Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatically detecting a need for a ripping pass to be performed by a machine along a work surface is provided. The method may include monitoring one or more of machine parameters of the machine and profile parameters of the work surface, determining whether one or more predefined trigger conditions suggestive of the need for the ripping pass are met based on the machine parameters and the profile parameters, and generating a ripping pass request if one or more of the trigger conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: An excavation tooth assembly comprising: a first tooth member including a nose portion; and a second tooth member comprising a body having opposite first and second ends and a socket extending into the body from the first end to finish at an end wall, the first and second tooth members arranged in an assembled condition where the nose portion of the first tooth member is received within the socket of the second tooth member, wherein the tooth members being configured in the assembled condition with opposed surface portions of the socket located towards the second end of the second tooth member bearing on the nose portion of the first tooth member and clearance gaps are provided between opposed surface portions of the socket located towards the first end of the second tooth member and the nose portion.

Abstract: A wear plate for attachment to an excavator bucket. The wear plate comprising a mounting surface for mounting to an exterior face of the excavator bucket. The wear plate having a plurality of holes extending along at least a portion of the wear plate. The holes include carbide matrix weldment therein overfilling the holes. The wear plate comprises a sacrificial and impermanent replaceable wear edge for the exterior faces of the excavator bucket.

Abstract: A water control and supply system for a structure including a main water line coupled between a water supply and a structure. A conduit couples the main water line to a fixture. A valve is carried by the main water line and is movable between an open position allowing water flow and a closed position preventing water flow. A pressure sensor is carried downstream of the valve, and a control unit receives data from the pressure sensor to determine by a water pressure drop if there is a leak in the system when the valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus composed of a 15? long by 3? diameter reservoir, joined by an adjustable, water tight 2? diameter union to a 6? long and 1.5? diameter elbow with a standard female hose spigot connector for connecting to and/introducing forced air by way of any standard vacuum cleaner to purge water from a plumbing system and to then introduce antifreeze into said plumbing system in a simple and expeditious manner.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve plate and a reversible main valve contacting the valve plate. The main valve has an internal rigid structure and an outer shell, the internal rigid structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface. The internal rigid structure is at least partially enclosed by the outer shell, the outer shell defining a side surface and a radially outermost edge on the side surface, the side surface of the outer shell including a beveled portion extending from the radially outermost edge of the side surface of the outer shell towards a top surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels, such as a lattice-type faucet defining parallelograms, circles or ovals, or multiple channels defining ellipses or half ellipses as channels diverge and then re-converge. Other embodiments may have fewer channels that diverge at the base of a faucet and re-converge at some distance above, after defining various curved paths at some defined convex curvature. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials.

Abstract: A water faucet system including a faucet having a neck comprising a water passageway and liquid soap delivery line, both integrated within the neck assembly. The water faucet system features a streamlined neck assembly that includes a water outlet or spout, located at the distal portion of the neck assembly, and additionally includes a separate soap outlet located at a predetermined location. The soap delivery (soap dispensing) is initiated by a user performing an activation event directed to a sensor system located in the neck assembly. In preferred embodiments, the sensor system utilizes touchless type sensors so to avoid any physical contact with the neck assembly.

Abstract: An electronic faucet is provided that includes a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a capacitive sensor coupled to the faucet. A controller may dynamically change on/off thresholds and monitor a stability signal to determine when to turn off the electrically operable valve.

Abstract: A sink device with a sink surface cleaning function which comprises: a sink including a sink surface and a drainage hole, which is disposed on the sink surface and is communicated with a drain pipe. The upper edge of the sink surface is annularly provided with a plurality of water holes, which are connected to a water supplying means. Thus the sink surface of the sink device in the present invention is easy to maintain cleanliness, and can save the time and effort to brush the sink, providing better sanitary environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for effectively plunging a drain by blocking the redirection of water is provided. The apparatus includes a pipe mainframe defining an enclosed area. The pipe mainframe includes a plurality of piping having a front portion and a rear portion. Tee pipes are outwardly disposed on the front portion and the rear portion of the pipe mainframe. The rear portion includes an adjustable connector attached to the outward end of the tee pipe. The adjustable connector can modify the length of the pipe mainframe to accommodate sinks or basins of various lengths. The apparatus further includes a rubber pipe cap at a distal end of the front portion of the pipe mainframe to effectively block the flow of water and provide support for the device.

Abstract: An elongated catch device pivotally mounted intermediately to an inlet pipe device and carrying at its upper extremity a keeper selectively disposed in the path of a float device to, unless a toilet has been flushed, block lowering of the float device and consequent opening of the control valve.

