Abstract: Construction materials intended for use as structural elements, such as structural blocks, used in the construction of buildings and civil engineering structures. The blocks can comprise hemp hurd and fibers, flax fiber, hydraulic lime and hydrated lime. In one aspect, the blocks may comprise a body shape configured so as to allow it to interlock with other blocks in the construction of a structure. Methods for manufacturing the blocks and structures comprising such materials and methods for building such structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An integral dual module geopolymer building block includes an inner foam module for insulation and an outer dense tile surface on an outer side of the inner foam module for weather protection. The outer porous module comprises a geopolymer paste including sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide flakes dissolved in the sodium silicate to form an activated solution and adding calcined kaolin clay to the activated solution to form a geopolymer paste. A first relatively dense tile layer has a thickness of about 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm. A second geopolymer layer made from a second mass of paste mixed with hydrogen peroxide forms a geopolymer foam having a thickness of between 5 cm and 15 cm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a concrete component (15), to a prefabricated structural element (3), which serves as a semi-finished product for the production of the concrete component (15) made in this way, and to a corresponding concrete component (15). The method claimed involves the following steps: producing a prefabricated structural element (3) comprising first reinforcement structures (18), which feature textile reinforcement structures, and first thermal insulation elements (6), pouring concrete into a shell mould (13) to form a first concrete layer (11), lowering the prefabricated structural element (3) onto the first concrete layer (11).

Abstract: A shape modification of a wall-like column includes the preparation of the column by chamfering the corners and roughening the sides of cement segments thereto. The process requires a simple formwork in the form of generally circular PVC pipe segments which are cut to required shapes which are arcuate such as the segments of a circle, oval or even elliptical. After those forms formed from the PVC pipe affixed around the reinforced concrete column are then filled with grout/cement. A plurality of vertical steel strips are attached to the column by steel rod-like shear studs that extend through previously drilled passageways passing through the reinforced concrete column and segments. The reinforced concrete column is then strengthened by increasing the area of cross section and more importantly by confining the column and attached segments by FRP materials. In addition, the vertical strips with steel studs contribute to the column strengthening.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention relate to a reinforcing bar connector. Specifically, the present invention provides a reinforcing bar connector including a holder and a binding member. The holder includes a first cover and a second cover. The holder is inserted into the binding member with the reinforcing bars surrounded by the holder. The first cover and the second cover are moved independently from each other enabling a secure connection between the reinforcing bars regardless of whether the reinforcing bars have the same or different lug arrays.

Abstract: A cover for roofs including at least one joint having a first portion and a second portion counterposed, a first sheet, a second sheet, the first sheet including a respective first lateral edge defining a first longitudinal rib, the first lateral edge being fittingly couplable to the first portion of the joint for engaging said first rib within a first recess of the first portion. The second sheet includes a second lateral edge defining a second longitudinal rib and being fittingly couplable to the second portion of the joint for engaging the second rib within a second recess of the second portion. The second lateral edge comprises a terminal portion superimposed to the first lateral edge substantially at the centreline of the joint. The terminal portion of said second lateral edge includes an extension having the free end folded and engaged in the first rib of the first lateral edge.

Abstract: Skylight assembly with specific shading devices to minimize thermal heat from high sun-angle sunlight is disclosed. With precisely engineered shading devices creating a daily “eclipse” effect, certain high sun angle light will be limited or eliminated, while allowing lower sun angle light full entry into a building. The “eclipse” devices will be permanent and will not require any daily or routine adjustments or maintenance.

Abstract: A natural convection roof device includes a first roof drainage panel, a first extended roof drainage panel, a second roof drainage panel, an inner barrier and an inner roof containing an inner ventilation opening disposed obliquely to the first roof drainage panel. The top end of the first roof drainage panel includes the first extended roof drainage panel, and the top end of the first extended roof drainage panel is assembled with the second roof drainage panel and the inner barrier. The bottom ends of the second roof drainage panel and the inner barrier are installed on the inner roof. The lower side of the inner barrier is center ventilation openings. Above the second roof drainage panel is ventilation holes, and below the second roof drainage panel is drain holes. The level of the ventilation holes is higher than that of the inner ventilation opening.

