Abstract: A heating device for a rear wall of a tumble dryer is disclosed, wherein the heating device includes an electric heating arrangement which may be formed of heating coils. A bypass airflow which is not directly heated by the heating arrangement flows in addition in the housing so that the heat loss through the housing is reduced.

Abstract: A steam-smoothing apparatus includes a base intended for producing a steam flow and connected to a smoothing head via a flexible pipe in which the steam produced by the base freely escapes to the smoothing head. The smoothing head includes a rear portion, forming a grasping handle, and a widened front portion including a surface provided with a plurality of steam outlet holes through which the flow of steam from the base is distributed. The widened front portion contains a first steam-dispensing chamber, which supplies steam to a first group of steam outlet holes, and a second steam-dispensing chamber which supplies steam to a second group of steam outlet holes. The smoothing head includes a system for blocking or reducing the steam flow towards the second group of steam outlet holes that can be actuated from outside the smoothing head.

Abstract: The present application relates to a stand garment steamer (1). The stand garment steamer (1) has a base unit (2), a support (19) extending from the base unit (2), and a treatment board (14) with a treatment surface (17) against which fabric is positionable. The treatment board (14) is supported and spaced from the base unit (2) by the support (19). A tilting mechanism (20) connects the support (19) to the treatment board (14), the tilting mechanism (20) being operable to allow the treatment board (14) to be fixed in multiple operating orientations between vertical and horizontal positions. A reversible generator is in the base unit (2), and at least one vent (18) is in the treatment surface (17) through which air and/or steam from the reversible generator is passable. A fluid pathway (47) fluidly connects the reversible generator and the at least one vent (18) irrespective of the operating orientation of the treatment board. This stand garment steamer improves ironing experience of users.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate, such as a fabric material, involving the application of optical energy to the substrate, typically in the form of a beam of light, where the energy of the beam causes removal of the contaminant from substrate, such as from the fibers of a fabric material. The cleaning may occur via any mechanism, including one or more of, alone or in any combination, ablation, melting, heating or reaction with the substrate or contaminant or agent introduced to aid in the cleaning. The optical energy is typically applied to a selected area of the substrate (e.g., as a beam), and the substrate and beam or optical energy source moved relative to one another so as to clean a larger area of the substrate, either by moving the substrate or the beam, or both. Movement of the beam with respect to the substrate can be attained through a beam scanning mechanism or through movement of the optical source itself.

Abstract: Processes for pulping raw pulp material, such as wood chips, to provide pulp fibers having increased bulk, as well as bleaching the resulting pulp fibers to provide bleached pulp fibers having increased bulk. These pulp fibers and bleached pulp fibers may be incorporated into or used various products, such as multi-ply coated paperboards, fluff pulp, etc.

Abstract: Provided is a process for recovering pulp fiber from used sanitary goods which contain both pulp fiber and a superabsorbent polymer and producing a recycled pulp which contains little ash and which is reusable for sanitary goods. This process comprises: a calcium treatment step for treating used sanitary goods with a water-soluble calcium compound and thereby conducting the dehydration of a superabsorbent polymer contained in the used sanitary goods; a disintegration step for applying a physical force to the used sanitary goods to disintegrate the used sanitary goods into pulp fiber and other materials; a separation step for separating the pulp fiber from a pulp fiber/other materials mixture which has been formed in the disintegration step; a disinfecting step using a disinfectant; and a citric acid treatment step for subjecting the separated pulp fiber to treatment with an aqueous citric acid solution at an acidic pH.

Abstract: A monitoring system comprising: (a) one or more sensors that monitor activity, amplitude, size, scale, duration of activity or a combination thereof of stock on a paper machine and (b) a control system in communication with the one or more sensors and one or more foil sections within the paper machine; wherein the control system measures the activity, amplitude, size, scale, duration of activity or a combination thereof of the stock and correlates the activity, amplitude, size, scale, duration of activity or a combination thereof to formation of fibers within the stock so that an angle, height, or both of the one or more foil sections are adjusted to change the activity, amplitude, size, scale, duration of activity or a combination thereof in the stock.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing low weight high quality paper suitable for use as a support layer of a release liner. A paper web is formed from pulp slurry, the moisture content of the paper web is reduced by a press section (PSEC), the paper web is supported by a belt (BELT1) from a first contact point (CP1) in the press section (PSEC) to a first separation point (SP1) in a drying section (DSEC), and the paper web is dried to form paper. The temperature profile of the paper web may be non-decreasing. When supported, the temperature of the paper web of the paper web may be higher than or equal to 56° C. to obtain a paper web having a dry content of at least 40 wt.-% at the first separation point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to belts useful in the manufacture of paper products, such as tissue paper. Particularly this invention relates to a belt used in a through-air drying process for making tissue products, and more particularly to an additively manufactured belt having a particular pattern thereon which imparts properties to tissue products manufactured therewith.

