Abstract: The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for harvesting, storing, and generating energy by permanently placing a large rigid buoyant platform high in the earth's atmosphere, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. Long, strong and light tethers can connect the buoyant structure to the ground which can hold it in position against wind forces. Weights suspended from the buoyant platform with cables are raised and lowered by electric winches to store and release gravitational potential energy. High voltage transmission lines electrically connect the platform to the earth's surface. Electrical energy from the high voltage transmission lines or from photovoltaic arrays on the platform can be stored as gravitational potential energy and subsequently released as electricity from generators driven from the stored gravitational potential energy and used on the platform or transmitted via the high voltage transmission lines.

Abstract: The four wheel steering vehicle utilizes a cage system that extends along the longitudinal axis to protect the driver coupled to a center rail chassis. Front and Back independent suspension links extend outward along the lateral axis pivotally connected to the wheel assemblies enabling four wheel independent suspension. A centrally located pivoting shock provides both steering control and suspension attachment for the shock and spring. The vehicle is controlled by the driver using a steering wheel, acceleration pedal, and a brake pedal. The invention provides a feeling of integration with the vehicle as the driver rolls into turns with the vehicle, while minimizing fatigue caused by the continuous resistance to centrifugal cornering forces.

Abstract: Adjustable molding assemblies and methods for bridging a gap between building elements are provided. The molding assembly includes a molding that includes a cover portion with opposing ends that are configured to contact outer surfaces of adjacent building elements. At least one flexible attachment portion extends from a lower surface of the cover portion, the at least one attachment portion including one or more interlocking elements. A track includes one or more grooves for receiving the attachment portion. One or more complementary interlocking elements are associated with each groove for retaining the attachment portion.

Abstract: A window assembly for installing in a window framing (also referred to as a “window casing”) of a wall of a building. The window assembly is configured to have a frameless appearance when installed with the finish surround installed around the interior and/or exterior of the window. The window assembly also allows the glass panel to be removed with a minimum of removal of the finish surround, such as without removing any of the finish surround, or only removing the finish surround around several sides of the only one of the interior or exterior of the window. For example, in most cases, only the interior finish surround around the right side and left side of the installed window frame needs to be removed to remove and replace the glass panel. Furthermore, the window assembly includes an integrated drain for draining moisture which leaks into the window assembly.

Abstract: Illustrative configurations of greenhouse shading systems are disclosed. One illustrative system includes a plurality of main trusses supporting a translucent material defining an interior space, a plurality of gantries; and a plurality of shades attached to the gantries and the main trusses. The main trusses, gantries, and shades cooperate to move the shades between a closed position and an open position thereby regulating the amount of light the entering interior space of the greenhouse.

Abstract: Two methods are provided for the automated derivation of Voronoi diagrams in 3D. The invention, implementable via various means such as a processing system, method, or data structure in a recording medium such as memory or as a self-contained electronic circuit, has wide ranging applicability to numerous fields such as big data analysis, computer graphics and animation, route planning, collision avoidance, computer vision, robotic vision, and etc. The first method of the invention details steps necessary to segment data according to a set of generators so as to produce a Voronoi partitioning of the data. The second method of the invention includes steps associated with the derivation of the mathematical specification of a 3D Voronoi diagram.

Abstract: The thermal hybrid tank is a multifunctional tank with a shape that makes for easy construction and assembly while maximizing the ability of thermal syphoning. This invention can store an inlet liquid and thermal energy from a heat exchanger, for outlet usage in multiple applications. The tank typically has a pitch coupling front surface and a downward angled front surface which together allows for coupling with the heat exchanger and a roof decking or a solar panel, of which could be a liquid cooled PV solar panel, or a solar focusing panel, or a roof structure.

Abstract: A force transfer system includes a body and an article. The article includes a first portion forming a first lateral axis and a second portion forming a second lateral axis, the axes being offset. An intermediate member is disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and holds the second portion to the first portion. A stimulus received by the first portion causes a temporary alteration of the intermediate member from an initial condition, the alteration of the intermediate member thereby causing a change in a characteristic of the second portion. The intermediate member subsequently returns to the initial condition, thereby causing a change in a characteristic of the first portion, which is influenced by the change in the characteristic of the second portion. The change in the characteristic of the first and second portions prevents at least a portion of the stimulus from reaching the body.

Abstract: A stair cage is a stair assistance apparatus having a rail attached to the wall on each side of a staircase, and two horizontal rails spaced horizontally apart but joined by cross bars and having wheels rotatably attached to the ends of the cross bars and engaged in tracks within the horizontal rails so that the cross bars are able to move up and down the stairway. A brake system having a brake assembly in the wheels and squeeze brake handles on the cross bars so that the user can control the descent or hold position on the ascent.

Abstract: A system and method for a wall anchor including a washer for use in a cavity wall to connect to a veneer tie that joins an inner wythe and an outer wythe of the cavity wall are disclosed. The washer includes an opening configured to receive a shaft associated with the wall anchor, a washer body first side configured to abut one or more surfaces associated with the inner wythe, a washer body second side, and a washer body side wall. The washer body having at least one receiving element, including at least one receiving element opening configured to receive a portion of the veneer tie.