Abstract: A power-operated awning system includes an integral power supply including a battery and a battery charger housed in a power unit with a control switch. The power unit may be configured to have an appearance identical or similar to a base and arm of an awning support assembly.

Abstract: A reversible resilient wall padding apparatus includes a reversible resilient wall pad and at least one pad connector. The pad includes front, rear, and peripherally-extending sides, and at least one side connector disposed along the peripheral-extending side. The pad connector includes a first portion releasably attachable to the side connector, and a second portion attachable to a vertical surface of a wall. The pad is attachable in a first orientation with the front side facing outwardly and the first portion of the pad connector being attached to the side connector, and the second portion of the pad connector being disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the pad and the vertical surface of the wall, and a second orientation with the rear side of the pad facing outwardly and the first portion of the pad connector being attached to the side connector, and the second portion of the pad connector being disposed adjacent to the front surface of the pad and the vertical surface of the wall.

Abstract: An insulating wall assembly features a plurality of insulation panels fitted together end-to-end and each having least one slot in a side thereof facing into an interior space of a building. At each slot, a respective set of supports each have an insertion portion engaged in the slot and a fastening portion reaching outwardly from said slot past the first face of the insulation panel. A respective framing member is fastened to each set of supports with a longitudinal dimension of said framing member running along the slot in which said set of supports are engaged. Each framing member has a first leg fastened face-to-face with the fastening portions of the respective set of supports and a second leg facing away from the insulation panels to present a surface for fastening of wall-finishing panels thereto. Holes in the supports accommodate electrical wiring or other lines within the finished wall assembly.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to innovative tile panels for architectural covering, of injected thermoplastic material, presenting advantages and improvements in their use and in the way they fit to each other, to cover surfaces in a practical and economical manner, respecting the environment.

Abstract: A decorative concrete product and method of making the same is provided. The concrete surface carries a unique textural and visual decorative pattern that is troweled over the uncured surface. The decorative pattern strategically conceals any imperfections in the concrete surface. A decorative finishing tool is utilized to create a unique and consistent pattern throughout the exposed surface of the concrete. Unique visual patterns may include any aesthetic design including wood grain, or lightly finished honed or cut stone. The decorative finishing tool may be configured so that varying textures and contours may consistently be imprinted throughout the concrete. Advantageously, the cured concrete retains the durability of a concrete surface while carrying a visually and texturally appealing appearance.

Abstract: A method of forming architectural trim from cellular polyvinylchloride. The process employs manufacturing dimensionalized cellular PVC architectural components from sheet goods that can achieve both linear and radius shapes without using heat bending techniques. The process strengthens the cellular PVC giving it more structural integrity than other products made strictly of cellular PVC. These techniques enable the manufacture of components with tighter tolerances than traditional heat bending techniques which distort the size and shape of the material which make accurate and precise assembly difficult.

Abstract: A safe scaffold includes door type frames, crossbars, and toe boards. The door type frame has a ledger, located in the lower end, connected to standards that are parallel to each other and are installed with combined pins thereon individually. The crossbar includes joint bar members having engaging holes engaged with the combined pins of the door type frame, and connects one door type frame to another door type frame in a cross link method, or connected to other joint bar members through the engaging couplers. The toe board is provided on the ledgers of every two adjacent door type frames. The invention creates an available space for setting guardrails by lowering the position of the toe board of the scaffold, adjusts the position and combination of the crossbars to form guardrails, and reduces the gaps of side rails.

Abstract: An adjustable form having at least two elongated form parts which are capable of being attachable to each other in an adjustable manner relative to each other. A kit for an adjustable form having a package for containing at least two elongated form parts which are either or both adapted for or capable of being attachable to each other in an adjustable manner. A method for use of a form unit including assembling a form unit; disposing the form unit in the creation of an overall structure form for the creation of the ultimate structure; creating the ultimate structure.

