Abstract: A self-contained, oil flush medium toilet system is provided having a largely rectangular enclosure that separates the flush medium from collected waste and preprocesses the waste for subsequent removal. The device requires no connection to sewage or water lines, and can be installed with only electrical connections for continual operation. Waste is first received through a toilet bowl, whereafter it is consumed by the oil and falls under the surface thereof. The waste is then circulated below the oil, whereby it is continually aerated to promote aerobic digestion of the waste until it reaches a certain volume, where the processed waste exits the enclosure for further processing or storage. The oil flush medium is pumped through a particulate and carbon filter to maintain its condition, wherein the oil is immiscible with the waste to first consume it and remain above the waste within the enclosure during operation.

Abstract: A waxless modular seal prevents leaks in the connection between the base of a toilet and the drain pipe. The waxless modular seal comprises a rubber portion and a resiliently compressible toroid-shaped foam ring, both of which are, in combination, designed to replace a traditional wax seal. The waxless modular seal captures the foam ring between an upper sealing ring and a lower sealing ring. Each sealing ring and the foam ring comprises a protrusion and at least one vertically disposed aperture, the apertures being sized sufficiently so as to allow a fastener to pass through the apertures. The foam ring may comprise a plurality of foam rings.

Abstract: A fluid conduit with layered and partial covering material thereon is disclosed. The fluid conduit may be used for processing and treatment of fluids which must be treated to remove materials so that the resultant treated fluid may be reused and/or returned to the earth and particularly to the water table. The fluid conduit may be of many forms and types and may have attached thereto and configured thereon covering material in partial form and a selected number of layers. The fluid conduit may be a septic pipe of smooth wall, of corrugated form, and/or of any form of cross-sectional configuration including circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape. The fluid conduit may be used in combination with conduit in a drainage field or leaching system usually associated with a septic tank or septic system.

Abstract: A structural system and method of assembly comprising structural members with slots, and interior structural members. Specific structural members are sequentially interconnected in rigid alignment. A first structural member is positioned with two upward facing slots. Additional structural members are added by engaging downward facing slots of the additional structure members with upward facing slots of the prior structural member. The structural members further include engagement features in cooperating slots. A protruding features engages a recess to retain the engaged structural members. The features may be a partial sphere and a matching recess which may be disassembly, or a tapered protrusion having a squared-off rear edge which resists disassembly, or one of a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting and positioning stay in place metal decking between support girders which have a substantially horizontal top surface with opposite side edges defining a width of the substantially horizontal top surface, includes a plurality of straps for placement on the substantially horizontal top surface of the support girder and having substantially vertical end portions at the ends thereof substantially aligned with the opposite edges of the substantially horizontal top surface, and a pair of angle irons, one side of each angle iron forming the height of the angle iron adapted to be adjustably attached to and to be adjustably vertically positioned with respect to the vertical end portions of the strap, and the width of the angle iron being sufficient for holding the edge of a metal decking pan. Wind clips can be installed to hold the assembly in position in high wind conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a method for constructing a cylindrical tank, including the step of assembling a metal inner tank by individually and sequentially conducting, on an internal side of a PC wall, raising of an inner tank lateral plate by a jack-up unit and welding of a next-stage inner tank lateral plate onto a lower section of the raised inner tank lateral plate, further including the step of installing a guide pair configured to sandwich the raised inner tank lateral plate onto the next-stage inner tank lateral plate that is to be welded therebeneath. As a result, in the case of adopting the jack-up construction system, it is possible to prevent an inner tank lateral plate from being attached next from falling.

Abstract: Described herein is a truss/rafter roof erection system and kit that include H brackets that attach to a drop gable and are set to desired height. The first bracket attaches to a gable bracket piece and when the next truss is put in place a first and a second bar member are then slid into place, is pinned and fastened with a security cable. A security cable wraps around the truss or rafter and is secured into place with a one-way locking apparatus. At the finish (or other end of the roof) of the roof on the drop gable, or rafter, a second H bracket is fastened in the same manner as the starter end and is connected to a bar member.

