Abstract: A checker nut for locking a threaded body to a threaded rod comprises a main body portion having a top bearing surface for engaging a threaded body and radial projections extending from the main body portion. The main body portion includes a central opening with a female thread, the thread for cooperating with threads on a threaded rod. The projections extend beyond the outer periphery of a threaded body to be locked by the checker nut on a threaded rod, the projections providing leverage to a user to tighten the top bearing surface against the threaded body.

Abstract: A structure for an aerospace vehicle includes a composite beam chord clamped between first and second metal plates. The beam chord is clamped at a force that precludes or reduces beam chord delamination under axial loading during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Panels usable for construction of a surface, to provide the surface with a desired appearance, durability, water, air, and fire resistance, dimensions, and weight include a layer of substrate material having first and second sides. Finish elements are positioned on the first side, while a backing material is positioned on the second side, such that the substrate bonds the finish elements to the backing material. Particulate material can also be included, such as within spaces between finish elements. Manufacture of such panels can include use of a vacuum system that acquires finish elements in a selected orientation, acquires particulate material into spaces unoccupied by finish elements, then deposits the arranged finish elements and particulate material into a mold for subsequent manufacturing steps. Use of lightweight, durable materials, such as magnesium oxide, can enable panels having a reduced thickness and weight to be manufactured, without sacrificing durability or longevity.

Abstract: A method for installing a truss-wall stud unit includes coupling a set of bottom plates with a foundation, coupling a set of hinge brackets with the set of bottom plates, coupling a first partial truss with a second partial truss to form a truss-wall stud unit, coupling the truss-wall stud unit with the bottom plates and hinge brackets, and hoisting the truss-wall stud unit into a substantially vertical position. A system includes truss-wall stud units which are connected to bottom plates using hinge brackets. Once connected to the hinge brackets and bottom plates, the truss-wall stud units are hoisted upright into a substantially vertical position using a cable system with a cable support system. Temporary interlocking spacer bars are used to brace the truss-wall stud units at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: An agricultural access system is described. The system may utilize a plurality of supports, including posts, cables, beams, and so forth to displace an access component. Control systems, sensors, delivery mechanisms, and other functions may be integrated with the system or access components. Some embodiments may include multiple cells with access components configured to interact with adjacent access components. Methods of accessing an agricultural area are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymeric matrix, at least one transparent region including a plurality of optically clear elements provided in the polymeric matrix and at least one opaque region including a plurality of opaque reinforcing elements provided in the polymeric matrix generally adjacent to the at least one transparent region. A structural window and a method for reinforcing a composite material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable floor includes floor panels connected in an edge to edge relationship to form an extended temporary floor surface. Each of the panels includes a foam layer having a top face and a bottom face with a first aluminum sheet placed on the top face and a second aluminum sheet placed on the bottom face. The aluminum sheet placed on the bottom face is coated with a paint over the bottom surface while a laminate is applied over the upper aluminum sheet. Extruded edge pieces attach along the sides of the floor panels and include complementary tongues along two edges and grooves along the other two edges. The panels also include latches for securing the edges together.

Abstract: The present invention is a chandelier with a height adjustment system comprising a counterweight located within a pair of vertically positioned rails connected to a chandelier by two wires corrected to the top of the counterweight on one end and to the chandelier at the other. The counterweight is configured (weighted) such that it is close in weight to the chandelier such that the chandelier can be easily raised or lowered by moving the counterweight by hand down or up within the vertical rails. The pair of wires traverse up between the vertical rails over a first pair of pivoting pulleys located above the counterweight. The pair of wires further traverse over a second pair of pivoting pulleys located above the chandelier and then down to the top of the chandelier where each of the wires are connected.

Abstract: An assembly for undermounting a sink to a support surface includes a central sink support supporting a front center portion of a sink. The central sink support includes an elongated block member having an upper surface, a lower surface and extending sidewalls. The central sink support also includes first and second screw holes shaped and dimensioned for the passage of screws that will be secured to a front wall of a sink cabinet and a threaded locking pin hole with a similarly threaded locking screw. The assembly also includes a mounting driver having a support bar shaped and dimensioned for positioning between an underside of the sink and a wall of a cabinet at an angular orientation relative to the wall. The support bar includes a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A tubular building enclosure system with thermally-broken glass modules having evacuated air spaces assembled in rows and/or columns to form a structurally self-supporting, thermally insulating, and solar energy collecting facade.

