Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight, inflatable plow that can be attached to the front of any smaller motorized vehicle for use in removing snow or a similar substance from a commercial or residential driveway. The plow of the invention is partially inflatable, partially rigid and lightweight and can be attached to the front of a motor vehicle without requiring assembly or making any permanent modifications to the body, frame, or any component of the vehicle. The plow of the invention is preferably flexible enough to fold in half in the center for easy transport and storage.

Abstract: The present invention features a flood damage prevention apparatus having a modular equilateral triangular prism enclosure with an interlocking system used to interlock and position additional modules of the apparatus during flood damage prevention deployment. The interlock system enables additional modules of the flood damage prevention apparatus to be locked in position. Each module may be protected from flood debris damage by way of a protective covering over each enclosure. The apparatus may be filled with fluid via a seal tight opening located on the surface of the enclosure which in turn may be closed using a seal tight apparatus.

Abstract: A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.

Abstract: A tubular foundation element, in particular a pile e.g. a jacket pile, to be installed in a ground formation has at least one open end, typically both ends open, allowing a pile driver with an anvil to be inserted into the tubular foundation element. The tubular foundation element comprises a support at the inside thereof, which support is adapted to transmit energy from the anvil directly to the tubular foundation element, during installation of the tubular foundation element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for lining the wall of a manhole. The apparatus may include a liner assembly. The liner assembly includes a bladder, a liner holding device, and a liner. The bladder comprises a first end positioned near an opening of the manhole, and a bladder body positioned in the manhole. The liner holding device is positioned at least partially above the opening of the manhole. The liner includes a first end operably connected to the holding device, and a liner body positioned at least partially surrounding the bladder in the manhole. The liner holding device is adapted to feed a portion of the liner body into the manhole during expansion of the liner body.

Abstract: A synthetic rope arrangement is disclosed for use with a construction machine. The synthetic rope arrangement may have a synthetic rope with an end, and an anchor having an opening formed therein to receive the end of the synthetic rope. The anchor may be removably connectable to the construction machine. The synthetic rope arrangement may also have a stop coupled to the end of the synthetic rope and configured to inhibit the end of the synthetic rope from passing through the anchor.

Abstract: A blade assembly is disclosed for a machine. The blade assembly may include a blade having a front surface configured to move a load of material, and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The blade assembly may also include a socket mounted to the rear surface and configured to receive a component associated with a linkage arrangement that connects the blade to the machine. The blade assembly may further include a support plate attached at a first end to the rear surface and at a second end to the socket. A gap may be provided between the support plate and the rear surface.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine, an exhaust treatment device configured to treat the exhaust of the engine, a reducing agent injection device configured to inject a reducing agent into the exhaust treatment device, a reducing agent tank for storing the reducing agent, an operator compartment, an engine cooling circuit, a reducing agent injection device cooling circuit, a reducing agent tank antifreezing circuit, and a heating circuit for the operator compartment. The reducing agent injection device cooling circuit, the reducing agent tank antifreezing circuit, and the heating circuit are arranged to communicate with the engine cooling circuit. One of the reducing agent injection device cooling circuit, the reducing agent tank antifreezing circuit, and the heating circuit is arranged in series with the other circuits.

Abstract: A brake control unit operates a mechanical brake when a slewing operation amount detected by a slewing operation amount detection unit indicates slewing stop and when a slewing speed detected by a slewing speed detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed. A time measurement unit measures a brake operation time period during which a brake operation detection value detected by a brake operation detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the mechanical brake is operated and when the brake operation time period measured by the time measurement unit exceeds a predetermined reference time period, a slewing control unit stops outputting a slewing command.

Abstract: A system for an excavating machine includes a control system comprising a processing system, one or more sensors, a user interface, and a vision system, wherein the control system receives input signals from the user interface, the one or more sensors, and the vision system; and a motor in communication with the control system and the motor adapted to control movement of a portion of the excavating machine. The processing system can control operation of the motor.

Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with an engine, a variable displacement hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a traveling apparatus, an exhaust treatment device, a reductant supply route, a controller, and an operation member. The variable displacement hydraulic pump is configured to discharge hydraulic oil when driven by the engine. The exhaust treatment device is configured to treat the exhaust from the engine. The reductant supply route supplies a reductant to the exhaust treatment device. The controller is configured to set an engine speed to a low idle when the reductant supply route gets into an abnormal state. The operation member is configured to indicate a change of a discharge capacity of the variable displacement hydraulic pump so that the travel speed of the traveling apparatus becomes a predetermined speed or greater when the reductant supply route gets into an abnormal state.

Abstract: A locking pin assembly for securing a ground engaging element to a support structure may include a body portion and may include a shaft portion disposed within the body portion and rotatable between a first position that mechanically inhibits removal of a ground engaging element from a support structure and a second position that permits removal of the ground engaging element from the support structure. A camshaft may be rotatably disposed within the shaft portion and may be arranged to cooperate with the shaft portion to rotate through a first range of motion and to apply a rotational force on the shaft portion through a second range of motion. A radially extending locking element may be configured to selectively mechanically interfere with one of the shaft portion and the body portion to selectively prevent rotation of the shaft portion relative to the body portion.

Abstract: A system may include a water storage tank configured to at least temporarily store an amount of water in an enclosed interior section and a mixing system. The mixing system may include an intake conduit having at least a portion positioned in the interior section to withdraw water from the lower portion of the water storage tank. A pump system may have an intake section and a discharge section, the intake section being coupled to the intake conduit. A discharge conduit may be coupled to the discharge section of the pump system. A discharge fixture may be positioned in the interior section and may include a plurality of discharge holes configured to spray water from the discharge conduit into the water storage tank so as to mix at least a portion of water inside the water storage tank.

Abstract: A hose retraction system for a pull-out or pull-down faucet includes a support bracket configured to couple to a shank, a cylindrical housing mountable to the support bracket, and at least one constant force coil spring disposable in the cylindrical housing and configured to at least partially couple to a hose disposed in a faucet spout. The coil spring provides a recoil force sufficient to retract the hose when the hose is extended from the spout.

Abstract: An electronic faucet is provided that includes a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a capacitive sensor coupled to the faucet. A controller may dynamically change on/off thresholds and monitor a stability signal to determine when to turn off the electrically operable valve.

Abstract: An electronic showerhead device for automatically controlling water flow includes a showerhead body and a presence detector located in a bottom surface of the showerhead body. The presence detector provides a presence interrogation beam area that is located above and adjacent to a parabolic water flow trajectory area of the showerhead body. Interruption of the presence interrogation beam area by a person or an object turns the water flow on.

Abstract: An intelligent control faucet includes a faucet that includes a manual operation valve, an intelligent control module, a water egress tube, a cold water ingress tube, a hot water ingress tube, and a magnetic reed detection device. The water egress tube, the cold water ingress tube, and the hot water ingress tube are connected to the manual operation valve. The intelligent control module is connected, in a series manner, to the water egress tube. The magnetic reed detection device is mounted to the water egress tube and is connected through a feeding cable or directly to the intelligent control module. Water flow can be established or cut off through pulling the water egress tube so that the use is made easy.

Abstract: A device for controlling the duration of time water is retained in a bath tub or other liquid retaining receptacle; the device comprising a timer element and a plug assembly operable between a closed state and an opened state; the plug assembly changing from the closed state to the opened state at the expiry of a time duration pre-selected on the timer element.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards devices, systems, and methods for clearing drain lines. A device comprising a body with an internal cavity extending between a nozzle aperture and a coupling section, the body including a base configured to couple the body to a drain line. A nozzle body disposed within the internal cavity. A bias spring configured to retain the nozzle body in a retracted position, the nozzle body configured to extend into the drain line when the nozzle body is pressurized and the nozzle body including a nozzle configured to expel fluid in a direction of flow of the drain line.

Abstract: TOILET MAID is a product to keep toilet bowls clean with a liquid cleaner. It is composed of two major parts; a reservoir capable of being refilled and a float lever to control output. System is installed in toilet tank with 2 hook hangers. The float system opens the hole in the reservoir when stool is flushed and water drops allowing float to drop. When the water rises the float rises and shuts off hole in reservoir. This constant use keeps the toilet clean and avoids cleaning with brush and severe chemicals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide urinal screens for reduced splashing. The urinal screen includes an outer ring and a web portion. The web portion includes a plurality of web strings disposed in a mesh pattern such that a plurality of open areas are defined between the web strings. Portions of the web strings forming a first face of the web portion configured to receive urine in use are substantially rounded in profile.

