Abstract: Structures and methods for access panels. Some include a panel member having an inner side; a mounting member having a portion extending from the inner side at an angle to the inner side; and a retaining member coupled to the mounting member, the retaining member having a length and being biased to be in contact with the inner side along a portion of the length, the retaining member also being capable of flexing away from the inner side.

Abstract: A hingeless door system for a pressure vessel; especially, aeronautic and astronautic crafts. The door system has the following major components: a contour in a pressure vessel wall, a doorway opening, a seal, an upper track, a lower track and a door. The door translocates laterally along the tracks from an open position to a closed position and moves radially along the tracks to a sealed position against the contour which closes the door opening. The problem solved by the invention is to reduce weight, operational volume and complexity and increase durability of a door system for a pressure vessel.

Abstract: A threshold system and threshold insert for transitions through doorways. An insert for a threshold saddle to be used with a door includes an elongated member for providing a seal along a bottom edge of the door and to be received in a seat in the saddle. The insert defines a door engagement surface adapted to extend across both the seat and the change in elevation to engage the door to provide the seal. When installed for use, the door engagement surface, the saddle adjacent to the sides of the seat, or both provide an overall slope of at least or approximately 2 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical. A threshold system includes a saddle and the insert. The door or an appurtenant door shoe may have an angled surface to interface with the door engagement surface of the insert.

Abstract: A water shield for the door of a vehicle. The water shield includes a sheet of a water impervious material configured to extend over a portion of the door's inboard panel to be attached thereto. An access opening cover of expanded foam is directly attached to the sheet. The cover's perimeter portion circumscribes the access opening. The cover is secured, around the access opening, to the inboard panel, resulting in sealing of the access opening and mass dampening of the inboard panel.

Abstract: A one-piece seal for use on the bottoms of doors or windows of uniform cross-section has a planar base and upwardly extending members on each side of the base with engagement members at the top of the upwardly extending members. The seal also has downwardly extending fins and semicircular walls to engage a threshold. The seal is held upon a door by action of the flexible engagement members being pressed against the sides of the doors by the upstanding members.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a garage door stop and seal system that allows for expansion and contraction, enables replacement of the seal, and provides hidden, or concealed, fasteners. The system includes a door stop that removeably snaps into a receiver, wherein the door stop conceals the fasteners used to connect the receiver to a door jamb. In addition, the door stop includes a receiving space for a replaceable seal.

Abstract: An access port for a shrink film barrier that can be installed after installation of the shrink film barrier without removal of the shrink film barrier, and permits selective access to a window or door covered by the barrier.

Abstract: A latch assembly as provided includes a latch bolt configured to engage a frame at an earlier position than a standard bolt and/or to urge the window or door toward a secured position.

Abstract: A process to manufacture a frame using renewable wood product(s) is described.

Abstract: A refrigerator lock for selectively locking at least one door of a refrigerator into a closed position is described. The refrigerator door lock may include an anchor having an outer periphery sized to fit on a door face of the refrigerator adjacent to one or more doors seals when the door maintains the closed position. A fastener such as an adhesive may be utilized to secure the anchor to the door face of the refrigerator. An extension extends from a catch and is selectively securable to the anchor. With the extension secured to the anchor, the catch overlaps the refrigerator doors and either directly or indirectly engages the refrigerator doors to hold them in the closed position.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) is fabricated using a process of delayed diffusion of a diffusion species (e.g., a metalloid) introduced from the back side of a cemented carbide further away from the diamond grit or from the flank side of the cemented carbide, as opposed to the side of the cemented carbide adjacent to the diamond grit. The process of fabricating the PDC includes depositing, in a metal container, a diamond grit, a cemented carbide, and a diffusion species, then applying a high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) to the contents of the metal container wherein (1) the binder of cemented carbide diffuses across the diamond grit, and (2) the diffusion species diffuses through the cemented carbide, and then through the diamond grit, thus providing a protective coating to the diamond grains of the PDC.

Abstract: A nonwoven, fibrous, article including a plurality of entangled fibers is provided. The fibers can have at least one of an anti-microbial agent or a plurality of abrasive particles. A binder material may bond the fibers to each other at points of crossing and contact between the fibers. The fibers may be made from post-consumer materials, post-industrial materials, heavy denier fibers, biodegradable materials, or heat resistant.

Abstract: A method of applying particles to a backing having a make layer on one of the backing's opposed major surfaces. The method including the steps of: supporting the particles on a feeding member having a feeding surface such that the particles settle into one or more layers on the feeding surface; the feeding surface and the backing being arranged in a non-parallel manner; and translating the particles from the feeding surface to the backing and attaching the particles to the make layer by an electrostatic force.