Abstract: A stair system according to one illustrative embodiment comprises: a support body mountable in a wall and comprising a connecting region; a stair body; and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus comprises: a connector connectable to the connecting region of the support body in any one of a plurality of different positions in the connecting region of the support body; and a holder configured to hold the stair body such that when the connector is connected to the connecting region of the support body, the stair body is spaced apart from the support body to permit a wall panel between the stair body and the support body. Wall assemblies comprising such stair systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pad driver for a floor treating machine comprises an annular support plate to which is attached a plurality of resilient spoke members that project radially therefrom. The support plate is shock-mounted to a hub used to couple the pad driver to a floor treating machine drive motor shaft. On the free ends of the resilient spokes are connector plates on which abrasive pads are removably secured.

Abstract: A modular construction system used for reinforcing all shapes of foundation, pillars, isolated footings and anti-seismic separators intended for transpiring, heat-insulation variable-geometry formwork, including at least one guide plane for the vertical elements of such reinforcement and at least one supporting bracket for such plane, said bracket being suited to make it possible to install such guide plane relative to such transpiring, “disposable” heat-insulation formwork.

Abstract: Embodiments of a low profile three parameter isolator are provided, as are embodiments of an isolation system employing one or more low profile three parameter isolators. In one embodiment, the three parameter isolator includes a first damper and a flat plate structure, which is coupled to the first damper and which extends substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the isolator. A main spring is formed in the flat plate structure and is coupled in series with the first damper, as taken along a first load path through the three parameter isolator. A tuning spring is also formed in the flat plate structure such that the tuning spring is coupled in parallel with the main spring and in series with the first damper, as taken along a second load path through the three parameter isolator.

Abstract: A holder, in helix form, has an opening in communication with a helix interior. The helix may be capable conforming to the shape of an article to be carried at least partially within the interior. Applying a strain to the helix causes the helix to grip the article. The gripping by the helix may be reduced or eliminated by applying a compressive force to the helix.

Abstract: A tile alignment and leveling device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are being secured to a substrate. The device includes a flexible member, a bottom plate, and an intermediate member. The intermediate member spaces the flexible member and bottom plate a predetermined vertical distance. The flexible member has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally combined with the intermediate member thereby allowing the flexible member to pivot between a first position and a second (downward) position. In use and in its second position, the flexible member second end exerts force against the top of the tiles to help align and level the tiles as they are secured to the substrate.

Abstract: An improved conduit apparatus in accordance with the disclosed and claimed concept includes one or more conduits that each enclose therein an electrical conductor that carries a phase of a multi-phase electrical supply. The conduits are connected to the walls of the electrical enclosures with an attachment apparatus that extends between the conduits and the walls of the electrical enclosures. A clamp apparatus retains the electrical conductors in a state of tension within an interior region of the conduits in a position spaced from the walls of the conduits.

Abstract: A set of mutually lockable panels comprises a first panel having an edge including a male part and a second panel having an edge including a female part for receiving the male part of the first panel in unlocked condition of the panels. The male part has an outer side which, in locked condition of the panels, is directed to the second panel in a direction substantially parallel to the front face of the first panel, and an opposite inner side which is provided with a locking surface. The female part comprises a locking member, which is pivotable about a pivot axis that extends substantially parallel to the edge of the second panel and an actuator for rotating the locking member from its unlocked condition to a locked condition of the panels.

Abstract: An aircraft transparency includes a first ply having a first major surface and a second major surface. A second ply is spaced from the first ply and has a third major surface and a fourth major surface. A polymeric interlayer is located between the first and second plies. At least one bore extends through the first and second plies and the interlayer. A high strength bushing is located in the bore, with an outer sidewall of the bushing in direct contact with the material of the first and second plies. In one embodiment, the bore is a tapered bore and the bushing has a tapered outer sidewall. In another embodiment, the bore is a cylindrical bore and the bushing has a cylindrical outer sidewall.