Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting unit for a kitchen mixer tap which is configured to supply cold water, warm water and water of at least one other type, wherein the connecting unit is provided with a cold water supply connection for supplying cold mains water, a cold water discharge connection for discharging cold water, a warm water discharge connection for discharging warm water and an auxiliary water discharge connection for discharging water of another type to the kitchen mixer tap, an apparatus discharge connection for discharging cold water to be heated to a warm water preparation apparatus, an apparatus supply connection for supplying water coming out of the warm water preparation apparatus, an inlet combination coupled to the apparatus discharge connection and a mixer element coupled to the warm water discharge connection for mixing cold water and warm water, wherein the connecting unit is configured to be placed under a worktop.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a shower head includes a hollow, cylindrical mounting member including a recess, a channel, and external threads; a screw driven through the channel into a wall; a fastening element including a well, a protuberance, an annular flange, and a receptacle in the well; a sleeve including internal threads secured to the external threads to fasten the sleeve, the fastening element, and the mounting member together; a main body including a channel for receiving a section of a pipe, a hollow, cylindrical projection put on the protuberance to engage the flange, an externally threaded protrusion, and a tunnel member projecting out of the projection; a screw driven through the tunnel member into the receptacle to fasten the main body and the fastening element together; and a cap including internal threads secured to the protrusion to fasten the cap and the main body together.

Abstract: A faucet includes a delivery spout, a lift rod supported by the delivery spout for movement between a lowered position and a raised position, and a finial coupled to the upper end of the lift rod, the finial being configured to conform to the outer surface of the delivery spout when in a lowered position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting with a flow module, such as an electronic faucet with a flow module.

Abstract: A tub faucet includes a first shell; a second shell; a cross-shaped first coupling including a tubular member having two sets of two opposite wells at two ends respectively, an externally threaded first tube, an externally threaded second tube; two T-shaped second couplings each including an externally threaded inlet, a tubular first joining member, the first joining member having two opposite tabs on an outer surface, and an externally threaded, tubular second joining member; two knobs rotatably secured to the second joining members respectively; and a spout threadedly secured to the second tube, the spout having a stem configured to open or close the spout. The first joining members are secured to two ends of the tubular member respectively with the tabs inserted into the wells respectively. The first and second shells are complimentarily fastened together with the first and second couplings partially disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting with a sensor mounted on an electronic board, such as an electronic faucet with a sensor mounted on an electronic board.

Abstract: A backflow resistant stop valve for an aircraft galley plumbing system comprises a valve body defining an inlet, and inlet chamber, a transfer chamber, an outlet chamber, and an exit. The valve incorporates an anti-backflow device at the exit to prevent backflow, and flow through the body is controlled by a pivoting paddle disposed within the valve body having an upper flap, a spindle, and a lower flap, where the upper flap seals against the inlet chamber and the lower flap seals against the outlet chamber when the paddle is rotated to a first position. The valve utilizes a negative pressure at the outlet chamber that biases the valve closed until a sufficient column of water overcomes the bias.

Abstract: A mop sink assembly having a mop sink with a back wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a front wall; and a bottom with a drain opening. The mop sink is comprised of a heavy gauge stainless steel; preferably 12 gauge 304 stainless steel. The mop sink assembly may further include a backsplash and a seamless joint seal. In practice the backsplash and the seamless joint seal are beneficially made of a fiberglass reinforced plastic.

Abstract: An automatic popup device assembly that electromechanically opens and closes a sink drain stopper plug. The device operates from within a waterproof capsulated cartridge that seamlessly attaches to a standard water drain pipe assembly. The device is powered by either a linear type solenoid or a low voltage linear dc gear motor to provide the force to raise and lower the stopper plug. The triggering mechanizing to actuate the stopper plug is a motion sensor. More commonly know as (IR), or (PIR) Infrared, Passive infrared motion control activating method. A secondary triggering mechanizing is the touch controller method whereby touching the stopper plug or external object such as the faucet or wall switch to raise or lower the stopper plug assembly automatically preventing the escape of water. A third triggering method to raise or lower the stopper plug is by a hand held remote controller through a (RF) radio signal frequency instructing to the popup device to engage.

Abstract: A flush valve assembly for use in a toilet tank that has a drain opening, a valve seat at the drain opening, and a valve member movable relative to the valve seat, together acting as a flush valve. The valve member has an internal chamber for containing water to reduce buoyancy of the valve member in water, so that the valve member may descend through water to reach the valve seat for sealing engagement with the valve seat. The valve member has an inlet for admitting water into the chamber, and an outlet for discharging water from the chamber. A toilet flush system includes the toilet tank, a tank refill mechanism for refilling the toilet tank with water, the flush valve assembly in the toilet tank, and an operating unit for operating the flush valve assembly.