Abstract: A method of installing a drain fixture, the method comprising first installing a sub-floor plumbing system comprising a plumbing trap, a removable drain pipe, and a sleeve. Next, the method comprises connecting the plumbing trap and the removable drain pipe and sliding the sleeve over the removable drain pipe. Next, the method comprises building a flooring surface proximate to the plumbing trap, the removable drain pipe, and the sleeve. Then, the method comprises removing the removable drain pipe at least partly from the sleeve, cutting the removable drain pipe to the desired length, and re-inserting the removable drain pipe through the sleeve and into the plumbing trap.

Abstract: A concrete dowel placement system and methods for making the same. The system allows for accurate and easy substantially-parallel or parallel placement of slip dowels within sections of concrete so that adjacent sections of concrete may be allowed to undergo thermal expansion and contraction while remaining in a common plane without cracking or faulting. The system includes a coupler and a sheath. The sheath is configured to be slidably extensible over the coupler and may be held to the coupler by friction. Additionally, a method of constructing the concrete dowel placement system includes extruding material to form two tubes of different sizes. The tubes are then attached to each other, then material is extruded to form a sheath. Alternatively, construction may include extruding material to form a tube, then removing some of the material from the tube in order to form a coupler.

Abstract: A self-aligning corner bead for fireproofing structural steel, having a strip of welded wire fabric cut to the appropriate width for the fireproofing thickness and bent longitudinally to form an obtuse V-shaped device is disclosed. A plastic nosing is installed along one edge. A method of finishing the corners for fireproofing of structural steel member using an improved corner bead includes the step of attaching the first wing of an obtuse V-shaped device through a lathe to the structural steel member utilizing pneumatic or screw type fasteners. The mesh structure of the second wing of the V-shaped device provides a dam to form a roughened surface on the first application of fireproofing material until it hardens.

Abstract: A self-aligning, double wire corner bead for fireproofing structural steel along a plurality of surfaces, the corner bead having a single strip of welded wire fabric cut to a predetermined width for the fireproofing thickness and bent along a plurality of longitudinally extending lines, to provide a profile having a plurality of dihedral angles is disclosed. A nose is installed along two edges. A method of finishing the corners for fireproofing of structural steel member using an improved corner bead includes the step of attaching the corner bead through a lath to the structural steel member utilizing fasteners. The mesh of the corner bead provides a dam to form a roughened surface on the first application of fireproofing material until it hardens.

Abstract: A timber structural member includes: a first timber round having a first cooperating longitudinal surface, a second timber round having a second and a third cooperating longitudinal surfaces, and a third timber round having a fourth cooperating longitudinal surface. The first cooperating surface cooperates with the second cooperating surface, and the third cooperating surface cooperates with the fourth cooperating surface. The timber rounds are secured together to form a structurally integral unit in which the first cooperating surface is in contact with the second cooperating surface, and the third cooperating surface is in contact with the fourth cooperating surface, and the first, second and third timber rounds are substantially parallel to each other. The timber rounds are secured to each other by a plurality of spaced fasteners provided at acute and obtuse angles from a longitudinal axis of the structural member and extending through the timber rounds.

Abstract: Corrugated furring strips are used on the outer side of an exterior insulation layer in an exterior wall construction. The corrugated furring strips support a final cladding layer at an offstanding position from the insulation, thereby providing a rainscreen. The corrugated furring strips are fastened to the framework of the wall through the exterior insulation layer. Optional bridging members shaped to conformingly mate with lands and grooves of the corrugated furring straps cooperate therewith to define a support grid with improved load capacity for heavier cladding materials and more fastening location options. The insulation layer is free of any thermal bridges other than the insulation-penetrating fasteners used to support the furring and optional bridges. Thermally insulative washers isolate the furring and optional bridges from the fasteners to further improve the insulating effect of the wall.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a joint edge assembly and method of positioning and installing joint edge assembly for adjacent concrete slabs. The method includes positioning the joint edge assembly in an offset position from the joint. The method of various embodiments also includes using a plurality of height adjusters or plates fixed to the slab engagement surface of the one of the joint edge members to adjust or assist in adjusting the height of the joint edge assembly relative to the formwork and relative to the plane of the top surfaces of the concrete slabs.

