Abstract: A system for maximizing the measured efficiency of an HVAC&R system may include the steps of (1) providing a plurality of operating parameters selected from the group consisting of condenser fan speed, evaporator fan speed, inlet solenoid valve position, outlet solenoid valve position, and compressor control to the air conditioner or the heat pump system wherein each of the plurality of operating parameters has a respective operating parameter value; (2) calculating an initial efficiency of the system using signals received from a plurality of components selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a voltage sensor, and a current sensor; and (3) proceeding, starting with a first of the plurality of operating parameters, to iteratively adjust values of each of the plurality of operating parameters and accept the new values only if the measured efficiency increases.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an adapter to connect an industry-standard low-voltage thermostat to a central HVAC system that may be a two-pipe system with a mains-voltage fan-coil unit that is equipped with a usage counter which may be read out wirelessly. Through the same wireless connection, the adapter may respond to changes in the price of electricity. Additional embodiments add features to the usage counter and communication capability.

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: The invention can make up the entire roof of a building or vehicle, or be integrated into a portion of said roofs. This invention utilizes and reduces the amount of solar radiation that enters a building or vehicle via the roof. This system can include a water holding tank or a plurality of tanks, heat exchangers, fire sprinkler heads and various glazing options. Said heat exchangers are contained between the rafters or trusses, and takes advantage of thermal syphoning to store energy in said tank or said plurality of tanks. Additionally, this roof system can function as a fire suppression apparatus and a skylight apparatus that allows natural light into the structure, and may be integrated with LED lighting to illuminate the skylight glazing and interior space. The exterior upper covering may consist of a glazing material like tempered glass coupled with additional roofing elements or standard upper covering assemblies.

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 temporary safety guardrail for construction sites is provided. The guardrail includes specially designed anchoring members configured to accept removable posts which vertically extend from each anchoring member. On top of each posts, a guardrail is provided in two versions, a fixed length handrail or a telescopic handrail. Either handrail is connected directly to a fixed bracket, or indirectly by way of one or more orientable bracket so that the guardrail can be oriented to different angles so as to follow the building's contour, such as going up and down staircases or doing corners.

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 provide lateral stability to the top reversible structural panel.

Abstract: A post support device comprising a rigid insert portion having a body interposed between a top opening and a bottom end, said body defining a space therein. A post member is releasably secured in the rigid insert portion with a granular material, in combination with retainer members and a sealant portion. In the event the post member decomposes or breaks, the post member may be replaced by removing the sealant portion, retainer members, and the post member. The post support device enables the user to replace post members while maintaining the original spacing of the fence structure.

Abstract: A fire and/or water resistant expansion joint system for installation into a building joint in vertical and horizontal configurations is designed such that it can be used for either an inside or outside corner. The system comprises a core having a fire retardant therein. A layer of a water resistant material is disposed on the core to facilitate the compression of the expansion joint system when installed between substrates. The system can be delivered to a job site in a pre-compressed state ready for installation into the building joint.

Abstract: The drywall scaffold roller (“DSR”) is a lightweight tool weighing approximately two pounds that construction workers who hang drywall (or plywood) can use to roll the heavy material from the ground to the workers on a scaffold instead of lifting it themselves using their back, arms and legs, which causes injuries. Currently, a drywaller on the ground physically lifts a 100+ pound sheet of drywall, plywood or other heavy materials upwards as much as 20 feet to the person on the scaffold, who then has to lift and/or pull the materials up onto the scaffold. Both people must use their arms, knees, shoulders and back to lift the heavy material, and the worker on the scaffold sometimes uses his foot to slide the material up onto the scaffold. The DSR helps eliminate this unsafe lifting procedure by providing a rolling mechanism to roll the sheet of material instead of lifting it.

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 with one the substrate components to provide a floating structural panel assembly that may be gravitationally placed atop a waterproofed deck while allowing for water to pass under the top finish flooring.