Abstract: A method for making a carbonate polycrystalline diamond body includes combining a first quantity of diamond with a first quantity of magnesium carbonate to form a first layer for forming a working surface, and combining a second quantity of magnesium carbonate to form a second layer adjacent to the first layer, forming an assembly. The method includes placing a quantity of silicon or aluminum in or adjacent to at least a portion of the assembly and sintering the assembly including the silicon or aluminum at high pressure and high temperature, causing the silicon or aluminum to infiltrate at least one layer of the assembly.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond body, and a method for making a carbonate polycrystalline diamond body includes combining a first quantity of diamond particles with a first quantity of magnesium carbonate to form a first layer in an enclosure, the first layer having a working surface, and placing a second quantity of magnesium carbonate in the enclosure forming a second layer, the first layer and the second layer forming an assembly. A quantity of at least one of silicon or aluminum is mixed in with or placed adjacent to at least one of the first layer or the second layer. The assembly, including the at least one of silicon or aluminum, is sintered at high pressure and high temperature, causing the at least one of silicon or aluminum to infiltrate at least one layer of the assembly, forming a polycrystalline diamond body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulation panel used to form part of an exterior element of a buildings envelope for thermal insulation, ventilation, heating and cooling purpose having an internal duct that provides heat exchange between counter flowing waste and fresh air streams, oriented through the panel to minimise undesirable heat transfer. Ventilation air enters beneath the eaves, waste air exits beneath the ridge passing the coil of a reversible heat pump. The paired coil inside the building in the upper roof space within the fresh air stream is used for heating or cooling the building. Ducted waste air, leaving the building at this same position, can be supplied with a water mist before entering the heat exchanger to provide further indirect evaporative cooling of the incoming air stream. The waste air is also used to cool solar panels when fitted to the roof.

Abstract: System and means soil stabilization and moisture control for building foundations including methods and systems for stabilization moisture in a site for building foundation by applying soil moisture stabilization material in various forms, a preferred stabilization material being a mixture of pozzolan and granular material such as sand.

Abstract: A building for a data center (or server farm) includes a stack structure that interfaces with an environment and one or more housings coupled to a floor and the stack structure. Each of the housings includes one or more racks with a plurality of servers and each of the servers includes a computer fan capable of varying speed or reversing direction. The building also includes one or more filters between the one or more housings and the environment and one or more walls operable to be between the one or more filters and the environment.

Abstract: A motion simulator is provided with a motion simulator accommodation that is dynamically mounted to a fixed datum or platform and is positioned facing a presentation. The motion simulator is provided with one or more access fitting which may be used to assist a person to enter the motion simulator accommodation. At least one of the motion simulator accommodation and the access fitting is movable with respect to each other from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the second position, the access fitting is less perceptible during the presentation than in said first position.

Abstract: An improved inverted motion base with left, right, and rear supports, a carriage to travel along a length of the rear support. The inverted motion base includes a first cable connected to the carriage and wound about a first drum to raise and lower the carriage, and left and right load carrying arms, each connected to a respective left and right ends of a transverse support member. The inverted motion base further includes a second cable connected to the right load carrying arm to raise and lower the right load carrying arm, and a third cable connected to the left load carrying arm to raise and lower the second end of the left load carrying arm. One or more rows of seats are positioned between and suspended from the right and left load carrying arms, each row of seats being parallel to the other row of seats.

Abstract: A gutter protecting apparatus includes a plurality of substantially parallel rods extending in a downward slope from near a roof edge to and beyond the far side of the gutter. The rods extend substantially perpendicular to the gutter's length and to a frame to which the rods connect at the upper edge. Preferably, the lower rod ends are spaced above and slightly beyond the far edge of the gutter to allow debris to pass the gutter without catching. Legs can extend down from some rods to the gutter's far edge to provide support. The apparatus can be pivotably mounted to the roof, the fascia or the gutter, permitting access beneath. The apparatus forms a cage-like covering over the gutter to exclude matter and small creatures, while allowing the liquid to flow past. Sunlight bypassing the rods and movement of air through the gutter make the water exiting the downspout cleaner.

Abstract: A bracket for a building module. The bracket has a platform bearing a substantially planar surface, first and second sides appending from the platform away from the planar surface, and a bottom panel extending from the first side to the second side. Each of the first and second sides defines a proximal portion and a distal portion therealong. The distal portion of the first side is inwardly directed toward the distal portion of the second side. There is also a building module, a method for making a building module, and a method for constructing a building.