Abstract: A nut (10), comprising: a female thread (34) for threading a bolt (14) thereinto; a head (52) surrounding the female thread (34), for holding the female thread (34), for allowing rotating the bolt (14) in relation to the female thread (34); and a self-tapping thread (36), for threading the nut (10) through an object (18), the self-tapping thread (36) characterized in not providing linear pacing in relation to the object (18) upon rotation therebetween upon completing the threading therebetween, wherein the self-tapping thread (36) may comprise the female thread (34) for threading the bolt (14) therethrough, thereby allowing connecting the nut (10) to the object (18) and then moving the bolt (14) in relation to the object (18), thereby allowing fixing the object (18) to a building structure (20) at an adjustable distance (40).

Abstract: Steel reinforcing cables in concrete are protected against corrosion by injecting a carrier fluid and corrosion inhibitors into interstitial spaces between the wires of the cable at a first location along the cable and causing the fluid to pass through the interstitial spaces between the wires of the cable to a second location along the cable. The cable comprises an array of wires confined together and intimately surrounded by a covering material which is engaged with a periphery of the cable so that there are insufficient interconnected spaces between the cable and the covering material to allow passage of fluid longitudinally along the cable outside the cable itself. The method can be used with pre-stressed concrete, with post-tensioned bonded cables and with extruded un-bonded mono-strand cables.

Abstract: The present invention is systems and methods for detecting and locating leaks in roofing membranes and roof flashing. The systems include a conductive mesh underneath the roofing membrane and/or a conductive medium behind the roof flashing; attractor cables; and a reversible power supply attached to the conductive mesh/medium and attractor cables. The roofing membrane system also includes sensors, which may be wireless. The systems are controlled by a computer.

Abstract: Wall structures and methods for producing wall structures are described in this specification. The wall structures include a frame, a sheathing board attached to the frame, a foam layer, a bond break layer, a lath layer, and a stucco layer.

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 reveal edge tile cutting apparatus is provided for. The reveal edge tile cutting apparatus has a tray with a top surface and a bottom surface, as well as a first set of tracks and a second set of tracks. Attached to these tracks is a vertical cutter featuring two cutting wheels, a horizontal cutter featuring a separate cutting wheel. A measuring device may be located on the top surface of the tray.

Abstract: A dampening mechanism in combination with a compound applicator. The combination includes a compound applicator which further includes an incrementally iterative advancement mechanism for urging a plunger along a tube reservoir in preselected incremental strokes. The plunger urges compound along the tube reservoir and out through an applicator head. The compound applicator includes a device for dampening pressure spikes created in the tube reservoir during an incremental stroke of the plunger.

Abstract: A foldable quad-chord truss which can be connected end-to-end with like trusses. Each pair of chords are rigidly attached, and connector members intermediate the ends are swivelly attached to the chord pairs to effect the folding into a compact shape for transport and storage. The connector members are adapted for attachment to connector members of beams which may extend perpendicular to a parallel pair of the trusses and attached thereto. The laid trusses and beams is overlaid with sheets of corrugated sheet metal which overlap each other along their adjacent edges. While standing on a sheet of laid sheet metal adjacent ends of an already laid pair of trusses, another truss can be held adjacent the edge of the sheet metal for attaching an end of the other truss along only one side so that it can then be swung outwardly into a position wherein the other end of the other truss can also be attached to rigidly connect the trusses end-to-end.

Abstract: A collapsible safety barrier and support post for releasably securing between a ceiling structure and a floor structure. The safety barrier and support post comprises a plurality of longitudinal rails hingedly secured to a first end post and to a second end post, an extension rail releasably engageable with the second end post, and a latching mechanism to releasably secure the extension rail to the second end post. The safety barrier has a deployed position and a collapsed position. When in its deployed position the barrier is secured between a floor and a ceiling structure. When in its collapsed position the longitudinal rails, the first and second end posts, and the extension rail are positioned generally parallel and adjacent to one another.

Abstract: A foldable, frameless emergency shelter is constructed from a radial array of bendable yet rigid panels such as of a foamed plastic. Panels have adjoining edges with matching convexly curved profiles. The edges are always held to each other with a flexible fastener such as an adhesive tape. During erection, a flat panel inherently deforms into a curved cylindrical tapered shape enclosing a space. A door and an optional floor are provided. The shelter has a rigid conical cap including holes for guy ropes, a door and an optional window.

