Abstract: Two building panels are connected through a column. One panel is bolted to the column, for example by way of fasteners passing through holes in a rib of the panel into threaded inserts in the column. A second panel is also bolted to the column, for example to threaded inserts open to another face of the column. Further panels in an upper or lower story of a building may be connected to the same column such that vertically stacked panels are connected together. In another connection, one end rib of a panel is made to receive a second panel. The second panel can be attached to the end rib of the first panel to make a corner.

Abstract: In a column structure, a steel column having a web and flanges integrally provided to both sides in a width direction of the web is welded to a base plate. First anchor bolts and second anchor bolts are anchored in foundation concrete. The base plate is fixed to the first anchor bolts at an opposite side to the web with respect to the flanges, and fixed to the second anchor bolts at a web side with respect to the flanges. The load bearing ability of a column setup can therefore be efficiently exhibited, and a thickness dimension of the base plate can be reduced.

Abstract: An duct coupler apparatus for sealing a bore of an anchor includes a coupler having an inner wall and a sealing mechanism affixed to the inner wall of the coupler. The sealing mechanism includes a shaft and sealing element affixed adjacent an end of the shaft. The sealing element is selectively movable between a retracted condition and an extended condition. The extended condition is adapted to be in sealing relation with an inner wall of the bore of the steel structure. The apparatus includes a nut threadedly affixed to the shaft so as to bear against the sealing element. The nut is rotatable on the shaft so as to urge against the sealing element so as to cause the sealing element to be in the extended or expanded condition.

Abstract: A roofing system and roofing shingles for use therein are disclosed. The roofing system comprises a multiplicity of courses of roofing shingles having a headlap portion, a buttlap portion, a lateral leading edge, and a lateral trailing edge, wherein the headlap portion has a width that is less than a width of the buttlap portion defining a reduced-width headlap, wherein the lateral trailing edge of a shingle in a course partially overlaps and partially abuts the lateral leading edge of an adjacent previously installed shingle to form an interlocking edge between adjacent shingles in the course, and wherein the lateral edge includes a trailing edge projection having a weather edge, a rear edge, and a variable breadth that increases toward the rear edge of the trailing edge projection.

Abstract: A roofing system and roofing shingles for use therein are disclosed. The roofing system comprises a multiplicity of courses of roofing shingles having a headlap portion, a buttlap portion, a lateral leading edge, and a lateral trailing edge, wherein the headlap portion has a width that is less than a width of the buttlap portion defining a reduced-width headlap, wherein the lateral trailing edge of a shingle in a course partially overlaps and partially abuts the lateral leading edge of an adjacent previously installed shingle to form an interlocking edge between adjacent shingles in the course, and wherein the lateral edge includes a trailing edge projection having a weather edge, a rear edge, and a variable breadth that increases toward the rear edge of the trailing edge projection.

Abstract: A system and method to attach an object to a support structure. The system includes an object attached to an elastic membrane. The elastic membrane includes a lower surface having a first and a second surface area. The first surface area extends peripherally along at least a portion of the lower surface and the second surface area is at least partially enclosed within the first surface area and separable from the support structure. The system further includes an absorbent material attached to the first surface area and an adhesive applied to a top surface of the support structure. The absorbent material being adapted to bond with at least a portion of the adhesive.

Abstract: A snow guard for a photovoltaic array that has a snap-in retrofit design in which a spring is pushed in to lock a clamp into a side groove in a photovoltaic module, thereby securing the snow guard to the side of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: Capping structures for covering existing stair treads to provide a bull nose configuration. Additionally, unique processes and/or methods for manufacturing or making such capping structures.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with a feed device for feeding a wire from a wire reel rotatably mounted on a binding machine body, a braking device for braking a rotation of the wire reel, and a control device that starts a braking to the rotation of the wire reel by the braking device after the wire is fed to a predetermined amount by the feed device.

Abstract: A bleacher seating system provides a seatback locking and release mechanism that allows for rapid simultaneous repositioning of the seat back portions in each row of seating to aid in setting up and collapsing sets of seating rows. The locking and release mechanism may be actuated to substantially simultaneously unlock all seat back portions in a row from a single location. The bleacher seating system may be readily set up or collapsed by a single operator, such as by manually or remotely unlocking and locking the seat back portions in rows so that the seat backs may be pivoted between raised and lowered positions. Optionally, deck nosemount clamps allow for increased walking space behind the seats and a particularly compact seating storage configuration.

