Abstract: The present invention provides a fine cellulose fiber sheet, of which various properties and functions such as paper making ability, solvent resistance, adhesion, functionalization agent immobilization, surface zeta potential, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, and air permeation resistance are finely controlled, through a process having low environmental impact. A fine cellulose fiber sheet according to the present invention fulfills all of the following requirements (1) to (3): (1) comprises fine cellulose fibers having an average fiber diameter of 2 nm or greater and 1000 nm or less; (2) the weight ratio of the fine cellulose fibers is 50 wt % or greater and 99 wt % or less; and (3) the block polyisocyanate aggregate content as a weight ratio is 1 to 100 wt % of the weight of the fine cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A composite material comprising 10-98 wt. % of a bio-based particulate or fibrous filler and at least 2 wt. % of a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and a polyacid, wherein the polyacid comprises at least 10 wt. % of tricarboxylic acid. Preferably, the filler is in the form of particles, fibers, and/or random or non-random layers. A plant-based filler may be used, in particular a cellulosic or lignocellulosic material, more in particular one or more materials selected from wood chips, wood flakes, sawdust, pulp, e.g., pulp of (recycled) paper or other fiber pulp, and plant-derived fibers such as cotton, linen, flax, and hemp. An animal-derived filler, in particular an animal-derived fiber such as wool, hair, silk, or feathers may also be used. Preferably the polyalcohol is selected from one or more of glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, 1,2-propane diol, 1,3-propane diol, and 1,2-ethane diol, in particular glycerol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing self-binding pigment particle suspensions, to a self-binding pigment particle suspension as well as to a paper product comprising self-binding pigment particles and to the use of the self-binding pigment particle suspension in paper applications, such as in paper coating or as filler material.

Abstract: A functional substance adsorption device for fibers including: a casing having a space formed therein and an opening and closing door located on the front surface thereof; a drum rotatably disposed inside the casing and having a space formed therein to put the fibers therein and a plurality of fine through holes formed thereon; a driving part disposed on one side of the casing to rotate the drum; and a fine particle supply part comprising a fine particle supply hose communicating with the outer periphery of the casing, a vaporization tank connected to one side of the fine particle supply hose, a pneumatic ultrasound generator disposed inside the vaporization tank to vaporize an antimicrobial agent, and an air compressor for supplying pneumatic pressure to the pneumatic ultrasound generator.

Abstract: Fibrous structures that exhibit a Tensile Ratio of less than 1.75 and/or less than 1.49 as measured according to the Tensile Strength Test Method described herein and a Geometric Mean Modulus (GM Modulus) of less than 1402.4 g/cm at 15 g/cm and/or a Machine Direction Modulus (MD Modulus) of less than 1253.4 g/cm at 15 g/cm and/or a Cross Machine Direction Modulus (CD Modulus) of less than 1569.2 g/cm at 15 g/cm, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a expansion joint to bridge an expansion gap between two parts of concrete slabs used in floor construction, especially in the manufacture of concrete floors such as for example in industrial floors. Such expansion joints are evidently required to take up the inevitable shrinkage process of the concrete and to assure that the floor elements can expand or contract such as for example occur by temperature fluctuations and resulting in a horizontal displacement of the floor panels vis-à-vis one another.

Abstract: A system which creates a durable seal between adjacent horizontal panels, including those that may be curved or subject to temperature expansion and contraction or mechanical shear. The durable seal system incorporates a plurality of ribs, a flexible member between the cover plate and the ribs and may incorporate a load transfer plate to provide support to the rib from below, and/or cores of differing compressibilities.

Abstract: A synthetic turf system and method includes turf tufted from monofilament fibers of a thermoplastic polymer where about 1 in about 32 tuft rows comprise at least one antistatic filament per tuft. Each antistatic filament has a first nonconductive polymeric component coextensive with a second non-conductive component. One or more of the antistatic filaments substantially reduces static electrical discharge within the turf. The thermoplastic polymer for each fiber may comprise at least one of nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. Each tuft of the tufted turf may be twisted and each tuft may be slit to form multiple ends. The turf system may comprise stitched turf. Each antistatic filament may comprise a carbon core surrounded by a non-conductive sheath, wherein a ratio of the antistatic filament per number of tuft rows may comprise at least one of 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, and 1:16.

