Abstract: The invention is about a supporting framework, having nodes and at least one framework component. The framework components are either panels or diagonal braces or a combination of them. At least one node has a connector and at least one bar. At least one connector has a plurality of bar receiving members that are located in a corresponding plurality of faces of an imaginary polyhedron and at least one bar has a first end, fixed to the one of the bar receiving members of the connector of a first node and a second end, fixed to the corresponding bar receiving member of the connector of another node.

Abstract: A method of installing a base isolation floor includes a base arrangement process for installing a plurality of plate-shaped bases, which are formed so that a plurality of upward convex curved surface portions are aligned on an upper surface, on double-sided tapes applied onto an upper surface of a floor over a plurality of columns to be substantially parallel to each other and thereby arranging the bases on the upper surface of the floor and a slide plate installation process for installing a plurality of plate-shaped slide plates having a substantially flat lower surface on the base.

Abstract: A curtain-wall system for a building comprises a plurality of prefabricated cells (2), wherein each cell (2) includes: a structural frame (10) with at least two uprights (11) and two end cross members (12), coupled together to form a perimetral structure that delimits an opening (V); one or more infill elements (14-16) associated to the structural frame (10) at a front thereof, for closing the opening (V) delimited by the perimetral structure; and interface sectional elements (20, 21; 70-72) for coupling the one or more infill elements (14-16) to the front of the structural frame (10). The uprights (11) and the cross members (12) of the structural frame (10) are uprights and cross members made of wood, the wooden uprights (11) having at least one first longitudinal groove (22) on a corresponding outer face, and the wooden cross members (12) having at least one second longitudinal groove (23) on a corresponding outer face.

Abstract: A curtain wall mullion or transom including a component made of a thermally insulating material bonded to a metal structural segment such that a stem of the component extends into a pocket defined by panels of a curtain wall system. The component may be a reinforced fiberglass polymer component and bonded to the metal segment with an adhesive and may isolate the metal structure from the atmosphere outside the curtain wall and may include a seal receiver which abuts a panel of the curtain wall. The metal segment may be made of steel or aluminum or other metal. A pultrusion method is used to make the fiberglass component to have a profile configured to cover an entirety of an outside of the mullion or transom and to have a pair of receivers for receiving seals to abut against panels of the curtain wall.

Abstract: A double-floor design with flooring panels and a support structure to be placed on a sub-floor on which the flooring panels can be laid abutting one another edge to edge and spaced from the sub-floor. The support structure includes support rails which extend below the joints between the flooring panels along the joints. The flooring panels and support rails include devices for vertically fitting the flooring panels onto the support rails, wherein the edge faces of the flooring panels forming the joints are pressed together horizontally.

Abstract: A steel article for false ceilings or for supporting false ceilings and process for making the article is described. The article has the following combination of features: maximum tensile strength Rm greater than 500 N/mm2 and elongation from 0% to 15%.

Abstract: An improved modular building panel and system for building construction is disclosed. The improved modular building panel comprises a novel honeycomb or lattice core comprising multiple layers of corrugated, preferably metal, components mechanically connected by any means known in the art, but which may be chemical bonding. External cladding layers comprising a novel cement mix comprising, in a preferred embodiment, Portland cement, silica sand, perlite, glass beads, and water, in combination with the honeycomb structure, provide a lightweight, highly durable, low-cost, projectile resistant, highly insulating, water, mold and mildew resistant, wind resistant novel modular wall system which is adapted for use in commercial, residential, and other construction and which provides superior security to the user. The modular building panel and system of the invention may be utilized for walls, roofs, floors, bridges, or other structures.

Abstract: In a column structure (10), a steel column (30) is joined to a base plate (16A). The steel column (30) is configured by a web (30A) and a pair of flanges (30B) provided at each of two width direction ends of the web (30A). A base plate (16A) is provided to first anchor bolts (24) and second anchor bolts (26) that are fixed to a foundation 12. The second anchor bolts (26) are provided further toward the web (30A) width direction inside than the first anchor bolts (24), and the yield deformation of the second anchor bolts (26) is set smaller than the yield deformation of the first anchor bolts (24).

