Abstract: A lock monitoring device (10) for monitoring sensors associated with one or more locks and reporting any changes thereto is provided. The device (10) includes a housing (12) that is securable to or adjacent a lock. The housing (12) includes a plurality of ports (14) for a wired connection between the device (10) and the sensors. Each port (14) is connected to a dock (16) in which is received a monitoring module (22). The monitoring module (22) includes a processing module (28) configured to encode a monitor signal received from one or more of the sensors and a communications module (24) capable of communicating with a remote location (26) to send the monitor signal thereto. In an embodiment communication between the communications module (24) and the remote location (26) is encrypted. In an embodiment the monitoring module (22) is configured to push information to the remote location (26).

Abstract: Some embodiments include a lock cylinder comprising: a plug assembly having a front portion and a back portion; a housing shell within which the plug assembly is rotatably disposed, wherein the housing shell includes a notch; wherein the back portion of the plug assembly comprises: a locking pin that is movably disposed, and wherein the locking pin is configured to prevent a rotation of the plug assembly when the locking pin is engaged in the notch and prevented from retracting by a multi-stable mechanism; and the multi-stable mechanism having at least two stable configurations corresponding to respectively to a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the multi-stable mechanism can maintain the stable configurations without consuming energy; wherein, at a first stable configuration, the multi-stable mechanism prevents the locking pin from retracting, and, at a second stable configuration, the multi-stable mechanism enables the locking pin to retract.

Abstract: A magnetically-triggered lock mechanism for interengaging two relatively movable components, comprising a bolt displaceable between extended and retracted positions, the bolt mounted within a first component and interengageable with a second component when the first and second components are in a predetermined position relative to each other and the bolt is extended. The lock mechanism includes a magnetically-releasable latch mechanism positioned to latch the bolt in a retracted position, the latch mechanism including a first magnet and mounted for movement between a biased latch engaging position and a latch releasing position in a non-common direction of movement of the bolt, and a second magnet positioned to displace the latch mechanism to the latch releasing position when the first component is in the predetermined position relative to the second component.

Abstract: An electric strike assembly includes a housing formed with a recessed portion therein, a keeper assembly pivotably mounted in the recessed portion of the housing, a lock leg pivotably mounted in the recessed portion of the housing and configured to rotate independently of the rotation of the keeper assembly, a block assembly having a blocking element configured to engage and disengage the keeper assembly, and to control engagement and disengagement of the blocking element with the keeper assembly. A method of capturing and releasing a latch bolt mounted in a door includes mounting an electric strike assembly in an associated door jamb and controlling an actuator to rotate an, actuator paddle to engage a blocking element such that the blocking element is engaged or disengaged from a keeper assembly.

Abstract: A lock assembly is provided for a window having a first sash and a second sash. The lock assembly comprises an elongate strip configured to be coupled to the first sash. The elongate strip has a plurality of recesses defined along a length of the elongate strip. The lock assembly also includes a lock member configured to be coupled to the second sash and operable to move along the length of the elongate strip. The lock member includes a biasing member and a coupler biased in a direction of the elongate strip by the biasing member. The coupler is configured to enter each of the plurality of recesses to selectively lock the lock member to the elongate strip.

Abstract: A clamp lock for securing a portable electronic device includes a body having a slot configured to receive part of the portable electronic device, a lock mechanism supported by the body, and a clamping member supported by the body and operatively coupled to the lock mechanism. The clamping member is movable relative to the body by actuating the lock mechanism between a first position, in which the clamping member extends into the slot and is configured to engage the part of the portable electronic device, and a second position, in which the clamping member is configured to disengage the portable electronic device. The clamp lock further includes a security member coupled to the body and configured to be coupled to an immovable object.

Abstract: A vehicle body front structure comprises a bumper beam provided in a front portion of a vehicle body, a hood lock member provided on a rear side and an upper side of the bumper beam, and a hood lock provided on an upper side of the hood lock member and configured to engage with a hood so that the hood can be opened/closed. The hood lock member is made of a resin. A hood lock bracket made of a metal is attached to the hood lock member. The hood lock is attached to the hood lock bracket. The hood lock bracket and the bumper beam are connected by a connecting member.

Abstract: A trunk lid latch assembly for a vehicle may include a main gear rotated by a drive motor provided at the base, wherein an error lever, a pawl lever, a plurality of links, and a cinching member are rotated in conjunction with rotation of the main gear, and thus a striker is locked or unlocked from the claw.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch assembly for a vehicle trunk door, and more particularly to a latch assembly for a vehicle trunk door comprising a housing a housing installed in the trunk door; a main latch rotatably installed in the housing; a locking member installed in the housing for locking the main latch; and a driving unit installed in the housing for closing or opening the trunk door, the driving unit and the latch are not separated from each other, but instead the driving unit and the latch are integrally modularized into a single housing so that the device becomes compact, and also the installation becomes easy, and further, the number of components is also reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a lock device for an opening/closing body that is attached to an opening portion of a fixed body so as to be openable and closable. The lock device includes lock portions, a pair of rods, a manipulation unit, and a link unit The opening/closing body or the fixed body has an installation surface on which the link unit is installed, and the installation surface is provided with a holding portion which holds the link unit. One of the base portion and the holding portion is formed with a bendable elastic engagement piece or pieces, and the base portion is installed on the installation surface as a result of the elastic engagement piece or pieces being engaged with the other of the base portion and the holding portion.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door structure having an interior space and a ramp disposed within the interior space. The vehicle door further includes a latch and a handle that is pivotably connected to the door structure. The handle includes a pair of inwardly and forwardly extending hooks. The vehicle door also includes a cable or other linkage connected to the latch. The cable has a fitting that is pushed along the ramp by the hooks upon pivoting of the handle to thereby shift the cable and unlatch the latch.

