Abstract: A half-sized adventure door suitable for entry ways to rooms occupied by children is described. The half-door provides a substitute to the costly modification of existing doors in childcare centers and pre-schools while being in compliance with laws and regulations. The half-door decreases costs and risk of damage to existing structure as compared to other ways of implementing a half-door, and doing so while nurturing the imagination of children with a theme. The half-door is constructed to be attached to any standard interior house doorjamb using self-adhesive tape such that no tools are required and damage to existing structure can be mitigated. When the half-door is opened, lights will flash and music will sound. The music and light colors can be coordinated to match the various themes available.

Abstract: The combination of an over-the-road vehicle and a locking system. The vehicle has a frame bounding a cargo space and at least one access door. The one door has a first latch assembly thereon that cooperates with a second latch assembly on one of: a) the vehicle frame; and b) a second door to releasably maintain the one door in its closed position. The locking system includes a first locking assembly on the first door and a second locking assembly on the one of the vehicle frame and second door. The first locking assembly projects from a location between the first peripheral edge and the one of the vehicle frame and second door to beyond one of the inside and outside surfaces. The first and second locking assemblies can be maintained together either inside or outside of the cargo space.

Abstract: A composite pull-chain disc mechanism with brake function for a door operator comprises a torsional spring having de-twisting and twisting sides. The weight of a door curtain always acts on the de-twisting sides, so that the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to shrink to brake the rotation of the central shaft of the door operator. If twisting sides bears an external force, the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to enlarge to release braking of the central shaft. Furthermore, the composite pull-chain disc mechanism can be adapted to an electric door operator. In the case of detaching an electric motor mechanism during maintenance, the door operator can still be operated to open/close a door in a manual mode through the composite pull-chain disc mechanism.

Abstract: A seal mechanism of a high pressure coffee machine has an upper cover, a rotary cover and a lower body. The back end of the upper cover, the back end of the rotary cover and the back of the lower body are pivotally connected. A coffee box with an upward opening is arranged on the lower body, and a sealing piece is arranged under the rotary cover; the hook mechanism is arranged between the upper cover and the lower body; the closing mechanism is arranged between the upper cover and the rotary cover, which comprises the handle, the closing piece and the opening and closing rod; the handle is connected to the upper cover. The closing piece and the handle form a connection. The opening and closing rod and the handle form a connection.

Abstract: A nosing cover for a door sill assembly of an entryway of a building where the door sill assembly includes a substrate, a nosing, and a sill channel. The nosing cover has a nosing portion with a first wall, a second wall, and a horizontal portion connecting the first wall to the second wall. The first wall and the second wall can be disposed on opposite sides of the nosing with the horizontal portion covering the top of the nosing. The nosing cover also includes a floor portion extending from the second wall to be contiguous with the floor of the sill channel when the nosing cover is installed on the sill assembly.

Abstract: Gasket for refrigerator cabinets for providing seal-tight closure between cabinet (32) and door (17) composed of an outer door (30) and inner door (31), comprising a soft bellows portion (11), characterized in that said soft bellows portion (11) is interposed in an extensible manner between at least a pair of magnets (9, 15) one of which is operatively coupled to said door and the other is coupled to said cabinet.

Abstract: A closure assembly for securing a moveable panel relative to a body of a vehicle includes a striker assembly and a latch mechanism. A biasing mechanism includes a bumper fixedly attached to the striker assembly, and an arm fixedly attached to the latch mechanism. The arm is flexible about an axis in one of an inward direction or an outward direction. The arm engages the bumper and is biased inward in response to movement of the latch mechanism toward the striker assembly for simultaneously biasing the latch mechanism in a lateral direction and an axial direction to dampen movement of the latch mechanism relative to the striker assembly.

Abstract: Some aspects relate to weather seal systems for forming water barriers and air barriers. Some air barriers include a sill portion, a frame portion, and a transition portion extending between the sill and frame portions, where the transition portion extends inwardly and downwardly from the frame portion of the air barrier, toward an interior side of an associated door assembly, to the sill portion of the air barrier. The transition portion optionally provides a buffer zone, or transition zone of air at a greater spacing from the water barrier. In some embodiments, the transition zone is equilibrated to external pressures and supplies substantially dry air to air leaks in the air barrier.

