Abstract: The present invention discloses a test system and a test method for detecting the cement content of cement stirring pile body in real time at a construction site. The test system specifically includes a cement slurry density measuring apparatus and a cement admixing amount calculating apparatus. The method includes measuring the density of the cement slurry in the cement slurry tank, measuring the cement soil density and inputting measured values to calculate the cement content. The cement slurry density and the cement soil density can be detected in real time, so that the admixing amount of the cement can be detected in real time during the foundation reinforcing process of the underground engineering, convenience and rapidness are achieved, the time period is short, a supervision effect is good, and cheating on workmanship and materials can be effectively avoided.

Abstract: An arm includes an arm main body, a protective member, a fixing component and a restrictor. The arm main body has a distal end part with first and second end components disposed a specific space apart along a width direction, a bucket attached to the arm main body, and a proximal end part configured to allow attachment on a vehicle main body side. The protective member covers the specific space. The fixing component is disposed on a proximal end part side of the specific space and fixes the protective member to the arm main body. A restrictor is disposed between the first and second end components along the width direction, and restricts movement of the protective member. A work vehicle includes a vehicle main body and the arm. A work implement includes a boom pivotably attachable to a vehicle main body and the arm attached to the boom.

Abstract: A mast coupling arrangement for mounting a front loader to a work vehicle at a mounting frame defining connection points and a load point includes a mounting bracket mounted at an end of a mast of the front loader, and a first mast connector removably coupling the mounting bracket and one of the connection points of the mounting frame when the front loader is attached. The mast coupling arrangement includes a load element mounted to the mast that, when the front loader is attached, is in load transferring contact with the load point of the mounting frame. The mast coupling arrangement includes a second mast connector removably coupling the mounting bracket and another of the connection points of the mounting frame when the front loader is attached to. The second mast connector and the associated connection point of the mounting frame are separable when the front loader is attached.

Abstract: A grading implement features a frame with at least one movable section carried by a main frame section. Each movable section is movable relative thereto between a storage position and a working position reaching further laterally outward from the main section to increase a working width of the implement. An underside of each movable section features a respective blade adjustably mounted thereto for selective adjustment between different relative blade positions relative to the movable section. One embodiment features outboard blades on two movable sections, inboard blades on another two movable sections, and a rear blade mounted centrally on the main section behind the inboard and outboard blades. A dust suppression system features spray nozzles distributed across the main frame section behind the blades, and storage tanks mounted atop the main section so that weight of the dust suppression agent provides extra downforce to the blades.

Abstract: A system for moving material at a work site includes: a work machine including a chassis, a material mover defining a material mover position, a location sensor, and a steering mechanism; and a controller system operably coupled to the material mover, the location sensor, and the steering mechanism. The controller system is configured to: store a sequence of travel paths; control the steering mechanism to follow the sequence of travel paths; determine the material mover position; determine followed travel positions of the work machine; generate an as-built map as the work machine follows the sequence of travel paths based on the material mover position and followed travel positions; compare the as-built map to a desired terrain map; generate a revised sequence of travel paths based on the comparison between the as-built map and the desired terrain map; and control the steering mechanism to follow the revised sequence of travel paths.

Abstract: Vacuum units and vacuum trucks, for example, for excavating material, for instance, around buried utility lines. Multiple embodiments include an air and water nozzle that provides air and water to break up material (e.g., earth) that is picked up by a vacuum system. Various embodiments include a vacuum system, a compressed air system, a water system, and an air and water nozzle configured to be hand guided by an operator while excavating the material. In a number of embodiments, the air and water nozzle can include a body that is hand held by the operator while excavating the material, an air passageway through the body, a water passageway through the body, an air valve, a water valve, an air control that opens and closes the air valve, and a water control that opens and closes the water valve.

Abstract: A vehicle having a long track or wheel-trail wheel combination on one side and a smaller ground engaging member, such as a short track or wheel on the other. The vehicle has a work attachment on one end of as frame, which is provided clearance on the side of the vehicle with the short track or wheel. A control system is provided to allow an operator to properly control a direction of the vehicle despite the fact that different forces may be required to operate the long track and the short track or wheel.