Abstract: A latch and lock assembly for a double door arrangement having a first door and a second door, in use, being pivotally mounted for movement about either a common pivot axis or closely adjacent parallel pivot axis to a door frame. The latch and lock assembly include: a releasably latching mechanism operatively adapted to releasably latch at least one of the first and second doors to the door frame; a releasable connection mechanism operatively adapted to releasably connect the first door to the second door; and an operating system operatively adapted to control both the latching mechanism and the connection mechanism. The operating system includes an electrical drive operable by an electric power source to drive an actuator that operates the releasable latching mechanism, the releasable connection mechanism, or both.

Abstract: A pet cage door, including a door frame disposed on a cage body, where door frame has multiple insertion buckles protruding toward one side of door frame, the door frame has a door stop capable of rotating relative to door frame to close same, the door stop has a door bolt capable of transversely sliding relative to same, one end of door bolt can be inserted with one of the insertion buckles, the door bolt's other end is connected to a vertical bar capable of transversely moving relative to the door stop along with door bolt, the vertical bar's end portion has a transverse bar that extends toward one side of the transverse bar, the transverse bar's end portion has a turning-back bar that extends toward one side of vertical bar and keeps spaced from transverse bar, and the turning-back bar can be inserted with door frame's other insertion buckle.

Abstract: Disclosed are a support device for foldable flexible screen and a display device using the same. The support device includes a first support plate and a second support plate, configured to support and fix a flexible screen; and at least one rotating shaft assembly, configured to connect the first support plate and the second support plate such that the first support plate and the second support plate are able to rotate relative to each other. One of the first support plate and the second support plate is provided with a sliding groove, and one side of the rotating shaft assembly is provided with a rotating shaft; the rotating shaft is slidable and rotatable within the sliding groove; and an extension direction of the sliding groove is not perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the support plate where the sliding groove is provided.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a vehicle closure panel includes a body mounting member configured to mount the hinge assembly to a vehicle body, a closure panel mounting member configured to mount the hinge assembly to the vehicle closure panel and a hinge connecting arm pivotally connected by a first pivotal connection at a first end to the body mounting member and pivotally connected by a second pivotal connection at a second end to the closure panel mounting member. A first fastening member is movably received by the closure panel mounting member. A first stop member limits movement of the first fastening member in a first direction toward the closure panel mounting member. A second stop member limits movement of the first fastening member in a second direction away from the closure panel mounting member.

Abstract: A hinge device for opening and closing a relatively lightweight cover, as well as office equipment using such a hinge device. A hinge device includes an attaching part attached to the office equipment side, the supporting part attached to the cover side, a hinge shaft for rotatably coupling the attaching part and the supporting part, a slider provided inside the supporting part so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the hinge shaft, a cam portion formed on the attaching part, a cam bearing portion formed on the slider, an urging means for urging the slider toward the attaching member and bringing the cam bearing portion into a pressurized contact with the cam portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a silent, soft-close compact hinge comprising of a hinge cup pivotally connected to a hinge body via a hinge arm. A set of coil springs biases the hinge to a closed position. A damping mechanism is removably attached to the hinge cup and acted on by the hinge arm. A set of spring sleeves are fitted to the coil springs to insulate the movement of the coil springs on the hinge arm providing the closing bias. The hinge body is comprised of three separate plates adjustably connected to each other with cam screws. The position of the hinge body with respect to the hinge arm is adjustable in three directions without the need for removal or loosening of mounting hardware used to attach the hinge body to a furniture piece.

Abstract: An isolation lock mechanism for a transit vehicle door includes a lock bracket configured to be connected to the transit vehicle door; a lock pin configured to be moved between an engaged position in which the lock pin is extended to engage the lock bracket and a disengaged position in which the lock pin is withdrawn from the lock bracket; and a linkage assembly connected to the lock pin and configured to be actuated to move the lock pin between the engaged position and the disengaged position. The linkage assembly is configured to be connected to an emergency release device such that operation of the emergency release device to unlock the transit vehicle door also actuates the linkage assembly to move the lock pin from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Abstract: A system may include a first module and a second module. The first module may include a first transceiver, the first module configured to transmit a request using the first transceiver. The second module may include an input connection for an obstruction sensor and a second transceiver configured to receive a request from the first transceiver. The second module may be configured to receive sensor information from the obstruction sensor and send a response to the first module based on the sensor information.

