Abstract: A dryer exhaust duct power ventilator which is free of any dedicated internal air flow contacting devices for sensing air pressure or measuring fan RPMs and free of any hall effect sensor, but instead utilizes the auxiliary winding of a PSC motor on a centrifugal duct fan to measure the rotation of the motor and fan and thereby determine the pressure in the duct. A clip-on current sensor is located in the dryer power connection compartment and is used to detect operation of the dryer.

Abstract: A drying machine includes a clothes holding unit for holding clothes therein, a drying passage including a heater to supply heated air to the clothes holding unit, a dehumidification passage for removing moisture from the air exhausted from the clothes holding unit to supply dehumidified air to the drying passage, a circulation fan provided in the drying passage or the dehumidification passage to circulate air, a moisture absorption unit for absorbing moisture from the air exhausted from the clothes holding unit, a renewable passage for supplying the heat absorbed by the dehumidified passage to the moisture absorption unit to renew the moisture absorption unit, and a controller for controlling the circulation fan to circulate the air exhausted from the clothes holding unit for a preset time period.

Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an accommodation space formed therein to accommodate laundry, a door hingedly connected to the cabinet to open or close the accommodation space, a presser for applying pressure to laundry to remove wrinkles from laundry, and a presser-fixing structure for mounting the presser to the inner surface of the accommodation space or the door. The presser-fixing structure includes a support holder protruding from the inner surface of the accommodation space or the door and a presser-fixing recess formed concavely in the rear surface of the presser so as to allow the support holder to be inserted thereinto.

Abstract: A non-woven covered roller comprising a resin-saturated seamless non-woven tube on a shaft and a process for making the non-woven covered roller comprising non-woven fibers and a shaft surface completely covered with at least the same resin wherein the resin-saturated non-woven tube has a hardness of at least 40 wet Shore A. It also has an outer surface configured to both trap metal debris from a metal web during primary metal fabrication operations and temporarily compress to allow larger metal debris associated with the metal web to pass by without permanently damaging the outer surface of the non-woven covered roller. Furthermore, it has an inner surface sufficiently bonded with the same resin to the outer surface of the shaft to permit satisfactory life of the resin-saturated non-woven covered roller during primary metal fabrication conditions similar to that of conventional shafts that are covered with rubber, urethane, or vinyl, and have not been exposed to the metal debris.

Abstract: A paintable cloth includes a woven fabric including plant fibers, especially flax, jute, ramie and/or sisal fibers, the woven fabric additionally being coated with a finish.

Abstract: A wet process for cleaning biomass is disclosed, comprising: introducing biomass feedstock to a vibrating separator, to generate an overflow stream and an underflow stream, wherein the overflow stream comprises biomass and large grit, and wherein the underflow stream comprises fines and small grit; introducing the overflow stream to a kinetic separator, to generate an intermediate biomass stream and a large-grit stream; introducing the underflow stream and elutriation water to a hydroclone separator, to generate a wet biomass-fines stream and a small-grit stream; separating water contained in the wet biomass-fines stream and recycling it as elutriation water, to generate a biomass fines stream; and combining the biomass fines stream with the intermediate biomass stream, thereby generating clean biomass. An alternative embodiment for a dry process to clean biomass is also disclosed. The clean biomass may be used in a wide variety of biorefining processes.

Abstract: It is disclosed a process to transfer a ligno-cellulosic feedstock from a low pressure zone to a high pressure zone. A slurry the ligno-cellulosic feedstock is first provided, which is then subjected to a multi-step liquid removal process comprising draining by gravity at least a portion of the free liquid; removing a first portion of the capillary liquid in a low pressure zone by continuously compressing a stream of the ligno-cellulosic feedstock to reach a moisture content in a first target range; removing a second portion of the capillary liquid by shearing and compressing the ligno-cellulosic stream in a plug forming device, to form a ligno-cellulosic feedstock plug having a moisture content in a second target range at an outlet of the plug forming device connected to the high pressure zone.

