Abstract: Embodiments include a door stabilization device. The door stabilization device can include a clip component, a first fastener portion, and a second fastener portion. The clip component can be configured to fit onto an edge of a door using a compression fit between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first fastener portion is configured to extend through a clip aperture defined by the clip component and at least partially into a latchbolt aperture defined by the door. The second fastener portion configured to mate with the first fastener portion and configured to fit at least partially within the latchbolt aperture and a door knob bore defined by the door. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of construction of buildings and structures. The invention relates to alignment guides for constructing building components, namely walls, ceilings and floors to be used in buildings and structures. This invention also relates to kits of specific alignment guides and methods of using alignment guides.

Abstract: A device used in the installation of a surface of ceramic parts that are levelled and aligned using a securing product. The device includes: a base, with an orthogonal cross-shaped structure formed of four arms, having an undulating surface; and at least two flexible planar attachments projecting up from the base and positioned symmetrically along the length of the base. The opposing planar surfaces of each of the flexible attachments including side ribs for slidably mounting and guiding upper bodies which, by applying pressure, contact with the upper surface of multiple covering parts (P), thereby being levelled.

Abstract: A leveling device for laying tiles or the like includes a tie-rod having a support base for edge portions of one or more adjacent tiles, a projecting element from the base, which can be arranged into junctions between adjacent tiles, and a knob coupling with the projecting element and having an outlet pass-through hole for a free end of the projecting element. The knob is configured to force an edge portion of the adjacent tiles against the base to level the placement and is configured to receive and retain, by snap coupling elements, a blocking tie-rod hooking and retaining the projecting element inside a pass-through channel defined in the blocking tie-rod. The blocking tie-rod is sectioned into two coupling half-shells, embracing and constraining the projecting element when inserted in the cap, and mutually separating to leave free the projecting element when at least partially extracted from the cap.

Abstract: A method of assembling an offset working surface on a scaffold. The method uses a scaffold knee-out member having a first and second scaffold members that are pivotally connected. A scaffold connector is positioned on an opposite end of each of the first and second scaffold members remote from the pivot point. Preferably, both connectors are pivotally connected to their respective scaffold members. One of the scaffold members of the knee-out end is coupled to a vertical scaffold, and then the other scaffold member of the knee-out is moved appropriately to allow the first and second scaffold members to pivot with respect to each other, until the other scaffold member is positioned to be coupled to a vertical scaffold member.

Abstract: A non-crane system for moving a pre-fabricated enclosure is disclosed. The system comprises a sliding beam system and a system of coordinated self-contained hydraulic jack units, which in conjunction allow a pre-fabricated enclosure to be slid horizontally off a semi-trailer, positioned above a pre-laid foundation, and lowered to the foundation. Slide beams are arranged perpendicularly to the semi-trailer and supported by blocks at the height of the pre-fabricated enclosure. A cable attachment plate located on each slide beam connects to the pre-fabricated enclosure and is connected by a cable to winches placed at the end of each slide beam. The rotation of the winches pulls the pre-fabricated enclosure off the semi-trailer and onto the sliding beam system. The system of coordinated self-contained hydraulic jack units, which comprises multiple portable self-contained hydraulic jack units, then lowers the pre-fabricated enclosure to the foundation.

