Abstract: An adaptive sheet that includes a first layer defining a first length, the first layer configured to assume a base configuration in response to a first environmental condition and assume a lofted configuration in response to a second environmental condition with the first layer being curled along the first length compared the base configuration. The first fabric layer includes a first material defining a second length and having a first expansion coefficient, and wherein the first material is configured to increasingly change length along the second length in response to the second environmental condition, and a second material defining a third length and having a second expansion coefficient that is different than the first expansion coefficient.

Abstract: A method of needling a fiber layer, includes first needling the fiber layer by a needling head, during which the fiber layer is caused to move in translation relative to the needling head, wherein needles of the needling head are distributed uniformly over a surface of the needling head; after the first needling, shifting the fiber layer relative to the needling head along a shift direction through a distance d equal to N·x·p, where N is an integer not less than 1, x is a coefficient greater than 0, and less than 1, and p designates the pitch of two consecutive needles of the needling head along the shift direction; and second needling the fiber layer, after the shifting, and during which the fiber layer is moved in translation relative to the needling head, the needles not penetrating, during the second needling, into the holes formed during the first needling.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the inventive subject matter is directed to production of constructs of footwear and components thereof by jet extrusion. The inventive subject matter contemplates novel processes for making such constructs using jets or streams of materials that solidify as fibers, and which form into two- or three-dimensional webs as they are collected. The webs may be in the nature of films, membranes, or mats. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter generally relates to nonwoven textiles consisting of webs of superfine fibers, i.e., fibers with diameters in nanoscale or micronscale ranges.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of finishing non-iron fabrics, and the non-iron fabrics made by this method. This method includes the steps of mercerizing a fabric without liquid ammonia; curing the fabric by applying a low temperature, low formaldehyde curing resin and dry cross linking it; and massaging the fabric using an air blast textile finishing machine. The non-iron fabrics (and garments) produced according to this method have an improved durable press rating and reduced formaldehyde content or are even formaldehyde free when compared to similar products finished according to conventional liquid ammonia moisture-cure processing.

Abstract: A washer and dryer unit offers gentle washing or drying of lingerie including bras and panties. The unit uses a series of reciprocating bristles made of a specific elastic material that does not damage the lingerie. A washer compartment of the unit is adjustable to allow insertion of different sized bras that are mounted on a support grille. A dryer compartment of the unit offers drying of the lingerie using air fans. The unit is portable and small to be placed in a bathroom.

Abstract: Provided is a washing machine including an auxiliary washing unit configured with an auxiliary washing space formed separately from a main washing space formed in a rotating tub, and a discharging assembly by which the auxiliary washing space and the main washing space are selectively in communication with each other. Through such a structure, auxiliary washing may be independently performed, and washing efficiency may be enhanced.

Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes a housing, a tub provided inside the housing, for storing washing water therein, a drum rotatably provided inside the tub, for storing laundry therein, and a top cover provided above the housing to cover upper portions of the tub and the drum. The housing includes front and rear and left and right sidewalls to define a space therein, and an extending portion formed to have a front and rear spacing and an up and down spacing from the top cover above the front sidewall so that an entrance space is formed from the front upper portion of the front sidewall to the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A radiology garment storage and cleaning system, for storing and cleaning radiology garments, each garment including a radiology apron and a radiology collar. The radiology garment storage and cleaning system includes a storage apparatus, which is divided into a number of compartments for accepting a radiology garment, the compartments extending from the first side to the second side. Each compartment is equipped with a cleaning system, a door with a lock and at least one status light. The storage apparatus also includes an ID card and a monitoring system which is in electronic communication with the ID card reader, the lock of each compartment, each of the cleaning mechanisms, and the status light of each compartment. The monitoring system is configured to monitor when the radiology garment is placed in one of the compartments, automate the cleaning of the garment, and track the garment's usage.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance may include a front panel with an opening, a door selectively opening and closing the front panel opening, a tub with an opening at least partially aligned with the front panel opening, and a bellows extending between the front panel and the tub at their respective openings. A deflector mounted to the tub extends towards the door and overlies at least a portion of the bellows.

Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine includes rotating a motor for driving an inner shaft in a first direction, and aligning a clutch to a reference position corresponding to one of a maximum lowered position and a maximum raised position. The motor is rotated by a preset reference alignment angle in a second direction to align the clutch from the reference position to a starting position corresponding to one of an upper limit and a lower limit of a preset agitating control section. The upper limit of the agitating control section is spaced downward by a first distance from the maximum raised position, and the lower limit of the agitating control section is spaced upward by a second distance from the maximum lowered position.

Abstract: A method to control a laundry washing machine having—an outer casing, a washing tub; a rotatable drum; a water softening device provided with ion exchanger agents designed to reduce the hardness degree of fresh water to be used during said washing program; a brine tank which is designed to supply, during a regeneration cycle, a prefixed amount of the brine to the water softening device for regenerating the ion exchanger agents; perform a waste-brine cleaning cycle for washing-out the waste brine solution contained in the water softening device and/or in the brine tank. The method controls the washing machine according to a washing program comprising one or more a washing phases, one or more rinse phases and one or more spin phases; and performs the regeneration cycle and the waste-brine cleaning cycle during respective washing program phases, which are different one to the other.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drain pump for a laundry treating apparatus, including a housing configured to accommodate water; a water flow portion provided with an impeller forming a flow of water or wash water, and formed on an inner circumferential surface of the housing to circulate the accommodated water or wash water to a tub or drain the accommodated water or wash water out of a washing machine; a drain pump chamber formed on an inner circumferential surface of the housing to receive or store the water or wash water before the water or wash water flows into the water flow portion; and an inlet port formed to protrude toward the water flow portion between the water flow portion and the drain pump chamber.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for controlling automatic opening and closing of an upper cover of a washing machine. The device includes a controller and a detector. The controller is configured to control a motor to rotate to drive the upper cover to open, close or stop at a current position. The detector is connected to the controller and is configured to collect a signal indicating an obstacle between the upper cover and a tray or on one side of the upper cover facing away from the tray, and send the signal indicating the obstacle to the controller. When the existence of the obstacle between the upper cover and the tray or on the one side of the upper cover facing away from the tray is determined, the controller controls the upper cover to stop at the current position or return to an initial position.

Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus, including a drum rotatably provided within a cabinet to accommodate washing and drying objects; and a heat pump including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve, through which refrigerant is circulated, to provide heat to air discharged from the drum and circulated to the drum, wherein the heat pump further includes an internal heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between refrigerant discharged from the condenser and refrigerant passing through the evaporator.

Abstract: A condensing type clothes dryer having a heat pump cycle and a method for controlling a condensing type clothes dryer having a heat pump cycle are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a dryer and a method of controlling the same, the dryer which is capable of: quickly and accurately determining an amount of laundry loaded in the dryer and controlling a drying operation according to the amount of the laundry: measuring a current supplied to rotate the drum and extracting a force applied to laundry in the drum to measure an amount of the laundry, thereby minimizing an error in the amount of laundry and thus enhancing accuracy of the measurement and improving a drying time; setting a drying time in consideration of both a calculated amount of laundry and a type of the laundry, such that damage to the laundry is prevented and over-drying or less-drying of the laundry is solved, thereby efficiently drying the laundry.

Abstract: A steamer may uniformly spray steam onto laundry even when a position of a user's arm changes. The steamer may include: a handle having a hinge formed at one end in a longitudinal direction thereof; a head that is rotatably connected to the hinge and sprays steam; a motor that rotates the head about the hinge; a sensor that senses an inclination in the longitudinal direction of the handle with respect to a horizontal line; and a controller that operates the motor, based on the inclination sensed by the sensor, to rotate the head to a position at which the head may spray steam horizontally.

