Abstract: A bracing device has a supporting module and a restraining element mounted around the supporting module to provide a restraining-supporting effect to the supporting module. The supporting module has at least one supporting element. The at least one supporting element is elongated and has an axial segment and two connecting heads. The axial segment has at least one concave edge and at least one loading section. The connecting heads are respectively formed on two connecting ends of the axial segment. The restraining element has at least one pair of side boards, two restraining boards and at least one viewing hole. Each one of the restraining boards is hollow and has an inner panel and an outer panel. The at least one viewing hole is formed through the restraining element and aligns along the at least one loading section of the axial segment.

Abstract: A skylight mounting system and assembly is disclosed. The skylight mounting system of the present invention may include providing skylight assembly components and mounting such components to create the skylight assembly of the present invention. The components of the skylight assembly may include an upper frame having a downwardly extending upper channel, a lower frame having an upwardly extending lower channel, a connector clip, a gasket having a first and second gutter channel, and a lens. The lower frame may be secured to the gasket, the connector clip may be secured within the lower channel of the lower frame, the lens may be secured above the first and second gutter channels of the gasket, and an inside leg of the downwardly extending upper channel may be inserted into the connector clip secured within the lower channel of the lower frame.

Abstract: A method for insulating and imparting a desired architectural style to a building or other structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes providing a facade comprising an insulating panel and a decorative layer coupled to a front side of the insulating panel. The facade has a substantially planar surface on a back side thereof. The front side of the facade may be non-planar to provide a desired architectural contour to the facade. The method further provides an attachment mechanism on at least one of: (1) the back side of the facade, and (2) an exposed face of a building or other structure. The method attaches the back side of the facade to the exposed face of the building or other structure using the attachment mechanism. A corresponding apparatus and overall assembly are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A stay-in-place lining is provided for lining a structure fabricated from concrete. The lining comprises a plurality of panels connectable via complementary connector components on their longitudinal edges. Each panel comprises a first connector component on a first longitudinal edge thereof and a second (complementary) connector component on a second longitudinal edge thereof. The lining comprises at least one edge-to-edge connection between the first connector component of a first panel and the second connector component of a second panel, the edge-to-edge connection comprising a protrusion of the first panel extended into a receptacle of the second panel through a receptacle opening. The receptacle is shaped to prevent removal of the protrusion from the receptacle and the receptacle is resiliently deformed by the extension of the protrusion into the receptacle to thereby apply a restorative force to the protrusion to maintain the edge-to-edge connection.

Abstract: The present technology relates to connection joints for surface coverings which includes but is not limited to floor coverings and building panels. Embodiments of the present technology include connection joints that are strong and allow for the use of less material than is needed for tongue and groove connection joints. In embodiments related to floor coverings, these advantages are accomplished by reducing total thickness of a floor plank while increasing the thickness of the wear layer relative to the overall thickness of the floor plank and still be able to maintain a structurally strong connection joint.

Abstract: Floor panels (1b, 1c) provided with a mechanical locking system made of a separate material in order to reduce snapping resistance during vertical displacement, for example, a flexible tongue. Mechanical locking systems for floor panels and building panels especially floor panels with mechanical locking systems, which are possible to lock with a vertical displacement.

Abstract: A floor panel includes a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate. The top layer is composed of a print and a transparent thermoplastic layer having a thickness of 0.5 mm or less and being situated above said print. The floor panel, at least on two opposite edges, is provided with a straight or curved chamfer extending to below the global level of the print.

Abstract: A stone-wood composite base engineered wood flooring having a composite base layer in which at least one mesh layer is embedded. The composite base layer consists essentially of approximately 40% to approximately 50% MgO, approximately 20% to approximately 45% MgCl2, approximately 9% wood powder, approximately 2.5% fiberglass mesh, approximately 0.5% Fe,03, approximately 0.5% H3PO4, and approximately 0.5% FeSO4. Adhered to the base layer is a wood veneer layer. Interlocking design such as tongue-and-groove is provided on at least two sides of the engineered flooring. The wood veneer layer of the engineered wood flooring has improved fireproof performance, waterproof performance and moisture-proof performance. When the pieces of flooring are bonded to either each other or the floor, undesired warping of joints is consequently minimized.

