Abstract: A septic tank is provided and includes a tank top, a tank bottom and a tank side wall which define a tank interior. The septic tank further includes a top channel structure that defines a top channel on an interior surface of the tank top, wherein the top channel structure includes a top channel latch that defines a top brace pocket and a bottom channel structure that defines a bottom channel on an interior surface of the tank bottom, wherein the bottom channel structure includes a bottom channel latch that defines a bottom brace pocket. The septic tank includes a supporting brace having a first brace end and a second brace end, wherein the first brace end is configured to be located within the top brace pocket and the second brace end is configured to be located within the bottom brace pocket.

Abstract: Masonry tie is provided having a base and a retainer plate. The base has back plate and a shaft extending from the back plate. The shaft has a plurality of teeth. The retainer plate has a receiving opening configured to receive the shaft. The retainer plate has a locking arm adjacent the receiving opening. The locking arm is biased to engage at least one of the plurality of teeth when the at least one of the plurality of teeth is adjacent the locking arm to releasably prevent the retainer plate from moving in at least one direction. The shaft has a mounting passage extending transversely through the shaft.

Abstract: A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any suitable direction(s).

Abstract: A fail-safe wall anchor for cavity walls includes a wingnut including receptors for receiving pintles of a veneer tie. Thermally insulative material is provided to inhibit transfer of heat from the veneer tie to the wall anchor. Back up structure is provided in the event the thermally insulative material fails to maintain the structural connection between the wall anchor and the veneer tie.

Abstract: A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, that generally provides an air seal, thermal insulation and/or acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, an opening in a generally vertical wall, a hatch, or a pull down ladder. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.

Abstract: A wall structure is provided with noise damping insulation properties, for an air intake manifold of a gas turbine. The wall structure includes a first structure for mechanically supporting an outer sheet, which separates the spaces on both sides of the wall in an airtight manner, and further includes a second structure for establishing noise damping insulation between the spaces on both sides of the wall. The second structure is secured to the first structure. A gas turbine including the wall structure is also provided.

Abstract: A passive damper with a first set of parallel disposed plates and a second set of parallel disposed plates, that overlap one another in an alternating fashion at a rotational joint with damping pads between the plates. The rotational joint comprises a pin or bolt inserted through apertures in the plates and there is a connection hole in each of the plates of the second set of plates for receiving a connection pin (6) therein for connecting the second set of plates to a members of a structure. The connection holes in a selection of the plates of the second set of plates is shaped and dimensioned to provide a predetermined amount of clearance with said connection pin so that the connection pin can move inside the connection holes of the selection of plates taking part in the damping action of the damper.

Abstract: A partition system includes a door adjacent a stile defining a seam there-between and a member extending across the seam for blocking viewing through the seam. Methods of installing partitions systems are also provided.

Abstract: An assemblage which form a beveled edge in a slab-on-grade foundation trench. The device is comprised of straight members corner members, and a connector member to hold the larger members together, an angle brace to maintain the proper bevel angle of 45° degrees, and a stake to anchor the device to the ground. When the device is assembled it forms a box-like structure whose sides and corners are sloped inwards at a 45° degree angle. The device simply needs to be positioned within the perimeter form, and filled with dirt from digging the trench; in order for the device to properly function as a device designed to make foundations much stronger.

Abstract: A dynamic responsive acoustic tuning envelope system that includes a movably connected set of cells, each possessing sound reflecting, sound absorbing, and/or electro-acoustic properties, and which are assembled according to the principles of rigid origami. So configured, the system is capable of both localized surficial deformation to alter the material surface exposure, transform its textural profile, and alter the enclosed volume of space in a single material envelope, thereby tuning the acoustics of the environment in which the system resides.

Abstract: An integrated fiber cement and foam cladding system is provided that incorporates foam or similar light weight material to improve the insulation capacity of the cladding system. The system includes at least a fiber cement layer and a foam layer disposed on the backside of the fiber cement layer. The system improves the R-value of the building, a measure of the building's resistance to transferring heat or thermal energy.

Abstract: The insulated panel comprises exterior sheathing, studs, rigid foam panels and a spray-pour foam. The rigid foam panels are placed up against the sheathing between the studs, and the spray-pour foam is used to fill in the voids.

