Abstract: Folded plate girders can be connected end to end to form a cambered girder, wherein a connector system including a peripheral connecting flange secures adjacent girders in series at the desired camber arc or angle.

Abstract: A self alignment structure for joining extruded members. The self-aligning structure includes one or more decking members including an upper panel and a lower panel connected by webbing members. One side of the decking member has a void space between the upper panel and lower panel and another side the decking member may have a vertical webbing member between the upper panel and the lower panel. The self aligning structure further includes an upper shelf and lower shelf, each shelf extending horizontally relative to the vertical webbing member. The shelves being operable to align a neighboring decking member, forming abutment joints in preparation for a friction stir welding process.

Abstract: An energy dissipater comprising a plurality of periodic hyperbolic surfaces, forming a continuous surface-structure, and enveloping contiguous tunnels there through.

Abstract: A method for river/lake level regulation and a water conservancy system. The method for level regulation employs a non-closure mode; a water reservoir system is built on one side of a river/lake, water from the river/lake enters into the reservoir system when the water level of the river/lake exceeds a warning water level, and the river/lake is replenished with the water stored in the reservoir system when the water level of the river/lake is unduly low; the conservancy system, which employs the non-closure mode, is built on one side of a river/lake waterway and includes the water reservoir system and a first water passage, the water reservoir system communicates with the river/lake waterway through the first water passage. The method for river/lake level regulation and the water conservancy system realize river/lake level regulation during drought and flood periods without any river/lake closure, so that water resources are control effectively.

Abstract: Armor units for rubble mound structures including breakwaters, revetments, groins, jetties, and the like. Embodiments are appropriate for ocean, river, lake and reservoir structure armoring, to prevent erosion from damaging hydrodynamic forces resulting from waves and water currents, and the like. An embodiment includes a central rectangular section, three “half H-shaped” appendages, optionally, one end frusta, and a flat bottom with two extrusions, nominally smaller than other appendages and frusta. An embodiment is symmetric about two perpendicularly intersecting vertical planes extending through the centroid of the unit. The three half H-shaped members are connected to outer parts of a side defined as the top and the two longitudinal sides of the central section. The three half H-shaped members comprise four-sided frusta that taper from a base at the central rectangular section to four-sided distal ends. For select embodiments, the frusta are generally symmetric.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The tines may include ridges spaced vertically along an outer surface of the tines. The tines may also be in the form of opposing plates. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines/plates. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.

Abstract: An aggregate pier compacting system for forming a compacted aggregate pier (AP) at a target location includes a mandrel, a tamper device, and a finishing tamper device. The mandrel includes a casing for housing a drilling shaft (DS). An external vibratory hammer (EVH) repeatedly impacts a hammer element (HE) extending from the DS. The DS transfers the impact to a bore head to form a cavity at the target location. The DS is removed and the casing is filled with aggregate. The tamper device includes a compacting shaft. The EVH impacts a second HE extending from the compacting shaft and transfers the impact to a compaction head to form the compacted AP. The finishing tamper device includes a shaft. The EVH impacts a third HE extending from the shaft and transfers the impact to a finishing head compacting a top layer of the AP to form a finished AP.

Abstract: A manhole cover assembly includes a manhole cover and a latch assembly. The manhole cover is supportable by a seat of a manhole frame. The latch assembly includes a latch housing fixedly coupled to the manhole cover. A latch plunger is slidably coupled to the latch housing. The latch plunger includes a follower arm. A latch lever is rotatably coupled to the latch housing. The latch lever includes a stop. The latch lever is rotatable relative to the latch housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. The stop is structured to engage the manhole frame when the latch lever is rotated to unlocked position so as to force the manhole cover away from the frame.

Abstract: A dipper door trip assembly includes a dipper, a dipper door pivotally coupled to the dipper, a linkage assembly including a sliding latch bar disposed at least partially in the dipper door, and a latch keeper coupled to the dipper. The latch keeper includes a roller that engages and disengages the latch bar.