Abstract: A working machine comprising: a base assembly including a ground engaging structure; an undercarriage connected to the ground engaging structure; a superstructure connected to the undercarriage; a working arm mounted to the superstructure; a connector connecting the undercarriage to the superstructure; and a drive arrangement located in the base assembly for moving the ground engaging structure to propel, in use, the working machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guardrail for construction equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a guardrail for construction equipment that can adjust the overall height thereof, for example, to satisfy a height limit when a cargo ship is loaded with construction equipment, thereby increasing the amount of loaded construction equipment to reduce a transportation cost. To this end, the present invention provides a guardrail for construction equipment, comprising: a lower guardrail fixed to the edge of an upper body of the construction equipment; an upper guardrail connected to the lower guardrail; and a connecting part that is formed between the lower and upper guardrails to connect the lower and upper guardrails and enables the upper guardrail to move toward the lower guardrail, thereby adjusting the overall height made by the lower and upper guardrails.

Abstract: Disclosed are a control device for confluence flow rate of a working device and a control method therefor, the control device being capable of minutely operating a working device when a flow rate supplied to the working device is merged or blocked.

Abstract: A work machine control system that controls a work machine including a member that rotates about a shaft line includes a target construction shape generation unit that generates a target construction shape indicating a target shape of a construction target of the work machine; and a determination unit that outputs first information when the member is present on an air side which is a side on which the work machine is present in relation to the target construction shape and outputs second information when the member is not present on the air side.

Abstract: A monitoring system implemented on an electric rope shovel having a boom, a dipper, a dipper handle and a revolving frame. The system comprises a plurality of strain gauges, data acquisition unit, a processor and memory, and at least one output device. The locations of the strain gauges include locations on the boom are positioned to predict lateral bending stresses in the dipper handle. The data acquisition unit acquires real-time strain data from the strain gauges, and the processor and memory process at least the acquired real-time strain data to calculate one or more measures of actual instantaneous stress or accumulated damage in the dipper handle. At least one of the output devices provides information comparing the measures with corresponding reference values of maximum allowable stress or accumulated damage.

Abstract: A tool adapter for attaching a tool to a work implement using a retaining mechanism that includes a body that defines a pocket that defines an abutment or reinforcement surface. The body may include a nose portion that is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tool, a first leg, a second leg, a throat portion that connects the legs and nose portion together, wherein at least one leg defines an aperture that is configured to receive a retaining mechanism. The first and second legs and the throat portion also define a slot that includes a closed end and an open end that defines a direction of assembly onto a work implement and the minimum distance measured from the abutment surface to the throat measured in the direction of assembly is less than the minimum distance from the aperture to the throat measured in the direction of assembly.

Abstract: Improved fluid supply assemblies for fluid systems are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved fluid supply assemblies and related features, systems and methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous faucet assemblies (e.g., electrically or mechanically actuated faucet assemblies) having an integrated anti-scald device and having an integrated temperature mixing valve. The present disclosure provides for a faucet assembly having an integrated temperature mixing valve, and/or having an integrated anti-scald device configured to stop the inlet flow of hot water in the event the mixed outlet water temperature exceeds a user-selected set point. Advantageous faucet assemblies of the present disclosure can prevent scalding as defined by ASSE 1070. Improved, convenient and effective systems and methods for utilizing improved faucet assemblies in fluid systems are provided.

Abstract: A treatment device for a drain is presented to reduce at least one of odor, insect, uric acid, and grease and oil problems. The treatment comprises a dispenser that is configured to couple a stem from a drain extending into a drain pipe. At least a portion of the dispenser is composed of the active agent and thereby dispenses the active agent. The active agent includes at least one of an insecticide, a deodorant, uric acid-consuming bacteria, and an enzyme that digests grease and oil. Thus, problems associated with drains are substantially reduced using the treatment device.

Abstract: A mop sink assembly having a mop sink with a back wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a front wall; and a bottom with a drain opening. The mop sink is comprised of a heavy gauge stainless steel; preferably 12 gauge 304 stainless steel. The mop sink assembly may further include a backsplash and a seamless joint seal. In practice the backsplash and the seamless joint seal are beneficially made of a fiberglass reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A flexible drain line assembly for seamlessly connecting a sink to a waste line includes a tube that has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are configured to fluidically couple to a waste line and a tailpiece of a sink, respectively. The tube is configured to drain waste water from the sink to the waste line. The tube is flexible to position the first end proximate to the waste line and the second end proximate to the tailpiece. A section of the tube that is positioned proximate to the first end is configured to be curvedly bent below the waste line. A retainer is configured to couple to the tube to fixedly position the section of the tube to defines a trap. The trap is configured to retain liquid to deter passage of gas from the waste line to the sink.

