Abstract: A navigation module determines the position of an automated guided vehicle. The navigation module includes a light source for emitting light; a receiver for receiving light emitted from the light source; and a processor operatively connected to the light source and to the receiver. The navigation module also includes a first mode of operation in which light is emitted continuously from the light source and the processor processes light received by the receiver to identify a predetermined reflective target; and a second mode of operation in which light is pulsed from the light source and the processor processes light received by the receiver to determine a distance to the predetermined reflective target.

Abstract: A space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base.

Abstract: A space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base.

Abstract: A space truss system for use in foundations, floors, walls, and roofs is provided. The space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base.

Abstract: A building panel assembly is provided. The building panel assembly comprises a plurality of pyramidal elements with each pyramidal element having an apex with a plurality of pyramidal feces extending to a base, each face separated from each adjacent face by a face edge, and the base having base edges. A plurality of inverse pyramidal elements are provided with each inverse pyramidal element having inverse pyramidal faces and mateable with the pyramidal elements. A flattened edge is formed along the face edges between each of the pyramidal faces creating a continuous adhesive flow channel and an adhesive substance positionable within the continuous adhesive flow channel. Upon mating, the pyramidal elements with the inverse pyramidal elements, the adhesive travels through the continuous adhesive flow channel and upon hardening the adhesive substance creates a space truss structure thereby strengthening the building panel assembly.

Abstract: A space truss system for use in foundations, floors, walls, and roofs is provided. The space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base.

Abstract: The angle meter and spirit level apparatus can be affixed to a ladder and used to determine the angle at which the ladder is placed. The apparatus is also self-verifying in that it provides a way to know that the apparatus is operating properly. The apparatus also allows for a ladder or other similar device to be used as a carpenter's level or mason's level to determine true horizontal and also to determine the slope from the horizontal.

Abstract: The graduated pole strap apparatus can be wrapped around a pole, tree or the like and secured on each end to the rails of a ladder. Further, it contains markings calibrated in proportion to the length of the ladder to show whether the ladder is secured at a safe inclination. For an extension ladder, the markings are calibrated based on the rung on which the fly-lock mechanism is locked on the face of the ladder of a particular length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a through-hole in a building structure includes selecting a first location on a first side of the building structure that will define a first opening of the through-hole; disposing a magnet at the first location; selecting a second location on a second side opposite the first side via a magnetic pointer magnetically pointing to the magnet; and drilling the through-hole from the second side through the building structure in a direction indicated by the magnetic pointer creating the through-hole defined by the first and second openings on the first and second sides, respectively.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a hanging tool support assembly provide a portable, adjustable support to hold and/or position a tool, such as a flashlight. For example, the hanging tool support assembly hangs or is otherwise suspended from a support line proximate to a work area. According to exemplary embodiments, the hanging tool support assembly includes a pair of inverted, J-shaped hangers, a downwardly extending arm, a movable support piece connecting the downwardly extending arm to a tool support base, the tool support base, and attachment means for supporting and/or holding a tool to the tool support base. In some embodiments, the hangers may further include additional safety and/or positioning components.

Abstract: The angle meter and spirit level apparatus can be affixed to a ladder and used to determine the angle at which the ladder is placed. The apparatus is also self-verifying in that it provides a way to know that the apparatus is operating properly. The apparatus also allows for a ladder or other similar device to be used as a carpenter's level or mason's level to determine true horizontal and also to determine the slope from the horizontal.

Abstract: A holder for temporarily stabilizing an end of a flexible rod-like workpiece. The holder includes a magnetic core enclosed within a non-magnetic cover, the overall exterior configuration of the holder preferably being that of a cylinder or disc. An opening extends through the holder for receiving an end of the workpiece as the holder is magnetically attached to a ferrous support surface. A portion of the opening may be smooth so as to receive the rod like workpiece without threaded engagement, and another portion of that opening may be threaded so as to clean the threads of a cut-off segment of threaded rod.

Abstract: The graduated pole strap apparatus can be wrapped around a pole, tree or the like and secured on each end to the rails of a ladder. Further, it contains markings calibrated in proportion to the length of the ladder to show whether the ladder is secured at a safe inclination. For an extension ladder, the markings are calibrated based on the rung on which the fly-lock mechanism is locked on the face of the ladder of a particular length.

Abstract: A holder for temporarily stabilizing an end of a flexible rod-like workpiece. The holder includes a magnetic core enclosed within a non-magnetic cover, the overall exterior configuration of the holder preferably being that of a cylinder or disc. An opening extends through the holder for receiving an end of the workpiece as the holder is magnetically attached to a ferrous support surface. A portion of the opening may be smooth so as to receive the rod like workpiece without threaded engagement, and another portion of that opening may be threaded so as to clean the threads of a cut-off segment of threaded rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a through-hole in a building structure includes an elongated member defined by a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is defined by a penetrating point configured to form the through-hole in the building structure. The second end is defined by a receptacle device defining the second end. The receptacle device is configured to releasably retain a wire extending from the second end while the penetrating point penetrates the building structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a through-hole in a building structure includes selecting a first location on a first side of the building structure that will define a first opening of the through-hole; disposing a magnet at the first location; selecting a second location on a second side opposite the first side via a magnetic pointer magnetically pointing to the magnet; and drilling the through-hole from the second side through the building structure in a direction indicated by the magnetic pointer creating the through-hole defined by the first and second openings on the first and second sides, respectively.

Abstract: A miter apparatus is for making beveled cuts in a workpiece such as a board or the like. A base defines a seat for placing against an edge of the workpiece, and a guide member is pivotably attached to the base for adjustment to any desired angle of a beveled cut. Side surfaces of the guide member provide a bearing surface against which one side of a conventional handsaw may move to guide the saw while cutting the workpiece at the desired angle. A knob selectably secures the to guide member the base, and a surface on the knob provides an additional bearing surface for guiding the saw.

Abstract: A first account profile is on a first mobile communications device and a second account profile is on a second mobile communications device. User input of transactional information is accepted on the first mobile communications device. The first account profile on the first mobile communications device is modified based on the transactional information. A message is transmitted including the transactional information to the second mobile communications device.

Abstract: A housing for a spliced wire includes a base, a wall extending from an edge defining a perimeter of the base, and a cavity defined by the wall and base. The wall includes opposing sides each having an opening receptive to a wire therethrough. A cover is pivotally hinged to one edge defining the wall and is configured to close the cavity to an environment and protect a splice between each wire from the environment. A siding clip extends from either the base or wall and is configured to clip to siding of a building structure.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and methods of use for a wire channel device that is positioned between an upper siding panel and a lower siding panel along the side of a building and that routes, supports, and/or secures one or more wires. According to embodiments of this invention, the wire channel device includes an upwardly extending arm, a transverse leg, and a wire channel having a downwardly extending leg, a channel portion, and a rear upwardly extending leg.