Abstract: A copolymer composition is disclosed with advantages for textile fibers, yarns, blended yarns, fabrics, and garments. The composition includes polyester copolymer, between about 4.5 and 5.5 percent adipic acid based on the amount of copolymer, between about 630 and 770 parts per million (ppm) of pentaerythritol based on the amount of copolymer, and between about 3.4 and 4.2 percent polyethylene glycol based on the amount of copolymer.

Abstract: A cellulose based pressboard for insulation in an electrical power transformer, the pressboard includes polyvinylamine (PVAm), and polyacrylamide (PAM), in a combined amount of between 0.01% and 20% by weight of the pressboard.

Abstract: Sanitary tissue products employing fibrous structures that exhibit novel compressibility properties alone and in combination with plate stiffness properties and methods for making same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to wet wipes and methods of making thereof. In one aspect, a wet wipe includes a multi-ply tissue impregnated with a wetting composition. The multi-ply tissue includes papermaking fibers, is substantially free of synthetic fibers, and has an absorbent capacity of at least about 8 grams of the wetting composition per gram of the dry multi-ply tissue (g/g) as measured in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM International) standard D4250. A single ply of the multi-ply tissue has a basis weight of at least 8 pounds per 3,000 square foot ream (lb/rm).

Abstract: A sleeper block unit including a sleeper block and a sleeper shoe that surrounds the latter in its lower area. In the area of the upper edge of the side walls (9) of the sleeper shoe, a surrounding sealing collar (14) of an elastic material is arranged which sealingly connects the sleeper block to the sleeper shoe. The sealing collar (14) includes an upper edge section (15), a lower edge section (16), and a lateral section (17) arranged therebetween. In the area of the upper edge of the side walls (9) of the sleeper shoe (3), a surrounding bead (11) is externally arranged which is sealingly overlapped by the lower edge section of the sealing collar (14).

Abstract: A band adapted for use as a seal around an upper edge of a boot adapted for holding a block to which a rail is fastened, includes an elongated body having an outer face, an inner face, a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the elongated body are secured to each other to form the band. An inner face of the elongated body is smooth and an outer face thereof includes a plurality of laterally spaced ribs. The ribs extend from the first end of the band to the second end thereof. The elongated body is made from an electrically insulating elastomeric material.

Abstract: A method of milling a profile of a railway rail comprises: rotating a milling cutter including a plurality of face mounted cutting inserts mounted about a periphery thereof; milling a railway rail with cutting edges of the cutting inserts rotating in a predetermined plane corresponding to at least a portion of a desired rail profile while controlling the depth of cut of the cutting inserts; traversing the railway rail with the milling cutter while milling the railway rail; and controlling the speed of traverse of the milling cutter along the railway rail.

Abstract: A grass protection mat comprises a body where grass passing spaces are continuously arranged and an outer frame comprising four frames formed in four directions to finish an outer edge of the body, wherein the grass protection mat further comprises at least one hook fastener which horizontally protrudes from a first lateral frame of the outer frame toward a second lateral frame of an outer frame of a neighboring grass protection mat, and wherein the at least one hook fastener is fastened to at least one fastening hole provided in the outer frame of the second grass protection mat adjacent to the first lateral frame and corresponding to the hook fastener of the grass protection mat.

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 telescopic bar for load transmission which, if anchored in concrete slabs, creates a support between them, forming semi-rigid joints, and prevents differential settlement of the slabs, by enabling rotation in the vertical direction about a joint axis. The telescopic bar transmits a load from one slab to an adjacent slab, ensures perfect leveling of the slab surfaces, and enables removal and reuse of the slab at a later time. The telescopic bar may be used for constructing floors of easily manufactured prefabricated materials, and creates a new paradigm for the construction of roads, seaports, airports, railways, industrial areas, etc.

Abstract: A screed having a rectangular tube with a pair of cross braces. A rod extends the length of each cross brace and has threaded bores at the end thereof. The cross braces have legs that extend outward to the sides of the tube from the rod. An end plate is mounted on each end of the screen and is attached thereto by screws received in the threaded bores and passing through openings in the end plates.