Abstract: Drain chain systems can include a cap connected to a chain with an intermediate segment that is configured to pass between a plug and a surface of a tub or sink. The cap can be connected to a suction cup for attaching the system to the surface of the tub or sink. The intermediate segment is sized and shaped to prevent it from causing any substantial interference with the plug or plug sealing functionality. A ring can also be used, rather than the cap and suction cup, to position a chain within a drain. The ring can be positioned below the plug, so as to not interfere with the plug or plug sealing functionality at all. Small diameter caps and hooks can also be used to secure the chain within a drain, extending down from a drain cover.

Abstract: Drain chain systems include a cap connected to a chain. The cap is configured in size and shape to enable passage of water through the drain when the cap is positioned adjacent the cap. During use, the chain is positioned within a drain and hair gathers on the chain. The chain can then be pulled out of the drain, by the cap, to remove the hair. The chain can be cleaned of entangled hair and reused, or the chain can be discarded with or without the cap, by either leaving the chain connected to the cap or by detaching the chain from the cap and replacing it with a new chain.

Abstract: A flow diverter for diverting flow between a toilet bowl and a toilet tank, having: a body having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; and a flow adjustment mechanism rotatable within the body to selectively divert different percentages of flow between the first outlet and the second outlet; and an air vent and diaphragm in the body to prevent a siphon flow from the first or second outlet back to the inlet.

Abstract: A discharge valve apparatus attached to a reservoir tank in a reservoir tank apparatus for storing flush water. The discharge valve apparatus includes a valve body, attached to the top of a discharge opening provided in the bottom surface of a reservoir tank, for opening and closing the discharge opening by up and down movement thereof, a float, attached to the valve body, which drops in tandem with the drop in water level inside the flush water tank; and a variable drop start timing mechanism to make a drop start timing of the valve body variable.

Abstract: The disclosure provides adjustable hinge fasteners and methods thereof, for securing a bidet washing apparatus to a toilet.

Abstract: A platform for supporting a toilet bowl, and more preferably a height adjustable platform for supporting a toilet bowl is disclosed. The platform comprises principally of a planar base member for engaging a ground surface, a planar top member for attachment to a toilet bowl, and a plurality of support members extending between the base member and the top member, the support member being configured to support the top member at a distance from the base member and adapted to facilitate adjustment of the distance between the base member and the top member.

Abstract: A toilet seal for sealing between a plumbing fixture discharge and a waste drainpipe outlet is described. The toilet seal comprises a flange member having an inwardly extending flexible lip and one or more raised ridges defining an annular seal extending upwardly from an upper surface of the flange member. The toilet seal further includes a radiused wall extending downwardly from the flange member, which cooperates with the flange member to define a cavity for receiving a compressible member. The toilet seal further comprises a flexible sleeve extending downwardly from the radiused wall. Related methods are described.

Abstract: An air dome foundation comprises multiple foundation modules (110). The multiple foundation modules (110) are used to be placed on the ground end to end. The foundation modules (110) comprise straight structure and L-shaped structure. The foundation is low in construction cost, short in construction period and suitable for always moving or the situation in which original ground surface can not be modified or damaged.

Abstract: A building frame connector for connecting beams to columns to create a building frame. The building frame connector includes a pin member and plurality of fins mounted on said pin member for rotation relative to said pin. The pin may be in alignment with the column, and the fins allow connection of the beams to the columns. The fins may be disposed to rotate relative to said pin member about a longitudinal axis of the pin. In one embodiment the pin member may have an outer diameter and the fins have a collar with an inner diameter is greater than said outer diameter of said pin allowing for the collars to rotate about the pin member. The present building frame connector may also include at least one coupling member coupled to the pin member, wherein the coupling member facilitates the connection of the building frame connector to a building column.