Abstract: Robotic apparatus cleans swimming pools and has road and pulley wheels with belts thereon, on opposite sides and drive motors that rotate a wheel on each side to move the frame along a pool surface. Pairs of outside wheels have friction surfaces to engage pool surfaces to also moving the frame. Forward and rearward brush assemblies are driven to brush the pool surface. Oppositely facing and angled duck bill valves allow water into free volumes in the frame and are covered by a filter bag for filtering out debris under the action of a dual pump assembly that pumps water out through a pair of outlet opening in a top of the frame. A computer processor controls the drive motors and pump assembly to move the frame along programmed paths and rechargeable batteries power the drive motors, pump assembly and computer processor.

Abstract: A three part foundation system for supporting a building is described. Three part foundation systems can include a containment vessel, which constrains a buffer medium to an area above the containment vessel, and a construction platform. A building can be built on the construction platform. In a particular embodiment, during operation, the construction platform and structures built on the construction platform can float on the buffer medium. In an earthquake, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium may experience greatly reduced shear forces. In a flood, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium can be configured to rise as water levels rise to limit flood damage.

Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for a door of a vehicle storage or baggage compartment and includes a latch module press fit onto the housing of the assembly. The handle assembly also includes a lock assembly with a security plate to preclude unauthorized manipulation of the lock arm. In one embodiment, a position switch is associated with the latch rotor to sense the unlatched position of the rotor. A remote control power unit may also be provided on the handle assembly for locking and unlocking the latch module via a key fob or other access system user interface. An LED may be associated with the power unit to indicate locking and unlocking events, or other vehicle status information. The mounting bracket of the assembly may be selected from interchangeable brackets for manual or power actuation of the lock assembly.

Abstract: An attachment unit for a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle, having an integral hinge, which has two attachment parts disposed movable relative to one another, whereby the first attachment part is used for positioning on the heat exchanger and the second attachment part for fixation to a motor vehicle body. The attachment part is produced in a simple manner and is stable against vibrations by the motor vehicle. The integral hinge for support after installation on the heat exchanger has at least one retaining element for the form-fitting insertion in a bearing of the integral hinge.

Abstract: A mechanism or apparatus enables stowing a hinged surface chock at a stowage position near a deployment position. Said stowage and deployment positions separated by a gap between a first hinged surface and a second hinged surface, where said hinged surfaces are attached by at least one hinge. The apparatus enables the transition of said chock through said gap when one of said hinged surfaces is sufficiently open. Said apparatus will enable stowing said chock by holding said chock at the side of the gap where said chock does not obstruct the closing path of either hinged surface and said apparatus will enable deploying said chock by holding said chock where, at least partially, said chock obstructs the closing path of at least one of said hinged surfaces. Said apparatus may further enable arranging said chock at a wider angle at the deployed position.

Abstract: A portable adjustable panel assembly provides end assemblies that include a plurality of adjustable hinged arms connected to a base element and a panel support element by hinge assemblies to support a panel and provide adjustable pivot of an attached panel 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis. Geometric recesses of the portable adjustable panel assembly components correspond to geometric ends of the hinge assemblies and access apertures in hinged arm ends allow the portable adjustable panel components to be releasably pivoted and repositioned, and then locked into a desired position relative one to the other. Panel positions relative to the assembly likewise are adjustable by similar manipulation of hinge assemblies corresponding to panel support element ends. The panel assembly can be collapsed into a substantially planar assembly for portability.

Abstract: An automatically operated door system for an aircraft toilet is provided. The system has a folding door and a door frame. The folding door is arranged in the door frame to be movable between a closed door position and an open door position. The system also has a drive apparatus for moving the folding door between the closed door position and the open door position, a guiding member connected to the drive apparatus and a displacement element arranged on the folding door. The guiding member engages the displacement element to transfer the driving force of the drive apparatus to the displacement element; accordingly, the folding door is moved from the closed door position into a pre-folded door position.

Abstract: A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.

Abstract: A fenestration unit includes an outer frame portion, an inner frame portion and a supplemental fixation system that secures the outer frame portion to the inner frame portion. The supplemental fixation system increases a base force required to flex and release a complementary fit between a coupling feature of the outer frame portion and a retaining feature of the inner frame portion to a final force required to decouple the first and second frame portions.

Abstract: A camming member for a door may have a camming surface which lifts the door as the door is traversed from an opened position to a closed position. The lifting movement of the door caused by the camming member facilitates one or more latches used to reinforce a periphery of the door to be engaged without further user intervention.

