Abstract: A multi-function device capable of temporarily stopping water output, comprising: a water output device, having a water input end and a water output end, the water output device is provided with a plurality of water channels inside, to connect to the water input end and the water output end; and a switching mechanism, disposed in the water output device, to drive water flow to flow or stop, to realize water switching, the switching mechanism is located in the water channels nearing the water input end. The multi-function device is compact in structure. Wherein, the switching mechanism is positioned to block the water channel before water enters into the switching chamber. Therefore, weight of the water output device will not be increased, while avoiding damages to the water separation plate and the tight seal piece caused by higher water pressure.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling fluid flow between a fluid source and an outlet includes an electrically operable valve interposed between the fluid source and the outlet, the valve being actuatable between an open position and and a closed position; and an activator device comprising (i) a user-activatable sensor configured to detect a stimulus when the stimulus enters a detection zone, (ii) a transmitter configured to transmit a signal upon activation of the sensor by a user to a controller for actuating the valve, and (iii) an orientation detector configured to detect among at least two orientations of the activator device. When the activator device is in a first orientation, a zone of detection of the sensor may extend no farther than a predetermined distance from the sensor, and when the activator is in a second orientation, the zone of detection may extend farther than the predetermined distance from the sensor.

Abstract: An aerator with an LED has: a case, a water fairing member and a throttle ring. The case further has a generator with a rotator. The water fairing member is disposed in the case through the inlet, the water fairing member has an annular slot facing the inlet of the case, a plurality of inlet apertures are disposed at a bottom of the annular slot. The water fairing member has a containment space facing the generator, and the containment space covers the rotator of the generator. The containment space has a plurality of outlet apertures, and the inlet apertures face a center of the water fairing member and helically connected to the outlet apertures. The inlet apertures taper towards the outlet apertures. The throttle ring is disposed in the annular slot of the water fairing member, and the throttle ring is adjacent to an inner edge of the annular slot.

Abstract: A drain cover including a positioning member arranged to surround an opening of a pipe of a drain and fit within the pipe, the positioning member including a plurality of openings, and a resilient sealing member connected to the positioning member at a center point, the resilient sealing member including a rim arranged concentrically about the center point. The rim contacts the positioning member to prevent fluid from passing through the plurality of openings in a closed position. The rim does not contact the positioning member to allow fluid to pass through the plurality of openings in an open position.

Abstract: A toilet flush mechanism comprising a tubular conduit for a long flexible element which translates within conduit and connects a toilet flapper valve to a grip handle or chain pull which is located at an inconspicuous location outside the toilet tank for the purpose of preventing flushing by toddlers or individuals with dementia.

Abstract: Toilet assemblies having various embodiments of a cleaning system are described herein which include a toilet assembly and a cleaning system. The toilet assembly has a toilet bowl, a toilet tank, a flush valve, a rim inlet port and a rim flow path (which may be an isolated rim path) extending from an outlet of the flush valve to the rim inlet port.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sanitary washing device includes a nozzle being capable of discharging water toward a human body private part, a solenoid valve provided on a water channel between a water supply source and the nozzle, the solenoid valve opening and shutting the water channel, and a pressure regulator valve provided on the water channel between the solenoid valve and the nozzle, the pressure regulator valve regulating a pressure of water flowing through the water channel. At least a portion of the pressure regulator valve is disposed in a range to which the solenoid valve is projected from upward to downward.

Abstract: There is provided a sanitary washing device. The sanitary washing device includes a wash water heating part, a jetting nozzle, and a controller. The wash water heating part includes a first heater and a second heater. A resistance value of the second heater is higher than a resistance value of the first heater. The wash water heating part heats wash water supplied from a water supply source by only the first heater and the second heater. The jetting nozzle jets the wash water supplied via the wash water heating part. The controller controls a power supplied to the first heater and the second heater.

Abstract: A sanitary washing device according to an embodiment includes a toilet seat, a main part, and a radio wave sensor. The toilet seat is provided on a toilet. The toilet seat is pivotally supported by the main part. When the toilet seat is closed, the user in front of the main part is detected by the radio wave sensor in a first region, and in a second region higher than the first region. When the toilet seat is open, the user in front of the main part is not detected in the first region by the radio wave sensor, but the user in front of the main part is detected in the second region by the radio wave sensor. The position of the radio wave sensor is not changed between the state in which the toilet seat is open and the state in which the toilet seat is closed.