Abstract: A sparse-isogrid columnar lattice structure including rigid ring frames connected by a mirrored symmetric double helix pattern comprised of first shell hinge elements in a first helical pattern and second shell hinge elements in a second helical pattern oriented in an opposite direction to the first helical pattern and congruent thereto. The helical axes of the first and second helical patterns intersect the respective centers of the ring frames. The first and second shell hinge elements are configured to stow in a stored energy state when the ring frames are collapsed toward one another along the helical axis, and the first and second shell hinge elements are configured to release the stored energy to deploy to a restored state and extend the ring frames apart from each other along the helical axis when deployed to form a stable rigid axial column in a restored state.

Abstract: A console for joining a façade to a building wall (100), including a metal wall part (1) for mounting on the building wall, a metal façade part (2) for joining to the façade, and a bridge part (3) that joins the façade part (2) to the wall part (1), whereby the bridge part (3) includes a plastic material and it forms a heat barrier between the wall part (1) and the façade part (2) is provided. The bridge part is an injection-molded part made of fiber-reinforced plastic, and in that the bridge part (3) is injection-molded around the wall part (1) and the façade part (2) so as to encapsulate them in certain areas.

Abstract: A seismic protective structure (100) for forming part of a board partition (190) and for limiting damage to the board partition (190) when a given level of seismic stress is appearing is described. The seismic protective structure (100) comprises at least one board (101) and support elements (102, 103) for positioning the board adjacent a neighboring wall and linking the board to the remainder of the board partition wall. The seismic protective structure (100) is adapted for, when a given level of seismic stress is appearing, intentionally causing damage of the at least one board (101) thereby releasing pressure from the remainder of the board partition (190).

Abstract: A variable acoustic assembly comprising a housing and a one or more absorbing pads. The housing contains the one or more absorbing pads, a one or more doors, a one or more rear brackets, and a one or more hinges. The one or more doors attach to the one or more rear brackets with the one or more hinges. The one or more doors are configured to selectively open and selectively close between an open configuration and a closed configuration by rotating on the one or more hinges. The variable acoustic assembly having a closed width in the closed configuration and an open width in the open configuration. With the one or more doors in the open configuration, a portion of the one or more absorbing pads are exposed outside of the housing.

Abstract: A timber structural member includes: a first timber round having a first cooperating longitudinal surface, a second timber round having a second and a third cooperating longitudinal surfaces, and a third timber round having a fourth cooperating longitudinal surface. The first cooperating surface cooperates with the second cooperating surface, and the third cooperating surface cooperates with the fourth cooperating surface. The timber rounds are secured together to form a structurally integral unit in which the first cooperating surface is in contact with the second cooperating surface, and the third cooperating surface is in contact with the fourth cooperating surface, and the first, second and third timber rounds are substantially parallel to each other. The timber rounds are secured to each other by a plurality of spaced fasteners provided at acute and obtuse angles from a longitudinal axis of the structural member and extending through the timber rounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a building as a timber-frame construction, frame construction, or post-and-beam construction, having a supporting framework consisting of pillars and/or struts, comprising the following steps: a) in the regions of subsequent pillars and/or struts of the timber-frame construction, frame construction, or post-and-beam construction plate-shaped wall building elements are provided with screws in such a way that the tips thereof protrude into the subsequent pillars and/or struts; b) behind the plate-shaped wall building elements shutterings for the supporting framework consisting of pillars and/or struts are produced from strips and/or insulating material; c) the shuttered regions for the framework are filled with a load-bearing, curable compound, in particular with concrete, wherein the hardening compound flows around the screws used in step a); d) after step a), at the latest after the curing of the compound, the plate-shaped wall elements are set up, fixed, and al

Abstract: A structure installed at a station can include an interference member held above a mobile drive unit area of the station. The interference member can be positioned to allow an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit to pass underneath. The interference member can also be positioned to contact a topside of the inventory holder to prevent the inventory holder from tipping into a worker area of the station that is adjacent to the mobile drive unit area.

Abstract: The system for removably securing slats juxtaposed to form a deck, for example for a terrace, includes fasteners disposed in rows on level floor or joist or beam structure supports oriented perpendicular to the axis of the slats. The fasteners have a device for securing the supports to the slats. A plurality of impermeable channels is disposed parallel for a level floor, or at a rate of one impermeable channel for each joist or beam support. The top surface of the support, a device for removable securing and a device for positioning provided on the profiled section are covered. The fasteners are made of a flexible elastic material, and the device for positioning allows clearance in a direction of an axis of the channel.