Abstract: Provided is an adjustment unit of an unpowered automatic water flushing toilet bowl seat having a function of controlling air discharge and intake only by body weight, which can adjust a water flushing time when excrement is cleaned while interworking with a rising operation of a toilet bowl seat moved by weight of a toilet user

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sanitary washing apparatus includes: a nozzle including a jetting port and configured to squirt water from the jetting port to wash a user's body; a flow channel configured to guide water supplied from a water supply source to the jetting port; an electrolytic cell provided midway along the flow channel and being operable to produce sterilizing water; a heating device provided on the flow channel on upstream side of the electrolytic cell; a nozzle cleaning device configured to clean or sterilize the nozzle with the water heated by the heating device or the sterilizing water produced by the electrolytic cell; and a controller configured to perform control for stopping energization of the heating device or reducing an amount of energization of the heating device when energizing the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A urinal for receiving and discharging urine having a bowl portion having a bowl surface for receiving urine; a spouting device disposed on a top portion of the bowl portion for spouting flush water onto the bowl surface; and a discharge trap portion, communicating with a discharge port disposed on a bottom portion of the bowl portion, for discharging flush water and forming a water seal on a downstream side of the bowl portion. The discharge trap includes a descending conduit, a horizontal conduit, and an ascending conduit, and a cross section perpendicular to a discharging direction of either the horizontal conduit or the ascending conduit on the discharge trap portion is formed so that an inner side of the urinal from a center of the cross section has a smaller cross sectional area than an outer side of the urinal from the center of the cross section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems for connecting a flooring system to a vertical wall. In one embodiment the building structure includes a floor comprising a cementitious slab and a wall supporting at least a portion of the cementitious slab. A plurality of stand-off fasteners extend from the top of the wall into the cementitious slab and are configured to transfer forces between the cementitious slab and the wall. The stand-off fasteners comprise a lower portion and an upper stand-off portion. The lower portion is operatively coupled to the top of the wall, and the upper stand-off portion extends above the top of the wall and is encapsulated within the cementitious slab. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lower portion is heat treated to a higher degree of hardness relative to the remainder of the stand-off screw.

Abstract: A method for producing three-dimensional space frames or truss structures from simpler components and space frames or truss structures produced by the associated method. The various components, which may be made from virtually any material, are shaped in such a way so that they may be fitted together to create a space frame or truss structure. The components may be held together by any available attachment means, or by the interaction of the components themselves. The method and associated components allows for the assembly of three-dimensional space frames or truss structures from planar materials, significantly reducing cost and manufacturing time. These space frames or trusses can then be used as structural members, as the interior load-bearing portions of sandwich panels, or in any situation where high-strength and light weight are desirable.

Abstract: A panel fastener (20) is disclosed having a hook and cam assembly (21). The fastener has a metallic casing 23 comprised of two sidewalls (24) formed with a boss (27?) inwardly indented from the main sidewall portion through which a cam shaft (28) is journalled. The boss (27?) is formed as a circular or annular recess or depression having an inwardly extending sidewall 51 extending inwardly from the sidewalls (24) and extending to an end portion or end wall (52) having a cylindrical terminal end or bearing surface (53). The bearing surface is located along a cylinder substantially coaxially aligned with the cam shaft and substantially normal to the plane (55) of the outer surface of the adjacent portion of the casing sidewall.

Abstract: A yield link connection for use in bracing structures against lateral loads, the connection comprising a first structural member fixed to a base or foundation, and to which a yield link is connected. The yield link connects the first structural member to the structure in need of bracing. The yield link is created by cutting out a portion of material from a standard rolled steel structural section. The shape and dimensions of the cutout are designed so that the remaining elements of the yield link become separate bending elements. These separate elements behave as fixed-fixed members with predictable yielding, creating four plastic hinge zones around the cutout. High hysteretic damping is achieved through designing the cutout so yielding occurs in a large amount of the steel volume remaining adjacent to the cutout. The cutout is further designed so that yielding occurs in the yield link before it occurs in the first structural member.

Abstract: A method of installing an insulation system proximate a jamb having steps of: providing a stud member adjacent an opening in a wall; providing and positioning an angle jamb member having a front panel portion and a side panel portion; extending a fastener through the angle jamb and into the stud member; providing a plurality of spaced apart bracket members; positioning and attaching the bracket members in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the stud member; and positioning each of a plurality of insulation panels between adjacently positioned and spaced apart bracket members.