Abstract: A weatherstripping for use with a frame having at least one channel comprises a backing and a weatherstripping material coupled to the backing. The backing has a front surface, a bottom surface opposite the front surface, a first side edge, a second side edge opposite the first side edge, a central support defining a central axis, and a plurality of alternating tabs extending from the central support to the first side edge to define notched out spaces between the alternating tabs. The second side edge defines a plane that is parallel to the central axis of the central support. The weatherstripping material, which is coupled to the backing, extends from the front surface of the backing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes determining a position of a covering of an architectural opening covering assembly. The example method further includes determining a speed at which the covering is to move via a motor based on the position and a period of time. The example method also includes operating a motor to move the covering at the speed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a door assembly for an animal enclosure. The assembly includes a door frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define an opening for an animal to pass therethrough. The assembly also includes a door configured to move between an open position and a close position relative to the door frame. A latch is pivotably coupled to the door and includes a mechanism that is removably coupled to the door frame. The assembly further includes a first vertical wire and a second vertical wire of the door. A first guide wire and a second guide wire are coupled to the door frame. The first vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the first guide wire between the open and close positions, and the second vertical wire is coupled to and moves along the second guide wire between the open and close positions.

Abstract: A transportable rig apparatus provides for well completion operations while also providing a rig apparatus that readily resists or negates the effects of dynamic wind forces or other weather phenomenon. More particularly, the transportable rig apparatus provides a mast assembly that can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g. perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or ground surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, the mast assembly providing a mast apparatus that readily resists or negates the effects of strong winds or other weather phenomenon.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a derrick installed on a platform of a stationary floating structure. An activity forms a borehole in a sea-bed, and carries out installation of a casing pipe assembly and a BOP assembly in the formed borehole. A BOP trolley forms the BOP assembly together with the activity, and moves while supporting the formed BOP assembly thereon. A slot is formed on a work stand of a moon pool for underwater storage of the BOP assembly so as to extend parallel with the direction of movement of the BOP trolley, and suppresses shaking of risers when the BOP assembly positioned underwater is moved by the BOP trolley and the BOP assembly is moved to an underwater storage position.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools may have a body, a cutting element attached to the body at a first location, and a formation-engaging structure attached to the body at a second location. The formation-engaging structure may be movable during a drilling operation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the formation-engaging structure may be located rotationally behind the cutting element at a first radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the body at which the cutting element will at least initially shield the formation-engaging structure from engaging a formation. In the second position, the formation-engaging structure may be located at a different second radial distance from the longitudinal axis of the body at which the formation-engaging structure will engage a formation.

Abstract: A coated or sleeved pipe for a hybrid riser tower is disclosed. The pipe has at least one stop formation that is integral with or attached to an external coating or sleeve of the pipe. The stop formation is arranged to restrain movement along the pipe of a structure attached to the pipe, such as a guide frame.

Abstract: A friction reducing assembly has a substantially cylindrical body member having an outer surface and friction reducing elements, such as ball transfer units or other omni-directional rolling-element bearing assemblies, disposed along such outer surface. The friction reducing assembly can take many different configurations including a rolling sub assembly, a mule shoe assembly or a centralizer assembly having an adjustable outer diameter.

Abstract: In an injector head (30) for handling tubing for insertion into and retrieval from a wellbore, a non-gripping portion of the path (22) of each chain loop (12), which is otherwise susceptible to oscillations when running in at least certain conditions, is constrained by a chain guide (44). The chain guide allows the chain to move freely as it is driven by the sprockets (16) in a loop, but dampens or prevents development of oscillations in the chain loop (12) when moving along one or more sections of its path in which it is not otherwise be pressed against tubing or constrained by sprockets or tensioners.

Abstract: A sieve device (1) for untreated drilling mud being brought up from a well and a method for use is provided. The sieve device (1) has a filter device (3) to separate a share of the drilling liquid from the drill cuttings. The sieve device (1) connects to a first outlet that receives drilling cuttings held back on the filter device (3) and a second outlet (11) that receives drilling liquid flowing from the filter device (3). The sieve device (1) also has at least one secondary filter (13) to separate drill cuttings from drilling liquid, a filter guard (17) being arranged in connection with the secondary filter (12), and a bypass arrangement (19) by means of which the filter guard (17) is arranged to open for communication of untreated drilling mud held back on the secondary filter (13), into the second outlet (11) for drilling liquid.

