Abstract: A track for a wall construction for use in building construction is disclosed. Embodiments can include a track having a plurality of bendable tabs that can be manipulated to grip or release wall studs to prevent lateral or side to side movement of the studs. Embodiments can include tracks which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, including but not limited to intumescent material.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include systems and methods for efficiently assembling a structure. In one embodiment, a system includes multiple panels, with each panel having a frame made of multiple members. Each member of the frame has at least two pairs of passageways. Each pair of passageways can include two passageways that intersect each other in a perpendicular manner. Furthermore, each passageway may pass through, and be oriented orthogonal to, the longitudinal axis of the member. The first pair of passageways can be spaced a first distance from the first end of the member, while the second pair of passageways can be spaced a second distance from the second end of the member. In some embodiments, the first and second distances are approximately equal to one another. This consistency allows for maximum interchangeability and compatibility of the members and/or panels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include hot-rolled threaded rebar bolts that have a substantially circular core with semi-continuous threads on opposing sides of the rebar bolts. In some embodiments of the invention the shaft is substantially void of longitudinal ribs along at least a portion of the longitudinal area between the first set of threads and the second set of threads of the shaft. The threaded rebar bolt is manufactured in a continuous hot-rolling process to create a threaded rebar shaft with semi-continuous threads and substantially no longitudinal ribs in the longitudinal areas and no additional machining is required to create the threads after the threaded shaft is created from the hot-rolling process.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus presses conical members having curved surfaces in a direction perpendicular to reinforcing bars by using hydraulic pressure, thereby considerably reducing working time for coupling reinforcing bars, completely securing the reinforcing bars and increasing compressive and bending strength. It is possible to stably carry force from the conical members through external force dispersion medium members to reinforcing bar securing members. Accordingly, there is a structural advantage of effectively preventing the displacement and the loosening of the coupled reinforcing bars.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes applying a liquid plural component polymer to a sloped roof to form a protective surface that inhibits moisture seepage to the roof sheathing. In some embodiments, the plural component polymer may be a polyurea compound having a hardening time that is less than approximately 10 minutes. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be aerated prior to application to the roof substrate. In some embodiments, one or more polystyrene panels may be affixed to the sloped roof prior to application of the liquid plural component polymer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A scupper door system includes a frame defining a passageway. A door is mounted within the frame at a pivot and is therein rotatable about the pivot within the passageway between a closed position, blocking the passageway, and an open position wherein the passageway is open to permit passage of water therethrough. A latch mechanism is configured to retain the door in the closed position and is triggerable in response to a preset water condition at one side of the passage to release the door from the closed position and allow the door to rotate to the open position.

Abstract: A building-mounted awning. The awning includes a support frame, and a covering provided over the support frame to act as shelter from precipitation, or act as a shade from the sun. The support frame is attached to the building at only one location along a width of the support frame.

Abstract: A building board includes an undercoat coating, an overcoat coating having lower pigment content than the undercoat coating and having different hue from the undercoat coating and having variations in position and thickness, an inkjet coating having different hue from the overcoat coating and is applying partially, and a clear coating successively formed on surface of inorganic base material having a plurality of wood board patterns. There also is provided a method for manufacturing a building board including the steps of applying an undercoat paint to surface of inorganic base material having a plurality of wood board patterns, applying an overcoat paint having lower pigment weight concentration than the undercoat paint and having different hue from the undercoat paint, scraping off a part of the applied overcoat paint before the overcoat paint cures, partially applying inkjet painting having different hue from the overcoat paint, and applying a clear paint.

Abstract: A method for converting expended plastic and metal containers into artificial rocks by removing the label from a plastic or metal container, removing the top, stuffing the container with compacted, smaller, expended plastic, beverage bottles, or cleaned, crushed, expended food cans, shaping the filled plastic container by means of a heat gun, or the filled metal container by crimping the ends, burning holes into the filled, shaped plastic container with a soldering iron or drilling holes in the filled shaped metal container with an electric drill. A first layer of wet stucco is troweled onto the shaped container, lightly pressed into the holes, and allowed to dry, whereupon a second layer of stucco is applied over the base layer and allowed to dry, after which a layer of colored cement is applied over the second layer and brushed and rolled while still wet to create different surface textures like those of real rocks and allowed to dry to form the final rock product that looks just like a real rock.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a unit fixing insulation to the wall intended both for styrofoam insulation as well as for mineral wool insulation. A unit fixing insulation to a wall, according to the invention, is formed with the locating sleeve on which a pressing sleeve is slidably mounted, constituting an integral unit with a circular pressing plate provided with slitting teeth arranged along the circumference of a circular plate and the locating sleeve is ended at one end with an expansion zone and at the other end with a circular plate, whereas the locating sleeve houses an expansion element, preferably in the form of a screw. A unit characterised in that the expansion element has a head embedded permanently in the sleeve with an outer thread and a polygonal hole is provided within the sleeve, whereas a pressing plate is ended with a circular flange which houses the insulating cap, while the teeth of the pressing plate have side and front sharp edges.

