Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing liquid, which apparatus detects an object and controls the dispensing of liquid. The apparatus includes a first signal source which generates a first beam pulse and a second signal source which generates a second beam pulse and the propagation paths of the beam pulses intersect in relation to each other. The apparatus also includes a receiver which receives reflected parts of the first beam pulse and receives reflected parts of the second beam pulse, the parts reflected from the first and second beam pulses being reflected from the object which is located on the propagation path of the first and the second beam pulse. Furthermore, the system comprises a signal processing unit detects said object based on the parts reflected from the beam pulses and, based on this detection, controls the dispensing of liquid.

Abstract: A jet regulator includes a ring-shaped or sleeve-shaped jet regulator housing, the outlet face side of which is formed as a perforated, grate and/or mesh structure with throughflow openings bordered by flow-guiding walls. The perforated, grate and/or mesh structure on the outlet face side is produced at least in regions and at least on the surface from a manually deformable dimensionally elastic plastic material. The outlet face side of the jet regulator housing is in the form of an outlet disk which can be inserted into the jet regulator housing and which bears the perforated, grate and/or mesh structure. The separate configuration of the outlet disk on the one hand and the jet regulator housing on the other hand facilitates the separate production of said jet regulator constituents even from materials which cannot be welded or otherwise connected to one another, if appropriate in different production processes.

Abstract: A jet regulator (1) which can be installed into the water outlet (2) of a sanitary outlet fitting (3), on the front side thereof. The jet regulator (1) can be arranged in a detachable or fixed manner in the water outlet (2). The jet regulator includes at least one holding element (4) for arranging or fixing the jet regulator (1) in the water outlet (2), with the holding element being inserted into a passage opening (5) on the perimeter of the fitting housing and engaging, in a fixed manner, with the end area thereof, the jet regulator (1), which projects into the interior of the fitting housing. The jet regulator (1) has a jet regulator housing (7) with an insertion opening (13) on the peripheral side, with the housing including in the interior at least one insertion guide (14) which is oriented across the jet regulator housing longitudinal axis, and at least one, preferably jet-producing, converter piece (15) can be inserted into the at least one insertion guide (14) from the insertion opening (13).

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a plumbing drain assembly is disclosed which includes a plumbing outlet box, a Y connector, and an air intake valve. The plumbing outlet box has a back wall and four sidewalls that extend outward from the back wall to form a cavity. The Y connector includes a first and second drain channels. The first drain channel is mounted in the cavity and has opposing first and second ends. The second drain channel merges with the first drain channel between the first and second ends. The air intake valve is mounted to the first end of the first drain channel, and is configured to allow exterior air to enter into the first drain channel through the first end, and prevent internal air from exiting the first drain channel through the first end.

Abstract: A combined washing/drying station for a washroom comprising a water outlet for discharging water to wash a user's hands connected to a mains water supply and an air outlet for discharging airflow to dry a user's hands. The airflow is generated by a blower module connected to a mains electricity supply via a connector unit hard-wired to the electrical mains. The blower module comprises an electrical connector which connects to an electrical connector on the connector unit to allow modular replacement of the blower module. Connection to the mains water supply is via the same or an additional connector unit plumbed into the water mains. A flow-control valve is provided on the respective connector unit for isolating the water mains at the connector unit. An inlet port of the valve is connected to the water mains and an outlet port of the valve is connected to the water outlet.

Abstract: Drain chain systems include a cap connected to a chain. The cap rests on a drain and can include holes to facilitate the passage of water through the cap. The cap can include a decorative shape. The chain is flexible and is placed in the drain, sometimes through a hole in a drain cover. The chain can be detachably connected to the cap by a coupling element to facilitate easy replacement of the chain, or can be integrally connected to the cap. During use, hair gathers on the chain. The chain is pulled out of the drain by the decorative cap positioned over the drain. The chain can be cleaned of entangled hair and reused, or the chain can be discarded with or without the cap, by either leaving the chain connected to the cap or by detaching the chain from the cap and replacing it with a new chain.