Abstract: A guidance system provides step-wise, real-time or near real-time video guidance to a cutting machine operator to efficiently cut up a lift into multiple products, where determining an efficient sequence of steps is laborious for an ordinary operator. The display can advantageously show the operator where to temporarily store various “logs” that are cut off from the lift, and how and when to reinsert them into the cutting machine for further cuts, whether by themselves, in side-by-side manner, and/or in stacks. Camera feedback can be used to ensure that the operator is properly positioning and orienting the lift/logs. The display can alternatively or additionally use simulation to guide the operator.

Abstract: Methods of producing a multi-ply paper product are provided. The methods comprise applying coagulant and/or hybrid coagulant-flocculant composition to an upper ply substrate disposed adjacent and above a lower ply substrate in an amount such that a portion of the coagulant and/or the hybrid coagulant-flocculant composition passes through the upper ply substrate. Preferably, the lower ply substrate has a greater freeness than the upper ply substrate. The methods of the present disclosure preferably allow for efficient use of RDF chemicals while making use of the innate freeness differences between the upper and lower ply substrates.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides high bulk tissue products, as well as an apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. The tissue products provided herein not only have high bulk, but they also have improved surface smoothness, particularly compared to tissue products of similar basis weights.

Abstract: The present application provides a method of manufacturing a patterned tissue product comprising a textured background surface, and a design element wherein the design element is formed by removing a portion of the textured background.

Abstract: A field-assembly dowel basket for concrete construction configured for in-the-field assembly from standardized components. This allows a number of standard components, including clips, connectors and wire frame components, to be conveniently transported and stored on construction sites to facilitate on-site assembly of dowel baskets on an as-needed, where-needed basis. Since the dowel basket components are much smaller than assembled baskets, they can be shipped and stored much more cost effectively. Standardization of components allows mass production, consolidates inventory management, and avoids the need for ad hoc fabrication for each construction site. On-site fabrication largely eliminates welding from the dowel basket fabrication process (wire frame clips may involve welding), avoids shipping of fabricated dowel baskets, and allows assembly of dowel basket by construction workers as opposed to highly skilled welding shops.

Abstract: A golf course bunker drainage system has been developed that is a modular structure taking the form of a plurality of porous bunker paver blocks formed of material exhibiting vertical and horizontal infiltration rates at least the same as bunker sand. The plurality of porous bunker paver blocks is disposed as a boundary layer between a bunker subsoil bottom surface and overlying bunker sand, allowing rainwater to drain into the subsoil, with excess rainwater directed away from the bunker sand. The use of bunker paver blocks also maintains the integrity of the bunker shape and prevents movement of sand and other materials along steeply sloping bunker sidewalls.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (100) for recovering and/or recycling a bituminous product by means of pulsed power, the bituminous product comprising bitumen and elements to be separated, involving the following steps: supplying (101) a reactor (11) inside which at least two electrodes (13) extend with the bituminous product and a liquid medium of which at least one liquid component has Hansen solubility parameters ??, ?? and ?d such that the bitumen is at least partially soluble in the liquid medium, the elements to be separated being insoluble, generating (102) a series of electromagnetic pulses between the electrodes (13) in the reactor (11) so as to produce, as a result of the power, the frequency and the switching time of the electromagnetic pulses, at least one shock wave and at least ultraviolet radiation, in such a way as to disperse and dissolve the bitumen in the liquid medium, and to separate the bitumen and the insoluble elements, the liquid medium preventing the reconstitution of the bitumen.

Abstract: A road finisher includes a screed plate extending at right angles to the working direction of the road finisher, 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 configured to heat up a heating surface facing a road subsurface, the heating element comprising a heating layer at least partially obtained through thermal spraying onto a substrate surface, and a piston rod with connecting means to a tamper bar drive. The tamper bar is connected to the piston rod with an upper surface of the tamper bar contacting a lower surface of the piston rod, wherein the piston rod is single-pieced with regard to its connecting means and its lower surface, and the heating layer is located between the piston rod and the tamper bar, especially applied to the lower surface of the piston rod.

