Abstract: A decking system and method comprising a set of components that may be used for constructing and repairing structures, particularly the connection between fascia boards. The components may be shaped such that they fit together to form a connection between fascia boards at any angle while providing protective cover from the elements and a polished look. The components may be composed of a variety of materials and may be extruded. A decorative pattern, engraving, or embossing, or any of the above may be applied to the components as desired.

Abstract: Deck components comprising a post sleeve and flanges extending away from side walls of the post sleeve are described. The post sleeve has a rectangular cross section. Interior flanges can comprise attachment holes for affixing the interior flanges to box-frame-segments having square-cut edges. Box-frame-segments and box-frame-segment attachments with square-cut edges can abut the exterior surface of a post sleeve side wall. Use of the post sleeve can reduce or eliminate the need to produce beveled joints box-frame-segments and box-frame-segment attachments.

Abstract: A header board bracket for coupling a deck to a structure includes a brace that comprises first, second, third, and fourth plates. The second plate is coupled to and extends perpendicularly between bottoms of the first and third plates. The first plate is dimensionally longer than the third plate. The fourth plate is scalene right triangularly shaped. The fourth plate is coupled to and extends perpendicularly from the first and second plates. The third and fourth plates define a slot. Each of a plurality of holes that is positioned through the first plate is configured to insert a connector to couple the brace to a structure. A plurality of the braces is configured to couple to the structure with the braces horizontally aligned. The slots of the braces are configured to insert a board to retain the board as a deck that comprises the board floats relative to the structure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an acoustic deck includes a deck member defining a cavity and a movable tunable insert disposed at least partially within the cavity of the deck member. The tunable insert is rotatable or translatable relative to the deck member to alter acoustic effects of the acoustic deck. The acoustic deck can be installed in a room, and the acoustic tunable insert rotated or translated in order to achieve desired acoustic effects in the room. Also disclosed is a system of acoustic decks and a method of operating the acoustic deck.

Abstract: A hollow prefabricated masonry lintel made at a fabrication site and configured for transportation to a build site has a base row formed of U-shaped blocks laid end to end with adjacent ends adhered with mortar. A hollow horizontal cavity along a length of the base row is formed of each recess of the U-shaped blocks. A slit is formed in a top surface of each of the two side walls of the U-shaped blocks along the length of the base row, the slit having a width no larger than 20% of a width of the top surface. Provisional reinforcement is fully embedded within the slit with a bonding material, with a size of the slit and the provisional reinforcement providing tensile strength during transportation of the prefabricated masonry lintel from the fabrication site to the build site with the hollow horizontal cavity having no grout and no code-required reinforcement.

Abstract: A sheathing retention capsule may include an outer body, the outer body having a tapered inner surface defining a forcing surface. The sheathing retention capsule may also include one or more holding wedges. At least one of the one or more holding wedges may have a tapered outer surface abutting the inner surface of the outer body. At least one of the one or more holding wedges may have an inner wall.

Abstract: A roofing material including a substrate having a top face and a bottom face. The roofing material further includes a non-asphalt coating applied to the substrate and an asphalt layer covering at least a portion of the top face. The bottom face is asphalt-free, or substantially asphalt-free.

Abstract: A cladding tie for providing a support connection between cladding and a vertical backup wall is disclosed. The tie has a base and a retainer assembly. The base has a shaft extending from a back plate. The retainer assembly has a retainer member, and a cladding connection member. The retainer member has a cladding connection member recess. The cladding connection member is movable relative to the retainer to permit differential movement between the cladding connection member and the retainer when the cladding connection member is connected to the retainer.

