Abstract: The invention is a sink system in which a faucet is embedded within a sink cover. This allows a user to completely cover a sink, making the sink space available for other work without the inconvenience of disposing of a separate faucet fixture. The invention comprises a sink basin and a hinged sink cover attached to the basin. The sink cover fits exactly within the sink basin. The sink cover doubles as a faucet. It has a channel, which may extend entirely or partially through the sink cover, which directs a flow of water from a source of water, through the channel, and into the sink basin. The sink system may also have sensors and valves to control temperature and water flow, a digital display panel that displays temperature and flow rate, a user interface, or a visual indictor of water temperature, preferably by means of LED lights.

Abstract: A faucet apparatus includes a rotating operation unit that rotationally operates water spouting and shutting off operations, and a flow adjustment operation and a temperature adjustment operation of hot and cold water, an acceleration sensor that detects an attitude and a rotating movement of the rotating operation unit, and a control unit. The rotating operation unit moves without striding across a horizontal plane at a time of performing a rotating operation from a first operation position to a second operation position around a predetermined rotation axis in the water spouting state. The acceleration sensor is set in a state where a rotation axis at a time of rotating within a predetermined plane in response to the flow adjustment operation and temperature adjustment operation of the hot and cold water does not coincide with a gravity direction axis.

Abstract: The operating element (16) of a sanitary fitting has a temperature slide (20) and a flow rate slide (22). These two slides (20, 22) are movable back and forth along a first movement path (40) and a second movement path (42) respectively, in order to set, on the one hand, the temperature of the water and, on the other hand, the flow rate of the water. Sensors (54, 60) detect the location and the position of the temperature slide (20) and of the flow rate slide (22) and deliver corresponding temperature signals and flow rate signals to the electronic controller (56). This controller controls the valve bank (68) in such a way that water with the desired temperature and the set flow rate flows out of the sanitary fitting through the water outlet (28). Square or rectangular designs and a fitting (312) having virtual slide controls (340, 342) are also possible.

Abstract: A touch detection device has a sensing unit that includes a contact portion which comes into contact with an object, a vibration excitation element that vibrates the contact portion, a detection circuit that includes a drive circuit and a contact determination circuit, and an electrical wire that connects the vibration excitation element and the detection circuit, and is covered with a covering material. The vibration excitation element is covered with a potting layer made of resin through a predetermined internal space. While being inserted into the potting layer, the electrical wire has an end connected to the vibration excitation element, and an insertion portion inserted into the potting layer includes a non-covering portion formed by peeling of the covering material.

Abstract: Various embodiments for a drain debris straining assembly are described, where the drain debris straining assembly can be positioned inside a drain to collect hair and other debris. A drain debris straining assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a basket assembly. The basket assembly includes a basket body surrounding a hollow core and at least one opening configured to filter fluid to entrap debris. The basket assembly further includes a flexible rib configured to compress against an internal diameter of a drain flange to form a seal between the basket assembly and the drain flange. The drain debris straining assembly may also include a pop-up assembly having an interference ridge sized and positioned to contact at least one inner wall of the basket assembly to retain a vertical position of the pop-up assembly relative to the basket assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washstand cabinet. The washstand cabinet includes a washstand having a water supply valve and a washing bowl in which water is accommodated, a housing provided under the washstand to define an external shape thereof and having a modular space therein, and an air-conditioning module configured to discharge air outward from the housing or to move air into the modular space inside the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washstand cabinet. The washstand cabinet includes a washstand having a water supply valve and a washing bowl in which water is accommodated, a housing provided under the washstand and defining a storage space therein, at least one module accommodated inside the housing, the module being electrically operated, and a controller configured to recognize the module and control the recognized module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water disposable system comprised of a connecting member having a first side of the connecting member which is connected to at least one unwanted water source which feeds unwanted water to the toilet tank via gravity and further comprises at least one valve to control the flow of unwanted water. The water tank of the toilet is connected to a second side of the connecting member to receive unwanted water and is further enabled to receive fresh water from a fresh water pipe. The water tank comprises a strainer and a standpipe to refill the toilet bowl and the tank simultaneously whilst preventing debris from clogging the small ports within the rim of the toilet bowl. A flushing lever and a second end of the lever is coupled with a rubber flap via a chain with a small float attached at the minimum water line.