Abstract: A single layer roofing material having a headlap portion and a tab portion wherein the headlap portion has a color-value gradient or gradation and the tab portion has tabs and openings. The tabs may have a relatively uniform color. Openings between tabs expose the color gradient of the headlap portion when a first sheet of the roofing material is installed over a second sheet on a structure. A plurality of horizontal striations may be used to establish the desired color-value gradient. An illusion of depth or thickness is created when the roofing material is applied to a structure, such as a roof deck. The amount of tone and contrast may be selected to create the desired illusion of depth or thickness. The amount of contrast may be varied depending upon the color selected for each roofing material. The number of horizontal striations and their width may also be varied to provide the desired color-value gradient. Tab color, shape and size may also be varied to enhance the illusion of depth.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a roof membrane is provided. The roofing membrane includes a main body, a first adhesive material, and a second adhesive material. The first adhesive material is bonded to a top surface of the main body and positioned toward a first edge thereof. The second adhesive material is bonded to the top surface of the main body and positioned toward a second edge thereof. The second edge is positioned opposite the first edge such that the first and second adhesive materials are positioned toward opposite edges of the main body and the same surface thereof.

Abstract: A guard assembly for a skylight. The assembly includes rails positioned on opposing sides of a skylight frame, connected by tension members that act to pull the rails laterally toward each other, causing the rails to clamp onto the skylight frame. The assembly can be coupled to the skylight without need for penetration fasteners that can cause the skylight to leak. The rails and tension members can be custom sized to proper dimension at a work site. In one embodiment, the guard assembly includes modular reinforcement components that spread out local clamping forces over a large area to mitigate the generation of yield and creep stresses that would otherwise cause the guard assembly to loosen over time. The guard assembly includes a guard structure that extends over the skylight and, in various embodiments, can be readily removed from the guard assembly for servicing of the skylight.

Abstract: A gutter cover for covering a gutter supported by gutter hangers is disclosed. The gutter cover has a central portion and a front portion configured to extend downward from the central portion to contact front portions of the gutter hangers. The front cover portion includes a plurality of louver drains, each of which comprises a drain opening and a raised louver above the drain opening.

Abstract: A modular stairway preferably includes a tubular beam, a plurality of stringers and a plurality of stair treads. A short modular stairway includes at least two stringers and a plurality of stair treads. The tubular beam includes a rectangular tube, a first end plate and a second end plate. A plurality of redundant tube access openings are formed through a length of each side of the rectangular tube. A fastener hole pattern is formed concentric with each tube access opening. Each stringer includes an elongated section and an end plate. A plurality of redundant stringer access openings are formed through a length of the elongated section. A fastener hole pattern is formed concentric with each stringer access opening. The stair tread is preferably fabricated from a single piece of material. The stair tread includes a step section, a first attachment flange, a support section and a second attachment flange.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing floor panels, wherein boards of laminate material are formed by means of a press treatment and wherein these boards are divided into several panels, from which the actual floor panels are formed. In a press treatment of the method, at least one impression is provided in the board, which at least is employed as a guiding groove for guiding the aforementioned board or the subsequently obtained panels in further treatments.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing floor panels that have at least a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate, the top layer including a thermoplastic layer that is translucent or transparent, the method may involve providing the top layer, including the thermoplastic layer, on the substrate. The method may also involve heating at least the thermoplastic layer, and structuring the thermoplastic layer using a mechanical press element.

Abstract: A work machine capable of decreasing the height of a work attachment in a folded state and suppressing the influence on the operability during demolishing operation. An arm has a surface facing downward when the attachment is in a folded posture, and the surface includes a flat arm contact surface capable of making contact with a mounting surface, on which a work attachment is mounted; and an attachment surface that extends in the direction away from the mounting surface. A work device cylinder is attached to the attachment surface so as not to make contact with the mounting surface. When the attachment is in the attachment folded posture, the arm contact surface is more parallel to a boom upper surface than a boom-side sloped surface and an arm-side sloped surface or is parallel to the boom upper surface.