Abstract: A shuttering formwork suitable for use as sacrificial shuttering formwork includes an elongate body member having a base portion and a compression portion extending therefrom and presenting a free end that extends in a length direction of the elongate body member. The elongate body member has first and second sides, each comprising a compression portion side face and a base portion upper face. A strip element is releasably attachable to the free end of the compression portion. The compression portion side face and the base portion upper face of at least one side of the elongate body member are each a resiliently deformable surface. The base portion is provided with apertures for receiving mortar material. The shuttering formwork may be fabricated from a plastics material and have a hollow structure.

Abstract: A boom construction for truck-mounted concrete pumps has at least a first boom arm and a second boom arm that are articulatedly jointed to each other and that are rotatable relatively to each other about an axis. A drive pivots the boom arms. A piston-cylinder arrangement and a gear transform piston reciprocating movement into rotary movement for boom arm pivoting, said arrangement having first and second pistons that form part of the gear and that interact with outer rings of the gear.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with a device for detecting a power supply voltage during a binding wire twisting step subjected to the heaviest load and comparing the power supply voltage with a predetermined CPU operation voltage, and a control device for driving a motor in a reverse direction when the voltage has dropped below the predetermined CPU operation voltage. The power supply voltage during operation is monitored, and twisting operation is suspended before the voltage drops below the CPU operation voltage, whereby the binding wire twisting mechanism is returned to the initial position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the binding wire twisting mechanism from being stopped while grasping the binding wire, when the CPU stops.

Abstract: Two-piece detachable bracket for supporting heavy pool-deck lid modules covering below deck troughs housing powered pool cover systems is described.

Abstract: A pool skimmer system including a skimmer housing and basket is disclosed. The skimmer housing includes a skimmer rim, a deck throat opening and a pool throat opening, a pump inlet port, a pool return port positioned at a first portion of a housing bottom, and one or more pump suction ports positioned at a second portion of the housing bottom. The basket is positioned within the housing and includes a basket rim engaged with the skimmer rim, one or more porous walls, and a seal plate extending from a basket bottom to the housing bottom. The seal plate is positioned between the first portion of the housing bottom and the second portion of the housing bottom to form a suction chamber. The suction chamber is adjacent the one or more pump suction ports and isolated from the pump inlet port and the pool return port.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a pool vacuum having a wheeled vacuum head having an internal rotating impeller driven by water pressure from a hose connected to the water return inlet of the pool wherein the internal impeller shares a common shaft with a propeller extending into the vacuum head so that the impeller turns the propeller which in turn creates a powerful, upward water flow which will lift leaves, debris and trash from the bottom of the pool upwardly through a housing and into a filter mounted on the upper end portion of the pool vacuum.

Abstract: A fence includes a plurality of mesh panels suspended from a plurality of support posts, with posts at each end. The plurality of support posts are offset behind the fence boundary formed by the plurality of mesh panels. A top portion of each of the plurality of support posts is coupled to at least one of the plurality of mesh panels, while a bottom portion of each of the plurality of support posts fixed with respect to the field surface. Upper edges of the mesh panels are suspended from above by a tensioned cable extending upward from the upper edge of the mesh panel, the tensioned cable coupled to at least one of said support posts. The lower edge is tensioned from below by a bottom anchor assembly. The plurality of mesh panels are resiliently deflectable upon impact by an object.

Abstract: A glass fence support system for supporting a plurality of glass panels and having a plurality of spaced apart clamp blocks, each defining a channel to receive the edge of the glass panel, and through fastenings in the blocks for passing fastening through openings in the glass panels to secure them in the channels, and a plurality of positioning holes for securing the clamp blocks to a substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively securing at least a first zipper closure mechanism (25) and a second zipper closure mechanism (135) of a luggage case (100), may include a lock device (145) coupled to the luggage case (100). The lock device (14) includes a lock mechanism (158) operable between a locked and unlocked configuration, at least two securing recesses (151, 152, 153, 154) for releasable receipt of at least a portion of each of the respective first and second zipper closure mechanisms (125, 135), and at least one release member (160) for actuating the lock mechanism (158).

