Abstract: A new adaptable grid or lattice structure identified by the coined term “polargrid” is disclosed. A polargrid may be designed or engineered to fill any space between two generally circular structures and where the ribs will intersect with both circular structures at a node. The intersection of a polargrid with a circular structure will not occur mid-rib. Rather, a polargrid can be designed to always have ribs terminate at an inner or outer circular structure at a node. Polargrids have particular applicability in cylindrical structures or when interconnecting concentric circular or cylindrical structures that may or may not be co-planar.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, 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 a bottom 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 on opposite surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A cover mat suitable for use in preventing debris from entering a rain gutter does not require support when positioned in the gutter other than by portions of the rain gutter engaging the cover mat. The cover mat is formed of a nonwoven polyester fiber material that is coated with a stiffening agent, such as a styrene monomer that will add stiffness without significantly affecting the flow of fluids through the porous or liquid permeable fiber mat.

Abstract: An exemplary stair nosing assembly comprises an elongated base, a plate adhered to the base, and a cover temporarily covering the base and the plate. The base has at least one anchor portion extending downwardly from the upper portion for attaching to a lip of a tread pan and/or embedding in a concrete tread. The plate can have various features to enhance traction and visibility. The cover has front and rear lips that engage with front and rear edges of the base, and a weakened region adjacent the rear lip. When the assembly is embedded in a concrete tread, the cover is configured to fracture at the weakened region when the front lip of the cover is lifted upward from the base, leaving the rear lip remaining embedded in the concrete and allowing the rest of the cover to be removed to expose upper surfaces of the base and plate.

Abstract: Insulated wall and roof sheathing systems for use in building construction designed to provide moisture permeable wall panels that protect from bulk water, excess air, and thermal transfer.

Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.

Abstract: Waterproof engineered floor and wall planks have a veneer layer, an extruded plastic composite core, a click-lock edge fastening system, and, alternatively, an underlayer.

Abstract: A skimming tool 1 for smoothing and levelling wet plaster applied to a surface comprising: an elongate generally rectangular, flat, flexible, elastomeric web 2 and an elongate, substantially rigid handle 3 connected to and extending along substantially the length of one long edge of the web, wherein the handle is adapted to be gripped by the user.

Abstract: A tile floor adhesive spreader device and method of spreading tile adhesive in a defined pathway comprises a rectangular frame having a first and second set of roller wheels, removable side inserts, a rear trowel blade and a defined railway for guiding the second set of wheels along a straight pathway. The frame is one comprising four side panels having width adjustment, an open interior section for retaining pouring adhesive and upstanding posts for slideably retaining the frame side inserts and allowing the inserts to slide against and follow the subfloor surface. The rear trowel blade is adjustably mounted to the rear of the frame for defining the upper surface of the adhesive aft of the frame, while the first set of wheels rolls along a surface placed over installed tile and the second set of wheels travels along an upstanding portion of an L-shaped guide rail.

Abstract: A collapsible, mobile sanitary unit for accommodating sanitary facilities such as toilets, showers and washbasins, the unit including a bottom, a circumferential wall, a roof element, and a partition subdividing the interior space into separate compartments, the unit further includes doors for accessing the compartments, and the wall including pivotally connected wall elements arranged to pivot to collapse the unit to reduce the wall height thereof.

Abstract: A riser assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first skin. A second skin is spaced from the first skin. A core is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A framework is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A portion of the framework is positioned laterally outside the core. A method of supporting an accessory relative to a riser assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a rostrum, comprising a rostrum support structure comprising a plurality of frame units; the frame units comprising at least a first frame unit, a second frame unit which is retractable in a retraction direction from an extended position into the first frame unit, and a third frame unit, which is retractable in the retraction direction from an extended position into the second frame unit, a latching mechanism is provided which is configured so that the third frame unit cannot be retracted from the extended position into the second frame unit until the second frame unit has been retracted from the extended position into the first frame unit. A respective deck is engaged with each respective frame unit.

Abstract: A mixed-class service multiple-tier theater that allows different patrons attending the same movie to experience differing levels of service depending on how much they wish to pay. There are two tiers for seating. The upper tier would be for regular, stadium style seating, while the lower tier would be for VIP seating with fully reclining seats. The lower and upper tiers are completely separated, each offering its own ingress/egress access, with a balcony overhang from the upper tier cantilevered over the lower tier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frustoconical- or truncated pyramid-shaped support structure for wind-driven power generators which is formed by several precast concrete panels having the same dimensions, without horizontal joints between panels, which allows obtaining different section widths by means of a platform-guide that can be adjusted to one of said panels.

Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a rigid, elongate body and a cavity extending within the body and configured to receive an end of a post of a selected size and shape. A unique identifier is provided that differentiates the post sleeve from other post sleeves. The unique identifier can be in the form of a string of characters or symbols affixed to the post sleeve, or can be in a machine readable format, such as a bar code or a radio frequency identification tag. The unique identifier can include elements denoting additional information, such as a manufacturer's serial number, a model number, a date of manufacture, a name of a manufacturer, or a place of manufacture.

Abstract: A shelter includes a number of vertical support legs, and a mounting member coupled to vertical support legs. A collapsible truss section interconnects the vertical support legs to support a canopy. At least one buckle mechanism comprising a first releasably engageable body and a second releasably engageable body. The first releasably engageable body is attached to the collapsible truss section and is configured to receive the second releasably engageable body attached to the canopy thereby coupling the canopy to the collapsible truss section. Additional examples include a cable that spans between an adjacent pair of vertical support legs around a periphery of the shelter. The cable is seated within the channel of the mounting member. At least one curtain coupled to the cable by a releasably engageable fastener. The fastener is slidable along the cable to facilitate movement of the curtain.

Abstract: A first and second of fence post bracket is provided that function together to secure a wire fence to a T-post fence post. The brackets comprise a complimentary bracket pair that secure a portion of wire fence to a T-post and utilize existing T-post lugs and T-post flanges as support. Each bracket comprises an upstanding portion having a fastener aperture, and a hook end with an open notch. The base of the bracket extends substantially perpendicular to the upstanding portion and includes a U-shaped fitting. The fitting is configured to wrap around the exposed outer edge of a T-post flange, while the upstanding portion is configured to extend away from the post between two T-post lugs. The two brackets are fastened together to provide an enclosed area between the bracket notches and the post, wherethrough a portion of the wire fence is supported.

Abstract: An assembled fence includes a transverse bar, a vertical bar and a clip, wherein the clip is an elastic non-metal clip. Due to the installation of the elastic non-metal clip, all fence parts, including the clip, can be assembled in the assembly site; the clip which does not need to be assembled in the vertical bar in advance will not be damaged and is free from a problem of scratching other parts such as the vertical bar in a transportation process; and the non-metal clip is low in cost.

Abstract: A latch assembly for securing a furnace door to a furnace casing includes a latch for placement on an inside of the furnace door; a knob for placement on a front surface of the furnace door; a latch plate for placement between the latch and the knob; and a threaded screw for threadably coupling the knob to the latch. The latch plate supports the weight of the furnace door in a closed position and reduces a pinch force used for rotating the knob.

Abstract: An article including a key comprising a key head that slides along a key shaft, said key head being affixable to said key shaft with a fastener.

Abstract: A security device may include a spool, locking mechanism, button, plug, and latch. The spool is configured to either wind or unwind a cable for wrapping around an object. The locking mechanism is configured to partially lock the spool. The button may be used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The button may be blocked by inserting a plug into a housing of the device such that the button cannot be activated to unlock the spool. The plug may be secured to the housing through the latch that prevents the unauthorized removal of the plug. For an enhanced locking feature, the latch and the plug may be configured to require at least two forces to move the latch and free the plug. The spool, locking mechanism, and button may be stacked along a common axis to provide a more compacted design.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for securing articles, such as electronic articles (for example, laptop computers and the like) for theft deterrence or prevention. In some embodiments, theft deterrence is provided by securing the article(s) to an object that makes the task of removing the article more difficult for a would-be thief. Locking the article into the system or device often inhibits access to various fastening devices to further deter/prevent theft.

Abstract: A back cover with an anti-theft function is for containing a monitor body cooperatively with a front frame and includes a reinforcement rib structure and a cover body having an anti-theft hole. The reinforcement rib structure is formed on an inner side of the cover body facing the monitor body and includes a first ring-shaped rib disposed around the anti-theft hole, a second ring-shaped rib disposed around the first ring-shaped rib, two longitudinal ribs, and four transverse ribs. The two longitudinal ribs extend respectively from a top end and a bottom end of the first ring-shaped rib to the second ring-shaped rib along a center longitudinal axis of the first ring-shaped rib. The four transverse ribs extend respectively from two sides of the first ring-shaped rib to the second ring-shaped rib along a center transverse axis of the first ring-shaped rib in a symmetrical arrangement.