Abstract: Provided is a high-performance sliding seismic isolation device with a slider that realizes a contact pressure of 60 MPa. The device includes an upper shoe 1 and a lower shoe (2) having sliding surfaces 1a and 2a with curvatures, respectively; and a columnar steel slider (7) disposed between the upper shoe (1) and the lower shoe (2), the slider having an upper surface 4a and a lower surface 4b that are in contact with the upper and lower shoes, respectively, and have curvatures. The upper surface 4a and the lower surface 4b of the slider (7) have double-woven fabric layers (5) and (6), respectively, each double-woven fabric layer containing PTFE fibers and fibers with higher tensile strength than that of the PTFE fibers, and the PTFE fibers being arranged on the sides of the sliding surfaces 1a and 2a of the upper shoe (1) and the lower shoe (2).

Abstract: A base (1a, 1b, 1c) for building wall (10a, 10b, 10c) comprising: a base socle (3a, 3b, 3c) interposed, in position, between a panel (2) of the wall (10a, 10b, 10c) and a foundation slab, a tubular member (5) filled with a mixture (6) including cement and water interposed, in position, between the base socle (3a, 3b, 3c) and the foundation slab, first constraint means (7a, 7c, 8, 9, 11) to rigidly constrain, in position, the base socle (3a, 3b, 3c) to the foundation slab; the planimetric position of the base socle (3a, 3b, 3c) and its distance from the foundation slab being adjustable by means of said first constraint means (7a, 7c, 8, 9, 11), second constraint means (7a, 7b, 7c, 12, 13) to rigidly constrain, in position, said panel (2) to said base socle (3a, 3b, 3c).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for removably deploying a floor assembly from a compacted state to a deployed state by varying tensioning forces to removably interconnected individual floor segments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor assembly for a modular building unit that avoids the need to turn the floor assembly frame over for installation of a floor subsheet, and that likewise provides a modular floor subsheet that may be fitted to the modular building unit without welding, rivets, screws, or other tooling. A floor assembly frame includes side rails that form the exterior, bottom perimeter of the modular building unit, and joists that extent between parallel side rails of the floor assembly frame. The joists are configured at their base on one side with a slot configured to receive one end of a section of a floor subsheet. An opposite end of the floor subsheet is then positioned overtop the joist element that forms the top portion of the slot on an adjacent joist, which opposite end may then be held in place with a pin, clip, or other fastener requiring minimal effort to install.

Abstract: A ceiling system includes a grid support member, and first and second ceiling panels abutted at a joint. In the factory-supplied condition, each panel has a facing sheet already adhesively bonded to a central region of the panel. Perimeter portions of the facing are left un-bonded to an annular peripheral region of the surface surrounding the central region. This allows seams to be made in the field. The facing sheet comprises a cantilevered flap extending beyond a peripheral edge of the panel. During field installation, the flap of a first panel extends across the joint overlapping the second panel's un-bonded facing sheet in the peripheral region. The double thickness of facings is cut to form a seam laterally offset from the joint, which is concealed. A field applied or activated adhesive bonds the facing to the peripheral regions of each panel. A related installation method is disclosed.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system in one embodiment includes a ceiling panel and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a cable secured to a building support structure, a first coupler for attachment to the cable, and a second coupler for attachment to the ceiling panel. The first coupler includes a cable mounting channel having first and second openings and a cable adjustment mechanism for releasably gripping the cable. In one implementation, the adjustment mechanism includes a spring-biased plunger configured to engage the cable. The cable is routed through the channel from the first to second opening. The position of the cable with respect to the first coupler may be adjusted to select the desired position and angular orientation of the ceiling panel. In one embodiment, the first coupler includes ball element pivotably engaged with the second coupler to accommodate various angular positions of the panel and/or panel configurations.

Abstract: This application describes insulated panel systems with first and second encapsulated foam core panels having foam cores, coated with or otherwise encapsulated in a shell material. Front and back overlap members may be fixed to the first encapsulated foam core panel or the second encapsulated foam core panel to allow the insulated panel system to removeably cover a container around a perimeter of the container (i.e., in a lateral direction relative to the container). A drip edge and overlap member may be fixed to the first encapsulated foam core panel to allow the insulated panel system to removeably cover a container vertically along a height of the container (i.e., in a vertical direction relative to the container).

Abstract: A light roofing system is formed of a substrate layer and a waterproof surface layer. The waterproof surface layer comprises a functional coating layer made of functional paint and a waterproof layer made of waterproof paint, the functional paint comprises a base material and functional materials, and the functional materials comprise an inorganic flaky material, an inorganic high-rigidity wear-resistant material, and polymer powder with good toughness. The addition amount of the inorganic flaky material accounts for 1% to 8% of the total weight of the functional paint, the addition amount of the inorganic high-rigidity wear-resistant material accounts for 2% to 15% of the total weight of the functional paint, and the addition amount of the polymer powder with good toughness accounts for 1% to 8% of the total weight of the functional paint.