Abstract: A rebar structure includes a plurality of column longitudinal bars to be connected to a beam. The yield point or the 0.2% proof stress of at least a portion the column longitudinal bars is larger than the yield point or the 0.2% proof stress of a normal reinforcing bar defined by JIS G 3112.

Abstract: An anti-spalling edging comprising: a metal strip 21,31 adapted for concrete to be cast against, a return 22,32 along a top edge of the strip and forming a corner with the metal strip, a down-turn 23,33 from the edge of the return spaced from the strip and cut-outs in 26,36 the down-turn for anchoring it in the concrete and an elongate metallic member 201,202 extending in the corner, fixed to the strip and the return for reinforcement of the anti-spalling edge at the corner.

Abstract: Reinforced boards and/or walls, and methods of producing thereof. In some non-limiting examples, there is provided a reinforced gypsum board and a process for the production thereof. In one example, the reinforced board may include one or more reinforcing elements, e.g., to enhance the rigidity of the board and/or to provide support for the board.

Abstract: Flooring material comprising sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member.

Abstract: A set of mutually lockable panels comprises a first panel having an edge including a male part and a second panel having an edge including a female part for receiving the male part of the first panel in unlocked condition of the panels. The male part has an outer side which, in locked condition of the panels, is directed to the second panel in a direction substantially parallel to the front face of the first panel, and an opposite inner side which is provided with a locking surface. The female part comprises a locking member, which is pivotable about a pivot axis that extends substantially parallel to the edge of the second panel and an actuator for rotating the locking member from its unlocked condition to a locked condition of the panels.

Abstract: A trim assembly may include a starter strip having a first fastener hem configured to receive a fastener, a starter flange extending from the first fastener hem, and a first rib extending from the starter flange. A fastener flange having a second fastener hem may be configured to receive a second fastener. The fastener flange can include a second rib extending from the second fastener hem. A trim having a first slot may be configured to receive the first rib and be mounted to the starter strip, and a second slot configured to receive the second rib and be mounted to the fastener flange.

Abstract: A device for leveling and aligning tiles and method for leveling and aligning tiles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the leveling device includes a body and two spaced and parallel strip members extending transversely from the body. Each of the spaced and parallel strip members extend to the front and rear of the body. Two opposing lateral open windows are formed in the body. A breakaway section is defined along the body. A wedge device is provided for penetrating one or more of the two opposing lateral open windows and exerting a force on the tiles for leveling them relative to each other.

Abstract: A scaffold truss member and a scaffold truss connector. The scaffold truss member includes lower and upper horizontal members, joined by bracing members. The upper horizontal member terminates at each end with a coupling, while the lower horizontal member terminates without a coupling on either end. The scaffold truss connector includes a lower truss connector that has a channel, open on two ends to accommodate the lower horizontal member of a scaffold truss, and an upper truss connector, which is either integral or joined to the lower truss connector.

Abstract: A tie system and method for forming a wall from a hardenable building material over an existing concrete wall. In one embodiment, the tie system includes multiple wall ties configured to be directly interconnected to form a wall tie stack such that multiple wall tie stacks can be positioned over the existing concrete wall in a spaced apart, vertically extending arrangement. The multiple wall tie stacks are configured to extend substantially perpendicular between substantially parallel panel structures. The tie system may be secured with the parallel panel structures to extend vertically as forms for a concrete wall and, if desired, transversely as forms for a concrete roof structure over, for example, a roof truss system, joined together with forms for forming a concrete eave portion. In this manner, the tie system may be employed to form a concrete building structure extending as the walls and roof of the structure.

Abstract: A support arrangement of a wind turbine tower and a method to support the tower is provided. A support arrangement for a wind turbine tower is disclosed, whereby the support arrangement includes a first connection means to connect to a first part of the tower. The support arrangement includes a second connection means to connect to a second part of the tower. The first connection means are fixed in their position in respect to the support arrangement, and the second connection means are adjustable connected to the support arrangement, so that the distance between the first connection means and the second connection means is adjustable to counteract a deformation of the tower due to gravity. The support arrangement includes a third connection means to detachably fix the position of the second connection means in respect to the support arrangement 1 to support the counteracted shape of the tower.