Abstract: Matrix drill bits and other downhole tools may be formed with one or more layers of hard materials disposed on exterior portions thereof. Exterior portions of used rotary drill bits or other downhole tools may be measured using three dimensional (3D) scanning techniques or other techniques to determine specific locations of undesired abrasion, erosion and/or wear. During the design of a new rotary drill bit or other downhole tool, computational flow analysis techniques may be used to determine potential locations for excessive erosions, abrasion, wear, impact and/or fatigue on exterior portions of the rotary drill bit or other downhole tools. One or more layers of hard material may be disposed at such locations on exterior portions of matrix bit bodies and other matrix bodies based on analyzing exterior portions of used downhole tools and/or computational flow analysis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polishing layers for use in chemical mechanical polishing pads is provided, wherein a plurality of polishing layers are derived from a cake, wherein the formation of density defects in the cake and the surface roughness of the polishing layers formed are minimized.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing polishing layers having a window for use in chemical mechanical polishing pads is provided, wherein a plurality of polishing layers having an integral window are derived from a cake, wherein the formation of density defects in the cake and the surface roughness of the polishing layers formed are minimized.

Abstract: A method to leach a component that includes a polycrystalline structure. The method includes obtaining the component having the polycrystalline structure. The polycrystalline structure includes catalyst material deposited therein. The method also includes performing a leaching process on the polycrystalline structure to an intermediate leaching depth. The leaching process removes at least a portion of the catalyst material from the polycrystalline structure and forms one or more by-product materials deposited therein. The method also includes performing a cleaning process on the polycrystalline structure, which removes at least a portion of the by-product materials. The leaching process and the cleaning process are iteratively continued until the intermediate leaching depth reaches a desired leaching depth, both of which are measured from one end of the polycrystalline structure. The desired leaching depth is greater than at least one intermediate leaching depth.

Abstract: A rainwater runoff diverting attachment for building roofs is an arrangement of thin, solid bodies connected in two dimensions and elongated in a third dimension. An attachment flange facilitates installation onto the fascia board of a building adjacent to the roof edge. Rainwater runoff falls into a runoff diversion trough and is diverted laterally. A projecting overhang ensures effective collection of rainwater runoff and provides shielding against debris falling into the runoff diversion trough.

Abstract: An attic soffit ventilator for a dwelling having a removable filter. The soffit ventilator includes a frame having a plurality of louvers on one side, wherein the frame is fixed to the underside surface or soffit structure of a roof. The frame includes a side openings or slot for receiving a filter media. The filter media is inserted into the frame by sliding it into the frame from the side opening or slot. Further, the filter media can be removed, cleaned, and re-inserted into the frame.

Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.

Abstract: A high-strength pintle anchoring system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The high-strength pintle anchoring system employs a partially compressively reduced veneer tie that is cold-worked with the resultant body partially having substantially semicircular edges and flat surfaces therebetween. The edges are aligned to receive compressive forces transmitted from the outer wythe. The partially compressively reduced veneer tie, when part of the anchoring system, interengages with the receptor portions of a wall anchor and are dimensioned to preclude significant movement lateral with or normal to the inner wythe.

Abstract: A high-strength thermally-isolating surface-mounted anchoring system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The thermally-isolated anchoring system is adaptable to varied structures, including high-span applications, and for use with interlocking veneer ties and reinforcement wires. The anchoring system includes an anchor base and a stepped cylinder which sheaths the mounting hardware to limit insulation tearing and resultant loss of insulation integrity. The anchoring system is thermally-isolated through the use of a series of strategically placed compressible nonconductive fittings. Seals are formed which preclude penetration of air, moisture, and water vapor into the wall structure.

Abstract: A hybrid wall reinforcement wall anchoring system is described for use in masonry cavity walls. The reinforcement and anchor is hybrid device installed within the backup wall and interlocked with novel veneer ties. The novel veneer ties are wire formatives and are manually connected and interlocked with the anchor. Once interlocked and installed within the cavity wall, lateral, vertical and front-to-back veneer tie movement is limited, strengthening the cavity wall structure. The inclusion of a reinforcement wire within the veneer tie and the exterior wall provides a seismic structure.

Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces, torsion forces, and seismic forces, such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a unitized system of structural integrity. The components further cooperate with a secondary water sealing ability to minimize and/or prevent influent water damage to the structure in the event that the primary sealing system is compromised.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an insulated frame member including first and second frame components held in a spaced relationship by a first, glazing unit facing connector component and by a second connector component, the first and second frame components together defining a void substantially filled with a foamed material, wherein the first connector component is of width greater than or equal to the thickness of the glazing unit.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting a utility conduit passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A sleeve and a plate are provided. The sleeve has a body forming a hollow trough with a length, a circular side section and a width The circular side section is changeable to adapt to the hole in the stud. The body has opposed inserted and worked end to permit engagement of the sleeve into the hole in the stud. The body portion can include a sleeve fillant within the trough. A stop portion at the worked end of the body stops sleeve insertion a proximate stud. A retention portion then affirmatively retain the sleeve in the hole. The plate has a surface conforming to a stud face, an opening to receive the sleeve, and a mechanism to attach the plate to the stud.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a column shoe for securing steel concrete columns to a base. The column shoe includes a bolt housing, which includes a baseplate provided with a bolt hole, and an upper structure which is connected to the baseplate and to which at least one attachment unit is connected for securing the column shoe and the steel concrete column together. The bolt housing is fabricated by casting such that the upper structure and the baseplate form a single-piece casting. A hole is formed in the bolt housing for the attachment unit. The upper structure of the bolt housing comprises a sleeve structure which is formed integrally with the upper structure and on which the hole for the attachment unit is formed, and the upper structure includes a wall structure by which the sleeve structure is connected with the baseplate.

Abstract: A system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure. The system has a barrier isolating the roof supporting structure from an interior space of the attic. The barrier is sized to substantially cover an interior surface of the roof, the barrier isolating the interior surface of the roof from the interior space of the attic. A venting region is formed between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting air from an outside of the building through the venting region and wherein the barrier substantially covering the interior surface of the roof prevents migration of air between the interior space of the attic and the venting region.

Abstract: Pedestaled roof underlayment systems and methods are disclosed herein. A pedestaled roof underlayment system comprises a pedestaled sheet including a plurality of regularly spaced pedestals on one side and a generally flat surface on the other side. The system includes a multi-layer roofing underlayment including a slip resistant top layer, a UV protection layer and a strength layer. A reflective barrier layer may be included with the multi-layer roofing underlayment. The pedestaled sheet may be conical and/or tapered, and may have a top shape and cross section that may be circular, triangular, hexagonal and square.

Abstract: An air seal assembly is provided. The air seal assembly includes a plurality of segments configured to form a cavity. The cavity is configured to engage an edge of a construction material. A gasket material is applied to an exterior surface of one of the segments. In an installed position, the air seal assembly is configured to substantially seal gaps formed between the construction material and other materials forming a wall.

Abstract: Floor panel, which on the bottom side is provided with a factory-applied glue which substantially consists of synthetic rubber. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such floor panels, wherein the glue is applied by means of a roller device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a flat front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side faces, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.

Abstract: To obtain a covering on a supporting structure that has a visual appearance that varies with the angle of light from a light source impinging on the covering, there are provided parquet blocks having reference edges and top surfaces with geometric forms in parallel relationship extending to a higher elevation than the block's adjacent surface portions and extending at angles relative to the reference edges that varies from that of other blocks. The parquet blocks in plan view 5 be of varying shapes such as rectangular, triangular, etc. while the geometric forms may be, for example, any one of parallel ridges, lands between parallel slots, rows of selected shapes in linearly spaced, linear alignment, etc. Indicia may be provided on the blocks together with a chart having markings facilitating selecting and adhering the blocks to the supporting structure to obtain the desired pattern.

Abstract: Support panels for masonry objects and associated methods of use are disclosed herein. A support panel for masonry objects may include an inner surface, an outer surface, at least one stiffening channel formed longitudinally along the support panel, and a plurality of substantially C-shaped tabs extending from the outer surface, the tabs being disposed in spaced apart relation to one another to form a grid, wherein the tabs are configured to contactingly support at least a portion of a masonry object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for roofs and facades made up of prefabricated panels comprising a lower support layer, an intermediate layer of insulating material and an upper water-proof layer, on which overlay parts are arranged. The panels have hooks for holding the overlay parts. The upper water-proof layer prolongs on one side into a fringe, on the opposite side into a flange having a smaller width. The panels are attached by their edges, with the fringe of each panel overlapped on the panel of the next row.