Abstract: A process for pretreating reclaimed cotton fibers to be used in the production of molded bodies from regenerated cellulose, characterized by effective metal reduction and adjustment of the degree of polymerization and brightness, including a metal removing stage and an oxidative bleaching stage of the reclaimed cotton fibers or pulp produced thereof. Reclaimed cotton fibers treated according to the described process may be used alone or in blends with conventional dissolving pulp as raw material for the production of molded bodies from regenerated cellulose. The process enables technically smooth, safe, and economically feasible spinning via the Viscose or Lyocell process, therefore, the current invention provides an efficient recycling pathway for cotton waste materials.

Abstract: A multi-faceted family of non-woven webs that can take the form of a filter media, an adaptable forming process and a machine capable of making the range of media are disclosed. The filter medium can have a first surface and a second surface defining a thickness. The medium can comprise a region having a gradient. Such a gradient is formed by having a medium wherein the concentration of a fiber, a property or other component varies from one surface to the next surface. The gradient region of the media can comprise the entire thickness of the medium or can comprise a region that comprises a portion of the media thickness. The media are characterized by the presence of a continuous change of the fiber concentration or property within the region.

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

Abstract: To provide tissue paper with an excellent “moist texture” and high “smooth texture.” 2-ply tissue paper is characterized by the basis weight per ply being 15 to 18 g/m2, the 2-ply paper thickness being 135 to 160 ?m, and containing 2.9 g/m2 or more and 8.0 g/m2 or less of chemical agent which contains glycerin and 1,3-propanediol in a total amount of 83.7 mass % or more, wherein the mass ratio of glycerin and 1,3-propanediol is 1:0.04 or more and 1:5.58 or less.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided.

Abstract: A modular structure for installing an artificial playing field comprising: a stabilizing layer forming a plurality of compartments for receiving a granular infill; a separation layer for location over the stabilizing layer to retain the infill; a water distributing layer; and an artificial turf layer. The claimed construction allows a stable base layer to be formed using virtually any locally available granular material such as earth, gravel, lava, rock and the like. The compartments ensure that the granular material is held in place and cannot be displaced due to loading or washed away due to rain or flooding.

Abstract: Provided is an elastic infill for artificial turf. The elastic infill is produced by pelletization of an elastomer composition comprising a silane coupling agent and a mixture of an olefin copolymer-containing base resin and an inorganic filler. The silane coupling agent is present in admixture with the mixture. Alternatively, the silane coupling agent may be grafted onto the olefin copolymer to allow cross-linking of the olefin copolymer in the presence of water.

Abstract: A paving machine includes an auger drive system secured with a primary auger shaft, and a primary auger sleeve disposed for selective rotation with the primary auger shaft with engagement of a selectively-actuable primary auger clutch. The paving machine further includes at least a first auger extension that is selectively-engagable with the primary auger shaft with engagement of a first auger extension clutch. In this way, the primary auger sleeve and the first auger extension may be separately actuated for rotation with the auger drive system.

Abstract: A screed assembly for a paving machine is disclosed. The screed assembly includes a screed plate having a front edge, a first plate positioned in front of the front edge of the screed plate. The first plate defining having a first thickness. A temperature sensor is coupled to the first plate. The temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of a paving material, whereby the temperature of the paving material is measured before the paving material comes into contact with the screed plate.

Abstract: A screed assembly is provided for use at a road finisher. This comprises a control unit, a first compacting device and a second compacting device, which is arranged in a first direction behind the first compacting device. The disclosure is characterized in that the control unit is configured to activate and/or deactivate the second compacting device in a delayed manner relative to the first compacting device by a time period, which is unequal to zero. A method for operating a screed assembly for use at a road finisher is also provided. This comprises the following steps: activating and/or deactivating a first compacting device of the screed assembly, activating and/or deactivating a second compacting device of the screed assembly, which is arranged in direction of travel of the road finisher behind the first compacting device, after expiration of a predeterminable time period, which is unequal to zero.