Abstract: A toilet cleaning device has an element which closes an outlet pipe of a toilet bowl so that water accumulates in the toilet bowl to clean it and then allows the water to flow out through the outlet pipe, and the element includes a base which closes the outlet pipe of the toilet bowl and a tube connected with the base and capable of being grabbed by a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an improved toilet seal and methods for installing such toilet seals. The toilet seal includes one or more rings disposed circumferentially about a sleeve. The rings are removably attached to the sleeve to provide a manner by which to remove one or more of the rings and thereby adjust the position of the seal relative to adjacent piping. The seal further includes a sealing element that includes a flexible lip, which is adapted to deflect downwardly when engaged by a plumbing fixture.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for retrofitting or providing new water treatment vaults and chambers, with a floatable skimmer on tracks above a solid shelf that constricts and restricts water during low and medium flows for maximum detention time to allow for greater storm water treatment, and for high flows allows for the skimmer to automatically adjust to allow for greater conveyance of storm water flow. The skimmer can have float(s) across an upper edge with side edges having both centering and load bearing wheels that slide up and down within tracks that are mounted to side walls of storm water treatment chambers and vaults. Additional embodiments include multi-chamber vaults and chambers with baffles separating sediment chambers. Additionally screen treatment systems can be used with the chambers and vaults.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an inlet of an underground reservoir having a multiple-stage structure includes: a flow portion, wherein water flowing in the flow portions; a drop portion transporting the water to a underground reservoir from the flow portion; and an inlet portion having a multiple-stage structure to generate a vortex in the water to be transported to the drop portion.

Abstract: An assembly includes a combustion engine and a housing to protect an engine, wherein the housing has a first wall and the first wall has a container.

Abstract: The present invention is a framing system for resolving vertical and horizontal movements in light gage, cold formed, steel stud framing. It utilizes at least one corner hinge and a plurality of pivoting stud clips (one for each stud) that accommodate for the deflection of a building as it encounters environmental changes. Additional hinges may be placed axially, along the wall and at the top and bottom of the corner for increased flexibility. Two embodiments of stud pivot clips, one utilizing direct attachment and arcuate slots, the other utilizing a pivotable connection plate, are disclosed; as are two hinge embodiments.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus includes a curtain having a plurality of compressible tubes positioned between a first end of the curtain and a second end of the curtain. The compressible tubes move between a collapsed position when the curtain is in a relaxed condition and an expanded position when the curtain is a taut condition.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include rear edge seals to sealingly engage a rearward facing edge of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, the rear edge seal is part of a pivotal upper or side seal member that also includes a surface seal. The surface seal is spaced apart from the edge seal and is to sealingly engage a side or upper surface of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle's side surface is the outward facing surface of the vehicle's swung-open door. In some examples, the vehicle backing against the edge seal is what deploys the side seal. Some example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include an upper seal member and two side seal members, where vehicle-activated movement of the upper seal and side seal members are coordinated to seek and seal against rear corners of a cargo opening of the vehicle.

Abstract: An attic flooring and storage system for laying out a support floor in an attic or other framed structure, the system comprising a number of support brackets with a mounting saddle including at least one mounting guide for removably suspending the brackets over a joist type member while disposing the upper surface of at least one laterally projecting support wing to support and align a flooring panel with at least one angular brace constructed to transfer bending forces about a joint between the support wing and the adjacent mounting guide to the joist.

Abstract: A tie system is provided for use with a wall form for a cementitious backup wall and for use with a wall tie to connect between the cementitious backup wall and a veneer. The tie system includes a backup wall connector and a form connector. The form connector is connectable to the form and secures the backup wall connector in position as the wall form is filled. The connector may have heat transfer reducing perforations. The connector may have an outwardly positioned flange to which external wall members may be attached. The connector may have multiple gap-setting features.

