Abstract: A kitchen faucet is provided that automatically fills a vessel up to a user-specified level without regard to a specific volume. The faucet illustratively includes a faucet body and a spray head that can be detached from the faucet body, such as a pull-down or pull-out faucet. The faucet illustratively includes a user interface for setting the level at which to fill the vessel (e.g., 20%, 40%, 75%, etc.). The spray head illustratively includes sensor(s) to determine a water level in the vessel in relation to its top edge. This allows a vessel to be filled to a user-specified level regardless of the vessel shape or size.

Abstract: A faucet assembly including a handle that rotates about a rotational axis extending perpendicular to an angled interface for adjusting a water parameter.

Abstract: Faucet assembly with aerator cartridge (1?), which is screwed by means of an attachment thread (12) into the mouth (100), which has no sealing gasket, wherein water (W) seeping through the attachment thread (12) is at least partially reintroduced into a casing (10) of cartridge (1?) through suitably positioned aeration windows (13), being dragged by the air flow (A), which is sucked into said aeration windows (13) by the water flow within an internal flow path (2) of said cartridge (1).

Abstract: A strainer may include a basket portion and a handle or tower portion attached to the basket portion. The handle portion may project away from the basket portion and may be movable between a deployed position and a compressed position, for instance by applying a downward force on the handle portion. The top end of the handle portion may be above the flange of the basket portion, and the handle portion may include a plurality of openings to permit passage of liquid through the handle portion even if the basket portion is filled with waste. The handle portion may be formed of a plurality of sections, and the sections may fold over each other in an accordion configuration in the compressed position. The handle portion may also be resilient, such that the handle portion naturally returns to its deployed position after being moved into its compressed position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is wastewater pipe having a shape that is operable to flow both small and large volumes of wastewater. The wastewater pipe includes a bottom portion with a different diameter than to top portion. The top and bottom portions of the wastewater pipe are connected by side walls that extend tangentially from the bottom portion and intersect tangentially with the top portion. The pipes may also variously include alignment tabs.

Abstract: An anchor rod support comprises a support having a floor and legs extending downwardly from the floor with openings between the legs; and the support including threads for attaching thereto an anchor rod.

Abstract: An insulation device having an insulating foam disposed on a static cling sheet that allows the insulation device to be applied to the interior surface a typical window to provide thermal protection against heat loss wherein the device can be proved in either sheet or roll format to allow an installer to easily and quickly trim the insulation device to fit any portion of a window.

Abstract: A flexible insulating structure includes a batting and a mixture of aerogel-containing particles and a binder, the aerogel-containing particles impregnating at least one layer of the batting. A method for preparing a flexible insulating structure comprises applying a mixture including aerogel-containing particles and a binder to a batting having one or more batting layers; and drying or allowing the binder to dry, thereby forming the flexible insulating structure.

Abstract: A construction technique for strengthening existing infrastructure and its components (e.g. bridge columns) using sprayed fiber reinforced polymer (sprayed-FRP) made of randomly oriented chopped fibers and resins on the said existing deficient infrastructure. Sprayed-FRP composite laminates are applied to reinforced concrete (RC) or steel or wooden or masonry structure substrates as an external reinforcement as effective means for obtaining higher level of fiber utilization before premature failure.

Abstract: A concrete form system includes an outer form composed of a structural foam material and a protective skin material. The protective skin material is in contact with the structural foam material and may be chemically bonded such as by crosslinking with the structural foam material. Each of the structural foam material and protective skin material may include a polymeric material. The protective skin material forms an exposed outer surface of the outer form, obviating any need for additional protection from the elements or to be applied during the construction process. The outer form thermally insulates around the periphery of a poured concrete slab, and can be coupled with an inner form, each of the outer form and inner form being assembled in a predetermined relationship and sized so as to control the vertical elevation and thickness of a concrete slab and a foundation stem wall cast between the inner and outer forms.

Abstract: Building insulations, building insulations systems, and related methods are provided. A building insulation can include an insulation body having a bottom surface and a top surface. The insulation body can be configured to reduce conduction of heat through the insulation body. The building insulation can include a facing secured to the bottom surface of the insulation body. Further, the building insulation can include a plurality of reinforcing straps secured between the facing and the bottom surface of the insulation body. The reinforcing straps is spaced apart from one another and provide reinforcing strength for attachment of the building insulation to a building.

