Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture relating to engineered hardwood flooring are provided. Engineered hardwood flooring is produced by drying a structural layer comprising a hardwood to a moisture content from about 0.1% to about 3%, whereupon a cell structure of the hardwood collapses. The dried structural layer is humidified to where the hardwood has an increased moisture content greater than about 3%. First and second outer layers are adhered to respective first and second sides of the structural layer to form an engineered product, the structural layer sandwiched by the first outer layer and the second outer layer.

Abstract: A floor panel is provided. The floor panel composition includes a wear layer and a base layer. The base layer includes a first base sections having a first composition of polyvinyl chloride, filler, and plasticizer, a second base sections having a second composition with a higher content of polyvinyl and plasticizer than the first composition, and a glass fiber section positioned between the first base section and the second base section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for laying tiles (2) on a laying substrate, in which, initially, tile adhesive (8) is applied to the laying substrate and the tiles (2) are subsequently laid in the tile adhesive (8), characterized in that, before applying the tile adhesive (8) to the laying surface, leveling strips (5) of the same height are affixed so that the top faces of the leveling strips (5) lie in a common reference plane, and in that the tile adhesive (8) is applied between the leveling strips (5) with some protrusion which is then, using a screeding board (9) guided along the top faces of the leveling strips (5), removed down to the level of the reference plane, generating a flat tile adhesive layer (11).

Abstract: A platform system is configured to allow an individual to be supported at a plurality of different heights, and includes a frame defining a plurality of platform adjustment levels, and an upper support platform that is configured to be selectively moved between the plurality of platform adjustment levels to provide the plurality of different heights.

Abstract: A platform and a kit therefor. The platform and the kit comprises quad-chord trusses attachable end-to-end and having connector members intermediate thereof, and further comprising beams attachable at their ends to the connector members so that a beam attaches two parallel trusses. A truss comprises first and second pairs of chords which are foldable for storage and transport and unfoldable to use for erection of the platform. A track lies between the upper chords to allow movement of bolts along the track into position to attach for insertion into decking apertures for attachment of the decking. The kit also includes a sturdy and reliable and easy to use tie-up mechanism and railing along the platform perimeter which is quickly and easily attachable and reliable.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for pool step forms and related methods for forming steps in a pool formed by wall panels. The step forms may include a wall panel insert configured for insertion between adjacent pool wall panels. The step forms may include one or more step form brace configured to couple with the wall panel insert and, thereby, the wall panels. The step forms may include riser forms that from riser portions of the stairs when the step forms and riser forms are coupled. The pool stair forms may be filled with filling material to form tread portions of the stairs. The pool stair forms may include liner support members coupled to the step form braces and/or the wall panels that facilitate the coupling of a liner to the stairs formed by the pool stair forms and filling material.

Abstract: A concrete form includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall positioned in parallel and spaced relation to each other and a cross tie having opposed first and second ends, where at least the first sidewall is a removable sidewall removably secured to the first end of the cross tie. The second sidewall is removably secured to the second end of the cross tie and may be a removable sidewall or a non-removable sidewall. The concrete form also includes a spacer positioned between the first sidewall and the first end of the cross tie. The spacer may be removable along with the first sidewall. Concrete forming assemblies and methods may incorporate concrete forms as described herein.

Abstract: An integral one-piece nail/disk structure which eliminates the need of having any exposed nails associated with a shingled roof, the nail/disk structure including a body member having a roofing nail incorporated or encapsulated therewithin and having color granules associated with at least a portion of the top surface of the body member. The nail/disk structure may include a sealant covering at least a portion of the bottom surface of the body member. The roofing nail is integrally formed with the body member.

Abstract: Methods and systems for moving and installing modular building units or pods are provided. A positioning device and method of using the same comprises a base member pivotally connected to a frame member by a plurality of linkages. The mechanism and method provides for a vertical lifting motion and a horizontal translational movement of a unit or pod that is connected to the mechanism. In one embodiment, the frame member includes a plurality of hooks configured to selectively engage the unit or pod. Placement and installation of cumbersome building units is simplified compared to prior art methods and devices of moving a unit or pod.