Abstract: Portable toilet and schematic toilet arrangements are provided. In one arrangement, the portable toilet comprises a lower toilet shelter and an upper removable conical roof. In another arrangement, the portable toilet includes a lower toilet shelter with an indented upper ledge and a ribbed ceiling. Additional portable toilet arrangements may include a plurality of rounded toilet shelters.

Abstract: A quick release pool skimmer basket apparatus includes a basket having a sidewall, a filter element coupled to the sidewall to move between an open position and a closed position, and a handle extending upwardly from the basket. A trigger in the handle is operatively coupled to the filter element to hold the filter element in the closed position. Activation of the trigger releases the bottom from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The present pool filtering system provides an elongated fine mesh filter with a large surface area; which can be removed and inserted through a standard filter access port found on pool decks. Because the filter assembly length is at least twice the diameter measurement, a large surface area is possible while remaining compact. The filter assembly includes a cylindrical porous filter basket that is completely lined with a filter bag. The filter bag can filter particulate matter as fine as three hundred microns or less. The present filtering system can provide preliminary filtering before water is delivered for further conditioning by secondary filters, heater, or the like. The present filter permits fine filtering without constant clogging or maintenance. When maintenance is required, there is easy access for cleaning and replacement. The elongated weir housing and weir door allows for a greater operating range of pool water level.

Abstract: A swimming pool chair device secures a child in a chair attached to a side wall of a swimming pool. The device includes a frame comprising a seating member, a pair of legs, and a pair of arms. The seating member comprises an upper portion coupled to and extending away from a lower portion. The seating member is configured to receive and support a user. The legs are coupled to and extend downwardly from the lower portion. The arms are coupled to and extend downwardly from the upper portion. Each of a pair of holders has an open top end configured for receiving a bottom end of one of the arms. The holders are configured for coupling to a side wall of a swimming pool. A plurality of straps is coupled to the seating member and comprises a harness configured to retain the user on the seating member.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a mast having an elongated arm movable between a deployed position and a service position. The elongated arm is attached by a rotatable hub. A receiver is spaced from the hub and configured to selectively prevent rotation of the mast.

Abstract: A frame structure for a portable structure, preferably a tent, has a hub capable of a plurality of configurations, each configuration adapted for receiving an associated end of a tent pole. Preferably, the tent pole is formed from a plurality of tent pole sections. Each tent pole section has a first end and a second end. At least one end of each of said plurality of tent pole sections has a ferrule associated with it. The ferrule is sized to receive an adjacent end of an associated tent pole section. Preferably the ferrule has a frustoconical shape. The structure also includes feet for receiving an end of each tent pole. The hub, tent poles and feet all are attached to the material used to define the tent.

Abstract: A powered latch system for a door of a vehicle including a latch assembly, actuatable inside and outside handles, a powered actuator and a door controller that causes the powered actuator to unlatch the latch assembly upon actuation of the inside and outside door handles. The latch assembly may be mechanically unlatched by a user within a vehicle interior even if the powered actuator does not actuate due to a loss of electrical power or other failure. The controller can be programmed to unlatch the latch assembly according to various criteria as required to meet the specific requirements of different markets.

Abstract: A cylinder lock used for locking compartments, boxes, storages etc. The cylinder lock comprises a cylinder body, an inner cylinder and a rotating part. The front part of the inner cylinder is provided with a rotary knob. The lock cylinder comprises a spring, which is arranged to push the rotary knob outwards. When the cylinder lock is locked, the rotary knob is in the inner position primarily inside the cylinder lock. When the cylinder lock is unlocked, the rotary knob is in the outer position as pushed by a spring, in which position it can be rotated to close and open a box, storage etc. without a key.

Abstract: A lock cylinder includes a cylinder housing with a upper pin hole set and a replacing opening, a cylinder body with a lower pin hole set, a upper locking pin set, a second locking pin set and a clip member. The cylinder body is movably disposed inside the cylinder housing. The upper locking pin set is disposed inside the upper pin hole set for engaging the cylinder housing and the cylinder body. The second locking pin set is disposed inside the lower pin hole set for disengaging the cylinder housing from the cylinder body. The clip member constrains the cylinder body from sliding on the cylinder housing in a first position, and does not constrains the cylinder body from sliding on the cylinder housing in a second position. The cylinder body slides to a replacing position for replacing the second locking pin set via the replacing opening.

Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to detection of a lock is being tampered with, cut, removed, etc. An electrical circuit can be incorporated into a lock portion and a securing portion (e.g., a bar, a cable, etc.) of the lock. The electrical circuit can include a conductive element located along the length of the bar, cable, etc., with an electrical charge applied to the conductive element. Upon damage to the conductive element, e.g., during an attempt to cut or remove the lock, a change in the electrical charge from an initial state can be determined, which can further generate an alarm. The alarm can be a light, speaker, etc. An alarm notification can be transmitted from the lock to a remote device, e.g., a mobile phone, a central monitoring system, etc. A trembler switch can be incorporated into the lock to detect movement of the lock.

Abstract: An electronic locking system for vending machines or the like is provided for locking and unlocking the machine preferably with a remotely controlled electronic cam operating device. The lock system includes at least one axially and also preferably rotationally movable cam that can be mounted selectively on the cabinet or in the body of the machine and at least one slotted receiving device disposed either on the door or within the interior of the machine and positioned for engagement by the cam when the door is moved between an open position, an intermediate and closed position. When the door is manually moved from the open position to the intermediate closed position, the cam advances into the receiver slot and moves to draw in the door. The cam movement pulls the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a lock bolt, a first hub, a first electrically powered hub locker assembly and a manually driven hub locker assembly. The lock bolt is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. The first hub is adapted to move the lock bolt in response to movement of a first handle. The first electrically powered hub locker assembly is positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle and is configurable for fail safe operation. The manually driven hub locker assembly is positionable to selectively prevent or allow movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door lock device for a door of a refrigerator and freezer, and more particularly, to a door lock device for a door of a refrigerator and freezer that is configured to improve the coupling structure of an outer case and an inner case, thus preventing the inner case fixed by bolts to the surface of the door from being disassembled to the outside, and to reduce the whole volumes and the number of parts of opening and closing structure and releasing structure adapted to open and close the door, thus making it easy to perform assembling and installing processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tilt prevention assembly for a series of drawers in a tool cabinet, comprising a frame which, when in use, is connected to the tool cabinet, as well as a securing member pivotably mounted to the frame, which securing member is pivotable between a securing position in which the securing member forms an obstruction for the movement of the closed drawers, and between a releasing position in which a drawer is moveable at least to an extended position. The tilt prevention assembly also comprises an actuator member that is arranged for pivoting the securing member under the influence of the movement of the drawers to the securing position or the releasing position.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided for securing the lid of a container in a closed position having actuator components that facilitate latching and unlatching of a latch plate of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A container can include a body having an opening, a lid for selectively covering the opening, and a lock system for securing the lid. The lock system can include a limiter slidably mounted on a pivot pin between first and second latch members and configured to engage and control rotation of the first and second latch members. The limiter can be weighted such that when the container is upright the limiter is biased by gravity towards a pivot pin when the first and second latch members engage a lock pin and prevent the first and second latch members from disengaging the lock pin.

Abstract: A handle for a moving part of a motor vehicle, particularly for a door, hatch, tailgate, or the like, having a retaining element which can at least partially be arranged on the outer paneling of the moving part, and having a support which can be arranged on the inside of the moving part and which is attached to the retaining element by means of an attachment means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window lock having a trigger and a bolt, the trigger being rotatable about an axis of rotation and the bolt being movable between a locked position, a first unlocked position and a second unlocked position. The bolt also includes a clip that engages first and second stops. The trigger rotates about the axis for engaging and disengaging the clip with the first and second stops. The first and second stops and the clip are all located on the same side of the axis of the trigger.

Abstract: An end piece for connecting a prop rod to a seat includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A flange is formed on the second end of the body, and is configured to abut the seat. The end piece may have a hole defined in the first end of the body, such that the prop rod inserted into the hole, or the end piece may connect to the prop rod with other structure. The end piece has a top key formed on the flange. The top key extends away from the body and helps hold the end piece to the seat.

Abstract: A removable window security device includes a base unit with a silicone plug and an internal compression spring, which supports a custom-length upper portion capped with a non-slip rubber cap. The silicone plug serves as a pad for the compression spring and a non-slip bottom for the base unit. The assembled device is positioned in the window between the sashes, preventing the window from being opened.