Abstract: A method of orienting a well tool can include setting down weight on an orienting device, thereby securing in position an engagement member that was previously free to displace circumferentially in the device, and after the securing, engaging the engagement member with an orienting profile. Another method of orienting a well tool can include compressing the orienting device between sections of a tool string, thereby securing in position an engagement member that was previously free to displace circumferentially in the device, the securing step including deforming a structure of the orienting device, and after the securing, engaging the engagement member with an orienting profile.

Abstract: Drilling systems and methods for deploying a latch mechanism upon reaching a drilling position. The drilling systems and methods permit spinning of a drill string to cause a core barrel head assembly to spin through the frictional mating of a landing shoulder of the head assembly and a landing ring of an outer tube assembly. The spinning of the drill string induces a centrifugal and/or radial force that acts on the latch mechanism to overcome the frictional retention forces acting on the latch mechanism, thereby permitting deployment of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing hydrocarbons from production fluids that have water as an external phase. A method for transporting a hydrocarbon through a pipeline includes injecting water into a production stream at a production center. The production stream includes a hydrocarbon, and the water injection forms a transportation stream that includes a water external phase. The transportation stream is flowed through a transportation line to a surface facility, wherein the transportation line comprises a plurality of static mixers spaced at intervals along the transportation line.

Abstract: A method for removing a core sample from a borehole includes: taking the core sample within the borehole with a sampling tool; generating a model of the core sample, the model based on data representing properties of the core sample; defining a plurality of proposed tripping schedules; applying, by a processor, the plurality of proposed tripping schedules to the model, and estimating a core parameter for each of the plurality of proposed tripping schedules; comparing the core parameter to a criteria; and selecting a suitable tripping schedule based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for characterizing flow production of a well. The method includes generating a plurality of dimensionless decline curves from a mathematical model that characterizes an expected flow production of the well and generating an overlay curve based on production data pertaining to the well. After generating the mathematical model and the overlay curve, the method compares the overlay curve to the plurality of dimensionless decline curves. The method then calculates a reservoir effective drainage area for the well based on the comparison.

Abstract: An expandable screen comprises a first end comprising a first coupling mechanism, a second end comprising a second coupling mechanism, a wire wrap section extending between the first end and the second end, and a plurality of rods coupled to the wire wrap section. The wire wrap section is coupled to the first and the second end, and the wire wrap section is configured to radially expand. The plurality of rods is configured to control spacing between adjacent wire edges upon radial expansion of the wire wrap section.

Abstract: A process and a system for enhancing recovery of oil from an oil-bearing formation are provided in which water having a total dissolved solids content is filtered to remove some solids in a filter assembly, the filtered water is treated to remove some ions in a capacitive deionization assembly, and the filtered deionized water is injected into the oil-bearing formation to mobilize crude oil and enhance oil recovery from the formation.

Abstract: A system and process for recovering oil from an oil-bearing formation. An oil recovery formulation that is first contact miscible with a liquid petroleum composition that is comprised of at least 15 mol % dimethyl sulfide is introduced together with steam or hot water into a subterranean oil-bearing formation comprising heavy oil, extra heavy oil, or bitumen, and oil is produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method of treating a subsurface formation includes circulating at least one molten salt through at least one conduit of a conduit-in-conduit heater located in the formation to heat hydrocarbons in the formation to at least a mobilization temperature of the hydrocarbons. At least some of the hydrocarbons are produced from the formation. An electrical resistance of at least one of the conduits of the conduit-in-conduit heater is assessed to assess a presence of a leak in at least one of the conduits.

Abstract: A system for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein includes a coaxial transmission line, a balun, and a radio frequency (RF) antenna coupled together in series and configured to be positioned in the wellbore so that the RF antenna heats the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation. The coaxial transmission line includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor. The balun includes an outer conductive sleeve having a proximal end coupled to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and a medial portion coupled to the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line. An inner tubular conductor extends longitudinally within the outer conductive sleeve between the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and the RF antenna. The balun also includes a ferrite body surrounding the inner tubular conductor at the proximal end.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon formation are described herein. A method for treating a subsurface hydrocarbon formation includes applying electrical current to a one or more heating elements positioned in a first tubular located in an opening in the subsurface hydrocarbon formation; providing fluid through a second tubular positioned in the first tubular in the subsurface hydrocarbon formation such that a portion of the fluid flows between the first tubular and second tubular and along a length of the tubulars; allowing the fluid to flow into a hydrocarbon layer in the subsurface hydrocarbon formation; and allowing heat to transfer from at least one of the heating elements and the fluid to a portion of the hydrocarbon layer in the subsurface hydrocarbon formation.

