Abstract: An article comprising hollow ceramic microspheres and multi-component fibers is disclosed. The multi-component fibers are adhered together, and the hollow ceramic microspheres are adhered to external surfaces of the multi-component fibers. A method of making the article and use of the article for insulation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A web support with a high degree of patterning freedom and excellent durability, a production method therefor, and a patterning method. The web support is used when applying a pattern to a nonwoven substance by jetting a high-pressure water stream on a web. The web support production method comprises: a step of preparing a flat metal base material; a step for forming, by etching, a first water conduction hole and second water conduction hole that pass through the front surface of the base material to the back surface, and a recess on the front surface of the base material that includes the first water conduction hole and that corresponds to the pattern; and a step for forming the base material into a cylindrical main body section by welding the edges of the base material to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a nonwoven fabric. The method according to the invention comprises forming a nonwoven web using a wet lay forming process, hydroentangling the web and providing the web with a high quality hydroembossed pattern. The invention also concerns a nonwoven fabric exhibiting a three dimensional pattern, which remains even in wet wipes prepared from the material.

Abstract: Provided are a stretchable non-woven fabric including crimped fibers, satisfying the following formula: (?65??55)/(?30??20)?2.5, when a stress ? (N/50 mm) at a strain ? of 20%, 30%, 55% and 65% in a stress-strain curve by a tensile test for at least one direction in a plane direction, is referred to as ?20, ?30, ?55 and ?65, respectively, and a bandage including the non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric and the bandage lead small deterioration in stretching performance when used repeatedly, and can be excellent in repetition durability.

Abstract: An apparatus for making nonwoven from continuous filaments has a spinner for spinning the filaments, a cooler for cooling the spun filaments, and a mesh belt that moves in a generally horizontal travel direction and that passes through a deposition location where the spun and cooled filaments are deposited on the mesh belt to form thereon a nonwoven web. A nose roller defines a deflection zone over which the mesh belt is deflected from its travel direction downstream of the deposition location. At least one lift roller above the mesh belt downstream of the deposition location separates the nonwoven web from the mesh belt at a separation location at a first spacing upstream from the deflection zone of the nose roller. A treatment device for the nonwoven web is provided downstream of the mesh belt in the travel direction and receiving the nonwoven web from the lift roller.

Abstract: A nonwoven web is made by displacing an air-permeable mesh-belt conveyor in a horizontal travel direction and spinning and then depositing crimped continuous filaments as a web at a deposit region on the air-permeable mesh-belt conveyor. A first preconsolidation stage is provided downstream of the deposit region and a second preconsolidation separated by a suction gap from the first stage. Air is drawn air through the web and the conveyor at the deposit region at a first predetermined speed, the first and second consolidation stages at a second and third predetermined speeds, and at the suction gap either not at all or at a fourth predetermined equal to at most substantially less than the second predetermined speed.

Abstract: The needle-threading device is configured for use with a plurality of weave configured for use in sewing a hair weave. The needle-threading device: a) stores the plurality of weave needles; b) automatically threads each individual weave needle with a yarn; and, c) individually dispenses each threaded individual weave needle. The needle-threading device comprises a yarn feed, a threading mechanism, a needle mechanism, a housing, and a control circuit. The housing contains the yarn feed, the threading mechanism, the needle mechanism, and the control circuit. The control circuit controls the operation of the yarn feed, the threading mechanism, and the needle mechanism. The yarn feed provisions the yarn required to thread each individual weave needle. The threading mechanism threads the yarn through the individual weave needle. The needle mechanism transports each individual weave needle as required through the hair weaving process.