Abstract: A vibration exciter for a soil compacting device includes a first unbalanced shaft on which at least one first unbalanced mass is arranged, a second unbalanced shaft which is arranged axially parallel to the first unbalanced shaft, which is contra-directionally rotatably coupled to the first unbalanced shaft in form-locked manner, and on which at least one second unbalanced mass is arranged, and a drive device for rotatably driving one of the unbalanced shafts and a rotation device. The drive device can be actuated by an actuation device in order to rotate the second unbalanced mass relative to the first unbalanced mass. The second unbalanced shaft has a cavity, and the actuation device is at least partially arranged inside the cavity.

Abstract: A rear mount screed assembly may include a main screed comprising a front face and an angled end face. An angle between a plane of the front face of the main screed and a plane of the angled end face of the main screed may be less than 90 degrees. The rear mount screed assembly may include a screed extension arranged behind the main screed relative to a direction in which the rear mount screed assembly is to be moved during operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to grinders in the form of a planer or drum grinder for milling surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. The planer has a multiplicity of cutters oriented in selected arrangements. It is described in the context of a representative system that is added to prime movers, such as skid-steer loaders.

Abstract: In a self-propelled construction machine, specifically, a road milling machine, a surface miner or a recycler, for milling a ground surface, comprising a machine frame with a longitudinal axis, comprising a chassis with wheels or tracked ground-engaging units which support the machine frame, comprising a controller for the travelling and milling operation, comprising a height-adjustable working drum, comprising a slewable transport conveyor arranged in front of or behind the working drum as seen in the direction of travel of the milling machine with a discharge end from which worked-off milling material is dischargeable onto a point of impingement on a loading surface of a means of transport, wherein the transport conveyor is slewable about, as a minimum, a first slewing axis extending essentially orthogonal to the machine frame laterally under a slewing angle, wherein the controller comprises a control system which controls, as a minimum, the slewing angle of the transport conveyor automatically in the trave

Abstract: Sawing tool forms a surface structure on a road surface, has a shaft and number of diamond saw blades, each diamond saw blade has disc-shaped core with hole for placing on shaft. A segment is on outer circumference of core, and saw blades are arranged on shaft by disc-shaped core. Segments of adjacent diamond saw blades are in surface contact on longitudinal side, each segment formed from two layers adjoining one another in axial direction and extending in radial and axial direction. Axially adjoining layers of segment each have different wear resistances and wear resistance of layers in axial direction alternates over axially entire segment, so a furrow is formed by two layers adjoining one another, in order to set a grip and a noise level of the road surface. Axially adjoining layers of adjacent segments have different wear resistances forming an alternating layer structure over entire sawing tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a paver stone, and the like from a preset position, including a pair of lifting plates having a body containing one or more lifting aid insertion openings at one end, and at an opposing end, a blade portion having substantially concave tabs with tab edges formed along a pair of slots terminating in one or more of stress relief openings between the body and the blade, wedging a first blade between the paver and a first adjacent paver and wedging a second blade at an opposing end of a paver and a second adjacent paver, substantially compressing the tabs storing spring energy in the blades, pushing the tab edges below the bottom plane of the paver, releasing the stored spring energy thereby substantially decompressing and re-forming the tabs such that the tab edges contact and engage the underside of the paver to be extracted.

Abstract: A construction module for a structure, comprising: a formwork member that includes a base, a pair of parallel side walls that extend upwardly from the base, and a pair of parallel end walls. The base, the side walls and the end walls define a cavity for reinforcement and concrete. A reinforcement member includes an upper portion and a lower portion. When the reinforcement member is located in the cavity and concrete fills the cavity, the lower portion of the reinforcement member and the concrete define an elongate beam.

Abstract: A road marker device comprising: a housing comprising a flat top surface and configured to be inserted in a road such that the flat top surface is leveled with the road surface; a light source housing operatively coupled with the housing, the light source housing comprising at least one aperture protruding from the flat top surface; at least one light source installed in the light source housing, wherein the at least one light source is visible to users of the road through the at least one aperture; and a tilt mechanism installed in the housing and operatively coupled with the light source housing, the tilt mechanism configured to allow descent of the light source housing below the road surface once a pressure is applied on the light source housing.