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

Abstract: An air frame system includes a frame body defining one or more openings and a plurality of air passages along an inner periphery of the one or more openings. The air frame system further includes a light assembly removably coupled to the frame body outside of the one or more openings.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a frame that defines a truss structure and a plurality of mounting locations within the truss structure. The plurality of mounting locations are configured to interchangeably couple to one or more members, including one or more of an access panel, a light troffer or a boom mount.

Abstract: A concrete unit includes a six sided body having three pairs of opposed rectangular faces. Two opposed faces each has an irregular three dimensional pattern extending across the entire face to provide two aesthetic faces on the unit. The two opposed faces have patterns that are mirror images of each other such that when two of the units are placed with their patterned faces aligned and in contact, the three dimensional patterns on the opposed faces nest to minimize the space between the adjacent edges of the units. The concrete units may be used as steps or in other applications.

Abstract: A composite material panel includes a substrate formed of a first material; one or more strands formed from a second material, the strands being interspersed through the substrate, the second material being a natural material, the second material providing modified mechanical properties of the composite material panel.

Abstract: An external service connection room for forming a service connection for a building outside the building, particularly for at least one residential building, having a main body designed to accommodate components and devices for the service connection, particularly shut-off apparatuses as well as control and metering devices together with pipelines and electrical lines. The main body has a feed-through as building entrance in the form of a multi-branch entrance which is designed to accommodate a plurality of supply lines, particularly for the provision of electricity and gas, communication and drinking water as well as possible district heat. The main body is designed as accessible room cell that is intended to be arranged outside the building.

Abstract: Antigrowth roofing strips made of a metal which release antigrowth ions into rainwater runoff from the roof which are formed with nailing hole sets insuring covering of nail heads with shingles. The strips also are formed with variously bent up or down tabs enabling securement to roofing tiles.

Abstract: A locking and regulation device for preferably made of glass panels and slabs (12) comprises a U-shaped extruded profile (10), inferiorly fixed, via locking means (11), to a reference surface (15) and which houses, within the central seat (14) of the U, at least one of said panels or slabs (12); wherein within said central seat (14), between the plate (12) and the extruded profile (10), is inserted at least a shaped sleeve (13), which is tapered at the upper end of said seat (14) which is flanked by and in contact with said panel (12). In particular, between the tapered portion (13A, 13B) of said sleeve (13) and at least one inner wall of said extruded profile (10), is inserted a wedge (16), fixed to a respective adjusting screw (17) arranged in a direction perpendicular to said reference surface (15) and passing through the wedge (16) and the sleeve (13).

Abstract: A panel for forming a covering, more particularly a floor panel for forming a floor covering, which at least at two opposite edges, comprises coupling parts arranged to couple two of such panels to each other by means of a downward movement of one panel in respect to the other. The coupling parts form a first locking system arranged to lock in the plane of the panels and perpendicularly to the edges, as well as form a second locking system, which effects a locking perpendicularly to the plane of the panels. At least one of the coupling parts is formed at least partially in soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride), as well as at least partially formed from a milled profiled part of this soft PVC.

Abstract: A panel for forming a covering, more particularly a floor panel for forming a floor covering, which at least at two opposite edges, comprises coupling parts arranged to couple two of such panels to each other by means of a downward movement of one panel in respect to the other. The coupling parts form a first locking system arranged to lock in the plane of the panels and perpendicularly to the edges, as well as form a second locking system, which effects a locking perpendicularly to the plane of the panels. At least one of the coupling parts is formed at least partially in soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride), as well as at least partially formed from a milled profiled part of this soft PVC.

Abstract: A support for installing facing materials such as ceramic tiles on a substrate such as floors, walls and ceilings wherein the support plate has a plurality of spaced apart recesses in the plate material, with the recesses being open at the top surface and have solid sidewalls and a base, and a plurality of slots in the non-recessed portions of the plate material extending through the top surface and bottom surface, the slots joining one or more adjacent recesses. The support plate of the invention is used for tile installations between the substrate and such tile. Thin-set mortar that is used to secure the tile to the support plate flows into the recesses and into the slots forming a continuous bond between the mortar and the adjacent slots providing for a strong bond between the support plate, mortar and the tiles.

Abstract: A multi-level unitary safety surface tile. The tile may be of monolithic construction. The tile may include rubber. The tile may include an upper level and a lower level. Hollow protrusions may extend between the levels. At least one protrusion may include resilient walls extending from the upper layer and converging to a protrusion bottom-cap in the lower level. Inter-protrusion ribs may span between and support adjacent protrusions. With the lower layer disposed upon an underlayer, the protrusions may support the upper level. The tile may attenuate impact forces incident upon the upper layer. The tile may constitute a unitary safety surface. The tile may include structures facilitating interlocking of adjoining tiles into a multi-tile unitary safety surface. Protrusion extensions and/or support ribs may support the structures. The tile may be manufactured in a one-piece molding process utilizing mold forms maintained parallel to opposable faces of a mold press.