Abstract: A system and method for the application of friction-modifying coatings to roadways, walkways, pathways and other areas subject to vehicular, human or animal traffic, the system and method comprising the controlled, simultaneous application of binder and filler to a surface of a substrate, using a mobile device which passes over the substrate as the binder and filler are being applied. The system includes a frame coupled to a vehicle. A spray bar is mounted on the frame and includes an array of spray nozzles coupled to a resin container. An air knife is mounted on the frame and coupled to an air compressor for generating an air curtain. An aggregate dispenser bar including at least one aggregate dispenser is coupled to an aggregate bin and mounted on the frame for dispensing aggregate.

Abstract: Queue management systems allow a long queue/line of people to be held in a relatively small area. However, if there is no queue/line the system may frustrate users. The invention provides in one aspect a queue management gate 110 comprising an attachment device 150 for attaching the queue management gate to a stanchion 30 of the type used in queue management systems which include flexible tapes extending between stanchions to form lanes, the gate further comprising a relatively rigid movable barrier 60, movable in a substantially horizontal plane, the gate for allowing access between adjacent lanes formed by the queue management system such that users may avoid walking through the empty lanes formed by the queue management system.

Abstract: An adjustable snow plow having a center unit; at least one extender wing; a square channel connected to said center unit; at least one mounting bracket connected to said center unit wherein the at least one extender wing is connected to the center unit via the square channel, and the mounting bracket is selectably attachable to a vehicle. The adjustable snow plow is able to vary the width of the plow blade so as to accommodate a number of different locations for which snow may need to be removed. The adjustable plow may be a straight blade plow, or a partially straight blade plow that allows for the user of the adjustable plow to dictate in which direction the desired snow is displaced.

Abstract: Described is an infrastructure for recovering and storing energy received from wave motion of lakes or sea water basins, comprising a floating or fixed quay, jetty or pier (10) substantially consisting of a platform (11) in the lower part of which are fixed walls (12, 13, 14) equipped with openings (17) for the passage of the wave motion towards inner chambers (15, 16), wherein the inner chambers comprise units for recovering the energy from the wave motion, comprising floats (18) connected by kinematic means (19, 20) to at least one transmission shaft (22) in turn associated with a unit (24) which transforms the mechanical energy into directly usable or storable electricity, the kinematic means (19, 20) being capable of converting the sussultatory motion of the floats (18) into rotary motion of the shaft (22) allowing the recovery of electricity from the relative transformation unit (24).

Abstract: A soil probing device for determining properties of soil during penetration into ground using a soil probing device. The soil probing device has a measuring probe, a plurality of rod sections each having a central axis for assembly of the probing rod, driving means for penetrating the probing rod into the ground, and a measuring means for determining properties of the ground during penetration of the probing rod into the ground. The probing rod while penetrated into the ground is extendable each time by a new one of the rod sections. Each of the rod sections are provided at their outer ends with complementary male and female locking parts which in an axially aligned position of adjacent rod sections, are movable relative to each other from an unlocked into a locked position and from the locked position into the unlocked position.

Abstract: A method for mechanically stabilizing deep sea sediments, marine raw material deposits and/or submarine slope and/or to a control/conditioning method for the hydraulic properties of deep sea sediments. A gas hydrate-forming substance is injected into marine or submarine sediments, and gas hydrate sediment composites are formed.

Abstract: A pile guide is provided comprising a base frame and a pile guide member for guiding the pile as it is driven into a substrate when the base frame is resting thereon. The pile guide member comprises plural guide parts each moveable between a operative position and an inoperative position, each guide part being pivotally mounted on the base frame. At least one guide part is operably coupled or couplable with an associated counterweight for opening of the guide member to its inoperative position under gravity, such that, at least in an inoperative position, at least part of the counterweight and the associated guide part are movable with respect to each other. In another aspect, at least one of the guide parts and/or at least one of the counterweights is detachably connected with the base frame and/or with each other. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A retaining wall block generally comprises a block body having a front face with a plurality of support legs extending rearward therefrom, opposed first and second side surfaces, and opposed and substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces. A preferred leg spacing of side support legs allows the side legs of each successive course of blocks to rest on the side legs of the prior-laid rows, while allowing the center legs to float freely. The free-floating center leg may allow attachment of additional stabilization means to the center leg without preventing the blocks from resting directly on the course below.