Abstract: A tufting machine and method for operating a tufting machine operating a needle selection mechanism based on pattern data by selecting a needle with yarn required for the pattern such that the selected needle is driven by a needle bar through the backing medium, to form a tuft while a needle that is not required for the pattern is not selected by the needle selection mechanism. Yarn is fed via a yarn feed mechanism comprising a plurality of actively driven yarn drives each driving a respective yarn to a respective needle, the yarn drives being at a location between a yarn creel and the needle. The method being characterised by operating the yarn feed mechanism to deliver at least 70% of the yarn required for a tuft as the needle moves from top dead center to bottom dead center.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance may include a tub, a basket, an impeller base, and an extended post. The basket may be rotatably positioned within the tub. The impeller base may include a mounting face including a threaded bracket defining a mounting thread extending about a rotation axis. The extended post may be removably attached to the impeller base to rotate therewith. The extended post may include a base body extending along the rotation axis between a bottom end proximal to the impeller base and a top end distal to the impeller base. The extended post may also include auger fin extending radially from the base body between the bottom end and the top end. The mating face may be disposed on the bottom end. The mating face may define a mating thread matched to the mounting thread to rotatably enmesh therewith.

Abstract: A method for controlling a laundry washing machine. The method includes: performing a tub loading process comprising operating supply valve(s) to provide a first volume of water through a detergent supply system and into a tub to fill the tub with wash liquid; performing a washing process comprising rotating a drum to agitate laundry in in the presence of the wash liquid; performing a static rinsing process comprising operating a pump to remove any free volume of wash liquid from the tub without rotating the drum; and performing one or more rinsing processes comprising: operating the supply valve(s) to provide a volume of clean rinse water to the tub, operating the pump to remove the rinse water from the drum, and operating the motor to spin the drum at high speed to extract rinse water from the laundry, while continuing to operate the pump.

Abstract: A microbubble generator and a laundry treating device. The microbubble generator includes: an air dissolving tank, having an air dissolving cavity defined therein, and an inlet and an outlet configured to allow water to flow in and out, the inlet being located above the outlet; a baffle, provided in the air dissolving tank, at least partially located between the inlet and the outlet in a horizontal direction, and provided with a gap and/or a through hole; and a cavitator, provided outside the air dissolving tank and connected with the outlet, or provided at the outlet.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance comprising a combination washer/dryer having a cabinet defining an interior, a tub provided within the interior, and a drum rotatably provided within the tub and defining a treating chamber, and a method of operation which includes a washing cycle, a spinning cycle and a drying cycle.

Abstract: A standalone drum-mounted lint filter for a washing machine is provided. The filter includes a filter housing including a plurality of inner walls dividing the filter housing into a plurality of filter chambers, each filter chamber defining at least one inlet configured to allow wash water to flow into the respective chamber. The filter further includes at least one retainer barrel arranged within each filter chamber and configured to retain lint during operation of the washing machine. The filter also includes a porous removable filter cover defining front-facing outlets open to the drum, allowing for exit of the wash water back into the wash.

Abstract: A laundry processing apparatus includes a wall defining a condensed water collecting space configured to collect condensed water. The wall has an opening hole that is open to communicate with an inside of a cabinet of the laundry processing apparatus and that is configured to open and close by an opening and closing unit. Therefore, when the laundry processing apparatus is not operated, the condensed water remaining in the condensed water collecting space is quickly removed by air inside the cabinet, and during drying operation or drainage operation, the opening hole is closed by the opening and closing unit, pressure leakage is prevented for a space where air flows or a space where the condensed water is pumped.

Abstract: Provided is a clothing management apparatus. The clothing management apparatus includes a steam generator configured to generate steam, a steam discharging member configured to receive steam generated by the steam generator through a hose and discharge the received steam to clothing, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature in the clothing management apparatus, and a processor configured to identify a connection state of the hose based on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a clothing shaking device for clothing care apparatus, the care apparatus includes a cabinet, the shaking device includes a driving member, a first connecting member, a second connecting member, a beam and a connecting structure arranged on the beam, when the driving member drives the first connecting member to rotate and thus drives the second connecting member to move, a swimming structure can apply acting force to the connecting structure to make the connecting structure and the beam move back and forth together. Through the connection between the swimming structure and the connecting structure, when the driving member drives the first connecting member to rotate and thus drives the second connecting member to move, while driving the beam to move back and forth, the movement amplitude of the beam in the direction perpendicular to the beam can be reduced.