Abstract: A surface underlayment system and its method of manufacture that is sandwiched between an impact-receiving upper surface and a lower foundation. The energy absorbing system has subassemblies of interconnected modules that cooperate to absorb and distribute impact forces applied thereto. Each module has one or more frustoconical support structures. At least some of the frustoconical support structures have bases that underlie the upper impact-receiving surface such as a golf putting green, a football field, marine decking, and senior living flooring.

Abstract: A machine for distributing insulation material from a package of compressed insulation material has a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end configured to receive compressed insulation material. A lower unit has a shredding chamber configured to receive the insulation material from the outlet end of the chute. The shredding chamber includes shredders and at least one agitator configured to condition the insulation material, thereby forming conditioned insulation material. A discharge mechanism receives the conditioned insulation material exiting the shredding chamber and distributes the conditioned insulation material into a distribution airstream. A blower is configured to provide the distribution airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism, the blower driven by a blower motor.

Abstract: A cage assembly configured to raise and lower with respect to a container which has an opening closed by a hatch cover. The cage assembly comprises a rail structure having a proximal side, a distal side, and first and second ends defining a generally rectangular enclosed area in which a worker can stand. The rail structure further defines an opening in the proximal side so that a worker can access the enclosed area. Moreover, the rail structure further comprises a plurality of parallel rails including a top rail and a lower rail, with the top rail having a generally rectangular configuration to define the enclosed area. A respective bump out is defined by the rail structure on at least one of the proximal and distal sides thereof to facilitate opening of the hatch cover. The bump out is formed at least in part by a configuration of the lower rail.

Abstract: A method for continuously extruding and depositing an unbroken layer of a slurry or mortar onto a selected work surface uses a mortar gun assembly with a chamber for receiving mortar from a remote supply hopper and an extruder configured to selectively apply a bead or ribbon of mortar of selected thickness onto the work surface. The user selectively applies mortar by controlling a rotating port valve between the hopper and the mortar gun chamber, and the rotating port valve provides a “rest state” in which the mortar is not sent to the mortar gun, but is instead re-circulated by the pump back to the hopper so un-dispensed mortar is kept moving and cannot dry or set.

Abstract: A pool apparatus configured to carry liquids has a side wall and a bottom surface. The side wall has a plurality of structure drawstrings, an outer side wall, and an inner side wall. Two sides of the structure drawstrings draw respectively the outer side wall and the inner side wall, so as to maintain a predetermined shape of the pool apparatus. The structure drawstrings include a main drawstring portions and at least two branch drawstring portions. The main drawstring portions have a first main string side configured to connect a first branch drawstring side of the at least two branch drawstrings. A second branch string side of the at least two branch drawstrings connects respectively to different positions of the outer side wall and the inner side wall.

Abstract: A pool apparatus includes a pool body, a water inlet, a water outlet, and an outlet valve. The water inlet is used for carrying water into the pool body. The water outlet is used for draining water out of the pool body. The outlet valve covers the water outlet. The outlet valve has a drainage surface for draining water out of the pool body from the drainage surface with a drainage direction. The outlet valve has a protrusion block protruding with a distance opposite to the drainage direction from the drainage surface to decrease the risk that the user may be sucked on the outlet valve.

Abstract: A winterizing skimmer protector for a pool skimmer including a plug insert dimensioned to occupy a majority of the interior space of the pool skimmer. The plug insert further includes a rear aperture for receiving an anchoring pin.

Abstract: A pool skimmer including a skimmer housing and a venturi system is disclosed. The skimmer housing includes a pool throat opening, an angled pool throat extension. A pump inlet port into the skimmer housing includes an upper end and bayonet lugs, and an internally threaded surface between the bayonet lugs and the upper end of the pump inlet port. A nozzle comprises a nozzle housing with bayonets on an external surface of the nozzle housing, the bayonets releasably engaged with the bayonet lugs of the pump inlet port, wherein when the bayonets of the nozzle housing are in a fully tightened position in relation to the bayonet lugs of the pump inlet port, the at least a first nozzle is directed to spray toward the pool return port of the skimmer housing.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: A device and method for securing a structural object, including a container having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion; and a slot integrated into the container through an entire height of the container and to about a central portion of the top and bottom portions, and having a width greater than a width of a pole shaped structural object adapted to be received within the slot.