Abstract: A water resistant expansion joint system includes foam, which has been formed into a desired shape by at least one of stamping, cutting, molding and die-cutting; and a layer of an elastomer disposed on the foam. The layer of the elastomer facilitates compression of the water resistant expansion joint system when installed between substrates. The desired shape of the foam includes an angle, and the water resistant expansion joint system is angled around a corner and accommodates thermal and seismic movement in the system by expanding and contracting, and creates a waterproof seal around the corner upon expansion of the foam between the substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a weep hole insert (10, 10?) for providing a barrier in a weep hole (11). A handle (24, 24?) for facilitating insertion of the insert (10, 10?) in the weep hole (11) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An underlayment layer composition and flooring system, method of using the composition and method of obtaining desirable sound reducing results are provided. The underlayer can provide sound reducing properties. The underlayer material is preferably provided as a liquid or paste. It can take the form of a trowel applied, rapid curing material suitable for many floor systems. In preferred embodiments of the invention, a layer membrane of the material can help lead to an ASTM E492/ASTM E-986-06 impact sound transmission IIC rating or ASTM E90-04/E413-10 sound transmission loss STC rating of about 45 dB or greater, preferably over 65 dB and even over 69 dB.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a transparent, noncombustible sheet having excellent transparency but minimized blurring and color bleeding. The means for addressing the problem is a transparent noncombustible sheet including a glass fiber fabric and a cured resin composition layer impregnated into the glass fiber fabric; wherein, the cured resin composition layer is formed by curing a resin composition including a curable resin and a bifunctional (meth)acrylate, total light transmittance of the transparent noncombustible sheet being no less than 80%, and haze of the transparent noncombustible sheet being no more than 30%.

Abstract: A fire-rated reveal piece and wall assemblies or other assemblies that incorporate the fire-rated reveal piece, in which the reveal piece can include an intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The reveal can be attached adjacent to a corner, flange or leg of a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed between the framing member and a wall board member at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. A fire spray material can be applied over a portion of the reveal piece.

Abstract: Ceiling suspension system including a plurality of rigid, elongated seismic joists interposed between opposing walls of a room, spaced selected distances apart along a horizontal support plane, and hangers suspended from the respective joists to support a grid from the respective lower ends thereof.

Abstract: An occupiable building and a method for constructing an occupiable space in a structural frame building are disclosed. In an embodiment, an occupiable building includes a structural frame defining a footprint of the occupiable building, at least one lower deck structure located within the footprint of the structural frame and supported by the structural frame, at least one upper deck structure located within the footprint of the structural frame and supported by the structural frame, and an interior partition system installed between the lower deck structure and the upper deck structure to define an occupiable space, the occupiable space having a ceiling. The interior partition system includes first king post assemblies, a lower panel, and an upper panel. The lower panel is fastened to the king post assemblies and to the upper panel. The upper panel is fastened to the king post assemblies and to upper panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a decking system including a receiver and deck plank, wherein the plank removeably connects to receiver for installation. For example, the receiver may provide a snap lock function that secures and automatically spaces the deck planks on the receiver, which is fastened to a deck joist. In addition, the system is designed to conceal fasteners used to attach the system to the deck joist.

Abstract: A metal panel configured to be supported in a suspension ceiling grid is provided comprising a metal sheet with a central planar portion and upturned edges defining a plurality of sides of the panel. The upturned edges comprise a first, generally-upwardly extending portion sharing a common edge with the central planar portion, a second, generally horizontally portion extending inwardly from and sharing a common edge with the first portion, and a third, generally downwardly extending portion sharing a common edge with the second portion, the first, second and third portions of the edges defining downwardly-opening channels. At least one cross brace is provided that extends between at least two sides of the panel, the cross brace having ends configured to be received in the channels. The central planar portion of the panel is secured to the cross brace to limit deflection of the central portion.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a construction system that includes a plurality of panels. Moreover, at least some of the plurality of panels may include an upper side, a lower side, an insulation member, and at least one support member that is coupled to the insulation member. In some aspects, the support member may be coupled to the insulation member such that the support member extends from the upper side to the lower side of the panel. In some embodiments, the construction system may also include a plurality of engagement elements that are configured to engage at least some of the panels to assemble the panels into at least a portion of a structure.

Abstract: An end cap secured to a tubular member for use in repairing post-tensioned concrete, including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment has a first end and a first opening, where the first segment is substantially cylindrical in shape. The second segment is substantially frustoconical in shape. The third segment has a second end and a second opening and is substantially cylindrical in shape. The second segment is disposed between and integral with the first segment and the third segment. A cavity is formed by the first, second, and third segments, where the first end is arranged to be secured to a tubular member and at least one cable is disposed longitudinally within the cavity.