Abstract: A flush toilet apparatus includes: a toilet main body portion, a reservoir tank portion, a discharge valve apparatus including a valve body for opening and closing a discharge opening in the reservoir tank portion, and an automatic flush drive unit for driving the discharge valve apparatus portion to open and close the valve body; wherein the drive unit includes a drive unit main body portion including an actuator for electrically driving the discharge valve apparatus portion, and an elongated operating member for connecting a discharge valve apparatus portion and a drive unit main body portion and operating the opening and closing action of a valve body by driving an electrically powered drive portion; and wherein the toilet main body includes an attaching portion disposed on the back surface side thereof, to which the drive unit main body portion is attached.

Abstract: A bio-waste disposal system is provided. The bio-waste disposal system is incorporated into a standard toilet. The device utilizes a ring gear and pinion concept. A plurality of flaps secured to the interior surface of the ring gear rotates and breaks down solid waste placed within a toilet. The pinion shaft is secured to a motor which may be AC or DC powered. An LED light may indicate if the device is on or off, functional or non-function or other important information.

Abstract: The current invention comprises a flexible conduit means for an exhaust system of a combustion engine vehicle, comprising a bellows member (2), an outer flexible braided or knitted member (3) enclosing the bellows member, a resilient member (4), that is elastically deformable and encloses the outer braided or knitted member at least partially and abuts against it, whereas the bellows member comprises two corrugated portions (21), a connecting portion (24) between the corrugated portions, and the resilient member (4) encloses the connecting portion at least partially, the connecting portion (24) comprises flanks (25) that are formed at its axial ends and extend at least in a radial direction, and a curved portion (26) which connects the flanks with each other and which is at least partially enclosed by the resilient member (4).

Abstract: A urinal capable of suppressing the flow speed differential between the flow speed of flush water flowing into the front side of an ascending pipe and the flow speed of flush water flowing into the back side thereof, and of suppressing the occurrence of stagnation in the flow of flush water, and of suppressing the occurrence of uric scale. The urinal having a discharge trap including a horizontal pipe; a top portion of horizontal pipe is formed by a return flow path-forming portion at the bottom end of the shared wall; and a resistance portion for slowing the flow speed of flush water flowing in the vicinity of this bottom portion is formed at the bottom portion of the horizontal pipe.

Abstract: A moveable wall system and components therefore, including: 1. A flexible power connector configured to flex in only one direction whereby it can be pushed without buckling; 2. at least one wireless power transmission receiving station in one or more of the moveable wall and modular units mounted thereon, for receiving the wireless transmission of power and enable one to charge electronic devices and provide power to power receiving lamps or the like, without the need for plug-in electrical wiring: 3. an overhead track system for supporting the moveable wall laterally below at least two spaced, parallel tracks, the wall including a core support member having at least two spaced frame members secured to the top of said core support and projecting laterally to either or both sides of core support, each including a pair of trolleys for suspending said moveable wall in said parallel overhead tracks, projecting upwardly from its respective frame member and engaging their respective track.

Abstract: A prefabricated foldable building module including a central core comprising first and second opposing fixed walls with roof and floor beams interposed therebetween; a plurality of vertically foldably connected walls mounted upon the first and second walls foldable out therefrom; a pair of roof panels, each foldably connected adjacent said roof beam; a pair of floor panels each foldably connected adjacent floor beam: characterized in that the wall panels, roof panels and floor panels may be folded out from their supporting structures in a defined sequence to form an enclosed/partly enclosed building structure, and may be re-folded in reverse sequence to original configuration. Standard modules can be stretched, or joined side by side, end to end or one on top of the other to form larger buildings.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular reinforced concrete building system includes panel assemblies for foundations, walls, decks, and roofs designed to be built out in a manufacturing facility, shipped to a job site, and filled with concrete. Panel assemblies incorporate a space frame to ensure structural integrity during shipping and during concrete fill. Space frames can include structural columns, rebar mats, spacers, straps, and skin panels. Panel assemblies may be manufactured to contain architectural interior/external finishes, windows/doors, and pre-installed utility distribution systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a room system having at least two room modules (1), wherein the room modules (1) can be connected to one another and form a room unit in the connected state, characterized in that each room module (1) comprises a frame (11), the frame legs of which form a cuboid and are used for receiving identical or different surface elements and/or functional elements that define the room delimited by the frame.