Abstract: This two pitch beam is for a bleacher support system in which the slope of its understructure is a combination of a shallow pitch section and a steep pitch section. The unique longitudinal support beam is used for both the shallow pitch and steep pitch sections.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a system for generating waves in a pool, including, in the region of at least one wall of the pool, at least one water intake mouth connected to a supply source by means of a network of pipes, the network of pipes including at least one pump capable of alternately transferring water from the supply source to the pool and vice versa, the pump being controlled so as to generate, in the region of the water intake mouth, an oscillating flow alternately oriented towards the pool and then towards the supply source.

Abstract: A formation aid, for use in the forming of receptacles in a swimming pool, includes a three-dimensional body having an essentially conical shape. The three-dimensional body of the formation aid includes a narrow end, for placement near an interior edge of the swimming pool during formation of the swimming pool; and a wide end, for placement remote from the interior edge of the swimming pool, in order to form a receptacle.

Abstract: An infinity pool cleaner and a method for cleaning an infinity pool having a blower connected to an inlet in the pool to blow air into the pool near enough to the infinity edge and create bubbles and waves to wash debris over the infinity edge and a controller to periodically activate the blower and create bubbles and waves in the pool to wash debris over the infinity edge.

Abstract: A method for remotely operating a robotic pool cleaner may include providing a robotic pool cleaner comprising a housing: a propulsion drive configured to propel the robotic pool cleaner along a surface of a pool; a pump for drawing liquid from the pool into the housing, so as to trap dirt and debris from the surface of the pool into a filter; a controller configured to communicate with a portable communication device, and control the propulsion drive in accordance with commands received from a the portable communication device; using the portable communication device, obtaining one or more characteristics of a surface of the pool; displaying a graphical representation of the pool on a display of the portable communication device; receiving a user input from a user via an input interface of the portable communication device; translating the user input into a command; and transmitting the command to a controller of the robotic pool cleaner, for execution by the robotic pool cleaner.

Abstract: An underwater station that may include a filter manipulator that is arranged to input, without human intervention, a filter into a pool cleaning robot that is located in a filter replacement position and to assist, without human intervention, in positioning the filter at a filtering position in which the filter is at least partially disposed within a fluid path formed between a first fluid opening and a second fluid opening of the housing thereby allowing the filter to apply a filtering operation on fluid that passes through the fluid path.

Abstract: An underwater cleaning apparatus includes a front body having a filter and a rear body removably attachable to the front body. The rear body includes a motor having a shaft, an impeller configured to draw in water through an inlet opening in the front body, and a gap. The impeller is positioned in the gap in the rear body. A lock is configured to secure the rear body to the front body. A battery is configured to supply electrical power to the motor to drive the shaft and a power switch is configured to control the supply of electrical power to the motor.

Abstract: An AGV comb-type transfer robot, comprising: a lifting frame (2), comb teeth being mounted on the lifting frame (2); and a traveling frame (1), a comb tooth lifting apparatus (15) being mounted on the traveling frame (1), and a traveling drive mechanism (13) and a central control system being mounted in the traveling frame (1). The comb tooth lifting apparatus (15) comprises a lifting drive motor (151) and a gear set (152) in transmission connection with the motor (151). The traveling drive mechanism (13) comprises a traveling drive motor and a traveling wheel set mounted in the traveling frame (1). The present invention also relates to a method for storing and retrieving a vehicle using the robot. The transfer efficiency and intelligent level of the robot are high.

Abstract: A system for rigidly mounting a flag pole or other device to a protruding eye bolt or ring hook attached to a portable shelter. The invention is configured to not interfere with the collapsing action of the shelter. A hand knob is also included to facilitate installing alternate devices to the mounting system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide novel support brackets that can be utilized in existing fencing systems to convert at least part of a fence into an invisible gate. A support bracket may include, but is not limited to, a solid planar backing, a u-shaped fence railing holder, at least one collateral rib on each side of a fence railing holder, and perhaps even at least four guide projections on a back of a support bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing T-posts being a plate having a generally rectangular shape measuring 10 inches lengthwise and 4 inches widthwise, the plate having a bend measuring 130 degrees bisecting proximate the center of the plate width-wise forming a first, generally square section and a second, generally square section. The invention has a triangular cutout through the plate centered in the first section, the apex of the triangular cutout pointing toward the bend and a base and legs measuring 2.75 inches; and a circular cutout through the plate measuring 2 inches in diameter centered in the second section.

Abstract: A sanitizer apparatus for a handle on a door has a sanitary fluid reservoir and associated atomizing pump which discharges to one or more spray heads. A pump actuating means is operatively connected to the door handle so operation of the door handle operates the pump to spray disinfectant at the handle. The pump actuating means includes a time delay mechanism so that a person opening the door will have removed their hand from the handle before spraying commences.