Abstract: Transportable unit for forming a straight parallelepiped-shaped residential space, provided with a bottom and a covering, and upright walls extending in between them, which walls can be converted between a—particularly retracted—transport position and a—particularly extended—operational position, in which the unit has a larger height, wherein the unit is equipped as a sanitary unit having a series of toilet bowls, urinals and/or showers.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes applying a liquid plural component polymer to a sloped roof to form a protective surface that inhibits moisture seepage to the roof sheathing. In some embodiments, the plural component polymer may be a polyurea compound having a hardening time that is less than approximately 10 minutes. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be aerated prior to application to the roof substrate. In some embodiments, one or more polystyrene panels may be affixed to the sloped roof prior to application of the liquid plural component polymer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates more particularly to improved flashings for use in integrating specialized roof-mounted structures, such as photovoltaic devices for the generation of electrical energy, with conventional roofing materials on a roof. In one aspect, the invention provides a flashing element having a cross-sectional shape comprising a laterally-extending flange, the flange having an edge, a first end and a second end, the side flashing element comprising a return hem disposed at the edge and comprising a folded-over strip of material disposed over the top surface of the flange at the edge, the return hem having a first end disposed toward the first end of the edge, and a second end disposed toward the second end of the edge, wherein the total thickness of the return hem at its second end is no greater than the interior thickness of the return hem at its first end.

Abstract: An air conditioning flashing hood adapted to be connected to the wall structure and extend through the exterior wall of the structure to provide a passage through which a refrigerant line and an electrical control line may extend to communicate with an external compressor. The air conditioning flashing hood includes an internal sealing element which compresses against the outer surface of the refrigerant line and the electrical control line to form a substantially weather-tight seal therebetween to mitigate fluid migration along the lines into the structure, as well as to provide a barrier for any bugs, debris or animals to keep such undesirable objects from entering the structure.

Abstract: A system and methods for the storage, and preservation of mechanical assets, including collectable automobiles, small airplanes and watercraft in a storage unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of asset modules. The volume of each asset module is variable. The atmosphere of each asset module may be controlled by a control system. Control of the atmosphere of each asset module includes control of parameters including the type of gas each atmosphere is composed of and the temperature, the pressure and relative humidity of each atmosphere. These parameters may be monitored and controlled from a remote location.

Abstract: A storm shelter (20) is provided which includes a front wall (22), rear wall (24), and retractable side wall (28, 30) and top wall (26) assemblies, whereby the shelter to be easily deployed and thereafter stowed between a retracted storage condition and an expanded use condition. The front wall (22) is equipped with a door (38), which can be selectively locked or unlocked so as to allow opening of the door from the inside or outside of the shelter. The shelter (20) is particularly useful when installed in a basement, garage, residence, commercial or industrial building, school or other habitable area, and provides excellent safety and security.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sustainable building system (SBS) that is affordable, capable of being replicated at a small and large scale, significantly reduces both the heating and cooling loads of the building as well as the total energy that the building consumes. Energy consumption can be reduced sufficiently that the building is capable of net-zero-energy status. That is, a building made using the system, method and components described herein can, with the inclusion of appropriate renewable energy technologies, generate on site all the energy that the building needs. Specific to this SBS is the design of a super-insulated and nearly air-tight building thermal envelop, that is, to the greatest extent possible, thermal-bridge-free and that has incorporated into that envelope high performance windows and doors.

Abstract: An antenna tower structure for wireless communication antennas includes an antenna cupola mounted on a tower based on at least one standardized ISBU shipping container that has been modified and erected to stand upright on a foundation. The modifications may include longitudinal reinforcements along at least two longitudinal edges of the container, mounting hardware at the two ends of the container, an access door on a side of the container, an access hatch in the upper end of the container, a ladder extending longitudinally inside the container, and a floor extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. The container provides a weather-protected climate-controlled interior space for sheltering electronics equipment. The cupola has antennas installed on at least one level, and may include shutters, a clock, a bell etc. to hide the antennas and disguise the tower. The exterior of the structure may be finished to match surrounding buildings.

Abstract: A component building system combines both precast elements and cast-in-place elements that is cost effective, more cultural acceptance, and adaptable for constructing single story to high-rise building structures. The component building system comprises mostly open rib or closed sandwich wall panel components that are limited or non-load bearing panel connecting between main columns in the concrete frame superstructure.