Abstract: A modular traffic cone assembled from a flat sheet and a dish that stores in a minimum of space. In one embodiment, translucent traffic cone has enhanced visibility through a light seated on a platform inside the translucent cone. In one embodiment, the modular traffic cone is included in a traffic directing kit comprising a translucent flat sheet, a dish and a platform, the sheet, the dish and the platform forming the traffic cone. The kit may also include ballast and the light for seating inside the traffic cone. A method of assembly for the traffic cone and the kit is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for absorbing and marking a potentially dangerous substance on the ground, the device including: an elongate hollow body, the inner walls of which define a storage space in which a powder is stored which is capable of absorbing the substance when the powder comes into contact with the substance, the storage space leading into an opening for pouring the powder onto the substance in order to neutralize the substance, a base on which the lower end of the body is directly or indirectly mounted, the base projecting laterally relative to the body so as to form a marker in order to position the device on the ground in a stable manner and to mark the presence of the absorbed substance on the ground.

Abstract: A floating turbidity barrier includes a first barrier section and a second barrier section. Velcro® is affixed to a portion of the first barrier and to a portion of the second barrier. The Velcro® of the first barrier section and the Velcro® of the second barrier section are connected together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus incorporating erosion preventing mats or blankets having oyster spat are placed to prevent or reduce erosion. The method and apparatus incorporates seeding with oyster spat and/or oyster larvae onto a blanket having rough surfaces and comprising calcium. After seeding and setting natural growth of the oyster larvae can create a barrier that helps prevent erosion by breaking the kinetic energy of waves.

Abstract: An oil skimmer apparatus and method for removing oil from the surface of water, comprising a platform having left and right side walls, a rear wall, a front opening, a floor, and a bottom, one or more ballasts which adjust the platform floor relative to a level of oil on the water surface, wherein the oil flows from the front opening across the floor to the rear wall, a rear location near the rear wall to collect the oil from the platform floor; and a pump connected to the rear location that removes the oil from the rear location to a storage area. The skimmer vessel can work stationary in the water, and does not require a propellor means, as the oil will continue to flow into the skimmer as the oil is pumped out of the rear by the gravity flow to the rear of the vessel.

Abstract: A floating litter collection system for collecting floating debris from the surface of water flowing in a water stream, comprising a wire mesh container having an open front end, a first buoyant device secured to a first side of the container, a second buoyant device secured to the second side of the container, and a pair of mooring lines for anchoring the container to the water banks of the water stream. The system may include a pair of floating booms secured to the mooring lines to direct debris floating on the surface of the water into the container. The system may include a fin attached to the bottom of the container to orient the front end of the container in an upstream direction. The system may include a floating anchor to orient the front end of the container in an upstream direction.

Abstract: A floating debris remover having an operator station for directing debris into a debris inlet and a power manipulateable debris scoop for on-the-go separation of the debris from the water through elevation of the debris scoop with the debris remover having an operator station to allow an onboard operator to retrieve and deposit debris at a waste disposal site solely through operator manipulation of the debris scoop.

Abstract: A sonic drilling apparatus with adapter for emplacing columns includes a sonic drilling apparatus having a fitting. An adapter is coupled to the fitting. The adapter includes a base having a socket extending upwardly therefrom and coupled to the fitting, and a coupling mechanism extending downwardly from the base. A tubular polygonal column is removably attached to the adapter by the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is an arch/building support system comprising two (or more) opposing wedges, at least one located at the base of each side of the arch, with the bases of the opposing wedges facing each other, the opposing wedges connected to each other by a semi-rigid flexible rod or rods. In a building structure, the flexible member could be rebar(s) made of one or various materials (metal, plastic, nylon etc.) with various degree of elasticity. The rebars could envelop the structure (around the outside or shell) or reside within it, and may also incorporate some sort of spring mechanism. The rebar(s) are anchored to the upper wedge on each side of the arch, but need not be, and could instead be anchored to the ground.

Abstract: A quick coupler for coupling a tool such as an excavator bucket, a clamshell grapple or demolition shears to a tool operator such as an excavator arm or the like. The quick coupler including a coupling mount for receiving a first locking part and a locking mount for receiving a second locking part, wherein a locking element for locking the second locking part in the locking mount is at least associated with the locking mount, with the locking element being actuable by an adjustment actuator. The quick coupler can be electrically controllable, with the quick coupler having an electric drive for actuating the adjustment actuator for the locking element.