Abstract: A protective cap, for preventing impalement injury on rebar, comprising a tubular socket to receive an end of a length of rebar, the socket being attached to a sleeve defining a channel to receive and enclose a length of timber. Caps are also provided having a releasable gripper to grip the end of rebar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a socket fastening-type reinforcing bar connector using a binding end member and, more particularly, a reinforcing bar connector is disclosed wherein binding end members are bound to reinforcing bars, in order to facilitate processes for joining reinforcing bars, which are the foundation of reinforced concrete, and processes for joining between reinforcing bar cages, such that reinforcing bars having adjacent ends can be precisely connected mechanically through simple socket fastening.

Abstract: A roofing system, comprising: at least one underlayment roll having a top and a bottom, a first end and a second end and being impermeable to moisture, wherein the bottom has an adhesive layer applied to it; wherein the first end of the underlayment roll is fastened over a center of a top rib in a roof deck and the underlayment roll is roll dispensed in a first row and cut at the end of the roof deck creating a cut end and fastened at the cut end; and wherein a second row of the underlayment roll is positioned overlapping the first row and dispensed in a second row and cut at the end of the roof deck creating another cut end and fastened at the cut end.

Abstract: A baffle, for use with a roof deck, includes a main body portion and an attachment surface. The baffle is installable from the exterior side of a roof deck through an opening in the deck to form an air flow path between the interior side of the roof deck and the main body portion. The attachment surface may be attachable to the roof deck while the main body extends along the interior side of the roof deck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a staircase element comprising a tubular mast erectable to a vertical position onto the floor or a corresponding surface of a stair hall, and fillable with concrete; stair step elements fastened at their first end stepwise to the mast and branching off radially from the mast; at least one tubular stringer fastened to the second end of the stair step elements, fillable with concrete and connectable with fastening members to at least one wall of the stair hall, for supporting the stair step elements at their second end and for anchoring the staircase element to a building. The invention also relates to a method for building a staircase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting 10 for glass balustrade and methods of installing the same. In particular aspects, the mounting 10 includes a first flange 14 and a second flange 15 that define therebetween a cavity 17 for receiving a glass panel 11. The mounting 10 also includes a clamping member 27 which can be actuated by a threaded member 28 provided in the first flange 14 to frictionally clamp the glass panel 11 within the cavity 17. The mounting 10 includes numerous securing holes for securing to a structure 22 such as a cement pad, a beam, or a piece of timber. In certain aspects, the mounting is configured to clamp two corner portions of separate panels of glass 110, 120 to form the glass balustrade.

Abstract: A combination frame material comprises an outer frame and an inner frame. The outer frame has an outer side and an inner side, with the inner side provided with two parallel combining grooves with a middle pillar disposed therebetween for dividing the two combining grooves. The inner frame has two parallel combining parts for being transversely received in the two combining grooves, with a pillar groove disposed between the two combining parts for receiving the middle pillar. Thus, the outer frame and the inner frame are allowed to be combined easily and efficiently.

Abstract: A panel for attachment to a mounting surface includes a plurality of raised faces formed and extending between an upper edge and a lower edge of the panel, and a plurality of recessed keyways defined between each of the raised faces. The panel may have a recessed base at the lower edge of the keyways defining a fold lip adjacent the mounting surface, and a full base formed at the lower edge of the raised faces and extending beyond the recessed base. The fold lip provides a reaction point for an under lap extending from the lower edge toward the upper edge. The panel may include a lock flange formed at the upper edge. The lock flange defines a lock slot between layers of the panel, and closes the lock slot to substantially zero depth at a first touch point and a second touch point.

Abstract: A method and system are described for manufacture of an artificial stone veneer having a lighter weight relative to artificial stones and artificial stone veneers presently known in the art. More specifically, a system and method is described for manufacture of an artificial stone or artificial stone veneer from a cement based compound that includes a portion of crumb rubber. An exemplary compound mixture that may be leveraged by embodiments of the invention comprises: a portion of about 376 pounds of Portland cement, a portion of about 352 pounds of crumb rubber, a portion of reinforcement fibers (cellulose based fiber), a portion of about 192 oz. of accelerator to speed cure time, and a portion of about 32 gallons of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated panel (1) of cork material or cork-based material devoid of any wood material, the panel (1) comprising at least one central layer (2) of cork material or cork-based material, said central layer (2) having a first face and a second face; at least one wear outer layer (4) arranged on said first face of central layer (2); and one coupling member (3) arranged on at least two sides of panel (1), wherein the coupling element (3) is an extension of said central layer (2) of cork material or cork-based material at said sides. In addition, the panel further comprises a base outer layer (5) arranged on the second face of central layer (2). The invention is generally directed to building industry, and particularly it is applicable to flooring.

