Abstract: An improved structural truss (3) and method of making same having oppositely disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein the apices (6) form an inverted U-shape at a cross-section at the center of the strut (1). The ends (4) of successive segments of the unit lengths of the struts (1) and the chords (2) have holes for the insertion of a tapered pin (9), thus precisely controlling the length of successive trusses. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for providing a planar surface against which a wall, ceiling or floor-making surface can be applied. Most commonly sheetrock will be nailed or screwed to the surface provided by the fixture. The apparatus of this invention provides a means for providing a planar surface when utilized with wall construction components such as natural wood studs which often are irregularly shaped and not straight. The apparatus can be adjustable for variations in the profile, contour or angle of the planar surface to which the sheetrock or other similar construction panel needs to be made.

Abstract: A self-furring wire lath comprises a mesh of transverse and longitudinal wires welded at their intersections. Stiffening trusses are formed by bent sections in the transverse wires and longitudinal wires attached to the shoulders of the bent sections. A barrier layer material is retained in the lath between the apex of the bent sections and the principal plane of the lath mesh. The barrier layer material has apertures that coincide with the intersections only at the bent sections to enable mesh size reduction without compromising the barrier layer but still allow the fabrication of the lath. The lath provides good embedment in the stucco, reduces cracking and wastage of stucco while remaining easy to work with.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. The method involves (a) preparing an elongate column to act as a travel way for a carriage which is designed to transport and deploy beam-mount structure, shifting such a carriage progressively along the column from defined attachment site to defined attachment site, and at each such site, deploy-attaching from the carriage to the column the carriage-carried beam-mount structure.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and a method for assembling a truss utilizing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a truss table having a work surface divided into a first and second assembly zone. The apparatus further includes first and second clamping assemblies for clamping the truss in the first and second assembly zones. The apparatus includes a flip-over assembly having a flip-over arm movable relative to the truss table for moving the truss from a first truss position in the first assembly zone, wherein a first truss face contacts the work surface, to a second truss position in the second assembly zone, wherein a second truss face contacts the work surface. The flip-over arm is movable between a home position adjacent said work surface and an extended position, wherein the flip-over arm may be perpendicular to the work surface. In another alternative, at least a portion of the flip-over arm may extend over the second assembly zone when the flip-over arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: A fastener comprised a plurality of elongate, threaded studs which are connected to a common anchor portion for securing a frame member to a foundation. Attached to the anchor portion is a receiving element adapted to receive a positioner. The studs, anchor and receiving element comprise of a one-piece integral assembly constructed of steel or high tensile strength steel. In addition, the fastener is adapted to receive a template and positioner for stability during the pouring and curing of the foundation.

Abstract: A runner lock device for umbrella includes a retainer attached onto an outer peripheral portion of a central post, a barrel slidably engaged onto the central post and having an opening to receive the retainer and to latch the barrel to the retainer and to the central post. A sleeve is slidably engaged onto the barrel and has an actuator arranged to engage with the retainer and to disengage the retainer from the barrel when the sleeve is moved relative to the barrel. The retaining device may be easily secured onto the central post, and no holes are required to be formed in the central post, and no spring members or latches are required to be engaged into the central post.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a lifting anchor for embedment in a concrete member. The anchor comprises a flat bar having a top and bottom; an upper and lower end; and a front and rear face. The bar has a first aperture positioned for insertion of a locking device that can be attached to a shackle for lifting the concrete wall or element containing the anchor. The bar may have additional apertures for insertion of reinforcing bars. The bar may further include a frontwardly protruding curved section and a rearwardly protruding curved section.

Abstract: An anchoring device configured to secure a cover to the ground is comprised of a body in the form of a living creature. Integral with the body are a first feature forming a first half of an anchoring clamp and a second feature forming a stake. A non-integral third feature forms a second half of the anchoring clamp. Each of the first, second, and third features are configured of natural parts or appendages of the living creature, such as the creature's mouth, arms, legs or tail. A biasing mechanism exerts a force that biases the first and third features together to provide a clamping force. Protrusions and/or a hook-and-loop material in the first and third features further facilitate securing the cover. A cavity in the creature's body accepts material that adds weight to the body. The stake may also have a hook feature that facilitates securing the stake to the ground.