Abstract: A system for controlling heating of a screed plate includes screed plate disposed along the paving material delivery path. A first temperature sensor is operative to monitor a screed plate temperature and a second temperature sensor along the paving material delivery path is operative to monitor an actual paving material temperature of a paving material being applied to a work surface. A controller is configured to determine an estimated paving material temperature adjacent the screed plate based upon the actual paving material temperature and operate a heater to maintain the screed plate temperature within a temperature variation range relative to the estimated paving material temperature.

Abstract: A machine for boring holes into a slab includes a plurality of milling bits mounted on a distal end of a rotatable carrier and a coring bit slidably connected to the carrier such that the coring bit rotates with the rotating carrier and is slidable axially relative to the carrier. The coring bit cuts a relatively smooth bore into the solid medium whereas the milling bits create a bore with a relatively rough finish. An actuator engages the coring bit to adjust the depth of cut of the coring bit relative to the milling assembly depending on the desired finish of the hole to be bored. An undercut assembly is mounted on the carrier and selectively operable to form an undercut in the slab at the bottom of the hole so that a cured patch of material poured into the hole is restrained from working loose from the hole.

Abstract: A sinusoidal traffic line that has scalloped edges to form a sine wave that increases visibility under conditions of reduced visibility is formed of a pre-cut ribbon or applied traffic line material (e.g., sprayed thermoplastic material). The traffic lines have a wavy left edge and a wavy right edge. The edges are formed in a regular pattern, having a regular amplitude and wavelength relative to a directional vector along the axis of the traffic line. The patterns of the outer edges can be arranged in an opposite arrangement such that they converge and diverge. The upper surface of the traffic line can be embossed by an embossed device so as to create a regular pattern and increase reflectivity.

Abstract: A cable-stayed suspension bridge structure suitable for super long spans by comprising a horizontally arranged main bridge main beam, wherein vertical main towers are arranged at ends of the main bridge main beam, and each main tower is anchored by stay cables; a main bridge vertical support and a longitudinal elastic damping stopper are arranged at positions of the main bridge main beam close to the main tower, and the main beam is kept stable longitudinally by virtue of the geometric stiffness of the cable force of the stay cable and the longitudinal elastic damping stopper.

Abstract: A mobile snow removal and collection apparatus including a wheeled motorized vehicle having a front cab and a vehicle chassis attached to a back end of the front cab. A snow removal collection tank is disposed atop the vehicle chassis. A heating unit is disposed atop the vehicle chassis, and a vacuum unit is disposed atop the heating unit. Each of a drainage hose and a snow intake hose is extended outward from and in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the snow removal collection tank. The vacuum unit is configured to pull snow into the inner chamber of the snow removal collection tank through the snow intake hose, and the heating unit is configured to melt the snow disposed within the snow removal collection tank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for cleaning debris from sand when pulled on the sand by a user which has a sieve and a handle, and which sieve is generally semi-cylindrically shaped, and has a pair of balloon tires rotatably mounted to the frame of the sieve, which tires are mounted colinear with the center of mass of the sieve. The frame of the sieve has a crossbar which is slightly off-center from said open mouth of said sieve, forming openings on either side of the crossbar, and allowing the handle, which is disposed on the crossbar, to effectively and easily rotate the sieve by being offset from the center of mass and center of rotation of the sieve. The handle is offset from the plane of the mouth of the sieve so as to further facilitate rotation and dragging in an in-use or not-in-use manner selectively.

Abstract: A fiber block system suitable for controlling erosion and stabilizing soil is described that comprises a fiber block formed of a densely packed natural fibers and having an apron extending therefrom, wherein the apron is formed of the same natural fibers. The fiber block and apron are enclosed in a sleeve of fiber mesh and ties are disposed in the fiber block and connect to the sleeve. The fiber block, mesh, and ties can be made of coir fibers.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatic operation and status indication of a marine barrier gate. Embodiments include a system having a buoyant barrier gate that is movable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator moves the gate between the open and closed positions, and a sensor is operably connected to the actuator to generate data relating to a position of the barrier gate between the open and closed positions. A processor receives the data from the sensor and processes the data to move the gate between the open and closed positions, and detect the position of the gate. A human-machine interface is operably connected to the processor for communicating the detected position of the barrier gate to a user.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing corrosion resistant metal components is disclosed. The process comprises abrasive blasting of a silicon-containing steel substrate followed by hot dip galvanizing, a second abrasive blasting process, treating with a mineral acid, and coating with a polymeric coating. The resulting corrosion resistance is enhanced.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated pole foundation provided employing a cavity to retain pole assembly of different profile, shape, size, and material interchangeably, a tapered structure onto which the pole rests, and recesses in the pole cavity wall enabling foundation hoisting, plumbing and anchoring, whereas the cavity wall is capable to accommodate for electronic devices enclosure and fill material provides structural support to an embedded pole or the embedded pole and foundation.