Abstract: A bridging device in center girder construction for a building joint between two building components having at least two edge girders and at least one center girder arranged between the edge girders and on at least one cross member bridging the building joint that each have a cross member bearing for bearing the cross member on the respective building components at their lateral ends. The object of the present invention is to provide a novel bridging device that is formed in particular space-saving. The initially described bridging device has a cross member having at least two cross member segments arranged along a longitudinal axis of the cross member and arranged displaceable relative to each other toward the longitudinal axis, so the length of the cross member is variable.

Abstract: The invention relates to L-shaped sheet metal parts 21 with an angled longitudinal recess 23 as well as a reinforced concrete/prestressed concrete component with at least one upper and at least one lower longitudinal reinforcement layer and a shear force reinforcement guided in its dimension over the uppermost and the lowermost longitudinal reinforcement, which is formed from the L-shaped sheet metal parts 21 according to the invention with stirrups 30 fastened in the longitudinal recess 23. The reinforced concrete/prestressed concrete component according to the invention is suitable for increasing the punching shear resistance in the region of slab columns of flat slabs.

Abstract: In one aspect, a reinforcing assembly includes multiple longitudinally-extending support bars that are connected together and multiple working members each independently connected to one or more of the support bars. The working members are oriented diagonally with respect to a longitudinal axis extending along the support bars. Each working member includes a downwardly-extending side and a hooked or bent portion at an end of the downwardly-extending side. In another aspect, a reinforcing assembly includes one or more longitudinally-extending bars each configured to provide structural reinforcement within a structure. The reinforcing assembly also includes multiple working members each independently connected to at least one of the one or more bars. The working members are oriented diagonally with respect to a longitudinal axis extending along the one or more bars. Each working member includes a downwardly-extending side and a hooked or bent portion at an end of the downwardly-extending side.

Abstract: A kit for mounting a fixture at a surface comprises first and second brackets for attaching to the fixture and for fixedly locating at the surface. The second bracket defines a cavity for receiving the first bracket in a mounting position of the kit, and the two brackets are connectable by a fastener passed through the pair of brackets arranged in the mounting position. The first bracket features a passageway opening at opposite sides of the bracket, and the second bracket features a fastener aperture and opposite thereto a tip receptacle for receiving a leading tip of the fastener, such that the second bracket is engaged by the fastener at more than one location to maintain the kit in the mounting position. The first and second brackets also feature a cooperating groove and ridge in the interior of the cavity, which are mated in the mounting position.

Abstract: Load distribution structures are provided for a raised floor tile(s) of a raised floor data center. The load distribution structure, which resides adjacent to an opening in the raised floor tile(s), such as a cutout in the raised floor tile(s), to facilitate supporting a frame load, includes a frame load distributor and an edging bracket. The frame load distributor resides on the raised floor tile adjacent to the opening in the raised floor tile(s), and distributes, at least in part, the frame load on the raised floor tile(s). The edging bracket couples to the frame load distributor to, at least in part, hold the frame load distributor in fixed position on the raised floor tile(s). The edging bracket extends, at least in part, into the opening in the raised floor tile to secure the frame load distributor in fixed position relative to the opening in the raised floor tile(s).

Abstract: A scaffolding coupler intended for fixed attachment to the ends of a ledger of a scaffolding system. The scaffolding coupler comprises a foot and a hook which is integrally connected with the foot. The hook has a radial inside contour which is substantially circular segmental. The scaffolding coupler has at least one supporting surface which is formed by the foot and the hook and which, with the scaffolding coupler connected to a standard, rests on a supporting projection of the respective standard. The scaffolding coupler further comprises a pin which is slideably connected to the hook. The pin is configured as a bent pin, having a substantially circular segmental inside contour, which, in use, abuts directly against a pipe wall of a standard to be coupled to the first ledger or a ledger. The bent pin has a substantially circular segmental outside contour which abuts against the substantially circular segmental inside contour of the hook.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a cured panel is formed from a curable material and comprises at least one enhancing material applied to a surface of the panel or embedded in a surface of the panel. In some embodiments, a method comprises providing a form liner having an enhancing material oriented on or attached to the form liner, and then providing a curable material. In some embodiments, a method comprises providing a form liner having at least one cavity containing a curable mixture, and then providing a curable material.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provides a joint edge assembly and a reusable multiple position height adjuster and method of positioning and installing joint edge assembly and the reusable multiple position height adjuster for forming two adjacent concrete slabs and a joint between such adjacent concrete slabs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter for a formwork support structure comprising a formwork support of a first type, the adapter comprising a mount for positioning the adapter with respect to said formwork support of a first type, said mount supporting a formwork support of a second type. In one form, the mount positions the adapter with respect to a crown type formwork support, and the mount supports a bearer support portion.