Abstract: A clip for attaching a deck plank to a surface, comprises an elongated strip having bottom and top opposing surfaces with a leg extending up from said top surface between its ends. The leg has at least one flange projecting out at a location spaced from the top surface. The flange has an underside facing the top surface for engaging and mating with a ledge of a deck plank. The mating deck plank readily attaches to the clip when force is applied generally from the upper surface down on the plank. The deck plank has a bottom recess with an internal ledge or ledges that mates with and snaps onto the flange or flanges of the clip.

Abstract: A quick connect metal roof jack clip that releasably attaches between adjacent roof boards for holding a worker on the roof without the need for any typical jack cross boards or planks. The quick connect clip comprises a plurality of folds for inserting between the boards, flipping down into place and standing thereon before easy flip up, removal and reinsertion into another roof shingle removal and/or installation location.

Abstract: A scaffold includes a first end frame assembly. The scaffold includes a second end frame assembly. The scaffold includes a first side brace assembly supported by the first end frame assembly and the second end frame assembly. The scaffold includes a second side brace assembly supported by the first end frame assembly and the second end frame assembly. Each end frame assembly has a first rail with holes and a caster assembly and a second rail with holes and a caster assembly, and a horizontal that is attached to each rail. Each side brace assembly has a locking pin in proximity to each end which engages with a hole in a respective rail, and an associated guard disposed about each pin. Each locking pin has a handle which has a length that extends below the associated guard on an interior side of the guard. A method for a scaffold.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an entrance to a theater of the type normally used to show motion pictures. The motion picture theater entrance has distinctive outer walls separating a vestibule from a lobby. The vestibule has a curved image projection wall located inside said vestibule and is connected to a viewing area by a curved walkway. The entrance also may include border lighting along the upper and or lower edges of its walls.

Abstract: A method for treating a swimming pool, including introducing Mg2+ to a level from 60 ppm to 300 ppm to the swimming pool by addition of a soluble magnesium compound to the swimming pool, or Mg2+ to a level from 60 ppm to 1000 ppm by addition of a magnesium halide in addition to a further soluble magnesium compound.

Abstract: A modular system for constructing liquid storage tanks, comprising prefabricated reinforced concrete modular elements designed and adapted to be coupled together to form the tank walls and having means for engaging the bottom slab or foundation. Optionally, the system further comprises elements which mate with the tank wall elements in order to build a covered tank. In one embodiment of the system, the modular wall elements include a prestressing wire or strand embedded in its structure and to which a tensile force is applied to produce a compressive stress in the side of the wall element that is contact with the liquid stored in the tank. Optionally, the constructing system comprises elements to form divisions or cells inside the storage tank.

Abstract: A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto includes a plurality of pickets, a plurality of rails extending transverse to the pickets, and one or more pivoting, sliding connectors for connecting a picket to a rail, with the sliding, pivotal connection concealed by the rail. The connector is slidably mounted to the rail and is pivotally connected to the picket. In one embodiment, an elongated connector strip is concealed by the rail and spans multiple pickets. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of shorter connectors, one for each picket/rail connection.

Abstract: A magnetic key comprising: a body; a segmented magnet housed within the body; and a ferrous element housed above the segmented magnet. A protective cap for a magnetic key comprising a body; and a ferrous element housed within the body. A locking system comprises a magnetic key and protective cap.

Abstract: A powered door latch may be actuated by a capacitive sensor or by movement of a mechanical release device. A controller may be utilized to prevent unlatching of the powered latch unless the vehicle is in Park and/or certain operating conditions are present.

Abstract: A padlock retaining device has: a) a stand-alone body, separate from any locking device or latching device, the body having one or more body attachment facilitators and b) a lock containment section attached to and extending away from the body for accepting and retaining an open padlock.

Abstract: A locking device to secure a compartment which allows an intelligent interaction with the user. The locking device may be incorporated into a furniture or other structure requiring locking to prevent and allow access to the compartment.

