherein the spraying apparatus 10 is disposed upstream from the outside roll OR and between the inside roll IR and the outside roll OR, and the chemical solution Y is sprayed toward the outside roll OR along a travel direction Y2 of the canvas K.

Abstract: Objective of the method is a procedure for production of nanocellulose, where energy consumption and other costs of production are lower than in methods presented previously. It is based on separation of minute particles from cellulose or plant based ingredients by effects of light, thermal energy or water-soluble organic solvents. These particles act as precursors of nanocellulose. After separation they form in dry state aerosol, in liquid media a suspension, and combine to chains, microfibrils and secondarily formed fibrils, which form further networks with each other or with other fibers and fibrils. Applications are based on their action as reinforcing structure in composites, paper, cardboard, paints and other materials, on forming thin-layer films for electrical, electronic and medical applications, or on viscosity, surface and permeability properties.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an ultrafine fiber-containing sheet with suppressed yellowing. The present invention provides a method for producing an ultrafine fiber-containing sheet, comprising (a) introducing a substituent having electrostatic and/or steric functionality to a fiber raw material to obtain substituent-introduced fiber; (b) machine-processing the substituent-introduced fiber obtained in the step (a) to obtain substituent-introduced ultrafine fiber; (c) preparing a sheet from the substituent-introduced ultrafine fiber obtained in the step (b); and (d) eliminating at least a portion of introduced substituents from the sheet obtained in the step (c).

Abstract: The invention relates to a strength agent for paper, board or the like. The strength agent comprises a first component, which is refined cellulosic fibers having a refining level of >70° SR, and a second component, which is a synthetic cationic polymer having a charge density of 0.1-2.5 meq/g, determined at pH 2.7, and an average molecular weight of >300 000 g/mol. The invention relates also to a use of the strength agent and to a method for increasing strength properties of paper, board or the like.

Abstract: A structured tissue product produced using a structured or imprinting fabric and a press roll. The tissue product has at least two plies, and has a crumple resistance of less than 30 grams force and an average peak to valley depth of at least 65 microns.

Abstract: A railroad tie plate has a generally prismatic body including a field side flange and a gauge side flange connected by an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion includes a rail seat for positioning a railroad rail. At least one of the flanges includes a protrusion extending in a thickness dimension of the tie plate. A hole extends into the at least one protrusion so as to receive a retaining device, such as an e-clip. The tie plate is made by hot forging, having a microstructure comprising pearlite and alpha-ferrite. The net shape of the tie plate may be achieved by forging without subsequent material addition and without subsequent material removal.

Abstract: A method of applying building a pavement structure using a polymer modified hot-applied tack coat is disclosed. This polymer modified tack coat is non-adhesive at ambient temperatures, and, thus, also non tracking. The tack is applied while hot, but cools quickly. The subsequent application of hot mix asphalt results in a superior bond between the asphalt layer and the tack layer. It is particularly well suited to bonded friction course applications since it removes the necessity of specialized spray paving machinery and allows the use of conventional asphalt distributors and pavers.

Abstract: A laminated mat for use as the temporary surface at a construction site or roadway leading thereto. This mat includes at least three layers of boards in a top layer, at least one core layer and a base layer. Preferably, each layer is rectangular. The top and base layers each include a plurality of parallel boards of substantially equal length that are made of oak or other hardwoods, or of plastic or elastomeric materials. The core layer includes a plurality of parallel boards of substantially equal length that are made of chemically treated softwood, encapsulated softwood, or of plastic or elastomeric materials, with the boards arranged to be perpendicular to the boards of the top layer, and configured so that adjacent boards in the core layer engage, contact and abut each other to minimize or eliminate space between adjacent boards to improve the strength of the core layer.

Abstract: A hybrid crane/rig mat that has outer side members of first and second side beams or boards of engineered lumber, oak or other hardwoods, or bumper members of solid or filled or unfilled hollow plastic members; a core structure of a metal or thermosetting plastic frame that includes side and end members and that contains therein a plurality of longitudinal members made of wood, engineered lumber, or of plastic or elastomeric materials; and a plurality of joining rods that pass through the outer side members, the core structure and longitudinal members to attach the outer side members to the core structure. The first end of the mat includes a male member and the second end of the mat includes a female member so that a first end of one mat can be releasably interlocked with a second end of a similarly configured and adjacently positioned additional mat.

Abstract: A paving machine includes a machine frame, a drive assembly, including at least two tracks, each driven by a drive wheel and one or more idlers, and a paving material delivery assembly including a hopper, a conveyor assembly, an auger, and a screed. The paving machine also includes a tank of emulsion fluid, a spray bar positioned on an underside of the machine frame between the at least two tracks and fluidly coupled to the tank to deliver the emulsion fluid to a ground surface.

