Abstract: Due to rapid advancement in computing technology of both hardware and software, the labor intensive sewing process has been transformed into a technology-intensive automated process. During an automated process, product materials may become wrinkled or folded, which can slow down the automated process or result in human intervention. Various examples are provided related to the automation of sewing robots, and removal of wrinkles from products. Images of material on a work table can be captured and analyzed to determine if there are wrinkles or folds in the product. The robot can remove the wrinkle or fold by manipulating the material through the use of end effectors such as, e.g., budgers.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of strand-shaped textiles includes a treatment container, a transport nozzle array, and a transport path by way of which a material strand can be moved through the transport nozzle array in a transport direction. The transport nozzle array includes a transport nozzle with nozzle inlet and outlet orifices for the material strand, between which are delimited at least two nozzle gaps for a transport medium. At least one of the nozzle gaps is adjustable regarding its gap width. At least one nozzle gap can convey the material strand in the transport direction, and at least one nozzle gap can convey the material strand in a direction counter to the transport direction. The device also includes a control unit that selectively drives the material strand in the transport direction or in the direction counter to the transport direction by appropriate actuation of the nozzle gaps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling one appliance using another appliance communicatively coupled thereto are provided. In one example aspect, a system includes a first appliance and a second appliance communicatively coupled thereto. The first appliance includes features that allow a user to control the first appliance and the second appliance from a single user interface.

Abstract: Washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A washing machine appliance has a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A method includes spraying an initial rinse volume of water into the tub, the water at a cold temperature. The method further includes rotating the articles within the tub, and spinning the articles within the tub. The method further includes spraying a final rinse volume of water into the tub, the water at a temperature greater than the cold temperature. The method further includes rotating the articles within the tub, and spinning the articles within the tub.

Abstract: A door at the front opening of a drum washing machine has an inner and outer double-layer structure. The inner door is hinged with the case of the washing machine to partially open/close the front opening. An opening is provided at an upper part of the inner door, and the outer door is hinged with the inner door to open/close the opening at the upper part of the inner door. The inner door and the outer door cooperate to fully open/close the front opening of the case. If the user wants to add laundry or detergent to the washing machine during the washing process, the water inside the washing machine does not need to be completely discharged before the door is open. Laundry or detergent can be added to the washing machine through the inner door upper part opening.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a machine housing, a water accommodation tub disposed in the machine housing; a washing tub assembly disposed in the water accommodation tub and including a washing tub; and a balance ring mounted to an upper end of the washing tub and having a lower end fitted in the washing tub.

Abstract: The present disclosure reduces sound generated when a driving mode of a drum washing machine having a rotating body on a rear part of a drum is switched between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a driving mode in which the drum and the rotating body independently rotate, and the second mode is a driving mode in which the drum and the rotating body integrally rotate. A bearing-side cushioning member is arranged on a clutch carrying plate side. The bearing-side cushioning member firstly touches an object side when a spline of a clutch body is engaged with a spline of the clutch carrying plate, so as to reduce an impact force generated between the clutch body and the clutch carrying plate.

Abstract: An appliance latch receives a strike when the appliance lid is closed and provides an electrically activated lock holding the lid closed during portions of the wash cycle that might present a hazard. The strike presents two different surfaces to the latch, the first to activate a lock mechanism and the second to activate an anti-tamper switch before the appliance may be actuated thereby reducing the risk of tampering.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a cabinet having a top panel and a wash tub positioned within the cabinet and defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A bulk tank is positioned below the top panel and defines a reservoir for storing wash additive, the reservoir defining a primary outlet for supplying wash additive into the wash chamber. In addition, a dispensing device, which may include a manual pump, a gravity fed supply valve, or an electronic pump, is fluidly coupled to the reservoir and conveniently positioned for selectively dispensing wash additive, e.g., for pretreating an article of clothing.