Abstract: A shovel control method includes performing a plane position control or a height control of an end attachment by an operation of one lever. The plane position control is performed while maintaining a height of the end attachment. The height control is performed while maintaining a plane position of the end attachment.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching a tailgate to a frame of a power machine. The tailgate is moveable between a closed position and an opened position. The attachment system includes first and second attachment structures for pivotally mounting the cover to the frame. The second attachment structure is spaced apart from the first attachment structure. A connection member connects the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure. The tailgate is configured to pivot about the connection member as it moves between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: In a hydraulic drive system, hydraulic oil discharged from an actuator pump is supplied to an actuator via an actuator drive circuit. In the hydraulic drive system, the hydraulic oil discharged from a fan pump is supplied to a cooling fan motor via a fan drive circuit, and the cooling fan motor rotates a cooling fan at a rotational speed corresponding to the flow rate of the hydraulic oil supplied to the cooling fan motor. A merge circuit connects the actuator drive circuit and the fan drive circuit to each other to cause the hydraulic oil flowing through the actuator drive circuit to merge into the hydraulic oil flowing through the fan drive circuit. When the merge condition is satisfied, the controller controls the merge circuit to connect the actuator drive circuit and the fan drive circuit to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a sink having a basin. The apparatus includes a plurality of interconnected panels for positioning on a top surface of the sink. The plurality of interconnected panels are configured to be positionable in a first position to cover the sink basin and a second position for storage.

Abstract: A fitting (10) for a sanitary unit outlet (5) has a tubular housing (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16), a grid (18) associated with the housing inlet (14) and a one-way valve (20) associated with the housing outlet (16). The housing (12), grid (18) and one-way valve (20) are removable from the sanitary unit outlet (5) as a single entity.

Abstract: A vent cover is described herein which may be used with various flush valve assemblies, particularly those acceptable for high efficiency and high performance toilets, which vent cover has a wall that includes an upper portion, a lower portion configured to define a vent cover inlet opening for receiving air and/or liquid passing upwardly from within a valve body and/or from within a toilet through a toilet inlet when the vent cover is installed on a valve body, an exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a vent cover passage for air passing upwardly from the vent cover inlet opening.

Abstract: An rinsing seat for a rimless toilet is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rinsing seat includes a large annular cavity for the purpose of storing and dispensing rinse water. In another embodiment, the rinsing seat includes a smaller annular cavity for the purpose of dispensing rinse water from a pressurized line. Outlet nozzles arranged about the circumference of the rinsing seat and designed to dispense rinse water at varying angles relative to the rinsing seat are disclosed. Rinsing seat supports, hinge assemblies, and seat sensors which offer additional functionality to the rinsing seat are also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: The toilet flange adapter tile is adapted for use with flooring tiles. The toilet flange adapter tile is further adapted for use with toilets. The toilet flange adapter tile is a preformed tile that comprises an aperture that is sized to fit around the floor flange and fixture gasket of a standard plumbing hook up for a toilet. The toilet flange adapter tile further comprises a plurality of scoring lines that allow the toilet flange adapter tile to be readily cut to fit into the master tile pattern the toilet flange adapter tile is being integrated. The toilet flange adapter tile further comprises a plurality of mounting holes that allow the toilet flange adapter tile to be secured to the under flooring during installation. The toilet flange adapter tile is a tile that further comprises an aperture, a plurality of mounting holes; and a plurality of scoring lines.

Abstract: A movable enclosure is configured to selectively enclose an area. The enclosure includes at least one side wall and an end wall attached thereto. The side wall comprises a number of individual panels that are independently movable along a track secured to the ground. The panels are selectively collapsible such that they may travel along the track and overlap one another when in a collapsed or stowed position. The enclosure may be configured in any number of intermediate positions wherein the panels are partially collapsed. Roof panels may be attached to the side walls for movement therewith, or alternatively, the roof panels may operate independent of the side walls to extend and retract between an open and collapsed configuration.