Abstract: A synthetic starter tile for an angled roof interface can include a non-planar body defining a longitudinal axis. The body can include an overlap edge perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, an exposed edge opposite the overlap edge, an overlap portion extending from the overlap edge, and an exposed portion extending from the overlap portion to the exposed edge. The exposed edge can form at least one acute compound angle, ACA, with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A roof panel system for use with a portable building is described herein. The portable building includes a support frame including a first wall plate, an opposite second wall plate, and a ridge beam positioned above the first and second wall plates. The ridge beam and the first and second wall plates extend between the first end wall and the second end wall along a longitudinal axis. The roof panel system includes a first panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the first wall plate and a second panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the second wall plate. Each of the first and second panel assemblies includes a plurality of pre-assembled, modular roof panels that are adapted to be coupled together to form the first panel assembly and second panel assembly, respectively.

Abstract: A durable, versatile, reusable landscaping curb system includes a plurality of sectional housings, yieldably connectable by joining clips, a typical housing section having a substantially hollow body, a substantially horizontal face on the top of the housing, the horizontal face supported by two sides, the two sides being first and second substantially vertical faces, the first and second substantially vertical faces disposed in a parallel relationship with respect to each other. The joining clips comprising two clip halves that can be paired to provide connection of two housing sections, or a single clip half may be attached to a specialized housing component, such as a terminating end, a foundation interface, a driveway interface, a patio interface, or an utilities feed interface.

Abstract: A portable tombstone includes a main body having a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is defined by an interior surface of the main body, and is filled with a weighting media to improve stability. The second cavity is defined by an exterior surface of the main body, and holds a capsule configured to contain ashes or mementos. The first cavity and the capsule are sealingly enclosed with a plug and a cap, respectively. The portable tombstone is molded from a polymeric material having a stone-like appearance.

Abstract: A head assembly includes a first portion including a first member and a first motor coupled to the first component, the first member configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation. The head assembly also includes a second portion including a second member and a second motor coupled to the second component, the second member configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation being different than the first axis of rotation. The head assembly also includes a third portion including a clamping assembly.

Abstract: A method includes accommodating a first mast section of a mast on a mast cart below a floor of a platform, the mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, and elevating, using actuators located on the mast cart, the first mast section through an opening in the platform. The method also includes attaching the first mast section to the platform using a plurality of holding locks located on the platform, accommodating a second mast section on the mast cart below the floor of the platform, and elevating the second mast section to the first mast section using the actuators. The method also includes attaching the first mast section to the second mast section, detaching the first mast section from the platform, elevating the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening using the actuators, and attaching the second mast section to the platform using the holding locks.

Abstract: A mast assembly including a locking actuator for locking a cradle of the mast in position. The locking actuator includes a housing having a first lock pin extending in a first direction and a movable member supported by the housing having a second lock pin extending in a second direction opposite the first, the locking actuator being slideably mounted to the cradle for sliding movement along an axis parallel to an axis of extension/retraction of the locking actuator. When the locking actuator is extended the first and second lock pins are inserted into respective lock holes in a base member thereby locking the cradle against pivoting movement relative to the base member.

Abstract: A derrick is disclosed. The derrick has a bottom section and a bottom-mid section. The derrick further may include a top-mid section and a top section, wherein a crown is disposed atop the top section and a travelling block is operatively coupled to the crown. The bottom section is separable into two split sections and the two split sections are configured so as to be disposed around the top-mid section such that the two split sections encompass the top-mid section. A hydraulic cylinder and plate mechanism (“locking dog mechanism”) is disposed on bottom section, wherein the mechanism is configured to hold the top-mid section when actuated. The bottom-mid section is sized to be moved into a space defined within the bottom section after the top-mid section has been raised above the bottom section.

Abstract: A support tile includes a tile main body, a support portion that is formed on a main body upper surface of the tile main body and supports a roof-installed object, an inclination adjusting portion that includes a through-hole portion and an inclination adjusting bolt, adjusts inclination of the tile main body, and a plurality of nail hole portions that penetrates through the tile main body and through which securing nails for securing the tile main body onto the roof surface are capable of being inserted, wherein the through-hole portion of the inclination adjusting portion penetrates through the tile main body and has an internal thread formed therein, and the inclination adjusting bolt of the inclination adjusting portion includes a bolt shaft which has an external thread, and a nail insertion hole which penetrates through the bolt shaft and through which a securing nail is capable of being inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and supporting a foundation is provided. The apparatus includes a pivoting bracket that is rotatably coupled to a slab bracket plate having a sleeve. The sleeve is adapted to slide onto a support structure driven into strata within a hole formed in a foundation in an area needing support. The pivoting bracket is pivoted into an insertion position in which one arm of the bracket is up and one arm is down. This enables the bracket to clear the sides of the hole in the foundation. The bracket is then pivoted to a support position and drawn upwardly with guide rods and a seating plate until seating portions of the bracket engage an underside surface of the foundation. The apparatus is then raised to lift the foundation. The sleeve of the apparatus is then affixed to the support structure to support the foundation.