Abstract: A support bracket is provided for fastening to a concrete molding form. The bracket has a first and second distal end connected by a middle portion. The distal ends are generally in a first plane and the middle portion extends from a side of each distal end at an obtuse angle relative to that plane. The distal ends are releasably fastened to the form during use of the bracket, with the middle portion extending to be embedded in the concrete. After removal of the form, one or both of the distal ends are bent away from the concrete during use, with pipes being inserted through the openings in the distal ends. The support bracket may incorporate an internally-threaded and generally tubular structure attached to the middle portion of the support bracket, with one end of the tubular structure embedded in the concrete during use and the other end exposed at the plane of the concrete surface for useful access to the internal threads.

Abstract: A method of categorizing fasteners and construction connectors by size and type using a color coding system. Each fastener receives a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The colors are preselected to define one or more physical properties of the fasteners. A color key is provided to determine the physical properties of the fasteners based on the coloring of exposed portions of the inserted fasteners. Similarly, construction connectors receive a designated and distinct color contained on the surface that is exposed before and after installation. The color represented on the surface of the construction connector is such that the corresponding fastener is the same color.

Abstract: A supplemental door trim that is configured to fit to an existing door molding, comprising a plurality of elongated trim sections. Each trim section has a cross-section comprising a base portion and an integral arm section. The base portion further comprises an upper base portion. The integral arm section extends from the upper base portion and is adapted to overlay an existing door molding with a setback. In one embodiment the base portion and extended arm section are integrated and define a single elongated trim section. In another embodiment the integral arm section is configured to have a flat face or a variable face to provide a more stylish look to the supplemental door trim.

Abstract: A boxable corner bead for finishing drywall corners that is made from two flanges with a protruding nose section. This bead can be made in regular, bullnose, or flex trim type arrangements. Once the bead is attached to a drywall corner, it can be mudded on both sides of the corner without waiting for the mud on the first side to dry. This is because of the shape of the nose which allows a mud dispensing box to apply mud on one side without getting mud on the nose. The box can then be immediately moved to the other side, where that side can be mudded. The nose itself is prepared to directly receive paint or texture, and hence does not need any mud. The flex-trim version has a raised trapezoidal section with a V-groove cut in the back. The bead hinges around the V-groove to match any corner angle. Both sides can be mudded as with the fixed bead. The beads can be used with both interior and exterior corners.

Abstract: A fastening assembly and method to releasably secure a panel of a novel screen room enclosure to a structure. The fastening assembly includes a clip having a channel portion fastened to a flat portion, the channel portion having an opening adapted to receive an edge of a panel, and, a locking fastener having an elongated locking member adjustable between a first position and a second position. The flat portion of the clip comprises a hole for accepting the locking fastener such that the locking member can pass through the hole when the locking member is in the first position, and cannot pass through the hole when the locking member is in the second position. A screen room enclosure to be used with an awning of a structure and releasably coupled to the structure with a fastening assembly. A method of securing a side panel of the screen room enclosure to the structure with the clip is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for finishing windows uses a shim plate. The shim plate is fastened to a framing member and extends between the framing member and the periphery of the framed insert. Foaming material is expanded between the sill plate and the framing member to support the shim plate relative to the framing member. Finishing material may be placed against the shim plate and fastened in place to finish the window opening.

Abstract: All the basic structural components of frame construction are directly connected with one another including foundation plate, studs, floor and ceiling joists as well as rafters. The significant element of this integrated construction is a three-part composite stud easily constructed from commonly used construction lumber to form a totally unified framework which provides a much stronger, stable and desirable structure than that achieved by present construction methods.