Abstract: A structure has spaces that can accommodate at least two International Organization for Standardization compliant shipping containers. The structure has studs, joists, and rafters connected together above, besides, between, and in front of the spaces for the shipping containers. The structure provides for an attractive outdoor retail space with shading, allowing for signage, decorations, product display, ergonomics, and other retail design features. In an implementation, the structure is for a mobile retail space that is tailored for customizing and manufacture of the customized apparel, especially the laser finishing of products like jeans. The mobile retail space can be relocated to and deployed easily at various events, such as sports events and music festival venues.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a polymer layer containing nanomaterial on a substrate material includes a carrier for carrying the substrate material; a transport structure for providing a polymerization material near a surface of the substrate material and conducting a gas flow near the surface of the substrate material with the gas flow comprising a nanomaterial; and a plasma chamber wherein a plasma electrode structure is arranged for depositing the polymer layer containing nanomaterial on the surface of the substrate material by applying a plasma polymerization process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing printed textiles includes the steps of: a) inkjet printing an image onto a textile substrate with one or more inkjet printing liquids containing thermally reactive composite resin particles in an aqueous medium; and b) fixing the inkjet printed image by applying directly and/or indirectly a heat treatment to the image; wherein the thermally reactive composite resin particles contain at least one thermal cross-linker and at least one polymeric resin containing functional groups suitable for reacting with the thermal cross-linker.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a rotary feeder for transferring comminuted fibrous material is provided having as components: a rotary feeder housing, having at least one inlet opening for receiving material (chips) and at least one opening for discharging material (chips), and an internal shear edge assembly adjacent the inlet; wherein a protective baffle (doctor blade) is adjacent to the shear edge assembly; a rotor, rotatably mounted with the rotary feeder housing and having pockets for accepting material introduced to the rotary feeder housing; and a power source which rotates the rotor in said housing; and wherein the rotary feeder housing has a recess along the length of the rotor in the inlet at an exit end of the inlet, the recess being of sufficient size to allow the shear edge assembly and doctor blade to sit within the recess.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods including the steps of providing a cellulosic biomass, associating the cellulosic biomass with an organic liquid to form a mixture, treating the mixture to reduce the moisture content of the mixture to 30% or below (if necessary), and processing the mixture to produce cellulose nanofibrils in a slurry. In some embodiments, provided methods allow for the production of high solids content slurries containing 4% or more cellulosic nanofibrils.

Abstract: A refining member for a pulp refiner comprising a refining body with a refining surface comprising refiner bars separated by refiner grooves and teeth. Each of the refiner bars extend from a radially inward position on the refining surface to a first radially outward position on the refining surface, and the teeth extend to a second radially outward position on the refining surface. The second radially outward position is nearer to an outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward position. The refiner bars are adapted to refine wood fibers, and the teeth are adapted to break up fiber bundles.

Abstract: A deflection member. The deflection member can be a unitary structure having a plurality of discrete primary elements and a plurality of secondary elements. At least one of the secondary elements can be an elongate member having a major axis having both a machine direction vector component and a cross machine direction vector component. In an example, the secondary elements can be arranged in a Voronoi pattern.

Abstract: A paper including one or more multi-tonal watermarks having full tonality (depth), and an improved watermarking tool for manufacturing such paper, is provided.

Abstract: Fibres and nonwoven materials comprising microfibrillated cellulose, and optionally inorganic particulate material and/or additional additives, and optionally a water soluble or dispersible polymer. Nonwoven materials made from fibres comprising microfibrillated cellulose, and optionally inorganic particulate material and/or a water soluble or dispersible polymer.

Abstract: A soft through-air dried tissue having a soothing feel and method of making the same is disclosed which contains an aqueous softening composition comprising from about 10 to about 20 weight percent of a cationic softening compound, such as quaternary ammonium compounds and imidazolinium compounds; from about 10 to about 20 weight percent of a polyhydroxy compound having a molecular weight of at least about 1,000 g/mol, and optionally a silicone or glycerin. Examples of the cationic softening compound include tallow- and ester-substituted quaternary ammonium compounds having chloride or methyl sulfate as the anion, and examples of the polyhydroxy compound include polyethylene glycols (PEG) or polypropylene glycols (PPG) having a molecular weight of at least about 1,000 g/mol, such as PEG-1000 and PEG-8000.

