Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: The home entertainment stage includes a raised surface defining a miniature stage. The raised surface includes a plurality of fixtures integrated therein, which include lights, microphones and microphone stands as well as a fan. The home entertainment stage includes side surfaces, which may include audio/video controls, speakers, switches, lights, wheels, and a handle. The home entertainment stage has a size and shape comparable to a large coffee table, and is able to lie on a ground surface, or be turned to a side wherein the wheels enable the home entertainment stage to be rolled away when not in use.

Abstract: A protective structure for personal and or group protection designed to withstand falling objects, flying objects and structural failure resulting from earthquakes or other dangers known and unknown is provided. The protective structure includes a support structure having an internal cavity sized to accommodate one or more persons. The support structure has a skeletal frame of elongated structural members and a structural skin coupled to at least a majority of a perimeter of the skeletal frame. An overlay may cover at least a portion of an exterior surface of the support structure such that the support structure is at least partially concealed and resembles school, office or home furniture. The protective structure is designed to protect the occupant from an initial disaster, such as an earthquake, and maintain protection until rescue is made or risks of injury diminish.

Abstract: A non-intrusive solar panel bracket for the prevention of the sudden displacement of large amounts of snow and ice from solar panels mounted on a pitched roof, the brackets selectively snap fit over the lower horizontal frame member of a solar panel, a portion of the bracket extending upwardly above the level of the solar panel preventing the downward displacement of snow and ice, yet at a height so as not to interfere with the solar panels generation of electricity.

Abstract: A modular composite utility pole has a plurality of sections, each with a tapered hollow tube having a plurality of plies, wherein a first end has a larger diameter than a second end, wherein each section is adapted to join at least one adjoining section at a joint wherein the first end of an upper section overlaps the second end of a lower section, the lower section having a ledge proximate to the second end of the lower section, with a fastener passing through the joint via apertures in the sections, and wherein, when the modular composite utility pole is erected, the joint is self-located by the joint features, and wherein substantially all vertical load is transferred between sections via the a surface of the second end of the upper section resting upon the ledge of the lower section. Also disclosed are individual sections and methods of making them.

Abstract: There is provided a prefabricated window/door structure with interconnecting 45 degree joints where a horizontal bar has its both ends cut at an angle of 45 degrees and includes: a first connection space formed in the direction of the length of the horizontal bar so that the inner space of the horizontal bar is open to the outside, and a screw fastening part with a screw fastening groove protruding in the first connection space; a vertical bar has its both ends cut at an angle of 45 degrees to form a joint of 45 degrees when each of the ends of the vertical bar faces each of the ends of the horizontal bar and includes: a second connection space formed in the direction of the length of the vertical bar so that the inner space of the vertical bar is open to the outside, and a screw hole formed on a side wall in the second connection space, to be aligned with the screw fastening groove; and a support block includes: a first support part to be inserted into the first connection space of the horizontal bar and a s

Abstract: A composite stone panel can comprise a stone slab. A partially metallic panel backer is coupled to the stone slab and can further comprise a core material layer, a first interface layer disposed on a first surface of the core material layer, and a second interface layer disposed on a second surface of the core material layer opposite the first metal interface layer. The stone slab can further comprise a length greater than 1.2 meters (m), a width greater than 0.6 m, and a thickness in a range of 0.2-1.5 centimeters (cm). The core material layer can comprise a thickness greater than 3.75 millimeters and can further comprise polyethylene and optional fibers. The first and second interface layers can comprise a thickness of aluminum in a range of 0.21 millimeters (mm) to 0.30 mm. Accordingly, the composite stone panel can comprises a thickness in a range of 0.6-3.0 cm.

Abstract: A child safety seat comprises a seat shell, two first latches, two second latches and a release handle. An underside of the seat shell has two protruding rails, each of which having an inner side surface facing a gap delimited between the two rails, and an outer side surface opposite to the inner side surface. The two first latches are assembled with the rails, and respectively protrude from the inner side surfaces of the two rails to engage with a base. The two second latches are assembled at positions adjacently opposite to the first latches, and respectively protrude from the outer side surfaces of the two rails to engage with a stroller frame. The release handle is operatively connected with the first and second latches at the two rails, and is operable to switch the first and second latches from a locking to unlocking state.

Abstract: A bicycle seat with a primary frame that is two parallel, horizontal springs with a vertical rear section and front section that curves upwardly and forwardly. Upper, central, and lower crossbars connect the front sections together. A universal ball and socket joint attaches a C-shaped secondary frame to the primary frame rear section. A flexible, non-elastic strap tensions the primary frame. One strap end is fixed to the upper crossbar, extends rearwardly through a slot in a tab on the secondary frame, and forwardly to a strap attachment at the primary frame front section. The strap tension is either adjustable or fixed. A shaped seat substrate is attached to the secondary frame, extending forwardly as a cantilevered surface. An optional resilient wedge fits between the strap and the seat substrate as a shock absorber. The seat substrate is covered by a seat cushion and a seat cover.