Abstract: An integrated lock and latch device for use in sliding sash windows includes a lock assembly including a sweep cam that has a pinion portion adjacent and extending downwardly from it. The pinion portion presents gear teeth extending outwardly. A tilt latch assembly including a sliding bolt is biased toward an extended position where a terminal portion of the sliding bolt extends outwardly. The sliding bolt has at least one track portion. The sweep cam is rotatably shiftable between a locked position where the sweep cam is engaged to the keeper, an intermediate unlocked position where the sweep cam is disengaged from the keeper and a tilt position where the sweep cam is disengaged from the keeper and the first gear teeth are engaged to the second gear teeth and the sliding bolt is withdrawn inwardly from the extended position.

Abstract: A hinge structure having the characteristics of space-saving and ease of installation is disclosed to include a mounting base member affixed to a base member of a low profile flip-up electronic product, female hinge shafts fixedly mounted in the mounting base member, a male hinge shaft affixed to a cover member of the flip-up electronic product and rotatably and axially movably inserted through the female hinge shafts, and a rotary knob coupled with one end of the male hinge shaft and rotatable to move the male hinge shaft axially relative to the female hinge shafts and the mounting base member.

Abstract: This top hung door assembly (10) for a merchandiser includes a pair of doors 12, 14 each having an upper frame member (20) including a metal reinforcing member (22). An upper track member (16) is provided including depending flange members (36) and (38) each having a roller mounting portion (48). A pair of spaced wheel assemblies (60) is provided including a bracket (50) having a lower portion (54) connected to the upper door frame and an upper portion (52) carrying a pair of rollers (60) received by the roller mounting portion (46). The upper track member (16) includes associate track members (46) having spaced notches (49) to facilitate mounting the doors. Also the flange members have flexible tips (44) facilitating the sealing and mounting of the doors.

Abstract: A powered garage door opener is provided for operating a garage door between an open and closed position. The powered garage door opener comprises a main housing mounted adjacent the garage door. An electric motor and gear train assembly is mounted within the main housing and coupled to the garage door to drive the garage door between the open and closed positions. A power supply is mounted within the main housing and electrically connected to the electric motor and gear train assembly. A control module is mounted within the main housing and electrically connected to the power supply and the electric motor and gear train assembly for controlling selective actuation of the electric motor and gear train assembly.

Abstract: A power tailgate system for a vehicle includes an actuator for moving a tailgate of the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The power tailgate system also includes a spring spaced apart from the actuator for counter-balancing a weight of the tailgate and a coupler assembly for removably coupling the tailgate to the power tailgate system.

Abstract: A paper sheet storage container and a paper handling apparatus that includes the container. The container includes an outer case, an open-closable door attached to the outer case, a lock that locks the door in a closed state with respect to the outer case, and a seal attachment portion that seals the door closed with respect to the outer case, so as to indicate that the door is closed with respect to the outer case, and to lock the door in the closed state with respect to the outer case. The paper sheet handling apparatus, includes a storage container mounting portion detachably mounted with the paper sheet storage container, which may function for storage of banknotes for handling within an outer case.

Abstract: A composite frame member includes a pair of profile members extending in a longitudinal direction (Z) and held at connection regions thereof in a parallel, spaced apart relation by an insulating bridge member. The bridge member carries first and second head portions on opposite ends in a height direction (Y) wherein the head portions define outer planar surfaces and first and second inner planar surfaces. The first outer planar surface and the first and second inner planar surfaces of each head portion are mutually parallel and spaced apart in the height direction (Y). Opposed first and second flange members of each connection region are crimped inwardly and abut the outer planar surfaces and generate holding forces F exclusively in the height direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal (Z) and transverse (X) directions.

Abstract: A supplemental window for fenestration suitable for use with existing windows. The supplemental window, in one embodiment, comprises a frame with plastic sheet material stretched across it. An attachment mechanism secured to the frame functions to fasten the supplemental window to an existing window. The attachment mechanism can be a suction cup or adhesive for example. A seal attached to the frame functions to trap a volume of air between the window pane and the plastic sheet material. An aesthetic covering and draft inhibiting mechanism are also provided. The supplemental window is configured such that the layer of trapped air is of an optimum thickness of 0.15 to 0.75 inches to maximize thermal insulation properties of the supplemental window.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulating double glazing comprising a sheet of glass which has on the face (2) an assembly of layers known as low-emissivity layers, produced by sputtering and comprising at least one infrared-reflecting metallic layer, the other glass sheet comprising on the face (4) one or more metal oxide layers deposited by gas pyrolysis, the space located between the sheets being sealed and filled with insulating gas composed of krypton for at least 86% by volume and at most 5% of air, this glazing having a light transmission which is no less than 60% (for thicknesses of the clear glass sheets of 4 mm), wherein said metal oxide layers comprising a doped tin oxide layer having haze of less than 0.3%, Ra of less than 10 nm, and thickness of not less than 200 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular door having at least one door panel, premanufactured stiles and at least two rails, and is held together using rods optionally having at least one stabilizer; a modular door kit containing said components; and a method of assembling a modular door having said components without requiring adhesives or any extra fasteners.