Abstract: A device for concreting and molding gutters includes runners configured to slide over ground. A mold forms the concavity of a gutter and a hopper, with a closure for pouring of concrete into a trench previously excavated in a form of the gutter. The runners have an extendable, rear extension configured to be raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder, with the runners further including sides. The sides forming lateral parts of a concreting hopper and a means of attachment for vibrators for vibrating the concrete. The mold includes a structure for attachment to the sides of the runners and to an arm of a backhoe or tow machine, with the mold structure complemented by plates, attached using hinges to the structure of the mold and using pipe turnbuckles, enabling variation of inclination of the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine, which possesses an undercarriage which has front and rear—in the working direction—wheels or travelling gears, a machine frame which is borne by the undercarriage, and a working means. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine. The invention is based on the detection of objects O situated in the ground at a time at which the objects O can be readily detected. The construction machine according to the invention possesses a means for generating predictive object signals which are characteristic of the position of objects which lie in a portion of the ground which lies in the working direction A in front of the working region of the working means.

Abstract: A waste collection and isolation device and a method for picking up waste materials without the need for the user to come in contact with the waste are disclosed. The device contains a system for ensnaring solid waste in a bag, a mechanism for activating the system for ensnaring the waste and a system for removing the bag. To use the device, the user installs a bag over a housing containing a plurality of overlapping cords. The user places the opening of the bag over the waste disposed on a surface and then activates the snaring mechanism causing the cords to entangle under the solid waste and to close the bag opening with the waste inside it. The bag comprises a drawstring and a tab in a fixed position. To fully close the bag, the user pulls on the drawstring and pulls the bag onto the tab.

Abstract: A method of clearing debris from under a parked trailer comprising: a) engaging, with a cantilevered debris mover, a surface having debris accumulated thereon and positioned under at least one parked trailer having at least a front portion which is cantilevered; and b) removing said debris accumulated upon said surface under said at least one parked trailer to a surface not located under said at least one trailer; wherein said cantilevered debris mover further comprises: i) a powered mobile prime mover capable of providing a source of power to an accessory; and ii) an accessory configured as a cantilevered debris plow further comprising: 1) a closed end allowing intake of debris; 2) an open end allowing discharge of debris; 3) a mounting plate for attachment to said prime mover; and 4) a powered debris engager configured to accept power from said powered mobile prime mover.

Abstract: An inflatable dam sized to secure to a foundation structure. The inflatable dam includes a double layered flexible membrane extending with an inner membrane and an outer membrane, the double layered flexible membrane including a port configured to facilitate inflation and deflation of the inner membrane such that, upon inflation of the inner membrane, the outer membrane is configured to expand with inflation of the inner membrane, the outer membrane including a reinforcement element embedded therein.

Abstract: A guide system for allowing a diesel hammer to be supported by a plurality of support systems comprises a primary channel system and a pair of first and second channel adapter assemblies. The primary channel system rigidly connected to the diesel hammer to define a pair of primary channels and a primary spacing distance. Each first channel adapter assembly defines a first secondary channel. The guide system operates in a first configuration and a second configuration. In the second configuration, each of the first channel adapter assemblies is detachably attached to the primary channel system such that the first channel adapter assemblies define a first secondary spacing distance between the first secondary channels, the first secondary spacing distance is different from the primary spacing distance, and portions of a second support system of the plurality of support systems are received within the first secondary channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an economical and effective way of producing a modular retaining wall for a material to be retained, using only blocks which in and of themselves are of insufficient thickness to function as retaining wall blocks. The modular wall includes backer blocks and facing blocks which are connected by separate connectors in a back to back, spaced apart arrangement, thereby forming a hollow retaining wall. The hollow wall is filled with loose filler material to increase the mass and retaining capacity of the wall. None of the wall components is embedded in the material to be retained. Further disclosed are wall components and a wall kit for a modular retaining wall. A double sided decorative wall is also disclosed. The modular wall system allows for the construction of retaining walls and freestanding, double sided, decorative walls forming both straight and curved walls.

Abstract: A building element for coupling with other building elements to erect a retaining wall. Optionally, the building element can have a modular construction. The building element can have a face panel and a beam member that extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the face panel. The building elements can have a variety of different configurations, providing flexibility in the design of retaining walls. Optionally, each building element can define alignment voids that receive portions of alignment posts for ensuring vertical alignment between adjacent building elements or portions of building elements.