Abstract: A protective cover for the repair of exterior surfaces of a building and more specifically to protective covers of a water and environmentally resistant material that are pre-dimensioned to be used in the repair of standard sized door or window jambs, frames, thresholds or exterior trim and that may have pre-formed grooves to provide for the repair of non-standard sized door or window jambs, frames, thresholds or exterior trim. The protective covers may further be included in a kit that provides for a homeowner to easily size the covers to the appropriate dimension and perform a repair.

Abstract: A dumpster and portable toilet system that includes a chassis with a dumpster mounted thereto, a portable toilet housing portion and a transportation vehicle. The chassis has an attachment region. The dumpster portion has an enclosure that is adapted for receiving refuse. The portable toilet housing portion is removably attachable to the attachment region to form a dumpster and portable toilet system. The portable toilet housing portion has a recess formed therein that is adapted to receive a portable toilet. The transportation vehicle has a hoist mechanism for placing the dumpster and portable toilet system onto the transportation vehicle and moving the dumpster and portable toilet system off of the transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A flow-through pool cover that efficiently drains built up water from the top of the pool cover while simultaneously preventing leaves and twigs from entering the pool and or clogging up the draining device. The flow-through pool cover includes a pool cover, a plurality of drain-receiving holes, and a plurality of drains. The drain-receiving holes traverse through the pool cover and are distributed about the pool cover. Each of the drains includes a base plate, a plurality of drain holes, a tubular body, and a fastening mechanism. The drain holes are distributed about the base plate and traverse through the base plate to create a mesh. The base plate and the tubular body are concentrically positioned with a corresponding drain-receiving hole. The base plate is attached to the tubular body by the fastening mechanism through the pool cover.

Abstract: A pool cover assembly for preventing a cover from contacting a fluid in a pool while the cover is placed over the pool includes the cover that may be positioned over the pool. The cover completely covers the fluid in the pool. The cover is structured to have a pillow section. The pillow section is inflatable to float on the fluid thereby spacing the cover upwardly from the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a modular safety shelter including one or more ceiling panels connected to one or sidewall panels which are installed in an existing closet or enclosed space in the interior of a home or other structure. The modular safety shelter includes a safety flange coupled to a door of the shelter. The safety flange allows a user positioned within the shelter to grasp the safety flange and safely close the door without injuring their fingers. The modular safety shelter further includes one or more air vents, locking devices, and a light source for providing light to the occupants within the shelter when the shelter is in use. The modular safety structure is configured and built to withstand severe storm winds, impacts from flying debris and provides a safe enclosure for occupants during a home invasion or burglary event.

Abstract: A survival and rescue capsule for protecting an occupant encountering a natural crisis includes a body member having an ellipsoidal outer wall assembly that includes bottom and top wall sections and that accommodates a person. A ballast weight is positioned adjacent the bottom wall section to enhance upright stability of the body member. A seat is positioned in the interior area, the seat having a seat bottom and springs mounted beneath the seat bottom to cushion a person from impact forces. The wall assembly defines a main ventilation channel having a lower end in communication with ambient air outside the interior area and an upper end in communication with ambient air inside the interior area, the lower end being lower than the upper end relative to the top wall section of the wall assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tower, where the apparatus may include a structure including a foundation including a plurality of hydraulic cylinders; a truss tower located on the foundation and configured to support a tower built on the foundation; and a controller configured to control extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A clamp arrangement includes a pair of brackets adapted to be clamped on opposing sides of the wooden post to encapsulate a fractured portion, each bracket is made from an integral sheet of metal cut and pressed to define a longitudinal hemispherical chamber and a pair of longitudinal flanges extended out from each, the longitudinal hemispherical chamber having an upper end wherein a lip is supported in the lateral extension by a multitude of pressed out ribs such that when the clamp arrangement is required to be driven into the ground about the wooden post, the lip provides a support location for an impact tool to drive the clamp arrangement into the ground.