Abstract: Concrete coupling assembly comprises a base holder for being attached to a concrete forming surface, the base holder including a central opening; a coupler having one end disposed within the central opening, the coupler having an axis for being positioned substantially transverse to the forming surface, the coupler having first and second threaded bores through the one end for attachment of a threaded rod; and a separate anchor body threadedly attached to another end of the coupler.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cast-in-place anchor apparatus is provided and includes a member configured to be cast into and unmovable relative to a substrate, and an anchor member coupled to and moveable relative to the member. The anchor member is configured to anchor an object relative to the substrate. In one aspect, the anchor member is moveable along two axes. In one aspect, the anchor member is moveable along three axes of a three-dimensional coordinate system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a first foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface and a second foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the first and second foam panels are disposed such that their edges are adjacent each other and define a joint therebetween. The product also comprises an elongate metal strip having a body portion and a projection extending outwardly from the body portion, the metal strip being disposed such that at least a portion of the projection is disposed in the joint between the foam panels and at least a portion of the body portion covers a portion of the second primary surface of the first foam panel and a portion of the second primary surface of the second foam panel. A method of making and using the composite panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A universal barrier system includes universal barrier components that may be assembled together to shield floors and walls from moisture and provide a thermal break in an operational area of the universal barrier component. A lap zone of the universal barrier component may allow universal barrier components to be assembled and installed to protect floors, walls, ceilings, footings and the like from moisture and heat gain or loss by minimizing the need for tapes and other joining methods. The universal barrier system may also act as a sound deadening material. The operational area and lap zone of the universal barrier component may be disposed on a vapor block layer to provide some rigidity. The operational area of the universal barrier component may include a thermal break disposed upon the vapor block layer. The thermal break may include an outer protective layer.

Abstract: Provided are a transparent heat-insulating material including a transparent heat-insulating resin layer including polymer capsules and an optical resin, and a method for preparing the same. The transparent heat-insulating material may reduce the transmission of radiative heat of solar radiation energy entering from the exterior, and prevent discharge or loss of heat when indoor heating, while showing high transparency as well. In addition, the transparent heat-insulating material may allow easy control of the size of capsules contained in a transparent heat-insulating film, and may be obtained through a simple and easy process. Further, it is possible to control the light transmittability and heat-insulating property of the transparent heat-insulating material with ease.

Abstract: A gypsum product comprising a gypsum core and a two-layer polar glass fiber mat with smooth finish is provided. The two-layer polar glass fiber mat covers the gypsum core on at least one side and has a face surface and a back surface. The two-layer polar glass fiber mat comprises a glass fiber mat and a top porous layer, the top porous layer is adhered to the glass fiber mat on one side and creates the face surface, and the gypsum core is in contact with the glass fiber mat on the back surface of the two-layer polar glass fiber mat. Methods for making the gypsum product are provided as well. Further embodiments provide a two-layer polar glass fiber mat with a hydrophilic face surface and methods of making same.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to casing accessories for use with multi-component wall systems. Some of the casing accessories of the present disclosure can include a mounting bracket to attach the accessory to a wall structure and a channel formed in part by a spacer that can be adjusted to adjust the channel width in order to encase components of multi-component wall systems that can vary in width from one installation to another. In another aspect, some of the casing accessories can include one or more drainage canals that direct water from one part of the casing accessories to another. In another aspect, some of the casing accessories can impede fire propagation through multi-component wall systems.

Abstract: A bracket for attaching bridging members to a thermal stud being generally C-shaped with parallel spaced apart flanges connected by a central web having opening in the web of the stud which spans the majority of the width of the web and where the openings are provided with flanges extending perpendicularly from the edges of the opening into the interior of the stud. The bracket is a generally L-shaped bracket having a leg with a means to properly locate a bridging member centrally within the bracket and the stud wall and a base for overlying the web of the stud. The base has a width approximately the same as the stud and preferably has flanges extending perpendicularly from the base at either end thereof to engage and be able to attach to the flanges of the stud. The base is also provided with a centrally located tab extending perpendicularly from the base to allow the bracket to be properly positioned within the web of the stud.

Abstract: A curtain wall structure that can provide a continuous sealing plane through the use of a dual density gasket and that offers improved sealing and thermal insulation properties. The curtain wall structure also provides a structural reinforcement element assembly that is integrated into a mullion of the curtain wall structure to provide a better load bearing capacity. A curtain wall water drainage cross element assembly is also provided to prevent water from flowing vertically inside the curtain wall system. An expansion joint assembly is also provided and designed as two movable parts allowing provides a sound free vertical displacement of components by means of no direct metal to metal contact between sliding parts.

Abstract: A roof for a building comprises a ridge beam for defining an upper edge of the roof, and a first eaves beam for defining a lower edge of the roof. The roof further comprises a first panel connectable to both the ridge beam and the eaves beam, being capable of spanning the distance therebetween and extending over at least a first portion of the area of the roof. In addition, the roof comprises one or more retention structures positionable relative to the first panel and one of said beams and configured to clamp said panel against the other of said beams.