Abstract: The application relates to a process for producing fibrous material with antimicrobial properties, wherein in the first step coniferous resin acid composition is emulsified into aqueous solution with emulsifier and wetting agent, and in the second step thus formed emulsion is transferred into fibrous material by impregnation. Further, the application relates to an aqueous antimicrobial composition for use as a water-soluble concentrate in the treatment of fibrous materials, and to a fibrous material with antimicrobial properties, and to its use in e.g. fabrics, fur, leather, clothes, canvas, tissues, plastics, webs, accessories, packaging materials, wallpapers, food-related products, household products, footwear, construction materials, insulating materials and medical products.

Abstract: A method of preparing a water-repellent and moisture-permeable fabric, includes: preparing a water-repellent fabric by: immersing a raw fabric in a non-fluorinated water-repellent emulsion containing a non-fluorinated water repellent and an aqueous blocked polyisocyanate crosslinking agent; and drying and curing the raw fabric, which has been immersed, at a temperature of 150° C. to 200° C.; applying a polyurethane-based moisture-permeable coating liquid to the water-repellent fabric; and drying the water-repellent fabric while increasing a temperature from 100° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the separation of cellulose pulp into distinct fractions with different draining and morphological characteristics, as well as the use of part of these fractions for the production of nanocellulose. The process in reference combines the unitary operations of fiber separation, thickening to a certain consistency, draining and drying of the cellulosic pulp with the high drainage ability and production of nanocellulose from high primary fines content pulp. The process may consider any cellulosic pulp fiber derived from short or long fiber woods such as Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Birch, Aspen, Pinus, recycled fibers, etc., their residues such as bark, sawdust, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for providing a coating layer on a moulded article comprising fibers. In the present invention, a coating dispersion is prepared that comprises microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), a slip aid and at least one hydrocolloid.

Abstract: A method includes forming an aqueous fibre suspension including cellulosic fibres from one or more raw material flows, and applying at least one chemical and/or physical control measure to the aqueous fibre suspension or at least one of its raw material flows for control of microbial activity in the aqueous fibre suspension or the raw material flow before an inlet of an intermediate residence entity. In this manner a starting ORP value for the aqueous fibre suspension is obtained. The aqueous fibre suspension is in the intermediate residence entity at least a minimum delay time. A final ORP value is measured for the aqueous fibre suspension after an outlet of the intermediate residence entity before the formation of the fibrous web. An ORP difference value between the starting ORP and final ORP values is calculated. Finally, the aqueous fibre suspension is formed into a fibrous web and dried.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a monorail system configured and arranged for displacing at least one maintenance device configured and arranged for machining substantially vertically extending surfaces. Another aspect is directed to a maintenance system consisting of at least one maintenance device which is displaceable on the monorail system.

Abstract: A system for paving a bridge comprising a screed rail configured to support a concrete paver and a plurality of adjustable width barrier brackets to support the screed rail with a bridge barrier, where each adjustable width barrier brackets comprise a rail support bracket and an “L” barrier bracket which allows for width adjustment by translation of the rail support bracket through the “L” barrier bracket.

Abstract: A road finishing machine comprises a tractor and a screed hinged to the tractor to be towed behind the tractor. At the tractor, a main control platform of the road finishing machine is provided which offers space for an operator and comprises operational controls for controlling functions of the road finishing machine. The main control platform has a roof, wherein a lighting unit with a light source is provided at the roof. The lighting unit comprises a housing which accommodates the light source and has a reflector. The reflector is configured to reflect light emitted by the light source into a working area of the screed so that the working area of the screed is illuminated indirectly.

Abstract: Applicator and method for applying melted rubber to pavement comprises a melting vat having a substantially planar bottom with a surface area, and a wide-area a heating element beneath the melting vat having a surface area more than half the surface area of the planar bottom of the melting vat and positioned beneath the melting vat. The heating element may be comprised of an aluminum oxide ceramic blanket. A double-walled construction of the vat with exhaust holes in the outer wall allows exhaust to evenly melt rubber in the vat to reduce burning of the rubber, flame blowouts, and improve fuel efficiency.

