Abstract: Devices and methods for sanitizing hot tubs and the like are provided. The devices and methods generally incorporate a hot tub floater which releases a sanitizing agent into the water contained in the hot tub. The hot tub floater has bristles on an outer surface. The devices and methods provided have the advantages of being as convenient, inexpensive, and simple as current hot tub floaters, but do not cause unnecessary noise or damage, and can aid in protecting the hot tub against non-biological contaminants.

Abstract: A pool cleaner having a coarse filter and a fine filter. The coarse filter removes large pieces of debris. The fine filter removes fine particles from the water. In an embodiment, the fine filter is a filter bag made from a cloth material. In an embodiment, the coarse filter is a mesh grating with small holes. In an embodiment, the fine filter is supported by a rigid mesh placed downstream from the coarse filter.

Abstract: A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system may include a base for receiving the pool cleaning robot; and at least one out of (a) an interface device and (b) a pool cleaner electrical power cable winding drum; wherein the interfacing device comprises an interfacing device portion that extends beyond and below the base during a part of the extraction of the pool cleaning robot from the pool; and wherein the pool cleaner electrical power cable winding drum is configured to wind and unwind a power cable of the pool cleaning robot during the part of the extraction of the pool cleaning robot from the pool.

Abstract: A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.

Abstract: A door lock includes a latch assembly positioned at least partially within the door and movable between an engaged position in which the door is held in a closed position and a disengaged position in which the door is movable from a closed position to an open position. An outside spindle is rotatable about an axis and an inside spindle is rotatable about the axis to move the latch assembly between the engaged position and the disengaged position. A locking plate is movable along the axis between a locked position in which the outside spindle is fixed and an unlocked position in which the outside spindle and the inside spindle are each rotatable and a privacy lock actuator positioned on the inside of the door and movable in a direction substantially normal to the axis to move the locking plate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: A hidden-lock door panel for use in a container includes a door panel body, a covering lid, a first lock, and a second lock. The door panel body includes a hidden space. The covering lid is disposed corresponding to the hidden space and slidably connected to the door panel body. The first lock and the second lock are both disposed in the hidden space. The first lock is an electronic lock and is used to control whether the covering lid can be released to slide. The second lock is used to control the door panel body to be unlocked or locked with respect to the container. Accordingly, unknowing persons are prevented from opening or breaking the door lock.

Abstract: The anti-theft device is configured in a door lock, and contains a first blocking piece, a second blocking device, a positioning piece, and a lever. The first blocking piece contains a first section and a second section bended and extended perpendicularly from the first section. The first section has a first through hole and a second through hole. The lever is engaged by a lock heart of the door lock. When the door lock is locked, the lock heart is turned to engage the lever so that the lever drives the first blocking piece downward by its first through hole. The second section of the first blocking piece as such blocks a lock tongue of the door lock so that the door lock cannot be opened without using key.

Abstract: An electronic door lock including a magnetometer, an accelerometer, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a status of a door with respect to a door frame using data provided by the accelerometer and magnetometer which collectively generate acceleration data, velocity data and positional data of the door. The processor provides data to a user interface or an alert device indicating one or more of: door open angle, prep-less door position, an acceleration alert, a door position alert, door sag, door frame rub, and triangulation of an intruder.

Abstract: An electric lock includes an input switching clutch for selectively transmitting electric or manual driving force to an output line. The input switching clutch includes an outer ring that rotates together with an electrically driven input gear, and an inner ring which rotates together with an output gear. Wedge-shaped spaces are defined between the outer ring and the inner ring. Two rollers are mounted in each wedge-shaped space and are biased toward narrow portions of the wedge-shaped space by a coil spring also mounted in the wedge-shaped space. The input switching clutch further includes an unlocking piece having crossbars inserted at both circumferential ends of the respective wedge-shaped spaces, and coupled to a manually driven input shaft so that rotation of the manually driven input shaft can be transmitted thereto; and a torque transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the manually driven input shaft to the inner ring.