Abstract: An expansion joint system includes a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate; and foam having a fire retardant material included therein in an amount effective to pass testing mandated by UL 2079. The spline depends from the cover plate and is configured to be positioned in a gap between substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. The foam is compressible between a first face of the spline and one of the substrates and the foam is compressible between a second face of the spline and the other of the substrates, and the expansion joint system is configured to facilitate compression of the foam when installed between the substrates by repeatedly expanding and contracting to accommodate movement of the substrates; and the foam with the fire retardant material included therein is configured to pass the testing mandated by UL 2079.

Abstract: An expansion joint system includes a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate; and a core having a fire retardant material included therein in an amount effective to pass testing mandated by UL 2079. The spline depends from the cover plate and is configured to be positioned in a gap between substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. The core is compressible between a first face of the spline and one of the substrates and is compressible between a second face of the spline and the other of the substrates, and the expansion joint system is configured to facilitate compression of the core when installed between the substrates by repeatedly expanding and contracting to accommodate movement of the substrates; and the core with the fire retardant material included therein is configured to pass the testing mandated by UL 2079.

Abstract: A swimming pool consisting of a plurality of panels that withstands water pressure in both a concave and convex configuration to create any freeform shape or size. Each panel consists of an adhered wall of skinning of metal or plastic over expanded polystyrene or expanded urethane foam. The density of the foam is adjusted as necessary to increase the strength of the wall based on static loading of water when swimming pool is assembled as a whole and fully filled with water.

Abstract: Omni M-VAWT is built upon and modified from Original M-VAWT to be omni directional to wind. Original M-VAWT, or Original Multi Axes-Vertical Axis Wind Turbine, is documented in U.S. Pat. No. 10,473,087 Patent granted on Nov. 12, 2019. Omni M-VAWT has significant improvements on power generation performances by having a new planet airfoil rotation and alignment assembly, a modified airfoil assembly, and the removal of Original M-VAWT mechanisms for orienting and pointing its planet airfoils persistently forward facing toward the wind. The new planet airfoil rotation and alignment assembly rotates planet airfoils fully extended and folded in rotations around their planet rotating shafts, either passively or actively within rotation limits. A modified airfoil assembly has particular modifications to shapes and sizes and rotation centers for paired planet and sun airfoils. Omni M-VAWT remains environmentally friendly to flying birds.

Abstract: A block suitable for use in paving, edging or wall applications comprises a lower portion having parallel, substantially vertical side faces that are spaced apart by a first width, and an upper portion having parallel, substantially vertical side faces that are spaced apart by a second width. The second width is smaller than the first width of the lower portion, and the side faces of the upper portion are angled relative to the side faces of the lower portion. The block further comprises a transition portion between the upper and lower portions, having at least one slanted side extending between one or more sides of the lower portion and one or more sides, respectively, of the upper portion.

Abstract: A device including an outer hose segment, an inner hose segment, a first air chamber for accommodating a first air flow, a second air chamber for accommodating a second air flow, a drive tool coupler into engagement with a first end portion of the outer hose segment and inner hose segment, a cleaning end section that is configured to allow tools to be attached and detached to and from said device, and a hose coupler into engagement with a second end portion of the outer and inner hose segments, wherein the hose coupler is configured to control the first and second flow of air into the first and second air chambers independently.

Abstract: A titanium alloy nail for use in connection with the volatilization of concentrate, including cannabis extract. The nail interchanges with various standardized male and female grounded joints. The components of the nail may are detachably threadable to one another and configurable to adapt to fit any number of a multitude of configurations, including ten standardized joints.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to belt buckles and more particularly to belt buckles that have associated with the face or ‘front thereof interchangeable initials, letters or other design. The working mechanics of the buckle is different than any other in the market. The said Buckle has a holding mechanism that won't damage the belt strap because the material that it uses it as explained throughout this patent application. The invention is based to facilitate the user for opening and closing of the belt. Moreover, the said Buckle allows what no any other Buckle allows and is for the strap to pass underneath of the fix portion of the strap, the result is the need not to the strap to be cut to the size of the waist of every individual. I will describe this as unique in today's dress belt market.

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.