Abstract: A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size.

Abstract: There is provided a window/door system with a flat track having “”-shaped roller supports to provide a nice appearance and to improve air tightness and water tightness by reducing the number of grooves exposed on a window/door frame when a window/door is opened, by using the roller supports in a cross sectional shape of “” which is open at one side.

Abstract: A luminous multiple glazing unit including: first and second flat glass elements; light-emitting diodes located in an internal space; a reflector including a part fixed to the glazing unit in the internal space; and a first luminous zone associated with the first glass element. In a first configuration, the reflector has a central reflective area for reflecting at least 30% of total flux emitted by the diodes in the group onto a first mechanism scattering light, or, in a second configuration, the reflector forms a beam splitter and has a double-image central reflective area of a first central area for reflecting first central rays onto a first mechanism scattering light and a second central area for reflecting second central rays onto a second scattering mechanism, the reflector reflecting at least 30% of total flux emitted by the diodes in the group.

Abstract: A curtain wall system includes a plurality of laminated glass sections or insulated-laminated glass sections, held within a plurality of horizontal extrusions and vertical extrusions. Each laminated glass section includes glass reinforcing bars having a flat bar shape. For insulated-laminated glass, the reinforcing bars have a cross-sectional shape of a ‘Z’ such that a top cap of the glass reinforcing bars extends over the glass section and a bottom cap of the glass reinforcing bars extends over an opposing side. The laminate glass has a layer of glass, a layer of thermoplastic polymer, another layer of glass and a safety shield. The insulated-laminated glass has an outer layer of glass, a gap, a first inner layer of glass, a layer of thermoplastic polymer, a second inner layer of glass and a safety shield. Such curtain wall systems resist wind loads and wind borne debris from ultimate hurricanes and tornadoes.

Abstract: The pane module comprises a pane element composed by glass sheets (31, 35) and provided with a border element (37, 38) by molding. The border element is adhered to the pane element during the molding process and at least partially encases the border of at least one sheet element.

Abstract: The pane module is composed by a border element (2) molded around the pane element (1) encasing it on the edge and interior faces. The frame may be of a rectangular configuration, but it is to be understood that more complex configurations may be necessary for achieving a water proof connection to the structure in which the window is mounted or to a surrounding window frame. A fitting (42) is embedded in the border element (2) during its manufacture and is subsequently or simultaneously connected to the frame (3). When using a wooden or extruded frame the fitting may be driven into the finished frame member and when using a molded frame the fitting may be embedded therein during molding.

Abstract: The invention provides emission control coatings. The coating includes a transparent conductive film over which there is an oxygen barrier film. In some embodiments, the transparent conductive film comprises indium tin oxide and the oxygen barrier film comprises silicon nitride.

Abstract: A window for engagement with a building structure having a window opening, the window is providing a perimeter frame adapted to engage the window opening of the structure. The window has at least one window pane having a window pane perimeter. The window uses multiple perimeter retainer members including an outer perimeter retainer member and an inner perimeter retainer member, the perimeter retainer members typically having opposed substantially flat walls configured to engage the outer pane surface and the inner pane surface, respectively, an perimeter clip member engaging walls. Holding the retainer members are perimeter clip members configured with a first end and a second end, at least the first end adapted to resiliently engage at least one of the perimeter retainer members and a second end to engage the other retainer member so as to maintain the retainers in spaced apart relation with the flat walls thereof flush against walls adjacent the window pane perimeter.

Abstract: A dimensionally adjustable thermally broken door panel having a door thickness, a first and second thermally conductive metal door skins and a plurality of non-thermally conductive trimable edges. Each trimable edge having an edge flange, a door edge and an edge flange thickness. An insert flange can be integrally mounted each of the edge flanges projecting in a direction opposite the door edge, wherein each edge flange can support both the first and second thermally conductive metal door skins in a flush engagement. The dimensionally adjustable thermally broken door panel can prevent thermal transfer between the first and second metal door skins, while enabling dimensional adjustment of the plurality of trimable edges on location to ensure a perfect fit into an existing door frame.

