Abstract: An optical system includes one or several passive optical detectors sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling, for example, the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers. The passive optical sensors provide signals to flow controllers, including control electronics and flow valves and require only very small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. To control the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers based on ambient light, the controller executes novel algorithms.

Abstract: A flow-control faucet aerator is configured to be fitted on a spout of a faucet and includes a housing, an aerating device installed in the housing, and a washer installed above the aerating device. The washer is provided with at least one mouth and an aqueduct circling the mouth. The aqueduct is made of an elastic material and has a neck that has a wall thickness smaller than a wall thickness of the rest of the aqueduct. The neck of the aqueduct deforms at different levels according to different levels of water pressure at the spout of the faucet, so as to change a diameter of the aqueduct and in a flow of the faucet, thereby contributing to flow control and water conservation.

Abstract: An explosion-proof method of an explosion-proof pressure type toilet tank, includes dividing the toilet tank into a closed air container to store air and a closed water container to store water. The water container is disposed with an inlet and an outlet. The air container is connected to the water container by a channel. The air container compressive ultimate strength is larger than that of the water container. When the tank is filled with water, the air in the water container enters the air container through the channel. When the tank pressure is too great, the water container bursts, steadily releasing the air compression of the air container through the channel to prevent the compression air from quickly blowing out.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toilet bowl water level gauge and associated methods. In one embodiment, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a gauge assembly having a stem with a float, and a sleeve, wherein the stem is inserted in the sleeve and slides through the sleeve. Also, the toilet bowl water level gauge comprises a support attached to the gauge assembly, the support being adapted to engage a rim of a toilet bowl. In addition, bowl level sensors are employed for automated calibration of an automated bowl fill system.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus mitigating splash-back during the use of a conventional toilet while urinating. The apparatus uses a plurality of upstanding baffles that provide for a large target area mounted on a base with a central opening. Additionally, the baffles rotate into and out of operative configurations, relative to the inner-toilet surface, to allow the use of the toilet for solid waste. The baffles mitigate the effect of splash back as the urine stream makes contact with the baffles and reflects the droplets laterally. Additionally, droplets generated when the urine stream contacts either the base or pool of standing water is mitigated by the baffles intercepting the reflective path back to the user.

Abstract: A toilet apparatus provides intelligent bidet dispensing. Dynamic dispensing according to a bidet wand position, type of substance dispensed, user preferences, user gender, and user identification is disclosed. Cleansers, surfactants, moisturizers, medicines, deodorants, and fragrances are dispensed through a bidet wand to a user and are stored reservoirs which are contained in a tank area of the toilet. In other embodiments, reporting of levels of reservoir substances is automated.

Abstract: A toilet with a flushable overflow drain includes a bowl and a primary drain connected to the bowl to receive fluid therefrom and having a primary drain trap. An overflow drain including an overflow drain trap is connected to the bowl at one end thereof and is connected at a second end to the primary drain at a location downstream of the primary drain trap. An overflow drain flush passage is connected to the overflow drain at a position upstream of the overflow drain trap. Accordingly, water can be directed through the overflow drain flush passage and into the overflow drain to flush the overflow drain and the overflow drain trap free of debris to prevent clogging.

Abstract: An assembly outdoor balcony are made up of a plurality of columns, cross beams, beams, adjustable hanging elements, wall-assembled hanging elements and balcony panels, wherein the columns are disposed at interval to form the whole periphery of the balcony; the cross beams can be quickly assembled onto the columns through a beam hanger; the adjustable hanging element allows the joint angle between two beams to be different depending on the environment and needs. All component elements are aluminum alloy materials, which are assembled by mutual engagement. Therefore, the assembly outdoor balcony can be assembled, disassembled and adjusted quickly based on the on-site environment.