Abstract: A sanitary washing device according to an embodiment includes a casing, a water supply pipe, and a recess. The water supply pipe is connected to the casing. The recess is arranged on one of left and right peripheral sides of the casing and forms, on a lower surface of the casing, an open space capable of laying the water supply pipe.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting pending failure of a septic tank drain field in order to provide remediation to reduce or eliminate the sludge buildup prior to total failure and extend the life of the drain field comprising of a sensor, alarm system. Specific action that can be taken to remediate a drain field include adding natural or engineered bacteria and/or other environmentally friendly additives that will attack the sludge and clear the way for the effluent water to drain and help to maintain a properly operating system.

Abstract: A tension compression structural unit and method of assembling structures that comprises endwise interlapping configuration of at least three elongate members into a tension compression structural unit whereby tensegrity is maintained by tensioning a first end of each elongate member against respective first ends of each other elongate member, in interlapped array, and then anchoring each second end of each elongate member—either onto a ground surface or by interlapped configuration with additional elongate members. A stable, domic structure is thus erectable without the need of additional tensioning elements such as wires or cables, for example.

Abstract: A building structure for operating turbomachinery equipment is disclosed. The building structure includes a first pre-fabricated structure, a second pre-fabricated structure, and a connector attaching the first pre-fabricated substructure to the second pre-fabricated substructure. Each pre-fabricated substructure includes a rigid frame formed from a plurality of linear members. The plurality of linear members forms a first rectangular structure, a second rectangular structure, and connects the first rectangular structure to the second rectangular structure. Each pre-fabricated substructure also includes a noise attenuating sealing panel attached to one or more of the first rectangular structure and the second rectangular structure. The connector includes a spacer plate inserted between first and second pre-fabricated substructures and a fastener. The spacer plate includes an elongated opening extending through the spacer plate.

Abstract: A wind damage counter-measure system including a breakaway overhang mount such as a breakaway bracket and one or more shear points or pins intended to permit breakaway of a roof overhang in high wind conditions. The breakaway overhang mount may include or engage a hinge plate, for example mounted to a header. The hinge plate may be secured to the header via nails, screws, bolts, adhesive, or some combination thereof and also may be configured to be secured to a structure via a base. The base may include multiple channels for overhang or other structural components. Slots for insertion of one or more side boards may also be included. Additional elements such as side blocking and wings may be included.

Abstract: A construction anchor apparatus has utility as a safety grip for engagement by construction personnel, and, in addition, a support apparatus for supporting and/or holding construction equipment including ductwork, electrical cables, plumbing, etc. The anchor apparatus is used in conjunction with rebar applied in concrete support walls, floors, ceilings, or other structural elements at a construction site.

Abstract: A unitary metal clip for a wall panel system. The unitary metal clip includes a hem portion configured and dimensioned to wrap around a flat end of a first panel of the wall panel system, and an angled kick portion extending away from the hem portion. The angled kick portion is configured and dimensioned to extend into a return of the first panel that is adjacent the flat end. The angled kick portion is further configured and dimensioned to deflect to accept a shaped end of a second panel of the wall panel system and snap back to lock the shaped end of the second panel into the return of the first panel. A fastener opening is located in the hem portion to accept a fastener to secure the flat end to a wall.

Abstract: A flexible, elongate barrier comprising relatively rigid barrier portions connected by elastomeric joints is introduced slidingly into the cavity of a cavity wall and sealed to the outer leaf of the wall by introducing a portion of the barrier into a slot cut in the inner surface of the wall and/or by providing a water resistant composition which may be injected into the slot. The barrier may form an X or V shaped configuration defining a channel from which water is discharged via drains from the cavity. The barrier portions may be arranged in a flat configuration when the barrier is stored on a reel and moved through a deployed configuration to an installation configuration against the resilient bias of the joint so that they spring out to the deployed configuration to conform to the width of the cavity after installation.