Abstract: A device and method for securing a structural object, including a bottom tray configured to support thereon a container having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion, the bottom tray having a vertical wall configured to support the container around a circumference thereof; and a slot integrated into an end of the bottom tray and vertical wall and configured to fit around a pole shaped structural object adapted to be received within the slot, the bottom tray of the slot configured to rest upon a base of the pole shaped structural object.

Abstract: A weight system for supporting a free-standing object comprising first and second upper panels, a least one side panel, a lower panel, and a closure system. The panels are joined to define an upper wall and at least side wall, with the first and second upper panels defining a fill opening in the upper wall and a container defining an interior chamber. The closure system is arranged to allow the container to be configured in a closed configuration in which access to the interior chamber through the fill opening is substantially prevented and an open configuration in which access to the interior chamber through the fill opening is allowed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pole shield for extending around a pole structure. The pole shield comprises a sheet of composite material forming a hollow structure having an open first end and an opposed open second end. The sheet of composite material comprises from about 0% to about 80% by weight of a reinforcement impregnated with about 20% to about 50% of a polyurethane resin composition comprising a combination of a polyol component and a polyisocyanate component. Two or more pole shields may be stacked one on top of the other to form a pole shield structure which extends the height of protection of the pole structure. The pole shield can be used for protecting a pole structure from damage, such as from fire, rain, wind, sand, ice, pests, moisture or electrical. The pole shield may also be used to provide structural support to a pole structure.

Abstract: An awning support arm for a camper trailer including: an outer member formed with an elongated opening; an intermediate member slidable relative to the outer member; an inner member slidable relative to the intermediate member; an outer fastening assembly arranged to hold the outer member fast with the intermediate member; and an inner fastening assembly arranged to hold the intermediate member fast with the inner member the inner fastening assembly including a user operation portion that extends through the elongated opening of the outer member; wherein the members may be slid relative to each other to assume an extended configuration or a retracted configuration and maintained in either configuration by means of said fastening assemblies.

Abstract: This invention is related to bearing posts produced from different metal materials that have been developed by applying any other kind of materials to the system, in order to build all kinds of construction systems and to form fixed greenhouses or other various structures on all kinds of terrain, building plots, and all other areas. It is possible for these posts to be used as bearing posts for assembling nets, covers, nylons, polycarbon and other similar systems in order to protect fruit, vegetables, and vineries in agricultural fields against problems such as rain, hail, sun rays, and all kinds of live or lifeless harmful factors or for assembling wire trellis systems in order to manage the growth and development of fruits in agricultural fields, vegetables and vineyards and to manage plants during their life span and as bearing posts in order to support protection nets for plants and fruits.

Abstract: An improved post comprising a continuous filament fiberglass reinforced resin rod, any hollow post or pipe, and a filler material. The filler material may be selected from a number of materials including, but not limited to, a high compressive strength material such as grout that comprises Portland cement, calcium sulphoaluminate, graded fine to powdery sand, and water or a rigid closed cell urethane foam. The method of installing said post comprising driving said rod into the surface of the ground; placing said post over said rod; and inserting said filler into the space between said rod and the inside of said post. The disclosed post is self-realigning because of the rebounding nature of the rod allowing the post to remain upright or return to plumb after being knocked out of vertical alignment by an outside force.

Abstract: A handle return assembly removably attachable to an escutcheon. The removably attachable assembly may include a housing to be attached to the escutcheon and a hub rotatably disposed within the housing for operably connecting an operating handle to a drive spindle. A torsion spring may bias the hub toward an initial position. At least one stopper plate may interact with the cartridge housing for limiting rotational motion of the hub relative to the housing. Selectively positioning the stopper plate and the spring relative to the housing provides the assembly with the ability to provide a right-handed operation and a left-handed operation.

Abstract: A locking state detector comprises a magnet disposed at a first portion of a casing which has an opening that is lockable with an opening locking means. A detector is disposed at a second portion of the casing, the second portion being spaced apart from the first portion such that a clearance between the first and second portions is formed. An interfering component is fixed to an interfering component pivoting means, which is disposed in the opening locking means and arranged to pivot into the clearance and out of the clearance when the interfering component pivoting means is rotated. The detector is arranged to detect a locked state and a non-locked state of the opening locking means in cooperation with the magnet and the interfering component, and to indicate the detected state for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A hidden-lock door panel for use in a container includes a door panel body, a covering lid, a first lock, and a second lock. The door panel body includes a hidden space. The covering lid is disposed corresponding to the hidden space and slidably connected to the door panel body. The first lock and the second lock are both disposed in the hidden space. The first lock is an electronic lock and is used to control whether the covering lid can be released to slide. The second lock is used to control the door panel body to be unlocked or locked with respect to the container. Accordingly, unknowing persons are prevented from opening or breaking the door lock.