Abstract: A containment material for a containment system to provide protection against the diffusion of contaminants in a containment area. A structured felt geotextile surface layer is joined with a geomembrane barrier layer to form a lamination. The geomembrane barrier layer is substantially impervious to liquid diffusion. The structured felt geotextile surface layer comprises a needle-punched, non-woven felt with an upper surface structured to have a surface pattern of peaks and valleys. A containment system is formed from a plurality of strips of containment material joined by liquid-impervious bonds to provide coverage to the containment area. A process for forming a containment material comprises providing a structured felt geotextile layer formed with first and second needling operations to produce a surface pattern and a liquid impervious geomembrane barrier layer and joining the layers to form a lamination.

Abstract: Disclosed are power machines with an operator seat proximal to the rear or back of the power machine, hand grip operator supports which can have user input devices positioned thereon, and foot supports configured to comfortably allow an operator to operate the power machine from both seated and standing positions.

Abstract: A universal backhoe bucket coupler for a work machine includes a first pair of apertures positioned to be spanned by the mounting flanges of a first style bucket having mounting holes for receiving at least one front mounting pin, a second pair of apertures positioned to be spanned by the mounting flanges of a second style bucket having mounting holes for receiving at least one front mounting pin. A pair of like pivotal spacers is disposed laterally intermediate corresponding outer and inner side portions of the coupler and are pivotable between stowed positions and deployed positions aligned with the first pair of apertures for minimizing lateral bucket motion.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine includes a first control valve to control a first hydraulic actuator, a second control valve to control a second hydraulic actuator, a first fluid tube connecting the first hydraulic actuator to the first control valve, and a second fluid tube connecting the second hydraulic actuator to the second control valve. A level control valve apparatus is connected to the first fluid tube and the second fluid tube. The level control valve apparatus is configured to control a leveling operation for the second hydraulic actuator. An accumulator apparatus is connected to the first hydraulic actuator. The accumulator apparatus communicates with the first fluid tube between the level control valve apparatus and the first control valve. Circuitry is configured to control the level control valve apparatus to stop the leveling operation when the accumulator apparatus is in operation.

Abstract: A controller that includes a memory and an electronic processor. The electronic processor receives a first signal and a second signal. The electronic processor determines a retract torque limit based on the first signal and the second signal. The electronic processor sets a retract torque parameter of a crowd motor to the retract torque limit that has been determined. The electronic processor operates the crowd motor at or below the retract torque parameter.

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

Abstract: A movable machine including a chassis, a tool coupled to the chassis, an operator control carried by the chassis and a controller. The controller is communicatively coupled to the operator control. The controller being configured to send a force feedback and/or a vibration feedback to the operator control thereby conveying information to the operator. The information is not related to a load encountered by the tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic pump to discharge an operation fluid, a hydraulic device to be operated by the operation fluid, a plurality of hydraulic pressure controllers each to change an operation state of the hydraulic pressure controller based on a pressure of the operation fluid so as to control the hydraulic device, and a proportional valve connected to the plurality of hydraulic pressure controllers. The proportional valve is configured to set a pressure of the operation fluid supplied to the hydraulic pressure controllers.

Abstract: A work machine has a work device mounted on a machine body including a fluid pressure motor for travelling. A controller reduces engine speed to be lower than rated engine speed during normal working mode. The controller controls engine speed so as to obtain a pump flow rate in accordance with a target travelling speed during travelling low-load mode when engine load is lower than a threshold. The controller controls both the engine speed and output torque for pump control so that the engine output becomes maximum in travelling high-load mode when the engine load is higher than the threshold.