Abstract: A venting arrangement for a roof includes a plurality of venting stacks each having a first open base end open to an area on top of the roof insulation layer and below the roof outer membrane, the venting stacks arranged spaced apart around a perimeter of the roof. A venting path grid of air permeable material is arranged between the roof membrane and the insulation layer. The grid is in air flow communication with the first open base ends. Centrally located wind-driven turbine ventilators can also be in air flow communication to the grid.

Abstract: A wall panel, a masonry wall system, and a method are described. Masonry units are used with wall panels to make a masonry wall. The wall panel has a back face and a front face. The front face has multiple ribs which engage the masonry units, where each rib has top and bottom sides. The bottom sides of the ribs have multiple compressible projections with cavities which can be deformed so as to retain the masonry unit in the panel. Each masonry unit has a body with a front face, a back face, and top and lateral faces. The back face and top lateral face form a back peripheral edge, and the top lateral face has at least one tooth for securing the masonry unit in the panel. In operation, the tooth compresses the projections of the horizontal ribs, thereby securing the masonry unit in the panel.

Abstract: A fiber enforced sheet for use as a wall or floor covering which comprises of adhered thin bricks bonded to a fiber-reinforced, backing layer. Thin brick is adhered to the fiber enforced sheet. The fiber enforced backing increases strength and rigidity to the thin brick during handling, and installation permits the thin bricks to be adhered to proper specification and spacing to be cut using ordinary tile or thin brick tools.

Abstract: A floor panel for forming a floor covering includes coupling parts on at least one pair of opposite arranged to allow that two of such floor panels can be joined by means of a downward movement (M) of one floor panel in respect to the other floor panel. The coupling parts allow a locking in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the floor panels as well as in a second direction perpendicular to the respective edge and in the plane of the floor panels. A longitudinal recess located on at least one of the edges is present underneath the upper surface with a locking element. The shape and/or the position of the recess and/or the configuration of the coupling parts is such that deformations are avoided.

Abstract: An elevating leveling pedestal having a base rotatably attached to a first coupling end to collectively create a height adjustment mechanism, a second coupling end non-rotatably attached to a first end of a non-threaded midsection of predetermined length with a second end non-rotatably attached to a head assembly to support, secure, and level a surface installed over a non-sloping or sloping sub-surface. The head assembly comprising a support-head overlying and attached to a cap with either the support-head or the cap having a convex mating surface and the other having a concave mating surface making the support-head and the cap slidably re-positionable with respect to each other along their mating surface resulting in the support-head being tiltable with respect to said cap from zero to seven degrees. A recess is formed in a bottomed-well in the support surface of the support-head for supporting a double-ended bushing to interact with locking devices.

Abstract: Building panels with a homogenous decorative surface having a wear layer comprising fibers, binders and wear resistant particles.

Abstract: Building panels, especially laminated floor panels are shown, which are provided with a locking system and several core grooves at the rear side in order to save material and decrease weight. Building panels, each having a surface layer on a front side, a backing layer on a rear side and an intermediate core, wherein the intermediate core and the surface and the backing layer all comprise wood fibres and thermosetting resins, said building panels are provided with a locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of a first edge of a first building panel to an adjacent second edge of a second building panel.

Abstract: A scaffold system for supporting workers includes a plurality of end frames including a pair of uprights joined by an overhead cross bar for supporting planks thereon. The end frames are stacked top-to-bottom to form end frame columns and are laterally secured together to form an exterior framework. The scaffold system also includes interior posts coupled vertically end-to-end so as to form interior columns, with pairs of interior columns being secured to each end frame column between the vertical uprights of the end frames. Side rails are mounted to the interior posts extending between the pairs of interior posts. Planks are supported on the overhead cross bars, extending between adjacent end frames, and are bounded at their ends by the pairs of interior posts to form a work space and/or walkway for workers of a reduced size or area.