Abstract: A vacuum based apparatus that will, when activated, inhibit relocation of a computing device. The apparatus includes a first surface of a main body. A suction cup is attached to the main body. The suction cup faces outward from and protrudes from the first surface. The suction cup is connected to a vacuum pump and activation of the vacuum pump generates adhesion between the suction cup and another surface that is in contact with the suction cup. A spacer is attached to and protrudes outward from the first surface. The spacer surrounds at least a part of the suction cup that is protruding from the first surface. A control logic that controls the activation of the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A set of handcuffs utilizing a conventional single strand and double strand system with ratchet teeth to prevent opening by virtue of one or more pawls is provided. The handcuffs may be connected via chain or similar device. Standard handcuffs may be unlocked by use of a universal key thereby creating safety and security issues. This design incorporates secondary security features which require that a handcuff be manipulated in some additional manner simultaneously while a handcuff key is utilized. This system requires two sets of hands to be used simultaneously to disengage the locking system. One hand of a person wearing the handcuffs is unable to manipulate the handcuff on which it is worn. As a result, it is virtually impossible for the wearer of the handcuffs to unlock the handcuffs/restraining device even if the person is in possession of the required key.

Abstract: A door locking device includes a latch mechanism with which a striker is engageable or from which the striker is disengageable. A first link operates the latch mechanism in an interlocking manner with an inner door handle so as to release the striker. A second link is movable between an unlocked position where the second link is operated in an interlocking manner with the first link and a locked position where the second link is not operated in an interlocking manner with the first link and operates the latch mechanism in an interlocking manner with an outer handle by way of the first link in the unlocked position so as to release the striker. A locking lever changes over the second link between the unlocked position and the locked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock comprising a locking mechanism, at least one locking lever (3) and an electric drive (5, 6, 7) for the locking mechanism. In normal operation, said electric drive (5, 6, 7) acts upon the locking mechanism for an electric opening. Additionally, the electric drive (5, 6, 7) allows the locking mechanism to be mechanically opened at least for an emergency operation. According to the invention, said locking lever (3) remains, in the normal operation, in the ‘locked’ position, also when opened electrically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door lock provided with an oblique bolt. The objective is to decrease the external force directed into to deadlocking organs. The oblique bolt consists of slanted surfaces on both sides such that the tip part is narrower at its tip than in the back part of the tip part. The tip part has recesses in its lower part and upper part, which extend from the tip to the back part. Both recesses have a turning piece. Additionally, the oblique bolt has a support piece and flexing organs. The turning pieces guide external force up to a given turning angle via the support piece and flexing organs into the deadlocking organs.

Abstract: A lock assembly (20) including a lock bolt (28), a first hub (36) and a first hub locker (72). The lock bolt (28) is movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. The first hub (36) is adapted to move the lock bolt (28) in response to movement of a first handle. The first hub locker (72) is positionable in at least three positions. The first hub locker (72) allows movement of the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in two of the at least three positions and prevents movement of the lock bolt in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in another of the at least three positions. Alternatively, the first hub locker (72) prevents movement of the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in two of the at least three positions and allows movement of the lock bolt (28) in response to torque being applied to the first handle when in another of the at least three positions.

Abstract: A hinge for the pivotable arrangement of a hood or panel on the support structure of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The hinge includes a basic part and a hinge arm pivotably mounted on the basic part at a hinge axis. The basic part includes a fastening portion which is fastened to the support structure. The basic part further includes at least one mounting bracket axially spaced from the fastening portion from at least one body outside panel.

Abstract: A door hinge for an automobile includes a first bracket fixed to a body, a second bracket fixed to a door, and a hinge pin, the first bracket including a base plate portion having a bolt hole, a pair of arm plate portions standing up from upper and lower edges of one end part, on the door side, of the base plate portion and supporting the hinge pin, and a pair of rib portions extending from the arm plate portion and standing up from the upper and lower edges of the base plate portion so as to oppose each other with the bolt hole interposed therebetween, wherein opposite end parts, perpendicular to the extending direction of the rib portion, of the base plate portion are open, and the rib portion is formed so as to have a thickness larger than a thickness of the arm plate portion.

Abstract: Techniques related to a hinge in a computing device are described herein. The techniques may include forming a shaft to move rotationally, and forming a sliding component to move translationally as a result of rotational movement of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum insulated glass, which comprises two or more glass plates, which can be evacuated, which are oriented in parallel and which are sealed air-tight at the outer edge, with respect to the interior formed by means of spacers, by means of strip-shaped connecting elements attached to the entire perimeter, in particular metal strips connected to each other in a vacuum-tight manner, having the following features: a) the spacers each comprise at least two segments (7, 9) associated with each other, b) the spacers are arranged on closed distribution lines, which are arranged at a distance from each other and extend substantially parallel to the perimeter of the glass plate in question and run out in a defined manner in a curve in the corner regions of the glass plate, c) the segments (7, 9) are made of different materials, and d) the segments (7, 9) have a coating and/or structuring on the surfaces that do not come in contact with the glass plates (5, 6).