Abstract: A household appliance including a cabinet defining a chamber with an access opening, a door movably mounted to the cabinet to selectively open and close the access opening and having a face, and a pocket handle having a recess provided in the door with an ingress opening to define a pocket, and a display provided with the door and overlying a portion of the pocket to define a handle pull, wherein a user can insert their fingers into the pocket through the ingress opening and pull against the handle pull to move the door to open the access opening.

Abstract: A method and system of gaining authorized entry into a secure location is provided. The method includes providing an electronic lock having a dial, the lock operably coupled to a microprocessor having memory for storing a user input code and a valid code. The user rotates the dial to activate power to the lock and a first random character is generated. The user again rotates the dial until a first user input character displays in the display. The first user input character is stored in memory and a second random character is generated. After the user has entered all characters of the access code, the microprocessor compares the user input characters with the valid access code stored in memory and if it is an authorized code, an indicia is generated on the display to visually indicate to a user that the lock is capable of moving to the opened position.

Abstract: An electric lock includes a base, a driving module, a handle and a clutch member. The driving module is arranged on the base. The driving module includes a driving member rotatable relative to the base, and a motor configured to drive the driving member to rotate. The handle is rotatably mounted to the base, and has a plurality of pushing structures. The clutch member includes a main body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a pushed structure formed on the first end of the main body. Wherein, when the motor drives the driving member to rotate in order to abut against the main body at a first position, the first end of the main body is tilted toward the handle, such that the pushing structure abuts against the pushed structure for pushing the clutch member to rotate when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: An intelligent door lock system is coupled to a door at a dwelling. A door status device is at the dwelling. The door status device is coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device at the door. The lock device is coupled to the door status device and includes a bolt. An engine, an energy source and a memory are coupled together. A plurality of cameras that communicate with each other and with the lock device.

Abstract: An intelligent door lock system is coupled to a door at a dwelling. A door status device is at the dwelling. The door status device is coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device at the door. The lock device is coupled to the door status device and includes a bolt. Near field communication (NFC) is used to identify a lock device via an RF protocol. An engine, an energy source and a memory are coupled together. A camera is coupled to or part of the intelligent door lock system. The camera is configured to record in response to door lock status.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a motor vehicle door lock, wherein a control unit (40) is provided. After actuating the inner door handle (30) by means of a control unit, the switch positions of the switch (25, 31, 33, 34, 38, 39) are queried, and depending on the position of the locking mechanism sensor, the drive (26) is activated or deactivated.

Abstract: In a state in which a high-frequency signal at a first detection frequency f1 is input to an LCR resonance circuit 20, upon detecting that a voltage signal S1 is greater than or equal to an upper-limit threshold value Vth11 or less than or equal to a first lower-limit threshold value Vth12, a high-frequency signal at a second detection frequency f2 is input to the LCR resonance circuit 20. Then, in a state in which the high-frequency signal at the second detection frequency f2 is input, the proximity of a human body or water to a sensor electrode 22 is detected by detecting that the voltage signal has reached less than or equal to a second lower-limit threshold value Vth21.

Abstract: A locking device includes a first side plate and a first driven screw. The first side plate includes a first moving track with a first driving member extending along the first moving track and a first driven screw includes a first threaded rod; and a first follower mounted to an end of the first threaded rod and coupling with the first driving member. When the first driven screw moves along the first moving track, the first follower is driven to rotate by the first driving member, thereby driving the first threaded rod to rotate along a locking direction or an unlocking direction. An enclosure is further disclosed.

Abstract: A hood hinge includes a hinge stay and a hinge arm. The hinge stay includes a horizontal plate portion that is fixed to a vehicle body and a vertical plate portion that supports a second end of the hinge arm. The vertical plate portion is erected and extends in a vehicle height direction from a first end of the horizontal plate portion in a vehicle width direction. The hinge arm of the hood hinge is provided with an arm reinforcing bead and the vertical plate portion of the hinge stay is provided with a stay reinforcing bead that extends in the vehicle height direction. The stay reinforcing bead is not provided on a ridge of a connection portion between the vertical plate portion and the horizontal plate portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for opening a refueling door. In one example, a method may include gradually opening the refueling door in proportion to a fuel tank depressurization rate.