Abstract: A suspended scaffolding system (100) including a connector system (32,33) adapted to engage a track (31) which in use is in contact with the surface of a structure (30), an arm (34, 39) connects the suspended scaffolding system to the connector system, so in use the suspended scaffolding system is suspended below the structure. In a first embodiment, the connector system has connectors that permit relative movement with respect to the track in two orthogonal planes. In a second embodiment a moveable counterweight (37) is provided on the suspended scaffolding system, adapted to be displaced from a first position to a second position to change the center of gravity of the suspended scaffolding system. In a third embodiment, a track connector system is provided comprising at least three fasteners each of which is in contact with the track and adapted to be temporarily removed from the track to permit the suspended scaffolding system to negotiate obstacles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for raising a self-jacking scaffold system including extending a jacking screw and jacking screw bracket axially upward, connecting a jacking screw bracket to an overhead tank bracket for a plurality of scaffold sections coupled to a jacking assembly, detaching a plurality of scaffold mounting brackets from a plurality of tank mounting brackets, raising the continuously coupled plurality of scaffold sections, and reattaching the plurality of scaffold mounting brackets to a plurality of tank mounting brackets. Noting the plurality of scaffold sections is continuously coupled proximate a circumference of a shell tank, the continuously coupled scaffold sections and tank mounting brackets provide stiffness to the tank shell to enable it to resist external loads and can be quickly moved and restored as required during tank construction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the Concrete Form include a form tube, chamfer disk, and one or more form cross-members. The form cross-members are comprised of a center pivot, two bolt guides, which are formed by the cross-members, and an optional clamp. The chamfer disk is a disk that sits atop of the form tube and forms side chamfers when placed upon the form tube when the concrete cures. The chamfer disk is a separate formed or molded piece that will sit on top of the tube form in order to form a chamfer in the concrete. The chanfer disk is a ring-shaped device with the chamfer formed in positive relief under the ring of the chamfer disk. The optional clamp can be used to hold any conduit, tube or any other item during the pour.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with a cutting die having a wire through hole which penetrates through the die along a direction in which a wire is fed out, a blade portion adapted to move along an open plane of an opening at one end of the wire through hole to cut a terminating end portion of the wire which has passed through the wire through hole and an engagement portion adapted to be brought into engagement with a portion of the wire which lies in the vicinity of the terminating end portion thereof when the blade portion is rotated so as to bend to hold the portion lying in the vicinity of the terminating end portion.

Abstract: A precast module built specifically with a dimension of 28??0?×11??8? vertical exterior walls 4? thick, horizontal walls 3? thick and a floor 4? thick. The horizontal walls are connected with attachment of rods to the vertical wall, while providing a number of openings in the horizontal and vertical walls allow access to the interior of the building unit and carrying out various plates weld in the top of the walls. The roof is constructed separately from the module, pouring concrete and is provided with through holes for locating screws and passes, and several welding plates to attach or connect to the roof and walls and have a connection to the roof and thus form an integral unit of construction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a positioning apparatus for an upright panel of a building, the apparatus comprising a base adapted to depend from a structure associated with the building or construction thereof, a support for an edge of the panel, and a positional adjustment means depending from the base which provides for positional adjustment of the support relative to the base. A system for positioning a precast panel which incorporates the apparatus, along with methods for using the apparatus and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is primarily directed to a system and method of selectively repairing asphalt-based shingles having embedded granular material. The system and method of the invention also comprises the use of devices specifically designed and used to template repaired shingles and protect surrounding shingles from adhesives and a shingle frame device to aid in applying, leveling and compressing granules onto the damaged shingle. The system and method of the claimed invention comprises the steps of removal of debris from the damaged area, application of a base coat adhesive to the damaged area, embedding color-matched granules in the base coat and application of a top coat sealant that permanently bonds the repaired layers to the original roofing material.

Abstract: A method for providing at least a part of a building includes the steps of prefabricating a module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof to form a rectangular cuboid shape; providing at least one compartment within the cuboid shape; providing waterproof layers on the interior walls and floor of the compartment for creating a wet area within the module; arranging technical installations within the cuboid shape; and providing interior equipment within the cuboid shape. The method further includes the steps of prefabricating a plurality of panels and slabs; and connecting these panels and slabs to a lateral side of the module for providing a further rectangular cuboid shape forming a panel-built room.

Abstract: A wave pool having a deep end and a shallow end with a plurality of wave generators along the deep end that are extended along a curved stagger line positioned at an oblique angle relative to the moving waves. The wave generators are preferably extended in a substantially staggered manner relative to the travel direction of the waves. A pair of dividing walls is preferably provided in front of each generator, wherein the dividing walls are extended substantially forward with an outward fade angle of no more than about 20 degrees relative to each other. The wave generators are preferably operated in sequence, such that a plurality of wave segments is generated, and such that the wave segments travel forward and then merge together to form a substantially uniform resultant wave which travels forward and then breaks along the shallow end.