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

Abstract: A sound wall and a method of constructing the sound wall. The sound wall includes a pair of laterally spaced posts, at least one of the pair of posts including: an elongate central member, a flange extending form the elongate central member in a direction substantially normal to the elongate central member, and a fin extending from the central member. The central member, the flange, and the fin may define a cavity for receiving elongate panels. The sound wall may include a plurality of elongate panels extending between the laterally spaced posts and stacked in an elongate direction of the elongate central member. End regions of the respective elongate panels may be retained between the flange and the fin. The sound wall may include an elongate stiffener member positioned within at least one of the plurality of elongate panels.

Abstract: The invention provides a warning sign device. The warning sign device comprises a sign body and a continuous track assembly. The continuous track assembly is disposed on the sign body.

Abstract: A gate safety barrier system is provided for use at a loading dock to prevent accidental or inadvertent movement of a loading dock vehicle and/or personnel through an access passageway provided on the loading dock. The gate safety barrier includes a pair of bollards positioned on opposite sides of the passageway and a horizontal center member pivotally mounted on pivot bollard. The horizontal center member includes two sections connected together by means of a center hinge. The horizontal center member moves to close and block the passageway. When in the closed position the horizontal center member spans the distance between the bollards. The system provides safety, ease of use, and improved functionality which protect personnel while the assembly is being moved between closed blocked passageway to open unblocked passageway.

Abstract: A portable pet waste collection device which overcomes issues involved with collecting and carrying pet waste when a refuse container is not close by. A lid portion connects to an expandable body portion. A bag dispenser is retained in the lid area through which a user obtains a bag prior to collection. The body portion of the device can be kept in a collapsed state prior to collection, and expanded for receiving a bag of waste. The device conveniently retains the waste bags until proper disposal facilities are available.

Abstract: A snow shovel that has a shaft, a handle, and a scoop to allow the user to remove unwanted snow and ice from a surface. This shovel includes a heated bottom edge with a vibrating motor to melt and dislodge ice or snow from a surface. The shovel also includes a vibration-reducing mechanism to dampen the vibrations that a user might feel during the use of this shovel, along with sensors that detect when the heated edge and motor should be turned on or off.

Abstract: An apparatus to scoop debris from a surface is described. The apparatus comprises a trolley frame, a first and second wheels coupled to a first and second gear assemblies and designed to rotate in a first direction of rotation. The first and second gear assemblies are coupled to a opposite sides of the trolley frame. The apparatus further comprises an axle coupled to the trolley frame, using the first gear assembly and the second gear assembly, wherein the axle is configured to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction of rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel. A plurality of parallel spokes is attached to the axle that rotate with the axle, wherein each of the plurality of spokes are bent at an angle at their respective ends. A detachable debris collection net is coupled to the trolley frame.

Abstract: A pile guide has a collar with a void therein. A planar flange extends from a side of the collar. A first guide and a second guide form opposing guides constructed and arranged for receiving the planar flange of the pile guide therein. The planar flange is in a slidable relationship within the opposing guides, and the bracket is constructed and arranged for mounting to a dock. The opposing guides pivot relative to the dock during installation and allow pivoting of the pile guide relative to the dock or other mounting. The distance and angle of the collar relative to the dock or other mounting can be adjusted to accommodate for positioning of pile guides due to positioning of piles relative to a dock or other structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods of restoring a lake including dredging, island creation, water treatment, real estate development, computer modeling of environmental conditions, wave height reduction, sediment removal and encapsulation, bathymetry contouring, littoral zone restoration, plant restoration, and/or fish restoration.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing and lifting a channel board by underwater grouting includes (A) when the channel board is damaged, removing the damaged channel board, cleaning and leveling a gravel layer under the damaged channel board, placing an undamaged channel board installed with first grouting pipes and a second grouting pipe on the gravel layer, wherein multiple geotextile bags are respectively bound to the first grouting pipes; when the channel board is subsided, installing first grouting pipes and a second grouting pipe into first grouting holes and a second grouting hole, respectively; (B) performing a first polymer grouting through the first grouting pipes, and performing a second polymer grouting through the second grouting pipe; (C) cutting off a part of the first grouting pipes the second grouting pipe which are exposed to the channel board, and leveling incisions; and (D) removing excess polymer left on the channel board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building system and a method of making and assembling the building system. In particular, the present invention relates to a footing for a building structure, the footing comprises a plurality of precast concrete layers, each precast concrete layer comprising reinforcement bars and a plurality of apertures. The footing further comprises a base structure comprising a base plate and a plurality of alignment bars protruding from the base plate. The footing is configured such that when the plurality of precast concrete layers are positioned on top of one another, the plurality of alignment bars of the base structure extend through the respective apertures of each precast concrete layer. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a building structure having one or more building modules.