Abstract: A self-reinforced masonry block comprises a main body having opposed substantially parallel stacking surfaces and at least one tubular cell defined therethrough from one stacking surface to the other. At least one confining reinforcement is embedded in the main body to surrounding a corresponding cell. Each confining reinforcement extends substantially entirely along the longitudinal length of its corresponding cell and terminates inwardly of the stacking surfaces. The self-reinforced masonry blocks may be used in construction of a grout-filled, vertically reinforced masonry block wall, with the self-reinforced masonry blocks being used for those portions of the wall where the grouted cells are prone to crushing due to high levels of compressive stress, and conventional unreinforced masonry blocks being used for other portions of the wall. A method for making the self-reinforced masonry blocks is also described.

Abstract: An L-shaped sheetmetal anchor with tubular leg and an anchoring assembly employing the same are disclosed. The assembly is adaptable to varied anchoring structures and for use with interlocking veneer ties and reinforcement wires to provide a high-strength surface mounted anchoring system for cavity walls. The stepped cylinders sheath the mounting hardware to limit insulation tearing and resultant loss of insulation integrity. The assembly is thermally-isolated through the use of a series of strategically placed compressible nonconductive fittings. The assemblies are vertically or horizontally surface mounted on the inner wythe.

Abstract: A subassembly is positioned transverse in between two adjacent roof elements or wall elements. The subassembly includes a bracket; a construction element; and a fastener securing the bracket to the construction element. An extension tab of the bracket extends over a top surface of a roof element or a wall element. Multiple ones of the brackets installed in a roof element or a wall element define a line of compression blocking.

Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.

Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.

Abstract: A barb-type lock floor has a simple structure, but is particularly suitable for the connection of sheets made of plastic material with relatively low rigidity. Said plastic sheets may be rectangular or square, the thickness may be relatively small, such as 3 to 5 mm. At the same time, it is suitable for relatively thick sheets. Therefore, the barb (hook) type floor of plastic material is usable with a broad range of suitable materials, can be easily processed, achieves firm connection, and makes the installation and replacement extremely convenient. Meanwhile, the overlapping part of the connecting portion of sheets with this structure takes up only about 1.5 to 2% of the total sheet area, which can save a lot of material during large scale production.

Abstract: An interlocking construction block has opposed ends each having a plurality of substantially planar bearing surfaces. The planar surfaces include perpendicular surfaces joined by surfaces at obtuse angles. The block is arranged to be complementary to other blocks in several different configurations.

Abstract: An anchoring device of highly resilient material of varying thicknesses, to accommodate the irregularly cut slots into which the anchors fit, is additionally embedded with one or more layers of high-strength material of solid or particulate form. The high-strength material, metal, for example, is notched to accommodate buckling, extension, and compression of planks secured by the anchor and has folds for increased strength. Multiple attachment apertures through the anchor allow use of a single anchor to secure two adjacent planks. The anchor is designed to keep planks separated from joists so that water can evaporate and not cause rot and to keep attached planks evenly spaced. The high-strength material is embedded into the anchor during the manufacturing molding process. Small openings within a layer of high-strength material provide for molten plastic of the molding process to reach all high-strength material surfaces creating a strong bond between plastic and high-strength material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for supporting various equipment and/or structure which assists in isolating such structure from vibrations (“noise”) external to the platform. Generally, the platform comprises upper and lower plates, having conical depressions, upon which the upper plate supports the abovementioned structure, and the lower plate contacting surface/area upon which the supported structure otherwise would have rested. Between the upper and lower plates, a plurality of rigid, spherical bearings are placed within the conical depressions, thereby allowing the upper and lower plates to displace relative to one another. Additionally, the platform may be provided with retaining mechanisms for holding the structure to be supported, maintaining the plates together and providing additional damping effects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waterproofing membrane that bonds to concrete cast against it (i.e., post-cast concrete). The membrane includes a flexible carrier sheet, a pressure sensitive adhesive, and reflective particles on the surface of the adhesive. The reflective particles should have an average diameter equal to or greater than the thickness of the pressure sensitive adhesive. Preferably, the reflective particles are ground white cement or ground white hydrated cement. The membrane does not have a removable release sheet that is typically used to prevent the adhesive portion of the membrane from adhering to the carrier sheet or other portion of the membrane when the membrane is rolled up.