Abstract: The present device is a rumble strip forming apparatus for reducing the amount of reactive force transferred to the transporter. The rumble strip forming apparatus includes a transport, a lift device, a grinder, and a drive means that connect drive portions of the transport to the grinder to synchronize engagement of a cutting device with the pavement with forward movement of the transport while providing rearward movement of the grinder drum during cutting. The grinder is configured to provide both rotation of a pavement cutter and up and down movement of the pavement cutter while portions of the grinder remain in contact with the pavement.

Abstract: A cleaning vehicle comprises a rolling chassis and a primary power source (13) in the form of a combustion engine which is able and configured to drive the vehicle. A suction installation (30) is provided which has an underpressure chamber (20) and a pump device (31,32,33) coupled thereto. The pump device comprises a primary pump unit (31,32) which draws its input power from the primary power source (13). In addition, the pump device comprises a secondary pump unit (33) which is optionally driven directly by a secondary power source in the form of an electric motor. The secondary power source (33) is supplied independently of the primary power source (13) by an electrical power supply.

Abstract: A dog feces collecting apparatus (10), including: at least two jaws (14a, 14b), being rotatable (40) one in relation to the other; and a disposable bag (16), comprising: means (22, 17, 19), for manually connecting the disposable bag (16) to the jaws (14a, 14b) while the ends (36a, 36b) of the jaws (14a, 14b) are drawn apart one from the other; and attaching means (20a, 20b, 17, 19), for attaching portions of the disposable bag (16) meeting one another upon meeting of ends (36a, 36b) of the jaws (14a, 14b), thereby upon drawing the ends (36a, 36b) of the least two jaws (14a, 14b) apart one from the other, the attaching means (20a, 20b, 17, 19) removes the disposable bag (16) from at least one of the jaws (14a, 14b).

Abstract: An animal feces collection assembly for collecting animal feces includes a collection unit that may be positioned on the ground in front of animal feces. A bag is removably positioned on the collection unit for receiving the animal feces. A scooper is provided for urging the animal feces into the collection unit.

Abstract: A self-installing offshore platform includes a top deck that supports an offshore facility, a column having a top end and a bottom end, the top end connected to the top deck, the column that supports the top deck to maintain the top deck above water in a water body in both the deployed state and the undeployed state of the self-installing offshore platform, a skirt connected to the bottom end of the column, the skirt residing above a floor of the water body in the undeployed state of the self-installing offshore platform and residing on the floor of the water body in the deployed state of the self-installing offshore platform, and a ballastable float positioned between the top deck and the skirt, the ballastable float floating in the water when the self-installing offshore platform transitions from the undeployed state to the deployed state.

Abstract: A method for increasing moisture retention in a soil includes applying an effective amount of an effective humectant composition to the soil. The effective humectant composition is identified by determining the average moisture content of the soil for the humectant compositions applied at a minimum humectant concentration level, a maximum humectant concentration level, and at a first concentration level between the minimum and the maximum humectant concentration level. An average slope curve is generated by plotting the determined average moisture content of the soil for each applied humectant concentration levels from the minimum humectant concentration level to the maximum humectant concentration level. An effective humectant composition is determined when the generated average slope curve provides an increasing average moisture content along the entirety of a length of the generated average slope curve and when the generated average slope curve has a p value of 0.05 or less.

Abstract: A sheet piling for mandrel-installed engagement with an identical adjacent sheet piling. The mandrel has a guide hook and a rotating toe protector. The sheet piling has a female interlocking feature with a pair of hooks and an engagement hook for releasably engaging the mandrel guide hook. The sheet piling also has a male interlocking feature with a pair of hooks configured to engage the pair of female hooks of an adjacent sheet piling in a multi-piling wall structure.