Abstract: An alternative design for a cabin or a house which utilizes an arched shape to provide a significantly stronger overall structure. The design includes a first roofing structure, a second roofing structure, a planar base, and a ridge beam. The planar base makes up the flooring for the cabin. The ridge beam is positioned parallel to and offset to the planar base to join and support the first roofing structure and the second roofing structure. The first roofing structure and the second roofing structure are positioned opposite to each other across the bridge beam and each includes a plurality of arched beams and a plurality of roofing boards. The arched beams are distributed along the bridge beam and are connected in between the bridge beam and the planar base. The roofing boards are distributed across and mounted to the arched beams to make up the roof of the cabin.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, bearing components and related methods are provided for heavy load applications. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a first bearing apparatus having a base member and a first plurality of polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) on a first surface of the base member, the first plurality of PDCs defining a first collective bearing surface. A second bearing apparatus is configured to engage and slide over the first collective bearing surface. the second bearing apparatus may include a second plurality of PDCs defining a second collective bearing surface. The collective bearing surfaces may be configured to be substantially planar or substantially arcuate. Such bearing assemblies may be implemented in, for example, bridges, roadways, buildings, railways and other structures and machines that may require heavy load bearing support.

Abstract: Roof brackets for attaching a structure such as a patio cover to a building, and methods for installing the brackets. The brackets have a saddle for receiving a support beam of the structure. The brackets can be attached to the building roof, but do not penetrate the roof substrate, thus preventing leakage and other structural problems. The roof brackets comprise a plate that is installed between the roof substrate and the shingles or tile on the roof. The brackets are available in different configurations depending on the roof pitch for easy installation. One roof bracket has a riser so that the saddle is lifted above the roof. Another roof bracket is configured so that when installed the saddle is located beyond the edge of the roof. Other brackets can be attached to the rafters under the roof. These also come in different configurations depending on roof pitch, and they are configured to extend below and outward from the fascia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for installing a crack inducing expansion joint filler when placing concrete so as to reduce cracks generated during concrete construction, and an apparatus therefor and, more particularly, to a method for installing a concrete crack inducing expansion joint filler and an apparatus therefor which can vertically install and fix a plurality of fixed rod shafts on a bottom surface, place concrete, and then fit connection means to the fixed rod shafts while connecting and installing a joint filler member, having a cover means which can be attached and detached between the connection means, before the concrete is cured.

Abstract: A general purpose insulation bag is provided. The general purpose insulation bag includes a jacket configured to form a desired three dimensional shape. The jacket forms a cavity therewithin and has an opening. Insulative material is positioned within the cavity and is configured to form an insulative layer. The insulative layer has a thickness configured to provide a desired insulative value to the general purpose insulation bag. The opening is configured to retain the insulative material within the cavity formed within the jacket.

Abstract: A precast concrete floor panel having stems molded in a mold with stem mold cavities and a deck. The deck can be formed in the same mold that includes the stem mold cavities or the concrete for the deck can be poured and cured on-site after the stems have been removed from the mold. The mold can include mold segments made from an insulating material that can remain attached to the stems to insulate the finished floor panel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to shelter assemblies for bicycles that can be custom designed in a variety of configurations using a relatively small number of modular, easily assembled components. The shelter assembly comprises at least first and second uprights, a crossbar bridging the first and second uprights, and a plurality of roof panels secured to the crossbar. Each roof panel is constructed from a shielding element and one or more rafter elements, which allows each roof panel to be independently rotatable to a plurality of different angles. By securing the roof panels to the crossbar, and in some embodiments the uprights, in a desired configuration, one may prepare a shelter assembly that is custom designed for a particular installation location.

Abstract: An interlocking and insulated construction block includes a first pair of parallel, opposing sides and a second pair of parallel, opposing sides extending normal to the first pair of opposing sides. At least one cavity or recess extends through the construction block and includes a first volume of thermal insulation material. One or both sides of the first pair of opposing sides includes a pair of staggered engaging members or a pair of staggered receiving members configured to engage or lock with a mating pair of engaging members or receiving members of another insulated construction block. A plurality of different embodiments of the interlocking and insulated construction blocks may be provided in a set, and provide for mortar-less construction of walls due to their interlocking nature.