Abstract: An emergency exit arrangement for a vehicle and or a building comprising of a plurality of spring pressured stud assembly having a plurality of locking pin in the upper region connected correspondingly to a plurality of rope which is connected to a first pulling device; a plurality of locking pin in the lower region connected correspondingly to a plurality of rope which is connected to a second pulling device. Sequential pulling of the first and the second pulling device ejects out the aperture cover. The pulling devices are electrical, operated by pressing a button; or through temperature sensor, impact sensor, pressure sensor, smoke sensor and or a combination thereof. The pulling devices are alternatively rotatable knobs. The aperture cover is easily mountable.

Abstract: A system for controlling noise in a fenestration assembly (e.g., a window) includes a fenestration assembly with at least one glazing and a frame. The at least one glazing has a surface. At least one sensor is coupled to the at least one glazing and is configured to generate noise detection signals. An actuator is positioned on the surface of the at least one glazing and has a plurality of regions. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the actuator and is configured to control each of the regions of the actuator to generate a different frequency based on the noise detection signals. Alternatively, each of the regions may be controlled to generate a frequency with a different phase shift based on the noise detection signals.

Abstract: Example room dividers are disclosed herein. An example room divider includes a first panel and a second panel. A first seal between the first panel and the second panel is to provide a first line of contact with at least one of the first panel or the second panel. A second seal between the first panel and the second panel is to provide a second line of contact with at least one of the first panel or the second panel. A touch-and-hold fastener connects the first panel and the second panel. The touch-and-hold fastener is positioned between the first line of contact and the second line of contact.

Abstract: A system of increased safety when performing work using a ladder is described. The system includes a ladder bracket for temporarily attachment of a ladder to a structure to stabilize or secure the ladder. The bracket is easy to install and acts to limit or prevent slippage of the ladder laterally or away from the structure and generally promotes a greater margin of safety. In addition, the system includes a bracket for temporarily, yet securely, attaching a safety railing to a ladder.

Abstract: A house clamp assembly having a fixed jaw and a slide bar mounted movable jaw, the fixed jaw opposing the movable jaw. A one-way drive means, by operation of a trigger handle grip, releasably engages the slide bar and advances the movable jaw towards the fixed jaw. The one-way drive means is incapable of moving the slide bar and movable jaw away from the fixed jaw. A return motion of the movable jaw (separating) is accomplished manually when the one-way drive means is disengaged. A braking lever, which is biased to bind the slide bar, prevents reverse motion of the slideable jaw away from the fixed jaw, except when the first lever is disengaged from the slide bar.

Abstract: A tool for engaging a roof includes a peak engagement member for engaging a first surface of the roof, and an operator climbing member including an elongated central body and a plurality of spaced apart step handles mounted on the central body. The operator climbing member is configured for engaging the second surface of the roof and is operatively connected to the peak engagement member.

Abstract: A distributed drive includes a frame, a main sprocket, and a plurality of drive assemblies mounted therearound for rotation of the main sprocket. The main sprocket has a circumferential drive rim around which the drive assemblies are mounted in driving engagement with the drive rim so as to selectively rotate the main sprocket relative to the frame. Each drive assembly includes at least two auxiliary sprockets lying substantially in the plane of the main sprocket. An endless belt is mounted around the auxiliary sprockets so that a span of the endless belt spans between a pair of the auxiliary sprockets in an arc-of-contact with the drive rim. At least one of the two auxiliary sprockets is a selectively driven drive sprocket for selective rotation of the main sprocket.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided to generate a stable supply of electrical power in a drill string. In one example, a downhole turbine generator includes a turbine, a speed governor, and an alternator. The turbine may transform hydraulic power of a first fluid medium into rotational power of a rotating shaft. The speed governor may reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft in a variable amount that depends on the speed of the rotating shaft. Specifically, weighted arms may shear a second fluid medium more when the speed is higher and less when the speed is lower. The shearing of the second fluid medium may generate a countervailing torque on the rotating shaft to reduce the rotational power of the rotating shaft. The alternator then may produce a generally stable supply of electrical power from the rotational power of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a generally cylindrical body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A biased hinge is secured to both the outer tube and the steering flap, the biased hinge being operative to retract the steering flap into a retracted position from an extending position.