Abstract: Floor panel, which, at least at two opposite sides, includes coupling parts with which two of such floor panels can be coupled to each other; wherein these coupling parts form a horizontally active locking system and a vertically active locking system; wherein the horizontally active locking system comprises a male part in the form of a downwardly directed projection and a female part with a seat open towards the top, which have horizontally active locking surfaces; and wherein the vertically active locking system comprises a vertically active locking element, which forms part of an insertion piece provided in the female part; wherein the insertion piece is formed at least of the combination of a bottom part; a back part adjoining thereto and an elastically movable lock-up body directed downward with a free extremity, which lock-up body, by means of a hinge portion, is connected directly or indirectly to the back part.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to building tools that are high quality, durable, and in some case lightweight. For example, various tools may made by forming multiple sections into a single integrated piece by, for example, casting the parts using a molding process so as to reduce manufacturing cost and increase the structural durability of the tool. The tools may be made in such a way as to allow for easier assembly, operation, and cleaning. Further, various tools may be made, at least in part, using a material including magnesium to reduce the weight of the tool. Still further, various tools may be made using one or more protective coatings for protecting various metals against corrosion, for example, using a high impact coating such as paint covered with a clear coat of lacquer.

Abstract: A dampening mechanism in combination with a compound applicator. The combination includes a compound applicator which further includes an incrementally iterative advancement mechanism for urging a plunger along a tube reservoir in preselected incremental strokes. The plunger urges compound along the tube reservoir and out through an applicator head. The compound applicator includes a device for dampening pressure spikes created in the tube reservoir during an incremental stroke of the plunger.

Abstract: A carpentry tool for pushing deck, flooring or other boards toward one another on a joist or underlying substructure. The tool can be operated with one hand, leaving the other hand free for installation of a fastener. The tool can leave an area adjacent the joist and board exposed so that a fastener can be installed in the board and joist in that area. The tool can include a pusher cam rotatably joined with a base, and fixedly joined with a lever. A joist cam and joist blade can be joined with the base, disposed opposite one another across a variable width joist recess. The pusher cam and joist cam can be mechanically coupled to the base so that rotation of the pusher cam urges rotation of the joist cam, thereby causing the joist cam to dynamically grip the joist and prevent the tool from rocking and/or moving away from the pushed board.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting workers and materials above-grade on both the eave and gable ends of a structure is disclosed. The apparatus can be combined with one or more additional staging apparatuses to create a staging system for the support of persons or materials while work is being done on a structure, e.g., roofing, siding, etc. The modular design of the apparatus simplifies installation, such that it can be readily attached to a roof or other support member of a structure by a single person, and facilitates the adjustable vertical positioning of people or materials along the walls of the structure. The staging system can also include a rail member for safety support and alternative scaffolding arrangements.

Abstract: A utility storage mechanism for an inflatable swimming pool includes a substantially elastic outer wall having a top perimeter, an interior surface of the outer wall defining a fluid-containing interior, the utility storage mechanism comprising a strap adapted to encircle the outer wall proximate the top perimeter, wherein when a tensioning force is placed upon the strap, the strap substantially conforms to elastic movements of the outer wall. At least one bracket is coupled to the strap at a bracket-connection portion, the at least one bracket including a receiving member for receiving at least one pool utility fixture, wherein the bracket is coupled to the bracket-connection portion and is in a substantially abutting relationship with an exterior surface of the outer wall.

Abstract: A swimming pool or spa filtration system debris guard for preventing debris on the water surface from entering the opening of the filtration system. The debris guard having a screen and a detachable net assembly positioned substantially perpendicularly to the screen for collection of debris, with a spring activated post to secure the screen within or in front of a swimming pool skimmer opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movable and height-extensible automated bicycle storage facility of which the height is simply increased by separately manufacturing a section exceeding a height limit under the Road Traffic Act, transporting and assembling the section at a desired place to use the automated bicycle storage facility manufactured in a container shape at the place. The present invention is characterized by ensuring a sufficient height by coupling a height extension cover to the top of the bicycle deck to prevent a bicycle from hitting against the top of the bicycle deck when the bicycle is loaded at an angle in the bicycle deck in the front-rear direction and then lifted and loaded onto the second floor, and by temporarily reducing the height by separating the height extension cover in order not to violate the Road Traffic Act when moving the bicycle deck to another place.

Abstract: A supporting frame includes a truss composed of an upper straight frame member and a parallel lower straight frame member supported at their ends in spaced relationship relative to each other. At least two spans of divergent inclined brace member extend between them with the ends of the brace member spans each being securable to the upper or lower straight frame member by means of a fastener. Limited relative longitudinal movement of the upper and lower straight frame members is permitted before a fastener is secured to fix the positions at which the ends of the brace member spans are attached to the upper and lower straight frame members. In one application two trusses meet at a corner with a pylon being urged in the plane of the supporting frame into a corner between two frame members of each pair of trusses to extend at right angles to the frame.