Abstract: A system for building a wall includes a plurality of blocks and a plurality of connectors for aligning the blocks in successive courses. Each block has opposing first and second surfaces bounded by opposing front and rear faces and opposing end faces, the first and second surfaces being profiled with respective first and second rectilinear channels extending parallel to the front and rear faces. Each connector has first and second portions profiled for reception in respective first and second channels, the first portion being profiled to slide but not rotate in the first channel, the second portion being profiled to slide and rotate in the second channel. The second portion is offset from the first portion so that two different orientations of two blocks placed against each other are possible. The blocks preferably have a trapezoidal shape cut with only straight cuts to facilitate using natural stone.

Abstract: A carrier for coupling loader arms to an implement of a work vehicle includes a pair of brackets coupled by a cross-rod. Each bracket includes an inner wall spaced apart from an outer part. At least one of the inner walls defines a latch slot. The carrier includes a latch mechanism movable between latched and unlatched positions. The latch mechanism includes a latch plate having a retaining flange with an engagement surface, a pair of lock pins and a pair of latch receptacles associated with the brackets. When in the latched position, the latch mechanism has the lock pins received in the latch receptacles and the engagement surface disengaged from the one of the inner walls. When in the unlatched position, the latch mechanism has the retaining flange passed through the latch slot and the engagement surface engaged with the one of the inner walls.

Abstract: A flow control manifold that routes pressurized fluid from one of a first fluid manifold connection and a second fluid manifold connection of the flow control manifold to an input of a work tool and directs return fluid from an outlet of the work tool to the other of the first and second fluid manifold connections not receiving pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A cutting tool (1) for producing a trench (2) in the ground (3) for laying cables (4), comprises a carrier device (5) which has a hub region (6) for connecting the cutting tool (1) to a rotary drive (7) and a peripheral region (8), wherein, arranged in the peripheral region (8) of the carrier device (5) are cutting segments (9) spaced from each other in an axial direction (10), wherein the carrier device (5) is in one piece and has a peripheral surface (11) at which are arranged raised portions (12, 13) which project from the peripheral surface (11) in a radial direction (14) and on which the cutting segments (9) are arranged.

Abstract: A component sliding mechanism in a work vehicle includes a guided portion provided on a component in the work vehicle. A support deck includes a sliding surface on which the component is provided such that the component is movable on the sliding surface along a sliding direction substantially parallel to the sliding surface. A guide track is connected to the support deck and includes a sliding direction track and a tilt direction track. The sliding direction track is to guide the guided portion to move along the sliding direction. The sliding direction track has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the sliding direction. The tilt direction track extends in a tilt direction from the second end to guide the guided portion to move along the tilt direction. An angle between the sliding direction track and the tilt direction track is an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A control system for a machine includes a boom position sensor to generate signals indicative of a boom position, a stick position sensor to generate signals indicative of a stick position, and an operator input sensor to enable an operator to input a slewing power demand and generate signals indicative of the slewing power demand. The control system includes a controller communicably coupled to the boom position sensor, the stick position sensor, and the operator input sensor. The controller creates a dynamic stress model of the machine based on at least one of the boom position and the stick position. The controller receives the signals indicative of the slewing power demand. The controller determines an applied slewing power threshold based on the dynamic stress model. The controller compares the slewing power demand with the applied slewing power threshold and adjusts the applied slewing power based on the comparison.

Abstract: An industrial machine that includes a dipper, a crowd actuation device, a hoist actuation device, a swing actuation device, one or more sensors, and a controller. The one or more sensors generate one or more signals related to a load within the dipper. The one or more signals are received by the controller. The controller determines, based on the one or more signals, whether the industrial machine is operating in an over-loaded condition by comparing a suspended load to a suspended load threshold value. If the suspended load is greater or equal to the suspended load threshold value, the controller takes an action to control the industrial machine. The action taken by the controller can include increasing, decreasing, or otherwise modifying a speed parameter or speed limit, increasing, decreasing, or otherwise modifying a force parameter, etc.

Abstract: The present invention includes a battery controller that calculates an electrical storage remaining amount of a battery, a charging/discharging request calculation part that calculates a charging/discharging request amount for keeping electric power outputted by the battery within a predetermined range based on the electrical storage remaining amount calculated, a target rotational speed calculation part that calculates a target rotational speed command value of a motor generator, and an inverter that controls the motor generator according to the target rotational speed command value calculated, and it is configured that at least one of the battery controller and the inverter calculates the actual charging/discharging amount of the battery, and that the target rotational speed calculation part calculates a target rotational speed correction value from difference between the charging/discharging request amount and the actual charging/discharging amount and corrects the target rotational speed command value.