Abstract: A railroad switch device for moving railroad switch points is provided. The device includes a hydraulic unit comprising a hydraulic manifold, a hydraulic cylinder to provide constant forward movement and reverse movement, and a hydraulic circuit unit. The railroad switch device also includes a mechanical target to automatically indicate the position of a point rod, where the hydraulic unit is coupled to the point rod. Additionally, the railroad switch device includes a plurality of spring units to produce a continuous thrust force for holding the railroad switch points closed in forward position and reverse position, where the plurality of spring units control the target rotation to approximately 90 degrees. A plurality of proximity sensors detect the point rod position, and a power unit supplies hydraulic power to the hydraulic unit for moving the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tamping machine (1) for compacting the ballast bed of a track (9), comprising tamping units (4) for tamping a track (9), a lifting and lining device (2) for lifting and lining tracks and switches (9), said device being arranged between the running gears (8), preferably in front of the tamping units (4) in the working direction (C), and comprising lifting rollers (6) and lifting hooks (7). In order to provide advantageous conditions it is proposed that the lifting roller (6) with its associated vertical guide (18) and the lifting hook (7) with its associated vertical guide are displaceably mounted along a common transverse guide (16) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) of the tamping machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planning system and method for operating one or more road milling machines. In that context, material properties of a road are captured and are geographically associated with one or more roads or road segments. Based on the material properties, an expected milling output of a road milling machine is ascertained, in the context of carrying out milling tasks on the road, or an expected wear on the milling tools. An optimized sequence of milling tasks to be carried out is created on the basis of those data. Accordingly, the invention may enable optimized deployment of the one or more road milling machines and of resources necessary for carrying out the road milling tasks. Aspects of the planning system may be remotely implemented for centralized application with respect to each of the road milling machines, or locally implemented for individual road milling machines.

Abstract: A foam-based expansion joint seal system packaging which facilitates transport and reduces the need for internal splices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-axial fabric which is dimensionally-stabilized. The composite fabric has a substrate and a plurality of first, second, third, and fourth strands disposed across the substrate and oriented in non-parallel directions with respect to one another. Binding fiber secures the aforementioned strands to the substrate. The composite fabric can be substantially free of more than three strands overlapping at a common position on the substrate. A road employing the multi-axial fabric is described.

Abstract: A playing surface assembly that defines at least a portion of a playing surface. The playing surface assembly has a backing, a plurality of reinforcement elements secured to and extending upwardly from the backing, and an infill material defining a top surface of the playing surface assembly. Each reinforcement element has a top end and a reveal distance corresponding to a vertical spacing between the top surface of the playing surface assembly and the top end of the reinforcement element. The reveal distance of each reinforcement element is less than 0.5 inches. In use, the reinforcement elements restrict lateral and vertical migration of the infill material, and the infill material is the primary source of performance characteristics of the playing surface assembly.

Abstract: A soil compactor includes at least one compactor roller, which is free to rotate about an axis of rotation of the roller, with a plurality of roller segments, which follow one another along the direction of the axis of rotation of the roller. In each case, at least one electromotive drive for producing an oscillating torque is assigned to each roller segment.

Abstract: A screed assembly for a paving machine is disclosed including a main screed portion and a screed extension portion being laterally exterior to the main screed portion. Furthermore, a screed extension tube is coupled to a screed frame and a screed extension portion frame, the screed extension tube adjusts a width of the screed extension portion. The screed assembly may further include an extension tube support mechanism having a bushing circumferentially surrounding the screed extension tube and disposed within a bushing recess defined in the screed extension portion frame. The extension tube support mechanism further having a retainer ring that circumferentially surrounds and is in direct contact with at least a portion of the bushing, and the retainer ring is capable of being adjusted between the bushing and the screed extension portion frame to eliminate an uncontrolled movement of the screed extension tube and the screed extension portion.