Abstract: A system that includes a lock adapter assembly configured to be installed on a door. The lock adapter includes a motor assembly comprising a motor configured to provide a rotational force, one or more cords configured to convert the rotation force from the motor into a linear force, a deadbolt lock actuator configured to match to an existing torque blade of a deadbolt lock mounted in the door, a passage lock actuator configured to match to an existing torque blade of a passage lock mounted in the door, and one or more latch spool configured to transfer the linear force from the one or more cords to the deadbolt lock actuator, the passage lock actuator, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A release structure of a smart lock includes a circuit unit, a drive unit, and a release element. The circuit unit and the drive unit are placed in a housing, and the drive unit is electrically connected to the circuit unit. The drive unit includes at least one push arm pivotally connected to a rotation pivot and enclosing the same. The release element is placed on the rotation pivot and includes at least one flexible arm placed corresponding to the push arm. The push arm is driven by the drive unit to rotatably contact the at least one flexible arm and cross it, so that the drive unit becomes idle. Accordingly, components in the drive unit are prevented from damages, and a lifespan of the smart lock is prolonged.

Abstract: A blocking structure of an anti-fire door lock includes a latch set, a blocking pin set and a blocking base, wherein the latch set comprises a lock base and a latch that pivotally connected to the lock base. The blocking pin set disposed in an accommodating hole of the latch comprises a blocking pin and an elastic member, and the blocking base comprises a constraining slot. The elastic member is used for pushing the blocking pin to move and making the blocking pin to lodge into the constraining slot to prevent an anti-fire door from being opened.

Abstract: A security device is provided including a security lock configured to retain an object when locked, a receiver configured to receive a security code transmission, and processing circuitry configured to transition the security lock between a locked state and unlock permissive state based on receipt of a security code. The security lock may initially be set to the unlock permissive state. At the first instance in which a security code is received, the processing circuitry may transition the security lock to a key permissive mode in which the security lock transitions to a locked state and in response to a subsequent receipt of the security code the security lock transitions to the unlock permissive state.

Abstract: A locking mechanism selectively suitable for security locks with different design includes a first locking component, a second locking component and a pivoting component. The first locking component includes a first body, a first stretching portion and a second stretching portion. A first locking hole is formed on the first body. A first piercing hole, a first constraining hole and a second constraining hole are formed on the first stretching portion. A second piercing hole and a slide slot are formed on the second stretching portion. The second locking component includes a second body whereon a second locking hole, a third piercing hole and a third constraining hole are formed. The pivoting component includes a shaft, a first block and a second block. The shaft pieces through the foresaid piercing holes. The first block and the second block are movably switched between the foresaid constraining holes and the slide slot.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch device includes: a base fixed to a door; a latch pivotally supported on the base, and configured to be rotatable in association with opening and closing of the door, the latch having a cam portion on an outer periphery thereof; a detection lever pivotally supported on the base by a shaft, the detection lever having a detecting portion, which slides along the cam portion in association with rotation of the latch, and a cam surface, the detection lever being configured to be rotatable, by the detecting portion sliding along the cam portion, to a position corresponding to a rotational position of the latch; and a detection switch configured to detect open and closed states of the door by being turned ON and OFF by coming into contact with and separating from the cam surface in association with rotation of the detection lever.

Abstract: A push-up device includes a case, a rod juts out from inside the case so as to adopt an advanced position, a rod biasing member biases the rod in a jutting out direction pushing the rod out from inside the case, a lock mechanism that includes a slide cam that moves together with the rod in the jutting out direction and a rotation cam that is relatively rotatable with respect to the slide cam about the axis of the rod, with the lock mechanism positioned between the case and the rod, and locking the rod in a retracted position in the case by the rotation cam engaging with the slide cam and rotating due to the rod being pressed in against biasing force of the rod biasing member, and a rotation cam biasing member that biases the rotation cam toward the jutting out direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, having a lock case (1), and also a locking mechanism (2, 3) which is supported in the lock case (1) and consists substantially of a rotary latch (2) and a pawl (3), and having an additional reinforcing element (7), wherein the reinforcing element (7) is formed as a reinforcing plate (7) which couples the two axes of rotation of both the rotary latch (2) and the pawl (1) at a distance from the lock case (1).