Abstract: A variable-speed volume-control direct-drive all-electric hydraulic excavator drive and energy recover system the control drive circuit of which includes the A, B, C energy source, boom cylinder control valve group, arm cylinder control valve group, bucket control valve, swing control valve, swing motor control valve group, left travel control valve, right travel control valve, eight 2-position 2-way valve, I and II 2-position 3-way valve, I and II accumulator. The drive control circuit adopts open control independent-cavity variable-speed pump-control volume direct-drive circuit. Each of the cavities of cylinder is controlled by an energy source and the pressure and flow rate of the cavities are adjusted by the rotational speed and torque control of the generator independently. The present invention is four-quadrant running and have advantages of high efficiency, high integrity, low consumption, redundancy energy source, no need for pilot supply, low noise, integrate recovery of kinetic and potential energy.

Abstract: The construction machine includes: a control valve that switchingly supplies hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump to a hydraulic actuator; a control valve drive device that supplies pilot secondary hydraulic fluid to the control valve in accordance with an operation of an operation lever device; a pilot hydraulic pump that supplies pilot primary hydraulic fluid to the control valve drive device; a pressure accumulation device that recovers return hydraulic fluid returned from the hydraulic actuator. The construction machine further includes: a check valve provided in a line between the pilot hydraulic pump and the control valve drive device; a pressure reducing valve that supplied the hydraulic fluid accumulated in the pressure accumulation device; a flow rate reduction device; and a controller that controls the flow rate reduction device in accordance with the pressure in the line between the check valve and the control valve drive device.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system of a construction machine includes: a control valve configured such that an opening area of a center bypass passage gradually decreases in accordance with increase in an operation signal; an operation device that outputs the operation signal; a bleed-off line; and a bleed-off valve that includes a pilot port to which a secondary pressure from a solenoid proportional valve is led, the bleed-off valve being configured such that: a bypass passage is open until the operation signal exceeds a first setting value, and the bypass passage is closed when the operation signal exceeds the first setting value; and an unloading passage is opened when the operation signal exceeds a second setting value, and an opening area of the unloading passage gradually decreases until the operation signal that has exceeded the second setting value reaches a third setting value.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic system of construction machinery and a method of controlling the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system of construction machinery and the method of controlling the hydraulic system according to the present disclosure assign a weighted value for each operation, preliminarily distribute a (available torque that can be used) value that an engine can provide, through torque weighted values for each operation, and calculate surplus torque and deficient torque by comparing a preliminary distributable torque value to required torque. The surplus torque is provided for an operation in which torque is deemed to be deficient. Thus, the hydraulic system of construction machinery and the method of controlling the hydraulic system according to the present disclosure can sufficiently use available torque that can be used so that an operator can achieve a desired level of performance during the operation.

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 wear assembly for securing a wear member to excavating equipment that includes a base having a nose and a wear member having a socket. The nose and socket are each provided with one or more complementary stabilizing surfaces in central portions thereof.

Abstract: A shroud collar for protecting an edge of a work tool is disclosed. The shroud collar may have a first side plate. The first side plate may have a first lower leg and a first upper leg spaced apart from the first lower leg. The shroud collar may have a second side plate spaced apart from the first plate. The second side plate may have a second lower leg and a second upper leg spaced apart from the second lower leg. The shroud collar may also have an upper crossbar connected to the first side plate and the second side plate. The upper crossbar may be configured to be connectable to the work tool.

Abstract: A manhole base liner (1), in particular for a wastewater manhole, has a base body (2) which comprises a tread surface (3) and at least one pipe connection opening (5). The base body (2) is produced in one piece from flexible material with a wall thickness, with which it can be bent together substantially arbitrarily in at least partial regions.

Abstract: A Cabinet for mounting of water pipe connections, where a number of water pipes (12, 13) are adapted to be fed into the cabinet, said cabinet comprises a body part (1) which is adapted to be mounted in a wall. The cabinet further comprises a base part (2) with through holes (10) for pipes (12, 13) whereas the openings (10) are arranged in sleeves that protrudes into the cabinet. The sleeves being configured to seal outwardly against the pipes (13). The base part comprises at least one drain (5) for leakage water, and the base part is a separate part with edges that protrudes into the cabinet.