Abstract: A sleeve for a wooden post protects the post from moisture, insects, and rot . The sleeve may be manufactured from an elastic material which stretches over the lower end of the wooden post, or a heat-sensitive material which shrinks to cling to the wood surface when exposed to sufficient heat. The sleeve completely protects the wood from penetration by moisture and insects, and is provided in sizes to fit 2?×4?, 4?×4?, and larger wooden posts if need be.

Abstract: A memorial photo box including a rear housing having a rear wall, upper and lower walls and side walls and a front opening defined by the upper and lower walls and the first and second side walls. The memorial photo box includes a top cover having upper and lower walls and side walls and a lip formed about a front opening defined by the upper and lower walls and the sidewalls, whereby the top cover is mounted onto the rear housing. A high resolution photo and protective UV sheeting is disposed between the lip and the front opening of the rear housing. The rear housing contains one or more strands of light bulbs and circuitry to provide power and operate the one or more strands of light bulbs. The high resolution photo disposed between the lip is illuminated by the one or more strands of light bulbs.

Abstract: There is described a canopy system comprising two or more parallel elongated rods, one or more canopy pieces having two parallel edges, two or more elongated bars connected to each of the two or more parallel elongated rods and attached to each of the two parallel edges of the one or more canopy pieces, and at least one connection mechanism attached to each of the elongated rods having a connector that is capable of being suspended from a support. The elongated rods may include at least one lower cavity having two channels each configured to detachably and slidably receive each of the elongated bars. The lower cavity may have a groove that is configured to detachably and slidably receive an accessory. The elongated rods each may include at least one upper cavity configured to detachably and slidably receive each connection mechanism and a second accessory.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a tube, a knob connected to the tube, a dismount mechanism including an engaging component that is movably disposed in the tube, and a lock unit mounted in the knob. The lock unit includes a rotor engaging the engaging component for preventing the lock unit from being dismounted. The rotor is rotatable between a first angular position, where the rotor prevents movement of the engaging component, and a second angular position, where the rotor allows the engaging component to move. The rotor is disengaged from the engaging component when the engaging component moves to a disengaging position, such that the lock unit can be dismounted from the knob.

Abstract: A locking mechanism including a plunger, a plurality of locking elements, a cage including apertures in which the locking elements are housed, and a sleeve, with the sleeve moveable with respect to the cage between an unlocked position and a locked position, and when the sleeve is in the locked position, the sleeve maintains the locking elements in engagement with a recess on the plunger to restrict movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A system includes a multisided key with three or more sides, where all the sides of the multisided key are identical. Further, the system includes a cylindrical lock with inner and outer cylinders and a locking vane residing radially outward in a void spanning the inner and outer cylinders. The locking vane includes an inner portion including a first protrusion and a second protrusion corresponding to two levels of the multisided key and an outer portion separated from the inner portion by a gap, wherein at least a part of the outer portion is disposed in the outer void. When the multisided key is inserted into the lock, the gap of the locking vane aligns with an interface between the inner and outer cylinders, allowing the inner cylinder to rotate within the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A latch for capturing a striker includes a latch cam, a trigger, a drive cam, a motor coupled to the drive cam, and a switch coupled to the motor. The latch cam is biased to rotate toward an open position and configured to capture the striker in a closed position. The drive cam uses at least one cam surface to contact the trigger, and the switch permits actuation of the motor to rotate the drive cam when sensing the trigger or the drive cam, thereby rotating the drive cam to urge the trigger toward an unlocked position, disengage the trigger from the latch cam, and allow the latch cam to rotate from the closed position toward the open position. A system incorporating the latch and method of capturing a striker is also provided.

Abstract: A storage cabinet having doors including latching mechanisms for securing the doors in a locked position for the safe storage of weapons and related equipment and accessories. A lock plate assembly is used for added security thereof and includes a plate for receiving the latches before the latches are locked together through the shackle of a padlock.

Abstract: A latch assembly for driving a closure panel from a closed panel position to an open panel position.