Abstract: A pivot bar for a tiltable window sash may include an elongated body, an anti-rotation feature and a retaining finger. The elongated body has first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing surfaces extending between the first and second ends. The elongated body also has a first longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends. The first end may be configured to be received in a window balance assembly. The retaining finger may extend from the second surface and may be configured to engage the tiltable window sash.

Abstract: A soft close mechanism that may have a cam track housing, a damper housing, and a cam follower. The cam track housing may have first and second grooves. The damper housing may rotate with respect to the cam track housing. The cam follower may be disposed in the first groove when the damper housing is rotated in a first direction and may be disposed in the second groove when the damper housing is rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products monitor environmental conditions in an enclosed environment, such as a garage or storage shed. If a dangerous environmental condition is determined, such as elevated carbon monoxide, an entry door may be opened. If further remedial measures are required, ignition of an internal combustion engine may be prohibited.

Abstract: Managing an entryway for a building includes a computer system accessing identity data providing unique biometric identifications and associated names for respective people. Roles are stored and associated with people. Rules are stored and configured to define roles or people and define conditions and actions. A certain rule includes presence of a person at an entryway and a person in at a different location than the entryway as a condition. A named person is identified by the computer system comparing identity data to biometric data received for a person at the entryway. The computer system performs a defined action for the certain rule responsive to determining that the certain rule defines a role associated with the identified, named person at the entryway and responsive to detecting by a sensor in the building that a person is present in the building at a different location than the entryway.

Abstract: An actuating apparatus for adjusting a first vehicle door which can be automatically adjusted between a closed position and an open position is used in a vehicle. To this end, the actuating apparatus has a capacitive distance sensor for detecting a movement of a person who is in the vicinity of the vehicle, and also has a control and evaluation unit. The control and evaluation unit is configured to identify a first door actuation request on the basis of the detected movement, and to trigger adjustment of the first vehicle door when the first door actuation request is identified. In this case, a sensor electrode of the capacitive distance sensor is arranged in a vehicle corner region which is associated with the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a closure panel of a vehicle, comprising: using a processor, determining whether a first proximity sensor and a second proximity sensor located on a periphery of the vehicle have been sequentially activated to indicate an object moving across the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor; and, controlling the closure panel to open or close when the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor have been sequentially activated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically closing a garage door can include one or more door open sensors, one or more motion sensors, one or more timers, and a door close activator. In certain embodiments, the one or more door open sensors are configured to detect whether the garage door is completely open. In various embodiments, the one or more motion sensors are configured to detect motion. In certain embodiments, the one or more timers are configured to delay for at least one predetermined time period after motion is no longer detected. In various embodiments, the door close activator is configured to close the garage door after the delay of the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An adjustable mullion receptacle includes a two-sided safety block adapted to sit in the well portion of the mullion receptacle. A receiving block face side of the block is adapted to fit into the hollow bottom of a hollow mullion tube. The opposite side of the block defines a smooth safety face that can be used to set in the receptacle well when the mullion is removed for any purpose. The block then fills the well and provides a smooth surface over the receptacle well.

Abstract: A sill pan flashing is provided with a width-extendable accordion section enabling the flashing to be manufactured, shipped and installed in one piece regardless of significant variations in the actual width of a framing sill from a designed nominal width. The flashing includes opposite side end caps connected by a horizontal sill cover. The sill cover includes one or more accordion sections configured with a plurality of integrally formed accordion elements which may be of V-shape, U-shape, sinusoidal or other configuration, allowing the one-piece flashing to be elongated in the width direction during installation, in order to completely cover a sill member. The new flashing is manufactured in one piece for a minimum sill width and expanded as necessary during installation at the job site to fully cover the entire surface of a sill of greater width. Substantial savings can be realized while providing a superior moisture seal.

