Abstract: A sound absorbing panel for managing acoustic environments with desired durability, stiffness and advantageous characteristics. A sound absorbing panel comprising a height, a width, a length, and a cover. A sound absorbing panel comprising materials characterized by a core density and a core binder percentage. A sound absorbing panel comprises primarily a Rockwool mat. Said core density is between 2.5-4.5 pounds/cubic-foot. Said core binder percentage is between 1.75-2.75 percent. A Rockwool mat weighs between 0.25-0.5 oz. A Rockwool mat comprises a thickness between 35-45 mm.

Abstract: An intumescent mesh has a flexible grid with a plurality of strands that form a series of openings in the flexible grid, and an intumescent coating applied to the flexible grid. The intumescent coating is made of an expandable graphite and a polymer-based carrier as ingredients and having an activation temperature above which the intumescent coating swells. The grid is sized such that the intumescent coating permits airflow through the flexible grid until the intumescent coating is exposed to temperatures at or above the activation temperature, whereupon the intumescent coating swells to seal the openings and prevent air flow through the flexible grid.

Abstract: A covering support system includes a covering support that has a support member defining a support surface and that is connected to a mounting member so that when the mounting member is rigidly mounted relative to a wall stud, the support surface is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the wall stud and disposed from the exterior of a building surface by the overhang distance.

Abstract: A method for producing a profile element for sealing building joints, particularly for sealing them with regard to noise and smoke and, if applicable, with regard to fire is described, as is an apparatus for producing such a profile element, as well as use of the profile element produced according to the invention for acoustical, smoke-proof and/or fire-proof sealing of connection joints in drywall walls, above all of expansion joints. In particular, an improved method for continuous and endless production of a universal profile element for different profile dimensions is described.

Abstract: Methods of making gypsum panels, fiberglass mats, and associated gypsum panels and building sheathing systems are provided. In one aspect, a method of making a gypsum panel includes depositing an aqueous liquid containing a wetting agent onto a fiberglass mat, such that the aqueous liquid penetrates an entire thickness of the fiberglass mat, and depositing a gypsum slurry onto the fiberglass mat onto which the aqueous liquid has been deposited, such that the gypsum slurry penetrates at least a portion of the fiberglass mat. In another aspect, a method of making a gypsum panel includes depositing an aqueous liquid containing a wetting agent onto a fiberglass mat, and depositing a gypsum slurry onto the fiberglass mat onto which the aqueous liquid has been deposited, prior to drying of the aqueous liquid, such that the gypsum slurry penetrates at least a portion of the fiberglass mat.

Abstract: A partition is adapted to support a fixture and has a front surface to which the fixture may be affixed and a back surface that faces away from the fixture. The partition comprises a plasterboard and a reinforcing board, the reinforcing board being located between the plasterboard and the front surface, and the plasterboard comprising at least 1 wt % fibre and at least 1 wt % polymer is additive.

Abstract: Prefabricated wall assemblies for the construction of buildings have a corrugated panel and preferably include at least one backside panel. The corrugated panel has one or more vertical channels and several horizontal channels. The vertical channels extend the entire panel height and are recessed from the front face. The horizontal channels extending the entire panel width and are also recessed from the front face so they intersect with the vertical channel. The horizontal channels are almost as wide as the vertical channels, and are greater than one-half the vertical channel width. The backside panel is connected to the corrugated panel to form a structural panel assembly. The backside panel can be a shear panel or other backside flat panel, a backside corrugated panel symmetrically mirroring the corrugated panel, a backside corrugated panel asymmetrically mirroring the corrugated panel, a sandwiched corrugated panel, a relief panel or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A corrugated sheet metal wall sheathing for resisting external excitations such as wind or earthquake of light-framed wall structures. The sheathing has sheet profile proportioned to insure the top flutes deform laterally and yield at the end of the flute before the onset of any failure mode. A transverse slot in included ineach top flute and adjacent web of the sheathing and spaced at intervals along the length of the sheathing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a structural system for replacing a standard beam. The standard beam has a weight per unit length, a depth in a load direction, a characteristic cross-sectional shape and a width in a cross direction substantially perpendicular to the load direction. The structural system includes a monolithic beam having the characteristic cross-sectional shape and the depth in the load direction. The monolithic beam may also have the weight per unit length. The monolithic beam includes first and second flanges connected by a transverse section. The first and second flanges extend in the cross direction and have first and second thicknesses, respectively, in the load direction. The flanges are not wider than the width in the cross direction. At least one of the flanges has the width in the cross direction. The thicknesses are different. The flanges and the transverse section are an integrated structure forming the monolithic beam.