Abstract: Pool cover components that are more resistant to corrosion than current cover assemblies and polymer hubs that separate potentially corrosive-prone components from one another. The polymer hubs isolate dissimilar metals, preventing them from conducting electricity and speeding the corrosion process. There may be a coating on one or more of the components to prevent electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A collapsible portable pool chair is provided that can adapt to a pool wall and enable a user to be partially submerged while in a stable, upright position. The pool chair comprises a pool wall attachment assembly and a seat assembly pivotally connected to each other.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface including a hollow body, a guiding and driving device for guiding and moving the hollow body over the immersed surface, the hollow body having a base immediately facing immersed surface, at least one liquid inlet, at least one member protruding from the base of the hollow body towards the immersed surface, wherein it includes, immediately in front of a protruding member, in a movement direction of the hollow body, at least one member, called an anti-blocking member, which can rotate about a rotation axis which is fixed in relation to said protruding member, the anti-blocking member being provided in order to be able to roll over an obstacle of the immersed surface, and to drive the protruding member in movement so as to overcome the obstacle.

Abstract: The present invention is an enclosed and transportable skid mounted utility apparatus. The apparatus includes an enclosure disposed on a transportable skid. The enclosure has a floor, end and side walls and a roof. The enclosure also includes one or more generator assemblies. The one or more generator assemblies provide power to one or more breaker boxes located in the enclosure. The one or more breaker boxes transfer the power to one or more transformers located on a wall of the enclosure. The one or more transformers transform and transfer the power to an electrical distribution panel in the enclosure. A water tank is also disposed in the enclosure. A water manifold is coupled to the water tank, and the water manifold includes a pump that uses power generated from the one or more generator assemblies.

Abstract: A loss prevention device, method and system for a structure subject to aerodynamic lift upon exposure to a wind event is disclosed having at least one tensioner coupled to the structure, at least one anchor attached to a fixed surface, and at least one barrier semipermeable to airflow connected between the at least one anchor and the at least one tensioner and exposed to said wind event. A fraction of a wind energy of said wind event is divided between the structure and the barrier, such that a lift force induced in the structure by the wind energy is at least partially counteracted by a strain induced in the barrier by the wind energy.

Abstract: A pole mounting system comprises a support mounting and a pole base. The support mounting has a receiving aperture that tapers conically inwardly from a receiving aperture, and at least one helical guide channel is formed in a wall of the receiving recess and extends axially away from the receiving aperture. Each guide channel has a terminal reverse bend. The pole base has an insertion end tapering conically inwardly toward a tip thereof and having guide post(s) extending laterally therefrom. The insertion end and the receiving recess are of complementary shape. The insertion end of the pole base is inserted into the receiving recess with each guide post aligned with the entrance of a corresponding guide channel and rotated in one direction and then the other to drive the guide post(s) along the guide channel(s) until the outer surface of the insertion end engages the wall of the receiving recess.

Abstract: A boat trailer canopy can include a frame configured to be connected to a boat trailer, the frame including a plurality of spaced apart ribs extending along a longitudinal axis of the boat trailer, each rib of the plurality of ribs substantially arching the boat trailer, and a cover extending over frame.

Abstract: An adjustable shade greenhouse device selectively controls light exposure within a greenhouse. The device includes a frame having spaced cross members arching between lateral sides of the frame. Outermost cross members are positioned at respective ends of the frame. Spacers are each coupled to outermost cross members and spaced longitudinal supports are coupled to and extend between associated pairs of the spacers such that each longitudinal support extends along the frame in inwardly spaced relationship to the cross members. An interior cover is supported by the longitudinal supports. A shade has a lower edge coupled to one of the lateral sides of the frame. A transport bar coupled to the frame is selectively movable along the cross members with a top end of the shade wherein the shade is selectively extendable and retractable over the frame by movement of the transport bar.

