Abstract: A magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components. The lock mechanism includes a bolt mounted within a first component composed of a first material and displaceable between retracted and extended positions to interengage with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended, and a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position. A support collar composed of a second material having higher strength than that of the first material is disposed around the bolt between an inner casing and outer casing of the first component and is spaced from the bolt to allow for sliding movement of the bolt through the support collar as the bolt moves between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A permeable, pourable concrete that has water permeability of on average about 1 inch per hour and compressive strength of an average of about 3000 psi, the permeable concrete comprising a mixture comprising blast-furnace slag, sand, gravel and Portland-type or equivalent cement, the concrete mixed with a predetermined ratio of water, poured into a predetermined form as desired, and set to harden until sufficiently strong.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components includes a bolt mounted within a first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended. A magnetically-releasable latch mechanism is positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position and is mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position in a non-common direction of movement of the bolt. A first magnet is disposed within a trigger being translatable along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bolt and a second magnet is positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position as the trigger is caused to translate vertically when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component to permit displacement of the bolt to the extended position.

Abstract: A sliding door roller assembly includes a roller housing being at least partially disposed within an outer housing moveable relative to the roller housing and at least one roller wheel in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the at least one roller wheel. At least one resilient member is positioned at an end of the outer housing, and includes a fixed termination section coupled to an end member of the outer housing, a compliant section extending from the fixed termination section, a curved engagement section, and a resilient section between the compliant section and the curved engagement section and pivotable about the compliant section. The at least one resilient member is flexible from a first position to a second position when the curved engagement section mates with an inner surface of a slot defining a bottom edge of a panel secured to the outer housing to provide a holding force between the resilient member and the inner surface of the slot.

Abstract: An interlock system comprising: a first lock including a first lock memory configured to store one or more virtual keys; and a first key including a first key memory configured to store one or more virtual keys, wherein the first lock is configured to be actuated between a first condition and a second condition, when a first virtual key stored in the first key memory is transferred to the first lock memory, by engagement of the first key and first lock, and movement of the first key with respect to the first lock.

Abstract: A magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components. The lock mechanism includes a bolt mounted within a first component composed of a first material and displaceable between retracted and extended positions to interengage with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended, and a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position. A support collar composed of a second material having higher strength than that of the first material is disposed around the bolt between an inner casing and outer casing of the first component and is spaced from the bolt to allow for sliding movement of the bolt through the support collar as the bolt moves between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An automated sash lock for locking a window sash comprises a linearly depressible trigger, a cam-style locking element normally biased towards a locked position, a rotatable detent actuated by the trigger, a pivotable transfer element between the detent and the locking element, and an actuator for manually operating the lock mechanism to unlock the lock when the window is in a closed and locked position. The detent is normally biased in the direction of the locking element and a portion of the detent engages a body portion of the locking element to maintain the locking element in a retracted position when the window is open. Upon actuation of the trigger by a closing window, the trigger translates linearly into the lock housing and rotates the detent into the disengaged position, pulling the detent away from the locking element and allowing the locking element to fire out of the lock housing and into an opening in a strike in the adjacent sash to prevent the sashes from relative sliding movement.

Abstract: A sliding door roller assembly includes a roller housing being at least partially disposed within an outer housing moveable relative to the roller housing and at least one roller wheel in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the at least one roller wheel. At least one resilient member is positioned at an end of the outer housing, and includes a fixed termination section coupled to an end member of the outer housing, a compliant section extending from the fixed termination section, a curved engagement section, and a resilient section between the compliant section and the curved engagement section and pivotable about the compliant section. The at least one resilient member is flexible from a first position to a second position when the curved engagement section mates with an inner surface of a slot defining a bottom edge of a panel secured to the outer housing to provide a holding force between the resilient member and the inner surface of the slot.