Abstract: A platform for a cemetery lowering device comprising a base having a tapered edge and a non-skid surface, wherein the base comprises an opening for a casket to be lowered through the base, a frame and skin, and one or more adjustable-height footings. The frame and skin may be formed of a single piece of polymer, fiberglass, or metal. The skin may be removably attached to the frame. The non-skid surface may comprise grooves. The base may comprise a guide for positioning the cemetery lowering device on the base. The guide is an impression in a surface of the base. The base may comprise a first flange around a perimeter of the opening extending vertically from a top surface of the base. Each one of the adjustable-height footings is threaded such that height adjustments of the one of the adjustable-height footings comprise rotating the one of the adjustable-height footings.

Abstract: An access tunnel system comprising at least one access tunnel for the sheltered guidance of persons to a vehicle, an aircraft, a building or the like. In accordance with the invention, a node element is provided at which the access tunnel opens and which at least one further access tunnel adjoins.

Abstract: A portable screening assembly for provision of privacy in public spaces includes a pair of rings. A sleeve and a plurality of slats are coupled to and extend between the rings. The sleeve is open ended. The slats are coupled to and coiledly positioned on the sleeve. The slats are elastic rendering them compressible. A plurality of couplers is coupled to the sleeve proximate to a top of the sleeve. The slats, in a resting position, place the sleeve is in an extended configuration to screen a user who is positioned in the sleeve. The slats are configured to be compressed to position the slats and the sleeve in a compressed configuration. The couplers are configured to support the sleeve on shoulders of the user. The couplers also are positionable to mutually couple to retain the slats and the sleeve in the compressed configuration.

Abstract: A fence panel is provided having a plurality of sub-panel assemblies positioned in a linear arrangement and coupled together via panel rails extending between opposing lateral ends of the fence panel. Each sub-panel assembly may include a plurality of fence boards coupled together by sub-panel rails that extend between opposing lateral ends of the sub-panel assembly. The panel rails may insertably receive a respective linear arrangement of the sub-panel rails. In addition, a respective sub-panel assembly spacer may be positioned between adjacent ones of the sub-panel assemblies to separate the sub-panel assemblies from each other. The fence panel may be provided in a kit consisting of a single packaged arrangement of fence panel components comprising or consisting of the sub-panel assemblies, sub-panel assembly spacers and the panel rails.

Abstract: A system and method for tensioning cables for use in railings includes anchor bodies positioned in posts to receive terminal ends of cables and tensioner members that apply force to the terminal ends of the cables.

Abstract: In combination with a door, a door jamb and a latch bolt, a door security device for preventing the jimmying of a door latch bolt comprising a strike plate; a barrier plate comprising a base portion, a barrier portion and a hinge providing mechanical connection between said base portion and said barrier portion, the barrier plate designed and configured to conform to and fill the gap formed between the door and the door jamb upon closing the door into the door jamb; and one or more fasteners for installing the door security device into the door jamb.

Abstract: An electronic barrel lock and key system that functions in combination with a computer that codes an electronic master key, or an electronic standard key, or an electronic programming module and includes an electronic lock having a lock security device. The master key has no restrictions, based on how it is programmed, therefore it can open any of the locks. The standard key includes restrictions that precludes the key from opening the lock. The programming module cannot open a lock it is only used to program or reprogram a lock. The lock security device is utilized to prevent a person from opening the lock by applying a high temperature to the lock. The security device utilizes a low-melt alloy that is isolated from the electronic elements located within the lock. When the low-melt alloy melts it causes the lock to be placed in a permanent locked state. The system also has a non-rotating non-keyed interface between the key and the lock.

Abstract: A cover is fitted to an aperture in an enclosure. A biasing mechanism is connected to the cover to mechanically bias the cover in an open position. An adhesive member is disposed around the aperture to retain the cover in a closed position against the bias of the biasing mechanism. A release mechanism effects release of the cover from the adhesive member by diminishing adhesion thereof in response to an open command signal.