Abstract: A household appliance for washing fabric items, comprising: a washing compartment (2); an opening (3) for access to the washing compartment to enable introduction and extraction of the laundry items; a hatch door (4) for access to the washing compartment (2), mobile between a closed position in which it occludes said access opening (3) and an open position in which it enables access to the washing compartment (2); a border (5) of said access opening to the washing compartment (2), said border (5) abutting the hatch door (4) in the closed position; a first tank (61) containing a detergent for washing; a first indicator (610) located on the border (5) and indicating a load level of said first tank (61).

Abstract: A washing machine appliance and nozzle assembly therefor are provided herein. The nozzle assembly may include an extendable nozzle, a valve assembly, and a retractable fluid supply. The extendable nozzle may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The extendable nozzle may define a fluid path in fluid communication between a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet. The extendable nozzle may further define an additive cavity in fluid communication with the fluid path downstream from the nozzle inlet and an additive opening in selective fluid communication with the additive cavity in parallel to the nozzle inlet. The valve assembly may be configured to provide a flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle. The retractable fluid supply conduit may extend in fluid communication between the valve assembly and the nozzle inlet of the extendable nozzle to direct the flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle.

Abstract: The bottom of a household appliance is provided with leveling feet. The leveling foot comprises a fixed part and a movable part, and a hollow chamber is formed between the fixed part and the movable part. The hollow chamber is provided with a hydraulic medium. Under the action of pressure, the hydraulic medium can be circulated in the hollow chamber inside the leveling foot and/or the hollow chamber between leveling feet to realize the expansion and contraction of the movable part, to execute automatic leveling. The leveling device of a household appliance of the present disclosure, according to the hydraulic principle, is provided with a hydraulic medium in the leveling foot. Under different pressures, the leveling foot is made to automatically adjust adaptively due to the fluidity of the hydraulic medium.

Abstract: Provided are a washing machine in which an auxiliary door can be safely and conveniently used, and a method of controlling the same. The auxiliary door through which laundry can be additionally put into the washing machine, is provided, and the auxiliary door can be safely locked/unlocked. Because an open/closed state of the auxiliary door can be indirectly determined through a locking/unlocking operation of the auxiliary door, even when a door opening/closing detecting device has broken down, the auxiliary door can be safely used. In addition, the auxiliary door is unlocked by default and conditions on which the auxiliary door is locked for safety if necessary, are minimized during an operation of the washing machine so that use convenience of the auxiliary door can be enhanced, and a locked state of the auxiliary door is maintained according to the amount of laundry so that the laundry can be safely put into the washing machine.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry treating apparatus includes a door including: a door cover; and a door frame coupled to a rear surface of the door cover. A left cover seating portion and a right cover seating portion are respectively defined in a left edge and a right edge of a rear surface portion of the door frame. The left cover seating portion and the right cover seating portion are shaped to be symmetrical with each other with respect to a vertical line bisecting the door horizontally. Each of the left cover seating portion and the right cover seating portion is shaped to be symmetrical with respect to a horizontal line bisecting the door vertically.

Abstract: A dryer appliance and a method of operating the same to introduce a fragrance into the drying chamber include positioning a reservoir within the cabinet of the dryer appliance. The reservoir contains a fragrant additive and is positioned such that a flow of air may pass through the fragrant additive and into the drying chamber to improve the smell of the drying chamber and articles placed therein. The reservoir may be positioned within the cabinet and covered with a selectively positioned lid or may be placed in fluid communication with an air handler of the dryer appliance to permit the intermingling of the flow of air and the fragrant additive.

Abstract: Provided is a garment processing apparatus for compactly optimizing the arrangement space of a heat pump system. A heat pump module is modularized by integrally mounting a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator in an integrated housing and is disposed at an upper portion of a tub.