Abstract: A reflective particulate composition includes a particulate mixture that includes a particulate substrate, a hardness enhancer and a pigment. The reflective particulate substrate has a hydrophobic coating on the particulate mixture. The composition may have a solar reflectance of 70% or greater. The pigment may include a clay, and the particulate substrate may include a feldspar. A method of making the composition may include mixing the particulate substrate, the hardness enhancer, and the pigment to form a particulate mixture, heat treating the particulate mixture, and coating the heat treated mixture with the hydrophobic coating.

Abstract: Two or more soundproof cells arranged in a two-dimensional manner are provided. At least one of the soundproof cells is a first soundproof cell configured to include a first frame having a first through-hole. At least one of the other soundproof cells is a second soundproof cell including a second frame having a second through-hole and a film fixed to the second frame. A first shielding peak frequency, which is determined by the first through-hole of the first soundproof cell and at which a transmission loss is maximized, is present on a lower frequency side than a first natural vibration frequency of the film of the second soundproof cell, and sound in a predetermined frequency band centered on the first shielding peak frequency is selectively insulated.

Abstract: There is disclosed an elongate structural element (10). The element (10) includes an inner plate (12) having first and second opposing planar surfaces (14, 16). The element (10) further includes first and second outer sections (18, 18?). Each of the outer sections (18, 18?) comprises a central wall (20) having a pair of longitudinal grooves (32, 34). Each of the outer sections (18, 18?) further comprises a pair of side walls (22, 24) extending from the central wall (20) to define a generally U-shaped channel (30). The longitudinal grooves (32, 34) depress into the U-shaped channel (30). Each of the outer sections (18, 18?) further comprises a pair of flanges (26, 28) respectively extending outwardly from the pair of side walls (22, 24).

Abstract: A ceiling system having a perimeter frame; a grid configured to support a plurality of substrates; and a plurality of bracket assemblies coupling the grid to the perimeter frame, the plurality of bracket assemblies adjustable between a plurality of states in which the grid is supported at a different height relative to the perimeter frame in each of the plurality of states.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing building panels includes assembling a frame of a building panel. The frame defines at least one cavity and at least one injection aperture in fluid communication with the at least one cavity. The method also includes positioning the frame on one of a base and a shelf of a multi-panel consolidation device having a plurality of shelves, with the shelves being in an expanded configuration, and at least substantially enclosing the at least one cavity. The method also includes forcing the shelves of the multi-panel consolidation device into a collapsed configuration, and injecting an expandable polymer through the at least one injection aperture into the at least one cavity. The method further includes forcing the shelves into an expanded configuration after a predetermined period of time selected to permit the expandable polymer to form a foam bonded to the frame.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pre-stressed beam or panel and the resulting beam or panel are described. The method includes providing a timber-based component (1); providing a pre-stressing member (9) arranged along the timber-based component; applying a tensile force to the pre-stressing member (9); providing concrete anchors (11a, 11b) at locations that are spaced apart along the timber-based component (1); coupling the pre-stressing member (9) to the concrete anchors (11a, 11b); and releasing the tensile force on the pre-stressing member (9) to transfer a compressive force to the timber-based component (1) through the concrete anchors (11a, 11b) to form a pre-stressed beam or panel.

Abstract: The apparatus and process disclosed relates to the application of a pattern on a material such as roof covering or siding where the surface is coated with media to create a three dimensional pattern. The 3-D pattern is created in multiple detailed steps so that the width of the pattern can be of an adjustable size in order to make the pattern more diverse and variable. The apparatus and method disclosed herein utilizes a series of applicator units which apply media in a pattern or without a specific pattern onto the material. The first applicator unit is designed to be the master applicator unit. Each applicator unit can include a separate drive or motor. The apparatus and process disclosed incorporates one or more slave applicator units. These slave pattern applicator units with slave pattern applicator rolls are synchronized to the master pattern applicator roll located in the master applicator unit.

Abstract: A venturi ridge vent has an air-permeable vent body configured for mounting at the ridge of a pitched roof. The vent body defines a first opening and an opposing second opening and defines a flow path for air moving between the first and second openings. The first and second openings are disposed on opposing sides of the ridge when the vent body is mounted to the roof. The flow path defines a throat intermediate to the first and second openings. The throat area is less than the first or second opening areas to define a venturi. The attic is in fluid communication with the flow path proximal to the throat when the vent body is mounted to the roof.