Abstract: A rain overflow basin for collecting and storing rainwater, mixed water, or wastewater, has an inflow, an outflow, a basin chamber, a basin spillway, which is equipped with a weir threshold and is connected downstream of the basin chamber. A drain discharges the basin spillway, and a purification device purifies water flowing from the basin chamber to the basin spillway. A retention wall between the basin chamber and the basin spillway dams up water accumulating in the basin chamber. Water draining from the basin chamber is dammed up in a storage space is between the retention wall and the weir threshold, to reach the basin spillway via the weir threshold. The retention wall includes a passage opening. A purification device extends into the basin chamber such that water draining from the basin chamber through the passage opening into the storage space flows through the retention element.

Abstract: A self-storage facility. The facility comprises a first set of commercial containers forming a first level of storage volume and a second set of commercial containers, atop the first set, forming a second level of storage volume.

Abstract: A collapsible modular building is constructed from at least two building modules that are joined together to form the building. Each building module is constructed to be configured in either a collapsed or erect position. In the collapsed position, each module is individually transported to a site by trailer. Once offloaded, the modules are joined together to form the building, this joining together of the modules can be done while the modules are in the collapsed position or in the erect position.

Abstract: An expansion joint design for supporting transfer loads. The system includes an elongated core and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member which are bonded together.

Abstract: A water damaged floor (10) is dried by forming an opening (18) in a flooring (14) of the floor and creating and forcing an airflow from a surrounding space (28) through the opening (18) into a ventilating space between the flooring (14) and a sub-floor (22). According to the invention, an end portion of the flooring (14) is elevated from the subfloor (22) for creating said ventilating space and for creating an air passage (27) between the ventilating space and the surrounding space (28) at an edge of the flooring (14).

Abstract: Described herein is a fire-rated system construction for building joint systems and method thereof, wherein a packing material and a non-porous adhesive article are used to pack and seal a building joint.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a masonry structure is described wherein polyester thread reinforcement strips are manufactured and mounted on the masonry structure to protect it from lateral forces caused by earthquake and other natural occurring phenomena that generally produce bending moments in the masonry structure. The disclosed method can easily and economically be applied to reinforce masonry structures in underprivileged regions.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to blocks for building landscape walls and similar structures, the molds used to make the blocks, and the methods for making the blocks. Such block can be securely coupled to another block. A block can be vertically coupled to another block by coupling the dorsal face of one block to the ventral face of another block. The block can be horizontally coupled by coupling the male side of one block to the female side of another block. A secure, exemplary landscape wall may be created by coupling the blocks both horizontally and vertically to reach a desired height, width, and shape.

Abstract: A zipped insulated partition allows entry and exit through a building opening, but once closed, prevents drafts and energy loss from a house or commercial building into its attic (and other energy losing openings such as crawl spaces). The insulated partition improves upon the insular quality and upon safety as is it can be operated from the stairs or a ladder with one hand. The partition is permanently installed and airtight. It is toughly made and protects its insulation layer, and it is designed to have a variable R-factor.

Abstract: A retaining wall having a plurality of courses of retaining wall blocks including a first upper course and a second lower course. Each retaining wall block has opposed front and rear faces, opposed first and second side surfaces, and opposed and substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces, and at least one weight bearing pad extends from one of the upper and lower surfaces. The at least one weight bearing pad extends substantially from the rear face to the front face of the block. The weight bearing pads are the only areas of contact between the blocks in the first upper course and the blocks in the second lower course.

