Abstract: A rope connector includes a connecting part, a sleeve, a movable rod, an elastic member, and a clamping member. An end of the sleeve connects an end of the connecting part, and the other end is disposed with an opening communicating with an interior of the sleeve. An end of the movable rod is movably placed inside the sleeve after passing through the opening, and the other end connects the clamping member. The elastic member is placed inside the sleeve, an end abuts against an edge of the opening, and the other end connects one end of the movable rod. An end of the clamping member away from the movable rod is suitable for detachably connecting with a rope. The rope connector is convenient for rope connection and automatic adjustment of tension.

Abstract: Swiveling hoist ring assemblies have a single cross pin extending through a housing with an opening for a mounting bolt to pass through both of the cross pin and the housing. The cross pin provides a strong shaft for supporting loads while still permitting axial rotation of the hoist ring assembly. Optional retainers on the end of the cross pin create a tamper-proof assembly. The hoist ring assemblies provide 360 degrees of rotation in the horizontal plane and at least 180 degrees of rotation in the vertical plane about the cross pin axis.

Abstract: A grommet is at least partially comprised of a clear, rigid material is disclosed. The body of the grommet tapers from a proximal end to a distal end, allowing the grommet to be guided into a hole in a post of a handrail system. The interior of the body includes an longitudinal cannulation open to the exterior of the grommet via a helical cut in the surface, allowing for a wire rope to pass through. The grommet can be installed whether or not a wire rope has previously been passed through a railing post.

Abstract: Fittings can be configured to mechanically couple a rod to a post. In certain embodiments, rods and posts are joined to form railing systems. Fittings can include a first threaded end coupled to a second end. The second end can include a compliant member configured to provide an interference fit between the fitting and the rod.

Abstract: Expandable splice blocks can be configured to mechanically couple a first rod to a second rod. Expandable splice blocks can include a top plate and a bottom plate. Bottom plates can include a first side coupled to a second side by a neck.

Abstract: Fittings can be configured to mechanically couple a rod to a post. In certain embodiments, rods and posts are joined to form railing systems. Fittings can include a first threaded end coupled to a second end. The second end can include a compliant member configured to provide an interference fit between the fitting and the rod.

Abstract: Expandable splice blocks can be configured to mechanically couple a first rod to a second rod. Expandable splice blocks can include a top plate and a bottom plate. Bottom plates can include a first side coupled to a second side by a neck.

Abstract: Weld stress compensation system and method comprising: 1) a primary tube/rod clamp; 2) a secondary tube/rod clamp for selectively and accurately, angularly positioning the secondary tube relative to the primary tube. The secondary clamp is transferable while a secondary tube/rod is clamped therein to: 3) a saddle cutting fixture to produce a concave, relieved portion in the end of the secondary tube/rod with flanking flanges that fit precisely over the primary tube at the join intersection; 4) a miter-cut fixture for miter cutting of tube/rod ends to fit flat surfaces or conversely-cut tubes/rods for angular joins; and 5) a welding fixture for precise angular positioning of a miter cut tube/rod to a deck, wall, or stair plate. The primary clamp includes an adjustable pressure pad that applies pressure to the side of the primary tube opposite the secondary tube weld join line thereby preventing warping due to weld stresses.

Abstract: A universal light ball system has a light source with a substantially round housing disposed within a substantially elongated housing so that the light source may be directed by changing the orientation of the substantially round housing relative to the substantially elongated housing. The substantially elongated housing may be inserted into another member such as a the hollow top of landscape edging in order to provide unobtrusive and aesthetically pleasing landscape lighting.

Abstract: Modular railing and ramp systems having adjustable fittings to allow a multitude of rail configurations utilizing a series of mechanical connections.

Abstract: A light bar assembly having a face component which includes a light source and a mounting member. The light bar assembly can be affixed to the surface of a structure by the mounting member to selectively light at least a portion of the structure or surrounding area thereof.

Abstract: Modular railing and ramp systems having adjustable fittings to allow a multitude of rail configurations utilizing a series of mechanical connections.

Abstract: Wire attachment and/or tensioning assemblies are described. The ends of wires may be fitted with mateable collar and wedge components to allow the wire to be securely attached to a supporting structure such as, for example, the surface of a railing post. The wire attachment assembly may be rotatably attached to a tensioning device that enables wire tension adjustments without rotating the wire itself, thereby avoiding the need to adjust the opposing end of the wire.

Abstract: Modular lighting bar mountable on a surface into which may be mounted one or more miniature light sources and an electrical supply line. The light sources can include light emitting diodes. The lighting bar has alternative single and two-component configurations that fix the position of the electrical supply line, and may be formed with a recess that receives an asymmetrically shaped electrical supply line in only one possible orientation. The ends of the lighting bar include mateable features for connecting additional bars. The bars may include recesses for receiving rigid members such as railing balusters, and optionally rotatable plugs to allow adaptation of the mounting bars to fit stair case railings with lighting and/or balusters.

Abstract: A modular railing system with handicap access is disclosed based on commercially available tubing assembled into a railing through use of fittings that connect to each other and the rails and posts of the railing system to allow all possible standard rail configurations. All connections are thereby held together by mechanical, rather than welded, connections.

Abstract: Wire attachment and/or tensioning assemblies are described. The ends of wires may be fitted with mateable collar and wedge components to allow the wire to be securely attached to a supporting structure such as, for example, the surface of a railing post. The wire attachment assembly may be rotatably attached to a tensioning device that enables wire tension adjustments without rotating the wire itself, thereby avoiding the need to adjust the opposing end of the wire.

Abstract: Modular lighting bar mountable on a surface into which may be mounted one or more miniature light sources and an electrical supply line. The light sources can include light emitting diodes. The lighting bar has alternative single and two-component configurations that fix the position of the electrical supply line, and may be formed with a recess that receives an asymmetrically shaped electrical supply line in only one possible orientation. The ends of the lighting bar include mateable features for connecting additional bars. The bars may include recesses for receiving rigid members such as railing balusters, and optionally rotatable plugs to allow adaptation of the mounting bars to fit stair case railings with lighting and/or balusters.

Abstract: A modular railing system is disclosed which is based on commercially available tubing, which is connected into a railing by especially designed fittings, which connect to each other and the rails and posts of the railing system to allow all possible standard rail configuration. All connections are thereby held together by mechanical connections, instead of welded connections.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a shell having an open end and a closed end and defining a shell cavity. A steam inlet is located adjacent the closed end and communicates with the shell cavity to allow steam to enter the shell cavity. A flange is coupled to the shell adjacent the open end. The flange includes a first passageway communicating with the shell cavity for receiving a tube bundle, and a second passageway communicating with the shell cavity to allow condensate to drain from the shell cavity. Preferably, the shell has a longitudinal axis and the second passageway has a longitudinal axis that is oriented substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the shell. The second passageway is positioned in the flange to allow condensate to the drain from the shell cavity regardless of whether the heat exchanger is oriented vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: Lighting system mountable on a surface and including one or more miniature light sources and a multi-part housing including recesses for accepting the light sources and an electrical supply line. The light sources can include light emitting diodes. Separate parts of the housing are mated in a manner to fix the position of the electrical supply line between them, and may be formed with a recess that receives an asymmetrically shaped electrical supply line in only one possible orientation. Similarly, the recesses receiving the light sources may be shaped such that electrical connections with proper polarity are assured. Either or both parts of the housing may be fastened to the surface with adhesives and/or optional holes for receiving pins, nails, screws, bolts or the like. The lighting system is particularly suitable for emergency, railing, landscape and vehicle illumination applications, and may be powered by batteries and renewable energy sources.