Abstract: A balustrade arrangement including a T-clamp of metal formed into a tubular shape member with a pair of open ends at a top and bottom of a comparable dimension to allow a hand rail to be recessed therein. The tubular shaped member has opposing peripheral side edges terminating in a pair of separated tab extensions substantially orthogonally orientated externally out from respective side edges. A cup adapted to enclose an upper end of an upright support post includes a tab protruding from the cup and adapted to nest between the pair of separated tab extensions of the tubular shaped member so that respective apertures defined within the pair of tab extensions and the tab protruding from the end cup are aligned so as to allow a bolt to pass there through. The fastening of the bolt brings together the rail and the upright support post.

Abstract: The invention comprises a relatively lightweight cementitious-based material panel. The cementitious-based material panel comprises a foam insulating panel having a first surface and a second surface; a first structural layer of cementitious-based material formed on the first surface of the foam insulating panel and affixed thereto; and a second non-structural layer of cementitious-based material formed on the second surface of the foam insulating panel and affixed thereto. The second non-structural layer of cementitious-based material is substantially thinner than the first structural layer of concrete. The second non-structural layer of cementitious-based material is preferably formed from polymer modified concrete, plaster or mortar. A method of making the cementitious-based material panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for installing a panel to an interior wall is disclosed. The system includes a mounting bracket attached to the wall. The mounting bracket includes a lip. The system also includes a friction bracket attached to a backside of the panel. The friction bracket attaches to the lip.

Abstract: A wall panel (20, 30) suitable for bathrooms, wetrooms and the like is disclosed. The panel is water impervious and comprises a core of wood plastics composite (WPC) and a laminate adhesively attached to the core. In preferred embodiments, the core is a wood plastics composite foamed board. The wood plastics composite preferably comprises PVC and wood fibre. The wood plastics composite may include recycled materials. The wall panel may be provided with a tongue-and-groove interlocking system with tongue and groove edges (21, 31 and 32). The system is configured to provide a contact area across less than the thickness of the panel which achieves a tight join at the front face and eliminates a visible gap. It also increases tolerance for machining errors or variation. The tongue-and-groove interlocking system is designed to provide tolerance for walls which are not precisely planar but may be bowed or uneven to a certain extent.

Abstract: A flooring tile having a plurality of sides and comprising at least a top layer, a core layer and an exposed portion that extends outwardly along one side of the tile with a textured surface that imitates a grout line. The top layer of the tile can include a top surface defined by a wear layer, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer having an optimal density and a dye or colorant(s), and a decorative layer. The core layer is made of a densified foam material. The exposed portion and textured surface may be formed on the PVC layer below the top surface of the tile at a depth of between about 0.9 to 2 millimeters, or more, so as to extend into the core layer, and will have a width of generally between 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters. The overall thickness of the tile preferably ranges from 4 to 8 millimeters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flame-retardant decorative flooring material including a lower layer; a base layer; a printed layer; and a transparent layer sequentially from bottom to top, wherein at least any one of the layers includes a polyvinyl acetal resin.

Abstract: A chute system for a building including: an inlet, through which an item is received; a chute, coupled to the inlet, and an outlet, coupled to the chute. The outlet includes a sealing surface, configured to form a seal with an opening of a receptacle into which the item is to be received. The sealing surface is configured to enable a seal to be formed with different receptacles having different sized or shaped openings.

Abstract: A mounting adapter for mounting a surface processing tool having a rotational or longitudinal axis to at least one spider arm of a rotatable spider assembly of a surface processing apparatus, the spider arm having a leading side and a trailing side as a function of the direction of rotation of the spider assembly. The mounting adapter has a first element for removably attaching the adapter to the spider arm and a second element positioned circumferentially offset behind the first element for positioning the rotational or longitudinal axis of a surface processing tool circumferentially offset behind the trailing side of the spider arm. In one embodiment, the first element is an elongate handle and the second element is a planar plate which extends generally perpendicularly from the handle between one end of the handle and a point intermediate the ends of the handle.