Abstract: A waterproof board for use as a backing surface comprising a top face, a bottom face, a plurality of sides, a core layer having a thickness of about 5 millimeters, and a sound layer having a thickness of about 2 millimeters. The sound layer is generally interconnected to the core layer. The core layer may comprises at least two faces, either of which may comprise a textured surface. The textured surface may comprise either a substantially smooth finish or a substantially abrasive finish. The core layer comprises a densified foam material having a density of 490 kg/m3 to about 520 kg/m3, and a specific material composition, both of which enhance waterproofing and attain an optimal balance between rigidity and severability.

Abstract: A sheathing puller for use in a concrete post-tensioning system that includes at least one anchor assembly and a tension member comprising a cable and a sheath surrounding the cable, comprises a stationary coupler, a force applicator mechanically coupled to the stationary coupler, and a sheathing gripper mechanically coupled to the force applicator and configured to grip the sheath. Actuation of the force applicator may cause the sheathing gripper to grip the sheath and apply a longitudinal force thereto. The sheathing stationary coupler may be configured to engage the at least one anchor and the force applicator may be a pulley, screw, ratchet, bar clamp, pipe clamp, or screw clamp. Also disclosed is a method for mechanically coupling the stationary coupler to a fixed object, mechanically coupling the sheathing gripper to the sheath, and sliding the sheath along the tension member using the sheathing puller.

Abstract: A lightweight jack includes a pressure cylinder, where the pressure cylinder has a pressure cylinder passage and a pressure cylinder body, the pressure cylinder body being a block through which a cylinder body passage is formed. The pressure cylinder is mechanically coupled to the pressure cylinder. The lightweight jack further includes a hydraulic actuator, where the hydraulic actuator is coupled to the pressure cylinder body. The hydraulic actuator includes an inner hydraulic cylinder, the inner hydraulic cylinder mechanically coupled to an inner cylinder head, and an outer cylinder, the outer cylinder mechanically coupled to an outer cylinder head. The lightweight jack also includes an extending body, the extending body coupled to the hydraulic actuator. The extending body is a block through which an extending body passage is formed, wherein the pressure cylinder passage, the cylinder body passage, and the extending body passage are aligned to form a tension member channel.

Abstract: The continuous fiber reinforcing material tension apparatus includes a pressing body that presses a sleeve to a side of a fixed structure and contains a hollow portion, in which a wedge body is allowed to reciprocate along a continuous fiber reinforcing material, a cylindrical bracket located in an opposite side of the sleeve from the pressing body and having an inner wall surface on which a projection is formed, a columnar rotary jig that is allowed to reciprocate inside the bracket, that engages with an end face of the wedge body, that has a spiral key groove that engages with a key, and that applies rotative force around an axis of the continuous fiber reinforcing material, and a piston that presses an end face of the rotary jig to a side of the fixed structure.

Abstract: A system to produce a bitumen-based membrane provided with a bituminous surface covered by grains. The system comprises a movement device designed to more a preformed membrane in a predefined feed direction, a grain application machine comprising a rotating application drum provided with a plurality of cavities which are designed to receive grains in a loading region of said drum, a grain loading device designed to load the grains in the cavities in the loading region of the drum, and a grain retention device made of sintered polymer material, which is arranged in contact with a retention region for retaining the outer surface of the application drum so as to maintain the grains in the cavities until the latter reach an angular discharge position.

Abstract: A roof load support structure supports a load on a sloping metal panel roof such that substantially all of the load is conveyed through rails, which are mounted on roof panel ribs, thence through the roof panel ribs, and to underlying building support structure. Minor portions of the load can be conveyed through an upper diverter and a lower closure. The upper diverter diverts water laterally away from the support structure, in two opposing directions to two opposing sides of the support structure. The support structure spans at least first and second ones of the roof panels. Cut, terminal ends of an intermediate rib are cantilevered from purlins immediately above and below the support structure, and thus support middle portions of the upper diverter and the lower closure.

Abstract: A rain gutter cleaning tool has a scraper portion and a hook portion connected on opposite sides of a main body portion, as well as a tool attachment portion. The scraper portion is used to maneuver debris within a rain gutter to within the user's reach, while the hook portion is used to maneuver debris underneath gutter hangers which provide obstacles to the use of the scraper portion. The tool attachment portion is internally threaded to accommodate an extension pole. Thus, the user is able to easily and effectively clear a significant portion of a rain gutter without having to climb down from a ladder and move the ladder to a new spot in order to bring more debris within their reach for cleaning.