Abstract: A powered door for nuclear power plant consists of an embedded steel plate, a door frame welded on the embedded steel plate, a pair of hinge devices, a group of door panels, a group of opening and closing devices and a group of bolt devices; the door panels are fixedly arranged within the door frame through the hinge devices; the opening and closing devices are arranged at the upper ends of the door panels, and the bolt devices are arranged in the internal sides of the door panels. The powered door is fire-proof, explosion-proof and bulletproof, and is safe and long in service life, thus, the powered door can be used for nuclear power engineering which is constructed based on new standards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glazing panel (100), particularly an insulated glazing panel, comprising at least a first (10) and a second (11) sheet of glass which are joined together by an intercalated surround (12) which holds them a certain distance apart, and between said at least two sheets of glass at least one internal space (15) closed by the intercalated surround positioned around said internal space. According to the invention, the intercalated surround (12) comprises an opening (122) causing the internal space (15) to communicate with the outside of the panel, the panel comprises at least one electrically conducting element (14) inserted into the opening, a first end (141) of the conducting element being situated inside the internal space and a second end (142) of the conducting element being situated outside the internal space, and the panel also comprises a first plug (17) of thermoplastic elastomer material closing the opening (122) around the electric conducting element.

Abstract: A door assembly including two opposite members, at least one of which is a rotatable door, and a closing system which is provided for mounting to one of the opposite members, and where the closing system includes a holder profile, and at least one engaging member for engaging a complementary edge part on the opposite member to maintain the door in closed position. The engaging is at least partly elastically deformable to enable opening of the door in at least one direction. The closing system also includes a blocking member to prevent opening of the door in one direction or the other. The engaging and blocking members are formed by mutually exchangeable strips which are compressible and are releasably mountable to the holder profile of the closing system.

Abstract: An improved roll-up door assembly (10) is configured to be coupled to a storage container, such as a truck trailer (11), and broadly comprises: a roll-up door including a plurality of door panels (12A-12G), of which adjacent panels are hingedly coupled to one another; a hinge (29) having an first hinge plate (30) coupled directly to a bottom panel (12A) of the door, having a second hinge plate (31), and having a hinge joint (32) pivotally coupling the first and second hinge plates to one another for enabling relative movement therebetween; a bottom roller (33) coupled to the second hinge plate for movement therewith about the joint; a counterbalance mechanism mounted on the storage container; a cable (22) connecting the counterbalance mechanism to the bottom door panel; and a snubber (26) surrounding the cable and adapted to engage the counterbalance mechanism when the bottom door panel is moved toward the counterbalance mechanism.

Abstract: Screens for use in door or window openings are disclosed. The screens have a screen frame having at least one portion fabricated from a material possessing spring-like characteristics and a screen mesh that is secured to the screen frame to cover the door or window opening. The screen frame and screen mesh are in tension when the screen resides in the door or window opening. The screen frame may be deformed temporarily, due to its fabrication, allow for simple and easy removal and insertion of the screens into the door or window opening.

Abstract: A ladder rest and restraining device is provided for the edge of a roof or other elevated structure which is regularly or periodically accessed by means of an extension ladder or other similar device. The device may be permanently or removably mounted on the edge of the roof or structure where the ladder is normally positioned, to limit movement of the ladder horizontally, sideways, as well as vertically downward. The device includes an elongated primary support, a pair of legs extending from spaced apart locations of the primary support, the legs terminating in mounting feet. A plurality of restraining members extend from additional spaced apart locations of the primary support. The mounting feet are adapted to engage any of horizontal, vertical or angled surfaces associated with the elevated structure, such that a first sub-plurality of the restraining members are adapted to abut an underside of a selected rung to prevent downward movement of the ladder.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is for a rotary drill, the drill including a base with a shaft and a bit. The bearing assembly includes a bearing having a central axis and including an inner member disposeable on the shaft and an outer member disposed about the inner member. The outer member is angularly displaceable about the axis with respect to the inner member and having an outer circumferential surface and a recess extending generally radially inwardly from the outer surface. At least one and preferably a plurality of retainer members are each disposed at least partially within the bearing outer member recess and is configured to engage with the bit so as to rotatably couple the bit with the shaft. Preferably, each retainer member includes a generally spherical ball rollable through a passage and into the bearing recess during installation into the recess.