Abstract: Components of a jig are suppressed from coming into contact with a pin hole when a coupling pin is removed from the pin hole, and a length of the jig in a coupling pin axial direction is held down. A coupling pin attaching/detaching apparatus (a coupling pin extracting apparatus) includes a cylinder and a connection member. The cylinder is arranged outside a coupling pin in a radial direction of the coupling pin and is extensible. The connection member is connected to the coupling pin and the cylinder. Extension of the cylinder causes the coupling pin to be extracted from a pin hole via the connection member.

Abstract: A work implement has a boom, an arm, and a bucket pivotable around a bucket axis which is a pivot axis with respect to the arm and a tilt axis orthogonal to the bucket axis. The hydraulic cylinder has the bucket pivot around the tilt axis. The regulation valve regulates an amount of supply of a hydraulic oil to be supplied to the hydraulic cylinder based on a command signal. The position sensor measures a stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder. The control unit resets the stroke length measured by the position sensor. The control unit determines proximity to a stroke end of the hydraulic cylinder, generates a command signal for increasing a degree of opening of the regulation valve in the proximity of the stroke end, and resets the stroke length measured by the position sensor while the regulation valve is open in response to the command signal.

Abstract: A levelling apparatus, typically as used on tractors, excavators and skid-steer vehicles, and references the levelling assembly and mounting options including directly to the existing blade of vehicles as well as other mounting arrangements is provided. Preferred embodiments of a levelling apparatus include a blade body portion and body mounting portion connected by an arrangement of fixed and adjustable linkages, preferably hydraulic, to allow movement of the blade body portion (relative to the body mounting portion) in substantially an up and down direction, as well as rotational movement about an axis perpendicular to the general plane of an attached blade.

Abstract: A seabed plow capable of over-the-stern release and retrieval is usable in any of boulder clearing, trench cutting and backfill modes. In its boulder clearing mode, the plow uses its skid in torquing configuration followed by moldboards to push boulders out of the path to be trenched. In the trench cutting mode, the plow uses the skid in the same configuration with its share and moldboards for initial trench depth and the same share and moldboards with moldboard extensions for increasing trench depth in subsequent passes. In the backfill mode, the plow uses its skid in trench-straddling configuration following a blade with a passage designed to discharge fragmented spoil directly onto the pipe being covered. Thus, a single plow can be reconfigured for all modes for release and retrieval to and from a relatively small vessel without use of heavy lifting equipment.

Abstract: A ride control system includes four independent metering valves (IMVs) that are independently and selectively controlled by a controller for attenuating oscillations in a hydraulic actuator of a machine. The controller is configured to open at least one of the IMVs for supplying pressurized fluid from a tank to a head end chamber of the hydraulic actuator when a pressure of the head end chamber drops to a value less than an initially registered pressure. Additionally, when the displacement of the piston block is positive and the pressure in the head end chamber falls to a value less than the pressure of fluid in a rod end chamber of the hydraulic actuator, the controller may also open another one of the IMVs by which fluid from the rod end chamber could be supplied to the head end chamber for supplementing pump flow and attenuating oscillations in the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is disclosed. The hydraulic actuator may have a cylinder barrel. The hydraulic actuator may also have a piston rod reciprocally received by the cylinder barrel. The piston rod may have at least one first piston rod end extending out of the cylinder barrel. The hydraulic actuator may further have an intermediate element attached to the at least one first piston rod end by a first set of screws extending in a first direction. In addition, the hydraulic actuator may have a connecting element attached to the intermediate element by a second set of screws extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A surroundings monitoring system for a work machine includes a detecting part to detect a monitoring target around the work machine and a control part to switch the state of the work machine between first and second states based on the detection result. The first state includes a state where a restriction on the operation of the work machine is canceled or a state where an alarm is stopped. The second state includes a state where the operation is restricted or stopped or a state where the alarm is output. The control part returns the state of the work machine to the first state when a predetermined condition is satisfied after switching the state to the second state. The predetermined condition includes that no monitoring target is detected around the work machine and that it is ensured that the work machine is prevented from starting to operate.