Abstract: A method for installing a trim system for a fluid control valve mounted behind a wall and configured for use with a kitchen or bath fixture. The method includes positioning a locating ring against a trim assembly, where the locating ring has an adhesive layer on a rear surface thereof; coupling the trim assembly to the fluid control valve; pushing the trim assembly and locating ring toward the wall to bond the adhesive layer of the locating ring to the wall; removing the trim assembly from the locating ring; coupling a mounting bracket to the locating ring; securing the mounting bracket to the wall; and coupling the trim assembly to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A faucet apparatus includes a rotating operation unit that rotationally operates water spouting and shutting off operations, and a flow adjustment operation and a temperature adjustment operation of hot and cold water, an acceleration sensor that detects an attitude and a rotating movement of the rotating operation unit, and a control unit. The rotating operation unit moves without striding across a horizontal plane at a time of performing a rotating operation from a first operation position to a second operation position around a predetermined rotation axis in the water spouting state. The acceleration sensor is set in a state where a rotation axis at a time of rotating within a predetermined plane in response to the flow adjustment operation and temperature adjustment operation of the hot and cold water does not coincide with a gravity direction axis.

Abstract: An automatic water faucet device 1 for automatically discharging water when an object to be detected is detected has: a sensor 14 that detects the object; a first water discharge part 12 that performs foamy water discharge; a second water discharge part 13 that performs spray water discharge; and a controller 40 that performs control for switching between the foamy water discharge from the first water discharge part 12 and the spray water discharge from the second water discharge part 13, wherein the controller 40 performs the foamy water discharge from the first water discharge part 12 while the sensor 14 detects the object, and when the sensor 14 no longer detects the object, the controller 40 stops this foamy water discharge, and thereafter performs spray water discharge from the second water discharge part 13 for a predetermined period.

Abstract: A method for controlling touchless operation of a faucet that includes turning on a sensor of the faucet in response to receiving a signal that a mechanical valve of the faucet is in an open position, wherein the mechanical valve is movable between the open position and a closed position; shifting an electronic valve of the faucet from a closed state, in which a fluid does not flow from the faucet, to an open state, in which the fluid is configured to flow from the faucet, in response to a first interruption of a field of detection of the sensor; and shifting the electronic valve to the closed state in response to a second interruption of the field of detection of the sensor, so long as the second interruption follows the first interruption within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A spill-resistant vacuum breaker valve that includes a check assembly positioned in a valve body and is movable between an open position for allowing water to flow into the valve body through the water inlet and out of the valve body through the water outlet, and a closed position for preventing water from flowing out of the valve body through the water outlet. The check assembly cooperates with a float assembly movable by movement of the check assembly between an open position allowing air to enter the valve body through the air inlet and a closed position sealing the valve body against flow of air into the valve body through the air inlet. The float assembly is adapted to pivot sufficiently to level the float and seal against ejection of water from the valve in the event of non-axial movement of the check assembly in the valve body.

Abstract: A drain cover including a positioning member arranged to surround an opening of a pipe of a drain and fit within the pipe, the positioning member including a plurality of openings, and a resilient sealing member connected to the positioning member at a center point, the resilient sealing member including a rim arranged concentrically about the center point. The rim contacts the positioning member to prevent fluid from passing through the plurality of openings in a closed position. The rim does not contact the positioning member to allow fluid to pass through the plurality of openings in an open position.

Abstract: A flush toilet includes a toilet main unit, a reservoir tank, and a connecting pipe member configured to connect the toilet main unit and the reservoir tank in a watertight manner after the connecting pipe member is inserted into the reservoir tank so that the reservoir tank is assembled to a predetermined installation position. The connecting pipe member includes a communicating pipe portion configured to communicate between the conduit of the toilet main unit and an interior of the tank when one end of the connecting member is inserted from the interior of the tank through the outlet of the tank into the inlet of the conduit of the toilet main unit. A horizontal adjustment portion configured to adjust the orientation of the reservoir tank to a horizontal state is provided on the toilet main unit or on the reservoir tank.

Abstract: The toilet bowl separately collects urine and feces for analysis or use in a composting device, waste digester, or to reclaim water. The toilet bowl includes a toilet bowl wall. Urine flows down the toilet bowl wall into a channel for collection. The channel surrounds an aperture into which feces may be deposited. Consequently, urine and feces are kept separate during collection. Both the channel and the aperture may be connected to conduits which may transmit material into analytical devices. The conduits may transmit material into digesters in appropriate amounts including controlling the amount of liquid added to solid material. Collected urine may be stored for water reclamation. Sensors may confirm the absence of fecal matter in collected urine or detect contamination. After separate analysis, feces and urine may be combined through connecting conduits then disposed of in the sewer system or sent to a composting device or waste digester.