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: An apparatus for reducing propagation of cracks in concrete includes a curved panel. The curved panel includes a convex surface and a concave surface facing away from one another and separated by a thickness. Each of the convex and concave surfaces has a top edge, a bottom edge, a first end, and a second end. Each of the convex and concave surfaces is configured to be arranged in direct contact with the concrete. The curved panel further includes a top surface extending between the top edges of the convex and concave surfaces. The top surface is substantially planar and substantially perpendicular to the convex and concave surfaces. The curved panel further includes a bottom surface extending between the bottom edges of the convex and concave surfaces. The bottom surface is substantially planar and substantially parallel to the top surface.

Abstract: A process for producing a mineral foam includes (i) separately preparing one or more slurries of cement, and an aqueous foam for which a D50 of bubbles is less than or equal to 400 ?m; (ii) homogenizing the one or more slurries of cement with the aqueous foam to obtain a slurry of foamed cement; (iii) casting the slurry of foamed cement and leaving the cast slurry of foamed cement to set.

Abstract: A sound absorbing panel is provided above an uppermost of soundproof panels arranged in plural stages in a vertical direction and each having a back surface opposite to a sound source side, the back surface being formed to be a sound insulating surface, the sound absorbing panel including: an outer frame body having therein an acoustic space in which a first acoustic material is provided, the outer frame body allowing formation of a partition wall separating a sound source and a surrounding area from each other, the outer frame body having, at a front and back portions thereof, sound transmitting surfaces each having multiple sound through holes allowing transfer of sound between the acoustic space and outside thereof; and a second acoustic material provided above an upper end of the outer frame body such that a peripheral surface of the second acoustic material except for a corner portion is air-permeable.

Abstract: Reinforced boards and/or walls, and methods of producing thereof. In some non-limiting examples, there is provided a reinforced gypsum board and a process for the production thereof. In one example, the reinforced board may include one or more reinforcing elements, e.g., to enhance the rigidity of the board and/or to provide support for the board.

Abstract: A solid reinforced concrete column and a method of constructing the same are disclosed. The solid reinforced concrete column includes outer main reinforcing bars, inner reinforcing bars, inner transverse reinforcing bars, outer transverse reinforcing bars, and concrete. The outer main reinforcing bars are arranged in an axial direction. The inner reinforcing bars are each arranged to be placed between two or three of the outer main reinforcing bars inside the two or three outer main reinforcing bars in the axial direction. The inner transverse reinforcing bars are each arranged to connect the two or three outer main reinforcing bars and the inner reinforcing bar in a transverse direction. The outer transverse reinforcing bars are arranged to surround the outer main reinforcing bars outside the outer main reinforcing bars in the transverse direction. The concrete is placed to bury the reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A non-black roofing membrane comprises an EPDM rubber; a non-black filler; a UV light stabilizer selected from the group consisting of NOR-HALS of the formula wherein R* is C1-C20alkyl, OH-substituted C1-C20alkyl, optionally C1-C4 alkyl-substituted C5-C12cycloalkyl, C7-C9phenylalkyl or O- or S-interrupted C2-C20alkyl, preferably C1-C12alkyl, benzyl or C5-C8 cycloalkyl especially C6-C10alkyl or cyclohexyl; and a cure package. The resultant roofing membrane provides increased weathering resistance.

Abstract: A roof gutter for the purpose of keeping small debris out of the gutter and allowing rainwater to pass into the gutter. The covering is comprised of a water permeable, weather resistant mesh having apertures of a pre-determined size for passing water, the mesh sized to substantially cover a rain gutter; corrugations formed in the mesh, providing a planar stiffness to the mesh causing the mesh to be self-supporting over a gutter; a debris collection first trough disposed along a longitudinal axis of the mesh, formed by making at least two bends in the mesh, the first trough located between a longitudinal midline of the mesh and a front gutter end of the mesh, wherein the gutter debris preclusion device, when attached directly or indirectly to a gutter does not require a separate support mechanism to keep the mesh substantially planar over the gutter.

