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.

Abstract: A wash hood for a baffle-type grease filter and a pollution control system for cleaning baffle-type grease filters outside or inside without contaminating the environment or soaking the operator with cleaning solution. The hood includes ridges on the inside for supporting the filters at an angle to a rear wall. A channel around the ridges guides the effluent towards a drain hole. A separator box with a filter connected to the drain hole separates the grease from the water such that the water may be discharged into a mop sink connected to a sanitary sewer system.

Abstract: An apparatus for seaming roof assemblies having a modular provision of tooling stations is disclosed herein. Such an apparatus includes multiple tooling stations that may be added or removed on demand in order to facilitate different degrees of seaming engagements as needed. Such a device utilizes horizontal rollers to provide seaming of overlapping roof panel ends to reduce the potential for separation thereof after building erection has been undertaken, further impeding water egress therethrough and wind updraft damage, at least, as well. The modular device thus provides a manner of selecting specific numbers of horizontal rollers for seaming contact with metal roof panels, thereby allowing for different types of panels and end structures thereof, as well as reduce the propensity for jamming of such multiple rollers during utilization. The method of utilization of such a modular device is encompassed herein as well.

Abstract: A UAV comprises a camera and a controller. The controller is configured to: (a) receive image data from the camera, (b) determine, based on the received image data, whether or not a predetermined visibility condition associated with an operator of the UAV is satisfied, and (c) perform a predetermined action to attempt to operate in accordance with a predetermined visibility state with respect to the operator of the UAV based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: A system and components for a window pan water dam system is disclosed. The object of the invention is to deflect water from the window base sill plate back towards the exterior drainage plain of the building envelope, thus ensuring water ingress does not occur through the sill pan area and the side walls of the opening.

Abstract: A system and method having a magnetic brake apparatus configured to be operable for slowing or stopping motion with magnetic or electromagnetic force. An electromagnetic coil appliance generates the magnetic or electromagnetic force when power is applied to the electromagnetic coil appliance. A brake control module is configured to be operable for controlling the magnetic brake apparatus. A controller implement of the brake control module is configured to be operable for processing a program instruction to control an operation of the magnetic brake apparatus where a full-bridge driver coupled to the controller implement, applies power the electromagnetic coil appliance. A receiver device is configured to supply a control signal to the controller implement.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming horizontal and linear score at a predefined depth or adjustable depth in a plurality of curb sections or a similar concrete or masonry structure. The apparatus comprises a frame, two-axis of linear bearings guides, angle grinder, cutting blades, and protective shield. The frame is secured in the curb section or structure through stakes to penetrate a ground or slip into holes of a horizontal surface. The frame includes a plurality of first adjustment units to allow adjustments for heights according to the height of curb section, and second adjustment units to allow adjustments for depths according to the depth of the curb section. A horizontal linear bearing guide rides up and down on a vertical linear bearing guide and restricted by a height adjustment mechanism. The angle grinder hanged on a mount attached to the linear bearing. The protective shield covers the plurality of cutting blades and further attached to a water supply to provide a spray on the plurality of cutting blades.

Abstract: A systems and methods for tissue characterization using ultrasound are disclosed. One embodiment is for a system with a novel YB-scan transducer. The YB transducer is comprised of a plurality of separate and independent piezo-elements. The system is configured to scan a tissue or organ using two different frequencies to produce 2D images and two-frequency attenuation data to characterize tissue types. Other embodiments are presented permitting conventional B-scan imaging combined with A-mode scanning for two-frequency tissue characterization.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermal and acoustic insulating sphere that has an evacuated hollow interior. The spheres are constructed of insulating materials, and the inner and outer surfaces of each sphere have highly reflective coatings evenly applied to them. The coatings applied to the inner and outer surfaces reduce the transmission of heat by conduction, convection, and radiation. Additionally, the spheres provide superior acoustic insulation due to the inability of sound to travel through the interior vacuum. The spheres can be used to produce insulating materials, for example, by embedding or positioning them within or between other materials, to provide thermal and acoustic insulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to using interlocking spacer braces between support members to construct wood and metal framed walls, floors and building trusses. Spacer braces have indentations, extensions, with hook fingers, hook tongues and hook receivers along with U & W shaped clips that interlock horizontally, vertically or diagonally between support members. The spacer braces can form diagonal and lateral wall bracing, diagonal and vertical chords within building truss with either horizontally or vertical orientations, headers above doors and windows and shear walls. The spacer braces can be installed individually or in tandem between wood or metal framing.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system having small local protrusions which reduce displacement along the joint when the panels are laying flat on the sub floor and locked vertically and horizontally. A method to install a floor comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels laying in parallel rows on a sub floor with long and short edges which are connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent long edges and one pair of adjacent short edges.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical folding and where the long edge locking system prevents separation of the short edges during the folding action. Floor panels with mechanical locking systems with a flexible and displaceable tongue allowing easy installation.