Abstract: A ground mounting assembly includes one or a plurality of posts, each attached to at least one stabilizing plate or scoop pyramid. The post may be driven into the ground and then lifted to deploy plates into a locking mechanism, or driven into the ground by a pile driver with plate held in place, released, and driven further and deployed into a locking mechanism, or driven into the ground and double pounded inside the post to drive reinforcing plate into slotted winglets, or driven, double pounded and rotated to extend the reinforcing plates horizontally from the pole or pile. The post also can used as a mooring in harbors, lakes, or at sea. A system based on a double pounder pile driven mono pole, optionally extendable in length, is also described.

Abstract: An anchor for securing an object to a ground surface includes a lower portion having a screw thread extending from a bottom end to a top end thereof. A neck portion extends above the lower portion, is devoid of the screw thread, and terminates at a top end thereof at a first collar. A first loop of a flexible tether is fixed about the neck portion and confined thereto by the first collar and the screw thread. A second opposing loop of the tether is sized to accept the lower portion therethrough, including the thread, but not the first collar. With the tether fixed about the object and the bottom end of the lower portion traversing the second loop as the anchor is screwed into the ground surface, the loops are fixed about the neck portion with the tether secures the object to the ground surface.

Abstract: A shoring end section assembly is described which may allow increased strength, increased longevity, and ease of use. The end section assembly may be comprised of a through-wall tube that is substantially hollow, and a connection assembly comprised of one or more through-wall tubular coupling assemblies. Each through-wall tubular coupling assembly may be comprised of a hollow through-wall tubular coupling which extends through the through-wall tube, a spreader stop disposed inside the hollow through-wall tubular coupling, a through-wall collar disposed between the hollow through-wall tubular coupling and the through-wall tube, a tubular coupling pin washer plate, and a tubular coupling collar disposed around the proximal end of the tubular coupling. Each through-wall tubular coupling assembly may have a transverse rigidifying member extending between them, and a notched angle brace assembly may be attached to the lowest through-wall tubular coupling assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for structurally renewing and sealing a wall of a manhole. The apparatus includes a tubular sleeve impregnated with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material capable of expanding when in contact with water, and a liner impregnated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening. The apparatus is positioned in a manhole and inflated, which forces the tubular sleeve and the liner into contact with the wall of the manhole. The hydrophilic or hydrophobic material is forced into defects of the wall, thus sealing the wall, while the liner is allowed to cure and harden, thus structurally renewing the wall of the manhole.

Abstract: A manhole cover assembly removably supported by a manhole skirt or rim wherein when the manhole cover assembly is removed from the manhole skirt or rim an individual can access one or more components (e.g., underground fuel storage tank) through an opening in the manhole skirt or rim. Preferably, the manhole cover assembly is light weight and very strong so that there is little or no deflection of the cover of the manhole cover assembly when subjected to a predetermined load. Preferably, the manhole cover assembly is adapted for use in refueling stations to withstand the load placed thereon when a refueling tanker or other vehicle runs over the manhole cover assembly with little or no deflection of the cover of the manhole cover assembly. Preferably, the assembly forms a liquid tight seal with the manhole skirt to prevent liquid from passing into the storage area below the skirt.

Abstract: A reinforcing system and/or means for reinforcing guyed structures or guyed construction techniques by supplementing or retrofitting the current anchoring system with a revised anchoring system which attaches or adapts to the current anchoring system.

Abstract: A front loader includes a boom, a first pivotal shaft disposed on a tip portion of the boom, a bucket supported by the first pivotal shaft to be capable of performing a shoveling movement and a dumping movement, a boom cylinder to swing the boom, a bucket cylinder to move the bucket to make the bucket perform the shoveling movement and the dumping movement, a control valve to be switched to any one of a first state supplying an operation fluid to the bucket cylinder and a second state stopping supplying the operation fluid to the bucket cylinder, a first movable member to turn around the first pivotal shaft in accordance with the movement of the bucket, and a wire connecting the first movable member to the control valve.