Abstract: A shoring assembly for utility vaults. A crossbeam member is carried by a column member and a bracket is connected between the crossbeam member and the column member. The bracket supports the crossbeam member on the column member and comprises a jack member that is extendable upward to engage and move the crossbeam member upward relative to the column member into a support position against a vault roof to be shored.

Abstract: A flashing laminate includes a non-reinforced thermoplastic sheet having a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge, and a second longitudinal edge. The flashing laminate also includes an adhesive layer on a longitudinally extending portion of the bottom surface adjacent to one of the longitudinal edges. In one or more embodiments, the laminate also includes a release liner positioned over the adhesive tape.

Abstract: Improvements in an outside house vent that blocks embers, water and rain that can cause damage to a house of building. The prevention of fire and ember intrusion into a building prevents fires in homes where invalids and children are left alone. The prevention of water into structure further reduces the potential for mold growth in the attic or walls of a home or structure. The filtering further prevents intrusion of creatures such as but not limited to bugs, insects, bees, wasps, animals, critters and other flying and crawling animals from entering the building. The vent is a fireproof set of louver or filter pads with fire arresting screens that is passed through a wall that vents into the building. The vent can be installed on old and new construction to provide improved fire prevention, increase the value and salability in fire prone areas.

Abstract: Aspects relate to improved floor boards. Certain embodiments may be laid and fixed without the need for fixing with adhesive or nails. In one embodiment, a floor board includes a four-sided surface board connected to a four-sided base board. Further example floor boards includes staggered tongue-shaped hooking tongues for connection of multiple floor boards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casing shell element for casing concrete and proposes a rotatable anchor counter piece for anchoring wherein the anchor counter piece includes two pass through holes intersecting each other which are optionally alignable with an anchor hole in a casing shell of the casing shell element for inserting an anchor by rotating the anchor counter piece. A pass through hole includes an internal thread for threading in a non-illustrated anchor and another pass through hole is configured without a thread for inserting an anchor onto which a non illustrated anchor nut is threaded for attachment purposes.

Abstract: Segment of an articulated arm made of composite material, with an elongated shape defining a longitudinal axis, and having a box-like cross section. The segment includes a first end portion, configured for the pivoting of a further segment, a second intermediate portion configured for the pivoting of an actuation member, and a third end portion. The first, second and third portions are made in a single body. The second intermediate portion includes a protruding zone defined by a first side and by a second side converging with respect to each other to define a top. Pivoting elements are provided in the protruding zone for the pivoting of the actuation member between the protruding zone and the first end portion. The first and the second side defining the protruding zone are filleted to substantially rectilinear adjacent tracts of the first and third end portions.

Abstract: A covering of a damaged or uncompleted building; the covering including a film of heat shrinkable material stretched over damaged or uncompleted portions of the building; the film formed as a sheet comprising an assembly of lengths of the heat shrinkable material applied to surfaces of the building.

Abstract: A safety system may include a shield for protecting or shielding personnel operating in a personnel working area from a hazard provided on a structure. The structure may be a wind turbine, the hazard may be a projecting flange of the wind turbine tower, and the personnel working area may be a ladder inside the wind turbine tower. The shield may have a bend or curvature when installed in order to cover the hazard. The shield may include a plurality of wings projecting from an intermediary portion of the shield. The wings may be separated from each other by a wing gap. Other structures, working areas, and hazards are contemplated and described in the disclosure.

Abstract: A platform system includes a support structure of variable length; a platform mountable on the support structure; and a plurality of platform supports for supporting the platform. At least one of the platform supports is slideably mounted on the support structure such that it is slideable with respect to the support structure. At least one of the platform supports includes a spacing element, which extends between that platform support and an adjacent one of the platform supports and engages the adjacent platform support, such that the maximum spacing between those platform supports is limited by the spacing element.

Abstract: A high flow drain cover assembly for a water feature is provided herein. The drain cover assembly can be interchangeably used as an open flow system or as a grated flow system. The drain cover assembly has a concave upper sump cover adapted to seat a surface finish so that the visual appearance of the drain cover assembly matches the surround surface into which the drain cover assembly is installed. The base of the drain cover assembly is shaped to reinforce the cover and define flow paths that allow flow rates of over 300 gallons per minute to pass through the drain cover assembly.