Abstract: A fence post construction provides a method for notch-supporting mesh fencing. The fence post construction is constructed from a load-bearing material and has a post axis, an upper post end, and a lower post end. The material construction is formed to include laterally opposed wing portions extending outwardly relative to the post axis, each of which preferably include a series of laterally paired notch arrangements. Each notch arrangement is T-shaped, and provide an upper notch portion, a lower notch portion collinear with the upper notch portion, a stem notch portion orthogonal to the upper and lower notch portions, a downwardly extending upper wing arm, and an upwardly extending lower wing arm. the lower notch portion and lower wing arm are preferably at least twice the length of the upper notch portion and upper wing arm relative to the stem portion.

Abstract: A locking device has adjustable device parts, one of which comprises a locking element and another comprises a support part. A latch can be moved between a closed and an open position. A knee lever comprises a first arm pivotable about a pivot axis and a second arm, pivotable relative to the first arm about a knee joint axis. The latch is drivably connected to the knee lever so that in the closed position, the arms are pivoted into a first pivot position located near the dead center point of the knee lever and the knee lever can be positioned against a point of abutment distanced from the pivot axis. The knee lever can be moved by an actuator connectable to an electrical energy storage unit from the first pivot position across its dead center point into a second pivot position corresponding to the open position.

Abstract: A latch assembly configured to attach to a door includes one of a knob and a lever. The latch assembly further includes a latch extending from the door. A spindle is rotatable from a first position to a second position to move the latch from an extended position to a retracted position. A first biasing member is selectively operable to bias the spindle toward the first position. A second biasing member is selectively operable to bias the spindle toward the first position. An actuator is movable between a knob position in which only one of the first biasing member and the second biasing member biases the spindle toward the first position and a lever position in which both the first biasing member and the second biasing member cooperate to bias the spindle toward the first position.

Abstract: A lockset is actuable by pivoting a handle about a longitudinal axis of the lockset by rotating the handle and by pivoting the handle about an axis transverse to the lockset axis, such as by pushing or pulling. The lockset includes an inside handle and an outside handle, each associated with an independent mechanism, each of which can independently actuate the lockset. A locking mechanism prevents actuation of a first one of the independent handle mechanisms without affecting operation of the other handle mechanism. Upon actuation of the other handle mechanism, a retractor engages a surface of the locking mechanism and removes it from engagement with the first locking mechanism. An adjustment ring has a first configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a first standard thickness and a second configuration that centers the lockset in a door having a second standard thickness.

Abstract: A device adapted to secure at least one securing member with a security link with a lock having a body and a shackle. The security link comprising a body with a surface and a hasp, the surface having a first and a second opening through the body, the hasp enabled to be captured by the shackle of the lock. The first opening enabled to secure the securing member when the lock is secured in the second opening. The securing member enabled to be removed from the security link when the lock is removed from the second opening. The shackle does not directly hold at least one securing member.

Abstract: A lock mechanism (1) for a motor vehicle lock (2) comprising a rotary catch (6), a pawl (9) for positive locking the catch (6) in a preliminary-closed stop position (8) as well as in a fully-closed stop position (7), and a blocking lever (14) for blocking the pawl (9) when the pawl (9) is in its preliminary-closed position (8) as well as in its fully-closed stop position (7).

Abstract: Systems, devices and components for the sealing of doors, including overhead doors at loading docks, and associated methods of manufacture and use are disclosed herein. A door sealing system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a seal extension having a body with a first edge and a second edge. The seal extension can include a bulb seal portion extending from the first edge to form a first seal between the door and a first surface extending adjacent to a side edge of the door. The seal extension can also include a blade seal portion extending from the second edge to form a second seal between the door and a second surface extending adjacent to an upper edge of the door.

Abstract: An overhead door with spring-loaded roller hinges that push the door against its frame or weather stripping to provide an effective weather and thermal seal when the door is closed. The spring-loaded roller hinges are readily retrofit to overhead doors with conventional roller hinges. Each hinge spaces and pivotally secures a roller hub from the base of the hinge. The roller hub is pivotally secured to an inside flange and movably held by an elongated slot in an outer flange. The roller hub supportingly receives the axel of a wheel that rollingly engages a track fixed to the vertical sides of the door frame. Each roller hinge has a spring that biases its roller hub and wheel rearwardly against the fixed track, which pushes the door panels forward and into sealing engagement with the door frame or its weather stripping.