Abstract: An assembly having a longitudinal webbed base plate, upright webbed diverter (e.g. “V”-shaped) and coupling stabilizer and brace arms that assemble to extend from a roof above typical snow cover depths to protect downstream appliances protruding from the roof from snow/ice slide damage. The base plate and/or stabilizer arm includes surfaces shaped to promote the scoring and shearing of a snow/ice slide prior to the sheared sections of the snow/ice being laterally displaced away from a downstream appliance via the upright diverter. Alternative serrated, saw tooth, pointed, spiked and wedged shear surfaces are formed into the base plate and/or a single or multi-section stabilizer arm. An appliance cover piece can be fitted to the upright diverter and suspended above the downstream appliance.

Abstract: An airflow-controlling valve is described for a soffit vent in which a one-piece valve member normally lies below a housing, both parts being deeply hill-and-valley deformed to give ample surface area for apertures essentially equal to the full area of the vent opening itself, allowing two-way venting flow unless and until inward-acting pressure reaches a certain strength, wherewith the valve is pushed up to close quietly against the housing to block flow; the valve falling opening again if the pressure differential reverses or simply subsides below that certain strength.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for siding a building wherein the apparatus comprises an elongate planar member extending between first and second edges, top and bottom edges and having front and rear surfaces and at least one mounting block extending between first and second edges, top and bottom edges and having a rear surface wherein the at least one mounting block extends from the rear surface of the elongate planar member proximate to the top edge of the elongate planar member. The method comprises aligning each of the at least one mounting block of the siding panel with a stud location in a vertical wall and fastening the siding panel to the studs in the vertical wall through the at least one mounting block with a plurality of fasteners, so as to create a rainscreen gap between the elongate planar member and the vertical wall.

Abstract: A front adjustable wall panel mounting device that is adjustable from the front of a wall is disclosed. The front adjustable wall panel mounting device has a fixed channel configured to be coupled with a wall frame and a moving channel configured to be coupled with wall panel mounting hardware. The tilt, depth and vertical height of the wall panel can all be adjusted while the wall panel remains mounted to the wall frame.

Abstract: An alignment device, systems and methods where the device includes a guide, a support and a connector which engages the guide and the support. The guide may be a relatively flat piece attachable to and edge of a frame for framing a window or a door. In one aspect the guide member a slot, support attaches to an object such as a window or a door (or is integral with an object such as a window or door) which is to be aligned with the frame. The connector threads within a hole associated with the object, such as a hole of a support connected to a jamb of a window. The connector engages a slot of the guide and the device allows for desired alignment of an object within a frame by transferring rotational movement to linear movement.

Abstract: A coupling member includes a hook-shaped coupling part arranged to be hooked into a gripping part of an upright and a locking arrangement switchable between a locking position and a release position. Further, the locking arrangement includes a pivotally attached first clamping part and a wedge-shaped locking part, which is slidable between a locking position and a release position. The wedge-shaped locking part is arranged to push the first clamping part towards the upright and the gripping part by means of wedge action. Moreover, the first clamping part comprises two transversally spaced apart side parts which jointly define a cavity there between. The first clamping part is arranged externally on the hook-shaped coupling part, and is arranged partly within the cavity. Further, each of the side parts includes fastening means for pivotal attachment of the first clamping part to the hook-shaped coupling part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guard which is a surface that is adapted for mounting over the open end of the tread of a step of an open stairway such that when associated with a stairway: the exposed area of the OTEP is reduced. The present invention further provides for a retention means to maintain stable association of the guard with the stairway. The present invention further comprises kits comprising one or more guards, one or more retention means and instructions for use.