Abstract: A hydraulic safety circuit for use in earth-moving vehicles or agricultural vehicles or in general hydraulic machines. The hydraulic safety circuit includes a first hydraulic actuator, a pilot pump for supplying pilot operating fluid at a pilot pressure, and a signaling device controlled by the pilot fluid and operable to emit an alarm signal. The circuit further includes a balance valve subjected to pressure of the first hydraulic actuator and able to distribute the pilot operating fluid in a plurality of hydraulic activating signals; a hydraulic distributor able to assume a plurality of operating configurations and able to distribute the pilot operating fluid according to an assumed configuration; and a plurality of alarm valves controlled by the activating signals, at least one of which is arranged downstream of the hydraulic distributor, each alarm valve being able to provide the pilot fluid to the signaling device.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine includes a hydraulic pump to supply a pilot fluid, and a hydraulic switch valve to be switched to a plurality of switching positions based on a pilot pressure. The pilot pressure is a pressure of the pilot fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic system includes a direction switch valve to apply a first pilot pressure to the hydraulic switch valve to switch the hydraulic switch valve into one of the plurality of switching positions. The hydraulic system includes a pressure applying device to apply a second pilot pressure to the hydraulic switch valve. The second pilot pressure is lower than the first pilot pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking heavy machine teeth. One system includes a heavy machine tooth configured to be mounted on a bucket of a heavy machine, an active RFID tag coupled to the heavy machine tooth to move with the tooth, and an RFID reader configured to read data from the RFID tag, The RFID reader is further configured to provide an indication regarding the location of the tooth when the tooth separates from the bucket based on the data read from the RFID tag and provide diagnostic information regarding the heavy machine tooth based on the data read from the RFID tag.

Abstract: An excavator includes a machine guidance device having a machine guidance function, wherein the machine guidance function sets a standard surface at a position closer to a ground surface than an excavation target surface, compares a height of a region of work by an end attachment with a height of the standard surface, and performs guidance by a report sound based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A freeze prediction system for components such as one or more water pipes situated in a building. The building may have a heating system, a mechanism with a temperature setting connected to the heating system, and an indoor temperature indicator connected to the thermostat. A call may be made for heat if thermostat setting is greater than an indoor temperature. A check may be made as to whether a call for heat may be answered. Outdoor conditions may be read and accounted for in the system. An expected time may be calculated of a freeze danger. One may determine whether the freeze danger is significant according to the expected time of freeze danger compared to a predetermined time. If the freeze danger is not significant, a regular equipment failed alert may be sent out. If the freeze danger is significant, a pipe freeze warning alert may be sent out.

Abstract: A touch detection device has a sensing unit that includes a contact portion which comes into contact with an object, a vibration excitation element that vibrates the contact portion, a detection circuit that includes a drive circuit and a contact determination circuit, and an electrical wire that connects the vibration excitation element and the detection circuit, and is covered with a covering material. The vibration excitation element is covered with a potting layer made of resin through a predetermined internal space. While being inserted into the potting layer, the electrical wire has an end connected to the vibration excitation element, and an insertion portion inserted into the potting layer includes a non-covering portion formed by peeling of the covering material.

Abstract: The present invention recites a control method for a controller of a water faucet particularly for a battery operated water faucet. The method comprises the step to detect the change of back electromagnetic voltage in the driving circuit. The present invention also provides a control circuit of a controller for a water faucet particularly for a battery operated water faucet. The controller comprises a controller body having an electric solenoid formed therein, a sensor to emit and receive an Infrared signal so as to generate and transmit an operating signal, a microprocessor to receive and process the operating signal from the sensor, a driving circuit to control the switching ON-OFF of the solenoid, and a detecting means associated with a detecting circuit to detect the change of back electromagnetic voltage of the power applied to the solenoid so as to accurately control the water flow.

Abstract: A flow diverter for diverting flow between a toilet bowl and a toilet tank, the flow diverter having: a body with an inlet, outlet and pressure relief vent; and a flow adjustment mechanism rotatable around the outlet to selectively divert different percentages of flow between the outlet and the pressure relief vent by moving a stopper in and out of the outlet by rotating a sleeve of the flow adjustment mechanism around the outlet.