Abstract: Paint once dropped, dripped, or spilt onto a drop cloth still presents an issue to painters in that it may be further dripped or spilt onto the surfaces and/or objects being protected when moved or removed. Likewise a drop cloth on the floor does not stop the wet paint getting picked up and re-deposited onto the floor in areas not protected. These instances arise as the paint or other materials being painted take time to dry. Further, where the paint is thick then unlike the surface being painted where the paint “dries” completely the paint drop or spill has a “skin” formed leaving liquid paint beneath. Embodiments of the invention accelerate the paint “drying” process and allow thicker paint drops for example to dehydrate, coagulate, or form solid materials thereby reducing the instances of subsequent paint transfer from the drop cloth to other surfaces and/or objects.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, kits, systems and methods for protecting sides of wood or plastic posts from damage from lawn equipment with easily attachable plastic panels, and for providing marking surfaces, such as addresses for the posts, as well as a surface for applying desirable colors and indicia designs thereon. The panels can have hook end along one side edge, and a raised protrusion edge along an opposite side edge, that slide or snap with one another. One or multiple panels can be attached about a base of a post such as a rectangular or circular cross-section mailbox post or fence post, and the like.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter anchor can include a container including an opening reinforced about at least a portion of its periphery, a sidewall, and a bottom wall attached to the sidewall. The container can be filled with a material to an adjustable weight level. A coupling mechanism can connect the collapsible shelter anchor to a truss section of a collapsible shelter.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a self-contained folding shelter, including a rigid base with a first base portion and a second base portion and a hinge coupled to the first base portion and the second base portion. The hinge defines a hinge axis such that the first base portion and the second base portions are pivotally movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The folding shelter further includes a first pair of rail members disposed along the sides of the first base portion and a second pair of rail members disposed along the sides of the second base portion. The first and second pairs of rail members extend generally orthogonal to the hinge axis. The first pair of rail members are aligned with the second pair of rail members when the first and second base portions are in the open configuration.

Abstract: A foldable frame for a portable canopy, comprises first, second, third and fourth posts. The posts are extendable and retractable in length and defines a geometric footprint on the ground. At least one arm is operably attached to and between adjacent posts of the first, second, third and fourth posts, the at least one arm forming a main frame within the geometric footprint. At least another arm extends outwardly from each of the posts to form at least first and second extension frames extending beyond the geometric footprint. The foldable frame includes a deployed position wherein the posts are extended and the at least one arm is transverse to the respective posts; and a folded position wherein the posts are retracted and bunched together with the at least one arm and oriented in a general same direction.

Abstract: A shelter includes a number of vertical support legs, and a mounting member coupled to vertical support legs. A collapsible truss section interconnects the vertical support legs to support a canopy. At least one buckle mechanism comprising a first releasably engageable body and a second releasably engageable body. The first releasably engageable body is attached to the collapsible truss section and is configured to receive the second releasably engageable body attached to the canopy thereby coupling the canopy to the collapsible truss section. Additional examples include a cable that spans between an adjacent pair of vertical support legs around a periphery of the shelter. The cable is seated within the channel of the mounting member. At least one curtain coupled to the cable by a releasably engageable fastener. The fastener is slidable along the cable to facilitate movement of the curtain.

Abstract: A railing assembly may include a first railing portion including a first channel and a second channel. The railing assembly may include a first retaining element disposed at least partially in the first channel. A second retaining element may be disposed at least partially in the second channel. A baluster may be disposed at least partially in the first railing portion. The first retaining element and the second retaining element may be configured to retain the baluster relative to the first railing portion. The railing assembly may include a second railing portion, and the baluster may be disposed at least partially in the second railing portion.

Abstract: A paddle latch having a pan with a well, a paddle handle, a handle pivot, a rotary latch portion, and a trigger arm arrangement. The paddle handle pivot has a pin that non-rotatably engages with the paddle handle to pivotally attach the paddle handle in the well of the pan and has a pin trigger. The rotary latch portion has a housing containing a rotary hook with a mouth, a rotary trigger, and pin trigger cam. The rotary trigger retains the rotary hook in either an open position where the mouth of the rotary hook is accessible from outside of the housing, or semi-closed or completely closed positions, where the mouth is blocked by the housing. The trigger arm arrangement is adapted to transfer of pivotal movement of the paddle handle to the rotary trigger to release the rotary hook from the semi-closed position or the completely closed position to its open position. Only when the rotary hook is in the semi-closed position will the paddle handle be automatically partially tilted out from the well of the pan.