Abstract: A garage floor barrier system for installation onto a garage floor for segregating debris. The barrier system includes rail portions, connectors, and cover members. The rail portion includes a notch on a bottom side to aid in installation and provides a recess for the placement of adhesive during attachment. The connectors allow for corner, angle, and straight connection and are constructed in a shape and dimension allowing for flexion. The barrier system is installed continuous around a parked vehicle and allows a user to both contain and easily remove trapped debris.

Abstract: A system for protecting storage tank soil side bottoms against corrosion includes a pipe system comprising non-perforated inlet pipes and perforated pipes connected thereto. A sleeve container having solid VCI compounds therein is inserted into the perforated pipes. The sleeves are permeable to vapors emitted by the solid VCI compounds and flow through the pipe to a perforation where they are admitted into an area beneath a storage tank so that they can contact the tank bottom (soil side) and protect the same from corrosion. Alternatively, solid SCI compounds can be used in combination with VCI compounds. The corrosion protection system is designed to be used with aboveground storage tanks. This includes, but is not limited to, single bottom tanks: newly installed or existing tanks undergoing bottom replacement or installation of double bottoms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a tower, where the apparatus may include a structure including a foundation including a plurality of hydraulic cylinders; a truss tower located on the foundation and configured to support a tower built on the foundation; and a controller configured to control extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A post guard system, comprising a guard sleeve attached to a base portion of a fence type post, the guard sleeve composed of a front panel with a front right lateral edge, a front left lateral edge, a right side panel extending at ninety degrees from the front right lateral edge and a left side panel extending at ninety degrees from the front left lateral edge. The front panel dimensioned to cover fully the width of a front or back face of the fence type post at the bottom portion, the front right lateral edge and the front left lateral edge each having a rounded surface that cover an edge of the fence type post at the bottom portion and the right side panel. The left side panel each dimensioned to cover approximately half the width of a side face of the fence type post at the bottom portion.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind having a fabric panel supported and retained by a blind frame, which together bound a concealed space is provided. The blind frame includes two spaced apart horizontal members and a supporting framework for holding the two spaced apart horizontal members parallel to each other and above a supporting surface by a predetermined height, wherein all components of the blind frame are assembled by slidably mating. The fabric panel is dimensioned and adapted to be supported by an exterior of the two spaced apart horizontal members and the supporting framework so as to bound the concealed space. The fabric panel provides a plurality of strap fasteners for removably securing to the components of the blind frame by simply wrapping around them, thereby making the portable hunting blind light weight and to easily assemble without additional parts or tools.

Abstract: A portable shelter framing system is disclosed herein. The portable shelter framing system includes a plurality of corner support members; a plurality of crossbeam members, each of the crossbeam members configured to be connected between a pair of the plurality of corner support members without the use of tools; and a plurality of roof frame members, each of the roof frame members configured to be coupled to one of the plurality of corner support members or one of the plurality of crossbeam members without the use of tools. In one or more embodiments, the portable shelter framing system further includes a plurality of connecting members, each of the connecting members configured to couple a respective one of the plurality of roof frame members to a respective one of the plurality of corner support members or to a respective one of the plurality of crossbeam members without the use of tools.

Abstract: In a cantilevered watercraft canopy, a plurality of vertical supports provides support to a plurality of horizontal supports. First and second main struts are supported by the horizontal supports. First and second pluralities of arch members are affixed at a central attachment point to the first main strut and second main strut, respectively. The outer ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members support outer struts. In the first exemplary embodiment, the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members are affixed to one another, and the main struts are affixed rigidly to the horizontal supports. In the second exemplary embodiment, first and second inner struts are affixed to the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members, and the main struts are affixed rotatably to the horizontal supports. A canopy cover is affixed over the arch members and struts.

Abstract: A baluster connector for interconnecting a baluster with a hollow end to a portion of a railing system by a fastener having a shaft and a head. The body portion can have an opening of sufficient size to pass the head of the fastener toward the second end of the body to seat against a necked-down portion within the interior of the body. Biasing flanges can extend away from the body to provide resistance when the body is positioned within a hollow end of a baluster.