Abstract: Enhanced methods and systems for securing and monitoring cargo are described. Some examples provide a cargo monitoring system (“CMS”) that is configured to track, identify, and report about anomalous conditions or events related to cargo shipments. The CMS may include a software system that receives conditions information from electromechanical locks that secure cargo. The locks include data terminals that facilitate near real time monitoring of cargo. The electromechanical locks are installed on the bars or other mechanism (e.g., door rings) that lock the doors of a cargo container, train car, van door, or the like. The data terminals include logic that is configured to transmit to the CMS information about current conditions, such as location, temperature, lock status (e.g., open, closed), tamper attempts, and the like. The cargo monitoring system interprets the received information and performs various actions based thereon, such as to transmit alerts if anomalous conditions are detected.

Abstract: The hidden interlocking hinge assembly at least partially hides or conceals the hinging mechanism of a door pivotally attached to a jamb. The assembly incorporates interlocking knuckles on the door and the jamb, an overlapping flange feature, and a corresponding depression feature that allows the overlapping flange and the depression to move relative to the other without binding and while generally concealing the balance of the assembly.

Abstract: A hinge structure rotatably connects a first member and a second member, and includes a first shaft provided in the first member; a support portion provided in the second member; a bottomed first hole concaved on a side face of the support portion; a second shaft projected on a bottom portion of the first hole; a second hole concaved on an end face of the first shaft, and rotatably receiving an end portion of the second shaft; a first groove concaved on the side face of the support portion and extending in a radial direction of the first hole; and a second groove concaved on the end face of the first shaft and extending in a radial direction of the second hole. When the first member and the second member are assembled, the first shaft passes through the first groove, and the second shaft passes through the second groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for a hatch of a motor vehicle, wherein the drive device comprises two drive sections that are linearly moveable relative to each other between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the drive sections are spring biased against each other into the extended position by a spring arrangement, wherein an end stop is provided to limit the drive motion between the drive sections to the extended position. It is proposed that the end stop comprises a damping arrangement with a deformation zone, wherein during a drive motion into the end stop, depending on the speed of the drive motion, the damping arrangement damps the drive motion mainly based on plastic deformation of the deformation zone.

Abstract: A window lifter device for driving a motor to control the up and down motion of an automobile window includes: a switch assembly; an up driving circuit for driving the motor to move up the window; a down driving circuit for driving the motor to move down the window; and a control circuit directly coupled between the switch assembly and the up and down driving circuits for controlling the up driving circuit to drive the motor to move up the window when the switch assembly is in a manual up operating state, and controlling the down driving circuit to drive the motor to move down the window when the switch assembly is in a manual down operating state.

Abstract: A door opening/closing device for use in a vehicle is provided with a driving member. The driving member has a permanent-magnet motor provided with two terminals and an output member, which is rotationally driven by the permanent-magnet motor. The driving member is mounted on either a vehicle body or a vehicle door and is coupled to the other via the output member. As the output member rotates, the vehicle door opens or closes. The door opening/closing device is also provided with a switching device configured to switch the permanent-magnet motor between an energizable state, in which the permanent-magnet motor can receive electricity through the two terminals, and a brake state, in which the terminals are short-circuited. The switching device switches the permanent-magnet motor into the brake state when the vehicle door is in any position other than the fully closed position.

Abstract: A release mechanism for selectively connecting and disconnecting a sliding power window from a movable drive block includes a release knob and a release bracket coupled with the release knob by a cable or rod. The release bracket is pivotable between a locked position and a released position by displacement of the release knob. The release bracket includes a drive block pin engageable with the movable drive block and a locking block pin engageable with a fixed locking block. The mechanism allows a boat operator to operate a sliding roof/window manually in case of power failure or the like. The mechanism enables the window to be locked in the opened or closed position, and no tools are required to release the drive or to position/lock the sliding roof/window.

Abstract: Measuring a D.C. motor's armature voltage and current and measuring its rotation speed using a Hall-effect sensor enable a particular motor's characteristic equation to be determined empirically. After the equation that models a motor is determined, rotation speed can be determined between Hall-effect sensor signals using real-time measurements of armature voltage and current, which are substituted back into the equation. Current and/or voltage can also be adjusted to increase, decrease or maintain rotation speed.