Abstract: A cutting element having a substrate, an abrasive layer mounted to the substrate at an interface, and a longitudinal axis extending through the abrasive layer and the substrate is disclosed, wherein the substrate has a binder material, a plurality of metal carbide grains bonded together by an amount of the binder material, and at least one binder gradient, and wherein the amount of binder material decreases along at least one direction to form the at least one binder gradient.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed, comprising: a drill bit head having a cutting face with one or more fixed cutting elements; a flow passage extending through the drill bit head to the cutting face; a flow interrupter within the drill bit head and positioned to interrupt flow of fluid through the flow passage; and a power section connected to drive the flow interrupter and cause, in operation, variable flow of fluid through the flow passage. A method of drilling is also disclosed comprising: flowing fluid through a flow passage extending through a drill bit head to a cutting face of the drill bit head, the cutting face having one or more fixed cutting elements; and driving a flow interrupter within the drill bit head with a power section to interrupt the flow of fluid through the flow passage and cause variable flow of fluid through the flow passage.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for coupling a monobore riser or lubricator system (11) to a dual bore (12) subsea well, the apparatus has a rotatable bore selector (30) within a housing (20). The bore selector has at least one conduit (35) to provide through bore communication between the riser bore or lubricator (11) and selectively at least one or other of main (60) and annulus (70) bores in the dual bore (12) well. The bore selector in a first position connects the conduit between the riser or lubricator bore and the main bore, and in a second position connects the conduit between the riser or lubricator bore and the annulus bore. The rotatable selector can be offset or set at a tilt angle of up to ±5° with respect to the length of the apparatus.

Abstract: The low friction wireline standoff reduces or eliminates contact of the wireline cable with the borehole wall during the logging operation. The low friction wireline standoff comprises external wheels mounted on two finned half shells that clamp onto the wireline with precision cable inserts.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to guide a tubular member are described herein. The apparatus includes a bore with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and configured to support a tubular member, the apparatus having a first opening formed at a first side thereof, a second opening formed at a second side thereof, and an inner wall extending from the first opening to the second opening. The apparatus further includes a first guiding member disposed adjacent to the first opening of the bowl and a second guiding member disposed adjacent to the second opening of the bowl.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and characterizing fluids in a subterranean formation are provided. In one embodiment, a method for monitoring fluids in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided, the method comprising: determining an actual buoyed hookload of an apparatus at least partially disposed in the well bore wherein a first set of fluids are present therein; comparing the actual buoyed hookload to a calculated buoyed hookload of the apparatus, wherein the calculated buoyed hookload is based in part on the unbuoyed hookload of the apparatus, and the properties of a second set of fluids that are assumed to be present in the well bore; and determining at least one property of the first set of fluids based in part on the comparison of the actual buoyed hookload to the calculated buoyed hookload.

Abstract: A plurality of rows of locking dogs are provided with housing flexibility between rows to allow them to share a shear loading while leaving enough structural integrity in the housing to define the windows through which the dogs emerge. The dogs can also have extensions with a surface that grippingly engages the housing adjacent the window on extension of the dogs such that loads can transfer from the housing into the extension and into the profile in which the dog is disposed rather than passing the shear stress through the window edge into the dog that is in the profile. The dog configuration can also share the load on multiple contact surfaces of the housing to reduce stress at each contact location.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. The driven latch mechanism can further include a refracted groove adapted to lock the plurality of wedge members radially within the core barrel assembly, thereby allowing for faster travel within the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Drilling tools include a bit crown and an integrated reamer. The bit crown and integrated reamer can be configured with approximately equal drilling lives. The bit crown can be impregnated with abrasive cutting media and include one or more external flutes. The integrated reamer can be positioned at the base the bit crown and include one or more channels that align with one or more of the outer flutes. The channels can taper such that they increase in width as they extend away from the bit crown.

Abstract: A subsea pump system is adapted to close a hydraulic ram of a blowout preventer. The subsea pump system has at least a first pump and a second pump configured to pump drive fluid from a source to the hydraulic ram. The system has a controller configured to automatically select at least one of the first and second pumps for pumping the drive fluid wherein at least the first pump is selected at a lower fluid pressure range and at least the second pump is selected at a higher fluid pressure range. A method of operating a pump system and an intervention skid for a pump system are also described.