Abstract: A reinforced anchor assembly for lifting a tilt-up and precast insulated concrete panel provides an erection anchor that is configured to be precast in an edge portion of an insulated concrete panel and span between outer concrete layers of the insulated concrete panel. The erection anchor includes a central portion with a lifting hole configured to be positioned between the outer concrete layers for engage a lifting device. The erection anchor also includes lateral portions on opposing sides of the central portion that each include reinforcement apertures. A plurality of reinforcement bars are each configured to be precast in one of the outer layers of concrete and engage one of the reinforcement apertures in the erection anchor, such that the plurality of reinforcement bars support the insulated concrete panel under shear and tension loading forces.

Abstract: A ground anchor assembly for supporting at least two wall braces includes an elongated anchor having a helical lower portion that is configured to engage a ground or floor surface upon rotation of the elongated anchor. A multi-connection bracket has a central portion with an opening that receives an upper portion of the elongated anchor and lateral portions extending from opposing sides of the central portion of the bracket. The lateral portions of the bracket are configured to each engage a lower end of a wall brace. A fastener is engaged with a hole in the upper portion of the elongated anchor when the bracket is positioned over the elongated anchor, such that a head of the fastener contacts the central portion of the bracket to secure the bracket to the elongated anchor.

Abstract: An adjustable support prop that can be customized to the support requirements of a wide variety of objects to be held in place. The prop includes first, second and third support members which are coupled together in a manner that allows the weight of an object to be supported in order to provide stability to the prop. The length of one of the support members is adjustable so that the height of the prop can be customized to the support requirements of the object to be supported.

Abstract: A spa cover constructed of layers of pliable insulation encapsulated within a weatherproof vinyl reinforced fabric or a rubber membrane which is attached to rigid square support tubes that run parallel to the short end of the spa. The encapsulated insulation is fastened to the bottom of the square support tubes with corrosion-free nylon anchors which allows the soft insulation assembly to span over the water and rest directly on the spa bartop surface sealing the heat in and keeping debris out. An arched fiberglass rod structure supports a weatherproof rainfly which is permanently affixed to the flat cover assembly to shed rain and debris. The entire assembly is held in place at each end with adjustable straps which stretch the cover from end to end keeping the rainfly taut. Removing the cover to access the spa involves undoing the straps on one end and rolling the cover assembly towards the other end until the desired amount of spa exposure is reached.

Abstract: A contactless charging system includes a target vehicle and a charging station. The charging station includes a power transmission device, at least one parking space, a restriction device, and a management device. The management device is configured to control the restriction device to be a second state in which the target vehicle is permitted to enter the charging station and the parking space when the target vehicle is the contactless charged vehicle, and to be a first state in which the target vehicle is restricted to enter the charging station or the parking space when the target vehicle is not the contactless charged vehicle.

Abstract: Improved support systems, including seismic isolation platforms, tracks and flooring systems are disclosed for protecting a payload, for example, data center racks containing delicate computer equipment such as a hard disk drive, from damage due to vibrations such as seismic vibrations and the like. The systems are modular in design, and can be assembled and changed quickly, while being strong and robust enough to support heavy loads.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refuge comprising a roof; at least four wall members each fixedly attached to the roof, wherein the refuge has a width of 60 inches or less, and wherein each wall member comprises a ballistic material; a door disposed in a first wall member, wherein the door has a width of at least 18 inches; a power system disposed within the enclosure, the power system comprising a primary power source and a secondary power source; and an armored air purification system configured to provide purified air to the enclosure.

Abstract: Removable water barriers for inhibiting the ingress of water into a structure are provided. A barrier can be formed from a flexible sheet. The flexible sheet may include a first layer formed from non-woven polypropylene and a second layer formed from high density polyethylene. Adhesive strips may be pre-applied to a rear surface of the flexible sheet for adhering the sheet to a structure or adjacent sheets. A fold line may be provided, such that a lower portion of the sheet can be folded to extend outwards from an upper portion along the ground. Sandbags can be stacked on the lower portion for hold the flexible sheet in place and further inhibit the ingress of water. Also provided are methods for preventing the ingress of water using a flexible sheet.