Abstract: A low profile actuating window lock for casement windows having a longitudinal slot in a sidewall of the casing for the lock, wherein an actuator including a fork component translates within the slot in a direction opposite movement of the handle, the handle pivotable about a restrictor arm that pivots relative to the casing, allowing the handle to rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position with low clearance from the window frame. The pivot points of the handle and restrictor arm configuration allow for an over center linkage that prevents back driving the casement window lock.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components includes a bolt mounted within a first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended. A magnetically-releasable latch mechanism is positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position and is mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position in a non-common direction of movement of the bolt. A first magnet is disposed within a trigger being translatable along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bolt and a second magnet is positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position as the trigger is caused to translate vertically when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component to permit displacement of the bolt to the extended position.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a casement window including a frame having an elongated surface, comprising a tie bar guide adapted to be mounted on the window frame surface, the tie bar guide having first and second receiving grooves for slideably receiving segments of a tie bar in a tongue and groove manner, and a tie bar adapted to slide axially in a direction parallel to the window frame surface and having a partially curved profile and a cross-section comprising a flat central portion with a first segment comprising a first tongue and a second segment comprising a second tongue, the first and second segments on opposite sides relative to the central portion.

Abstract: A sliding door roller system comprises a roller housing comprising a pair of generally vertical side members and an integral base portion including a projection on an inner surface thereof, the roller housing at least partially disposed within an outer housing; at least one roller wheel rotatably coupled to the roller housing; an outer housing moveable relative to the roller housing and the at least one roller wheel in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the at least one roller wheel; and a rotatable adjustment mechanism coupled to the roller housing and the outer housing. The adjustment mechanism is rotatable from an exterior of the outer housing and is adapted to index the outer housing relative to the roller housing in a plurality of height positions in situ under load of a panel secured to the outer housing.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for assistive listening that uses sound waves for devices pairing is described herein. An assistive listening system may use sound waves to pair mobile devices acting as assistive listening devices with stationary devices. To establish a communication link (e.g., pair the two devices), a mobile device may exchange a plurality of signals over a plurality of sound waves with a stationary device. The plurality of sound waves may operate in a set of frequencies above a frequency range detectable by a human ear (e.g., above 20 kHz). After the pairing procedure over the sound waves is complete, the assistive listening system may use electromagnetic waves to pair the mobile devices with the stationary devices over a wireless access technology, such as Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for using sounds waves to locate a mobile device in a wireless communication network are described herein. Some sound waves may not be capable of penetrating or passing through many objects such as structures. Consequently, the number of signal paths that a sound wave may take to reach one or more receivers may be reduced, as compared to electromagnetic waves. A wireless communication system may be configured to use sound waves to more accurately determine a location of the mobile device transmitting a signal in the wireless communication system. The plurality of sound waves may operate in a set of frequencies above a frequency range detectable by a human ear (e.g., above 20 kHz). The wireless communication system may be configured to identify the location of a device that is transmitting alert message or panic messages seeking assistance.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques are described herein to establish and/or maintain communication links between devices using signals communicated over high-frequency sound waves. To establish a communication link (e.g., pair the two devices), a mobile device may exchange a plurality of signals over a plurality of sound waves with a stationary device. The plurality of sound waves may operate in a set of frequencies above a frequency range detectable by a human ear (e.g., above 20 kHz). The communication link may be established using a radio frequency access technology, such as DECT, after the pairing procedure over the sound waves is complete. Using sound waves to pair devices and maintain device pairings may increase the locality of device pairings because sound waves cannot penetrate walls or structures as easily as electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A low profile actuating window lock for casement windows having a longitudinal slot in a sidewall of the casing for the lock, wherein a fork component translates within the slot in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the handle and the handle rotates along a plane perpendicular to the fork component, the handle pivotable about a restrictor arm that pivots relative to the casing, allowing the handle to rotate fully from the locked position to the unlocked position with low clearance from the window frame. The pivot points of the handle and restrictor arm configuration allow for an over center linkage that prevents back driving the casement window lock.

Abstract: A method and mold assembly for forming a dry cast concrete corner blocks having non-parallel front and rear faces and non-parallel end faces, with a hollow central core in the blocks. The corner blocks can be used to build a square or irregular corner in a retaining wall, and can be used to build columns or pillars in the wall, without having to cut the corner blocks. Fill material may be poured into aligned cores in the stacked corner blocks which form the wall corner or column, to stabilize the corner blocks.