Abstract: In a damper, a case member has a body, a flange formed at one end of the body, and a bottom formed at the other end of the body. A pin member has a head, that protrudes from an opening of the flange and a shaft that is connected to the head and has a stopper on an end thereof. The bottom has a retaining hole, into which the tip of the shaft is inserted, for stopping the stopper. The body has locking claws, for sandwiching the rim of the mounting hole against the flange.

Abstract: A drive device for embarkation and disembarkation devices of public transportation vehicles includes a drive unit arranged within and for driving a rotary column. The drive unit rotates the rotary column about the rotary column longitudinal axis Z-Z during opening and closing processes of the embarkation and disembarkation devices. The drive device is supported on the vehicle. The drive unit includes a drive motor, a non-self-locking reduction gear, and a controllable blocking component with which a rotation of the rotary column can be blocked. The drive device further includes a sensor for detecting the magnitude of an external force, wherein the force acts on the drive device. The drive device further includes an element for analyzing signals of the sensor and for triggering the blocking effect of the blocking component when an external force measured by the sensor exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: In order to pivot the encasement provided with glass panes about the pivotal axis thereof in an opening frame, a mobile blade at the bottom of the frame is pressed down and the pivotal movement is initiated in one direction or the other after unlocking the spring blocks bearing the blades covering the grooves of the vertical profiles of the frame. The seal having a U profile slightly lifts the blade and the covering blade of the upper profile of the frame, whereby the pivoting of the frame is continued until, if the lower blade has been released in the meantime, the ledge of the flange of the upper profile of the encasement abuts the side edge of this same blade while the ribbed blade enters the opening of the U seal of the upper profile.

Abstract: A stock supply station for use in a insulated glass unit component production line includes a plurality of rotatable sheet stock coils, an indexing mechanism, and an uncoiling mechanism. The indexing mechanism is coupled to the sheet stock coils for indexing a selected one of the sheet stock coils to an uncoiling position. The uncoiling mechanism selectively uncoils sheet stock from a sheet stock coil indexed to the uncoiling position to thereby provide sheet stock to a downstream processing station.

Abstract: A method for assembling insulating glass panes from two or more glass sheets filled with a gas other than air, two plates facing each other, arranged parallel to each other vertically or inclined with adjustable mutual distance, a horizontal conveyor arranged near the lower edge of the plates, a first sealing device and a second sealing device, positioned at the protruding edges of both the plates or near these edges or between the plates and can extend between the horizontal conveyor and a point lying above the horizontal conveyor, and having means for feeding a gas other than air into a chamber, delimited on both the sides by the two plates and by the two sealing devices. For assembling overlong insulating glass panes, the glass sheets, at one of which a frame-like spacer is attached on both the sides, are positioned between the plates opposite each other.

Abstract: The present invention features an indoor smoking hood system disposed on a sash window frame. The hood comprises a first side tubular frame and a second tubular frame. The frames are joined together by adjustment locks for the attachment of variable window width. The frames are attached to the window frame via a plurality of window clamps. A hood frame is slidably and pivotably attached to the first side tubular frame and second tubular frame. A clear plastic hood provides enclosure of the hood for a smoking area. A fan plate is attached to the top of the tubular frame with a plurality of fan plate clips. An exhaust fan is installed on the fan plate to air in the hood to outdoor.

Abstract: A chain control device for inhibiting movement of chains used in window blinds, shades and the like for moving the blinds between operative positions. The chain control device is secured at a location remote from the shades' clutch/drive housing. The chain control device is characterized by redirecting tension forces applied by the user of the blinds away from the shade drive.

Abstract: A level adjusting device for the bottom rail of a window covering is disclosed. This device has a housing having a base, a top and a sidewall extending between the base and the top. The top has an opening through which a lift cord passes. The base has a first opening through which a lift cord passes and a second opening. A spindle is positioned within the housing, such that the bottom end of the spindle is positioned over the second opening in the bottom of the housing. That bottom end is configured to receive a tool for turning the spindle. The spindle has a peripheral edge with spaced apart notches that are engaged by a projection extending from the housing. Turning the spindle causes the lift cord to be wound around or unwound from the spindle which shortens or lengthens that lift cord to level the bottom rail.