Abstract: A structural beam having a plurality of tabs integrally formed with the sidewall of the beam. The tabs are formed from punched-out sections of the sidewall by a rolling guide with a punch that pierces a portion of the sidewall in order to forcibly bend the section outward to define the tab. Each of the respective tabs in the plurality are substantially curved in side elevational view and closely represented by a half U-shaped tab. One end of the tab is integrally formed with the sidewall by a bend or fold joint while the other end is cantilevered outwardly in a lateral direction from the sidewall and is substantially curved in a direction over the opening or hole caused by the punch procedure. The distal end of the tab resides midway across the opening. The tabs are formed on structural beams which may be arranged vertically or horizontally on a building structure or construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckling restrained brace capable of absorbing vibration energy produced by an earthquake, wind power and the like, in a building and a steel structure. The buckling restrained brace of the present invention is accomplished by a buckling restrained brace 1 wherein a steel-made center axial member 3 is passed through a buckling-constraining concrete member 2 reinforced with a steel member 6, and an adhesion-preventive film 4 is provided to the interface between the steel-made center axial member and buckling-constraining concrete 5, the adhesion-preventive film showing a secant modulus in the thickness direction of at least 0.

Abstract: A column/beam, beam/beam interconnection in a building frame and an associated method. This interconnection features (a) a pair of parallel-spaced, upright, planar plate components operatively associated with either a side of a column or a side of a beam, (b) an elongate, generally horizontal beam including a generally upright, planar central web with an end which, with respect to a pair of such plate components, extends into the space which exists between those components, and (c) a structural relationship in such a building frame associated with the plate components in a pair, which relationship accommodates (a) vertical-motion placement of a web end between components, with (b) the automatic establishment thereby of a correct relative, spatial, three-dimensional relationship and disposition of the plate components in the frame, and of the specific, associated column/beam and/or beam/beam elements so interconnected.

Abstract: An elongate, long-span transition beam employable between columns in a building frame structure. This transition beam includes (a) an elongate central portion having one, principal cross-sectional vertical depth, and (b) joined to the opposite ends of the central portion, a pair of elongate end portions each having a smaller cross-sectional vertical depth. These end portions may be formed with flange-modified reduced beam sections to act as “overload fuses”. The central and end portions join through size-differentiated, transverse cross section, transitional regions which are formed adjacent opposite ends, and as parts, of the central portion.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for insulating a vertically extending wall (e.g., concrete wall). First and second supports are first attached to the vertical wall at respective first and second vertically spaced locations (e.g., proximate the top and bottom of the wall). After the supports have been attached to the wall, a blanket(s) of rolled fiberglass insulation (e.g., metal building insulation) is attached to the wall between the first and second supports. Then, a flexible sheet of vapor retarder is attached to protruding portions of the first and second supports so as to cover the blanket(s) of fiberglass insulation thereby causing the blanket of fiberglass insulation to be partially or fully hidden from view and retained in the cavity defined between the vertical wall and the vapor retarder.

Abstract: A method of connecting two building components using a resilient elongate interconnector. One edge of the interconnector is brought into engagement with a part of the first component and the other edge is brought into engagement with a part of the second component. The interconnector is deflected between the two elongate edges, thereby creating a transverse compression force which acts between the two components to bring them together.

Abstract: A stud panel and method of making a stud panel where interior sheathing may be a temporary piece of transparent plastic or a permanent panel of sheet rock so as to retain insulation in place and minimize scarfing. The stud panel may include studs having through holes extending in a length direction of the stud panel such that insulation in adjacent inner regions separated by such studs interlock with each other and contribute to a structural integrity of the stud panel. The stud panel may include a space between inner studs and one of the exterior and interior sheathing so as to provide a thermal and sound break between the exterior and inner sheathing so as to minimize heat, air and sound transfer between the exterior and interior sheathing.

Abstract: A method for assembly of a stay includes a series of steps that include connecting in the vicinity of an anchoring zone, a new group of N reinforcements to a shuttle located within the sheath of a stay to be installed. The shuttle is driven towards another anchoring zone by means of driving and guiding means. When the shuttle has arrived substantially in the vicinity of the anchoring zone, and as long as entangling is detected between the driving and guiding means in a portion contained substantially between the shuttle and the first anchoring zone, the shuttle is rotated about its main axis in the opposite direction to the said entangling. The group of N reinforcements is then separated from the shuttle. Each reinforcement of the group is tensioned between the anchoring zones. The preceding steps are repeated until the installation of the reinforcements is completed.