Abstract: A door seal fitting, such as for a garage door, may include a main body or mounting fitting; a cap, and the door seal itself. The mounting fitting has a back web or wall that is attached to a door post or door jamb. The cap seats on the mounting fitting to conceal the mounting hardware of the mounting fitting. The door seal is located in a T-shaped slot on the doorward end of the mounting fitting. It is secured by mechanical fasteners that are hidden behind the seal. The mechanical fasteners pass through a web of the mounting fitting and through a wing or internal leg of the cap. The fasteners are spaced along the length of the assembly to discourage axial shrinkage or shifting of the cap relative to the mounting fitting.

Abstract: A gate apparatus that includes a gate, an elongate member or gate base for the ends of the gate, and a stairway post adapter such that a wooden stairway post can serve as a base for a gate without harming the wood of the stairway post. The stairway post adapter includes a vertical or longitudinally running channel for receiving the gate base, a horizontally or laterally extending channel for receiving a strap, and a recess or receptor or face for confronting a section of a stairway post. The gate base includes an upper and lower eyelet. Each of the ends of the gate includes upper and lower pins for engaging the upper and lower eyelets of the gate bases. On the hinge side of the gate, the pins are relatively long and remain in the eyelets as the gate is lifted and swung. On the latch side of the gate, the pins are relatively short such that that latch side of the gate can be lifted and disengaged from the eyelets and then swung open. The gate is extendable and retractable in length, and is reversible.

Abstract: A collapsible wall including a support frame and a first series of panels configured to suspend from the support frame with at least one pair of adjacent panels pivotally connected to each other. A second series of panels are configured to suspend from the support frame opposite the first series of panels and include at least one pair of adjacent panels pivotally connected to each other. A bottom sill opposite the support frame is pivotally connected to a bottom portion of the first series of panels and to a bottom portion of the second series of panels. A motor assembly is mounted on the support frame and configured to raise or lower at least one lifting element to raise or lower the bottom sill to collapse or extend the panels in the first and second series of panels.

Abstract: A non rectangular controllable window covering, for a window frame of corresponding non rectangular shape and having a covering frame defining a base frame segment and a non rectangular frame segment together forming a covering frame to fit the non rectangular window frame, and a window covering supported in the covering frame, consisting of a first covering panel and a second covering panel spaced apart from one another, one of the covering panels being movable relative to the other, and, a control element connected to the moveable covering panel.

Abstract: A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.

Abstract: A screen apparatus X1 includes: a screen member 22; an inner guider 60 extending in a vertical direction of the screen member 22 and holding a side end 22a of the screen member 22 movably in the vertical direction of the screen member 22 while regulating a displacement of the screen member 22 in a lateral direction of the screen member 22; and an outer guider 50 extending in the vertical direction of the screen member 22 and having a recess 54 for accommodating the inner guider 60, wherein the outer guider 50 holds the inner guider 60 dismountably from the recess 54 in the lateral direction of the screen member 22.

Abstract: A closure member control system for roll down smoke and/or gas barrier system includes a closure member which, when closed, maintains a spool with the barrier wound thereon within a housing. On deployment, the closure member opens and is prevented from closing by one or more cords connected to the spool.

Abstract: Techniques relate to a moving cavity motor or pump, such as a mud motor, including a rotor, a stator, and one or more apparatus for constraining (i.e., controlling or limiting) the movement of the rotor relative to the stator, where the apparatus for constraining is operable with the rotor catch. The motor may include a top sub, power section having a progressive cavity motor with a stator and rotor, a rotor catch, and an apparatus between a proximal and distal end of the rotor catch shaft. The apparatus may constrain the radial and/or tangential movement of the rotor catch shaft and the rotor.

