Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel, in particular a laminated floor panel. The invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually coupled floor panels according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for mutually coupling two floor panels, in particular laminated floor panels, according to the invention.

Abstract: An elongated supporting pillar for a high-strength structural component is designed to absorb bending forces that act transversely to a longitudinal direction of extension of the supporting pillar. The supporting pillar comprises a wall which at least partially encloses an elongated cavity of the supporting pillar. A reinforcement structure is arranged within the cavity and transversely to the direction of longitudinal extension in such a manner that the reinforcement structure can absorb at least some of the bending forces. The reinforcement structure is designed integrally with the wall, wherein both the wall and the reinforcement structure comprise a meltable material. The supporting pillar has a conical shape, and wherein a first end of the supporting pillar is wider than a second end of the supporting pillar.

Abstract: A motorized jigging device that can be used with conventional fishing rods and reels. It has a drive wheel attached to a spool-shaped eccentric unit by a pivotal attachment. The eccentric unit supports the handle of a fishing rod. The eccentric unit can be pivotally offset from the drive wheel to travel in a circular path producing a jigging movement as the rod pivots vertically on a fulcrum support. Speed is adjustable by the variable speed motor, and the amplitude of the jigging movement can be easily adjusted by simply pivoting the eccentric unit attached to the drive wheel. It is very simple and can be easily used by fishermen of all ages and abilities. It can have a remote controller to operate the device, including switching the device on and off, adjusting the speed, and setting the duration of the on and off periods of the repeating jigging cycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to profiles for attaching rigid plates, especially photovoltaic modules, to a roof and to a method and system for attaching photovoltaic modules to a roof structure with the help of profiles.

Abstract: A base component and a plurality of plant support components interconnect in various combinations to form an organically configured, size adjustable plant support structure for a growing plant. The base component with spaced root-like stakes planted in the soil supports multiple components each having a central vertical trunk-like structure and extending limb-like and branch-like supports forming a tree-like configuration. Ties of various length soft fabric strips attach a growing plant to a molded exterior configured and colored to resemble tree bark for high friction to securely support the plant and plant produce.

Abstract: An insulation system for coupling to a building substrate comprising a plurality of insulation panels, bracket members and splice members. Each insulation panel includes a longitudinal slot. Each bracket member is formed from a polymer and includes an elongated body having a body wall, a first end wall and a second end wall. Upper and lower ribs extend from the body wall and are structurally configured to extend into the longitudinal slot of each of the plurality of insulation panels, and to elastically deform the longitudinal slot so as to effectively seal along a length thereof, defining a vapor barrier. A similar structure is on each splice member. The bracket members are positioned in a spaced apart relationship with insulation panels therebetween. The upper and lower ribs extend into corresponding ones of the longitudinal slots of the insulation panels, with splice members extending between adjacent adjacently abutting insulation panels.

Abstract: Rotary positive displacement internal combustion two stroke engine with only one major moving part, i.e. engine's eccentric shaft, with cylinders encompassing eccentrics of the shaft, with said eccentrics being suitably sealed in said cylinders, wherein combustion gases exert force directly on said eccentrics of said eccentric shaft. Gas forces can be nullified by suitably phasing shaft's eccentrics, thus nullifying gas forces loading shaft's bearings. The engine is naturally perfectly balanced. The engine possesses natural self-cleaning capability, and is capable of being fueled by coal dust. Units of the type developing 2 000 MW and 3 000-3 6000 rev/min, intended to replace steam turbines in power stations, can be built.

Abstract: One embodiment of a support assembly comprises an elongated rail, a support sleeve slidable along the elongated rail, a handle attached to the support sleeve and having a central axis, a first grip and a second grip on opposite sides of the central axis and each grip being connected to the other by first and second connecting members that combine with the first and second grips to form a handle frame.

Abstract: An exterior cladding panel assembly for covering an outside surface of a framed building is provided by the invention. A unique rib and batten system with overlapping raised female and male edge ribs on the adjacent installed panels, and raised interior ribs allow through fastening of the panels on the order of 32 inches or wider to the building's underlying framing structure with complete concealment of the fasteners, and without the need for special fastener clips. The ribs have an inverted U-shaped end profile that creates an open cavity between the rib top wall and the underlying framing member. The fastener can be driven through the rib top walls into the framing member without the need for a solid filler cleating strip.

Abstract: A system and method to attach an object to a support structure. The system includes a mounting plate attached to an elastic membrane. The elastic membrane includes a lower surface having a first and a second surface area. The first surface area extends peripherally along at least a portion of the lower surface and bonded to the support structure. The second surface area is at least partially enclosed within the first surface area and separable from the support structure. The system further includes a riser adapted to couple to the mounting plate and the object.