Abstract: Structural Panel Chase Connection Manufacture Methods are the embedded frame solution to the problems associated with providing access for services, such as plumbing or electrical chases with high precision and accuracy. Connecting two or more panels in any direction using the embedded frame method becomes easy yet incredibly strong without requiring special tools for assembly or disassembly, so that components can be flat packed and stored when not in use. Flexible and variable these Structural Panel Chase Connection Manufacture Methods can accommodate a wide variety of dimensional configuration, not limited to only panel, post and beam configurations and can be manufactured using any available flat building materials.

Abstract: A foldable vehicle undercarriage barrier assembly provides a frame that carries a foldable panel. The panel positions between the undercarriage of a vehicle and a ground surface in a friction fit relationship, so as to help restrict ingress of snow, debris, and small animals beneath the vehicle undercarriage. The panel positions perpendicularly to the ground surface, forming a barrier between the undercarriage and ground surface. The panel is vertically and horizontally expandable to accommodate different vehicle sizes and types. The panel has a joint to enable foldability. The panel comprises a handle for facilitating folding and carrying of the panel. The panel is supported by a length adjustable support pole that braces against the undercarriage or a wheel when deployed. The panel is also defined by at least one sight hole to enable viewing the space beneath the undercarriage, and verify proper alignment of the panel to the undercarriage.

Abstract: A self-ventilating roofing system that comprises a rigid deck that is connected to the roof support system and has a lower horizontal opening parallel to the eave, on both slopes, and above the attic space. There is also an upper opening on either side of the ridge. A radiant barrier comprising of a reflective layer applied over the roof deck. A slice is made in the radiant barrier over the lower and upper opening of the deck to allow air to enter the lower opening and exit the upper opening. An insulated panel with vertical grooves is installed over the radiant barrier with the groove side face down. This insulated panel is made of a type of insulated material. A metal drip edge is then installed along the eave. This drip edge should be installed with an air gap between the facia and the drip edge sufficiently wide enough to allow air to enter. A vented ridge vent is then installed at the ridge to allow for the weather proof exit of the air.

Abstract: A hair tie extraction implement adapted to remove hair ties and/or elastomeric bands entangled with hair from the head of a wearer. The hair tie extraction implement comprises a grippable shank, a hook, a razor blade, and an outwardly rising bill.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assisting patients with treatment and recovery to remain in an upright position. More specifically, the present disclosure is a device that may be used to support patients in an upright position that may be used with any surface. Further, the device may allow the users to vary the angle of support and may be controlled through a simple interface, such as a button, remote control, or controls on an electronic interface device.

Abstract: The present invention is a floor covering fasteners and adhesives removal tool that allows for the quick removal of a staple, tack nail, and/or adhesives from a material without causing damage. The staple remover portion of the multi-purpose tool works with its forked blade for slipping underneath staples, and using the prying plate oval shape to free the staple. The tack strip nail puller portion of the multi-purpose tool having the nail slot is typically moved laterally relative to the nail. More specifically, the nail slot engages the nail where the force moving prying plate by the handle will sufficient to free the nail from the surface. The glue scraper portion of the multi-purpose tool has a bevel edge to allow the glue scraper to assume more nearly a right angular position to the floor surface sufficient to free the glue residue from the surface.

Abstract: Floor panels which are provided with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable tongue in a displacement groove. The tongue is moulded and provided with bendable protrusions. A building panel having an edge portion provided with a groove, in which a tongue formed as a separate part is received, wherein the tongue includes at least two bow shaped protrusions at a first long edge of the tongue, and wherein the protrusions are arranged bendable in the groove.

Abstract: A fire and/or water resistant expansion joint system for installation between substrates of a tunnel. The system includes a fire resistant coating applied at a predetermined thickness to achieve a substantially uniform layer on the substrates and a fire and water resistant expansion joint. The expansion joint includes a core having an edge, wherein the substantially uniform layer of the coating extends along the substrates of the tunnel to the edge of the core, and a fire retardant infused into the core. The core is configured to facilitate the compression of the expansion joint system when installed between the substrates. The coating and the fire and water resistant expansion joint are each capable of withstanding exposure to a temperature of at least about 540° C. or greater for about five minutes.

Abstract: An interdependent pair of kitchen tools designed for cutting, shearing, gouge cutting, or shredding specific meat and fibrous vegetables such as squash and slow cooked meats, along with leafy greens, deli meats, and hardboiled eggs. The tools exist as two forklike subassemblies, each comprised of respective distal handles, distal tine arrays, and pivotally enabled geometries. The subassemblies exist in two functional states allowing for two food conversion user modalities. The first functional state exists as a disconnected state amongst the subassemblies wherein the first user modality features opposing linear forces levied from respective subassemblies onto foods residing on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A device facilitating the lubrication of cable housings comprising a reservoir for liquid lubricant, a radial longitudinal slot, a cinching flap to hold the device in place and assure a secure seal, and a hole shaped to allow the use of a single device with cable housings of different types. The present invention relates to the maintenance of mechanical cable systems, especially the lubrication of bicycle cable systems.