Abstract: A braided structure that includes a core and a sheath is provided. The core includes a yarn formed at least in part from an aromatic polymer (e.g., an aromatic polyester/liquid crystalline polymer or an aramid polymer), and the sheath, which includes a plurality of ultra high molecular weight polyolefin yarns, is braided around the core. The sheath has an overall diameter ranging from about 60 micrometers to about 650 micrometers. Despite its small diameter, the braided structure can be creep resistant and abrasion resistant while at the same time exhibiting low elongation, a high load at break, and high stiffness. The braided structure can be used in medical applications such as sutures, load bearing orthopedic applications, artificial tendons/ligaments, fixation devices, actuation cables, components for tissue repair, etc.

Abstract: A method for producing a synthetic tensile member having a precisely known and stable length. The invention, also comprises equipment configured to carry out the method. A tensile member is prepared by attaching terminations to an assembly of synthetic filaments. The tensile member is then attached to a loading apparatus that subjects the tensile member to a pre-defined loading process. The tensile member is thereby conditioned to a stable length. The length is then measured and a length adjusting component is incorporated into the tensile member to create a precise and stabilized length that is configured for the tensile member's particular application.

Abstract: A process for modifying the paper burst strength enhancing attributes of microfibrillated cellulose may include subjecting an aqueous suspension including microfibrillated cellulose, and optionally inorganic particulate material, to high shear, wherein the high shear is generated, at least in part, by a moving shearing element, to modify the paper burst strength enhancing attributes of the microfibrillated cellulose. An aqueous suspension may include microfibrillated cellulose, and optionally inorganic particulate material, obtainable by the process. A papermaking composition and/or a paper product may be obtained from the process.

Abstract: Methods of improving the drying rate of a cellulosic web, such as a tissue web, by providing an apparatus having two noncompressive dewatering devices, such as two through-air driers, where the temperature of the drying medium supplied to each device is separately controlled. The temperature of the medium supplied to the first device may exceed 450° F., such as from about 450 to about 600° F. On the other hand the temperature of the medium supplied to the second device may be less than the temperature supplied to the first, such as from about 350 to 450° F. Drying the web in this manner not only improves drying efficiency, but also limits or prevents degradation of the web, such as the combustion of cellulosic fibers making up the web or monosaccharides associated therewith. As such, webs that are substantially free from furan and acetaldehyde may be produced by the present methods.

Abstract: A method to prepare, pulp, and bleach cannabis bast and hurd fibers to allow for the fiber to be incorporated into absorbent cellulosic structures on a wet-laid paper machine while keeping the pectin within the fibers. The wet laid paper machine can use the ATMOS, NTT, ETAD, TAD, or UCTAD method to produce the absorbent cellulosic structure. Absorbent cellulosic structures are produced with the cannabis bast and hurd fibers or with the bast fibers alone with the hurd fibers being combined with paper mill sludge or dust to form a fuel pellet.

Abstract: A composition including a first fiber derived from a first natural source, and a second fiber derived from a fruit, the second fiber being substantially free of surface active components. Surface active components may include oils, fatty acids, or other aliphatic and aromatic moieties that compromise edge wick performance. A process of manufacturing a paperboard product may include removing surface active components from fruit fiber to be included in manufacturing paper products to obtain a paper product with improved edge wicking properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security strip and security paper for obtaining security documents such as legal tender notes, checks or identification documents, comprising a cellulose support web that is completely embedded in a pulp substrate. As both the substrate and the support web are formed by plant fibers, a series of physical and chemical bonds are established between the fibers of both elements, the support web thus being perfectly integrated in the pulp. The cellulose support web will sometimes have a series of security elements, such as pigments, synthetic elements and/or security fibers of the type normally used in this type of application.

Abstract: Water-free compositions suitable for application as a surface size to a cellulosic substrate, and methods of applying the water-free compositions to the surface of a cellulosic substrate.