Abstract: A method for producing foam insulation board, the method comprising forming a foam product as part of a continuous process, and monitoring on-line the compressive strength of the foam product.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet, tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: A nonslip walking stick rest disposed at a lower end of a walking stick, is characterized that, the walking stick rest is provided with a pliable plastic tray having a nonslip surface at a lower housing; the lower housing has a spherical recess provided with a shaft having a sphere at an interior thereof above the lower housing is a fixed middle housing; the shaft is provided with an upper housing; a spring is disposed at the upper portion of the shaft, and between the upper housing and the middle housing; and the upper housing has an insertion end for inserting to the lower end of the walking stick. When the walking stick is propped on the ground, the lower housing of the walking stick rest is capable of automatic adaptations for staying closely to the ground and preventing slipping.

Abstract: In recent decades within the building industry, there has been a trend toward mass production of building components. The trend has included every part of structures except for the concrete slab the building is built on. The “Threshold Tray and Clip System” uses mass-produced products to be applied to construction of slabs and foundations, allowing sill steps to be built in rough openings with pre-fabricated form parts. The forms remain in the concrete and are permanent. This means that consistent results can be expected. Other mass-produced products, such as door systems, will fit into rough openings more accurately. Over-all quality of the structure will be increased.

Abstract: A light weight vibrating tile setting tool, optionally having a self-contained power supply, vibrates at high frequency while setting/leveling tiles during a tile installation process. The tool comprises a housing which houses a vibration mechanism which includes a motor. An off-set weight 75 is attached to an output shaft of the motor. Rotation of the shaft, and off-set weight, causes the entire tool to vibrate. Ratio of frequency of vibration to mass of the tool is at least 200 vibrations per minute per pound mass. The high frequency of vibration causes a tile, to which the tile setting tool is applied, to be easily manipulated, by the user of the tile setting tool, into its set location in an array of such tiles.

Abstract: A precast concrete building element and structure constructed from such elements, the elements being designed so that either face of the element can be used in the design of the construction of retaining walls, foundations, posts or other structures, wherein one face of the element gives the appearance of a dual vertical octagon shape, and the other face of the element is vertically flat faced, with a 45 degree vertically angled corner on each end of the element. Thus, the overall wall or structure gives the appearance of repeating vertical part octagonal shapes. Through various configurations of such a design, arrangements of elements to form structures which have an internal angle of 45, 90 and 135 degrees are possible. The structure can be designed so that it can be stacked straight up, in that each element comprising the structure has a groove or channel on a bottom of the element, which internally extends a length of the element, and a top surface of the element has two button shaped protrusions thereon.

Abstract: A drywall bazooka for dispensing flexible trim material such as FLEXTRIM and ULTRALITE products, or any other flexible trim material, containing a head attached to an elongated handle, a drive wheel attached to the head for pulling the trim material from a roll, at least one roller for pressing the trim material into an interior or exterior corner and a cutter for cutting the trim material. A pair of rollers can be attached to a ferris wheel assembly to be swung into position for interior or exterior corners. The interior roller can resemble a pizza knife, and the exterior roller can be cylindrical of varying diameter shaped like two intersecting cones.

Abstract: A wall, ceiling, or structural insulated panel having macroencapsulated phase-change materials incorporated therein.

Abstract: An improved wall cavity drain panel and wall cavity structure includes a grooved insulating panel with a water-permeable fabric over the grooved face and a water permeable matrix on the fabric at its lower edge and defining a mortar cath trough to prevent weep hole clogging.