Abstract: A wood support protection device for protecting wood supports from water damage includes a tube that defines an interior space. The tube has a top and a bottom. The top is open. The top is complementary to a lower end of a wood support. A plurality of rods is coupled to and extends substantially perpendicularly between opposing sides of the tube. A plurality of slots is positioned in the tube adjacent to the bottom. The top is configured to insert the lower end of the wood support into the interior space. The rods are configured to retain the wooden support above the bottom of the tube. The slots are positioned in the tube such that the slots are configured to drain water from the interior space. The wood support is protected from damage and rot caused by exposure of the lower end of the wood support to water.

Abstract: An outdoor enclosure is disclosed, which includes a wall structure comprising an opening and a frame that supports the wall structure. The opening is irregularly shaped to reduce or eliminate unnaturally pronounced straight lines from an appearance thereof. The outdoor enclosure may have a wall structure that includes an outer layer made of a natural fiber. The natural fiber may comprise a natural fabric, pattern, and/or texture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a frame for tents or canopies which alleviates standing water during rainy outdoor weather. The frame comprises a plurality of foot poles, a plurality of hinged beam assemblies, a plurality of frame supporting poles and a top plate. Each foot pole is hinged to one frame supporting pole, each frame supporting pole is connected to the top plate, and each hinged beam assembly connects two adjacent foot poles of the plurality of foot poles. The disclosed frame provides increased frame strength and stability.

Abstract: Interlocking fence panels for interconnection between horizontal channeled rails in a fence system, and, more particularly, to improved interlocking fence panel members which can interconnect for insertion between horizontal channeled rails to provide a one-piece continuous infill effect between these horizontal channeled rails in a fence system which, when interconnected with other panels and in place, will not become disengaged from one another and which will strengthen the stability and integrity of the fence system itself.

Abstract: A system and method of installing a modular fencing system in which slotted posts are used in conjunction with hollow longitudinal rails to support the fence panels in a manner that creates a unified curtain wall perimeter barrier. The posts, rails, and fence panels are made of metal. Plastic sleeves with angularly-tilted ends are inserted into both sides of a slot opening to prevent water intrusion and to facilitate fencing on a slope. The rails are then slidably inserted into and through the sleeves to be held in place through the slots. Adjacent rails are mechanically fastened to each other. The full length of the fence is bolted to the rails to ensure that any load or impact to the fence is distributed throughout the entire system. For additional strength, each fence panel is also through-bolted to metallic finish plates, which are mounted on the slotted posts for seamless and aesthetically-pleasing look.

Abstract: A security barrier which includes a sheet metal shutter formed with a plurality of apertures covered by formations which allow air passage but restrict see-through visibility.

Abstract: Examples described herein include handles with extended and retracted positions. In some examples, a handle comprises a housing and a knob. The knob may have a first surface and a circumferential sidewall. The knob may have a retracted position in the housing and an extended position. In the extended position, the circumferential sidewall protrudes from the housing and the knob is rotatable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A lockset (10) is actuable by pivoting a lever (14) about a longitudinal axis of the lockset (10) by rotating the lever (14) and by pushing or pulling on the lever (14). An actuator linked to the lever extends into a retractor assembly (33) of the lockset and is configured to actuate a retractor (40) to retract a latch bolt (550) in order to enable a corresponding door (22) to be opened. The latch bolt (550) has a blocking surface (560) that is configured to engage an edge of a door strike plate (45) in order to prevent the door (22) from opening. The blocking surface (560) is inclined relative to an axis of the latch bolt (550).

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for clocking a shaft (124) of a latch (122) relative to a housing (126) of the latch (122) is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a body (102), comprising a surface (104) and a first opening (106), formed through the surface (104). The first opening (106) has a first symmetry axis (107), and the first symmetry axis (107) is perpendicular to the surface (104) of the body (102). The apparatus (100) also comprises a first funnel (108), comprising an inlet (110) and a second symmetry axis (112). The second symmetry axis (112) of the first funnel (108) is parallel to the first symmetry axis (107) of the first opening (106). Further, the second symmetry axis (112) of the first funnel (108) is spaced a fixed distance (114) away from the first symmetry axis (107) of the first opening (106). The fixed distance (114) is greater than zero.