Abstract: A multifunction shading device, such as, for creating a pergola, including a structure that provides support for the device, modules equipped with a blind and a mechanism configured to control a length of the blind distributed along one axis of the structure.

Abstract: An awning arm is provided in which internal components are concealed and in which tension is adjustable. The arm includes an elbow that includes an outer knuckle that includes a top tang and a bottom tang, the tangs rotatably engaged to a circular encasement of an inner knuckle via a plurality of bushings. Two hubs are concealed by the encasement and the tangs, the hubs secured within the two tangs. A webbing is secured within the hubs, a pull upon the webbing urging the rotation of the hubs and consequently the outer knuckle and the elbow as a whole. Arm extrusions are attached to the outer and inner knuckles, with the rotation of the elbow causing the bending and straightening of the arm. Components that prevent the arm from overextending are concealed within the elbow.

Abstract: A distributed communications system comprises a substrate coated with a coating comprising a plurality of particles dispersed therein, the particles being tunable in response to an electric field applied to the substrate; a sensor distributed near the substrate; and a central hub in communication with the sensor and the substrate. The central hub is embodied in a computer structure having non-transitory computer readable medium with computer executable instructions stored thereon executed by a digital processor to analyze data received by the sensor, determine a magnitude of the electric field based on the data received by the sensor; and activate the electric field.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of retro-fitting an external insulation system to a building, and a retro-fit external insulation system for a building.

Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.

Abstract: Ceramic tile having a ceramic base layer and a cover glaze layer including a printed pattern, where the surface of the ceramic tile has a relief having structural features corresponding to the printed pattern. The structural features are at least partly formed in the surface of the ceramic base layer and manifest themselves through the glaze layer to the upper surface of the tile. Additionally, a method which allows for the manufacturing of such ceramic tiles.

Abstract: A dutchy for fastening to a frame, to secure at least one glass pane or panel against the frame, comprises opposed wings adjoined by at least one resilient web disposed substantially within a plane containing a line of flexure along which the at least one web bends. Each wing comprises at least an intermediate portion spaced from the frame, at least one foot for bearing against the glass pane, and at least one raised portion projecting forwardly beyond the front face of the web. A bearing surface for engagement by a fastener is disposed between the respective feet of the opposed wings. The raised portions of the wings are spaced apart along the line of flexure, such that when a force is applied to the bearing surface the web flexes elastically toward the frame, causing the opposed raised portions to move toward each other in proportion to the amount of the applied force.

Abstract: A bracket scaffold for arrangement on a curved surface of a structure includes a first securing element arranged on the structure. The bracket scaffold has an end-side first coupling element which is, in particular in a limited manner, pivotably arranged on a first carrier of the bracket scaffold. A rotation axis of the first coupling element preferably intersects with the support location of the first coupling element on the first securing element. The pivot radius of the first coupling element describes in particular a concave pivot arc on the first carrier. The rotation axis is located from the first guide preferably in the direction of the free end of the first coupling element. Extension torques in the articulation, which is formed by the first guide, are minimized by the bracket scaffold being pulled away from the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in construction to assist in the support of suspended concrete during at least a curing phase of the concrete. The apparatus comprises a base member and a support member coupled to the base member and moveable relative to the base member between a first relative position (“first position”) and a second relative position (“second position”). A biasing mechanism is operatively coupled to the support member to bias the support member toward the second position. In use, the support member is positioned to engage and support the suspended concrete and move from the first position toward the second position as the concrete cures and contracts, to maintain substantially continuous support to the concrete during at least a substantial period of the curing phase. In the preferred embodiment the apparatus is configured for use with a support prop.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to an integrated construction system. In one implementation, the integrated construction system includes a first panel for a formwork configuration of the integrated construction system, a second panel for a shoring configuration of the integrated construction system, and a third panel for a worker access configuration of the integrated construction system. The first panel, the second panel and the third panel are the same panel type.

