Abstract: A shoreline protection and bank stabilization system and method are provided that creates a living shoreline suitable for a variety of soils and wave energy conditions. A combination of recycled plastic matrix layers of geo-synthetic recycled plastic matrix sheets is employed, including matrix sheets that are planted during installation and those that contain pre-grown vegetation. The sheets are secured on a newly constructed or existing levee, earthen berm or earthen terrace. When installed, the system protects and stabilizes banks and shorelines with a variety of soils including loose organics. The system also stabilizes and protects banks and shorelines from a variety of wave energy environments including open water wave action in coastal waters throughout the United States and internationally, but especially in the coastal environment of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

Abstract: An assembly and process for forming a two stage extrusion of an elongated marine dock from a plasticized material, such as including but act limited to extruding a first generally “L” shaped bracket from a first more rigid thermoplastic, following which a cross head die arrangement is utilized in order to extrude a secondary arcuate and flexible material in extending fashion from a lower side of the “L” bracket. The secondary/flexible elastomer is extracted in an open flexed position relative to the first extruded bracket, and further such that, following completion, can be flexed into a closed engagement with an upper perpendicularly extending side of the bracket.

Abstract: An automated flashboard riser device comprises a housing with a rotatable gate that can be incrementally positioned to control flow of water over an upper edge of the gate. The device is installed at a control point in an impoundment area, such as a settling pond. The gate is raised and lowered by rotation of the gate about a hinge. Automatic control is provided for operation of the gate by a controller communicating with an actuator. A system of the invention includes the automated flashboard riser device and the controller. A method of the invention includes controlling flow of water from an impounded water source by use of the automated flashboard riser device. Manual or non-automated embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system to manufacture a native soil flowable fill onsite includes hydro excavation equipment having a suction hose. In addition, the system includes a plurality of onsite debris tanks, where each onsite debris tank is configured to be coupled separately to the suction hose and to store native soil vacuumed from an adjacent hole at an onsite excavation. The system also includes a mixing apparatus inside each of the onsite debris tanks configured to mix the native soil from the adjacent hole with additional components to form a native soil flowable fill for the respective adjacent hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the radius of a pile in the ground that can be produced by means of a jet-grouting process, comprising the steps of: introducing at least one level-measuring stick into the ground; sinking a jet-grouting tool (3) down to a defined distance from the level-measuring stick (4), the distance being less than a maximum range R of the grouting jet; pulling the jet-grouting tool (3) while performing a rotating or swivelling motion with the grouting jet activated, thereby producing vibrations as the grouting jet passes the level-measuring stick (4); and recording a signal representative of the vibrations at the at least one level-measuring stick (4) by means of a sensor (5) that is fastened to the level-measuring stick (4). The invention also relates to a corresponding arrangement (2) for determining the radius of a pile in the ground that can be produced by means of a jet-grouting process.

Abstract: A molded concrete U-wall construction block including a molded concrete U-wall construction block structure formed from cured concrete poured about a block cage made from reinforcing material during a block manufacturing process. The block cage includes an open aperture formed in each of its stem reinforcing portions. During the block manufacturing process, the first and second support members of a support mechanism are inserted within the open apertures formed in the stem reinforcing sections of the block cage, and cooperate with the open apertures of the block cage so as to (i) support the block cage when being loaded into a block manufacturing machine, (ii) define central apertures molded in each stem portion of the concrete U-wall construction block structure, and (iii) lift the molded concrete U-wall construction block when being unloaded from the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Pre-cast Decorative Retaining Wall consisting of concrete walls constructed on a horizontal surface normally at a manufacturing facility, on rolling platforms, or preferably built on the construction site where after curing to 3000 psi the pre-fabricated walls can be shipped to and installed at a building site. In the flat state the panels can have a wide variety of decorative elements readily applied to both the upper and lower downside reflection surface. A unique feature is the buttress system that is added to the back of the wall system when elevated retention is required. By pouring the buttress portion on top of the footing pier or caisson, and tying into the pre-decorated wall with reinforcement, an eco-friendly, design optional retaining wall system is accomplished which can be rapidly and safely installed.