Abstract: Devices for supporting horizontally oriented reinforcing bars in a form for concrete and devices for supporting vertically oriented reinforcing bars are disclosed herein. The devices for supporting horizontally oriented reinforcing bars (horizontal reinforcing bar) engage the side walls of a form, spans the space between the walls, and remains securely in position. The device includes guide members for guiding reinforcing bar sections into a desired position, and members that secure the reinforcing bar in position. The devices for supporting vertically oriented reinforcing bars (vertical reinforcing bar) are used with a generally L-shaped section of reinforcing bar and secured to two parallel sections of horizontal reinforcing bar. The devices can be constructed from any material having properties that make the material satisfactory for use with concrete and provide sufficient strength to support the form side walls against deformation under hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A reinforced slab, in particular able to withstand concentrated loads, has a substantially flat reinforcing structure (20) which is situated at a distance from the bottom (12) of the mould (10) and arranged at a height such as to allow embedding of said reinforcing structure (20) within the end product (40), said reinforcing structure consisting of a sheet oriented substantially parallel to the surfaces of said slab and having a plurality of holes or openings. Preferably said sheet is provided with stiffening ribs and the edges of the holes or openings are folded in the form of a “U”. The method for manufacturing the reinforced slab is a method known as “Terastone”, except for the step involving insertion, in the forming mould, of the reinforcing structure which is positioned at the desired height by means of support feet.

Abstract: A child-resistant closure and container package includes a container having a finish with an external thread and pockets in the thread. A closure has a base wall, a peripheral skirt with an internal thread and lugs on the internal thread for receipt in the pockets, and a spring element on the base wall for engagement with the container finish to bias the closure away from the container finish and resiliently urge the lugs into the pockets. A liner is urged by the spring element into engagement with the container finish. The liner may include a base with metal and plastic layers for induction-welded sealing engagement with the finish such that, upon removal of the closure, the metal and plastic layers remain secured to the finish and the liner base is removed with the closure. The metal and plastic layers may be removed by a user for access to the contents of the container, and the liner base continues to serve as a package seal during use of the package.

Abstract: There is provided a system that automatically delivers, monitors and replenishes a string of packaging cushions to hoppers located at multiple packing stations through an elongated cushion delivery duct having a series of intermediate outlets to permit the string of cushions to drop into the hopper located below the delivery duct and above the packing station. A blower is positioned near the inlet of the elongated duct to provide air flow in the duct to carry the string of cushions through the duct to one of the outlets. When the hopper is full of cushions sensors signal the controller to close the diverter and the string of cushions is delivered to another packaging station. The system may include a knife assembly to cut the string of cushions holding pins and the tension-relief diverter it is located at the inlet of the duct to hold tension on the string of cushions while the string is being separated.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system for producing and packaging consumer products into different packages is disclosed. The system includes one or more supplying means for providing the consumer products, and a multiplicity of packaging means for packaging the consumer products into different packages. The system further includes one or more conveying means for conveying the consumer products from the supplying means to the packaging means. The conveying means forms a continuous path linking the supplying means with the packaging means. The continuous path includes a multiplicity of receptors capable of accepting, carrying, and discharging the consumer products. Further, the system includes one or more stacking means for arranging the consumer products into separate stacks of products prior to packaging.

Abstract: A filter element includes a bag ring which is snap fitted into the filter vessel sidewall and retains both the filter element and a filter basket in the desired location in the vessel until removed.

Abstract: An air cleaner and method of controlling an operation of the same is disclosed. The air cleaner includes a cabinet having an inlet and an outlet; a filter assembly removing dust and smell particles from a room air; a fan; a sensor assembly sensing the composition of the room air; a supplier assembly providing at least one of insufficient components of the room air to a cleaned air; and a controller controlling the supplier assembly on the basis of data regarding the composition of the room air. In another aspect, the method of controlling the operation of the air cleaner includes steps of sensing a room air; measuring insufficient components of the room air and the amount thereof; and providing at least one of the insufficient components of the room air to a cleaned air.

Abstract: An air purification and physiological metabolism promoting health material consisting of a naturally radiating rare earth element capable of emitting ions that is finely pulverized and attached at an appropriate density to the surface of a synthetic or a natural base material. Since the finely pulverized, naturally radiating rare earth element is in an unencapsulated, exposed state, the ions emitted are directly released into the air or absorbed by the body such that physiological metabolism and air purification is provided for at even greater promotional effectiveness.