Abstract: A wheeled hose moving device that is movable over a support surface and that is operable to grasp, lift and move a concrete supply hose at the support surface. The device includes a wheeled support including a hose grasping device and at least one hose support element. The hose grasping device includes a pair of grasping arms configured to grasp and release a concrete supply hose. The hose grasping device is vertically movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The hose support element includes a pair of support arms that pivot relative to one another. The pair of grasping arms move from their opened state toward their closed state to engage and grasp the concrete supply hose. As the grasping device raises the grasped hose upward, the support arms pivot from their opened state toward their closed state to support the grasped and raised hose.

Abstract: A screed board for grading wet concrete comprising an elongated screed beam having a pair of spaced apart handles each having first and second ends where the first end of each handle is angularly attached to the beam and each handle comprises an elongated shaft having a hand grip fixed to and protruding from the top of the shaft proximate its top end, and a substantially semi-circular band secured to the top of the shaft at its top end.

Abstract: A wave-generating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wave pool with a bottom, wherein the bottom is upwardly-inclined along a length of the wave pool and defines a deep edge and a beach edge. A wave generator is placed adjacent to the deep edge. An open wave-damping trough is placed adjacent to the beach edge and adapted to retain water. The apparatus is constructed such that when the wave generator is not actuated, the pool retains water defining a static water level and a portion of the beach edge is above the static water level. When the wave generator is actuated, it creates a wave that propagates across the wave pool from the deep edge to the beach edge, and the wave energy is dampened when the wave encounters the water retained in the trough.

Abstract: A paddle wheel mechanism for a pool cleaner is provided. The paddle wheel mechanism includes a housing, a paddle wheel shaft, and a paddle wheel. The housing includes an internal flow area and the paddle wheel shaft is supported by the housing. The paddle wheel is supported by the paddle wheel shaft and includes a paddle wheel base extending along a base width, a first-type blade, and a second-type blade. The first-type blade extends radially outward from the paddle wheel base and includes a first blade portion extending from a first side of the paddle wheel base for a first blade width less than the base width. The second-type blade extends radially outward from the paddle wheel base and includes a second blade portion extending from a second, opposite side of the paddle wheel base for a second blade width less than the base width.

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising a rigid frame having disposed thereon at least one opening for receiving a pole of a pool brush, the device further having means for securing the device in stationary position. The opening has a perimeter defining a surface adapted for use as a fulcrum. Means for securing the device may be one or a plurality of footpads, or it may be an elongated cord connected to the frame and adapted to secure about a stationary object.

Abstract: A device for guiding bracing cables in a tower of a wind turbine. The device comprises at least one guide bracket to be arranged in the tower between a tower wall and at least one of the bracing cables, such that the at least one bracing cable bears against the guide bracket and is thereby guided along the tower wall, and a bracket mount for attaching the guide bracket to the tower wall, wherein the position of the guide bracket in the circumferential direction of the tower along the bracket mount can be changed in order to match the position of the at least one bracing cable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a novel ground anchoring umbrella stand comprising a sleeve and a plurality of opposing pairs of forked anchor legs having horizontal sections extending radially from the sleeve and transitioning downwardly to vertical sections such that the umbrella stand may be freestanding and may be thrust into the ground for anchoring of the umbrella stand and an umbrella by a user's foot, on dry land or in a submerged environment. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal sections of the anchor legs are adapted to torsionally strain between the sleeve and the vertical sections of the anchor legs such that, in an anchored position, the umbrella stand can self-return to an upright position upon the exertion and release of external forces acting upon the stand. The sleeve is preferably configured to securely receive a pole such as for a beach umbrella, a tent, a volleyball net, and a fishing pole.