Abstract: A bucket level indicator mechanism for use with work machine with a front mounted loader implement includes a carriage assembly having a carriage frame comprising a carriage back and first and second carriage endplates at longitudinal ends of the carriage back, a first end of the carriage assembly being pivotably connected to one of the masts, wherein the carriage back has a slot formed therein along a portion of its longitudinal length. At least one guide rod extends between the carriage endplates. A boom height compensating link is mounted on the upper arm section. The boom height compensating link has at least one fixed traveler configured to be received in the slot in the carriage back, the carriage assembly being mounted so as to slide relative the traveler, wherein as the loader boom is raised and lowered by extension or retraction of the lift actuator, the carriage assembly rotates relative the mast about a pivot as the traveler slides in the slot in the carriage back.

Abstract: A display system for a construction machine includes: a moving direction computing section for computing a predictive moving direction of a bucket; a work-tool display control section that, if the moving direction computing section predicts a movement of the bucket, changes the display position of a bucket image based on the predictive moving direction such that the area of a region located on the predictive moving direction side from the bucket image on the display screen of a monitor is displayed wider than when the bucket image is displayed at a reference position and that displays the bucket image at the reference position if a movement of the bucket cannot be predicted. A target-surface display control section displays on the display screen an image of a target surface when the bucket image is displayed at the display position determined by the work-tool display control section.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine having an upper frame rotatably mounted to a lower frame includes a controller configured to limit a maximum speed of the machine when a rotation angle between the upper frame and the lower frame exceeds a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A tip adapter comprises a side throat surface with a variable blend defining a radius of curvature ranging from 200 mm to 270 mm, or a lower nose surface that includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion defining a lower obtuse angle therebetween, or a top throat surface with a top arcuate portion defining a radius of curvature ranging from 100 mm to 300 mm.

Abstract: A shroud configured to be attached to a work implement comprises a ground engaging surface with a convex arcuate portion, a first concave arcuate portion on one side of the convex arcuate portion, and a second concave arcuate portion on the other side of the convex arcuate portion, or an upper outside loading surface extending from the ground engaging surface including a first concave arcuate loading portion, a first convex arcuate loading portion, and a second convex arcuate loading portion, or a slot the defines a front clearance face with a first rearward facing pad therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solving a prevailing problem that occurs when cooled water accumulated in hot water pipelines is wasted down the drain while an individual waits for the discharge of hot water at a point-of-use is described. The described water recovery method and apparatus prevents the waste of usable cooled water accumulated in the hot water pipelines by utilizing a diverter unit with a three-way diverter valve, a solenoid valve, and a thermoswitch to implement a cycle that diverts the accumulated cooled water to a holding container before it can be discharged at the point-of-use and allows only hot water to pass through and reach the point-of-use. As a result, the described water recovery process and apparatus allows valuable fresh water to be stored and conserved for later use.

Abstract: A water delivery device includes a body, a user interface, a mixing valve, a first capacitive sensor pad, and a second capacitive sensor pad. The body includes a spout. The user interface is provided on the spout. The mixing valve is contained within the body and is configured to be in fluid communication with a hot water source and a cold water source. The first capacitive sensor pad is provided below the user interface. The second capacitive sensor pad is provided below the user interface laterally adjacent to the first capacitive sensor pad, and is physically separated from the first capacitive sensor pad.

Abstract: A backflow preventer that includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet adapted to be mounted in a liquid flow configuration in a liquid supply circuit. An upstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream of the inlet, and includes an upstream check plate supporting a downstream diaphragm. An upstream check disc is positioned downstream of the diaphragm and integrally formed with an upstream stem mounted in an aperture in a central hub formed in the check plate for movement between an normally open, flow position and a closed position preventing backflow of liquid through the inlet. A downstream check disc assembly is positioned in the housing downstream from the upstream check disc assembly. A vent discharges liquid to atmosphere upstream of the downstream check disc assembly.

Abstract: A valve repair system includes: a main plate which is secured to a wall with fastener members, main plate screws, plate standoffs, valve to plate spacers, a replacement valve, and a front cover plate, such that the front cover plate is mounted in front of the main plate, and is tightened in place with the cover plate fasteners, such that the front cover plate is tightened against the main plate with the cover plate fasteners, such that the replacement valve is pulled in towards the main plate, such that the valve to plate spacers are locked tightly between the main plate and the replacement valve.