Abstract: A concrete distributor mast has a plurality of mast arms, which can be moved relative to each other. The mast arms are connected to each other in a hinged manner at coupling points and have in the region of the coupling points hinge points, at which drive and coupling members of a coupling gear mechanism that actuates the mast arm movement are coupled in a hinged manner. Situated at the hinge points of the mast arms are hinge components, which span the respective mast arm transversely and define a bearing axis. At least one of the hinge components has a hinge pin, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the mast arm, projects outwards beyond the mast arm to both sides at the free ends thereof, and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the mast arm. On the ends of the hinge pin that project beyond the mast arm, bearing shells are arranged for the rotary bearing of an adjacent drive or coupling member of the coupling gear mechanism.

Abstract: A wave generator which may e.g. rest on a deck of a concrete swimming pool is disclosed. The wave generator may include a chassis for support of other components, have structure for engaging a supporting environmental surface or object, an agitator to be periodically projected into the water, and an oscillating device for periodically projecting the agitator into the water and withdrawing the agitator from the water to enable subsequent impingements against the water. The oscillating device includes a rocker arm, a powered crank mechanism to rock the rocker arm, and a support arm to hold the agitator below the elevated end of the rocker arm, thus enabling the agitator to impinge against the surface of the water. Optionally, functional components of the wave generator are covered by a cover simulating e.g. a whale. Optionally, the wave generator includes a protective cage held in the water below the agitator.

Abstract: A wave generating system can include a water channel for creating a flow of water to produce a standing wave. A water return passageway can circulate the water back to the inlet of the water channel. One or more pipes can extend under the water channel for circulating the water. A water storage chamber can be positioned below the water channel. Water can be stored in the space between the one or more pipes, and the storage water can be isolated from the water being circulated in the system. The system can produce a hydraulic circuit with hydraulic continuity so that water can be efficiently circulated through the water channel and water return passageway. The system can be modular.

Abstract: A wave propagation apparatus. The apparatus includes a container enclosing a base layer/liquid and an overlying layer/liquid separated from each other. Above the overlying layer is a driver sprocket and a driven sprocket, which rotate about their respective central shafts, which are fixed across a width of the container. A closed chain loop is disposed around the sprockets, with a plurality of paddles secured thereto at a spaced distance away from each other. The chain rotates about the sprockets as they rotate about the central shafts. The driver sprocket rotates via a motor, which is controlled by a controller and powered by a power source. The paddles travel through the overlying layer but not through the base layer, thus displacing the fluid in the overlying layer and causing a dragging wave to appear in the base layer, due to the surface friction between the base layer and the overlying layer.

Abstract: A two-part dispensing device for a pool having a dispensing saddle with a static port therein for continual delivery of a first dispersant and a hold for floatingly supporting itself and an exchangeable dispensing pod therein with the dispensing pod having a dynamic port and a static port for a continual delivery of a dispersant wherein the static port delivery of a dispersant maintains the pool at a safe level when there is no human bather load on the pool and the condition of the disperant in the dispensing pod can be determined by the orientation of the dispensing saddle and the dispensing pod in the pool.

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

Abstract: A batten bar is configured to secure first and second adjacent flat panels to a structural framework. The batten bar includes first and second inside legs, first and second outside legs, and a plurality of apertures disposed along the length of the batten bar. The first and second inside legs define a central channel. The first outside leg and the first inside leg define a first seal recess configured to receive and retain a first seal. The second outside leg and the second inside leg define a second seal recess configured to receive and retain a second seal. In an installed configuration, the first inside leg and the first outside leg are configured to contact the first flat panel along a first common plane, and the second inside leg and second outside leg contact the second panel along a second common plane.