Abstract: A system of anchored structural support elements for use in horticulture, commonly referred to as a “trellis anchor,” as employed to support plant growth in orchards, vineyards, hop fields and the like, in both indoor and outdoor use. The trellis anchor and anchoring system has an anchor base support with a support cradle that extends from a footing to support superstructures. The support cradle receives a trellis pole anchor and the support cradle extends upward and at a support angle. Multiple anchor base supports with trellis pole anchors assembled in an extended structure, as employed in a plant-support in a collective assembly of stakes, poles, wires and shade structures, water delivery systems, sensors, or similar superstructures.

Abstract: A system for providing shade onto a surface is described herein. The system includes a canopy configured for engagement with, and aerial suspension by, a frame. The frame includes a plurality of sections configured for end-to-end alignment from a left end to a right end of the frame. Each section is configured to engage with any adjacent sections to form the frame. The ends of the frame are secured to the surface, thereby aerially suspending the canopy and providing shade to the surface.

Abstract: A folding vehicle roof top tent. The fixed base is in a ladder shape and fixed to the vehicle roof, and one end of the fixed base is connected to one end of the movable base which is in a ladder shape by a pair of the connection block assemblies. Each of the connection block assembly comprises a first connection block connected to the fixed base, a second connection block connected to the movable base, and a main connection block, both the first connection block and the second connection block are hinged to the main connection block. The support is hinged to the main connection block. The tent cloth covers the support in a fixed manner, and bottom edges of the tent cloth are fixedly connected to the fixed base and the movable base simultaneously. One end of the telescopic ladder is hinged to the other end of the movable base.

Abstract: Disclosed are eave structures and tent frames with eave structures. A tent frame includes supporting poles, side pole units, an upper frame, and two or more eave structures. An eave structure includes a sleeve member, first, second and third corner poles, and an eave pole. The sleeve member is coupled or formed with a first connector fixedly coupled with an upper end portion of a supporting pole. The first, second and third corner poles collectively form a substantially triangular pyramid when unfolded. The eave pole has a first end portion pivotally connected with the first or second corner pole and a second end portion slidably coupled with the sleeve member. The eave structures can be folded and unfolded together with the supporting poles, side pole units and the upper frame. When unfolded, the eave poles of the eave structures extend beyond the supporting poles.

Abstract: Disclosed are eave structures and tent frames. A tent frame includes a supporting pole, a fixed connector fixedly coupled with an upper end portion of the supporting pole and at least one sliding connector slidably coupled with the supporting pole and movable along the supporting pole below the fixed connector. An eave structure includes first and primary eave poles, each having a first end pivotally connected with the fixed connector. An eave structure also includes first and second support eave poles, each having a first end pivotally connected with the at least one sliding connector and a second end pivotally connected with the corresponding first or second primary eave pole. When the tent frame is unfolded, the first and second primary eave poles extend outwardly and upwardly with respect to the supporting pole, and form a first angle in-between.

Abstract: Disclosed are eave structures and tent frames with eave structures. A tent frame includes supporting poles, side pole units, an upper frame, and two or more eave structures. An eave structure includes an eave pole, and a sleeve member coupled with a supporting pole. The eave pole has a first end portion pivotally connected with an oblique pole of the upper frame, and a second end portion slidably coupled with the sleeve member. The eave structures can be folded and unfolded together with the supporting poles, side pole units and the upper frame. When unfolded, the eave poles of the eave structures extend beyond the upper frame.

Abstract: The present invention regards an insulated tarpaulin and method for producing same insulated tarpaulin consisting of at least two layers of fabric further characterized by that at least a first layer of fabric has means for securing at least one piece of insulation to it and a second layer of fabric connected to said first layer of fabric and at least one valve attached to said tarpaulin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door opening and closing structure including a door plate, a transverse bar, a zipper and a pulling string. When a tension is applied on the pulling string and the tension is greater than a gravity of the transverse bar and at least a portion of the door plate, and the at least a portion of the door plate is driven by the transverse bar to move along the extension direction to form an opening. When the tension is less than the gravity of the transverse bar and the at least a portion of the door plate, the door plate is driven by the transverse bar to move along the gravity direction to reduce the opening.