Abstract: A door handle and actuation assembly for opening a door of a vehicle includes a striker and a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch biased to engage the striker to secure the vehicle door in a closed position. A first latch actuator is configured to receive an electronic signal for disengaging the latch from the striker. A second latch actuator is redundant to the first latch actuator and a power source is available for providing an electrical signal to the second latch actuator. The second latch actuator includes a shape memory alloy having a first configuration and a second configuration that different from the first configuration when subject to an electrical current. The second configuration is cooperable with the latch assembly for disengaging the latch from the striker.

Abstract: A locking device for a vehicle sliding door comprises a rail mounted on the vehicle sliding door; a central support structure coupled to the rail and mounted on the vehicle body and configured to connect the vehicle sliding door to the vehicle body and to allow the vehicle sliding door to pivot and slide; and a hook disposed on the central support structure and configured to lock the central support structure with respect to the rail according to a movement of the vehicle sliding door.

Abstract: An outside handle device for a vehicle includes: an outside handle housing mounted at an outer side of a door outer panel of the vehicle; a handle base mounted at an inner side of the door outer panel and coupled to the outside handle housing; a handle lever positioned at the inner side of the door outer panel to thereby be rotatably provided in the handle base and connected to the outside handle housing; and a backup lever positioned at the inner side of the door outer panel to thereby be rotatably provided in the handle base and selectively limiting rotation of the handle lever. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a door from being opened at the time of occurrence of a side collision to improve collision performance, thereby improving safety and salability.

Abstract: A door latch assembly is provided with enhanced acoustic dampening characteristics, and includes a door bolt assembly having an inside barrel and an outside barrel configured for accommodating reciprocal sliding action of the inside barrel between a latch position and a release position. At least one barrel acoustic isolator is associated with at least one of the inside barrel and the outside barrel, and is configured for dampening sound generated by the reciprocal action.

Abstract: An around-the-corner locking mechanism is mounted using known tie-bar guides so as to cause a self-locating feature for the device on a casement or awning window. The device has an adjustable connecting link so that standard lock system tie bars can be used at industry standard spacings, while also being adaptable to custom sized windows. The mechanism, through an around-the-corner component, has tie bars integrated directly into the around-the-corner component so as to provide a locking point on a casement window jamb at a nearly constant distance from the head or sill of the window, and another linked locking point on the head or sill itself. The tie bars in the around-the-corner component can be linked through an adjustable length linking component to a driving tie bar and slave tie bars to provide still more locking points.

Abstract: A gliding doorstop having a substantially sinusoidal cross sectional shape, with a central trough configured to accept the bottom of a door and two curved ends configured to slide along a floor. The gliding doorstop is configured to retain the door in a set position against routine amounts of environmental forces, but be slideable such that the door can be manually moved by a user into a new set position without removing the gliding doorstop from underneath the door.

Abstract: A personal computing device is provided with a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a hinge joining the first housing portion to the second housing portion. The hinge is configured to allow the first housing portion to rotate substantially three-hundred-sixty degrees relative to the second housing portion. The hinge can be implemented as a plurality of interlinked parallel hinge segments, each hinge segment to rotate about a respective one of a plurality of parallel axes of the hinge to enable the rotation of the first housing portion.

Abstract: A pin can be retained in a hinge or other set of workpieces by a ferrule crimped onto an annular notch near the terminus of the pin. The ferrule can have a flange that acts as a stop preventing the pin from being removed from the workpieces. With appropriate length of the ferrule and location of the notch, a particular desired degree of play can be introduced. One use of this fastener assembly can be to join two or more workpieces in a way that provides for the workpieces to pivot around the pin.

Abstract: A protection arrangement for a current collector arranged on a vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage includes a first protective state in which the current collector is covered by the protection arrangement and a second open state in which the protection arrangement allows contact between the current collector and a corresponding current supply during charging of the energy storage and where the protection arrangement is automatically opened from the protective state to the open state when the vehicle has reached a predefined charging position. The current collector can be enclosed when the vehicle is not charged and the protection arrangement can open automatically when a charging position is reached. This can improve the safety of the vehicle and obviate the need of a specific circuit breaker that can disconnect the current collector from the electric energy storage. The charging of the vehicle can also be simplified.