Abstract: Fibrous structures having pillows and knuckles, wherein the fibrous structures contain two or more pillows that exhibit differential pillow height and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: Creped fibrous structures having pillows and knuckles, wherein the creped fibrous structures exhibit improved knuckle properties, such as Knuckle Roughness Ra, Knuckle Roughness Rq, and Knuckle Creping Frequency and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: A tie plate picker for extracting tie plates from ties such as railroad cross ties. Pistons driving arms are arranged to be moving in directions toward a vertical center line when they are extending out of cylinders.

Abstract: A paving machine comprises a material bunker for receiving a construction material, a chassis, an operator stand which is arranged behind the material bunker when seen in the construction direction, a paving screed which can be leveled for assembling the construction material onto a substrate, a material conveying unit which is configured to transport the construction material from the material bunker to the paving screed, and at least one optical projector which is configured to generate at least one projection in the visible spectrum on the substrate laterally and/or in front of the chassis of the paving machine when seen in the construction direction. The projection is visible to an operator of the paving machine from the operator stand when seen in the construction direction.

Abstract: A ground compaction roller, in particular a tandem roller or a single-drum roller, having a machine frame, a drive unit, at least one roller drum mounted on the machine frame for rotation about a rotation axis, an exciter device arranged at least partially in the roller drum, and a sensor device for measuring the compaction of a ground achieved by a passage of the ground compaction roller, said sensor device being arranged on the roller drum in the region of the rotation axis and rotating together with the roller drum during operation of the ground compaction roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, comprising a machine frame supported by a chassis having wheels or crawler tracks. The basic principle of the invention involves determining a variable ? which is characteristic of the milling profile on the basis of a functional relationship between the variable which is characteristic of the milling profile and the advance speed v and/or milling drum rotational speed n. The variable ? which is characteristic of the milling profile is a correction variable for adjusting the height of the milling drum with respect to the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A speed bump and a speed bump transportation system are provided. The speed bump comprises: a base; a cover disposed opposite to the base and configured to be movable relative to the base; an electric-power generation device associated with the cover to scavenge energy through the cover and convert the energy into electrical energy; a first detection device for detecting a force condition of the cover and sending a first detection signal to a communication device when the cover is pressed; the communication device electrically connected to the first detection device and for sending a first communication signal when receiving the first detection signal, wherein the electric-power generation device is electrically connected to the communication device and the first detection device respectively to supply electric-power to the communication device and the first detection device.

Abstract: A traffic cone is provided. The traffic cone includes a triangular base with feet coupled to a bottom side of the triangular base. The traffic cone further includes a cone body having eight surfaces forming an octagonal cone shape coupled to the triangular base, wherein the cone body extends from a top side of the triangular base. Additionally, the traffic cone includes at least one reflective member coupled around a perimeter of the cone body.

Abstract: Sign apparatuses are disclosed, configured with a base, a display panel, and a support post. The base of the sign apparatus may include a planter portion containing display elements such as plant material, where the plant material comprises at least a portion of the ballast weight necessary to stabilize the sign apparatus against the wind and other forces. The base may also include a ballast area for holding additional ballast material.