Abstract: A locking system that has an opening in a door adapted and arranged for receiving a lock bolt and a lock fixed in a wall for actuating a lock bolt adapting and arranged for being received by the opening in the door when the door is closed. The locking system further comprises a blocking strip protruding from a door jamb, the strip coupled to the door jamb, the strip coupled to the door jamb and positioned adjacent the lock bolt for blocking access to the lock bolt between the door and the door jamb.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a side bar assembly comprising a binding bar and a testing bar and code pins, each comprising a key projection, a code hole, and binding features. Partial rotation of the cylinder causes the binding bar to engage the binding features of the code pins to prevent radial movement of the pins. If the code holes of the code pins are aligned with code points of the testing bar, the testing bar is able to move inwardly with the binding bar and out of the slot so as to permit the cylinder to rotate within the bore. If one or more code holes is not aligned with a code point of the testing bar, the code point will contact the body of the code pin and thereby be prevented from moving radially inwardly out of a locking slot, thus blocking rotation of the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for changing a locking state of a window and/or a door, comprising at least one handle housing that can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the window and/or the door and a handle that is rotatably mounted relative to the handle housing. The invention further comprises at least one electronic evaluation circuit for detecting the position of the handle, wherein the evaluation circuit is provided with at least one primed circuit board arranged, at least in part, inside the handle housing and/or the handle, and accommodating a first sensor. The handle is connected in a pivotably secure manner to at least one connecting device, which extends through the handle housing, by way of which the locking state of the window and/or the door can be changed, wherein the primed circuit board is connected to the connecting device and/or the handle in a pivotably secure manner.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electromechanical lock (1), comprising: a solenoid (2) a movable locking element (3) displaceable by said solenoid (2) into an unlocking position of the lock (1) a spring (4) acting on said movable element (3) to hold it in a locking position of the lock (1) with the solenoid (2) in a de-energized condition wherein said movable element (3) comprises an anti-shock shaped portion (31,31?,31?,31??) and said lock (1) comprises an engagement means (8,8?,8?,8??) for said anti-shock shaped portion, said engagement means (8,8?,8?,8??) is displaceable into an engagement position in which it interferes with the anti-shock shaped portion (31,31?,31?,31??) in order to prevent said movable element (3) from displacing into the unlocking position of the lock wherein said lock it further comprises a substantially cylindrical and hollow rotor (6), intended to house said solenoid (2) and said movable element (3) such that one end of the latter provided with said anti-shock shaped portion

Abstract: A security latch apparatus for the interior of a school or industrial door hinged to open outwardly. The latch includes a lower mounting door bracket with a pivotable handle designed to fit firmly against the interior doorframe and prevent that door from being prematurely pulled open. A disengagement rod is provided for authorized personnel to manually undo a secured door from its exterior.

Abstract: A low profile lock actuator assembly for locking, sliding doors, which can be provided in combination with a lock assembly or retrofitted to mate with an existing lock assembly. The lock actuator assembly includes an interior component and an exterior component, which are each coupled to an actuating assembly. The lock actuator assembly includes recessed or otherwise low profile handles.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an outer panel and an inner frame defining a cavity, wherein a portion of the outer panel defines a generally downward outer surface. A trim member is attached to the outer surface, wherein the trim member and the outer surface define a cylinder receptacle in communication with the cavity. A keyed cylinder is disposed within the cylinder receptacle, wherein a longitudinal axis of the keyed cylinder is substantially normal to the outer surface, and the keyed cylinder slopes downward toward an outward surface of the trim member. The vehicle door also includes an internal locking mechanism and a key aperture of the keyed cylinder, wherein the internal locking mechanism includes a drain channel that slopes toward the key aperture and the cylinder receptacle, and wherein the drain channel is positioned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the keyed cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for locking a motor vehicle lock. The aim of the invention is to design an easy-to-make and compact locking module for a lock. Said aim is achieved by a locking module comprising a housing, a switching nut that can be connected to a locking cylinder so as to rotate the switching nut by means of a key, and mechanism for converting a rotary movement of the switching nut into a linear movement to lock and unlock a lock. The mechanism comprises a dog which is linearly moved by a rotary movement of the switching nut. In the mounted state of the locking module, the linear movement of the dog actuates a mechanism that causes the lock to unlock or lock. In order to minimize the number of parts, the switching nut is rotatably mounted by the module housing.