Abstract: System and means soil stabilization and moisture control for building foundations including methods and systems for stabilization moisture in a site for building foundation by applying soil moisture stabilization material in various forms, a preferred stabilization material being a mixture of aluminosilicate Pozzolan mineral and granular material such as sand.

Abstract: A shovel includes an attachment including a working assembly, a diesel engine provided with a supercharger, an oil hydraulic pump connected to the diesel engine provided with the supercharger, and a controller that executes a preload boost function, wherein the preload boost function is for increasing boost pressure of the supercharger prior to increasing a hydraulic pressure load on the oil hydraulic pump, wherein a range accessible by a predetermined part of the attachment includes a partial range at which, upon the working assembly being operated, the preload boost function is to be executed and a partial range at which, upon the working assembly being operated, the preload boost function is not to be executed.

Abstract: A method for deep sea mining includes generating an upward flow of valuable matter in a riser line from the bottom of a body of water to a matter processing platform; processing the matter at the processing platform; generating a return flow in a return pipe of a mixture of seawater and a non-valuable part of the matter from the processing platform towards the bottom of the body of water; and controlling the pressure in the return pipe for avoiding collapse of the return pipe and/or cavitation of the return pipe, in particular for avoiding collapse of or cavitation in an upper part of the return pipe.

Abstract: A brake control unit operates a mechanical brake when a slewing operation amount detected by a slewing operation amount detection unit indicates slewing stop and when a slewing speed detected by a slewing speed detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed. A time measurement unit measures a brake operation time period during which a brake operation detection value detected by a brake operation detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the mechanical brake is operated and when the brake operation time period measured by the time measurement unit exceeds a predetermined reference time period, a slewing control unit stops outputting a slewing command.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a work implement to a work vehicle includes a coupler mounted to the work vehicle and to the work implement. The coupler assembly further includes at least one force sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect force data associated with force transferred by the coupler assembly from the work implement to the work vehicle. The coupler assembly includes at least one acceleration sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect acceleration data associated with acceleration of the coupler assembly during operation. The acceleration sensor and the force sensor are configured to be coupled to a controller that receives and processes the force data and the acceleration data to determine a mass of a load of the work implement.

Abstract: A ground-engaging tool system includes an adapter attachable to a work implement and a ground-engaging tip that is releasably connectable to the adapter. To releasably mate the adapter and the tip, the adapter may include a projecting lug post that locks and unlocks with a rotatable, latch-like retainer in the tip. The lug post may be a frustum or frustoconical structure having a truncated flat and an exterior side surface that intersect at a peripheral edge. The shape of the truncated flat, peripheral edge, and exterior side surface may further be delineated by a first radius and a second radius of different dimensions, or by radii having first and second centers that are not coincident in location on the truncated flat.

Abstract: A Modular Architectural Cistern (MAC) may be provided. The cistern may be embodied as slim, vertically ribbed structure. The interior of the structure may be configured to receive, store, and output rainwater. The cistern may comprise slip-fit connection joints configured to allow a plurality of connections to other MACs. Connections with other MACs may increase the rainwater storage volume available to the MAC. Moreover, the MAC may be aesthetically designed so as to accompany various architectural structures without taking away from the aesthetic appeal of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus (1) for water supply and sanitary purposes, e.g. for allowing purification and either recycling of water or discarding of water, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises an on/off unit (2) comprising a battery (3) and a transceiver (4), and wherein the on/off unit (2) is activable by pushing an on/off knob (5) of the on/off unit (2) rendering the transceiver (4) to transmit a wireless signal to a control system to turn the apparatus (1) on respective off.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting includes a pipe section which has a valve seat and which receives a valve upper part which bears against the valve seat and which includes a head piece which is traversed centrally by a spindle which is rotatably and/or pivotably mounted in the head piece and via which a control disc can be moved relative to an inlet disc within the head piece, wherein the valve upper part is releasably connected to the pipe section, wherein a device for the defined positioning of the valve upper part within the pipe section in at least two rotary positions offset by an angle of orientation is arranged.