Abstract: A quick coupler circuit includes a cylinder to attach and/or detach an attachment to and/or from a construction machine by expansion and/or contraction, a flow pump to supply fluid to the cylinder, a valve through which fluid for operating the cylinder passes, a spool valve which includes a spool, to move along an axial direction, and to form a pressure at a node of the flow pump according to movement of the spool, an electronic proportional pressure reducing valve to control the spool valve, a switch to perform an ON/OFF operation, and a controller to output a control current to the electronic proportional pressure reducing valve in response to the operation of the switch. The controller is maintains control current which it outputs during the switch's ON operation for a predetermined period of time after the switch's OFF operation.

Abstract: A drawbar assembly for a motor grader is provided. The drawbar assembly defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The first frame member is adapted to be movably coupled to main frame of the motor grader. The first frame member includes a first base member extending along longitudinal axis and a first mating portion bent away relative to first base member to extend transversely relative to longitudinal axis. The second frame member includes a second base member extending along longitudinal axis and a second mating portion bent away relative to second base member to extend transversely relative to longitudinal axis. The second mating portion is configured to mate with first mating portion to form a connection joint therebetween, facilitating the first frame member and second frame member to be conjoined to together support a circle assembly of the motor grader thereunder.

Abstract: Microdredging systems comprising a pumping platform and loading platform. In certain embodiments, system operates autonomously and is adapted to allow the loading platform undock from the pumping platform for disposal of the removed sediment.

Abstract: Disclosed are power systems, and power machines employing the power systems, having dual in-line pumps configured to supply hydraulic fluid to respective left and right side travel motors of the power machine. In some exemplary embodiments, pump pintle arm controls and a single centering mechanism for the pintle arm controls are provided. The single centering mechanism is configured to center the pintle arms for each of the two pumps. Also in some exemplary embodiments, a mechanical control linkage configuration allows the separate pump pintle arm controls to be positioned on a side of the pump substantially one behind the other. This allows hydraulic connections to the pumps to be placed on top of the pump assembly, improving the routing of hydraulic hoses in the power machine.

Abstract: A fluid supply system supplying multiple fluid consumers of a vehicle with fluid, the fluid supply system including: a first pump supplying a first fluid consumer, arranged in a first supply circulation of the vehicle, with fluid; a second pump supplying a second fluid consumer, arranged in a second supply circulation of the vehicle, with fluid; and a directional control valve adjustable between a first valve position and at least one other, second valve position and preferably includes an electromagnetic device for adjusting. The directional control valve allows the fluid to be delivered from the second pump into the first supply circulation in the first valve position and separates the first supply circulation from the second pump, or allows the fluid to be delivered from the second pump into the first supply circulation only to a restricted extent as compared to the first valve position, in the second valve position.