Abstract: An automated swimming pool cleaner has a housing having an inlet formed on a bottom surface thereof. A drive mechanism is located within the housing. A first rolling mechanism is coupled to a bottom section of the housing. A second rolling mechanism is coupled to the bottom section of the housing. A third rolling mechanism is coupled to the bottom section of the housing between the first rolling mechanism and the second rolling mechanism. The third rolling mechanism extends lower from the housing than the first rolling mechanism and the second rolling mechanism allowing the automated swimming pool cleaner to pivot about the third rolling mechanism. The drive mechanism rotates at least one of the first rolling mechanism, the second rolling mechanism, or the third rolling mechanism.

Abstract: A hose adapter for use in an automated pool cleaning system is provided. The adapter attaches at one end to the outlet of a dedicated water return line in a swimming pool and at an opposite end to a pool cleaner hose. The adapter has an extension arm that secures the hose at an elevated position above the water return line. By elevating the hose, the adapter prevents kinking and tangling in the hose so that the automated cleaning system operates more effectively.

Abstract: Swimming pool cleaners are detailed with filtration components attached at the rears of their bodies. At least some of the components may be external to a body, rather than within it, so as to provide greater surface area for filtered water to exit. They also may allow users to view the quantity of debris trapped in the filter without having to dissemble the cleaner. By contrast with many existing external filter bags, moreover, the components need not protrude materially above (or below) the heights of the bodies, hence avoiding creation of hydraulic drag as the cleaners move within pools, spas, or other liquid-containing vessels.

Abstract: A modular system for storage of cargo units, comprises: a plurality of pallets; a plurality of interconnected active cell units; each cell unit comprises an cell transporting mechanism; at least one active shuttle unit movable between the plurality of cell units; each shuttle unit comprises a shuttle transporting mechanism adapted to transport at least one pallet of the plurality of pallets to and from one of the plurality of cell units and to and from the at least one shuttle unit; a central controller adapted to control the operation of the cell and the shuttle transporting mechanisms, the operation of which is performed in an independent manner via the central controller such that a construction of any arrangement of the cell units is performed to effectively exploit a designated space.

Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced composite structure, such as a cross arm for use in the power industry, having a rectangular outer cross-sectional shape and an inner hollow core having a curvilinear cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A cylinder alignment monitoring system for a mast or derrick hingedly connected to a substructure wherein at least a pair of extending cylinders move the mast or derrick between a storage position and an upright use position. The monitoring system includes a distance measurement device to determine the extension distance of each of the extending cylinders. A comparison device compares the extension distances measured for each of the extending cylinders.

Abstract: A privacy screen assembly includes a panel that may be placed upright on a support surface thereby facilitating the panel to conceal an area. A plurality of poles is provided. Each of the poles removably engages the panel such that the panel is stretched between the poles. Each of the poles may penetrate the support surface such that the panel is retained in an upright position with respect to the support surface.

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 fencing mesh for protecting an interior space from projectiles, comprising a first set of wires which are arranged essentially parallel with respect to each other and a second set of wires which are arranged essentially parallel with respect to each other, have a greater tensile strength than the wires of the first set and intersect the first set of wires. In addition, the present invention relates to a fence comprising such a fencing mesh.

Abstract: A fence support may include a first plate having a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces may extend from a first end of the support toward a second end of the support. The fence support may include a second plate coupled to the first surface of the first plate. The second plate may be smaller than the first plate and offset from edges of the first plate. The fence support also may include a first peg and a second peg each extending normal from one of the first and second plates.

Abstract: A domestic appliance for treating items may include a cabinet having a plurality of walls at least partly defining an interior chamber for treating items; a door assembly to enclose the interior chamber; a fascia panel attached to the door assembly, the fascia panel having a handle shell that at least partly defines a handle recess on the fascia panel, and the fascia panel having at least one fascia panel rib formed on an interior surface of the fascia panel opposite the handle shell; a handle tray having a main body and at least one finger extending from the main body, the at least one finger structured to be positioned adjacent to the at least one fascia panel rib.