Abstract: A concrete curb forming and extruding apparatus with wheel adjustment locks, and an adjustable slip form system shaping cementitious material into a continuous curb forced there through by an extruder which receives materials stored in a hopper with dasher. The extruder has a rotary trowel compacting member which continually forces material from the hopper into compressed concrete passing through an adjustable slip form to fill the same and form differing shaped continuous curbing underneath fences or against vertical surfaces or conventional curbing, depending upon the slip form setting.

Abstract: A method for preparing hot mix asphalt, which utilize solid phase auto regenerative cohesion and homogenization by liquid asphalt oligopolymerization technologies. The mixtures are suitable for use in installing asphalt/concrete pavement, repairing asphalt/concrete pavement, and providing overlays to existing asphalt/concrete pavement. The slurries can contain recycled asphalt/concrete pavement subject to treatment.

Abstract: A milling assembly for a cold planer including a frame and an actuator assembly having a plurality of movable locking rods for mounting the milling assembly to the frame is disclosed. The milling assembly comprises a drum housing, and a plurality of mounting units fixed to the drum housing for mounting the milling assembly to the frame. The mounting units include a plurality of mounting holes configured to receive a respective end portion of one of the plurality of movable locking rods. In another embodiment, a milling assembly including an actuator assembly with movable locking rods is disclosed.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus (1) for an operating machine includes an apparatus body (2) having a portion (4) for coupling to the operating machine and delimiting a first body compartment (6). An excavation tool (8) of the apparatus (1) is partly housed, rotating around a rotation axis. A self-leveling body (10) includes a pair of abutment runners (12, 14) with a working surface (Z) and rotatably mounted in an idle manner with respect to the apparatus body (2), so the coupling portion (4) assumes different angular positions with respect to the abutment runners (12, 14). The apparatus body (2) is mechanically connected to the self-leveling body (10) to weigh in a balanced manner on the transverse walls (16, 18) and on the abutment runners (12, 14).

Abstract: A bridging device for a construction joint between a first construction part and a second construction part with several lamellae and at least one hydraulic control device for controlling the gap width between the lamellae. The hydraulic control device has double-acting hydraulic cylinders each with a movable piston and a piston rod arranged on the piston, each hydraulic cylinder being arranged on a lamella. Each piston rod is connected to a different lamella, wherein the piston defines a first working volume and a second working volume of the corresponding hydraulic cylinder. The invention is wherein the hydraulic control device comprises at least three double-acting hydraulic cylinders connected to each other by a hydraulic connection whereby the first working volume of each hydraulic cylinder is hydraulically connected to the second working volume of another hydraulic cylinder so as to form a hydraulic loop between the at least three hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A retroreflective traffic stripe comprising a widely spaced repeating pattern of linear light-turning prisms over cube-corner retroreflective prisms. The light-turning prisms comprise at least two exposed surfaces: one approximately vertical facing the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, and another opposing the first and sloped by approximately 45 degrees. The approximately vertical surface accepts light from the headlights and transmits such light to the sloped surface which totally internally reflects such light downward onto an array of cube corner retroreflective prisms, which totally internally reflect such light in approximately the reverse direction. Such reflected light once more encounters the sloped face of the light turning prisms which totally internally reflects the light toward the approximately vertical surface, where such light exits and returns toward the headlights and toward the eyes of the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A non-anchored, self-supporting screen assembly for selective placement by a user on a walking surface. The assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending therebetween and having an elongate opening. A base independently supports and disposes the housing in an upright position substantially normal to the walking surface during use. A rotatable rod is disposed within the housing and coupled to a trailing edge of a flexible screen. The flexible screen may be coupled to an external attachment point upon extension of the screen through the elongate opening and decoupled upon retraction. A spring is coupled to the rotatable rod to exert a force in a direction opposite a direction of extension of the flexible screen. The flexible screen of an adjacent assembly may be coupled to the assembly to form a screen system.