Abstract: A system is provided for removing dimethyl ether (DME) from oil, water or brine and gas that includes a gas-oil-water separation module, a DME absorber, a water stripper, a liquid-liquid extractor, a water source, and an oil stripper, and a process is provided for separating DME from a mixture of DME, crude oil, water or brine, and a gas containing alkane hydrocarbons. A DME lean oil containing at most 1 ppmwt may be produced by the process.

Abstract: Methods, computer programs, and systems for detecting at least one downhole condition are disclosed. Forces are measured at a plurality of locations along the drillstring. The drillstring includes a drillpipe. At least one of the forces is measured along the drillpipe. At least one downhole condition is detected based, at least in part, on at least one measured force.

Abstract: An inspection system and method for use in underground utility construction, especially underground boring operations, is provided. The inspection system generally includes a sensor, a sensor carrier apparatus, and an output device. The sensor is employed to obtain inspection data regarding the condition of a tunnel created in an underground boring operation. The sensor carrier is adapted to incorporate the sensor and connect to means for transporting the sensor through the tunnel. The output device receives an output signal from the sensor corresponding to the inspection data and presents it to an operator for interpretation and/or otherwise documents and/or records the inspection data.

Abstract: For the purpose of determining a weight concentration of a clay material in a porous medium sample, a specific active surface area of the clay material and an initial specific active surface area of the porous sample are measured. A water solution of the clay material is pumped through the sample and a specific active surface area of the sample of the porous medium is measured after the pumping. Then, the weight concentration of the clay material is calculated.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method to quantitatively measure concentrations of volatile organic compound vapors below the ground surface using a preferably “fully” passive device that is placed in a drilled or bored hole for a specified period of time, wherein the sampler constrains the uptake rate to match values that minimize or eliminate the starvation effect and provide acceptable sensitivity for most soil types as calculated via mathematical models.

Abstract: A method includes drawing formation fluid from a formation into a pressure test chamber of a downhole tool while the downhole tool is positioned at a location within a wellbore. The method also includes, while the downhole remains positioned at the location, measuring pressure of the formation fluid drawn into the pressure test chamber and operating a first pump to route additional formation fluid from the formation through the downhole tool and out into the wellbore. Still further, the method includes operating a second pump to expel the formation fluid from the pressure test chamber and to mix the formation fluid with the additional formation fluid such that the formation fluid expelled from the pressure test chamber is also routed through the downhole tool and out into the wellbore along with the additional formation fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bit holder for a road milling machine or the like, having a base part on which a bit shank and a projection are shaped, the projection comprising a bit receptacle, and the bit receptacle being constituted from a socket-shaped insert made of hard material. With a bit holder of this kind, good rotational behavior of the bit can be assisted and stable bracing thereof can be guaranteed, with little parts outlay, if provision is made that the bit receptacle is embodied as a stepped bore that comprises a first and a second diameter region, the first diameter region having a larger inside diameter than the second diameter region.

Abstract: A dumping system, for the dumping of material, in particular for the filling of a former strip mine, includes a conveyor belt with belt modules (7) suspended on cables and a traveling tripper (15), which is arranged traveling in the direction of conveying. The belt modules (7) are fastened by braced carrier cables (3) and suspension cables (5) fastened thereto in a mostly horizontal alignment. The traveling tripper (5) can travel on the belt modules (7). Furthermore, the slack of the carrier cables (3) may be compensated by a different length of the suspension cables (5), such that the belt modules (7) are aligned mostly horizontally. It is thus possible to span over the area to be dumped (for example, a pit) with cables and to dump material by the traveling tripper at all points of the bracing. Thus, it is not necessary to drive the dumped material.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated rotary drive device is provided, with a housing (2) in which is formed a working chamber (3), in which is a swivel piston (18) able to swivel around a central axis (5). Also fitted or able to be fitted in the working chamber (3) is a space divider and stop unit (38), comprised of a space divider element (24) and at least one stop element (42) fixed to the former. The components of the space divider and stop unit (38) are fitted to one another by snap-in connection, so that the space divider and stop unit (38) is easy to handle during its installation in the working chamber (3).