Abstract: A water conservation device is disclosed. The water conservation device includes a membrane and an uninterrupted flange comprising a cross sectional cylindrical shape that is attached to an entire outer edge of the membrane. The membrane is configured to completely cover a top of a swimming pool skimmer access opening and further configured to accept an access lid of the swimming pool skimmer opening over the membrane wherein the access lid holds the water conservation device in place when the access lid is attached to the access opening by which the membrane acts to prevent water from expelling from the access lid.

Abstract: A swimming pool assembly plumbed for winterization, including a swimming pool body having a top edge and an oppositely disposed bottom member connected by at least one sidewall, a water outlet operationally connected to the at least one wall and defining a high water level, at least one jet inlet body operationally connected to the at least one wall, first and second conduits connected in fluidic communication with the respective water outlet and at least one jet body, an at least partially buried pipe, a first and second manifolds positioned within the pipe and connected in fluidic communication with the respective first and second conduits; valves operationally connected to the respective manifolds; outlet ports operationally connected to the respective valves, and a drain line positioned in fluidic communication with the respective outlet ports.

Abstract: A universal device for capping and mounting a motor within a motorized pool cleaner housing that allows a moto pump to be installed in different brands of pool cleaners. The universal device has a base and a central through opening. At least two sets of posts extend substantially perpendicular from a surface of the base, each post is adapted to engage the housing of the pool cleaner. The first set of posts extend adjacent an edge of the base to define a first footprint. The second set of posts extend adjacent the first set of posts defining a second footprint smaller than the first footprint.

Abstract: It is provided an underground structure, usable at least as a shelter, having a light weight substantially cylindrical portion, of a cylindrical casing having a weight to area ratio in the range of 8 to 30 kg/m2. The casing has a strength level and an impermeability level high enough for serving as part a sealable underground liquid storage tank and at least one sealable opening connecting it to external spaces. The cylindrical portion includes openings for entering and exiting the interior of the portion, and passageways communicate the structure with outside spaces. The surrounding ground provides a geo-thermal reservoir which is used to regulate by a flowing fluid the temperature of the shelter space, modules inside the shelter or above ground structures. The structure includes provisions for receiving of variety of auxiliary systems like an air-treatment system, communication system water and power supply.

Abstract: An upright reinforcing rod connected to the ground with a mechanical anchor and to the monopole tower with a bracket at a top elevation. The rod is stabilized laterally by being disposed through vertically oriented openings in lateral supports at intermediate elevations. There may be a clearance fit between the rod and lateral supports. The rod may be inserted sideways into the supports. The connection between rod and support may be boltless and simple. The support may comprise spring loaded latch fingers for capturing the rod. The mechanical anchor and intermediate supports provide improved installation methods.

Abstract: A system for providing weather protection including shading in an automated and selective manner. The system includes an enclosure with an inner chamber and an outlet to the inner chamber. The system also includes a canopy and a deploy and retract assembly, which includes a canopy support assembly supporting the canopy. The deploy and retract assembly operates to move the canopy support assembly to move the canopy into the inner chamber and out of the inner chamber. The system further includes a controller generating control signals to operate the deploy and retract assembly. Specifically, this assembly is configured to retract the canopy by moving the canopy support assembly to move the canopy through the outlet into the inner chamber and further is configured to deploy the canopy by moving the canopy support assembly to move the canopy through the outlet to be at least partially outside of the inner chamber.

Abstract: Ground anchors are provided that may include at least one extendable protrusion. A ground anchor may include an extendable protrusion actuator configured to extend at least one extendable protrusion subsequent to a sub-surface portion of the ground anchor being inserted into the ground. A ground anchor may include a plurality of extendable protrusions configured to be extended by a single extendable protrusion actuator.

Abstract: A rail system that may be comprised of various components such as an upper rail, support rail, bottom rail, squash blocks, balusters, post covers, and ancillary components, such as post skirts and caps. In one exemplary embodiment, the rail system may be uniquely designed to accommodate perpendicular and angled installations (e.g., both in the horizontal and vertical planes). Furthermore, in another exemplary embodiment, the rail system may be easily assembled such that the support hardware is substantially hidden from view after installation, thereby enhancing the appearance of the railing.