Abstract: A downspout drain collar for connecting a rain gutter downspout to a downspout attachment is provided. The collar includes a collar flange adapted to removably engage the downspout attachment. The collar includes a collar body having a top portion, a bottom portion, a transition portion connecting the top portion to the bottom portion, and an axis extending through an opening defined by the body. The collar includes at least one armature extending from the collar toward the axis when the downspout drain collar is not secured to the rain gutter downspout, with each armature configured to be moved to removably secure the downspout drain collar to the rain gutter downspout.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a home includes providing a structural base on a ground surface adjacent to and outside the outer walls, the structural base comprising one or more air passages; installing insulation adjacent to an outer surface of the outer walls, the insulation being supported by the structural base; and installing siding material on an outer surface of the insulation, the siding material and the existing outer walls enclosing the insulation and defining a flow path, a top of the flow path comprising one or more air passages into the attic space such that air flows along the insulation in the flow path between the structural base and the attic space. A plurality of new trusses may be supported at an apex of the existing roof that overhanging the existing outer walls and the insulation, the trusses sloping direction of the slope of the existing roof.

Abstract: A collapsible high chair with locking legs including a collapsible frame, a flexible seat, a tray, and a storage bag. The chair in an extended position is intended to be used for a child while eating. The chair collapses to fit within the storage bag for transportation and storage. The collapsible frame includes four locking mechanisms to lock the legs in place in the extended position. A restraint harness, including a shoulder restraint portion and a leg restraint portion, has a buckle to restrain the child and prevent falls. The tray removably connects by a hook and loop fastener strap on both sides to the frame to provide an eating surface. The tray includes a cup holder. The tray folds in half when removed from the frame for storage.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.

Abstract: A data center (100) includes at least one rack room (in for example module 140) having a floor and a plurality of rack storage areas on the floor, each rack storage area being arranged to accommodate a plurality of racks (143) in which a plurality of rack-mountable electronic components may be housed, one or more controllable air circulation systems (in for example module 122), one or more cold aisles (144) in the rack room, each cold aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area, and one or more hot aisles (145) in the rack room, each hot aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area. There may be a large air duct, in the form of a personnel corridor (123), for transporting, under the control of the one or more air circulation systems, cooling air, above the floor, to the one or more cold aisles. The air supply corridor/duct (123) may have a height greater than 1.5 m above the floor and a cross-sectional area of at least 2 m2 and a maximum dimension in the plane of the cross-section of less than 3 m.

Abstract: A height adjustable head restraint assembly is provided with an upright guide adapted to be mounted to a vehicle body proximate to a seat back. The guide has a cross section. A frame has a cavity with a cross section oversized relative to that of the guide to receive the guide. At least one of the guides in the frame has a plurality of projections extending to engage the other for providing guidance therebetween. A head restraint is mounted to the frame for translation along the guide. A motor is mounted to the frame for driving a threaded rod that is engaged with a fixed nut that is mounted to the guide for translating the head restraint. A pair of conductive brushes is provided on the guide and a pair of conductive contacts is mounted to the frame in electrical communication with the motor for providing power to the motor.

Abstract: A lavatory monument assembly that includes an enclosure having at least a front wall and that defines an enclosure interior, and a divider wall that extends rearwardly from the front wall. The divider wall includes a divider door that is movable between closed and open positions. In the closed position the divider door divides the enclosure interior into a first lavatory interior and a second lavatory interior. The front wall includes a first and second lavatory doors that are each movable between closed and open positions and provide access to the first lavatory interior and second lavatory interiors respectively. The front wall also includes a vertically extending center post. The second lavatory door is hingedly connected to the center post, and the center post and the second lavatory door are slidable to a stowed position when the second lavatory door is in the open position.

Abstract: A wall system (110) is disclosed which is mounted onto girts (114) on a building. Rectangular foam blocks (126) are installed between the outer flange of the girts, and the inside surfaces of the wall panel (112). Some vertically spaced apart blocks are located behind the wall seams, and other blocks are located intermediate the seams. The spacing created by the blocks allows for a blanket of insulation (118) between the blocks and the support members to be expanded, improving the system's insulative properties.

Abstract: A system for air sealing of leaks in building corners in a wall portion made up by a framework, including a cover element with two overlapping and plane flexible film portions, which are connected to each other along a first edge portion. The film portions include linear folding lines to enable unfolding of the cover element for forming a three-dimensional geometry including a main surface and a collar which projects from the main surface and is formed integrally therewith and which corresponds to three sides of the beam portion.

Abstract: A frame assembly for simulating topography of an existing wall portion provides points of adjustment behind a wallboard panel mounted to the frame assembly. In this manner imperfections in an existing wall can be replicated to facilitate cabinet or countertop installation.

Abstract: Assemblies, methods, and an apparatus for damping vibrational energy induced to a reinforced skin structure are disclosed. The reinforced skin structure includes an outer wall and at least one stringer coupled to the outer wall. The method includes providing a damping apparatus that includes a stiffening member configured to adjust at least one of a bending mode and a torsional twisting mode of the stringer and an energy dissipation member configured to dissipate vibrational energy of the stringer. The stiffening member includes at least two elongated members that are spaced a distance apart and at least one truss member that extends obliquely between the at least two elongated members. The damping apparatus is attached to the at least one stringer. The damping apparatus may be configured to dampen vibration in the range of between about 200-600 Hz.