Abstract: A watertight door or window comprising a frame and a leaf mounted on the frame and arranged movably with respect thereto between an open position and closed position, and further comprising: a striker element arranged on the leaf, a locking element arranged on the frame and provided with a hook end designed to engage with the striker element so as to lock the leaf against the frame following closing of the leaf, and a striker actuating mechanism arranged on the leaf and able to be actuated when the leaf is in a closed position and the locking element is engaged with the striker element. The actuating mechanism is provided for releasing the striker element from a closed position, where the striker element is positioned inside a recess in the hook end of the locking element, to an open position, where the striker element is extracted from the recess in the hook end of the locking element. The actuating mechanism can be reset when the leaf is closed again.

Abstract: A bicycle locking device coupled to a bicycle and configured to prevent a wheel from turning. The locking device is configured with a transceiver to communicate with a remote device to receive locking and unlocking indications, and to transmit tampering indications to the remote device. The locking device can generate an audible sound when tampering is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to secure a bolt cutter, wire cutter, cable cutter or other type of pivot handled tool with two protruding tabs whose apertures align with each other as the handles of the pivot handled tool enter a closed position. A shackle of a padlock may be inserted through the aligned apertures to lock the handles in the closed position.

Abstract: A vehicular door device in which an inner handle is connected to a latch mechanism with a wire so as to be capable of being linked, and in which a latch release restriction device that disables and restricts a link between the inner handle and the latch is provided in an operation transmission path ranging from the inner handle to the latch with the wire in between. A release motor that actuates the latch in an engagement releasing direction is provided, the release motor being linked to the latch without having the wire between itself and the latch. When a switch operation of the door opening switch is performed, restriction to the link performed by the latch release restriction device is cancelled and the release motor is actuated in the engagement releasing direction without waiting for the cancellation of the restriction to be completed.

Abstract: A door-equipped housing includes a box body having an opening formed on one side thereof, and a door to close the opening, the door being supported by the box body to be rotatable about a rotational axis. The box body has a projecting portion formed on an inside of a wall of the box body extending from the opening toward a deep side of the box body. The door includes a hook portion to engage the projected portion for preventing the door from opening, the hook portion being located on a deeper side of the box body than the projecting portion as the door closes the opening, and a flexible part extending in a direction away from a surface of the wall having the projected portion formed thereon as the door closes the opening. The flexible part bends together with a movement of the hook portion to climb over the projecting portion during an opening/closing operation of the door.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening device opens and closes a door with a motor. In the vehicle door opening device, an opening reversible member on which an opening cable is wound is disposed on a top surface of a center guide rail, and a closing reversible member on which a closing cable is wound is disposed under a lower surface of the center guide rail. A moving member moves along the center guide rail and comprises a closing coupling portion to which the closing cable is coupled and an opening coupling portion to which the opening cable coupled. The closing cable moves along the lower surface of the center guide rail, and the opening cable moves along the top surface of the center guide rail.

Abstract: The invention is a bag, suitcase, wallet, money belt, purse or briefcase; a flexible vault of the present invention includes an outer pouch having a multilayer construction. The multilayer construction includes at least an inner layer, an outer layer, a first middle layer, and a second middle layer. In addition to the outer pouch, the flexible vault can also include an inner pouch having an extendable roll up portion which extends through an opening in the outer pouch when the outer pouch and the inner pouch are in an open position. The front panel, back panel, and fold over panel of the outer pouch each include an aperture. When the outer pouch is in a closed position the apertures align, enabling a locking mechanism to be threaded through all the apertures which secures the pouch in the closed position.

Abstract: Compound fenestration assembly mull joints, compound fenestration assemblies using those mull joints, and methods of making and using the same are described herein. The mull joints in compound fenestration assemblies as described herein use universal joining strips to form both sides of a mull joint, as well as other universal components such as, e.g., corner gussets, locator plates, end plugs, seal members, etc. that may be used as needed to form mull joints as required in a compound fenestration assembly.

Abstract: An approach for creation of an electrical vault cover that is able to generate power that is stored in a battery for use by a heater to maintain the temperature above a minimum in a utility vault.