Abstract: A split tube soil sampling system includes a sample tube having an upper end and a lower end, a drive head attached to the upper end of the sample tube, and a cutting shoe attached to the lower end of the sample tube. The sample tube has a first generally semi cylindrical tube segment comprising a first pair of longitudinal edges, and a second generally semi cylindrical tube segment comprising a second pair of longitudinal edges. The first and second tube segments are configured to be joined together along their respective longitudinal edges to form a cylinder having a through bore. The longitudinal edges of the tube segments have interlocking fingers that are mated together to hold the first and second tube segments together.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond drill bit for percussion drilling, in small holes in high silica ground. The bits are made having a bit body, and a series of insets locating in the bit body, and the bits are made using a double chisel design, or a modified double chisel design. The inserts are set into the bit body at very specific angles. The inserts have specific lengths to provide cut clearance for the bit body. The cutting angle the and radius on the tip of each insert in addition to the diameter of the inserts, provide a machine thrust pressure and machine torque pressure at low ranges when the PCD bits are used in percussion drilling.

Abstract: In an excavation tool of the present invention, an embedding hole is drilled in a distal end portion of a tool body which is rotated about an axis line O and is moved forward to a distal end side in a direction of the axis line O. In the embedding hole, an excavation tip in which an embedding portion having an outer cylindrical shape is formed integrally with a cutting edge portion inserts the embedding portion into the embedding hole and causes the cutting edge portion to protrude from the embedding hole. In this manner, the excavation tip is rotatable around a central axis C of the embedding portion during excavation, and is attached thereto by being locked so as not to slip toward a distal end side of the embedding portion 6 in a direction of the central axis C.

Abstract: Downhole tools with a topographical pattern, and anti-balling material over the topographical pattern. The topographical pattern may be defined by at least one of a plurality of recesses extending into a surface of a body of the tool and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface. Downhole tools include an insert disposed within a recess in a body, and the insert comprises an anti-balling material having a composition selected to reduce accumulation of formation cuttings on the tools when the tools are used to form or service a wellbore. Downhole tools include anti-balling material disposed over a porous mass provided over the surfaces of the tools. Methods of forming downhole tools include providing anti-balling material over features on and/or in a surface of a body of a tool. Methods of repairing downhole tools include removing an insert therefrom and disposing a replacement insert therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a reliable signal to the operator while drilling when a bit or tool becomes worn or damaged to a predetermined extent. The approach, in an exemplary embodiment, is to integrate one or more wear tracer elements into one or more parts of a drill bit or downhole tool that do not engage the earthen formation until the predetermined wear or damage occurs. At that time wear tracer elements are released upon wearing of the bit body, cutters, inserts, nozzles, or other components that include the wear tracer elements and enter the drill fluid. The presence of wear tracer elements in drilling fluid can be detected at the surface directly, or indirectly as a result of, for example, one or more reactions between the wear tracer elements and the mud, formation, or other subterranean elements, which yield some compound that may then be detected.

Abstract: In a drill pipe handling apparatus, a pipe gripping mechanism comprises three pipe-gripping jaws arranged to grip a pipe at locations adjacent the apices of a triangle containing the axis of the pipe. A first pipe gripping jaw is connectible to a first pivoted arm at any selected one of a set of plural distances from the pivot axis of the first arm and connected to the first arm at one of those plural distances, and a second jaw is connectible to the second arm at any selected one of the same set of plural distances from the pivot axis of the second arm and connected to the second arm at the same one of those plural distances at which the first jaw is connected to the first arm. Because the same first and second jaws are connectible to the arms at plural distances from the pivot axes, the same jaws can accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters.

Abstract: A tong assembly for manipulating tubulars can include a tong arm assembly for makeup and breakout that has a floating jaw or non-moving jaw, a breakup arm, and a hydraulic control assembly. The tong assembly can include a remote control for remotely controlling operations and providing for improved safety.

Abstract: A rig with a tong assembly for manipulating tubulars can include a tong arm assembly for makeup and breakout of tubulars that has a floating jaw or non-moving jaw, a breakup arm, and a hydraulic control assembly. The tong assembly can include a remote control for remotely controlling operation of the tong assembly for improved safety.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to devices and methods useable during well drilling operation. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a drilling rig incorporating a dual top drive apparatus useable for decreasing connection time of pipe segments useable during well drilling or other well operations, and methods of connecting pipe segments useable during well drilling or other operations.

Abstract: A setting tool for use inside a well bore casing having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a wrap spring. The upper portion includes a mandrel coupled to a connecting line. The upper portion is configured to receive an input. The lower portion includes a first sleeve configured translate along an axis of the setting tool. The lower portion is selectively coupled to the upper portion. The wrap spring has a torsional preload and is coupled to the upper portion and the lower portion. The wrap spring is configured to selectively release the lower portion and upon reception of the input, such that the first sleeve is permitted to translate along the axis.