Abstract: A stringing block system is disclosed. The stringing block system includes a plurality of plates forming a housing coupled to a base, at least one sheave coupled to the housing, and a side gate. In some embodiments, the base is an adjustable base configured to rotate the stringing block system forward or backward such that one or more sheaves will form an angle with the respect to a ground surface. A desired angle can easily be achieved to create proper alignment with a successive structure. The adjustable base is structured such that rotating the stringing block system does not require disengaging the entire system from a structure. In some embodiments, the stringing block system includes an extendable guide arm coupled to the housing, which provides a greater area for a helicopter pilot to work with when lowering a wire onto the stringing block system.

Abstract: A stringing block system is disclosed. The stringing block system includes a plurality of plates forming a housing coupled to a base, at least one sheave coupled to the housing, and a side gate. In some embodiments, the base is an adjustable base configured to rotate the stringing block system forward or backward such that one or more sheaves will form an angle with the respect to a ground surface. A desired angle can easily be achieved to create proper alignment with a successive structure. The adjustable base is structured such that rotating the stringing block system does not require disengaging the entire system from a structure. In some embodiments, the stringing block system includes an extendable guide arm coupled to the housing, which provides a greater area for a helicopter pilot to work with when lowering a wire onto the stringing block system.

Abstract: A one-piece rigid connector allows a nominal construction wood member to slip axially while fixed at its distal end, to accommodate the naturally occurring shrinkage of lumber. The connector surrounds the wood member and attaches to a second wood member to secure the members together. The connector may be slightly larger radially than the first member to accommodate natural movement. In one embodiment, the connector is made of a light gauge sheet metal and attaches a vertical baluster to the horizontal lower deck rail of an elevated wood deck guard rail system. The connector secures the baluster horizontally, but allows the baluster to move vertically to accommodate expansion or contraction of the baluster after construction. The distal end of the baluster is secured using conventional wood screw attachment. The connector includes tabs on each side to allow fastening of the connector to the lower deck rail using conventional wood screws.

Abstract: A one-piece rigid connector allows a nominal construction wood member to slip axially while fixed at its distal end, to accommodate the naturally occurring shrinkage of lumber. The connector surrounds the wood member and attaches to a second wood member to secure the members together. The connector may be slightly larger radially than the first member to accommodate natural movement. In one embodiment, the connector is made of a light gauge sheet metal and attaches a vertical baluster to the horizontal lower deck rail of an elevated wood deck guard rail system. The connector secures the baluster horizontally, but allows the baluster to move vertically to accommodate expansion or contraction of the baluster after construction. The distal end of the baluster is secured using conventional wood screw attachment. The connector includes tabs on each side to allow fastening of the connector to the lower deck rail using conventional wood screws.

Abstract: A one-piece rigid connector allows a nominal construction wood member to slip axially while fixed at its distal end, to accommodate the naturally occurring shrinkage of lumber. The connector surrounds the wood member and attaches to a second wood member to secure the members together. The connector may be slightly larger radially than the first member to accommodate natural movement. In one embodiment, the connector is made of a light gauge sheet metal and attaches a vertical baluster to the horizontal lower deck rail of an elevated wood deck guard rail system. The connector secures the baluster horizontally, but allows the baluster to move vertically to accommodate expansion or contraction of the baluster after construction. The distal end of the baluster is secured using conventional wood screw attachment. The connector includes tabs on each side to allow fastening of the connector to the lower deck rail using conventional wood screws.

Abstract: A one-piece rigid connector allows a nominal construction wood member to slip axially while fixed at its distal end, to accommodate the naturally occurring shrinkage of lumber. The connector surrounds the wood member and attaches to a second wood member to secure the members together. The connector may be slightly larger radially than the first member to accommodate natural movement. In one embodiment, the connector is made of a light gauge sheet metal and attaches a vertical baluster to the horizontal lower deck rail of an elevated wood deck guard rail system. The connector secures the baluster horizontally, but allows the baluster to move vertically to accommodate expansion or contraction of the baluster after construction. The distal end of the baluster is secured using conventional wood screw attachment. The connector includes tabs on each side to allow fastening of the connector to the lower deck rail using conventional wood screws.

Abstract: A one-piece rigid connector allows a nominal construction wood member to slip axially while fixed at its distal end, to accommodate the naturally occurring shrinkage of lumber. The connector surrounds the wood member and attaches to a second wood member to secure the members together. The connector may be slightly larger radially than the first member to accommodate natural movement. In one embodiment, the connector is made of a light gauge sheet metal and attaches a vertical baluster to the horizontal lower deck rail of an elevated wood deck guard rail system. The connector secures the baluster horizontally, but allows the baluster to move vertically to accommodate expansion or contraction of the baluster after construction. The distal end of the baluster is secured using conventional wood screw attachment. The connector includes tabs on each side to allow fastening of the connector to the lower deck rail using conventional wood screws.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for controlling the dispensing of fluid, particularly hazardous or flammable fluids, such as automobile gasoline. A recurring problem is the dispensing, particularly by untrained members of the public, into unsuitable or unapproved containers or into no container at all, which can cause leakage, fire, damage to the container, or environmental or health hazards. The invention detects the presence of a container closely adjacent to the outlet of the pump or other dispenser and attempts to determine whether a detected container is of a suitable type by generating a field, such as an electromagnetic field, and measuring the reaction of the container to the field, thus identifying information about selected physical characteristics of the container, such as its metallic or non-metallic material composition. Unless a suitable container is detected in a predetermined position, the invention will block dispensing of the fluid.