Abstract: A laundry appliance including a chassis with a cabinet enclosing an interior of the appliance. A tub is provided within the appliance defining a liquid chamber. A drum is provided in the liquid chamber defining a treating chamber for treating articles according to a cycle of operation. The treating chamber can be enclosed by a door, selectively openable by a user to access the treating chamber. The door can be selectively opened in three different ways.

Abstract: A door hinge having a damping function, comprising a housing, a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a U-shaped rotating shaft, a hinge cup, a linkage member, a torsion spring, a connector, a supporting structure, and a damping structure; one end of the linkage member is rotationally provided in the housing by means of the first rotating shaft, and the other end of the linkage member is rotationally connected to the hinge cup by means of one arm of the U-shaped rotating shaft; one end of the connector is rotationally provided in the housing by means of the second rotating shaft, and the other end of the connector is rotationally connected to the hinge cup by means of the other arm of the U-shaped rotating shaft; the torsion spring is fitted over the second rotating shaft.

Abstract: The round baler includes a frame and a tailgate pivotally mounted to the frame via a tailgate pivot axis. The tailgate is movable along a path of travel range between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, a bale can be discharged from the baler and, when in the closed position, a bale is prevented from being discharged from the baler. The baler also includes a sensor that has a sensor axis. This sensor is mounted to the baler with the sensor axis approximately coaxial with the tailgate pivot axis. An operating portion of the sensor is operatively directly movable with the tailgate. The sensor has a mechanical rotary range that is at least the travel range of the tailgate; and an electrical sensing range. The electrical sensing range is less than both the mechanical rotary range and the travel range of the tailgate.

Abstract: A storefront system includes an outer frame having a top piece, a first side piece, a second side piece, and a bottom piece. The top piece has a glass receiving surface, an inner base cap receiving structure, and an outer base cap receiving structure. The first side piece has a glass receiving surface, an inner base cap receiving structure, and an outer base cap receiving structure. The second side piece has a glass receiving surface, an inner base cap receiving structure, and an outer base cap receiving structure. The bottom piece has a bottom piece cross section defined by a glass receiving surface. The storefront system has at least one inner base cap, at least one outer base cap, and glass. The storefront system may also include one or more vertical mullions and one or more horizontal mullions and/or include hinged doors.

Abstract: The threshold system includes a first support member secured to a walking surface, a second support member secured to the walking surface, and a thermal break joining the first support member and the second support member. A first ramp is removably coupled to the first support member. A second ramp is removably coupled to the second support member.

Abstract: Spacers/spacer frame assemblies for use in insulating glass units that include offset seams and methods of using and manufacturing the same are described herein.

Abstract: An exemplary door includes a door body and a light assembly. The door body includes a first door panel defining a first panel opening, a second door panel defining a second panel opening, and an internal cavity. The area of the first panel is greater than the area of the second panel opening. The light assembly includes a first trim, a second trim, and an impact-resistant pane positioned in the door cavity. The first trim includes an outer frame coupled to the first door panel and an inner frame positioned in the internal cavity. The pane has an area greater than the area of the second panel opening area, and includes an first outer layer adhered to the inner frame of the first trim, a second outer layer adhered to the door body, and at least one intermediate layer.

Abstract: An electrical panel enclosure includes a door hingedly secured to an enclosure body at the front side of the enclosure body. The door includes a door panel having a planar door panel body with opposite first and second side edge margins, and a first side door flange extending rearwardly from the first side edge margin of the door panel body. The first side door flange extends at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the planar door panel body.

Abstract: A window covering specially designed and configured to indoor residential shutters is disclosed. The window cover is deployed and stowed via a spool and provides a user with more control over light transmission, solar transmission and view through properties, as desired. In a preferred embodiment, a rectilinear housing hides the fabric cover in its stowed position and also houses a small electric motor. Also, the fabric covering is provided at a rear to a widow shutter having adjustable slats.

Abstract: A cutting machine for cutting a window covering includes a machine base and a cutting device provided on the machined base. The machine base includes a sustaining face for putting the window covering thereon. The cutting device includes a frame provided on the machine base, a cutter, a movable block, a stopping block and a connecting bar. The control bar is pivoted on the frame and controllable to pivotally swing and drive the cutter to move up and down. The movable block is moved along with the cutter to drive the connecting bar to pivotally swing relative to the frame. The stopping block is adapted to abut against one end of the window covering to be cut and is further driven by the connecting bar to reciprocate along the machine base.