Abstract: A fire door includes an intermediate member formed in the shape of a plate and arranged between a first plate member and a second plate member; a first heat insulating material arranged between the first plate member and the intermediate member; a second heat insulating material arranged between the second plate member and the intermediate member; a first coupling member for coupling the first plate member and the intermediate member, arranged so as to extend through the first heat insulating material; and a second coupling member for coupling the second plate member and the intermediate member, arranged so as to extend through the second heat insulating material. The first coupling member is arranged so as to be spaced away from both of the second plate member and the second coupling member. The second coupling member is arranged so as to be spaced away from the first plate member, and the first plate member and the second plate member are arranged so as to be spaced away from each other.

Abstract: A window structure is configured to form a principal chamber enclosing a first window pane installed in an exterior wall of a building. The window structure includes a first surface configured to absorb solar energy and a main frame including a second window pane. An axial hinge is configured to allow to the main frame to tilt between a first position and a second position. When the main frame is tilted in the first position, the first surface is positioned in a first orientation that allows the first surface to directly receive sunlight through the second window pane. When the main frame is tilted in the second position, the first surface is positioned in a second orientation in which the first surface is prevented from directly receiving sunlight through the second window pane. The window structure may be used for ventilating the structure and shading during the warm weather.

Abstract: A hidden insect screen system for tilt-to-clean, double hung windows whereby raising the bottom sash (104) causes resultant opening to fill with insect screen (115a) dispensed from an ordinary self-storing roller mechanism (114) mounted inside bottom rail (109) of said sash and whereby lowering the upper sash (105) causes resultant opening to fill with insect screen (115b) dispensed from an ordinary self-storing roller mechanism (122) mounted inside window head frame (103), all furnished such that vertical edges of the screens are protected from insect passage by contacting weatherstrip-like edge seals (127), and arranged such that insect protection is maintained with minimal interruption when each sash is tilted and its glazing is cleaned, the lower end of the upper screen being attached so as to be quickly repositioned from top to bottom of said upper sash.

Abstract: A podium ladder adapter permits the supporting of tools or materials to be used at a construction site. The podium ladder adapter is especially useful for supporting a cart on a podium ladder, when the cart contains those tools or materials. The podium ladder adapter is used to support a cart used for transporting the required tools and materials around the construction site and support that cart on a podium ladder.

Abstract: A collapsible ladder safety system for a ladder having first and second vertical ladder rail and a plurality of step rungs extending between the first and second vertical rails, the system comprising first and second upright tubular hand rails and a cross member pivotally attached to each of the first and second parallel upright tubular hand rails. The tubular hand rails or cross member are releasably securable to an upper end of the ladder. The first and second upright tubular hand rails are collapsible against the cross member when not secured to the ladder.

Abstract: A drill string for drilling a subterranean wellbore includes a shaft connectable to a first drill string portion and a housing connectable to a second drill string portion. A torque relief section is disposed between the shaft and housing. The torque relief section includes a slip section operable to slip and release torque buildup when torque applied between the shaft and housing exceeds a threshold torque. The threshold torque of the torque relief section is selected to be within the range of about 110% and 150% of the operating torque and below the peak operating torque for the drill string.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device for driving a drill rod having a drive means with a rotary drive and a vibration drive for driving an output shaft in a rotating and axially vibrating manner and an adapter means which is coupled with the output shaft and comprises an outer adapter for connecting an outer rod and an inner adapter for connecting an inner rod. The outer adapter is adapted to transmit the rotational movement and the axially vibrating movement of the output shaft to the outer rod. The inner adapter is supported in an axially displaceable and spring-mounted manner in the outer adapter. The invention further relates to a method for operating a drive device.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid flowing through a bore of a downhole tubular. A housing containing a rotor is located in the bore. Drilling fluid flowing through the housing actuates rotation of the rotor relative to the housing, which in turn drives movement of an actuator valve assembly to vary flow of drilling fluid between the bore and an actuator chamber defined by the actuator valve assembly and the housing. The resulting variation in drilling fluid pressure within the actuator chamber actuates a pulse valve assembly to vary flow of drilling fluid through the housing and into the bore. The varying drilling fluid pressure may be used to induce a percussive effect in a drill bit assembly coupled to the downhole tubular.