Abstract: The fence post puller is a system that is adapted to extract a fence post from a ground. The fence post puller includes a lift plate that is used to extract said fence post, and a chain that is optionally used to force the fence post out of the ground via auxiliary means. The lift plate also includes a lift hole that is selectively attached to a hoist arm. The hoist arm is attached to a bottle jack, which is used to raise the lift plate and fence post. The bottle jack is affixed to a jack platform that disperses across a large surface area so as not to sink in an unstable ground or soil environment.

Abstract: An external handle device for a vehicle door has one end part of an operating handle supported by a support member mounted on a door having one end part supported on a vehicle body, and a holder for housing and holding an electrical component mounted on a base member. A mounting portion mounted on an end wall on the other end side of the door has a mounting hole obliquely intersecting an outer panel and is provided integrally with the base member, an engagement hole extending along the axis of the mounting hole and having one end opening in a blocked part at the inner end of the mounting hole is provided in the mounting portion so that the other end opens on the periphery of the mounting portion, and an engagement projection that engages with the other end part of the engagement hole is provided on a holder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for opening and closing an entrance. The apparatus includes: first and second door handles which are configured to be pushed or pulled; a moving unit which is coupled to the first and second door handles; a rotating unit which is rotatably coupled on a rotating shaft and locked to the moving unit so that when the moving unit horizontally moves, the rotating unit rotates around the rotating shaft; an actuating member which is locked to the rotating unit and moved in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the moving unit moves; a latch unit which is fixed to the actuating member so that the latch unit is ejected from or retracted into the door by the movement of the actuating member; and a restoring spring which is wrapped around the rotating shaft and fixed to the door lock housing and the rotating unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for opening and closing a front entrance. The apparatus includes: a door lock housing which has an opening in which a latch bolt is disposed; first and second door handles which are provided on the door and configured to be pushed or pulled; a movable member which is disposed in the door lock housing and horizontally moved by pushing or pulling either the first door handle or the second door handle, with a lift guide block provided on the movable member; a rotating unit which includes a roller and a bent part; a latch bolt coupling unit which is locked to the bent part of the rotating unit and coupled to the latch bolt; and a restoring spring which is configured such that the rotating unit is returned to its original state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a latch actuating device that includes a handle and a base. The handle has a cavity that houses a lockset, a drive cam, and a driven cam. The drive cam has a protrusion that is removably received within a locking receptacle in the base so as to permit and restrict rotation of the handle with respect to the base. The drive cam causes the driven cam to translate along a rotational axis of the drive cam when the drive cam is rotated by the lockset, thus effectuating the insertion and retraction of the protrusion with respect to the locking receptacle.

Abstract: A striker box assembly provides enhanced security when locking a door where the assembly includes a box and a cover plate which are secured to a stud in the frame around the doorway in at least three ways. The first way of securing the assembly is with screws in a jack flange that extends along a lateral side of the stud in flush contact therewith. The second manner is with a screw in the bottom of the box to hold the box firmly against the stud or through shims or a boot that solidly fills any gap between the bottom of the box and the stud. The third way is with offset screws that extend through the cover plate and the box into the stud. The cover plate includes a flange that provides additional strength to resist destructive forces involved when a person attempts to break down a door.

Abstract: A retractable cover assembly is provided for a vehicle to cover a latching component such as the striker of a trunk door. The assembly includes a retractable cover and a support structure for supporting the cover at a position to cover the striker. The assembly further includes an arrangement for actuating the cover between an open position exposing the striker and a closed position covering the striker. A first light source may illuminate the cover and a second light source may illuminate an interior of the vehicle when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.

Abstract: A padlock has a shackle with a short leg and a long leg and a lock body having two partial channels to accommodate the short and long legs. Each of the short and long legs has a bolt groove to receive a bolt. The lock body also has a through channel for placing a spindle having a locking area and an unlocking groove. A plurality of dials and clutches mounted on the spindle control the spindle movement. When the padlock is in the locked mode, the spindle is located within the through channel such that the locking area pushes the bolts against the bolt grooves, preventing the shackle from being pulled upward. When dials match the combination code, the spindle can move upward to allow the bolts to move away from the bolt grooves toward the unlocking groove and the shackle can be pulled upward to unlock the padlock.

Abstract: An electronic sensor and key operated lock is disclosed which provides users with the option to use at least one of a manually operated mechanism or for example a biometric sensor to unlock the lock. The lock integrates both the manually operated mechanism and a biometric sensor into one device. The manually operated mechanism and a biometric sensor are coupled to a common toggle switch so that operation of at least one of the manually operated mechanism and the biometric sensor moves the toggle switch and a shackle from locked and unlocked positions.