Abstract: A wall system includes a face joint member including a substantially flat face and at least two webs extending orthogonally on an opposite side to the flat face. The wall system further includes a counterfort beam coupled to the face joint member, wherein the counterfort beam includes at least two counterfort webs extending from a counterfort flange that extends between the at least two counterfort webs. The counterfort beam is coupled to the face joint member by coupling the at least two counterfort webs to the at least two webs of the face joint member.

Abstract: A retaining wall block includes a block body comprising a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side; a front side and a rear side opposite the rear side; a right side and a left side opposite the right side. A lateral interlock system includes a first lateral interlock interface that is integral with the right side and a second lateral interlock interface that is integral with the left side, each of the first and second lateral interlock interfaces including: a male-type lateral interface component and three female-type lateral interface components, each of the lateral interface components being in vertical alignment with one of the other lateral interface components and in horizontal alignment with still another of the lateral interface components, wherein the first lateral interlock interface and the second lateral interlock interface are, when viewed in elevation, identical.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation (10) for making a continuous wall in ground (S), the installation comprising: an excavation machine (14) having a frame (16) with a bottom end (16b); determination means (80) for periodically determining the offset between the frame and a first screen while making a second screen in the ground juxtaposed with the first screen; and correction means (50) for periodically correcting the position of the frame (16) so as to reduce the offset as determined by the determination means between the frame (16) and the first screen (E1), and maintain overlap between the longitudinal side of the frame and the longitudinal side of the first screen in such a manner that the second screen is secant with the first screen (E1) over the entire length of the shorter of the first and second screens, thereby forming the wall that is continuous.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a security apparatus comprising a blocking device having a formable bag and a marker layer including a transferable marker composition that can be transferred onto any object penetrating the marker layer and any other object or person coming into contact with the marker composition in the event of an attempt to remove the blocking device by puncturing the bag. The blocking device may block an access point such as a manhole to block unauthorized access. The formable bag may be made to conform to the shape of an access passage by inflation or deflation using valve.

Abstract: An access cover to underground city infrastructure, particularly a cast iron or a cast iron-concrete cover provided with a cover detection sensor connected with a radio frequency signal transmitting antenna through a transmitter, characterized in that an antenna module (1) provided with a housing made of a material neutral to electromagnetic fields, preferably made of plastic, is installed in the through channel or hole (4) with variable cross-section, and removably fixed at the bottom to a sensor module (2) located underneath the bottom of the cover (3), provided with a battery powered, low current electronic system containing a radio transmitter and an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope and an appropriate controller which detects changes to the position of cover (3) in space and in time, whereby the surface area of the sensor module (2) is greater than the surface area of the through channel or hole (4).

Abstract: A coupler is configured to couple an implement to an earth moving or materials handling machine. The coupler includes a locking member for locking a pin of an implement into a coupler in the recess. The locking member is driven by a hydraulic arrangement, with the hydraulic cylinder body being formed integrally with either the coupler body or the locking member. The coupler may be adapted to accommodate a range of implement pin spacings and/or diameters, so that the coupler can be used with different implements and in particular with different makes of implement.

Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic drive apparatus for a construction machine capable of achieving both of cavitation prevention and improvement of regeneration efficiency. The apparatus includes a regenerative motor configured to regenerate energy of hydraulic fluid discharged from a slewing motor, a first regeneration tank line for returning regeneration discharge fluid from the regenerative motor to a tank through a back pressure valve which is provided in a makeup line, a second regeneration tank line for returning the regeneration discharge fluid directly to the tank so as to bypass the back pressure valve, a regeneration-tank-line selector valve, and a regeneration-tank-line-selection control section configured to shift the regeneration-tank-line selector valve to pass the regeneration discharge fluid through the first regeneration tank line during slewing deceleration and otherwise through the second regeneration tank line.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inhibiting the bridging of a work vehicle. A method adjusts a position of an implement of a work vehicle to inhibit a bridging of the work vehicle. The method includes: receiving, by a processor associated with the work vehicle, a chassis pitch angle associated with a chassis of the work vehicle from the Grade Control System; determining, by the processor, whether the chassis pitch angle is greater than a predefined threshold; receiving, by the processor, a current height of the implement relative to a grade from the Grade Control System; determining, by the processor, an offset to move the implement to a height above the grade based on the current height of the implement; and outputting, by the processor, the offset to the Grade Control System to move the implement to inhibit the bridging of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A work machine that can prevent restarting of an engine against a will of an operator from an idle stop state is provided. A hydraulic excavator includes a display device that displays a confirmation screen image for allowing an operator to confirm whether or not an engine is to be restarted from an idle stop state, and an inputting device that allows the operator to input a restart instruction for the engine in an interlocked relationship with the display of the confirmation screen image. A machine controller includes a restart controlling section that restarts the engine based on the restart instruction for the engine inputted by the inputting device.

Abstract: An electrically-operated hydraulic work machine drives an actuator with a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor and exercises load sensing control by controlling the rotation speed of the electric motor. The useful life of an electrical storage device, which is an electrical power source for the electric motor, is increased by suppressing the horsepower consumption of the hydraulic pump. This prolongs the operating time of the electrically-operated hydraulic work machine, and reduces the size of the electric motor. A controller exercises load sensing control over a variable displacement main pump by controlling the rotation speed of the electric motor, and provides the main pump with a torque control device that reduces the delivery rate of the main pump when the delivery pressure of the main pump increases, or provides the controller with a control algorithm that performs the same function as the torque control device.

Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic fluid energy regeneration device for a work machine, including: a regeneration hydraulic motor driven by discharged return hydraulic fluid; a first hydraulic pump mechanically connected to the regeneration hydraulic motor; a second hydraulic pump that delivers an hydraulic fluid for driving a first hydraulic actuator and/or a second hydraulic actuator; a junction line that allows the hydraulic fluid delivered by the second hydraulic pump to be joined; a second regulator that regulates the delivery flow rate of the second hydraulic pump; and a first regulator that regulates the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid coming from the first hydraulic pump and flowing through the junction line.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid energy regeneration system for a work machine capable of securely maintaining a brake pressure even when a solenoid valve or the like is erroneously rendered open by an electrical failure is provided.

Abstract: A compact wheel loader having a hydrostatic transmission and two modes of operation. In a normal mode, a demand lever is used to set the engine speed, and displacement of the swash plate of the hydraulic pump of the transmission is set by a hydraulic pilot pressure (Ps) that increases with engine speed, so that the transmission ratio automatically decreases as the engine speed increased. In a creeper mode, the engine is set to operate at a high speed to meet the demand of powered implements of the loader, and the wheel speed is controlled by the demand lever setting the transmission ratio by varying the hydraulic pilot pressure (Ps).

Abstract: Cost for a direction switching valve (third direction switching valve) is reduced while oil is supplied from two pumps to one actuator (third actuator). A hydraulic circuit 30 for construction machinery includes a first unloading passage 31 connected with a first pump 11, a second unloading passage 32 connected with a second pump 12, a first supply passage 41 connected with the first pump 11, a second supply passage 42 connected with the second pump 12, a third supply passage 43, and third direction switching valves (53E and 53F). The third supply passage 43 is connected with the first supply passage 41 and the second supply passage 42. The third direction switching valves are connected with the third supply passage 43, the first unloading passage 31, the second unloading passage 32, and the tank passage 35, and supply and discharge oil to and from the third actuators (23E and 23F).

Abstract: A shovel includes an attachment configured to execute work; a guidance unit configured to guide an operation of the attachment; and a display unit configured to display information related to the work by the attachment. The guidance unit changes color of a partial area or an entire area of a display screen of the display unit, depending on a distance between a position of the attachment while the work is being performed and a target surface as a reference of the work.

Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a faucet body defining a hot water inlet, a cold water inlet and at least one water outlet; a valve cartridge detachably received in the faucet body, the valve cartridge defines a mixing chamber and the hot water from the hot water inlet and the cold water from the cold water inlet is mixed in the mixing chamber and flows out via the water outlet; and a valve plate detachably assembled to the faucet body. The faucet body is provided with a hot water pipe connecting the hot water inlet and the mixing chamber. The hot water pipe is formed with a hot water stop valve assembly detachably assembled thereto. The faucet body is provided with a cold water pipe connecting the cold water inlet and the mixing chamber. The cold water pipe is formed with a cold water stop valve assembly detachably assembled thereto.