Abstract: A work vehicle allowing a simplified operation to open and close a shutter in a simple configuration is provided. The shutter can be disposed alternatively at a first position at which the shutter protrudes forward from a lower end of a blade or at a second position at which the shutter is farther away from the lower end than at the first position. The controller is configured to receive an input of an operation instruction from an input operation unit for moving the shutter from the second position to the first position, to cause the shutter to move from the second position to the first position. After a lapse of a prescribed time period since the shutter is moved to the first position, the controller causes the shutter to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An assembly for releasable attachment to a vehicle. The assembly comprises a frame including a mounting member configured to be mounted onto the vehicle, a plow blade mounted to the frame and a power broom coupled to the frame and disposed between the mounting member and the plow blade. The power broom is configured to be disposed in front of a most forward wheel of the vehicle relative to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The power broom is also configured to rotate to sweep snow away from the power broom.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hopper spreader apparatus for spreading granular material is provided. The hopper spreader apparatus includes a hopper, a spreading unit, and a dispensing unit. The hopper has a storage cavity for storing the granular material to be spread. The spreading unit spreads the granular material. The dispensing system transports the granular material from the hopper to the spreading unit. The dispensing system includes a conveying unit and a rotating first roll. The conveying unit conveys the granular material toward the spreading unit. The rotating first roll controls a flow of granular material from the hopper to the conveying unit. The use of the rotating roll allows for control of high flow material (such as for example dry salt) while allowing for improved collapse and break-up of low flow material (such as for example wetted sand).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a quickly-detachable airbag-type floating breakwater, including a plurality of water wave absorbing structure units arranged along a length direction of the breakwater. The adjacent water wave absorbing structure units are connected by a connecting unit. The water wave absorbing structure unit comprises at least two floats arranged side by side and a wave absorbing plate located between the floats. The water wave absorbing structure unit comprises at least two floats arranged side by side and a wave absorbing plate located on the floats. The connecting unit comprises bases located at the ends of the floats, an airbag located between the adjacent bases, and a steel chain, the adjacent bases wrapping the airbag to form a buffer connecting structure.

Abstract: A water-surface wave-absorbing structure comprises an equipment cabin and an airbag cabin vertically mounted below the equipment cabin; a solar cell module and an energy storage device in the equipment cabin are mounted on an upper surface of the equipment cabin, a signal transceiver is mounted on top portions of the solar cell module and the energy storage device, a central air distributing device is mounted in the equipment cabin, two ends of the central air distributing device are respectively connected to an air compressor and an air storage tank through vent pipelines, and a central controller is arranged in the central air distributing device and sends control instructions to the central air distributing device and the air compressor; and the airbag cabin comprises a plurality of airbag units, each airbag unit is provided with a plurality of mutually independent air chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a concrete cover element for a breakwater or jetty construction. The cover element includes a plate portion and two noses. The plate portion lies in the xy-plane and has a thickness. The two noses project in opposite directions from the plate portion and form a single part with the plate portion. The plate portion is to be imagined as being formed from a quadrangular plate whose two opposite plate edges are incised in the middle to form a plate recess, and whose corners located on the first plate diagonal are both cut off along a first secant. The plate portion has a first dimension measured along the first plate diagonal and a second dimension measured along the second plate diagonal. The first dimension is smaller than the second dimension.

Abstract: A floatable, portable and readily deployable apparatus used in a surface water body for the collection, mixing, separation, containment and removal of total solids from fluid in surface water by settling, sorption, floatation or filtration of total solids from fluid entering or induced to flow into the apparatus. Separation of total solids from fluid can include the use and recycling of commercially available or proprietary biologic, chemical and/or physical substances and processes to increase the rate and percentage of total solids removed from fluid in the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously driving multiple piles into the ground to create A-frame type structures that are anchored by piles running at angles to one another and to the ground. The system comprises a guide assembly and an actuator for driving the piles into supporting ground at the same time. The actuator may engage slots or teeth in the pile to drive them into the ground and/or may apply torque and downward pressure.

Abstract: A compost filter netting comprises plastic netting formed in a tube having a diameter of 6?-36? wherein the plastic netting includes netting openings of ?-?? and configured to be filled with compost to form a compost filter sock, wherein the linear length of the compost filter sock is not less than 93% of the linear length of the originally manufactured empty compost filter netting. A method of forming a compost filter sock using the compost filter netting and the compost filter sock made thereby is disclosed. The compost filter netting substantially eliminates the problem of miscalculation of shrink rate that is problematic for in field applications.

Abstract: A soil collection attachment for movable equipment is described. The soil collection attachment includes a bucket including a bottom panel having an aperture, wherein the aperture is adapted to receive an excavation device such as an auger. A gate which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder is attached to the bottom panel. In a closed position, the gate covers the aperture to prevent excavation materials from falling through the aperture.