Abstract: A barrier system constructed of modules which includes a frame, a concrete foundation, a frame attached to the concrete foundation and supporting a non-vertical front side plate and a vertical rear side plate so that the front side plate and rear side plate meet at the top and are spread apart from each other at the bottom, slotted connectors on the front side and connectors on the rear side, the module adapted to be joined to an adjacent module either at the same elevation or a different elevation. The modules are joined together via bolts in the rear side connectors and threaded toggle bolts and drop toggle nuts through the front side slotted connectors. Extenders within the slots of the open ended connectors are used when connecting adjacent modules at different elevations to accommodate for slotted connectors of different sizes which must be connected to each other.

Abstract: A portable fence system comprising a plurality of interlocking fence units. Each fence unit has a main frame and at least one wheel assembly deployable from a withdrawn position to an extended ground-engaging position for rolling. A fence member is pivotally affixed to a forward portion of the main frame. The fence member may be lowered into a horizontal position for storage and raised into a vertical position for use. Downwardly and rearwardly inclined braces extend from a top portion of the fence member to the rear edge of the frame. Protective coverings are placed on portions of the fence member to prevent injuries from impact therewith. Couplers are provided along opposing side portions of the fence member, so that adjacent fence units may be interconnected and arranged to provide the desired length and configuration for the fence system.

Abstract: A door strike which includes a base plate, and a strike tongue, wherein the strike tongue comprises a flexible material.

Abstract: A device for cycling a component between a first condition and a second condition includes an element and a reset apparatus connected to and driven by the element. The element is formed from a shape memory alloy, wherein the alloy is transitionable between a martensite crystallographic phase and an austenite crystallographic phase in response to a thermal energy source. The apparatus is actuatable by the element from an initial state in which the alloy has the martensite phase and the component is in the first condition, to an actuated state in which the alloy has the austenite phase and the component is in the second condition. The apparatus is resettable from the actuated state to a reset state in which the alloy transitions from the austenite to the martensite phase while the component is in the first condition, and further resettable from the reset state to the initial state.

Abstract: An electric latch retraction device for vertical rod door latches includes an automatic adjustment feature including a limit switch and a linear sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, which detects vertical position. A microcontroller monitors the vertical position of a pivoting retraction lever driven at the pivot by a linear driver. The housing for the electric latch retraction device is preferably external to the door and one end of the retraction lever extends into the door to drive a vertical rod door latch mechanism while an opposed end contacts the limit switch to signal that continued driving of the linear driver will begin to drive the vertical rod door latch. The microcontroller determines from the vertical position of the retraction lever when the limit switch is actuated whether the electric latch retraction device is mounted too high or too low.

Abstract: A locking device that can be mounted into a rotating or swinging door is disclosed. The locking device can have a deadbolt. The locking device can detect the position of the deadbolt and/or whether the door is closed. The locking device can have a camera, microphone and speaker. The locking device can send images detected by the camera and audio detected by the microphones to a remote computer.

Abstract: Button comprising a nut (1), a support (3) and a cover (5) fitted on the aforesaid support (3) defining a chamber (6) and having at least one window (51, 52) for an indicator for at least one position chosen from a first position for the button roughly corresponding to a minimum tightening torque for the nut (1) and a second position for the button corresponding to a lower tightening torque than the tightening torque for the first position, with the aforesaid indicator (30) being connected to a plate (13) by a tube element (131) which ensures that a rotation of the plate (13) is translated into a rotation of the indicator (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety locking mechanism for a lockset having a cover plate, a support plate, and a lock body. The safety locking mechanism includes a locking push rod having a direction-limiting shaft and a cylindrical rod, a locking stopper, and a locking compression spring. The direction-limiting shaft is mounted at one end of the cylindrical rod and the other end of the cylindrical rod passes through the support plate and presses against the cover plate. The locking stopper is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical rod and has a front end and a back end being close against the support plate and the lock body respectively. The lock body is provided with a direction-limiting groove. The direction-limiting shaft is mounted in the direction-limiting groove. The locking compression spring is mounted between the direction-limiting shaft and a bottom end of the direction-limiting groove in a compressed manner.