Abstract: A sliding device for a vehicle door includes a lower rail extending straightly and mounted on an exterior of a vehicle. A lower slider is coupled to the lower rail to move along the lower rail. A gear device is mounted on the lower slider to move with the lower slider. A linkage has one end connected to the gear device to transmit a torque and another end rotatably engaged with a lower portion of the vehicle door.

Abstract: The present invention is generally a movable barrier operator with a touchscreen user interface, and more specifically, to a movable barrier operator that provides an integrated display for enabling a graphical user interface (GUI) that relays easy to use diagnostic or systemic information to a user. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a movable barrier operator with a touchscreen display that provides a GUI to enable installing, troubleshooting, or controlling the movable barrier operator. This touchscreen interface is implemented with the barrier operator and provides the advantage of displaying meaningful information without the need to use pseudo-words to communicate a message, a setting or an option to the user. In the same manner, the GUI offers the capability to present readable and meaningful messages in case of errors or malfunctions instead of displaying error codes or pseudo-language which inadequately describes these errors.

Abstract: A device for opening a door includes an electric motor on a base, a slider movable relative to the base along a rectilinear direction between a rest position and an open position, and a rod pushing against the door and movable relative to the base and the slider along the rectilinear direction between a retracted position and an extracted position. An actuating element resiliently pushes the rod towards the extracted position. A gearwheel transmission is arranged between the electric motor and a transmission device to cause movement of the slider into the open position. The gearwheel transmission includes a gearwheel having a non-toothed segment which disengages the slider from the electric motor when the slider reaches the open position. A recall element recalls the slider towards the rest position or the rod towards the retracted position when the non-toothed segment disengages the slider from the electric motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for controlling a door. In various embodiments, exemplary systems may include a controller that may initialize and/or reset a limit count. A controller may initialize and/or reset a limit count in response to detection by a first position sensor of a first target. A controller may further initialize and/or reset a limit count by incrementing the limit count in response to a signal from a gear tooth sensor until a second position sensor detects a second target, whereupon the controller may store the limit count.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel collection bin for a waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes an automated cover system.

Abstract: A pre-manufactured door buck or a kit of parts is used to install a pre-sized door buck in a wall that allows a standard sized door to be installed. The door buck can include a pair of side members and a header member. Each side member can have an aperture passing through the side member. The header member can have a first end with a first tenon and a second end with a second tenon. The door buck is constructed by inserting the first tenon and the second tenon through the apertures in the side members and secured in place. The assembled door buck defines a pre-determined sized opening in which a door can be installed.

Abstract: A roto-translating system for opening and closing a wing (2) which is configured to be mounted on a frame (4a, 4c) of the wing (2) is provided with:—a first guide (20) and a second guide (21) arranged so as to define an angle greater than or equal to 90°;—a first carriage (22) and a second carriage (23) which are configured to be coupled to an upper edge (9) of the wing (2) and to engage in a sliding manner the first guide (20) and the second guide (21) respectively;—a spacer arm (52, 132, 232) provided with a first end (54, 134, 235), which is configured to be fixed to a first structural element (6) of the frame (4a, 4c, 6) in a rotating manner about a first vertical axis (V1), and a second end (55, 135, 236) which is configured to be coupled to a lower edge (10) of the wing (2).

Abstract: An inner glass skin structure is configured by a sashless plate glass that overcomes the difference in the coefficients of linear expansion and insufficient rigidity of aluminum and glass having a superior design, in which the four sides of each of the sashless plate glass are covered by an aluminum covering material having narrow width. The inner glass skin structure is configured by a plurality of sashless plate glasses four sides of which are covered with an aluminum covering material, a door roller and a securing foot member respectively fixed on the bottom of each plate glass on the movable side and immovable side of the plate glass of the sliding door formation, and a lower rail member arranged underneath the plate glass and an upper rail member arranged directly above each plate glass.