Abstract: A stackable/foldable modular tie member and specially designed ICF tooling facilitate the manufacturing of a wide variety of ICF blocks having different widths and different heights, the present tie member including a variable width web portion which is positionable within a plurality of internal openings associated with a specially designed male tool, each internal opening being configured to receive folded web portions of varying length so that ICF blocks of different widths can be produced using the same male tool. Each internal opening likewise includes a tie engaging feature for holding the respective tie members in their folded position within the male tool during the molding process. The internal openings enable foldable tie members of different widths to be used in the same male and female tools for producing ICF blocks in different widths in each individual separate male tool.

Abstract: A ground anchor is provided for driving into the ground for anchoring or supporting a structure. The ground anchor includes a hub with a helical load bearing screw and a pointed ground engaging end. The ground engaging end has a blade extending axially from the hub with first and second opposing major faces and first and second transverse faces that converge at the axial end to a flat axial face. The blade has one or more diagonal frangible portions to define a diagonal break line. The breakable portion of the ground anchor penetrates the ground and breaks away from the blade when a predetermined torque or stress is applied to the blade. The breakable portion breaks away to form a ground engaging end having a dimension and surface area that is larger than the original ground engaging end.

Abstract: A high-strength rectangular pintle veneer tie and cavity wall anchoring system employing the same is disclosed. The rectangular wire formative construct optionally includes a square cross-section that provides greater volumetric occupancy than that of a similar diameter circular wire formative. The interengaging portions and insertion portion are optionally compressed for greater strength and the rectangular shaped interengaging portion provides a locking interconnection within the anchor precluding significant movement lateral with or normal to the inner wythe.

Abstract: A structural frame for a building includes first structural members and second structural members, with a discontinuous elastic zone at locations where the first and second structural members are coupled and through which a load passes therebetween. Discontinuous elastic zone connections couple the first and second structural members and are configured to provide elasticity in the structural frame and dampen the effects of transient loads on the structural frame.

Abstract: A system that facilitates water conservation and energy savings for a residential dwelling or home is provided. The system will increase the efficiency with which water is consumed by implementing a reclamation system for reusing water for selected tasks. Energy savings are enabled by utilizing unique insulating materials that allow the climate of the interior of a home to be controlled in a more affordable manner as less fuel/energy is required to heat/cool the home's interior.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight modular structure that can be transported to the surface of an extraterrestrial mass in one rocket payload, and assembled rapidly by two robots. The structure is airtight, thermally insulated, resistant to micro-meteoroid penetration, includes an airlock, provides radiation shielding, and is capable of being pressurized and equipped with life support systems. The structure is designed to bear the exterior load of being buried under one to two meters of extraterrestrial material on extraterrestrial masses with gravity up to 40% of Earth's gravity, a configuration that can provide additional thermal insulation, additional radiation protection, and additional protection against micrometeoroid penetration. The structure can be assembled in different configurations, and may include one or more windows, and hangar-style doors at one or both ends to accommodate passage of large items.

Abstract: A roofing product can include a substrate and a heater. The roofing product may be placed along portions of a roof where heat can help to reduce the likelihood of water freezing into ice while along a roof. In an embodiment, a hinge can be used in a roofing product to aid in folding of the roofing product or to retain a non-planar shape of the roofing product. The roofing product may or may not include a self-adhesive backing. A roofing product can include plurality of heaters that can provide sufficient heating should a particular heater fail. Method of fabricating the roofing product can be adapted for a fabrication line that can operate continuously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a life to waste to energy complex. In particular, the present invention comprises a work/living complex capable of highly efficiency resource allocation, use, and recycling or all community waste streams.

Abstract: A solar ridge vent includes an elongated laterally flexible panel having edge portions and ventilation grids extending along the edge portions. Channel members extend along the edge portions of the panel and define channels that have channel openings facing inwardly. The channels are sized to receive edges of auxiliary components to hold the auxiliary components on the ridge vent. The auxiliary components may be ridge cap shingles, slate cap shingles, light emitting emergency location panels, or fluid heating panels. In a preferred embodiment, solar power generating panels are configured to be mounted on the ridge vent with its edges held in the channels. A remote electrical box has chargeable batteries, a power inverter, and an AC outlet to provide electrical power in an emergency.