Abstract: An end guide for a cord attachment device includes a cloth. The cloth is configured to fold over, unto, and overlap itself. The cloth has three portions. The first and second portions are longer than a third portion. The cloth is folded axially about a central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis spans from the proximal end to the distal end of the cloth. The folding causes the first and second portions to overlap. A plurality of flutes are configured in the cloth by a plurality of stitch lines running parallel to each other and extending through first and second sides (the front and back) of the cloth and extending through the overlap of the first and second portions. At least one of the plurality of stitch lines are located between each of the flutes. The flutes span to both the proximal and distal ends of the cloth.

Abstract: A portable gate module for selectively opening and closing a path through a secured perimeter can include a base structure, a gate support structure, a gate such as a gate panel structure with chain link or other fill structure, a power source, and a drive structure. The base structure can be configured to be removably positionable in the secured perimeter adjacent the path. The gate module can be configured as a pre-cast unit that can be quickly and easily placed into location at a remote or unimproved location such that a gate system can be quickly effected with minimal effort or expertise at the installation location.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations, especially in horizontal wells. The shape, frequency and duration of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths, through which flow may be parallel or sequential. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill string and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A drill bit configured for boring holes or wells into the earth, the drill bit having a face and a plurality of zones, the drill bit having geometrically sharp inserts located in an inner zone and non-geometrically sharp inserts located in an outer zone.

Abstract: Improvements to base beams and self-propelled derrick rigs are described. The base beam can have two or more stabilizer arms which can be deployed. The base beam is also designed to support the derrick rig. An optional counterweight assembly can be connected to the front of the rig. The self-propelled derrick rig can be easily and quickly mounted to the base beam, and when mounted, the assembly will be able to withstand high hook loads and wind loading without the danger of the rig coming off of its wheels or falling over.

Abstract: A riser clamp (20) comprising a first jaw portion (211) and a second jaw portion (212) that can be opened and closed relative to each other. The jaw portions (211/212) each comprise a thermoplastic body (301/302) that can be, for example, injection molded pieces of polyethylene (e.g., HDPE). The jaw portions (211/212) can be connected by a hinge (39) that is integrally formed therewith. The clamp (20) can also include cradles (701/702) and caps (711/712) for holding auxiliary lines.

Abstract: A portable moveable horizontal to vertical pipe handler for a drilling rig having a high load non-deforming frame; a plurality of hydraulic lifting cylinders secured between the high load non-deforming frame and a hydraulic power unit; a tapered beam attached to the frame, a plurality of bottom and top securing grippers for grabbing a tubular; a pinion allowing the tapered beam with grippers holding a tubular to pivot from a horizontal position to a vertical position using the hydraulic lifting cylinders; a pair of moveable skates connected to the tapered beam to elevate the tubular and a controller communication with the hydraulic lifting cylinder, the securing grippers and the skates. The controller has a processor with computer instructions for operating the hydraulic cylinders, moveable skates, and securing grippers synchronously or independently.

Abstract: A pipe handling system for locating a pipe joint in a joining assembly that includes an internal joining tool and an external joining tool is provided. The system includes a gripper configured to grip a surface of the pipe joint; an elevator configured to pick up the pipe joint and position the pipe joint adjacent a string of pipe disposed in the external joining tool; and a deployment assembly coupled to the gripper, wherein the deployment assembly includes a cable that is used to position the internal joining tool inside the pipe joint.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a plurality of dogs, each dog being circumferentially adjacent to at least one other dog in the plurality and each dog including a load bearing surface. An extender body is operatively arranged to transition the plurality of dogs between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The load bearing surface of each dog is operatively arranged in the extended configuration for engaging against a shoulder of a radially adjacent structure for supporting the lock assembly. The load bearing surfaces of the dogs together form a substantially circumferentially continuous shape when arranged in one of the retracted or extended configurations. And method of locking radially adjacent components.