Abstract: A padlock comprises a lock body and a hoop, in particular a flexible hoop, which has a first hoop end. In this respect, the lock body has a first hoop receiver in order to selectively receive the first hoop end therein. The lock body further comprises a blocking element which is displaceable between a blocked position in which it blocks the first hoop end against an exiting from the first hoop receiver and a release position in which it releases the first hoop end for an exiting from the first hoop receiver. The lock body furthermore comprises a drive element which is rotatable between a locked position in which it locks the blocking element in its blocked position and an unlatched position in which it permits a displacement of the blocking element into its release position.

Abstract: Padlockable security collars are disclosed that each include a chain of elongate, in-series, hinge-connected components that are configured to cooperatively wrap and perimetrically shroud relatively movable elements of so-called “connection assemblies” and the like that have relatively movable members which need to be shrouded and protectively enclosed to prevent unauthorized operation. Holes that can be aligned to permit a shackle of a padlock to extend therethrough are formed through opposite end regions of each security collar's chain of components so the security collar can be locked in place once a compartment-defining component receives, shrouds and protectively encloses the relatively movable members that need to be prevented from being moved or operated while the security collar is locked in place.

Abstract: A hood latch assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a first latch that is rotated in a first opening direction by a first lever disposed within a driver's seat, to push a striker mounted on a lower surface of a hood to pop up the hood. A second latch restricts or releases the striker to couple or decouple the hood to or from a vehicle body. A second lever rotates the second latch to allow the second latch to release restriction of the striker, and a housing accommodates the first and second latches and the second lever. Additionally, an extendable lever is disposed at a side of the second lever, and extends, when the hood is popped up, to protrude outward.

Abstract: A latch for releasably connecting two elements is operable between engaged and released positions. An elongate handle opens and closes a latch mechanism about a first axis of rotation at the rear end of the handle. The latch handle is held closed only when the latch mechanism is in the engaged position and is lockable in the closed position by a manually operable handle catch. The front end of a handle cover is rotatably connected to the front end of the handle. The cover has a cover catch on the rear end, which is engagable with the latch mechanism to hold the cover closed. The cover is substantially coextensive with and in abutment with the handle. When the latch is mounted overhead and is open, the handle extends downward by the force of gravity and the cover extends downward away from the handle. In this configuration, the open latch is highly visible.

Abstract: A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.

Abstract: A device that has adjustable torque, and is used for the mechanical automation of closing a sliding screen door panel in a manner that is consistent with the force of a natural beings manual operation of the sliding screen door panel. The device is engineered to be consistent with the design of the said sliding screen panel, to prevent failure of the sliding screen panel after longterm continuous use with the device.

Abstract: A hinge comprises a hinge part, which can be secured on a door of the shutter and is mounted on a side part such that it can be pivoted via a carrying lever and a guide lever, also comprises at least one spring, by means of which the hinge part, in a self-retracting region of the hinge, is prestressed into a closed position, and further comprises a linear damper with a piston rod, which can be moved relative to a damper housing and is intended for damping a closing and/or opening movement of the hinge part, wherein a deflecting element is provided, said deflecting element being mounted on the side part such that it can be rotated about an axis and being arranged between the damper and the guide lever so that, during a closing movement of the hinge part, it moves the damper in order to generate a damping force, wherein, during an opening movement of the hinge part, the deflecting element moves the damper in order to generate a damping force before the fully open position of the hinge part has been reached.

Abstract: A door safety device generally includes a mounting member for coupling the device to a door and a blocking member for preventing complete closure of the door when the mounting member is attached to the door and the device is in a blocking configuration. The device can also include an intermediate member coupled between the mounting member and the blocking member. The intermediate member defines a first hinge axis extending in a direction parallel to the surface of the door and parallel to an edge of the door. The blocking member is movable (e.g., rotatable or revolvable) about the first hinge axis, at least when the mounting member is coupled to the door and the device is in a blocking configuration, so as to inhibit the transfer of detachment forces from the blocking member to the mounting member upon impact.