Abstract: A debris accumulation control system is provided for usage within a work vehicle including an operator station and a work vehicle compartment. In embodiments, the work vehicle debris accumulation control system includes a display device located in the operator station of the work vehicle, a three dimensional (3D) imaging device having a field of view (FOV) encompassing a debris-gathering region of the work vehicle compartment, and a controller operably coupled to the display device and to the 3D imaging device. The controller is configured to: (i) utilize 3D imaging data provided by the 3D imaging device to estimate a debris accumulation risk level within the work vehicle compartment; and (ii) generate a first visual alert on the display device when the debris accumulation risk level surpasses a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a work implement. A control system for the work vehicle includes a controller. The controller acquires work range data indicative of a work range. The controller determines a division distance by dividing an entire length of the work range by a predetermined number of divisions. The controller determines a plurality of starting positions so that the distance between each starting position matches the division distance in the work range. The controller generates an instruction signal to actuate the work implement from the plurality of starting positions.

Abstract: A tooth mounting structure for a bucket includes a tooth adapter and a tooth. The tooth adapter includes a mounting portion mounted to the bucket and a nose portion extending from the mounting portion. The tooth includes an internal space for inserting the nose portion. The nose portion includes a rectangular tip portion, a rectangular base end portion and an octagonal connecting portion. An inner surface of the tooth is formed along an outer surface of the nose portion.

Abstract: A recycling device (200) for recycling used water from at least one used water source (100, 101) is provided. The recycling device (200) comprises a first water tank (210) arranged to receive used water from the at least one water source (100), and sensor means (211) arranged to measure the water quality of used water in the first water tank (210). The recycling device (200) is characterized in that it comprises a second water tank (220) arranged to store used water within the recycling device (200), and a water pump (240) and one or more valves (231, 232, 233, 234, 235; 301). The pump (240) and one or more valves (231, 232, 233, 234, 235; 301) arranged in the recycling device (200) such that used water is able to be stored in the second water tank (220), or recycled out of the recycling device (200) from the first water tank (210) or from the second water tank (220), when the water quality of the used water is above a determined threshold level.

Abstract: Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials. In some embodiments, the handles of an exemplary faucet can include the same or a similar multiple channel configuration as the spout, providing an advantageously, aesthetically pleasing faucet system. In exemplary embodiments, faucet spouts and their handles are formed so as to couple to standard faucet underbodies, standard valve platforms, or standard threaded hose/waterway connections.

Abstract: A sink includes a basin configured to hold water, an apron extending from a front of the basin and having a plurality of walls and a rear surface defining an opening in a front of the apron, and a panel assembly removably received in the opening, where an outer perimeter of the panel assembly is spaced apart from an inner perimeter of the plurality of walls of the apron.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a water supply assembly of a toilet comprising a water input pipe, a water tank, a water suction pump and a water output pipe; wherein the water input pipe is connected to the water tank; clean water enters the water tank through the water input pipe; the water tank is connected to the water suction pump connected to the water output pipe; the water suction pump pumps the clean water inside the water tank into the water output pipe; the water tank comprises a main water tank portion, an auxiliary water tank portion, and a water equalizing pipe connecting between and through the main water tank and the auxiliary water tank. The present disclosure provides a flushing assembly, a water suction assembly, and a check valve for use in the toilet. The present disclosure provides a method, device, and storage for controlling toilet water consumption.

Abstract: A flush toilet includes a toilet main body and a control unit. The toilet main body includes a skirt, a rear storage configured to store at least a part of the control unit, and an opening to which a drain pipe is connected is formed penetrating, in a front-rear direction, a portion below a center in a left-right direction of a rear wall of the skirt. The rear storage forms a discharge socket storage on a front side of the opening in a region below a center of the rear storage in the left-right direction. And a side wall surface in the discharge socket storage protrudes more in a center direction of the opening than a side wall surface in the opening, to reduce an opening cross-sectional area of the discharge socket storage to be smaller than an opening cross-sectional area of the opening.

Abstract: A sump overflow protection system for use in a building having a floor and a drainage field for collecting water from the perimeter of the building. The sump overflow protection system includes a portion of the floor proximal an opening of a sump crock having a first level defining a base and wherein the rest of the bottom floor generally has a second level higher than the first level of the basin surface of the floor and communicates water overflowing the sump crock to an outlet coupled to a building drainage outlet separate from the sump crock and to be located in the basin surface of the floor and spaced a predetermined distance from the sump crock.