Abstract: Tap provided with a tap outflow having a first channel and a second channel and a jet aerator having a jet aerator housing which forms a downstream end of the tap outflow. The jet aerator is further provided with a jet breaker having a jet breaker wall with liquid passage openings, at least one wire mesh layer which is included downstream of the jet breaker wall in the jet aerator housing, an aeration chamber which is situated between the jet breaker and the at least one wire mesh layer, and an air supply of which an entrance opens into the environment and of which an exit opens into the aeration chamber. The tap outflow is further provided with a coupling assembly which is situated upstream of the jet breaker wall in the jet aerator housing and which forms a liquid-tight connection between the first conduit and the jet breaker wall, such that liquid from the first channel is kept separate from liquid from the second channel upstream of the jet breaker wall.

Abstract: A jet regulator (100) including a jet regulator housing (2) is disclosed, in the housing interior of which a perforated plate (5) is provided with a plurality of flow-through holes (6) for dividing the through-flowing water. The jet regulator described is characterized in that at least one flow-through hole (6) extends conically towards its outflow side in at least one outflow-side hole section. It is also possible for flow obstacles to be provided on the outflow side of the perforated plate (5) in the jet regulator housing (2) and/or on the outflow front face of the jet regulator housing, which are arranged or concentrated there in a central or middle region and which deflect the through-flowing water into an outer annular zone. This jet regulator (100) enables an aerated and thereby sparkling-soft water jet to be generated even with low flow-through performance and low water pressure.

Abstract: The improved plumbing P-trap is a plumbing fixture. The improved plumbing P-trap attaches the drain of a sink to a DWV. The improved plumbing P-trap transports gray water into the DWV from the sink. The improved plumbing P-trap comprises a modified P-trap, a second clean out plug, and a snake guide. The modified P-trap transports gray water from the sink drain to the DWV. The second clean out plug is the modification to the modified P-trap that provides access to the DWV side of the modified P-trap. The second clean out plug is intended for use with a plumbing snake. The snake guide: 1) opens the second clean out plug; and, 2) attaches to the second clean out plug to guide the plumbing snake into the DWV.

Abstract: A bowl flushing control device of low tank type toilet has a water supply pipe with a working chamber; a waterway switch component used to open and close the waterway of the water supply pipe; a first floater being floatable in the toilet tank, the first floater takes action when the water level in the water tank is lower than the working level; a control rod being movable up and down, the first floater is movably coupled to the control rod; the control rod is movably connected to the waterway switch component to move downwardly and drive the waterway switch component to close the waterway of the water supply pipe when the first floater takes off restriction on the control rod; a activation component used to control the control rod to move upwardly to reset and coupled to the control rod.

Abstract: An inlet valve having a shortened lifting lever mechanism includes a main body having defined therein a compression hole and a waterway passage; a sealing pad; a float; and a shortened lifting lever mechanism that is rotatably connected to the main body, that comprises at least two lever stages each having a fulcrum, respectively, and that include a first stage lever, and a last stage lever that are connected in a driving way. The float is coupled to the first stage lever so that a dynamic body is formed to drive the shortened lifting lever mechanism to move. The sealing pad is assembled to the last stage lever so that the sealing pad opens or closes the compression hole with the movement of the shortened lifting lever mechanism when the float moves up and down. A method of shortening a lifting lever mechanism of an inlet valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a tri-flush toilet, three operational flush modes may be provided to enable water conservation. The toilet may include a third mode operating a peristaltic pump to reduce the water consumption per flush. The peristaltic pump is operably connected to evacuate fluids and/or solids form the toilet bowl.

Abstract: The toilet bowl separately collects urine and feces for analysis or other uses. The toilet bowl includes a toilet bowl wall with at least two holes in it. The first hole is a fecal collection aperture positioned below a user where a user may defecate into it. The second hole is a urine collection orifice through which a user's urine may flow. The two holes may be separated by a ridge which may act like a dam to inhibit cross-contamination of collected feces and urine. Conduits may connect to the two holes to direct the waste into analytical devices or containers for additional uses including composters and digesters which produce clean energy.