Abstract: A sliding seismic isolator includes a first plate attached to a building support, and at least one elongate element extending from the first plate. The seismic isolator also includes a second plate. The first and second plates are capable of moving relative to one another along a horizontal plane. The seismic isolator also includes a lower support member attached to the second plate, with a biasing arrangement positioned within the lower support member. The elongate element(s) extend from the first plate at least partially into the lower support member, and movement of the elongate element(s) is influenced or controlled by the biasing arrangement. The seismic isolator also includes a damping structure with closed ends spaced apart from the first plate and the base of the seismic isolator. The damping structure is configured to contain a substance, such as a liquid, gas, silicone, and/or a combination thereof, and to expand longitudinally when it is compressed.

Abstract: An autonomous robot that collects tennis balls on a tennis court surface and transfers them into a tennis ball shooter.

Abstract: A flooring substrate system that uses one of three substrate components upon which various types of finish flooring may be attached above a deck structure. The deck structure may be open lumber framed or may be a waterproofed planar surface. Affixation of the flooring system may be by direct connection or by gravitational placement. Height and slope adjustable components interlock through a plunge, twist and locking teeth arrangement to form supporting members beneath the substrate components. A special fastening system is utilized between two of the substrate components to compensate for high wind lift load conditions.

Abstract: A pet treat holding device designed to secure rigid pet treats and prevent dogs from choking on the treat, thereby eliminating the risk of stomach blockage and other health hazards. Through the application of compression and friction, the holder creates a gripping force around the rigid treat that prevents a dog from extracting a large piece of the treat, which could be hazardous if ingested. The pet treat holder is comprised of two rubber parts, the torus shaped housing surrounding an interior aperture. The treat is secured by compression and friction created by the center aperture. After inserting the treat stick into the opening and applying a twisting motion, securing the treat in place, the user can then present the treat to the dog. Because of the twisting lock action, the dog cannot remove the stick by chewing or pulling.

Abstract: Pipe Props Rotary Wing of the present invention is a propeller driven propulsion engine in a pipe profile with props or propellers rotating in part as rotary wings around their shafts; the props and shafts are oriented lengthwise along the pipe; and the props in rotations propel directional air transversely through and across the pipe to generate variable directional thrusts and lifts in directions also transverse to the pipe. Pipe Props Rotary Wing is a variable thrusts and lifts propeller driven propulsion engine to unify all propeller driven propulsion engines for all propeller driven aircrafts, including: propeller aircrafts, rotary wing aircrafts or helicopters, and tilt rotor aircrafts. Pipe Props Rotary Wing in a pipe profile, with props rotating in part as rotary wings, is suitable as fixed wings replacements for propeller aircrafts and tilt rotor aircrafts.

Abstract: Floor panels and floor elements therefore are made of sheet-shaped cores which are formed with sealing means for preventing or counteracting changes in the properties of the floor panels caused by moisture. A floor panel, including a body having a core, in which floor panel at least two opposite parallel joint edge portions are provided with connectors for mechanical joining of the floor panel in the horizontal direction with similar floor panels, the connectors having active locking surfaces for cooperation with corresponding active locking surfaces of adjacent floor panels after the floor panel has been joined therewith, the core having an upper surface layer, wherein a material seal of a resilient surface layer covers the upper surface layer of the core.