Abstract: A longitudinal beam barrier system comprises a longitudinal beam and a post linked together via a fastener incorporating at least one deformable washer. The link is made in a releasable and tunable manner dependent on an applied force via the at least one deformable washer. Release may be made dependent on both the magnitude and direction of the force so that release may be a result of different release forces in different force angles. The deformable washer may be designed to transfer a longitudinal beam load force from a fastener to a post wall, the washer extending around the fastener and having a first face that bears on the fastener or a part thereof (or forms part of the fastener) and an opposing face that at least partly bears on a part of the post wall or walls. The washer is designed so that, in the event of an impact of sufficient force on the longitudinal beam, post, or fastener, the washer at least partly deforms allowing separation to occur between the post or posts and the longitudinal beam.

Abstract: A snow and ice removing assembly includes a housing that has a front wall, a back wall and a peripheral wall that extends between the front wall and the back wall. A hot air conduit is fluidly coupled to the housing and extends away from the front wall. An air warming unit is mounted in the housing and draws air into the housing through an air intake that extends through the housing. The air warming unit warms the air then forces the air outwardly of the housing through the hot air conduit when turned on. A container is positioned remote of the housing and holds a snow melting compound therein. A dispensing unit is mounted on the housing and is fluidly coupled to the container. The dispensing unit is actuated to extract the snow melting compound from the container and dispense the snow melting compound outwardly from the housing.

Abstract: A wave capturing and attenuating structure comprising at least one pair of floating structures (100) each coupled with each other in a substantially parallel manner for capturing water-surface waves. The respective floating structures (100) comprise: a body (10) consisting of a floating floor (12) and a side wall (14) extended down from a perimeter of the floating floor (12); and a floating member (20) connected to the floating floor (12) of said body (10) in order to support said body (10) for submerging in the water. Said floating member (20) comprises a wave baffle (22) having at least one part of the baffle (22) located above the water-surface level, wherein said wave baffle (22) of said floating member (20) comprises a surface formed as a vertical plane and inclined at an acute angle with respect to a line extended along the length of said body (10) as viewed from above. Each pair of said floating structures (100) is fixed together such that a passageway (E) is formed as a wave passage.

Abstract: An apparatus manages a dock, a portion of which is disposed over a body of water, from a remote device. A control unit is disposed on the dock. A plurality of sensors is each in data communication with the control unit. Each of the plurality of sensors includes: an electric shock sensor; a water level sensor that senses a distance to the water from a predetermined location of the dock; and a theft detection circuit. A communication chipset is in data communication with the control unit. The control unit includes a processor that is programmed to transmit to the remote device via the communication chipset an indication of the following: a shock likelihood sensed by the electric shock sensor; a level detected by the water level sensor; and an alert when the theft detection circuit detects a likelihood of theft.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed here include a buoyant filtration system and method including a buoyant rim which may be used to encircle a pollution source and attached to a submersible wall and floor. Some embodiments include the detachable filtration systems on or near the buoyant rim. Some embodiments include a bag attached to the buoyant rim where the bag is water permeable but retains the pollution in the water.

Abstract: A flexible erosion control barrier for an outdoor equipment support pad generally comprises a geosynthetic soil retention barrier with a reinforced attachment area along a side configured to facilitate its attachment about a perimeter of the support pad. The soil retention barrier has an opposing, unjoined portion that extends outward from the side walls of the support pad, such that the soil retention barrier can fold up or down outside the perimeter of the support pad. Flexibility of the geosynthetic material allows a full or partially surrounding skirt to be configured to overlay the ground to re-direct drainage or to form an erosion-resisting corner fold in the ground around the soil under a side corner of the support pad. A strip of material that is more durable than the soil retention barrier material may protect the attachment area from damage after installation.

Abstract: A soil stabilization method of forming an admixture of at least one hydrogel precursor and urease enzyme, and contacting at least a portion of the admixture with soil, and forming a hydrogel network in-situ within at least a portion of the soil, wherein at least a portion of the hydrogel network includes in-situ precipitated calcium carbonate. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the hydrogel network is formed in-situ by polymerizing the at least one hydrogel precursor in the presence of the urease enzyme.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lateral support for a shaft of a helical pile, the lateral support including a tubular portion for receiving the shaft and a plurality of fins extending from the tubular portion.