Abstract: A novel impact and blast resistant window is presented. A surface of a window pane that is adjacent to an interior of a building has a durable transparent polymer film coated or adhered thereto. The surface of a window pane that is adjacent to an interior of a building is sealed to the sash by double sided tape. The resulting window produces an unexpected ability for the durable transparent polymer film to retain pieces of broken glass driven toward the interior of the building by a missile striking an exterior of the window, without the durable transparent polymer film pulling loose from the window sash.

Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible piñata support is disclosed having a base platform, and upstanding member, a support arm, and a pulley system tether. The base platform is a liquid or granular weight fillable element with an open interior volume, adapted to accept water or sand for stabilizing the device while in use. The upstanding member is a telescoping rod that is removably and pivotally attached to the base member and hingedly attached to the support arm. The support arm extends from the upstanding member to support the piñata, while a pulley system runs from the upstanding member to the distal end of the support arm for controlling the height of the piñata suspended therefrom. The device is quickly deployable and stowable by removing the base from the supports and collapsing the supports about their common hinge point.

Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.

Abstract: A novel impact and blast resistant window is presented. A surface of a window pane that is adjacent to an interior of a building has a durable transparent polymer film coated or adhered thereto. The surface of a window pane that is adjacent to an interior of a building is sealed to the sash by double sided tape. The resulting window produces an unexpected ability for the durable transparent polymer film to retain pieces of broken glass driven toward the interior of the building by a missile striking an exterior of the window, without the durable transparent polymer film pulling loose from the window sash.

Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a shutter onto a vertical wall comprises two or more pintel hinges, each comprising a pintel having an upper end and a lower end, where the lower end is affixed to a base for attachment to the wall; one or more right-hand L-hinge; and one or more left-hand L-hinge, wherein each L-hinge comprises a socket to mate with a pintel to form a hinged connection and a strap for attachment to the shutter. Methods for making and using the hinge assembly are also described.

Abstract: This backflow preventer includes a body having an upper portion providing an inlet and a lower portion providing an outlet. The body includes a backflow preventer having a nozzle communicating with the inlet, a passage communicating with the outlet and a diaphragm disposed between the nozzle and the passage. The diaphragm is maintained in the closed position by a resilient element and is movable under inlet water pressure from a closed position to an open position. The diaphragm is moved into the closed position by reverse back-up flow assisted by the resilient element and a relief gap is provided below the diaphragm to permit escape of reverse backflow.

Abstract: This dispensing apparatus includes a shut-off valve having a magnetically actuated valve element. The valve element is moved into an open position by magnetic attraction from a magnet mounted to a movable actuator. The actuator is adapted to be raised by a liftable handle connected to the actuator or by application of an upward force applied by a bottle container to the actuator. In both cases, the valve element is moved vertically by the application of a vertical force to the actuator.

Abstract: This dispensing apparatus includes a shut-off valve having a magnetically actuated valve element. The valve element is moved into an open position by magnetic attraction from a magnet mounted to a movable actuator. The actuator is adapted to be raised by a liftable handle connected to the actuator or by application of an upward force applied by a bottle container to the actuator. In both cases, the valve element is moved vertically by the application of a vertical force to the actuator.

Abstract: This backflow preventer includes a body having an upper portion providing an inlet and a lower portion providing an outlet. The body includes a backflow preventer having a nozzle communicating with the inlet, a passage communicating with the outlet and a diaphragm disposed between the nozzle and the passage. The diaphragm is maintained in the closed position by a resilient element and is movable under inlet water pressure from a closed position to an open position. The diaphragm is moved into the closed position by reverse back-up flow assisted by the resilient element and a relief gap is provided below the diaphragm to permit escape of reverse backflow.

Abstract: An endshield/endshield cover assembly for an electric motor includes and endshield having a base, a circumferential wall extending upwardly from the base, and a protrusion extending outwardly from the base wall. The endshield cover has a circumferential wall extending downwardly from a top. The cover wall defines a hole which is sized and shaped to fit over the projection. By aligning the endshield cover hole with the endshield projection, the endshield cover may be pivoted into place and secured with only one screw.