Abstract: Spring-projected latch bolt assemblies each having a retractable latch bolt component are used to upgrade commercially available lock operating mechanisms so that closures carrying the upgraded lock operating mechanisms can lock automatically when the closures reach their fully closed positions. To permit unobstructed closing of each closure, a normally extended component of each associated spring-projected latch bolt assembly retracts during a final segment of the closing of an associated closure, and snaps back to its fully extended position as the associated closure comes to rest in its fully closed position.

Abstract: Portable lock mounting assemblies including straps or connectors for securing each assembly to a bicycle or the like. Each mounting assembly having a structure defining a retaining assembly to securely retain a lock and easily release the lock from the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A cover for a handle of a cargo door to cover hasp elements and a lock. The cover includes a first housing with a first front wall, first side walls each having a front and rear edge, and a top end wall and define a first housing interior. A guide leg and a latch is disposed on the first housing. A second housing includes a second front wall, second side walls, and a bottom end wall that define a second housing interior. The second housing includes a guide socket configured to receive the guide leg and a catch configured to receive and retain the latch. The housing interiors define a cover interior that covers the hasp elements and an installed lock with one of the guide leg and the latch disposed behind the handle and the other of the guide leg and the latch disposed in front of the handle.

Abstract: A security device can include a clip allowing the security device to be attached to clothing, bags or other accessories without the need for a separate holster or carrier. The security device can be readily transported without the need for a separate holster or carrier.

Abstract: An alignment tool for use with a vehicle having a door moveably secured to a door frame and a door latch assembly defined on the door includes a body having a front surface and a rear surface and a through-hole extending through the body that is sized and configured to receive a striker pin of a vehicle. A first end surface defined on the body is configured to engage the door frame to set a cross-car position of the striker pin. A latch-engaging assembly is engageable with a portion of the door latch assembly to set a vertical position of the striker pin.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus comprises a base, a locking structure, an operating member, a first elastic member and a second elastic member. The base has an opening. The locking structure is movably disposed at the opening along a second direction. The operating member is movably disposed at the second surface along a first direction perpendicular to the second direction. The first elastic member is connected with the operating member and the base. The second elastic member is connected with the locking structure and the base. When the operating member moves along the first direction and compresses the first elastic member, the locking structure moves along the second direction by a resilient force of the second elastic member and exposes the opening. When the operating member moves along an opposite direction of the first direction, the locking structure moves along an opposite direction of the second direction and covers the opening.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a door bracket attached to the vehicle door, the door bracket including a flange that is configured to define a door bracket aperture. A body bracket is attached to the vehicle body member, the body bracket including a flange that is configured to define a body bracket aperture. A pin extends through the door bracket aperture and the body bracket aperture to thereby connect together the door and body brackets. A bumper projects from one of the door bracket and the body bracket. A stopper is attached to the other of the door bracket and the body bracket, the stopper being configured to contact the bumper when the vehicle door is disposed in the closed position to thereby move the pin into contact with surfaces of the flanges of the door and body brackets that define the door bracket aperture and the body bracket aperture.

Abstract: For a V-plow having a pair of blades hinged together along inboard ends of the blades at a hinge, a gauge on a lower end of the hinge having a spacer, the spacer having a thickness in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the V-plow corresponding to a desired minimum spacing between inboard ends of a pair of cutting edge plates to be installed on the blades, a method of installing the cutting edge plates on the blades is provided. The method comprises positioning one of the cutting edge plates along a lower edge of one of the blades so that the inboard end of the one cutting edge plate abuts one side of the spacer, securing the one cutting edge plate to the one blade, positioning the other cutting edge plate along a lower edge of the other blade so that the inboard end of the other cutting edge plate abuts the other side of the spacer, and securing the other cutting edge plate to the other blade.