Abstract: A door assembly including a swinging door, a sealing member pivotally to the door configured to pivot between a first position into contact with the floor and a second position out of contact with the floor, a lever arranged to actuate pivoting movement of the sealing member in response to opening and closing of the door, a biasing member arranged to bias the lever toward a non-actuating position, and a separate deployment stop arranged to actuate the lever.

Abstract: A lineal retainer kit for facilitating the covering of openings defined by porch framing with mesh screening and a second material. The primary components of the kit are a lineal retainer, two splines for the two opposing grooves in the lineal retainers, a cap, and fasteners to hold the lineal retainers to the framing, and possibly also including mesh screening material. The lineal retainers use opposing grooves and splines to hold two different coverings, such as mesh screening and plastic film or a fabric, at the same time. In particular, the kit enables homeowners or contractors to tailor the environment of a porch to better meet the homeowner's needs by providing an easy way to add shade, privacy, ultraviolet light protection, or a different aspect of the porch decor.

Abstract: A architectural covering, such as a shutter, blind or shade, comprising a control unit for controlling a motor so as to adjust the position of the architectural covering, wherein the control unit includes a housing and a circuit means, which is provided with switching means which upon actuation allow for the setting of at least one position of the architectural covering in the circuit means. The housing includes a tool receiving section for releasable engagement with a tool for actuating the switching means.

Abstract: An electric rolling door including a rail, a rolling door coupled to the rail, a control module connected to the rolling door to drive the rolling door moved along the rail, a rotating member, a sensing module, and a weighting member is provided. The rotating member is pivoted along an axis next to the rail, wherein the axis is parallel to an extending direction of the rail. The sensing module electrically connected to the control module is disposed on the axis and senses a motion of the rotating member. The weighting member freely pivoted to a bottom of the rolling door has a weighting portion and a pressing portion extending between the rail and the rotating member. A first torque generated by the weighting portion relative to the rolling door is greater than and opposite to a second torque generated by the pressing portion relative to the rolling door.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated directional percussive impact tool includes a back head for connection to a pressurized fluid source and a tool casing housing a drill bit longitudinally movable with respect thereto. The drill bit has a central axis extending longitudinally therethrough. A sonde housing is coupled between the back head and the tool casing and has a sonde disposed therein. The sonde housing has a central axis extending longitudinally therethrough. A bent sub is integrally formed with the sonde housing and connects the sonde housing to the tool casing such that the central axis of the drill bit intersects the central axis of the sonde housing at a non-zero angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a wellbore in a material, such as rock, is provided. The apparatus can include a microwave source, a first fluid source, and a second fluid source. The microwave source can be configured to transmit microwave energy to a surface of the material to alter the material. The first fluid source can be configured to emit a first fluid to the surface of the material to alter the material. The first fluid can be substantially absorptive to the microwave energy. The second fluid source can be configured to emit a second fluid to the surface of the material to flush the first fluid from the surface of the material. The second fluid can be substantially transparent to the microwave energy.

Abstract: A work string assembly for an oil or gas well has a first and second tubulars, and a torque limiting device connected in the work string. The torque limiting device has a body with an axial bore and two interconnected members that can disconnect to be relatively rotatable. The interconnected members can be repeatedly re-engageable when the torque levels drop below a torque threshold value, or can be connected by a frangible member that is broken when the interconnected members disconnect. A selectively actuable circulation port provided in the string adjacent to and above the torque limiting device allows the annulus between the work string and the casing to be flushed with fluid from the port.

Abstract: A subsea riser system includes a riser joint. The riser joint includes a main line and an auxiliary line, in which the auxiliary line includes a pin section, a box section, and an interior section intermediate the pin section and the box section. An internal diameter of the interior section is larger than an internal diameter of the pin section.