Abstract: A protective barrier that will typically be installed beneath ceilings during construction work being performed on ceilings or roofs of buildings. The protective barrier can be comprised entirely of one material or of different materials connected by seams. Some or all of these materials can be designed to fail when contacted by water via dissolution, melting or through some other destructive process initiated by contact with water. This failure can create access points from the ceiling through the protective barrier to the area being protected by the barrier, which can allow water from a fire suppression system to reach a fire located below the protective barrier.

Abstract: A building fire escape system, comprising an auxiliary descending device, the auxiliary descending device being a sliding pole (6) or a spiral chute (6?), and at least one refuge chamber, the refuge chamber being a fireproof spatial structure integrated with the building. The inside of the refuge chamber is divided into a first space (2) and a second space (3) by fire partitions (1, 4). The first space (2) communicates with the interior space of the building. The second space (3) communicates with the exterior space of the building. The fire partition (4) is provided with a fireproof door (11) connecting the first space with the second space. Any two neighboring refuge chambers are interconnected. The fire partition is provided with an observation window (12). The first space and the second space are provided with an air supply pipe (14) and an air exhaust pipe (15). Disposed at the top of the refuge chamber is a water tank (16) connected to the fire main pipe (17).

Abstract: The invention includes a work platform and support system that includes a hub and joist configuration, wherein the hubs and joists are capable of articulation, or pivoting. One method of installation allows for sections of new work platform system to be extended from an existing suspended work platform system. The system is also capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied to it.

Abstract: An orbit insertion device for artificial satellite aiming to explore a planet with unknown characteristics. A plurality of sensors send a plurality of measured states of the artificial satellite. A planetary attraction constant estimator calculates a planetary attraction constant based on the plurality of measured states. A drag force coefficient estimator calculates a drag force coefficient based on the plurality of measured states. A rate of convergence calculation unit calculates a rate of convergence based on the drag force coefficient. A fictitious control calculation unit calculates a fictitious control based on the planetary attraction constant, the drag force coefficient and the rate of convergence. A normalized thrust calculation unit calculates a normalized thrust based on the fictitious control. A plurality of thrusters generate a thrust based on the normalized thrust.

Abstract: An adapter is provided with a rail having one end secured to a gunstock; a groove structure including a bottom groove, a forward socket, a transverse channel through the socket, a pin hole through the channel, and a bottom limit member; a lever pivotably secured to the groove structure; and a sliding member in both the channel and the socket and including a projection at one end, a shoulder adjacent to the projection, a receptacle at an other end, a spring in the receptacle, and a slot perpendicular to the receptacle and communicating therewith. The pin is through the pin hole and the slot to anchor the spring between the pin and the receptacle. In a locked state, the shoulder is in the socket to lock the rail in the groove, the other end of the sliding member is projected, and the projection is retracted into the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for a stay-in-place form assembly comprises a plurality of elongated panels connectable to one another in edge-to-edge relationship. The plurality of panels comprise first and second panels connectable to one another at a connection between a generally male connector component of the first panel and a generally female connector component of the second panel. The generally female connector component comprises a female engagement portion which defines a principal receptacle and the generally male connector component comprises a male engagement portion which is received in the principal receptacle to form the connection. The generally female connector component comprises a first abutment portion and the generally male connector component comprises a second abutment portion which abuts against the first abutment portion to form the connection. The first and second abutment portions are located outside of the principal receptacle.

Abstract: System and means soil stabilization and moisture control for building foundations including methods and systems for stabilization moisture in a site for building foundation by applying soil moisture stabilization material in various forms, a preferred stabilization material being a mixture of pozzolan and granular material such as sand.

Abstract: A device for locating points on a surface includes a base and at least two extendable arms coupled thereto. The device is configured so that when one of the arms is extended from the base, the other arm extends substantially and equidistance from the base in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A roof standoff having a base attached to a roof surface using one or more threaded fasteners or screws. The base has a threaded hole that is aligned with a hole in a raised flashing that overlays the base to prevent water from infiltrating the holes in the roof formed by the threaded fasteners. A bolt threadably engages the threaded hole of the base to attach a bracket to the base. Objects may engage with the bracket such that these objects are supported by the roof standoff.

Abstract: A rotating-air-compressor moves ambient-air into a solar-smelter, which heats and compresses the ambient-air for a wind-chimney. Located in the wind-chimney is a rotating-helix that captures the ambient-air creating rotational energy. An over-spin-valve controls the velocity of the ambient-air to prevent over spinning of the rotating-helix. A rotating-shaft drives a rotating-machine. Attached to a parabolic-half-shell is a parabolic-overhang protecting a crucible in the solar-smelter from rain and wind.