Abstract: A threaded drill string component having a hollow elongate body with a box end portion, an opposing pin end portion and a cylindrical mid-body portion that extends longitudinally between the respective box and pin end portions and has a variable wall diameter. The mid-body inner wall of the mid-body portion has at least one projecting portion or upset that is spaced from both the box and pin end portions and extends inwardly toward a central longitudinal axis of the hollow body and a plurality of troughs defined in the mid-body inner wall of the mid-body portion.

Abstract: A gap sub comprises a female member comprising a first and second plurality of apertures, and a male member comprising a first and second plurality of cavities. A plurality of non-conductive pins may be inserted through the second plurality of apertures and the second plurality of cavities, thereby locking the relative positions of the female and male members. A plurality of conductive pins may be inserted through the first plurality of apertures and the first plurality of cavities such that there are no electrical connections between the conductive pins and the male member. A dielectric material may be inserted between the male member and the conductive pins.

Abstract: An inground isolator and associated method can provide an electrically isolated break in a drill string using electrical insulating members/isolators that are supported by a housing. During drill string operations, the isolators are subject only compressive forces responsive to both extension (pushing) and retraction (pulling) by the drill string. The isolators can be formed from an electrically insulating material such as a ceramic material. An interchangeable inground tool system is described which integrally serves to provide an electrically isolating gap in the drill string.

Abstract: A top sub, for connection to a tubing string of a production well, has a first engagement structure, and a mandrel has a second engagement structure. A coupling engages the first and second engagement structures. A housing covers an internal space of the tubing swivel, in which the coupling is located. The coupling includes a first coupling structure having a shape complementary to a shape of the first engagement structure and a second coupling structure having a shape complementary to a shape of the second engagement structure. One of (i) the first engagement structure and the first coupling structure and (ii) the second engagement structure and the second coupling structure has a clutch mechanism to enable the top sub to be rotated in a first direction relative to the mandrel and to rotate the mandrel with rotation of the top sub in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A centralizer for centralizing a tubular in a conduit is described. The centralizer comprises a body comprising a upper body portion and a lower body portion and a plurality of arms linking the upper body portion to the lower body portion. Relative movement of the upper and lower body portions towards each other causes the arms to buckle radially outwards into a set configuration in which the arms are engaged, in use, with a conduit.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in a wellbore is disclosed, including a bit body having a longitudinal axis; and at least one moveable member associated with a lateral extent of the bit body, wherein the at least one moveable member is configured to translate in a member axis that is substantially longitudinal. Further, a method of drilling a wellbore is disclosed, including providing a drill bit including a bit body having a longitudinal axis and at least one movable member associated with a lateral extent of the bit body; conveying a drill string into a formation, the drill string having the drill bit at the end thereof; drilling the wellbore using the drill string; and selectively translating at least one movable member in a member axis that is substantially longitudinal.

Abstract: A surface handling tool for casing employs slips to grab the casing internally and a lock that operates mechanically in conjunction with the setting of the slips. The slips rub on the inside wall to hold an outer housing against rotation. The top sub and mandrel are rotated in tandem relative to the outer housing that is held by the rubbing of the slips on insertion. The mandrel rises when rotated to extend the slips while lock segments ratchet over a series of protrusions that are shaped to resist downward movement of the mandrel. Once slips and lock are set, subsequent rotation will not release the lock or slips. When the casing is supported on the rig floor weight can be set down and a spring compressed as the leading ramp of the top sub retracts the lock segments such that rotation to the right can then retract the slips.

Abstract: A bending restrictor for a rigid but resilient rod-shaped intervention cable includes a series of pipe sections and articulation sleeves. Each pipe section includes a straight pipe piece with a spherical sector in either end. Each articulation sleeve includes two axially oppositely directed spherical-sector seats for holding about each pipe's spherical sector. The spherical sector seats are arranged in either ends of a central axial passage for the intervention cable. Two guide sheaves each with its sheave groove reside in the articulation sleeve's axial plan is laterally displaced relative to the middle of the axial passage so as for enveloping the axial passage for the intervention cable. The articulation sleeve is provided with two opposite axially directed and flattened pivot funnels, and each pivot funnel is provided with its narrower end in adjacent to each its spherical-sector seat.