Abstract: Self-assembling segmented coiled tubing is a concept that allows the strength of thick-wall rigid pipe, and the flexibility of thin-wall tubing, to be realized in a single design. The primary use is for a drillstring tubular, but it has potential for other applications requiring transmission of mechanical loads (forces and torques) through an initially coiled tubular. The concept uses a spring-loaded spherical ‘ball-and-socket’ type joint to interconnect two or more short, rigid segments of pipe. Use of an optional snap ring allows the joint to be permanently made, in a ‘self-assembling’ manner.

Abstract: An automated, electric tong system and methods usable for making-up and breaking out threaded connections between tubular members, wherein the electric tong system comprises a power tong for applying torque and rotating the upper tubular member, a backup tong for gripping tubulars, and a lift assembly for vertically moving the electric tong system into proper position to grip the upper and lower tubulars. The power and backup tongs and lift assembly of the electric tong system are integrated into a single transportable unit and operated by three separate electrical motors, controlled by a single driver. The backup tong is located below the power tong and comprises a pneumatic cylinder, which operates a backup door, and a linear actuator driven by an electric motor for use in latching the backup tong door in a closed position and applying or releasing a clamping force to a tubular, during make-up or break-out operations.

Abstract: A spinner assembly for threading or unthreading tubular members above the floor of a well site has a spinner with an open throat, a plurality of rollers rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, a motor for driving the plurality of rollers, and a plurality of brackets supporting the plurality of rollers. The open throat is suitable for receiving one of the tubular members therein. The spinner housing has a common axis. The plurality of rollers are adapted to engage the tubular member received in the open throat. The brackets are disposed within the spinner housing on opposite sides of the open throat. The brackets are movable inwardly and outwardly of the spinner housing in opposite directions at a substantially straight line along the common axis.

Abstract: An activating device is provided for location in downhole tubing. The device defines an activation profile which is initially maintained at a larger diameter than a tubing seat, such that the device may land on and be held up by the seat. The profile may be subsequently re-configured to radially retract, allowing the device to pass through the seat.

Abstract: A well tool apparatus comprises a control arrangement configured to control response of the downhole tool by varying a bore-annulus pressure difference. The control arrangement includes a valve piston longitudinally slidable in a generally tubular controller housing that is in operation substantially co-axial with the wellbore, to open or close a valve port to a fluid flow connection between the drill string's interior and the tool. A latch mechanism is configured to latch the valve piston against movement in one axial direction, keeping the valve piston in an open or a closed condition. Unlatching of the valve piston requires displacement thereof in the other axial direction to a mode change position. A stay member is automatically displaceable under hydraulic actuation responsive to bore-annulus pressure differences above a trigger threshold value, to obstruct movement of the latched valve piston under hydraulic actuation to the mode change position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a drive force in a downhole environment includes chambers of a reactant and a catalyst, respectively, that are maintained separate until selectively exposed to one another. Once exposed, the reactant and catalyst produce expanding fluid pressure and sometimes heat. The products of the reaction are directed to a drive member to carry out a desired operation in the downhole environment.

Abstract: A power charge (12) for a downhole setting tool has a sleeve (14) which defines a housing. A propellant (16) is located in the sleeve (14) in solid form and defines a first end face (20). An igniter (32) is embedded into the propellant (16) first end face (20). The igniter (32) has a main body portion (52) with an end located adjacent to the first end face (20), and an annular-shaped protrusion (48) which extends laterally outward from the main body portion (52) and into the propellant (16). The annular-shaped protrusion (48) defines a shoulder (46) which engages the propellant (16) to retain the igniter (32) within the propellant (16) at the first end face (20) of the power charge (12). The sleeve (14) is formed of a combustible material which will burn when the propellant (16) is burned.

Abstract: Modular debris chambers of a debris extraction tool and a method for collecting debris using such modular debris chambers are disclosed. The modular debris chamber for a debris extraction tool may include a plurality of debris chambers. The modular debris chamber may include a bucket for collecting debris, an inner flow tube being concentrically arranged within the bucket, and a deflector arranged in a lower end of the bucket for deflecting a flow of debris from the inner flow tube of a subsequent modular debris chamber connectable to a lower end of the modular debris chamber. The method for collecting debris using a modular debris chamber may include a plurality of the modular debris chambers interconnected to form a debris extraction tool, and reflecting fluid off the deflector allowing solid debris in the flow of debris to deflect off the deflector into the bucket of a subsequent modular debris chamber.