Abstract: An arrangement for the angular setting of a drill string includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member, a plurality of control and actuator devices that can be shortened and lengthened in a longitudinal direction through the influence of a driving device, and remote controllers by which the control and actuator devices can be set selectively and independently of each other in a radially extended or radially withdrawn condition.

Abstract: A bottom-hole assembly includes a drill string extendable within a wellbore and a drill bit positioned at a distal end of the drill string. A vibration sub is positioned in the drill string axially adjacent the drill bit and includes one or more vibratory devices that impart vibration to the drill bit.

Abstract: A hybrid-type earth boring drill bit is described having fixed cutting blades and rolling cones with cutting elements, wherein the rolling cones are associated with a spindle assembly that may be optionally divorced from the head pin assembly, and which includes bearing members that further include a plurality of polycrystalline diamond elements.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for drilling formations in dry-drilling environments is disclosed. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body rotatable about a central axis. The rotary drill bit may also include at least one cutting element coupled to the bit body. The at least one cutting element may have a cutting face, a cutting edge adjacent the cutting face, and a back surface opposite the cutting face. The at least one cutting element may be oriented so that a substantial portion of the cutting edge has a positive clearance angle, which may be defined by a first vector that is normal to the cutting face and a second vector that is tangential to a helical path traveled by the cutting edge during drilling.

Abstract: A method of forming a casing bit includes positioning a cutting element adjacent an outer surface of a casing bit body. The cutting element has a superhard material and a bonding material that is used to bond the cutting element to a body of the casing bit. The bonding material may be a weldable or brazable metal alloy, and a welding process or a brazing process, respectively, may be used to bond the cutting elements to body of the casing bit. Casing bits fabricated using such methods may exhibit reduced bond strength between the cutting elements and the casing bit body.

Abstract: A threaded joint for an oil country tubular goods includes pins each of which occupies a pipe end portion of a steel pipe for an oil country tubular goods, and includes an externally-threaded portion, a nose extending toward a pipe end side from the externally-threaded portion, and a shoulder forming a distal end of the nose; and a box including internally-threaded portions each forming a threaded portion by being threadedly joined with the externally-threaded portion, and shoulders brought into contact with the shoulders of the pins, wherein the pins and the box being joined to each other by the threaded joining so that portions between the threaded portions and the shoulders are brought into metal-to-metal contact with each other to thereby form seal portions at the contact portions, and the shoulders of the pins and the shoulders of the box forming shoulder faces are brought into contact with each other at the time of make-up of the threaded joint, and a ratio of a chamfer length of pin thread to a thread

Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel sub for a string to be lowered into a wellbore and a method of operation in a wellbore, wherein such swivel sub is used and comprises: —a first end provided with connection means for connecting a bottom section of a string; —a second end provided with connection means for connecting an upper section of the string; —a first member, including the first end and a sleeve portion opposed to the first end; —a second member including the second end and comprising a section opposed to the second end and partially located within the sleeve portion; the first member and the second member being arranged to rotate relative to each other.

Abstract: A joint element connects casing sections of a casing string for transporting fluids and/or gases. The joint element includes a first longitudinal part arranged to be at least partly overlapping a second longitudinal part or a casing section. The first longitudinal part is connected with the second longitudinal part or with the casing sections in a mounted state with the first longitudinal part adapted to move axially relative to the second longitudinal part or the casing sections in an operative state. The joint element includes at least one shear member with a predefined shear value and the shear member is adapted to shear when an axial force exceeding the total shear value of the shear member is exerted, allowing a relative axial movement between the first longitudinal part and the second longitudinal part or the casing sections.

Abstract: An attachment device for an element is made to be arranged on a downhole tubular body, in which an end portion of a sleeve, which is arranged to surround a portion of the tubular body, comprises an attachment portion. The attachment portion comprises at least one clamping element arranged for axial displacement by the abutment of an abutment surface against a conical abutment portion of a surrounding adapter sleeve.