Abstract: An elongated composite profile has a first flange and a second flange. The first flange and the second flange together form an L-profile. Each of the flanges, inside the L-profile have a first rib and a second rib, respectively. The first flange, the second flange, the first rib and the second rib form a longitudinal closed channel in the composite profile. A method is for mounting the same.

Abstract: A composite building member such as a stud, joist or rafter. The composite building member includes a composite composition including concrete and wood fiber. In addition, a reinforcing structure is embedded into the composite structure. The reinforcing member comprises two elongated C-shaped channels and a plurality of ties interconnected between the C-shaped channels.

Abstract: An exemplary shingle includes at least one coated shingle sheet defining a headlap portion and a tab portion each having opposed upper and lower surfaces. A first line of adhesive is adhered to one of the upper surface of the headlap portion and the lower surface of the tab portion, and includes a first thermally activated adhesive material. A second line of adhesive is adhered to one of the upper surface of the headlap portion and the lower surface of the tab portion, and includes a second thermally activated adhesive material having a minimum activation temperature less than a minimum activation temperature of the first thermally activated adhesive material.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided an insulated modular roof system for a roof structure. The system comprises a plurality of modular panels suitable for installation onto the roof structure and a water-proof membrane. Each of the plurality of modular panels comprises a first planar member, an insulating layer covering substantially all of the first planar member and a second planar member suitable to cover substantially all of the insulating layer. Preferably, the system further comprises a joint closure member and a joint fill material suitable to fill any empty space between any abutting modular panels. The water-proof membrane may be provided in sections on each of the plurality of modular panels.

Abstract: A gutter capable of evaporating water is provided for. The gutter features a pipe having a first opening, second opening, and a wall with an integrated heater and a number of vents located closed to the first opening, a water receiving opening and a water expelling opening where the water receiving opening and the water expelling opening are the first and second openings; a thermal storage system located within the wall and below the number of vents; and an evaporating steam vent placed on the wall and below the thermal storage system. The present invention can also have vacuum mechanism with an included shredding mechanism and compost dispensary for the shredded components.

Abstract: A gutter hanger for hanging a rain gutter on the fascia board of a structure or building. The gutter hanger includes an elongated horizontal top member connected to a downwardly extending back member. A bore for a fascia screw extends from a bump in the inner surface of the back member the outer or back surface of the back member or leg. The bump includes a bearing surface generally perpendicular to the axis of the bore. The gutter hanger also includes an upwardly extending protrusion to engage the lip of the gutter. The top member also includes a threaded bore hole to accept a screw, so that the top member may be attached to the top front of the gutter with a threaded fastener.

Abstract: A roof vent includes a continuous elongate mat composed of a mesh of randomly oriented fibers. The mat has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first longitudinally extending side surface. A portion of the mat proximate to and forming the first longitudinally extending side surface is configured as a wind baffle. The wind baffle includes a wind deflector lip, formed from the mesh, which extends above the top surface of the mat.

Abstract: A ridge vent for tile roofs is provided having a vent strip located on each side of a roof ridge. The ridge vent includes a center water dam having a centering portion and two leg portions, with the centering portion being located over a ridge board. The vent strips includes a vent material, formed from a non-woven mat, including a first surface, which matches a surface of the tile roof, and a second surface. An upper water barrier is attached to the second surface of at least one of the vent strips and extends over the roof ridge. The ridge vent is rollable and can be provided as one piece or as separate components.

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 floor panel is arranged for forming a floor covering, and substantially consists of synthetic material and has a decorative upper side. The floor panel, on at least one pair of opposite edges, comprises coupling parts which allow coupling two of such floor panels to each other. The coupling parts effect a locking in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the floor panels as well as in a second direction perpendicular to the respective edge and in the plane of the floor panels. The at least one of the coupling parts comprises a separate locking element, which, in coupled condition, provides for at least a locking in the first direction.

Abstract: An anti-slip, liquid management cover article for a flooring surface. The article includes a film defining a working face. A microstructured surface is formed at the working face, and includes a plurality of primary ridges and capillary microchannels each having a bottom surface. Each primary ridge is an elongated body having a length. A shape of a portion of at least one of the primary ridges is non-uniform in a direction of the length. The capillary microchannels facilitate spontaneous wicking of liquid. With this construction, the non-uniform shape establishes an elevated coefficient of friction at the working face as measured in multiple directions. The cover article minimizes the risk of pedestrian slippage, even in the presence of water or other liquids.