Abstract: A yielding fuse for use in a brace assembly includes a first body portion configured to be connected at one end to a side of a brace member of the brace assembly, and a second body portion configured to be connected at one end to another side of the brace member of the brace assembly. The first and second body portions are positioned so as to be disposed on opposite sides of an axis defined by the brace member, with each of the first and second body portions further including a base displaced from the axis, a plurality of yielding arms extending from the base towards the axis and at least a first connecting plate rigidly connecting the first body portion to the second body portion. Preferably, a second connecting plate is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stiffness control mechanism of a variable stiffness earthquake-isolation layer adapted to structural earthquake isolation and wind resistance, which comprises an upper flange plate connected to an upper structure, a lower flange plate connected to a base structure at the bottom, a pin key provided between hollow portions of the upper and lower flange plates, with the pin key movable up and down between the hollow portions of the upper and lower flange plates and the height of the pin key greater than the distance between the upper and lower flange plates, and a control means for fixing the pin key or controlling the pin key to move downward. The stiffness control mechanism of the earthquake-isolation layer of the present invention can automatically change stiffness of the earthquake-isolation layer, both effectively wind resistant and effectively earthquake resistant.

Abstract: A shelter structure arranged to be deployed from a stowed configuration above a vehicle to a deployed configuration, having a number of elongate stays for supporting a flexible awning, the stays being movable to fan out from a stowed configuration to a fanned out configuration when deployed. The structure is provided with a mounting permitting the structure to move with respect to the mounting when deployed to selectively cover alternative sheltered zones in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A collapsible structure connection system and method including an apparatus having a pair of mated ferrules, at least one pivoting pin and at least one slider arm. Each ferrule couples to a rod segment of the structure, the ferrules connecting the rod segments when mated, but allowing the rod segments to rotate into a collapsed structure. The apparatus has a locking system in one example embodiment. The systems include a bracket, at and at least one locking device to fix the rod segments in a preferred configuration. An alternate apparatus and collapsible structure connection system includes a pair of mated ferrules each having a lengthwise slot, a connector arm and pivoting pins. The connector arm rotates around the pivoting pins within the slots of the ferrules, allowing the ferrules to rotate into various positions when selectively connecting and collapsing rod segments.

Abstract: A latch for capturing a striker includes a latch cam, a trigger, a drive cam, a motor coupled to the drive cam, and a switch coupled to the motor. The latch cam is biased to rotate toward an open position and configured to capture the striker in a closed position. The drive cam uses at least one cam surface to contact the trigger, and the switch permits actuation of the motor to rotate the drive cam when sensing the trigger or the drive cam, thereby rotating the drive cam to urge the trigger toward an unlocked position, disengage the trigger from the latch cam, and allow the latch cam to rotate from the closed position toward the open position. A system incorporating the latch and method of capturing a striker is also provided.

Abstract: A door closing mechanism utilizing a motor and a worm gear to engage with a gear drive attached to an engagement mechanism that is capable of pressing against a force applied to a door and shutting the door against such force.

Abstract: A locking mechanism suitable for use with a door or other entry point is contemplated. The locking mechanism may include cams, levers or other features operable to facilitate securing the door against prying, wedging and related techniques intended to compromise secure by physically separating the door from a door frame or other support structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods that may be implemented to secure a bezel over a face of an information handling system chassis by using magnetic force to draw in and retain a ferromagnetic bezel latch pin in a latching position relative to complementary latch structure of the chassis. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in a manner that minimizes functional intrusions on the front (or other side) of a chassis enclosure to which a bezel is secured, that reduces the number and/or complexity of mechanical features that are conventionally employed, and/or that presents both an intuitive and pleasant user experience for the end user.

Abstract: The triaxial hinge includes a first hinge shaft attached to a first casing via a first bracket, a second hinge shaft attached to a second casing via a second bracket and a third hinge shaft coupled to one end portion of a first coupling part and one end portion of a second coupling part. Respective other end portions of both coupling parts are attached to the first hinge shaft. There is a gear type synchronous rotation unit for transmitting a rotation of one of the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft accompanied by an opening and closing operation of the both casings to the other hinge shaft via the third hinge shaft, which is made to move in a forward and backward direction as accompanied by an opening and closing operation of the both casings.