Abstract: A tiltable flat roof structure includes vertical columns and horizontally oriented hollow beams. Each hollow beam has a downwardly facing opening in a mounting area with the upper end of a column positioned therein. Holes are defined in the upper end of each column oriented in a regular pattern. Arcuate slots are defined in the mounting area of each beam with each of the slots having a length equal to an amount of relative rotation between the beam and the column. The slots are oriented in a regular pattern matching the regular pattern of the mounting holes so that the holes are aligned with the slots throughout the amount of relative rotation. Nuts are affixed to the inner surface of each of the columns in alignment with each of the holes and bolts are inserted through the holes and matching slots to fixedly orient the beams relative to the columns.

Abstract: Described herein is a ceiling system that includes a spring clip for mounting ceiling panels equipped with torsion springs to a ceiling support grid, the clip comprising: a body including a mounting portion defining a downwardly open receptacle configured for attachment to a ceiling grid support member; a pair of lateral flanges extending outwards from the mounting portion, at least one of the flanges including a slot configured to engage a torsion spring; a pair locking tabs disposed on the spring clip, the locking tabs configured to engage opposing sides of the grid support member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may include a drop ceiling tile support ring assembly which may be mounted on a lally column or pole for supporting a drop ceiling tile.

Abstract: Wall blocks, veneers, veneer connectors, walls, and methods of constructing walls are provided. More particularly, the invention relates to constructing walls in which a veneer panel is attached to a wall block with a connector and in which the front faces of the veneers have a desirable texture.

Abstract: Insulating panel (10) having a top face (12) and a bottom face (14) opposite the top face, comprising a body (20) made of stone wool with a part of substantially uniform first density and a part of substantially uniform second density, different from the first density, at least one profiled groove (22) being formed in said insulating panel starting from the top face, the top face (12) being made of stone wool, the groove (22) being formed in the stone wool, the number of grooves being less than or equal to three for 60 cm of a dimension of said panel perpendicular to the direction of the grooves.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pre-stressed beam or panel and the resulting beam or panel are described. The method includes providing a timber-based component (1); providing a pre-stressing member (9) arranged along the timber-based component; applying a tensile force to the pre-stressing member (9); providing concrete anchors (11a, 11b) at locations that are spaced apart along the timber-based component (1); coupling the pre-stressing member (9) to the concrete anchors (11a, 11b); and releasing the tensile force on the pre-stressing member (9) to transfer a compressive force to the timber-based component (1) through the concrete anchors (11a, 11b) to form a pre-stressed beam or panel.

Abstract: A roof covering material is provided, as well as its method of manufacture, wherein a substrate, preferably of a fibrous material is provided, with a bituminous material, preferably asphalt coating, on opposite surfaces thereof, with granules being applied to an upper surface thereof and at least partially embedded in the bituminous material, and with a discontinuous top layer applied to the granule/bituminous material. The discontinuous top layer is preferably a polymeric material, and openings are provided therein, for passage of fluids therethrough, to avoid moisture, volatiles, and other fluid materials from being trapped beneath the top layer. Various techniques for application of the various materials, and for chemical treatment, are likewise provided.

Abstract: A Z-closure member for raised seam roofs is formed through bending techniques into a shape having a ventilated central vertical member, an upper mounting flange terminating in an upper tab member, and a lower flange member extending in an opposing direction from the upper mounting flange member and terminating in a flexible locking tab. The lower flange is secured to a raised seam roofing panel with fasteners, while the vent cap formed with a return lip is engaged with the upper flange by capturing the upper flange within the return lip. A fastener can be inserted through the vent cap return lip and the upper flange to secure the vent cap to the Z-closure member. A mesh filter is trapped against the vertical member by the upper tab member and the lower flexible locking tab. A seal can be added to the lower flange to seal against the roofing panel.

Abstract: A construction system for releasing moisture from a building is provided. The system is especially suitable for use in buildings having a hip, valley or gable roof. More specifically, the device gives the hip, valley or gable roof adequate ventilation and moisture vapor release portals so as to allow air and water vapor to properly rise through the interior of the hip, valley or gable roof and out through ridge vents without becoming trapped by rafters of the hip, valley or gable roof. The system has a first unit and a second unit, wherein the first unit allows air and water vapor to pass through passageways of the first unit up through the underside of the hip, valley or gable roof up and out through the ridge vent(s) and the second unit allows air from the exterior to pass into the roof cavity to circulate through the roof cavity and into the first unit.