Abstract: A light blocking system is disclosed, which is adapted to be used in a vertical blind which includes a headrail, a control mechanism provided in the headrail, and a covering assembly including a plurality of slats. Each of the slats is connected to the control mechanism with an end thereof, and therefore is hung below the headrail. A gap is left between the covering assembly and the headrail. The control mechanism is adapted to turn the slats in situ relative to the headrail, or to move the slats back and forth in a longitudinal direction of the headrail. The light blocking system includes a cover plate provided corresponding to the gap, wherein the cover plate covers the gap when the covering assembly is in a closed state.

Abstract: A drill bit may include rings that are rotatable at different speeds along a single axis. The drill bit may be coupled to a motor using multiple driveshafts. Each driveshaft can be coupled to one of the rings. Each driveshaft may transmit a different amount of torque from the motor to the rings to allow each ring to rotate at a different speed. In some aspects, the driveshafts may include a center driveshaft coupled to a pilot ring of the drill bit and an outer driveshaft coupled to an outer ring of the drill bit. The drill bit may include additional rings coupled to the motor by additional driveshafts.

Abstract: Cutting elements, earth-boring drill bits having such cutting elements and related methods include a cutting element having a superabrasive table positioned on a substrate, and at least one recessed surface in a cutting face of the superabrasive table.

Abstract: A polycrystalline compact comprises a plurality of diamond grains of micron size, submicron size, or both, and a plurality of crushed diamond nanoparticles disposed in interstitial spaces between the plurality of diamond grains. A method of forming a polycrystalline compact comprises combining a plurality of micron and/or submicron-sized diamond grains and a plurality of crushed diamond nanoparticles to form a mixture and sintering the mixture in a presence of a binder to form a polycrystalline hard material comprising a plurality of inter-bonded diamond grains and diamond nanoparticles. Cutting elements comprising a polycrystalline compact and earth-boring tools bearing such compacts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cutter for a drill bit and method of manufacturing same is disclosed. The cutter has a non-leached polycrystalline diamond (PCD) table bonded to a substrate and a leached PCD table bonded to one or both of the substrate and non-leached PCD table. The leached PCD table may be ring-shaped and acts as the working surface of the cutting element. It may have a jagged inner surface which cooperates with complementary jagged-shaped outer surface of the non-leached PCD table to prevent rotation of the leached PCD table relative to the non-leached PCD table during a cutting operation. A surface of the leached PCD table may be tapered and fit together in a complementary manner with an oppositely tapered surface of the non-leached PCD table so as to mechanically lock the leached PCD table to the non-leached PCD table.

Abstract: A seal stem anchor assembly of the present disclosure includes: a tubular portion having body lock threads disposed about an external portion; and an anchor assembly including an activation module about the tubular portion and proximate the body lock threads, a cone, one or more anchor slips extending between the activation module and the cone, and a helical spring positioned and biased so as to push the activation module away from the cone.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method for orienting a tool string within a passage, wherein the passage is a wellbore or a tubular member disposed in a wellbore. The downhole tool may include a frame (210) operable for connection with the tool string (100), a first orienting feature (211) connected to a first side of the frame (210), and a second orienting feature (212) connected to a second side of the frame (210). The first orienting feature (211) may be rotatable relative to the frame about a first axis of rotation that is offset from a central axis of the tool string and the second orienting feature (212) may be rotatable relative to the frame about a second axis of rotation that is offset from the central axis of the tool string.

Abstract: An offshore drilling rig configured for lowering and/or raising a string of tubular equipment into a subsea borehole. The drilling rig includes a drill deck; a first hoisting system being adapted for raising or lowering a first load carrier along a vertical first hoisting axis, wherein the first hoisting system is supported by a first support structure extending upwardly relative to the drill deck; a second hoisting system being adapted for raising or lowering a second load carrier along a vertical second hoisting axis located apart from the first hoisting axis, wherein the second hoisting system is supported by a second support structure extending upwardly relative to the drill deck; and a joint operations well centre on the drill deck. During joint operations, the first and second hoisting axes are preferably located apart from the joint operations well centre.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an insert in a clamping device or gripping apparatus. The insert may include a gripping element having an elongated body and a plurality of contact features, a first member formed from a hard material, wherein the first member contacts the gripping element in one or more locations, and a second member formed from an elastic material, wherein the second member contacts the gripping element along the elongated body.