Abstract: Building panels, especially laminated floor panels are shown, which are provided with a locking system and several core grooves at the rear side in order to save material and decrease weight. Building panels, each having a surface layer on a front side, a backing layer on a rear side and an intermediate core, wherein the intermediate core and the surface and the backing layer all comprise wood fibres and thermosetting resins, said building panels are provided with a locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of a first edge of a first building panel to an adjacent second edge of a second building panel.

Abstract: A floor plan is fit to a foundation and points are defined at relevant locations on the floor plan. The points are defined based on the location of the point and the features associated with the point. Walls are laid out at full scale on a construction site based on the floor plan. The walls are located by locating the positions of the defined points, and the defined points are located with a point marker base, prism assembly, and electronic surveying equipment. The prism assembly is mounted to the point marker base, and the point marker base provides a reference point from which an offset distance to the defined point is determined. A rotatable measuring instrument is secured to the point marker base and measures the offset distance. Wall lines are located based on the location of the defined point.

Abstract: A support pole that includes a telescopic rod including a first shaft configured to move relative to a second shaft, first pad secured to a first end of the first shaft, a retention mechanism secured to the first shaft between the end of the first shaft and the second shaft, and a second pad secured to the second shaft. The retention mechanism is operable to move between an engaged position in which a sheet or curtain may be secured to the telescopic rod and a disengaged position in which the sheet is detached from the telescopic rod.

Abstract: A post support for a safety railing used in building construction comprises a hollow post socket having an open top and a through bore extending horizontally therethrough. An anchor is received within the post socket. There is a bar received through the bore of the post socket. The bar intersects with the anchor and restricts movement of the anchor relative to the post socket.

Abstract: A core form device including a circular plate and a plurality of bendable arms extending from the circular plate which when bent about the circular plate form the core form device.

Abstract: A wall repair device comprising a thin, flexible disc having an inside portion surface area, an outside portion surface area and an outside perimeter located around the outside edge of the disc and a center portion located in the center of the disc, wherein the center portion is an attachment means; a wand removeably attachable to the center portion of the disc; and wherein the outside perimeter of the disc is collapsible towards and in the direction of the length of the wand when the wand is attached to the center portion of the disc. A method to repair a hole in a wall, wherein the wall is made of drywall plaster or plaster lathe, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A platform system for leveling a stage includes at least two module assemblies, each including at least two receiving members being releasably secured to each other. At least two first supports are engaged and removably secured to the at least two receiving members, at least one receiving member present is not engaged or secured to a first support. Each first support includes an elongate portion, an extendible portion extendible from and lockingly engageable with the elongate portion, a base member removably attached to the extendible portion. A retention system is configured to engage and lockingly secure the extendible portion to form a first support of desired length, and at least one second support releasably connected to a first support and module assembly. The retention system is configured to rapidly extend and lockingly engage the extendible portion, the base member providing self-leveling of each of the module assemblies of the stage.

Abstract: A retention tie system for post-construction installation to stabilize masonry or composite walls. The system comprises a tie member anchored in an anchor hole bored into the existing foundation and a tensioned against a base plate and a cover plate seated along the top of the wall. A bracing member is used to provide lateral stability to the respective plate members. A tension washer is used to ensure that the tie members are tensioned to the appropriate load.

Abstract: An umbrella stand may include a receptacle for receiving a portion of a mast of an umbrella and a base portion configured to interface with a ground surface. A movable joint is disposed between the receptacle and the base portion. A frictional force present between components of the movable joint is great enough to maintain a position of the receptacle relative to the base portion under the weight of the umbrella and mast, and is small enough that the receptacle can be repositioned relative to the base portion by application of a manual force to the mast of the umbrella. The movable joint may be lockable into different positions.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite structure, such as a cross arm for use in the power industry, having a rectangular outer cross-sectional shape and an inner hollow core having a curvilinear cross sectional shape. The present invention provides a composite structural element or device including, but not limited to, a cross arm or beam that can be applied in a variety of industrial and non-industrial settings including, but not limited to, the power distribution industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit of parts for use in den building. A plurality of parts is provided in which each part has an engagement portion and a connector (10). Each connector (10) is releasably engageable with each other connection (10). The parts may be assembled and can be attached to items of household furniture to build a den.