Abstract: An excavator tool attaching mechanism includes a housing having a pair of housing walls; a fixed engagement member for engaging with a first coupling pin of an excavator tool; a moveable engagement mechanism for engaging with a second coupling pin of the excavator tool; and a safety mechanism moveable between a locked and an unlocked configuration. The moveable engagement mechanism includes an engaging element moveable between a first position for releasing the excavator tool and a second position for engagement with the second coupling pin. The safety mechanism is automatically moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration by movement of the engaging element from the first to the second position, preventing movement of the engaging element between the second and first position. The engaging element is moveable to the second position when the moveable engagement mechanism engages with the second coupling pin.

Abstract: A work equipment control device includes a work equipment state specifying unit, a control reference specifying unit, a distance specifying unit, and a bucket control unit. The work equipment state specifying unit specifies a state of work equipment. The control reference specifying unit specifies a control reference of the work equipment. The distance specifying unit specifies a distance between the work equipment and the control reference. The bucket control unit generates a control command to drive a bucket such that the state of the work equipment is maintained when the distance between the work equipment and the control reference is less than a bucket control start threshold.

Abstract: A sectional grader system for a mold board that includes a plurality of abutting grader segments for detachable connection to the mold board. Each grader segment includes a front face, a back face, a first bolt hole aperture, a right edge having a first recessed section, a left edge having a second recessed section, and a lower edge having a plurality of spaced sockets. The first recessed section may be adapted to accommodate a first portion of a second bolt hole aperture. The second recessed section of an adjacent grader segment may be adapted to accommodate a second portion of the second bolt hole aperture. The sectional grader system may further include a bridge segment adapted to engage the first recessed section and the second recessed section of the adjacent grader segment in flush mount.

Abstract: A power connection device is provided for transmitting electric power from an external power source to a working machine). The working machine has an undercarriage and a superstructure, and the undercarriage and the superstructure are pivotable relative to each other about a substantially vertical pivot axis. The power connection device includes a first power conductor member which is adapted to be pivotally arranged relative to the undercarriage and the superstructure about the substantially vertical pivot axis.

Abstract: A bulldozer includes a steering clutch, a steering brake, a hydraulic pump that discharges a lubricating oil, a first lubricating oil supply path, a second lubricating oil supply path, a third lubricating oil supply path, and a flow amount switching valve disposed on the second lubricating oil supply path. The first lubricating oil supply path supplies a portion of the lubricating oil discharged by the hydraulic pump to the steering clutch The second lubricating oil supply path supplies a portion of the lubricating oil discharged by the hydraulic pump to the steering brake. The third lubricating oil supply path supplies, to the steering brake, a portion of the lubricating oil that has passed through the steering clutch. The flow amount switching valve switches an amount of the lubricating oil supplied to the steering brake.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plumbing fixture fitting with a mounting system.

Abstract: An undermount support for an appliance, and a method for using the support, the support including a frame that is: (a) assembled around the exterior periphery of the appliance; (b) located in supporting contact below the underside of a rim flange of the appliance; and (c) attached to cabinetry supporting a countertop or cooktop. The frame thereby enables the cabinetry to support the appliance by the rim flange.

Abstract: A flushing toilet has a manually operable main discharge valve with a main flushing outlet connected to a flushing outlet below the normal water level in a toilet bowl water trap. The flushing outlet is directed toward the water trap. A generally tangential swirling outlet in an upper region of the toilet bowl is controlled by a separate valve and directed generally horizontally to cause water leaving it to follow a swirling path on the inside of the toilet bowl in a cleansing flush. The water trap has a passage that follows a path of generally squat U-shape with an inlet end opening into the lower end of the toilet bowl, a central region that is lowermost and a water trap outlet the lowermost part of which defines a depth to the water trap. The cross-sectional shape of the passage has a longer vertical axis than its horizontal axis.