Abstract: A profiled element for laying raised floors, which comprises a first flat portion that extends longitudinally and a second flat portion that extends longitudinally in the same direction as the first portion and is arranged transversely with respect to the arrangement of the first portion, grip protrusions for an adhesive for coverings or floors being defined on the second flat portion.

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floor systems are described herein. A floor tile system includes a modular floor tile and a plurality of resilient support assemblies. The modular floor tile includes a top surface layer having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of rigid support portions extending from the bottom surface. The resilient support assemblies are supported against the bottom surface and include an outer resilient support portion having a hollow interior, and an inner resilient support portion positioned centrally relative to the outer resilient support portion.

Abstract: A plastering machine having foldable upright rails includes a base (1), upright rails (2), and a plastering pedestal (3), wherein the upright rails (2) are mounted on the base (1). The upright rails (2) include a first left rail piece (6) and a second left rail piece (7) which are connected to each other by a first left rail articulation piece (16) and a second left rail articulation piece (17). The right rail (5) includes a first right rail piece (8) and a second right rail piece (9) which are connected to each other by a first right rail articulation piece (18) and a second right rail articulation piece (19). The left rail (4) and the right rail (5) can ordinarily be in a folded state. The plastering machine has a simple structure, and is convenient to carry and operate, and has a high construction efficiency.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a panel framing device. The device comprises a portable framing table that can be driven in a trailer to remote locations and a pre-printed roll of framing tape that is used to tell a worker where different parts of a framed panel will go. The goal of the device is to facilitate the building of structures using a panel approach, with the framing table and template tape minimizing the chances that a worker will make a mistake in either the selection of materials or the location of the materials. The technology can also be used to construct entire walls, which are then either transported to the site, or merely “tilted-up” into place, having been constructed on the slab.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a panel framing device. The device comprises a portable framing table that can be driven in a trailer to remote locations and a pre-printed roll of framing tape that is used to tell a worker where different parts of a framed panel will go. The goal of the device is to facilitate the building of structures using a panel approach, with the framing table and template tape minimizing the chances that a worker will make a mistake in either the selection of materials or the location of the materials. The technology can also be used to construct entire walls, which are then either transported to the site, or merely “tilted-up” into place, having been constructed on the slab.

Abstract: A system for substantially enclosing the periphery of a building top with a netting system which is easily and efficiently movable or reconfigurable during the building construction process comprises a lightweight netting system for extending above a completed work area or floor, a strong lightweight structural support system for the netting, wherein the structural support system is vertically adjustable via slidable engagement with brackets attached to the floors which are already completed, provides enhanced safety for workers and for pedestrians below by preventing passage of workers or debris through the netting and enhances efficiency of construction by providing an easily reconfigurable, inexpensive and lightweight system for providing such enhanced safety.

Abstract: A virtual cabin including: a semicircular floor to ceiling screen; a plurality of audio speakers positioned on the floor and ceiling; a ceiling mounted projector; a bass sub-woofer; at least one air vent, where the at least one air vent is adapted to provides airflow through the virtual cabin; and a seating arrangement. The ceiling screen preferably covers all the peripheral views of a room. The projector provides a visual experience associated with the virtual cabin, wherein the audio speakers are strategically place surrounding a perimeter of the floor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel system and method of covering a pool and making the pool invisible. The present system comprises a flat board and at least one lifting device. The board has sufficient size for covering the pool and is made of rigid materials so as to be able to bear heavy weight. The lifting device includes two parts: a movable part and a fixed part. The one part of the lifting device is fixed on the ground or somewhere in a building near the pool, and another part is joined to the covering board. The lifting device can vertically move the horizontal covering board upward or downward and keep the covering board always horizontal. When want to swim, the users only lift up the covering board, and when want to BBQ, they only lower the covering board to cover the pool. Once the covering board reaches the top of the pool wall, the pool becomes hidden and invisible. The users can do some activities and put something on it even on the lifted covering board as on the floor or on the ground.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a modular shuttering block defining a through-housing that connects a first face of the modular block and a second face opposite the first face, for the reception of a filling material; the modular block being provided with means for assembling with at least one other block. According to the disclosure, the modular block is in the form of a right prism with isosceles triangular bases formed by the first and second faces. The disclosure also relates to an assembly formed by a plurality of such modular blocks and finds application notably for the production of swimming pool steps.

Abstract: A grave bridge has a first horizontal frame member and a second horizontal frame member, each horizontal frame member telescopically adjustable; at least one plank interposed between the first and second horizontal frame members, the at least one plank secured to each frame member, and wherein the at least one plank has an extension frame longitudinally extendable from underneath a platform of the at least one plank; and a plurality of jacks for elevating the first and second horizontal frame members, the jacks placed at opposing ends of each horizontal frame member.