Abstract: A walk-behind greensmower includes an operator presence control for selectively determining when power from a source is delivered to an output. The operator presence control includes a handle, a bale coupled to the handle, a control arm and an electromagnet. The bale is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The control arm is moveable between a neutral position and a drive position where the control arm causes delivery of power from the source to the output when in the drive position. The electromagnet is selectively energizable in response to the position of the bale such that the control arm is retained in the drive position when the bale is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A mobile harvesting apparatus and method utilizes a stream of liquid, propelled under high pressure through at least one nozzle, to harvest produce. Preferably, a plurality of nozzles is provided. Additionally, it is preferred that, for each nozzle provided, there is an associated diverter plate. With this configuration, a stream of liquid exiting a nozzle will, after harvesting an item of produce, strike its associated diverter plate.

Abstract: A bagging device for use on a lawnmower includes a frame, a bag attached to the frame and having a bag opening aligned with a discharge opening on the lawnmower, and at least one wheel rotatably mounted to the frame. During operation of the lawnmower, vegetation clippings from the lawnmower are collected in the bag. When the bagging device is mounted on the lawnmower, the at least one wheel is in a stowed condition and does not support any weight of the bagging device. The at least one wheel is generally at the top of the bagging device when the bagging device is attached to the lawnmower. When the bagging device is detached from the lawnmower, the bagging device is flipped or toppled over to position the at least one wheel at the bottom of the bagging device to facilitate rolling the bagging device away from the lawnmower.

Abstract: A wheel rake including an adjustment mechanism for adjusting wheel beam angle for more aggressive or less aggressive raking action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing easy to be handled, convenient, partially sized bales of hay, fastened together to form a single, “full-size” bale of hay. These partially sized bales made by a baler and then combined together via a bale aggregator.

Abstract: A substantially torqueless composite dual core-spun yarn (10) has a substantially inelastic central hard core (20) covered with a dual-spun fiber covering (30). The central hard core (20) has an elongation at break less than 50% and a Z or S twist, and the fiber covering (30) comprises fibers twisted on the core (20) with an S or Z twist opposite to that of the core. The opposite twists of the core (20) and of the covering (30) exert opposite and substantially equal torques. This yarn is produced by introducing two slivers (30A,30B) forming the covering (30) and a central (30) core in a spinning triangle (40). The core (20) is fed overtwisted S or Z and the slivers (30A,30B) have an opposite Z or S twist corresponding to about 30% to 70% of the twist of the fed overtwisted core (20) that detwists during spinning.

Abstract: A texturing apparatus for draw texturing a synthetic yarn. To this end, the texturing machine comprises a first feed system, a heating device, a cooling device, a texturing unit, a second feed system, and a takeup device for winding the textured yarn. Between the heating device and the cooling device, a wetting device is provided for wetting the heated yarn with a cooling fluid for purposes of precooling. The wetting device consists of a rotatable cooling cylinder which includes on its circumference a yarn track that contains a cooling fluid. The yarn can be wetted by contacting the yarn track. At the point of contact, the yarn friction is advantageously dependent on the relative speed between the yarn and the yarn track on the circumference of the cooling cylinder.

Abstract: A filter differential pressure, which is the difference between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure of a DPM filter (11), is determined, and switching is performed in accordance with the regeneration condition of the DPM filter (11) between a first trapped DPM amount calculation process for estimating the trapped DPM amount after complete regeneration, in which all of the DPM trapped in the DPM filter (11) is burned, and a second trapped DPM amount calculation process for estimating the trapped DPM amount when a part of the DPM trapped in the DPM filter (11) has been burned away. The trapped DPM amount in the DPM filter (11) is estimated on the basis of the filter differential pressure using one of the first and second trapped DPM amount calculation processes.

Abstract: A system for draining fuel from the combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine in the event of a false start includes associated passageways and a straight through flow pilot air actuated poppet valve. The valve is normally open and actuated by the pilot air to close off the combustion chamber from the drain. A return spring biases the valve to open upon release of pilot air pressure acting on the valve. The valve housing has a piston section with a pilot air chamber and a section defining the passageways for the drain. The drain passageway extends along a straight path at an oblique angle to a piston axis along which a piston actuator moves in response to the return spring and/or the pilot air pressure. The valve also includes a position feedback system for detecting the state of the valve.