Abstract: A cost-effective and expeditious method for attaching a water channel layer to lath pre-installation, for subsequent application to an inner wall structure, increasing the efficiency and decreasing the cost of building construction, and also encompasses the stock material made thereby. In one form, there is a stapling frame equipped to be placed in juxtaposition to a water channel layer atop a layer of lath on and adjacent surface. A plurality of staplers mounted to the frame then combine the water channel layer and lath to form an integrated stock material that can then be used in a wall structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resilient polymer-based surface covering element (1) in the form of a strip having a length-to-width ratio of eight or more, said polymer-based surface covering element (1) comprising an upper surface (2), a lower surface (3), side edges (4, 5, 6, 7) provided between said upper surface (2) and said lower surface (3), and connection means (8) to join two or more surface covering elements (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor board having connection geometries corresponding to each other and made of plastics, wherein the first connection geometry is provided along two abutting side surfaces and has a groove which is open toward the bottom and is bordered by a lip toward the outside, and the groove has an undercut along its walls. The second connection geometry is provided along the abutting side surfaces and has a groove which is open toward the top and is bordered by a lip toward the outside, and the groove has an undercut along its walls. The lip of the first connection geometry and the lip of the second connection geometry each have at least one slot at least in sections. The invention also relates to a floor board having a connecting element that is made of a multi-component material.

Abstract: A joint having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge being provided with a distal edge and a downwards protruding heel. The distal edge is further provided with an upper joint edge beneath which a groove is arranged. The second edge is provided with lower cheek having a distal end at which an upwards protruding lower cheek heel is arranged. The second edge is further provided with an upper joining edge beneath which an undercut is arranged. A moveable locking element is arranged in the space created by the undercut. The moveable locking element has a locking tongue, a locking tongue leg and a maneuvering leg.

Abstract: Building panels provided with a mechanical locking system including a tongue, at first edge of a first building panel, cooperating with a tongue groove, at a second edge of an adjacent second building panel, for vertical locking of the building panels and a method for producing such building panels. The method includes the step of forming the tongue of material of the first edge. The insertion groove may have a sidewall at a third edge, which is adjacent the first edge, and may be open at a fourth edge, which is opposite the third edge.

Abstract: A set of essentially identical floorboards each including a front face and a rear face extending in the horizontal plane, a core, and a surface layer, a mechanical locking system is arranged at least at two opposite edges for connecting a floorboard with an adjacent floorboard in a horizontal and a vertical direction, said mechanical locking system being configured for connecting the floorboard with the adjacent floorboard by vertical folding, wherein one of said opposite edges is provided with a horizontally extending protrusion at an upper edge, and wherein said protrusion is configured to overlap a surface groove at an upper edge of the other of said opposite edges, such that two connected and adjacent floorboards have upper overlapping edges.

Abstract: A method of forming an architectural concrete structure having a desired look (i.e., color) and texture, wherein the method generally includes pouring a base concrete layer using conventional concrete. A surface concrete mixture is prepared and includes a mixture of sand and small aggregates to give the surface concrete mixture the desired color and texture for the architectural concrete structure. The base concrete layer provides strength and durability to the concrete structure, while the surface concrete layer provides the desired look and texture of the concrete surface. The surface concrete mixture preferably includes small aggregates to create a smooth and uniform texture.

Abstract: A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of deck drainage systems. In some embodiments, the deck drainage system includes a hanger. The hanger can include a first arm and a second arm. A fastener is configured to be inserted into an opening formed in the first arm. The second arm extends from the first arm, and the second arm forms a slot for an end section of a floor panel.

Abstract: A method for installing and securing a trim system adjacent an edge of a building penetration, the trim system including at least one bracket that is attachable to a wall. The bracket having a center channel having opposed first and second side walls, at least one locking wedge located along each opposed side wall, and at least one tab extending outwardly from a side wall for gauging bracket distance from the edge of the penetration. The trim system also including at least one trim piece that is attachable to the bracket, the trim including at least two longitudinally extending slots disposed within the hidden surface of the trim for receiving the at least one locking wedge located along each opposed side wall of the bracket.

Abstract: An adjustable platform assembly for supporting workers and supplies about an elevated work site, the platform assembly being movably supported on an articulable support, the platform comprising a stationary curvilinear rear bridging panel arrangement having a 1st side curvilinear platform member and a 2nd side curvilinear platform member, each comprising a floor and railing assembly, wherein each elongated 1st and 2nd curvilinear side platform member floor and railing assembly is independently movable on support members outwardly and inwardly, with respect to the curvilinear bridging panel arrangement, to change the platform assembly back and forth between a generally “C” shape to a generally “O” shape, or any peripherally adjustable combination thereof, as required.