Abstract: An assembly for handling a tubular member disposed in a central bore of a riser. The assembly includes adapter bushings configured to be positioned within auxiliary bores of the riser flange, tie rods that threadedly engage a central bore of the adapter bushings, and a frame including guides through which the tie rods slide to suspend the frame. The frame slides along the tie rods and at least partially over the tubular member to engage a free end of the tubular member with an end stop of the frame. One or more grip blocks extend through lateral bores in the frame to grip a recess in an outer surface of the tubular member, and the grip blocks are locked in position. With the tubular member locked within the frame, the tubular may be removed from the central bore of the riser and/or inserted into the central bore of the riser.

Abstract: A method of forming a centralizer where a flat plate is created into a tubular where the flat plate is typically rolled so that two sides of the plate contact one another and are then linked, typically by welding. Openings are then created in the tubular such that there are no corners or other points that stress cracks may originate. Once the openings are created the remaining material between adjacent openings forms ribs. The openings created in the tubular are generally aligned with the long axis of the tubular. The material at the upper and lower end of the flat plate where openings were not created serve as circumferential collars. The ribs may be radially outwardly expanded in order to provide adequate stand-off. In many instances the ribs will also be hardened by heat treating or other hardening processes.

Abstract: A mud containment apparatus has pneumatically energized seals for sealing against the outer surface of tubulars such as drill pipe. The mud containment apparatus can be quickly and efficiently positioned about a threaded connection existing between adjacent pipe sections. During separation of the threaded connection, the mud containment apparatus contains and saves drilling fluid, thereby preventing drilling fluid from uncontrolled splashing or spilling.

Abstract: A fluid removal device removes fluid and mud from a borehole during a directional drilling operation, thereby resisting any tendency of the fluid and mud to exit the borehole through any weaknesses that may be present within the surrounding soil. The fluid removal device is secured to a directional drill, and moved through the borehole, perhaps simultaneously with a reamer or a pipe to be installed within the borehole. Fluid and mud are collected within the device. Increased pressure, for example, from compressed air, is used to bias the fluid and mud out of the device and out of the borehole.

Abstract: A method and a downhole apparatus for clearing a wellbore are disclosed. The method locates a mill in the wellbore about the obstructions, introduces a driving fluid flow along a driving flow path from surface to the mill, and introduces a circulation fluid flow along a circulation flow path from surface into a wellbore annulus at a location in the wellbore above the mill. Then the mill is driven by the introduced driving fluid flow to mill the obstructions; and milled obstructions are circulated to the surface via the wellbore annulus using the introduced circulation fluid and gas flow. At least a portion of the circulation flow path is within the driving flow path.

Abstract: A method of separating a tubular element, comprising providing a tubular element having an inner and an outer surface, a circumference of said outer surface, a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end; radially surrounding said tubular element with an explosive shaped charge material, wherein said shaped charge explosive material is capable of generating a high-velocity plasma jet in response to an activation signal, and wherein said explosive material comprises an electrically conductive layer; transmitting said activation signal to said explosive material; generating said high-velocity plasma jet; and separating said tubular element into a first portion comprising said first end and a second portion comprising said second end when said high-velocity plasma jet penetrates said outer surface of said tubular element and exits said inner surface of said tubular element.

Abstract: A lockable overshot assembly for use in a wireline spearhead system for lowering and retrieving inner tube assemblies and other tools and equipment from a downhole location includes a pair of lifting dogs pivotally mounted to an overshot head on the lockable overshot assembly and configured for latching a spearhead. A locking arrangement is mounted into the elongated body and engagable within the lifting dogs, such that in a locked state the lifting dogs are in latched position and in an unlocked state, allows the lifting dogs to move to the release position. The locking arrangement is a pin, which can be moved laterally to be between the latching dogs to prevent them moving to the release position.