Abstract: A high-strength laser configured column anchor and anchoring system is disclosed. The high-strength column anchor provides high-strength pullout resistance when embedded within the wall bed joint. Specially-configured apertures, edging and dimension restrictions provide for flow-through mortar embedment within the wall bed joint. The edging provides irregular and regular patterns ensuring a secure fit within the bed joint. The column anchors include a hook attachment portion for secure attachment to the column flanges and optionally include a securement bar or clamp to further secure the column anchor to the column flanges.

Abstract: A deck preservation system includes an elongated one-piece deck board cap top cover for a deck board, adapted for a secure coupling to a top surface of the deck board to cover the top surface; a first cap side, with at least one first fin, integrally formed with the top cover and extended downwardly and adapted for a secure coupling to a board side of the deck board; a second cap side, with at least one second fin, integrally formed with the top cover and extended downwardly and adapted for a secure coupling to a board side of the deck board; wherein the first cap side and the second cap side are opposed to one another; and an inverted channel profile integrally formed and defined by the deck board top cover and first and second cap sides to cover and protect the deck board.

Abstract: Disclosed is waterproofing sheeting that uses a polyester layer that provides high lateral stability and puncture resistance. The waterproof sheeting can be used in many applications including waterproof roof underlayments, waterproof sheeting for foundations, underlayment for tile and flooring and various other applications. The waterproof sheeting can be manufactured without many of the problems associated with the granular coatings of existing waterproof sheeting that create excessive wear and environmental hazards.

Abstract: A sliding seismic isolator includes a first plate attached to a building support, and an elongate element extending from the first plate. The seismic isolator also includes a second plate and a low-friction layer positioned between the first and second plates, the low-friction layer allowing the first and second plates to move freely relative to one another along a horizontal plane. The seismic isolator also includes a lower support member attached to the second plate, with a biasing arrangement, such as at least one spring member or at least one engineered elastomeric element, which can include one or more silicone inserts, positioned within the lower support member. The elongate element extends from the first plate at least partially into the lower support member and movement of the elongate element is influenced or controlled by the biasing arrangement.

Abstract: A modular construction system in which a number of three dimensional construction elements are adjoined to form a modular wall, ceiling or floor assembly. In their pre-assembly condition, each three dimensional construction element is formed from a planar metallic sheet (10) sub-divided by fold lines (12a, 12b) into panels (14, 16, 18) defining a multi-panelled sheet. Each panel lies in a common plane and at least one of the panels is deformable along its fold lines out of said common plane to form an assembled three-dimensional construction element for adjoining to other three-dimensional construction elements. At least one panel is provided with an opening (14a, 16a) dimensioned to allow the passage of a reinforcement or stabilizing material through the assembled three-dimensional construction element.

Abstract: A corner form panel used in an insulating concrete form system includes a hinged corner web member at least partially embedded in each of two segments of the form panel. The hinged corner web member enables the two segments to rotate with respect to each other, so that the form panel can be opened to a flat configuration for shipping, and folded into a corner configuration at the jobsite. Both inside and outside corner panels may be provided, and may use different hinged corner web members. The corner web member may include features for connecting the inside and outside corner panels, to reinforce the resulting form unit.

Abstract: A lighting system for ceiling grid systems advantageously uses a grid member designed to cooperate with a strip light to secure the strip light generally aligned beneath the grid system. The grid system can be initially installed with the cooperating grid members at specified locations. The strip lights can then be installed to the grid system. This arrangement simplifies installation particularly installations in commercial type spaces and larger scale architectural projects.