Abstract: An automated nursing system for handling waste material from a patient includes a mattress including an opening; a workhead for accepting the waste material, the opening of the mattress sized to accept the workhead; a main unit in water flow and pneumatic pressure communication with the workhead; and a main processor carried by the main unit, the main processor programmed to at least partially (i) cause negative pneumatic pressure to be applied to the workhead to remove the waste material from the workhead, and (ii) cause water to be delivered to the workhead to rinse the patient.

Abstract: A vacuum sewage system includes a collection station, a vacuum pump, a sewage pump, a collection tank, a control system, a valve pit, a first conduit extending from the collection station to the valve pit, a second conduit extending from the valve pit and terminating in a closed end, a valve located in the valve pit for selectively permitting sewage and waste water to flow from the valve pit toward the collection station upon activation of the valve, an electric air admission controller or a solenoid for selectively opening and closing the valve, a first sensor associated with the electronic air admission controller or the solenoid and a second sensor located adjacent the closed end of the second conduit. The system may be utilized to monitor and remedy various undesirable operating conditions in the system and to perform routines to increase operating efficiency of the system.

Abstract: To provide a portable device capable of capturing a flow of water from a stream, storm drain or runoff channel, on command and send that captured water into a pipe system, while allowing remote adjustment of the capture and flow rates out of the cube device, the stormwater syphon cube includes a rock grate to prevent stormwater borne objects from entering the device, and an exit valve adjustable via cable control, a side extraction valve adjustable via cable control to adjust the water flow into the extraction pipe, and extraction pipe attached to the cube to carry extracted water away to storage. The sealed exit pipe acts as a syphon drawing water out of the cube.

Abstract: Aspects of a detention pond retrofit device for detention basin outlet control provide structures designed to throttle stormwater flow and maintain the rate at which water is discharged from the system below Qcritical, the flow rate at which erosion and down cutting of the receiving stream would begin, based on channel morphology and bed material resistance. The primary goal of the device is to induce increased flow detention during low to moderate rain events, while providing similar hydraulic performance during large events to that of the detention basin performance prior to the installation of the retrofit unit. This is achieved through a “T” or “Y” design with split flow paths, in which the lower path is hydraulically restricted through the installation of structures while the upper path is unrestricted.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to moment-resisting frames, kits for assembling such moment-resisting frames, and methods of repairing such moment-resisting frames. In an embodiment, a moment-resisting frame includes a beam connected to a column using a moment-resisting connection. The moment-resisting connection may include at least one exterior doubler plate (“EDP”) that is connected to the column and two or more connectors that are connected to both the beam and the EDP. In some embodiments, the moment-resisting frame may require less welding than conventional beam-to-column connections. Additionally or alternatively, such a moment-resisting frame may eliminate the need for components typically used in conventional beam-to-column connections (e.g., continuity plates).

Abstract: A support assembly for providing a high degree of lateral strength and integrity is presented herein. The support assembly includes a beam support bracket having at least one laterally disposed elongated portion that is slidingly engaged with a corresponding lateral beam. The elongated portion of the beam support bracket is defined by spaced apart first and second support plates each including oppositely disposed edges which will mate with corresponding ledges, protrusion or reinforced corners within the lateral beam.

Abstract: A framing system for constructing at least a portion of a building. The framing system comprising beams, cross beams, corner posts, and inline posts. The beams including flanges and a wall arranged between the flanges. The cross beams including a flange and a wall attached to the flange. The corner posts including walls and flanges. The inline posts including flanges and a wall arranged between the flanges. The flanges include slots and the walls include open areas. Panels may attach to the slots. Decorative patterns may be integrally formed in the open areas.

Abstract: A hanger for connecting a structural component to a wall that can have sheathing mounted thereon either before or after the hanger is connected to the wall. The hanger includes a channel-shaped portion configured to receive the structural component. An extension portion extends from the channel-shaped portion and is configured to extend through the sheathing to engage the wall at a first location. A connection portion is configured for attachment to the wall at a second location spaced from the first location.