Abstract: A latch spacer for securing a latch assembly in a hollow inner region of a door. The latch spacer includes a plurality of sidewalls. At least a portion of the sidewalk abut against inner surfaces of the sidewalls of the door to provide a friction fit that secures the latch spacer within the inner region. The latch spacer also includes an inner wall that generally defines an opening that is adapted to receive placement of at least a portion of a latch housing. The latch spacer may include at least one crush rib that extends from the sidewalls of the latch spacer. The latch spacer may be arranged in a plurality of orientations to accommodate various door thicknesses. Additionally, portions of the latch spacer may be configured to bend or flex slightly to assist in the latch spacer being able to adjust to different door thicknesses.

Abstract: A hinge for a tonneau cover includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member oriented in an opposite direction as the first hinge member. Each of the hinge members includes a hook-shaped rail having a flat portion and a hooked end directed in a direction toward a body of the hinge member. The hooked end is positioned near a same side of the hinge member as a top surface of the body. The hinge body includes an edge positioned near a base of the hook-shaped rail. The hinge includes a hinge junction having a first curved lip and a second curved lip extending from a top surface of the hinge junction. The top surface is positioned opposite a base of the hinge junction. The curved lips are configured to pivotably receive the hook-shaped rails of the first and second hinge members.

Abstract: A fitting (1) for suspending a sliding door leaf (D) is provided. Said fitting (1) comprises a base plate (2) having means (8, 9) for attaching said base plate (2) to a door leaf (D), support means (3) attached to said base plate (2) for allowing said fitting (1) to be guided by a rail (R) along a sliding path (P), and a shank (5) having a part (5b, 5d) extending from a lateral end of said base plate (2) at an angle (?, ?) relative a plane of the base plate. Said fitting (1) further comprises an anti-lifting device (4) attached to said shank (5) and being moveable between an idle position and a locked position by a rotational movement of the anti-lifting device (4) about an axis (A) being substantially perpendicular to a plane of said shank part (5b, 5d).

Abstract: A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.

Abstract: A secure enclosure comprises: a pair of opposing sidewalls; an upper wall coupled to the pair of opposing sidewalls; a lower wall opposite the upper wall and also coupled to the pair of opposing sidewalls; and an end wall coupled to the upper and lower walls and the opposing sidewalls, so that the pair of opposing sidewalls, the upper wall, the lower wall, and the end wall together form a body defining an opening. The secure enclosure also comprises a door leaf hingeably coupled to one of the opposing sidewalls for securely closing the opening. The door leaf is arranged to engage with the pair of opposing sidewalls and includes an overlapping portion so that when the door leaf is in the closed position, the overlapping portion extends towards the end wall and covers a portion of a sidewall abutting the door leaf.

Abstract: A door main body includes a through hole formed on an end surface located at an end of the door main body in a rotation axis direction of rotation of the door main body, a cable or a hose being inserted through the through hole. A door frame portion includes: a frame opening portion which is formed on a surface opposed to the through hole and has a shape corresponding to a movement trajectory of the through hole when the door main body is opened or closed; and a slide supporting member supporting the cable or the hose extending through the frame opening portion while sliding relative to the frame opening portion.

Abstract: A forced entry resistance system for a wooden door built with a lock-stile and a hinge-stile includes one or more metal mounts pre-installed inside the door stiles and concealed by door panels. A doorframe mount may be pre-installed inside the lock-jamb at the lock-strike-plate and multiple doorframe mounts may be installed inside the hinge-jamb in the vicinity where door-stile fracture-resistant mounts and hinge reinforcement latch bolts are installed. A method for manufacturing a door and a doorframe with the forced entry resistance system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seal strip, comprising a tubular seal strip body with a first end (116) and a second end (117), wherein the first end (116) extends into the second end (117) and is securely connected to the second end (117) by a sewing thread (113). Further disclosed are a method and a device for sewing the seal strip, wherein the sewing device comprises a seal strip feeding machine (1), a device (2) for positioning the ends of the seal strip, a device for inwardly folding an edge of the seal strip, a device (3) for butt-joining the ends of the seal strip, a device (5) for threading a needle for the seal strip, and a device (4) for sewing the seal strip. The two ends of the seal strip are securely connected by the sewing thread, providing a high connection strength; and the method and device for sewing the seal strip can accomplish complete automation in sewing the seal strip, thus greatly improving efficiency during the production and processing of the seal strip.