Abstract: A panel assembly for a suspended ceiling comprising a sheet metal body and support brackets attached to the body, the sheet metal body having a rectangular generally planar face portion, a side portion along each of four edges of the face portion, the side portions extending upwardly from the face portion edges to side portion edges, and flanges extending inwardly from the side portion edges such that the flanges overlie and are spaced from the face portion, the side portions intersecting at corners of the panel assembly and the flanges being adjacent the corners, a hanger bracket associated with each corner abutting and fixed to the flanges adjacent each corner, the hanger bracket having at least one hole for attaching a suspension wire at a location spaced from said each corner a distance substantially greater than a width of the flanges adjacent said each corner.

Abstract: A composite structural building panel has a first concrete layer and a second concrete layer in spaced apart relationship with one another so as to receive an insulation layer spanning between the first concrete layer and the second concrete layer. A plurality of shear connectors are individually supported to extend through respective bores in the insulation layer between opposing first and second ends of the shear connector which are entirely embedded in the first and second concrete layers respectively. At least some of the shear connectors are oriented at an inclination to a normal axis of the insulating layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a room delimitation element, in particular to a door or a wall, which may be used for a sanitary room in vehicles or buildings.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprises a truss assembly and a method for assembling the truss assembly. The truss assembly includes V-shaped longitudinal supports forming corners of an elongated truss located at each angle of a polygonal axial cross-section. Open webs are fixedly attached between each adjacent V-shaped longitudinal supports extending the length of the elongated truss. The open webs have a plurality of bends in a same plane, and the plurality of bends are welded to a portion of the inner surface of adjacent V-shaped longitudinal members without having to place jigs or bracing to form the open web or to secure the open web to the two V-shaped longitudinal members. The elongated support truss may have a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a pentagonal cross-section, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural element. In an embodiment, the structural element includes a stiff, elongate tubular member, wherein an inner surface of the tubular member and side faces enclose a core extending along at least a length of the tubular member, wherein the core is provided with a fluid under pressure. The invention furthermore relates to a method for hoisting a stiff, elongate tubular member.

Abstract: A method for mounting a fixture on a membrane-covered roof involves a bracket with wings coated on upper surfaces with a material rendering the wings heat weldable to roofing membrane. The bracket is placed on the roof membrane, and a transition membrane with a cutout for a raised portion of the bracket is placed over the bracket and heat welded to both the upper wing surfaces of the bracket and to the roof membrane.

Abstract: A window system for mounting in an inclined surface of a building, said window system comprising a frame structure and a sash structure each defining a substantially rectangular unit with an inner opening, and where a transverse element extending between side members of the sash structure forms a yoke (25) in connection with the pane element (1) and acts as a support of the pane element to transfer at least part of the load of the pane element to the side members (22) of the sash structure (2). At least one glazing support (14) may be mounted on the yoke (25), each glazing support (14) preferably comprising a substantially plane abutment portion (141) in contact with the pane element (1) and a first engagement portion (142) adapted to engage the yoke (25).

Abstract: Metal panel roofs, and load support structures for supporting loads on such roofs. Side rails provide primary support for loads on such roofs. The side rails can be fabricated from sheet metal or can be extruded. A side rail includes a standing seam cavity which is lowered, and covers, the standing seam. Side walls of the standing seam cavity. An upstanding web extends up from the cavity, and lower shoulders may extend laterally, optionally downwardly, from the walls which define the cavity, on either one side, or both sides, of the cavity. Building roof insulation can extend up through an aperture in the roof, surrounded by such load support structure, and extend up to the top of the side rail, thus providing a thermal break between the load support structure elements and the space surrounded by the load support structure.

Abstract: A covered gutter system comprising a covered gutter, mounting bracket and fittings a providing an elongate channel in which to receive water from an overhead water feed (such as a roof), wherein the water may from time to time be carrying solid content, said covered gutter comprising: a) a channel formation comprising front and rear walls upstanding from a base region to define a channel, and b) a cover formation extending from the rear wall of the channel formation and over the channel, there being an undercut portion of the cover which, together with an upper edge of the front wall of the channel, defines an elongate mouth opening along the gutter, and wherein said cover formation is adapted to guide water from the water feed through the mouth opening and into the channel, while assisting to deflect solid content away from the mouth opening. A bracket where the inside profile of the bracket corresponds with the outside profile of the covered gutter.