Abstract: A method for separating a pipe comprising a pipe axis, a pipe wall, a pipe interior, an inside pipe circumference, an upper end to be separated, and a lower end, the pipe being anchored in the ground by the lower end, includes providing a cutting assembly comprising at least one water jet nozzle which produces a water jet. The cutting assembly is lowered into the pipe interior through the upper end to be separated down to a separation zone. The pipe is cut with the cutting assembly. The cutting assembly acts progressively against the inside pipe circumference. The water jet, when activated, produces a cut comprising a substantially constant cut width and two complementary conical cut surfaces. The water jet is directed at an angle (?) to a plane which runs perpendicular to the pipe axis so that the cut runs diagonally through the pipe wall.

Abstract: A method for pressurizing a hydraulic accumulator includes creating an annulus pressure zone in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic accumulator through a hydraulic recharging circuit and applying a hydraulic pressure to the annulus pressure zone. Operating the hydraulic recharging circuit in response to applying the hydraulic pressure and pressurizing the hydraulic accumulator in response to operating the hydraulic recharging circuit.

Abstract: A system, including a magnetorheological (MR) fluid locking system, including a housing, a piston disposed in the housing, wherein the piston is configured to move axially within the housing, an MR fluid disposed in the housing, an MR fluid pump fluidly coupled to the housing, wherein the MR fluid pump is configured to pump the MR fluid into the housing, and an electromagnet configured to magnetize the MR fluid to control axial movement of the piston.

Abstract: A packer assembly for use with a subterranean well can include a base pipe, at least one ring-shaped reinforcement plate which encircles the base pipe, and at least one swellable seal material which longitudinally straddles the reinforcement plate on the base pipe. A method of constructing a packer assembly can include securing at least one ring-shaped reinforcement plate to a base pipe, the plate encircling the base pipe, and then positioning at least one swellable seal material on the base pipe, the swellable seal material straddling the reinforcement plate. Another method of constructing a packer assembly can include securing at least one ring-shaped reinforcement plate to at least one swellable seal material, and then positioning the plate and the swellable seal material on a base pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely and selectively controlling and altering fluid flow through tubular string disposed within a wellbore and further control fluid flow between the tubular string inner flow passage and the annular flow passage, and a method for selectively and remotely receiving and interpreting a form of command or information at a particular apparatus within the wellbore caused by the operator on earth surface through a change of a physical property of the environment. The apparatus comprising a body, a valve operable in plurality of states, an actuator, and an activator responsive to a change of a physical property of the environment caused by the operator on earth surface.

Abstract: A fluid injection device (18) for controlling injection of fluid into an oil-carrying tube in an oil well includes an inlet (20) for receiving the fluid; an outlet (28) for supplying the fluid for injection into the oil-carrying tube; an inlet valve (22) in a fluid path between the inlet and the outlet; an actuator (24) for opening and closing the valve; and a connector (36) for coupling the inlet to a fluid supply tube (32) extending between the device and a source of the fluid above the ground. A method of controlling injection of fluid using such a device is also provided.

Abstract: A subterranean tool can drop multiple objects to landing locations in a tubular string. The tool can keep at least one ball out of the fluid stream until ready for release. A dart or wiper plug can be kept in the fluid stream with an open bypass until axial mandrel movement allows release of the plug or dart. The tool is rotationally locked at a lower location for run in and then can rotationally lock at an upper location upon release of the dart or ball. Axial movement that releases the dart can continue until the ball aligns with a decreasing depth groove so that relative part rotation cams the ball against a leaf spring detent and into the mandrel flow path.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a hydrocarbon production well. The downhole tool has a housing defining a flowpath around a longitudinal axis and a seat radially expandable between an unstressed state and an expanded state. The seat has a frame comprising at least one annular sealing element and a plurality of unconnected seat segments. The seat segments are engaged with the frame. The annular sealing element are engaged with an outer surface of each of the plurality of seat segments. The seat forms a tubular structure in the unstressed state.