Abstract: A support device to maintain a mounting assembly on the exterior of a sink flange engaged to a sink adapted to engage a garbage disposal. The support device employs a body portion engaged to one or a plurality of magnets. The body portion is adapted to engage with or upon the sink flange and thereby position the magnets to magnetically hold the mounting assembly upon the exterior of the sink flange.

Abstract: A universal drain has a plug body, at least two sealing member and a pressing knob. The plug body is composed of a base, a movable member, a rotating member, a first spring and a cover.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, and/or manufacture relating to a sink drain strainer for a sink drain body coupled to a drain pipe, the sink drain body coupled to a sink that defines a sink bottom, the sink drain strainer, in an operative embodiment, configured to be placed within a drain aperture.

Abstract: A disposable toilet plunger sheath is configured to be used along with a toilet plunger for unclogging a clogged toilet or pipe. The toilet plunger includes a plunger handle and a plunger cup coupled to an end portion of the plunger handle. The disposable toilet plunger sheath is provided to the toilet plunger to prevent the toilet plunger from being contaminated during use of the toilet plunger. The toilet plunger further includes a container formed in the plunger handle and configured to contain the disposable toilet plunger sheath.

Abstract: A mounting part for an apparatus to be mounted into a cut-out of a countertop includes a rail member having a front wall with a plurality of notches, and a latch member defining an internal cross-sectional space for receiving the rail member in a manner such that the latch member is able to travel along the rail member. The latch member has a front wall with an extension having a terminal end that extends inwardly towards the rail member and which is adapted to be seated in one of the notches, with the latch member being pivotable with respect to the front wall of the rail member. A catch member is pivotably secured to the latch member, the catch member having an end edge for contacting the underside of a countertop. The mounting part also includes a pull member for pulling the latch member and the catch member upwardly.

Abstract: Provided is an adjustment unit of an unpowered automatic water flushing toilet bowl seat having a function of controlling air discharge and intake only by body weight, which can adjust a water flushing time when excrement is cleaned while interworking with a rising operation of a toilet bowl seat moved by weight of a toilet user.

Abstract: A flush toilet of the present invention is provided with a toilet main body and a storage tank supplying cleaning water to a supply opening of the toilet main body. The toilet main body includes a bowl, a rim, a rim water passage formed on an entire circumference of the rim, and an aperture formed on the entire circumference of the rim, and a water conduit formed between the supply opening and the rim water passage. The water conduit includes an upstream water conduit extending to the right side from the supply opening, and a downstream water conduit extending to the left side from the upstream water conduit, and the downstream water conduit is formed such that a downstream end of an inner wall surface on the right side is positioned in the left side to a center line of the toilet main body in the left-right direction.

Abstract: A manhole base assembly and a method for making the same, in which a non-cylindrical, low-volume concrete base is fully lined to protect the concrete against chemical and physical attack while in service. This lined concrete manhole base assembly may be readily produced using a modular manhole form assembly which can be configured for a wide variety of geometrical configurations compatible with, e.g., varying pipe angles, elevations and sizes. The form assembly is configurable to provide any desired angle and elevation for the pipe apertures using existing, standard sets of form assembly materials, and may also be used in conjunction with industry-standard cylindrical casting jackets for compatibility with existing casting operations. The resulting system provides for flexible construction of a wide variety of lined manhole base assemblies at minimal cost, reduced concrete consumption and reduced operational complexity.

Abstract: A height-adjustable assembly for a drain, comprises a lower portion for use with a waste outlet of the drain, an upper portion to receive an attachment for mounting at floor level to cover the assembly, and an adjustment portion disposed between the upper and lower portions and including first and second adjustment elements disposed respectively on inner and outer faces of the adjustment portion to simultaneously vary the position of the upper and adjustment portions relative to the lower portion as the adjustment portion is rotated.

Abstract: A grate (111)-covered gutter (110) of a paved part of the earth's surface (100) is temporarily closed off by means of a closing organ (130), the gutter (110) being connected to a sewage pipe (120). Thus, the draining away of contaminating liquid can be prevented. The closing organ (130) includes a valve (131 fitted rotatably in the gutter (110). The valve (131) can be in a first stable position wherein the valve (131) seals. The valve can also be in a second stable position in which the valve (131) releases the gutter (110) for the discharge of liquid (rainwater) to the sewage pipe.

Abstract: A cell for a stormwater management system adapted for retaining or detaining stormwater. The cell comprises a body portion and an internal region. The body portion comprises a plurality of corner columns spaced from each other, a plurality of wall portions, and a window. Each wall portion extends from one of the corner columns to another of the corner columns. Each wall portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of each wall portion is curved. The window is through at least one of the wall portions. The window is adapted to permit passage of stormwater into and out of the internal region of the cell.

Abstract: The invention is a structural connector used as a component to construct an arch consisting of a plurality of closely adjacent, polygonal rows of stringer beams. The multiple row polygonal arch is a low-cost, general purpose support structure for bridges, shelters and arbors applicable to many cost-, time- or environmentally-sensitive situations. The invention is a Y-shaped connector, typically made of sheet metal, with three brackets, two upper brackets and a lower bracket, which collectively enable a union of three beams forming one node of the multiple row polygonal arch. Using these Y-shaped connectors to join the beams at each node creates the arch structure, and additionally provides the features of cantilevering, modularity, generic component shape, reusability and safety. The invention is applicable to a variety of structures such as: pedestrian and vehicular bridges, shelters, arbors, as well as jewelry, furniture and toys.

Abstract: A cluster cap sealing mechanism and method for a Geodesic construction. A packaging for a sealant placed in a ring wherein the ring is a sealant delivery device for providing a predetermined volume of sealant to the joints of the Geodesic construction.

Abstract: A mounting device (100) for installation on a hollow rib of a panel is disclosed. The mounting device (100) includes a mounting body (102), an insert (160), and at least one clamping fastener (180). The mounting body (102) includes an upper section or base (104), along with a first leg (112) and a second leg (122) that each extend downwardly from the base (104) in at least generally diverging relation to one another. The first leg (112) includes a first projection (116) positionable in a recess on one sidewall of a rib, while the insert (160) includes a second projection (164) positionable in a recess on the opposite sidewall of this same rib. The clamping fastener(s) (180) extends through the second leg (122) of the mounting body (102) and forces the insert (160) in the direction of the first leg (112) of the mounting body (102).

Abstract: An expansion joint cover plate assembly for covering a gap between first and second sections of a building formation such as wall, floor or ceiling of a building. The assembly includes a cover plate, a support structure for supporting the plate relative to the building formation and a spring biasing structure for holding the plate against the support structure.

Abstract: A demountable modular wall system including a series of individual glass panels that can be positioned adjacent to each other. Each of the individual glass panels is supported by a panel height adjustment mechanism that allows the height of each side of the glass panel to be adjusted. Each wall panel includes an upper trim section that is stationary relative to the movable glass panels. Each of the individual glass panels can include a stiffening channel to reinforce the vertical side edges of the glass panel. A vertical trim section can be attached to cover the panel joint between adjacent glass panels. A sliding door track can be attached to the top end of the wall panel to support a sliding door.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for providing a window wall with flush slab edge covers. A window wall system can include a sill receptor configured to fixably attach to a top surface of a slab. The window wall system may include a head receptor configured to fixably attach to an underside surface of the slab. The window wall system can include a window wall panel including panel infill and a panel sill configured to detachably couple to the sill receptor. The window wall system may include a slab edge cover including cover infill. The slab edge cover can be configured to detachably couple to the window wall panel and the head receptor. In various embodiments, an exterior surface of the panel infill and an exterior surface of the cover infill are configured to flushly align when the slab edge cover is detachably coupled to the window wall panel.

Abstract: A wallboard panel is provided, including a sheet of face paper, a first layer of gypsum composition having a first density, a web of mesh associated with the first layer of gypsum composition, a second layer of gypsum composition having a second density, the second density being lower than the first density, and a layer of backing paper. An associated method includes providing a sheet of face paper and laying same upon a moving conveyor belt, applying a first layer of gypsum composition slurry upon the sheet of face paper, applying a web of mesh upon the first layer of gypsum composition slurry, applying a second layer of gypsum composition slurry upon the web of mesh, and applying a sheet of backing paper upon the second layer of gypsum composition slurry.

Abstract: A kit for a timber frame structure that provides electrical power for lights, fans, and other electrical devices. Pre-wired timber frame components for the kit may comprise support posts, each having a pre-drilled center bore and one or more recessed electrical boxes with weatherproof outdoor covers. Installed in the center bore of each post may be electrical wiring extending to the electrical boxes. The electrical boxes may house switches and outlets that connect to the electrical wiring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container module for construction having a fireproof floor slab. The container module for construction having a fireproof floor slab may include: two lower side rails that constitute lower long sides among lower sides of the container module for construction; two lower end rails that constitute lower short sides among the lower sides; four lower corner castings respectively arranged at corners between the lower sides; supporting units respectively provided to be inwardly protruded from inner surfaces of the two lower side rails; and a slab part of which both ends are supported by supporting surfaces of the supporting units respectively provided at the two lower side rails.

Abstract: A multi-purpose anchor device for use in anchoring one or more tension cables and one or more window or curtain walls. In this respect, the anchor includes a channel, angle bracket, or plate for use in attaching to a window or curtain wall. One or more tension cables are also coupled to the anchor, which anchors the tension cables. The multi-purpose nature of the anchor allows for the reduction in materials cost, installation time, and conflict issues between placement of previously known anchors.

Abstract: A coupling clip for coupling an upper reinforcing bar and a lower reinforcing bar includes a pair of side members spaced apart from each other and provided to be inclined with respect to the upper reinforcing bar, an upper member having a semicircle-shaped upper reinforcing bar coupling groove, and lower members being formed to vertically protrude from the lower end of each side member and having semicircle-shaped lower reinforcing bar coupling grooves. The side members and the lower members are formed to be inclined, such that a line connecting the upper part of the upper reinforcing bar coupling groove and the lower end of the lower reinforcing bar coupling groove has a vertical distance, and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the upper reinforcing bar when the one-touch coupling clip is combined to the upper reinforcing bar and the lower reinforcing bar intersecting each other orthogonally.

Abstract: An exterior surface covering has a colored outer layer that transmits infrared radiation and an inner layer with a thermochromic pigment that absorbs heat at low temperature and reflects at high temperatures. The outer layer conceals the color change of the thermochromic pigment.

Abstract: A batten for use in roofing applications is defined by an upside-down U-shaped channel with outwardly projecting horizontal flanges. In certain versions, the legs forming the sides of the channel are asymmetrical to allow vertical orientation of at least one of the legs when installed on an angled roof. This improves strength and load bearing of the installed member, and allows it to provide a fall barrier for roof installers. In certain versions, one of the flanges has a ribbed impact reduction zone. This zone deforms when a building anchor, such as a nail, passes through it to anchor the member to a roof. The deformation prevents anchors fired from conventional equipment from passing completely through the member and holds the anchors more securely in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of diverting water is provided. The apparatus includes a contoured bottom configured to engage a roofing surface, a backwall extending from the contoured bottom and first and second sidewalls extending from the contoured bottom. The method involves using the apparatus to engage a roofing surface, receive a flow of water, direct the flow of water, and drain the flow of water through an opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel, in particular a laminated floor panel. The invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually coupled floor panels according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for mutually coupling two floor panels, in particular laminated floor panels, according to the invention.

Abstract: A flooring system combines a dimensionally stabilized sub-floor laminate with a dimensionally stabilized tile laminate, the sub-floor laminate and the tile laminate being held together by magnetic attraction. In one embodiment one or other of the laminates is magnetic, and the other has a ferromagnetic engagement sheet. In another embodiment, a magnetic intermediate sheet is placed between ferromagnetic strata of the two laminates. The tile laminate may include ceramic tiles, which may be glass or porcelain. Those tiles are substantially rigid. They have flat ground edges to provide abutting matching fit with adjacent tiles. On assembly, neither mortar nor grouting is employed. The sub-floor has pre-defined mounting hardware accommodations that permit the fasteners not to interfere with the flatness and fit-up of the laminates.

Abstract: Provided is a building material that is disposed between an inter-floor separation layer configured to separate floors of a building having a plurality of floors from each other and a bottom layer disposed above the inter-floor separation layer. The building material includes a support member disposed between the inter-floor separation layer and the bottom layer, having a top surface of which at least a portion contacts the bottom layer, and including a protruding portion protruding downward, extending in at least one direction, and having an inner space and a plurality of damping members disposed between the inter-floor separation layer and the support member and each of which has a lower plate contacting a portion of the inter-floor separation layer and an upper plate contacting a portion of the support member to allow the inter-floor separation layer to be spaced apart from the support member.

Abstract: A loosefill insulation installation has an insulation space, and insulation material in the insulation space. The loosefill insulation material is made from fiberglass fibers. A thermal resistance (R) per inch of installed loosefill insulation material is between 3.1 and 3.9 R per inch. The average density of the installed loosefill insulation material is between 0.6 and 1.0 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A leveling spacer device, for laying slab-shaped products, includes: a base, positionable posteriorly of a laying surface of at least two slab-shaped products adjacent and flanked with respect to a flanking direction; a separator which rises from and is squared to the base, and is configured to contact, on opposite sides, lateral facing flanks of the two flanked slab-shaped products; a threaded shank which rises from the separator element with a screwing axis perpendicular to the base; a presser screwable to the threaded shank and a collar rotatably associated with respect to a rotation axis coinciding with the screwing axis, to an end of the presser facing towards the base, so that the collar is axially interposed between the end of the presser and the base. A constraint is defined between the collar and the presser, and is configured to axially constrain the collar and the presser.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a power tool includes a main handle having a first end configured to couple to the power tool and a handle bar having a first end coupled to the main handle. The handle bar has an isolation bushing positioned at a first vibration dampening point and configured to dampen vibrations transmitted between the main handle and the handle bar. A vibration dampening assembly couples the handle bar to the main handle at a second vibration dampening point and is configured to further dampen vibrations transmitted between the main handle and the handle bar. The vibration dampening assembly includes a collar that encircles the main handle and a pair of annular resilient member positioned between the collar and the main handle.

Abstract: An adjustable scaffolding that may adjust to the curvature of a structure. The adjustable scaffolding may comprise a main member, pegs, wing platforms, and rails. A method of use may be employed in which the main member is attached to a structure. The pegs may be secured to the main member in any desired orientation to adjust to the curvature of a structure. Wing platforms may be placed over the pegs, allowing a user to walk along the wing platform. Railing is placed within the pegs, allowing the pegs and the railing to secure the wing platform to the main member.

Abstract: A formwork support system comprising: four support props, each having a leg and a head member mounted on an upper end of the leg, each head member having a support plate with an upper side for supporting a formwork thereon, two longitudinal beams with ends attached to the head members of the support props, respectively, a transverse beam extending transversely to the longitudinal beams, wherein at least one of the head members has at least one recess formed in the support plate, an edge portion of one of the ends of one of the longitudinal beams being arranged in the recess and wherein the edge portion of the longitudinal beam snugly fits into the recess of the support plate of the head member.

Abstract: Embodiments of modular building units (blocks) are disclosed that can be stacked to provide insulating concrete forms (ICFs). The blocks are formed of a foamed polymer material, such as foamed polyurethane. The blocks, when assembled together in an ICF, are configured to form one or more vertical columns of concrete and one or more horizontal beams of concrete intersecting the one or more columns, in a manner of post and beam construction. The blocks can be tightly interlocked with other blocks in a construction process. The disclosed blocks can include significant interior space for rebar and concrete to be inserted to construct the structure. Molds and methods for producing modular units are also disclosed. The molds and methods enable rapid production and removal of modular building units from the molds. Methods of constructing structures using the modular building units are also disclosed.