Abstract: A dipper door trip assembly includes a dipper, a dipper door pivotally coupled to the dipper, a linkage assembly including a sliding latch bar disposed at least partially in the dipper door, and a latch keeper coupled to the dipper. The latch keeper includes a roller that engages and disengages the latch bar.

Abstract: A scraper having a frame with a first removable sidewall removably coupled to the frame, a second removable sidewall removably coupled to the frame, a rear bucket pivotally coupled to the frame and having a dump position and a carry position, the rear bucket comprising a first rear sidewall positioned on a first side of the rear bucket and a second rear sidewall positioned on a second side of the rear bucket. Wherein, the first removable sidewall is positioned adjacent to the first rear sidewall and the second removable sidewall is positioned adjacent to the second rear sidewall. Further wherein, as the rear bucket transitions between the carry position and the dump position, the first and second removable sidewalls move relative to the surface of the corresponding first and second rear sidewalls.

Abstract: A system for operating a circle drive gear of a machine includes a pump configured to output pressurized fluid, an implement control valve fluidly coupled to the pump, a bi-directional hydraulic motor located downstream of the implement control valve and fluidly coupled to the implement control valve via a first delivery line and a second delivery line. The hydraulic motor has an output shaft that is configured to be rotatively driven by pressurized fluid output by the pump. A brake is disposed on the output shaft of the hydraulic motor and engages with the output shaft with the help of a spring force for reducing a rotational speed of the output shaft in a brake engage state. The brake operatively disengages from the output shaft in a brake release state with the help of fluid pressure in at least one of the first delivery line and the second delivery line.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a torque converter having a lock up clutch and a controller that conditionally allows operation of the lock up clutch in a locked position or an unlocked position. The controller determines a plurality of active work vehicle parameters during operation of the work vehicle and includes a plurality of ready to dig parameters. The controller determines a ready to dig condition or a non-digging condition of the work vehicle by comparing at least two of the active work vehicle parameters to at least two corresponding ready to dig parameters. The controller disallows operation of the lock up clutch in the locked position in response to the ready to dig condition, allows operation of the lock up clutch in locked or unlocked positions in response to a non-digging condition. Operation of the lock up clutch avoids the engine from stalling in a ready to dig condition.

Abstract: A work machine that can detect abnormality such as a malfunction and wear and tear of each of hydraulic pumps including control equipment with high precision and that can reduce equipment cost is provided. A controller 9 according to the present invention includes a volumetric-transfer-efficiency-calculating section 94 that calculates a volumetric transfer efficiency ?C representing a transfer efficiency of hydraulic oil between a hydraulic cylinder 11 and hydraulic pumps 21 to 23 on the basis of a target discharge flow rate calculated by a target-discharge-flow-rate-calculating section 932 and the speed of the hydraulic cylinder 11 that is detected by a speed sensor 28, and an abnormality decision section 95 that decides whether any one of the hydraulic pumps 21 to 23 is abnormal on the basis of the volumetric transfer efficiency ?C calculated by the volumetric-transfer-efficiency-calculating section 94.

Abstract: A work vehicle is formed from a plurality of ground-contacting motive elements, a chassis, an operator station, a switch, and a hydraulic manifold. The operator station has a joystick having a manually-actuable control element used to actuate the switch. The hydraulic manifold has a pair of primary hydraulic ports, first and second pairs of secondary hydraulic ports, and a control valve. The control valve is actuated by the switch and is adapted to allow pressurized hydraulic fluid to flow through a selected one of the first or second pair of secondary hydraulic ports. Each pair of secondary hydraulic ports fluidly communicates with a hydraulic actuator carried by a work attachment. By actuating the control element on the joystick, the operator can conveniently switch the hydraulic control of the joystick between different hydraulic operations on the attachment without leaving the operator's station.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator has a boom, an arm, a bucket, and a boom cylinder which drives the boom. A load value within the bucket is computed based on a load of the boom cylinder, and the load value obtained by computing is corrected based on an acceleration of extension/retraction of the boom cylinder.