Abstract: A window covering for a fenestration product having a viewing area includes a plurality of slats extending substantially horizontally, a ladder extending substantially vertically and supporting the slats, and a blind mechanism. The blind mechanism includes a lift mechanism and a tilt ring. The lift mechanism is operably connected to the slats to raise and lower the slats. The tilt ring is operably connected to the ladder and to the lift mechanism such that the tilt ring rotates with the lift mechanism through at least a portion of a revolution of the lift mechanism to tilt the slats when the lift mechanism rotates.

Abstract: A window covering comprises slats suspended from a tilt cord such that the tilt cord may rotate the slats between an open position and a closed position. An elastic seal is provided on the slats to contact adjacent slats when the slats are in the closed position. A mechanism such as a spring or a magnet applies a closing force to the slats in the closed position separate from the tilt cord where the closing force moves the slats toward one another. An elastic seal is provided on the slats to contact adjacent slats when the slats are in the closed position.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening has a horizontal movable rail supported by cords, with a variety of configurations which allow the movable rail to be moved up and down while concealing the cords.

Abstract: A curtain body locating mechanism of a curtain with no cord mainly utilizes two separation and reunion units to control the locating effect when a curtain body is being spread or folded. The separation and reunion unit comprises an axle, two braking blocks, a separation and reunion wheel and two planetary gears. The two braking blocks are spaced apart and connected to the periphery of the axle so that a rolling groove is formed between the two braking blocks. The separation and reunion wheel is nested onto the axle and has an inner ring gear surrounding the two braking blocks. Each of the planetary gears is disposed within one of the rolling grooves and engaged with the inner ring gear of the separation and reunion wheel.

Abstract: A shade lock assembly for a shade assembly is provided. The shade lock assembly may include a spool rotatably attached to a housing, with the housing defining a pull cord channel. A pull cord may be provided that extends through the pull cord channel and wraps at least partially around the spool. The pull cord channel may include a roller wheel configured to interact with the pull cord and a second wall of the pull cord channel such that it may move between a locked and an unlocked position based at least in part by the angle at which the pull cord is held relative to a plane defined the shade assembly.

Abstract: A screen door made of foamed polymer with heat welded joins between rails and stiles and a flat spline groove. The rails and stiles are extruded with the flat spline groove. Prior to joining the rails and stiles, a thin notch is made to remove the smooth skin of the extruded stiles before being joined to the cut ends of the rails. The heat welded joint between the notched stile and cut end of the rail is ten times stronger than conventional polymer door joints. A flat spline is used to insert the marginal portion of the screen into the flat spline groove, which is wider in the interior than at its entrance and resists the pull from normal forces on the screen much more effectively than a round spline in a rectangular groove.

Abstract: Provided is a retractable safety gate and locking mechanism for a retractable safety gate that employs a flexible barrier windable around a rotating spool, a lever or time release cap, a spline lock, meshing teeth, a spline geometry for extending and retracting the barrier.

Abstract: According to principles of the present inventive concepts, a ladder safety device can include one or more stabilizing legs configured to be removably or permanently attached to a ladder. In a preferred embodiment, an attachment mechanism of the ladder safety device removably attaches to the ladder through rung holes already present in the ladder. The stabilizing legs are preferably secured in the attachment mechanism such that they can be securely oriented at a desired angle extending away from the ladder legs and can be independently extended to have a desired length.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) coupled to a drill string includes one or more controllers, and a hole enlargement device that selectively enlarges the diameter of the wellbore formed by the drill bit. The hole enlargement device includes an actuation unit that may move extendable cutting elements of the hole enlargement device between a radially extended position and a radially retracted position. The actuation unit may be responsive to a signal that is transmitted from a downhole and/or a surface location. The hole enlargement device may also include one or more position sensors that transmit a position signal indicative of a radial position of the cutting elements. In an illustrative operating mode, one or more operating parameters of the hole enlargement device may be adjusted based on one or more measured parameters. This adjustment may be done in a closed-loop or automated fashion and/or by human personnel.