Abstract: A pipe boot assembly is provided that provides a base, first and second sleeves, and a cap. The first sleeve is attached to the base and the second sleeve is movable with respect to the first sleeve. The cap is attached to the second sleeve and has an opening disposed therein.

Abstract: A retractable and stowable cover is provided for use with an open living space. A lifting mechanism moves a center section from a stored position to a second position where the cover can be used for shade. The shade position allows an expandable shade fabric to be deployed from each side of the center section. The lifting mechanism can then move the center section where it comes down and the shade fabric can then cover and secure the open space.

Abstract: A portable modular pedestrian ramp comprises a plurality of modular ramp units. Each of the modular ramp units comprises a pair of side edge plates each having inwardly facing sides to which opposite ends of decking are attached. The side edge plates of at least some of the modular ramp units have opposite ends thereof that are releasably connectable to one another by self-locking connectors to provide different ramp lengths without the need for any tools or fasteners to join the modular ramp units together or disassemble the modular ramp units for transportation and storage.

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

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.

Abstract: A surface element designed to be assembled together with similar surface elements to form a unit of a plurality of joined surface elements; said surface elements comprising a core, a decorative upper surface and edges for joining, including a first and a second edges allowing joining by rotational movement, and a third and a fourth edge allowing joining by vertical movement, wherein two adjacent edges of the surface element at the same time, and concurrently with said rotational movement, is joined with a surface element adjacent to the first edge and a surface element adjacent to the third or fourth edge.

Abstract: A tile having a contrast pattern intermixed with a portion of a background pattern. The contrast pattern is positioned proximate a selected corner of the tile and has a contrast color different than the colors of the background pattern. Within a surface covering, the rotational position of the tile can be varied to thereby achieve a desired visual appearance with respect to the contrast patterns of adjacent tiles.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an interlocking modular mat or tile and method of use. The mat comprises a severable core structure with a ramp around its periphery and a connected outer structure. The outer structure surrounding the inner core structure is partitioned into side and corner panels also having ramps internally disposed therein. The novel features of the mat allows it to be cut along several locations to expose the internal ramp structure within each panel, providing a assembled mat system with a secure border around the entire mat. A method of constructing an array of the novel mat panel members involving cutting to expose the internal ramped structure is also disclosed to provide a flooring surface.

Abstract: Floor element of the type which, at least at two opposite edges, comprises coupling means enabling two of such floor elements to cooperate with each other at the respective edges, wherein the floor element comprises at least two components, as well as entity-forming means, which, starting from the aforementioned components, can form an entity including the components, wherein said components can adopt at least two mutual positions, whether or not by means of the disruption of the entity formed by said entity-forming means.

Abstract: A chute apparatus for conveying objects by gravity inside a building from a higher story to a lower story includes one or more sets of discrete sections having passages forming an elongated conduit which pass through one or more floors of the building. Each set includes an intake section which has a tubular body having a first passage and a tapered portion having a second passage. The second passage decreases in transverse cross section in a given longitudinal direction and a passage of at least one other section in each set has a passage which increases in transverse cross-section. A terminal portion of at least one of the section is received within another section by an adjustable distance to accommodate variations in distance between adjacent floors of the building. Substantially the entirety of said two of the sections can be housed within the intake section during shipment.

Abstract: A trim assembly may include a starter strip having a first fastener hem configured to receive a fastener, a starter flange extending from the first fastener hem, and a first rib extending from the starter flange. A fastener flange having a second fastener hem may be configured to receive a second fastener. The fastener flange can include a second rib extending from the second fastener hem. A trim having a first slot may be configured to receive the first rib and be mounted to the starter strip, and a second slot configured to receive the second rib and be mounted to the fastener flange.