Abstract: The first step of the method is providing a roofing laminate including an upper component of a reinforced single ply synthetic membrane. The roofing laminate includes a lower component of a reinforced single ply synthetic membrane. The roofing laminate includes an intermediate component of synthetic reinforcement material. The next step of the method is attaching the intermediate component intimately and entirely with the upper and lower components. The final step is coupling the laminate to a building.

Abstract: A tile aligning and lippage tuning system that uses an under tile base reusable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a reusable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.

Abstract: Systems for wall sections, wall panels assembled from sections, walls assembled from panels, and shelters assembled from walls. In embodiments, a wall for a shelter is disclosed, the wall comprising a frame comprising frame segments forming an n-sided closed polygon; at least one wall panel, each wall panel contained within the frame; and a plurality of flats, each flat attached to and overlapping a frame segment and a portion of a wall section, thereby retaining each wall panel within the frame. In embodiments, a shelter is disclosed, the shelter comprising a plurality of walls, each wall comprising a frame comprising frame segments forming an n-sided closed polygon; at least one wall panel, each wall panel contained within the frame; and a plurality of flats, each flat attached to and overlapping a frame segment and a portion of a wall section, thereby retaining each wall panel within the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine including a sealing station which is used for sealing a package comprising a trough and a cover film, and which has at least two sides, the sealing station including a sealing tool provided with at least one evacuation aperture for discharging the atmosphere and at least one gas flushing aperture for supplying a gas volume flow.

Abstract: A ramming mechanism to move material from one location to another is described. The ramming mechanism comprises a belt assembly comprising a belt driven over a plurality of pulleys, a ram carriage connected to the belt, and a ram cylinder mounted on the ram carriage.

Abstract: An improved automated loader has a cone horn to prevent or minimize contact between the chicken and the bag. The loader has a loading tube and the tube has a cone horn comprising a plurality of plates configured to form a cone, each one of the plurality of plates attached to the proximal end of the loading tube by a spring-loaded hinge, each hinge biased radially inward.

Abstract: To modify the headspace in a container to remove vacuum pressure, a container has a seal or cap which may provide a temporary opening into the container which is sealable under compression to provide a controlled raising of the internal pressure as the heated contents of the container cools. A sealing chamber (84) may enable the introduction of a fluid into the headspace (23b) to force the fluid level (40) lower. Other methods and apparatus are described.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for separating individual sealed tubes (42) from an array has rack support (30) for supporting an array of tubes with their upper rims (43) disposed in a horizontal plane and all sealed with a sealing membrane (90), and a punch station (60) comprising a punch tool (62) with cutting edge (66). Cutting edge (66) pierces through membrane (90) from above to separate an individual sealed tube (42) from the remainder of the membrane. The tool has multiple cutting edges (66) in a linear array corresponding to a column of a tightly-packed x by y array of tubes in the rack (40) to simultaneously separate the tubes (42) of a whole column. The cutting edge (66) starts piercing membrane (90) at the corners (43a) of each tube rim and progressively shears through the membrane. Ejector pins (68) retain the separated tubes within the rack (40).

Abstract: Bale strap assemblies for strapping a pressed bale are materials capable of being strapped are discussed herein. The bale strap assemblies account for jumping affects at the weld jaws due to reciprocating motions of the crank on the connecting rod and are adjusted by varying relative positions between the crank and the weld jaws.

Abstract: A container for bone cement includes a first member defining a chamber, which contains a first ingredient. The chamber also includes a second member movably coupled to the first member. The second member includes a mixing device that is movably disposed within the first chamber, and the second member defines a second chamber containing a second ingredient. The container additional includes an opening device that selectively opens the second chamber and allows the second ingredient to enter from the second chamber into the first chamber. The mixing device is movable within the first chamber to promote mixing of the first ingredient and the second ingredient to prepare the bone cement. A corresponding method of preparing bone cement is also disclosed.