Abstract: A roller carriage for the reception of a sliding door includes a roller module for the displaceable affixing at a roller running path and a basic body for the attachment to the sliding door. The basic body is supported at the roller module to be displaceable along a direction of gravity (SKR) for a fine-tuning movement, wherein a first adjusting component for an adjusting movement is supported at the basic body to be movable. For a movement of the basic body along a direction of gravity in relation to the roller module when performing the adjusting movement, the first adjusting component is in operative connection with a second adjusting component of the roller module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a doorstop having an interchangeable decorative member. The doorstop has an elongated post that is designed for securing behind an interior door of a building. The decorative member carries a fitting member on the back surface, which allows the decorative member to snap onto the post. Decorative indicia can be imprinted on the front surface of the decorative member.

Abstract: A method of controlling a sunroof of a parked vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: monitoring a state of an engine; monitoring a state of the sunroof; monitoring a state of at least one accessory; initiating a timer when the state of the engine changes to an off state, the state of the sunroof is an open state, and the state of the at least one accessory is an off state; and closing the sunroof a period of time after initiation of the timer. The method may further include sensing for precipitation throughout the period of time, and closing the sunroof upon sensing precipitation regardless of whether the period of time has elapsed. The method may further include sensing for an occupant within the vehicle when the period of time has elapsed or when precipitation is sensed, and foregoing the step of closing the sunroof if an occupant is sensed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for preventing damage to a vehicle interior due to precipitation. The systems can include a location module, window control module, and rain sensor all communicatively linked to a processor. In the event a vehicle's windows are determined to be down, the processor can determine the likelihood of precipitation in the area of the vehicle's location. If precipitation is likely, the processor causes the rain sensor to be powered. If the rain sensor indicates the presence of precipitation, the processor directs the window control module to close the vehicle's windows.

Abstract: For low power environment management for an automobile, a method is disclosed that includes sensing an environmental condition at an automobile, comparing a level of the environmental condition to a selected threshold value, and adjusting the opening of one or more windows of the automobile based on the sensed environmental condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing apparatus for vacuum window manufacturing equipment, the sealing apparatus being configured to cover a vacuum hole formed in at least one glass plate for a vacuum window with a cover. The sealing apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber including an internal space and configured to be evacuated for forming a vacuum therein; a cartridge installed in the internal space and accommodating a plurality of covers; a cartridge elevator installed on the vacuum chamber and configured to sequentially lift or lower the cartridge; a cover transfer device installed in the internal space and configured to transfer the covers one by one from the cartridge; a cover-rest head configured to receive a cover from the cover transfer device; and a head elevator configured to lift up the cover-rest head to the vacuum hole of the glass plate.

Abstract: A security gate including an outer gate and an inner gate for selective passage of people and/or pets therethrough. In one example, the security gate includes: an outer frame; an outer gate at least partially disposed within the outer frame; an inner gate disposed within the outer gate, the inner gate comprising an inner frame having at least one recess; a door at least partially disposed within the inner frame; and at least one projection extending from the outer gate and engaging the at least one recess for supporting the inner gate within the outer gate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller shutter (10, 32, 42, 51) for opening and closing a doorway having a door leaf (11) and side rails (17) for guiding the door leaf (11), and having a coiling device (14) for selectively rolling up the door leaf (11) for opening the doorway and unrolling the door leaf (11) for closing the doorway. For reducing or avoiding the risk of creating a polygon effect and for providing a roller shutter (10, 32, 42, 51) comprising a door leaf having rigid shutter elements with an increased height and/or with the possibility of applying an increased speed for opening and/or closing the door leaf the roller shutter (10, 32, 42, 51) is characterized in that a separate guiding device (21, 33, 43) is provided for guiding the door leaf (11) in the area between the side rail (17) and the coiling device (14), wherein the guiding device (21, 33, 43) is arranged to adjust to an increasing diameter and to a decreasing diameter of the coiling device (14).