Abstract: A method for designing a drilling tool assembly, having a drill bit disposed at one end includes defining initial drilling tool assembly design parameters; calculating a dynamic response of the drilling tool assembly; adjusting a value of a drilling tool assembly design parameter; and repeating the calculating and the adjusting until a drilling tool assembly performance parameter is optimized.

Abstract: A cutting element may be formed by placing a plurality of diamond particles adjacent to a substrate in a reaction cell and subjecting the plurality of diamond particles to high pressure high temperature conditions to form a polycrystalline diamond body. The polycrystalline diamond body may have a cutting face area to thickness ratio ranging from 60:16 to 500:5 and at least one dimension greater than 8 mm.

Abstract: Cutting elements, earth-boring drill bits having such cutting elements and related methods include a cutting element having a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool may include a tool body having at least one cutting element support structure formed thereon, wherein the at least one cutting element support structure comprises at least one cutter pocket formed therein; at least one cutter having at least substantially unobstructed cutting face retained within the at least one cutter pocket, the cutter pocket preventing substantial lateral movement of the at least one cutter; and at least one retention element interfacing a portion of a circumferential surface of the at least one cutter.

Abstract: A hybrid riser tower is disclosed with a rigid riser column and a buoyancy tank positioned to apply tension to the riser column by buoyant upthrust when the tower is in an upright orientation for use. At least one jumper support structure is attached to a side of the buoyancy tank between upper and lower ends of the buoyancy tank when the tower is oriented for use. At least one riser connection extends outside the buoyancy tank from a riser pipe of the riser column to the jumper support structure, where it connects to a flexible end fitting carried by the jumper support structure. The riser connection splays laterally moving from the riser pipe toward the jumper support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fluid conduit including a plurality of segments having a substantially flexible segment. The substantially flexible segment has substantially concentric inner and outer sidewalls and includes an adjustable pressure device configured to vary an internal annular pressure of the substantially flexible segment to counteract external pressure from a surrounding environment.

Abstract: A subsea connector assembly is provided for automatically coupling a movable subsea structure to a tubular fixed subsea structure. The connector assembly comprises a male connector assembly, removably mountable to the movable subsea structure, and further comprising a throughbore, at least one first actuator member and at least one second actuator member. The connector assembly further comprises an adapter assembly, removably mountable to an end-fitting of a string of tubulars, comprising at least one first engagement member and at least one second engagement member, each of said at least one first and second engagement member are operable to be acted upon by said first and/or second actuator member so as to selectively release a locked engagement with said male connector assembly, allowing said adapter assembly to be moved through said throughbore of said male connector assembly.

Abstract: A wellbore tool centralizer includes a housing that includes a bore to receive a wellbore tubular; an expandable element radially mounted to the housing; and a fluid pathway that extends through the housing to fluidly connect the bore and the expandable element and expose the expandable element to a fluid pressure sufficient to radially expand the expandable element.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a tubular handling system for use with a catwalk and a plurality of tubulars arranged in at least one tier and positioned substantially parallel adjacent the catwalk. The system comprises a tiering assembly positioned between said at least one tier and the catwalk and pipe rolling means adapted to move one or more of said tubular between said at least one tier and the tiering assembly in a sequential bi-directional manner. Preferably, the pipe rolling means comprises an auger, auger drive means and an auger positioning assembly.

Abstract: A drum unit for an intervention string for a well includes a drum with a drum axis and with a radius, arranged in a structural frame and rotatable by a motor and a tension compensator. The tension compensator includes a guide arch displaceable in a direction generally along the intervention string, orthogonal to the drum axis, using a first force device connected to the structural frame for keeping the intervention string in tension. At least a first end of the guide arch is laterally displaceable in a direction generally orthogonal to the intervention string, parallel with the drum axis. The intervention string runs between the guide arch to or from the first end to the drum. The intervention string runs via a second, opposite end of the guide arch via a second, fixed guide at the structural frame, directly or indirectly to or from the well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto