Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a floating pool dispenser are described. In one embodiment, a floating pool dispenser includes an outer assembly, an inner assembly, an end cover, and a lid. The inner assembly contains chemicals to be dissolved in a pool. The inner assembly moves vertically relative to the outer assembly in response to the continuous dissolving of chemicals.

Abstract: An electric-powered submersible vacuum cleaner for filtering water in a pool includes a base with an inlet port extending therethrough. A plurality of wheels extends from the lower surface of the base to facilitate movement of the cleaner over a surface of the pool. An impeller coaxially aligned with the inlet draws water and debris from the pool surface. An electric-powered drive train is coupled to the cleaner and configured to rotate the impeller. A discharge conduit in fluid communication with the inlet extends substantially normal with respect to the upper surface of the base and circumscribes the impeller to direct the flow of water/debris drawn through the inlet by the impeller. A filter mounted over the discharge conduit filters the debris from the drawn water and passes filtered water into the pool. A rotatable handle is attached to and facilitates manual movement of the cleaner over the pool surface.

Abstract: Systems, methods, non-transitory processor-readable storage media, and devices of the various embodiments enable a vehicle vending machine to retrieve a vehicle from a storage location and deliver the vehicle to a delivery bay for delivery to a customer. Various embodiments may include a vehicle vending machine including a tower, a robotic carrier, a corridor extending from the tower, a plurality of delivery bays positioned along the corridor, a customer interaction kiosk, and a video system.

Abstract: The tie rod for structural projects for the protection of structures for earthquake and wind is comprised of a cast iron base (7) which has a bolt (4) passing through a hole, which is surrounded by threaded ring (5) with handles (6). A base plate (2) that sits on the bolt and turns with a ball bearing. A steel cable (9) passes through all; the one end of the cable is fixed to the base (2) with bolts (3). The other end leads to a member with blades around it (10), (12), (13), (14) which open and close around the member (17) with the help of bars (11) connected around the axis of the member with pins. To the other end, they are connected with pins to the blades. The rod presses the structure to the ground by a bolt connected to a cable which pulls a member (17) with blades which open against the sides of a hole drilled on the ground and pull the building towards the ground decreasing torque created by the forces of an earthquake or the wind.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel assembly adapted to absorb a blast effect. The panel assembly includes a panel adapted to be displaceably mounted to a frame, an extendable connecting assembly extending from the panel and adapted to be connectable to the frame so as to mount the panel to the frame, the extendable connecting assembly is adapted to extend in a longitudinal direction and in a controlled manner, such that the extendable connecting assembly includes, a controlling portion connected to the panel, and a connecting portion adapted to be connectable to the frame, the connecting portion glidably coupled to the controlling portion, such that the controlling portion is adapted to control the extension of the connecting portion from the controlling portion, such that the extendable connecting assembly is adapted to extend in a controlled manner to control the movement of the panel when receiving the blast effect.

Abstract: A portable, insulated shelter consists of flexible inner and outer layers, lightweight fabric panels located therebetween, and connected to each other, a suitable support frame, and a system, such as a HVAC unit and a suitable connector, for actively controlling the interior environment of the shelter. The shelter may be used to protect and provide livable conditions in harsh, remote locations. Methods of selectively installing and removing the fabric panels are also provided, along with methods of setting up and disassembling the shelter.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: A transportable drilling rig having a self-elevating drill floor includes a base structure comprising multiple base towers that can be transported to a wellsite and positioned around an intended wellbore location. A horizontal base frame is installed between lower regions of the towers to form a stable rig base structure, and a drill floor can then be constructed over the base frame and between the base towers. A suitable rig mast can then be erected on the drill floor. Floor-lifting cables are anchored to upper regions of the base towers and disposable around corresponding sheave assemblies associated with the drill floor. The free ends of the floor-lifting cables can be engaged by the traveling block in the rig mast, whereupon the rig's drawworks can be actuated to elevate the drill floor and mast as required and then locked to the base towers.

Abstract: The drilling rig includes a first substructure and a second substructure. The second substructure is positioned generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first substructure and generally the same height as the first substructure. The drilling rig further includes a drill floor coupled to the first and second substructures, where the drill floor positioned substantially at the top of the first and second substructures.

Abstract: A first intelligent umbrella including a first base assembly placed on a surface, a first support assembly connected to the base assembly, the support assembly to rotate around a base assembly and a first shading expansion assembly connected to the support assembly, the shading assembly further comprising one or more arms connected to the shading expansion assembly. The first intelligent umbrella further includes a wireless communication transceiver, one or more processors, one or more memory modules; and computer-readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules, the computer-readable instructions executable by the one or more processors to communicate commands to the first support assembly to cause the first support assembly to rotate about the base; and communicate commands to the wireless communication transceiver, wherein the wireless communication transceiver to communicate the commands to a second intelligent umbrella.

Abstract: A portable shelter with low emissivity is provided for sheltering materials or human occupants at a remote location. The shelter has a flexible, multi-layer cover, including a vinyl material, reflective material located inside and immediately adjacent to the vinyl material, and insulation material located inside the reflective material. The low-? vinyl cover is lightweight and thermally efficient. The shelter may be adapted for use with interior-climate control equipment at the remote location.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a door lock having an oblique bolt. In the invention, stress of the parts of the oblique bolt susceptible to wear is reduced, wherein they remain functional longer. The oblique bolt consists of slanted surfaces on both sides such that the tip part is narrower at its tip than in the back part of the tip part. The tip part has recesses in its lower part and upper part, which extend from the tip to the back part. Both recesses are open at the end of the tip of the tip part and on the other slanted surface such that the recess of the upper part is open on the opposite slanted surface than the recess of the lower part. Both recesses have a turning piece.

Abstract: A latch mechanism having an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the distance to which a latch bolt extends into a mating recess. The adjustment mechanism may include a driver component and a driven component. Rotation of the driver component about a first axis may displace the driven component, thereby causing the position of the latch bolt to be adjusted along a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis. According to certain embodiments, the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis. The latch mechanism may also include an inner housing that is displaced as the latch bolt is extended into, and retracted from, a mating recess in an adjacent structure. Further, the position of the inner housing may remain generally static as the position of the latch bolt is adjusted along the second axis via operation of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A configurable electrical connector key for connecting an electronic door lock to an external unit, such as a lock monitoring or control system, includes a connector key housing shaped to engage the electronic door lock and a configurable circuit mounted within the connector key housing that makes a configured interconnection between selected components within the door lock and the external unit. The combination of an electrical connector key and an electronic door lock and a system and method including multiple differently configured electrical connector keys and one or more standardized electronic door locks allow selected sensors and functions of the door lock to enabled by selecting an appropriately configured electrical connector key.

Abstract: A key cover includes a body, the body including an aperture, the aperture shaped for receiving a key. The key cover further includes a flap, the flap interconnected with the body, the flap shaped such that the flap is foldable to an interior area of the body, the interior area is larger than the aperture, and the aperture leads to the interior area.

Abstract: A sensing module for sensing a position of a door panel includes a sensing unit, a processing unit, and a radio frequency transceiving unit. The sensing unit is disposed in a cavity for receiving a bolt of the door panel, detects a variation in magnetic field attributed to the bolt, and outputs a sensing signal indicating the variation in magnetic field detected thereby. The processing unit is electrically connected to the sensing unit to receive the sensing signal from the sensing unit, determines whether the position of the door panel is an open position or a closed position based on the variation in magnetic field and predetermined magnetic field information, and generates an informing signal indicating the position of the door panel.

Abstract: A device for securing closed a drawer of a dresser, cabinet or desk. The device includes a base that is secured to an interior surface of the frame, which cannot be accessed when the drawer is closed within the drawer opening of the frame, and an extending member. The extending member has a first end portion that attaches releasably to the base, and a second end that extends exteriorly through the drawer opening and between the drawer and the frame. The device is not built into or integral with the drawer or the frame of the dresser, cabinet or desk.

Abstract: A latch is provided including a claw configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. A pawl is rotatable in and out of engagement with the claw. The latch includes a first release mechanism, a second release mechanism, and a third release mechanism. The first release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The second release mechanism applies a rotational force to a second portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The third release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw.

Abstract: A closure device comprises a locking mechanism, which has a rotary latch and a pawl, and an electrical drive for opening the locking mechanism. The closure device has an actuating apparatus for actuating the electrical drive, such that the locking mechanism can be opened exclusively electrically. Thus, there is no mechanical system for enabling the locking mechanism to be opened exclusively in a mechanical manner. In the non-actuated state, the electrical drive is completely disconnected from the current-carrying electrical conductors. Thus, there is then no voltage on the drive, which must be used to open the locking mechanism. The actuating apparatus includes one or more electrical contacts that are closed to contact the electrical drive to a current source and put the electrical drive into operation such that an associated door or flap can be opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, having at least one housing (3) and at least one lever (5) mounted rotatably about an axis (4) in the housing (3), wherein the lever (5) can be coupled to an actuating element (6) disposed outside the housing (3) and for this purpose passes through an opening in the housing (7), and the lever (5) has a cover (8) which substantially completely closes the housing opening (7) when viewed over the entire travel path(s) thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle includes a lever rotationally mobile between a rest position and a release position, a handle mechanism that allows opening of a vehicle door when actuated by the lever when the lever is in the release position, and an insertable body. The lever and the insertable body include a rolling surface and a pivot forming a hinge around which the lever is rotationally mobile, the lever includes one of the rolling surface and the pivot, and the insertable body includes the other of the rolling surface and the pivot.

Abstract: A door handle device for a vehicle includes a frame member, an outside handle and a seal member. The frame member includes a frame-side stopper. The outside handle includes a handle shaft portion and an engagement leg portion. The handle shaft portion is mounted to the frame member. The seal member includes a body portion sealing the outside handle and the door outer panel, the seal member including an extending portion extending from the body portion to a first region where the frame-side stopper and the handle-side stopper face with each other. The extending portion includes a first buffer piece. The frame-side stopper receives an impact generated in response to a pivot of the outside handle about the handle shaft portion to the full stroke position via the first buffer piece of the extending portion of the seal member, the first buffer piece being positioned at the first region.

Abstract: A dehydrator is disclosed that includes a cavity, door and positioning mechanism. The cavity is defined by multiple walls and has an open front that the door covers. The door is movable between a closed position and a fully open position, and the positioning mechanism can stop and maintain the door at any partially open position in between. The positioning mechanism can be part of a door handle that can be used to move the door with one hand. The positioning mechanism can use magnets and the door tracks can be magnetic to hold the door at any desired position. The positioning mechanism can be movable between an engaged position where the magnets are connected to the door tracks, and a disengaged position where they are not connected. The dehydrator handle can include a hinge that moves the positioning mechanism between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for securing a door. The apparatuses include a door clamp having a stop, a base, a jamb bracket, and a fastener and are used to clamp a door to prevent opening of the door.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for securing a door. The apparatuses include a door clamp having a stop, a base, a jamb bracket, and a fastener and are used to clamp a door to prevent opening of the door.

Abstract: A method of forming a corrosion resistant bushing includes bonding a sliding layer to a first surface of a load bearing substrate to form a laminate sheet and cutting a blank from the laminate sheet. The laminate sheet includes an exposed surface corresponding to a second surface of the load bearing substrate. The blank includes cut edges having a load bearing substrate portion. The method further includes forming a semi-finished bushing from the blank.

Abstract: An apparatus or device for securing a deck panel including: at least one hinge assembly coupled to the wall and the deck panel, the at least one hinge assembly configured to allow movement between a stored position and a work position of the deck panel; and a locking device coupled to the deck panel, the locking device having a hook configured to rotate out and engage a securing mechanism on the wall when the deck panel is moved from the work position to the stored position.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing damper for absorbing the impact force generated during the opening/closing of a furniture door, the damper including: a load pin in a housing to move back and forth during the opening/closing of the furniture door; a main valve coupled to the load pin to form a first flow path; a check valve coupled to a guide bar of the main valve in a manner to form a second flow path; a guider coupled to the main valve to guide the fluid flow; and a pressure adjuster interposed between the main valve and the check valve to vary the first flow path. The pressure adjuster and the guider are provided in the shock-absorbing damper to vary a flow path corresponding to an opening/closing load of the furniture door, thereby opening/closing the furniture door at a set speed regardless of the size or weight.

Abstract: A door safety device generally includes a mounting member for coupling the device to a door and a blocking member for preventing complete closure of the door when the mounting member is attached to the door and the device is in a blocking configuration. The device can also include an intermediate member coupled between the mounting member and the blocking member. The intermediate member defines a first hinge axis extending in a direction parallel to the surface of the door and parallel to an edge of the door. The blocking member is movable (e.g., rotatable or revolvable) about the first hinge axis, at least when the mounting member is coupled to the door and the device is in a blocking configuration, so as to inhibit the transfer of detachment forces from the blocking member to the mounting member upon impact.

Abstract: A power optimizer system for power closure panels includes a closure panel power actuator system comprising at least a motor operatively connected to a lift-assist member and a closure panel counterbalancing member. A controller is configured at least to determine an optimal electrical current draw for the power actuator system according to one or more inputs relating at least to a vehicle ambient temperature and grade. One or more sensors are provided for providing the one or more inputs. The controller may also further be configured to receive a vehicle battery voltage condition input for calculating the optimum electrical current draw consistent with the environmental conditions to efficiently control the power actuator system motor. Methods of modeling/optimizing the appropriate electrical current draw for power closure systems operating in varying voltage, temperature and grade conditions relative to a vehicle, or other similar mechanisms are also described.

Abstract: A modular fire safe is provided. The modular fire safe includes a base module. The base module has an interior shell and one or more groove assemblies. One or more intermediate modules are positioned in a vertically stacked arrangement with the base module. The one or more intermediate modules have an interior shell, one or more groove assemblies and one or more tongue assemblies. A top module is positioned in a vertically stacked arrangement with an uppermost intermediate module. The top module has an interior shell and one or more tongue assemblies. The tongue assemblies are configured to be received by the groove assemblies such that the base, intermediate and top modules form an assembled modular fire safe. A plurality of retention members extend transversely through the interior shells of the base, intermediate and top modules to secure the tongue assemblies to the groove assemblies.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a rotating cylindrical assembly in a weapons storage system. The locking mechanism includes a shaft fixed to a base. A sear hub is concentrically fixed to the shaft and has a notch on a peripheral surface. A stop rotates on the rotating cylindrical assembly between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. A stop plate is concentrically fixed to the shaft that has a first arm that engages the stop shaft in the first locked position, and a second arm that engages the stop shaft in the second unlocked position. A sear lock is provided that pivots into and out of the notch in the sear hub. A lock body is provided that pivotally attached to the sear lock. When the lock body is actuated, the projection of the sear lock is thrust into a notched indentation in the sear hub thereby blocking the sear hub from being rotated.

Abstract: A flood seal arrangement, and particularly to a flood seal arrangement suitable for a low threshold door, that includes a first gasket member and a second gasket member. The first gasket member may be provided on a door leaf, while the second gasket member may be provided on a threshold. The first and the second gasket member are configurable to engage and thereby form a seal. In response to water pressure, the flood seal arrangement may be deformed and the seal may be improved.

Abstract: Low-emissivity coatings that are highly reflective to infrared-radiation. The coating includes three infrared-reflection film regions, which may each include silver.

Abstract: A corner key for a fenestration trim assembly includes a sloped bearing surface configured to bias a first lineal toward a second lineal about the longitudinal axis of the second lineal.

Abstract: A water-tight or air-tight accessible compartment has a removable hatch sealed at the edge with elastically conformable opposing seals, with elongate communication elements extending into the compartment between the opposing seals, seals conforming to the topology formed between the compartment edge and the elongate communication elements.

Abstract: A retractable barrier system and method for inhibiting access to designated private and public areas both indoors and outdoor, including retail and warehouse aisles and the like, includes a flexible screen retractable and extensible from a rotatable rod coupled to a mounting member, the mounting member having an attachment mechanism for coupling with a receiving member such as storage rack assembly support post or bracket or the like.

Abstract: A tool for placement of markings that provides a method of installing window shades and window blinds easily, accurately, and in a manner that saves time and energy. The tool for placement of markings presents novel structures and features that allow for easy, fast and accurate installation of blinds and shades.

Abstract: A sunshade is installed to a glazing part, which comprises a transparent sheet with a first end edge and second end edge and a first side edge and second side edge. The side edges are free edges of the sheet. At least one first fastening element is attached close to the first end edge of the transparent sheet and at least one second fastening element is attached close to the second end edge of the transparent sheet, and the sunshade is suspended on the said fastening elements. The first and second fastening elements are attached to the side edges of the transparent sheet.

Abstract: A battery-powered, motorized window treatment may include a fascia that pivots between a conceal position wherein the fascia covers a window treatment assembly and a battery compartment, and an expose position wherein the fascia does not cover the battery compartment. The fascia may be a two part fascia that includes an arm and a cover that pivots relative to the arm when the battery compartment is operated between respective opened and closed positions. The arm may be attached to the battery compartment such that the arm remains in a fixed orientation relative to the battery compartment. The arm and the cover may define complementary pivotally interlocking connectors that define a pivot axis about which the cover may pivot relative to the arm. The fascia may be configured to generate a perceptible indication when the fascia pivots into the conceal position, and/or when the fascia pivots into the expose position.

Abstract: A warning circuit for use on ladders includes a first sensor responsive to the placement of a first of a user's feet thereon and a second sensor responsive to the placement of a second of the user's feet thereon. The second sensor is electrically connected in series to the first sensor, and a relay is electrically connected in series to one of the first and second sensors. A power source has a power output terminal electrically connected in series to the other of the sensors connected in series. A sound device is electrically connected to a load output of the relay and to the power source. The load output of the relay is energized only when the first sensor is activated prior to activation of the second sensor whereupon the load output then energizes the sound device.

Abstract: A generating electric arc is disclosed herein, which thermally and mechanically acts on a material in such a manner that the electrical arc is shaped and guided by the action of a magnetic field and hydro-mechanical forces on the electrical arc. Generally, a substantial part of the electric arc acts directly and areally on a conductive and/or non-conductive material to be disrupted, a substantial part of the electric arc's heat flow is directed into the material to be disrupted, both electric arc roots move on the electrodes of a generator, and the electric arc has preferably a shape of a spiral. A device is also provided herein for generating an electric arc with thermal and mechanic action on a material containing axially symmetrical electrodes, i.e. an anode (4) and a cathode (6), a spark gap (7), nozzles (5) for the working medium flow, cooling media inlet and outlet (12), electric power supply (14), and ring-shaped magnets (9) whose section has the shape of a triangle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling system with a multi-function drill head used in, among other applications, oil and gas drilling. The system is used to enhance the effective permeability of an oil and/or gas reservoir by drilling or cutting new structures into the reservoir. The system is capable of cutting straight bores, radius bores, or side panels, by water jets alone or in combination with lasers. In various embodiments, a device for remotely controlling the mode of the system by variations in the pressure of a drilling fluid is also provided, allowing an operator to switch between various modes (straight drilling, radius bore drilling, panel cutting, etc.) without withdrawing the drill string from the well bore.

Abstract: Polycrystalline compact tables for cutting elements include regions of grains of super hard material. One region of grains (“first grains”) and another region of grains (“second grains”) have different properties, such as different average grain sizes, different super hard material volume densities, or both. The region of first grains and the region of second grains adjoin one another at grain interfaces that may include a curved portion in a vertical cross-section of the table. In some embodiments, discrete regions of the first grains may be vertically disposed between discrete regions of the second grains. As such, the tables have ordered grain regions of different properties that may inhibit delamination and crack propagation through the table when used in conjunction with a cutting element. Methods of forming the tables include forming the regions and subjecting the grains to a high-pressure, high-temperature process to sinter the grains.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools may include a body and a passively adjustable, aggressiveness-modifying member secured to the body. The passively adjustable, aggressiveness-modifying member may be movable between a first position in which the earth-boring tool exhibits a first aggressiveness and a second position in which the earth-boring tool exhibits a second, different aggressiveness responsive to forces acting on the passively adjustable, aggressiveness-modifying member.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a torque track system configured to couple to a derrick and to a top drive of the drilling rig, where the torque track system is configured to resist movement of the top drive in a lateral direction with respect to the derrick and to transfer torsional loads to the derrick in an operating configuration, a first torque track segment of the torque track system, and a second torque track segment of the torque track system coupled to the first torque track segment with a joint. The joint is configured to enable the first torque track segment and the second torque track segment to pivot with respect to one another while maintaining a physical connection between the first torque track segment and the second torque track segment during manipulation of the torque track system into and out of the operating configuration.

Abstract: The drilling rig includes a first substructure and a second substructure. The second substructure is positioned generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first substructure and generally the same height as the first substructure. The drilling rig further includes a drill floor coupled to the first and second substructures, where the drill floor positioned substantially at the top of the first and second substructures.

Abstract: A marine riser includes at least two riser sections which are connected in an end-to-end relationship. The at least two riser sections extend between a subsea installation and a suspension device arranged above the subsea installation. At least one of the at least two riser sections includes at least one pipe having a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A passively motion compensated subsea well system is described. Specifically, a passively motion compensated subsea well system comprising a tubing hanger running tool assembly. The tubing hanger running tool assembly comprises a pressure containing slip joint comprising an inner mandrel and an outer mandrel located concentrically such that the inner mandrel and outer mandrel slide relative to each other providing compression and extension along a linear axis with pressure containing seals located between the inner and outer mandrels, and a tubing hanger running tool.