Abstract: A protective device is described having a membrane and a support device for the membrane, wherein the support device has an inflatable first support element with a flexible wall which forms a first pressure chamber. The first support element has a first connection port with a first connection opening. The support device has an inflatable second support element with a flexible wall which forms a second pressure chamber. The second support element has a second connection port with a second connection opening. A connection device for connecting the first connection port to the second connection port is provided, wherein the connection device has a first connection part for connecting to the first connection port and a second connection part for connecting to the second connection port. The protective device is characterised in that means are provided for connecting the first and second connection parts to one another in a detachable manner.

Abstract: A tent, such as a collapsible canopy, having removable awning structures. In some embodiments, the awning structure includes a detachable connection member, an awning tube coupled to the connection member and an awning fabric or other suitable awning body. The awning cloth can be fixed on the awning tube, such as extending between a pair of awning tubes. When the intensity or direction of the outdoor environment light/precipitation changes, the removable awning structures may be deployed as desired to increase or adjust the shade area according in the desired direction to flexibly meet shade or storm requirements.

Abstract: A fence having a plurality of fence posts supported in the ground at spaced apart locations along the fenced boundary and fencing material joined to the fence posts under tension, further includes an anchor fence post assembly at a corner of the fence. The anchor fence post assembly has an anchor post for coupling the fencing material thereon. An anchor pin is penetrated into the ground such that the anchor pin extends along a post axis at an upward and outward slope which is offset from vertical away from a direction of tension of the fencing material. The anchor post that couples the fencing material thereon is slidable along the post axis relative to the anchor pin.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved aesthetically appearing and easy to install door hardware, including a flanged housing for door-hardware mounting plates having a built-in drilling/screw positioning plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a key (101) for operating a lock mechanism (L). The key (101) includes a shank (105); and a blade (107) having a lock operating bit portion (111). The blade (107) is movable relative to the shank (105) between an operative position and a non-operative position. The blade (107) is disposed alongside the shank (105) in said non-operative position. The present disclosure also relates to key (101) in combination with a key fob; and a kit comprising a key (101) and a lock mechanism (L).

Abstract: Lock assemblies having cylinders with interchangeable cores are provided. In one embodiment a lock assembly comprises a cylinder including a keyway and a core. Also, the lock assembly includes a first driver operatively connected to the cylinder. In particular, key cuts of the core are changeable without removing the cylinder from the driver.

Abstract: The knob lock of the present invention includes a knob, a first driving unit disposed on the knob, a driving barrel, a second driving unit, a lock unit, and a lock core. When the lock core is in a locked state, the driving barrel is restricted from rotating by the lock core, and the knob rotates alone with respect to the driving barrel. When the lock core is in an unlocked state, the restriction to the rotation of the driving barrel by the lock core is removed, the first driving unit applies a driving force on the second driving unit when the knob rotates, and the driving force rotates the driving barrel to make the lock unit rotate together.

Abstract: This invention relates to a latch assembly 1, and a latch set 1, 2, 3, 4 for use with a sliding door frame 6. The latch assembly 1 includes a housing 48, 49, and a bolt 17 pivotable relative to the housing 48, 49 on rotation of either one of a pair of actuator hubs 51, 52. The latch assembly 1 also includes a pair of locking hubs, 55, 54 which are also rotatable to adjust the lock mechanism between an active condition and an inactive condition.

Abstract: A luggage tracking device, method and system. The luggage tracking device includes a tracking device for capturing information, including location information received from a network and state information from at least one or more locks of an item of luggage. The luggage-tracking device may be configured for integration within the item of luggage. There is also provided a locking apparatus for securing an item of luggage. The locking apparatus has a locking element which is movable between a first locked state and a second unlocked state. The apparatus includes a first locking means operable to control movement of the locking element. The apparatus also includes a first sensor associated with the first locking means for detecting operation of the first locking means.