Abstract: A wedge system for creating a tiled surface includes wedge receivers and wedges. Each wedge receiver has a planar element and a hook extending from the planar element in perpendicular relation. The hook is disposed as a tile spacer between a pair of tiles. The planar element is disposed beneath the tiles. Each wedge has a clamping surface and a ribbed gripping surface orientated in angular relation to one another to meet in an edge with the ribs comprising an arcuate arrangement. In use, the wedge extends through the aperture of the wedge receiver such that the clamping surface is positioned in abutting relation against the tiles and the hook is resiliently deformed to provide for a clamped engagement of the tiles between the clamping surface and the planar element, to provide for substantially coplanar relation of the tiles. Further, the gripping surface grips the wedge receiver to resist withdrawal of the wedge and maintain the clamped engagement until the mortar has cured.

Abstract: A tapering assembly compresses a butt end of a barrier into a tapered end for enhanced installation. The barrier includes sheet rock panel. A plurality of rollers and at least one taper roller pass through a front end of a plate portion. The barrier passes through a predetermined distance between the taper roller and the plurality of rollers. The taper roller includes a gradient taper. The plurality of rollers guide the barrier against the taper roller. A rear end of the plate portion includes a bearing that enables the taper roller and plurality of rollers to pass through. A taper roller shaft extends from a rear end of the plate portion. A variable speed drill rotates the taper shaft to provide rotation and torque to the taper roller. The barrier butt end is tapered without causing damage to the barrier from the position and precision calibration of the rollers.

Abstract: A fatigue resistant gravity based spread footing under heavy multi-axial cyclical loading of a wind tower. The foundation having a central vertical pedestal, a substantially horizontal continuous bottom support slab, a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs extending radially outward from the pedestal. The pedestal, ribs and slab forming a continuous monolithic structure. The foundation having a three-dimensional network of post-tensioning elements that keep the structural elements under heavy multi-axial post compression with a specific eccentricity intended to reduce stress amplitudes and deflections and allows the foundation to have a desirable combination of high stiffness and superior fatigue resistance. The foundation design reduces the weight and volume of materials used, reduces cost, and improves heat dissipation conditions during construction by having a small ratio of concrete mass to surface area thus eliminating the risk of thermal cracking due to heat of hydration.

Abstract: An adjustable strut having a locking mechanism configured to removably-secure a pair of telescopic structural members to one another when positioned in a contracted configuration for transport and storage. Further, the locking mechanism allows for fast and intuitive unlocking of the pair of telescopic structural members for adjustment of a length of the strut for structural bracing.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in isolating a subject, the apparatus including a frame movable between collapsed and erected configurations, a body supported by the frame, wherein in the erected configuration, the body defines an internal volume for containing a subject to thereby substantially isolate the subject from a surrounding environment and a door actuator supported by the frame for moving a door between open and closed positions to thereby provide access to the internal volume.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a system and method for generating waves in multiple directions. Present embodiments may include a wave generation mechanism configured to be positioned centrally within a container filled with water that is sufficiently sized to facilitate recreational activities for patrons within the container. The wave generation mechanism may include at least one actuator configured to activate at least one water-displacement medium to displace the water such that waves are propagated through the water, and a directional feature configured to direct the waves away from the wave generation mechanism after activation of the actuator such that the waves are propagated outward from the wave generation mechanism in multiple directions.

Abstract: In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides an automatic processing unit for car storing and retrieving system for the multilevel park system. Specifically, the automatic processing car storing and retrieving system includes an integrated central car handling unit and microcontroller unit, wherein said integrated central car handling unit comprises at least one collection-delivery rack to carry the car; at least one up-down platform to move the car vertically; and at least one wheeled platforms to move the car in a circular movement. Further, the collection-delivery rack of integrated central car handling unit can move simultaneously in circular and vertical direction. Further, a method for storing and retrieving the car by using the integrated central car handling unit is also provided.