Abstract: A toilet assembly is provided and includes an inlet conduit, a waste conduit, a flush-assist subsystem, and a plug. The waste conduit is configured to fluidly communicate with the inlet conduit. The flush-assist subsystem includes a flush-assist inlet and a flush-assist outlet. The flush-assist inlet is configured to fluidly communicate with the inlet conduit. The flush-assist outlet is configured to fluidly communicate with the waste conduit. The plug is disposed within the flush-assist subsystem and configured to prevent fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the waste conduit through the flush-assist subsystem.

Abstract: A rotatable toilet tank lever equipped with a stopper has a controller to limit its upward movement. When engaged, the upward movement of the controller is stopped by an adjustment stick hitting the cover of toilet water tank. Therefore, the upward movement of the flapper inside the toilet tank is also limited and the amount of water, about half a gallon, draining into the toilet suffices to flush liquid human waste. When the intervention of the controller is eliminated by turning the handle of the rotatable toilet tank lever with controller clockwise 90 degrees to 180 degrees then the flapper can be lifted all the way up to float in the toilet water tank to allow the whole tank of water, about two gallons, to drain into the toilet bowl to flush solid human waste.

Abstract: A toilet having a tank to receive water and a bowl connected with the tank. Water travels from the tank to the bowl to discharge waste in the bowl through a manifold connected to the bowl and into a drain line. The toilet has a jet trapway portion having a jet inlet with a nozzle connected with the tank. The nozzle directs water from the jet inlet to overcome an upward bend in the jet trapway portion until received by the manifold at an inlet below the upward bend. A waste trapway portion extends from the manifold opposite the jet trapway portion and connects with the drain line. Waste is discharged from the bowl through the manifold over a bend in the waste trapway portion by combining water flowing from the jet trapway portion into the manifold with waste flowing from the manifold into the waste trapway portion.

Abstract: A toilet includes a base and a basin. The base supports the toilet on a surface. The basin is supported by the base. The base defines a primary toilet outlet and a secondary toilet outlet spaced apart and independent from the primary toilet outlet. The basin is supported by the base. The basin defines a primary basin outlet and a secondary basin outlet. The primary basin outlet is in fluid communication with the primary toilet outlet by way of a primary drain path. The secondary basin outlet is in fluid communication with the secondary toilet outlet by way of a secondary drain path independent from the primary drain path.

Abstract: A trench drain assembly includes a cross-bar that can swivel into arcuate guides in the sidewalls of the trench drain assembly and a grate clip assembly for reversibly attaching a grate to a cross-bar, whether of the swivel in type described herein or a cross-bar of a different style.

Abstract: A clearspan structure including component systems, and methods of forming a clearspan structure including component systems, for mitigating hazards to personnel or equipment from explosions, fires, toxic material release, and other hazards in hazardous locations. The exemplary clearspan structure is also capable of withstanding environmental conditions such as snow loads and wind. The exemplary clearspan structure is, for example, a tent or fabric structure which includes a plurality of frame members forming a support system for the clearspan structure, and fabric roof portions and walls for enclosing the clearspan structure.

Abstract: A building technique uses standard shipping containers as buttresses to support a truss system that may extend between the shipping containers to provide a roof. A sliding connector system attaches the trusses to the shipping containers to accommodate variations in separation of the shipping containers presenting a versatile framing system that is insensitive to site-related variations.

Abstract: Two connectors are used to improve a system of wood framing commonly used to form roof and floor assemblies. The first, the end-to-end connector, allows end-to- end connection of secondary members. The joint thus formed acts as a structural hinge which, when properly located, significantly reduces maximum moment and deflection compared to current simple-span conditions. The second, the top mount connector, provides a secure connection between continuous secondary members and the tops of primary members. This connector provides support for the secondary members and, by resisting rotation between the primary and secondary members, provides superior bracing of the primary member. Used together, the connectors provide an new way of supporting members in a structure, that both reduces maximum moment and deflection and resists rotation between the primary members and the secondary members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchoring device for walls, comprising a plate-shaped metal element, and a plurality of holes passing through the plate-shaped metal element adapted to house elements fastening the plate-shaped metal element to a first and a second wall. The plate-shaped metal element has a substantially “X” geometrical shape with four curved arms that converge in a central connecting portion and comprises at least two holes on two distinct arms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for improving the water management of exterior walls clad with panel siding. The present invention improves on prior art wall designs by directing water on the exterior surface of a building away from areas which are vulnerable to water penetration, such as joints between panels, joints between trim components, and locations where fasteners are driven from the exterior. The water management system generally comprises a vertical batten assembly, and in certain embodiments a horizontal joint cover. The water management system is designed to be installed on an outer surface of the exterior wall panels. Thus, the system may be installed without removing and replacing existing siding or covering panels with an entirely new layer of siding. The present invention may also be used on new panel siding installations as a lower cost alternative to other siding systems.

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 building comprises an exterior substrate, such as an exterior prepped for application of a building material and one or more expansion and control joints. A terminating point, such as a window or door casing, has a surface extending above the substrate, and a casing bead control joint with a permanent gasket or backer rod preinstalled for filling the space between the casing and the control joint. The control joint may be combined with one or more other expansion or control joints fixed to the exterior of the substrate, and a layer of a building material may be applied on the substrate and overlapping a portion of the expansion and control joints.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ceiling panels formed from a porous scrim that is coupled to an acoustical substrate using a scrim attachment system that includes an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a constructive assembly for building walls which allow forming wall coverings. Examples of coverings that can be formed with the present invention are façades, party walls and partition walls. The constructive assembly is characterized by being formed by a plurality of cables intended for being arranged under stress in the vertical position, and a plurality of blocks having coupling means for coupling them to cables such that integral joining is assured, forming the wall. Walls thus formed do not require the use of mortar or the need to be built by skilled labor, making it possible to build reformed or new exposed wall faces more easily and in a cleaner and faster manner and, in the case of thin material (tiles), with the certainty that such material will not become detached.

Abstract: Method of forming a concrete slab to reduce or eliminate control joints includes preparing a substantially flat base, overlaying one or more barriers on top of the base, placing a concrete mixture on top of the barrier(s) and base to form a concrete slab, and allowing the concrete to cure without forming control joints. The base is prepared with a flatness of about ±¼ inch over 10 feet. A side edge is prepared along a periphery of the concrete slab by extending a vapor barrier from a bottom surface of the slab up the side edge toward a top surface of the slab and covering the side edge. A plurality of post-tensioning cables are positioned to extend through the slab and configured to compress and assist in controlling accelerated displacement of the concrete slab during curing and shrinkage. The concrete slab is formed of an evenly gradated and low slump concrete having high fiber content, minimized cement content, and maximized size of large aggregate.

Abstract: Method of forming a concrete slab to reduce or eliminate control joints includes preparing a substantially flat base, overlaying one or more barriers on top of the base, placing a concrete mixture on top of the barrier(s) and base to form a concrete slab, and allowing the concrete to cure without forming control joints. The base is prepared with a flatness of about ±¼ inch over 10 feet. A side edge is prepared along a periphery of the concrete slab by extending a vapor barrier from a bottom surface of the slab up the side edge toward a top surface of the slab and covering the side edge. A plurality of post-tensioning cables are positioned to extend through the slab and configured to compress and assist in controlling accelerated displacement of the concrete slab during curing and shrinkage. The concrete slab is formed of an evenly gradated and low slump concrete having high fiber content, minimized cement content, and maximized size of large aggregate.

Abstract: A method for installation of ceiling tiles in an improved mounting hook assembly to form a concealed grid system, the mounting hook assembly being attachable to a mounting stud (1) having recess on top portion to accommodate screws and fixed at the back of each tiles. The method includes attaching the mounting hook assembly to the tile; rotating a load bearing lever member; rotating a positioning lever member to position the load bearing member on a flange of a T grid bar; and fixing the tile below the T grid at a distance that is greater than the thickness of the tile so that when the tile is lifted up, the load bearing lever are returned to a position above the flange level of the T grid and any tile can be removed or installed in totally concealed grid system without dislocating tiles already laid.