Abstract: A security device is provided including a security lock configured to retain an object when locked, a receiver configured to receive a security code transmission, and processing circuitry configured to transition the security lock between a locked state and unlock permissive state based on receipt of a security code. The security lock may initially be set to the unlock permissive state. At the first instance in which a security code is received, the processing circuitry may transition the security lock to a key permissive mode in which the security lock transitions to a locked state and in response to a subsequent receipt of the security code the security lock transitions to the unlock permissive state.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door latch device comprises an engagement unit that can engage with a striker and an operating unit attached to the engagement unit. The operating unit comprises an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism comprises a locking motor; a locking mechanism comprising mechanical elements that can be shifted to an unlock state and a lock state based on drive of the locking motor; an electric release motor for releasing the opening lever regardless of a state of the locking mechanism based on drive of the releasing motor; and an inside lever that is pivotally mounted, via a first shaft, for pivotally mounting the electric release lever to a housing and is rotated based on a door opening action of the internal mechanical elements thereby releasing the opening lever, when the locking mechanism is in an unlock state.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a motor vehicle door lock (1) comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least a lock pawl, a release lever (12), a first actuating lever (8), wherein the locking mechanism can be unlocked by means of the release lever (12) and wherein the release lever (12) can be actuated by means of the actuating lever (8). The invention is characterized in that a further motor vehicle door lock (2) is provided, wherein said further motor vehicle door lock (2) can be actuated by means of the first actuating lever (8).

Abstract: A motor vehicle having a body, for transporting a wheelchair-confined passenger, and a rear liftgate, for providing ingress and egress for the passenger. The motor vehicle includes a tailgate frame operatively connected to the body and disposed adjacently to the rear liftgate. The tailgate frame defines an opening. A tailgate is movably coupled to the tailgate frame at the opening, wherein the tailgate includes a closed position and an open position. A latch is operatively connected to the tailgate. The latch includes a latched condition configured to latch the tailgate in the closed position, a lock condition configured to lock the tailgate in the closed position, and an unlatched condition configured to unlatch the tailgate for movement from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An emergency release system is disclosed for use with a side door of an automobile. The emergency release system may include a latch, a cable, and a handle connected to the latch via the cable. The handle may be pivotal through a first range to a stop, translatable to surmount the stop, and pivotal through a second range after surmounting the stop to release the latch.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for an electronic device includes a joint assembly including joint components hinged one by one. Each joint component includes a first plate, a second plate, and a link component disposed between the first and second plates. Each of the first and second plates has two first slots diametrically extending in a first direction. The first plate has a second slot disposed between the two first slots and diametrically extending in a second direction different from the first direction. The second plate has a third slot disposed between the two first slots and diametrically extending in a third direction mirror-symmetrical to the second direction with respect to the first direction. The link component has an engaging hole and a guide portion. The engaging hole is corresponding to one of the first slots of each of the first and second plates, and the guide portion is formed on a surface of the link component and movable within the second or third slot.

Abstract: A door assembly comprising a hinge post and a hinge stile, the hinge post and hinge stile configured for a first mating configuration and a second mating configuration. The first and second mating configurations enable adjustable placement of a shower door with the hinge post forming an extension below the bottom of the hinge stile in both configurations.

Abstract: A pivot device having asymmetric friction torque is provided. The pivot device includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, a sleeve surrounding the shaft, the sleeve defining a gap extending longitudinally, the sleeve and the shaft being configured for rotation with respect to one another about the longitudinal axis, and a helical compression element surrounding the sleeve and exerting a compressive force onto the sleeve, wherein a first torque required to rotate the sleeve and the shaft with respect to one another in a first direction differs from a second torque required to rotate the sleeve and the shaft with respect to one another in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A method for providing a pivot device asymmetric friction torque is also provided.

Abstract: A window system for manufacturing fixed windows using only two main extrusions, a main frame, and sash frame; and for manufacturing vertical and horizontal sliding windows using only three main extrusions, a main frame, a sash frame, and an interlock. This overcomes the disadvantages of existing window assemblies that currently need multiple extrusions, and results in reduced retooling costs, permitting manufacture of window systems using newer, more energy efficient materials including silicon-based materials.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a housing surrounding an accommodation space and a door pivotable relative to the housing between a closing state in which the door closes a loading opening of the accommodation space and an opening state in which the door is retracted into a stowing area in the housing. A guide device is coupled to the door to guide the door during movement into and out of the stowing area. The guide device includes a bearing unit configured as a multi-articulated device which is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation and includes guide elements. The multi-articulated device is configured such that a distance of the guide elements from one another and/or a distance of at least one of the guide elements to the axis of rotation is changeable depending on a position of the door.

Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a frameless door glass system, a powered latch, electrically-powered door presenter, powered door opening mechanism, and a powered door protector including a protective member that is movably mounted to the door structure. A controller selectively actuates the frameless door glass system, powered latch, powered door presenter, powered door opening mechanism, and powered door protector according to predefined criteria to coordinate the powered door functions and provide seamless powered operation.