Abstract: A way out valve for urinal with double little ball, characterized by being formed by two chambers, one lower and one upper, with small balls that move to let the liquids deposited in the urinal pass or seal and prevent the exit of gases of drainage; the upper chamber has truncated cone base that, when it has liquid, floats the ball that is in this chamber and allows the liquids to pass to the lower chamber; the lower chamber has an inclined roof that allows, on its upper face, to slide the liquids up to the vertical passage that transports the liquids to the lower chamber, passing them through the lower orifice; the lower chamber has a central perforation in its inclined floor where the liquids of this chamber pass to the liquid conduit towards the drainage.

Abstract: A plumbing insert cleansing device having a mounting plate, a nozzle, a solution port, and a hose is provided herein. The cleaning device is configured to permit for the pressurized cleaning and clearing of debris through a cleanout in the waste pipes of a structure. The mounting plate has a plurality of apertures and is configured to fit within the cleanout. The nozzle is coupled to a first aperture in the mounting plate and the solution port is coupled to a second of the apertures. The hose is separated between the solution port and the nozzle. Water enters through the nozzle and a cleaning solution enters through the solution port. They are mixed downstream prior to exiting at a higher pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preventing a toilet from running. The apparatus comprises a hollow, cylindrical tube, with a diameter at least slightly larger than the chain of a toilet tank. The toilet chain is run throughout the tube, fixing critical links of the chain in place. This is desirable to prevent the chain from catching on the toilet piston or rod, both of which are leading causes of toilets running.

Abstract: A dryer for use with a bidet is disclosed. In one embodiment, a moveable dryer wand emits an air curtain as the dryer wand moves across the bidet bowl beneath the user after cleansing. We further disclose a dryer which produces a second air current which moves air in a different direction than that emitted by the dryer wand and further controls the movement of excess water remaining on a user after cleansing. A dryer that includes moveable dryer wand used in coordination with a moveable bidet wand are also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: A wash-out type toilet according to an embodiment includes a bowl that receives waste and a drainage water trap. The drainage water trap includes an inlet that is connected to a lower part of the bowl, a rise pipeline that is connected to the inlet and extends upward toward its own top part, a fall pipeline that extends downward toward an inlet of a drainage water pipe that is arranged on a floor surface, and an intermediate pipeline with an upstream-side portion that is connected to the rise pipeline and a downstream-side portion that is connected to the fall pipeline. Furthermore, the intermediate pipeline includes a retention surface that is formed to slope downward from an upstream side to a downstream side and temporarily retains waste at a time of toilet washing.

Abstract: A curb inlet filter adapted to work in conjunction with a curb inlet comprised of permeable filter fabric fashioned generally in a V cross section, comprising an upper and lower fabric layer separated by one or more gussets. A user inserts the curb inlet filter into a curb inlet and may apply pressure to push the filter into the curb inlet causing the gussets to compress as the invention enters the curb inlet and resulting in a press fit between the gussets supporting the upper and lower permeable filter fabric layers. The compression fit retains the inlet filter into place and the curb inlet. Water may pass through the permeable filter fabric, while the permeable filter fabric prevents sediment and other unwanted debris from entering the storm water drainage system.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is related to a beam-column connection structure, comprising a first H-shaped steel beam, a second H-shaped steel beam generally perpendicularly connected to a side of the first H-shaped steel beam, and a third H-shaped steel beam generally perpendicularly connected to another side of the first H-shaped steel beam wherein a main stirrup penetrates these H-shaped steel beams and surrounds the joints thereof.

Abstract: An acoustic shell for stage performances has a frame defining a concave volume that is curved in two orthogonal planes and has an inner surface facing forwardly of a stage for a performance. A plurality of polygonal acoustic panels are positioned in the frame and spaced in rows and column along the inner surface, each panel having an outer acoustically active surface. The frame is formed of plural curved trusses each with a base for support on the stage and a peak. An oculus ring is connected to the peak of each arch and the bases of the arches are space along a bottom curve of the concave volume. The panels comprise plural adjacent blocks in rows and columns, each with a base and inner closed end, the length of each block being different for adjacent blocks.