Abstract: An assembly for moving a door of a piece of furniture, the assembly being adapted to move between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration so as to drive the door respectively between a closing position and an opening position. In particular, the assembly comprises a first arm adapted to be rotatably coupled with a first end to the side around a first rotational axis, a second arm articulated with a first end to a second end of the first arm around a second rotational axis, a third arm articulated to a second end of the second arm around a third rotational axis, the third arm being able to be attached to the door, and guiding means for guiding the roto-translatory motion of the door between the closing position and the opening position.

Abstract: An electromechanical biasing member for moving a closure panel between an open and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body is provided. The electromechanical biasing member includes a housing having an inner cavity for housing an electric motor having a motor shaft and a rotary output member rotatable relative to the housing. An extension member within the housing and engageable with the rotary output member moves the closure panel between the open and closed positions in response to driving the electric motor. Also provided is a control unit positioned within the inner cavity and configured to drive the electric motor, the control unit including at least one controller board juxtaposed to the electric motor, and a plurality of control components mounted to the at least one controller board and configured to supply a drive signal to the electric motor and receive signals representative of operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: Provided is an opening/closing apparatus for vehicles which reduces the size and weight by reducing the number of components and suppresses rattling of an opening/closing body through sliding resistance of cables. A guide plate is provided between a drum and a pulley to direct orientation of a closing-side cable and an opening-side cable drawn out from the drum to the pulley. The guide plate has a sliding contact curved surface with which the cables and are brought into sliding contact, and the guide plate is provided on a swing arm of a pulley case in which the pulley is rotatably housed.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.

Abstract: A safe includes at least one wall having a gap with a safe protection mechanism inserted into the gap. The at least one wall when penetrated by an attack tool attempting to penetrate an interior of the safe activates the safe protection mechanism to thwart and/or impeded progress of the attack tool.

Abstract: A threshold includes a substantially vertically upstanding nosing extending along a longitudinal axis of the threshold and a substantially vertically upstanding dam spaced from and substantially parallel to the upstanding nosing. A threshold cap is disposed at least partially across a gap between the upstanding nosing and the upstanding dam. A support, which supports the threshold cap, is located at least partially within the gap. The threshold cap is adjustable between at least a raised position and a lowered position. The threshold cap is biased toward the raised position when the door panel of the entryway is in an open position. The threshold cap pivots about a pivot axis parallel with the longitudinal axis. The pivot axis is not a central axis of the threshold cap.

Abstract: A sash for doors or windows includes two spaced apart glass sheets, a spacer element interposed between the sheets to define a closed inner perimeter zone and an outer perimeter zone. A structural sealing/adhesion component runs along the outer perimeter zone and occupies a volume to permit contact with the spacer element and the glass sheets. An element for housing accessory components for supporting and/or operating the sash is associated with the structural component, for each side of the glass sheets. Each element includes a rigid profile associated with the structural component and having a closed base side, two flaps each formed by a stretch perpendicular to the base side and a recessed stretch, parallel to the base side, to form a channel with an opening. A rigid plate is adhesively associated with one of the glass sheets to cover an outer edge thereof.

Abstract: A supplemental window apparatus includes a foot and a first constraint element attached to the foot. The foot and the first constraint element are configured to be detachably coupled to a window pane of an existing window through a mating constraint element. A spacer is coupled to the foot and is configured to extend at least partially in a direction perpendicular to the window pane when installed on the existing window. A substantially non porous sheet is coupled to the spacer and has a sheet area substantially similar to a window pane area defined by the interior surfaces of the first window element holding the window pane. The spacer substantially defines a gap between the sheet and the window pane when installed on the existing window. The foot extends outward from the spacer toward the interior surfaces of the first window element.

Abstract: A plug connector (1) and a plug connection (2), for hollow profiled sections (3, 4) of spacers of an insulating glazing, has a base (8) with edge-side lateral walls (10), a central stop (21), and retaining elements (16). The plug connector (1) is formed of a temperature-resistant material, in particular metal, at least in the region of the connector center (20) and is suitable for a welding connection (5) of the hollow profiled sections (3, 4). The plug connector has a shape which is rigid against external transverse loads at least in the central region and a substantially U-shaped cross-section with a hammerhead shape and lateral walls (10), which are recessed in steps (11) in the upper region (12). The lateral walls (10) have a supporting and retaining structure (15), which is oriented towards the roof (27) of the hollow profiled sections (3, 4), at the upper free edge (14).

Abstract: A sash for doors or windows includes two spaced apart glass sheets, a spacer element interposed between the sheets to define a closed inner perimeter zone and an open outer perimeter zone. A structural sealing/adhesion component runs along the outer perimeter zone and occupies a volume to permit contact with the spacer element and the glass sheets. An element for housing accessory components for supporting and/or operating the sash is associated with the structural component for each side of the glass sheets. Each element includes a rigid profile having, in cross section, at least one closed base side and two flaps each formed by a stretch perpendicular to the base side and a recessed stretch, parallel to the base side, to form a channel with an opening The rigid profile is associated with the structural component along the outer surface of the base side.

Abstract: Glazing units including a cartridge cavity outside of a seal that is located between the first and second panes to form a closed interior volume within the glazing unit are described herein, along with sashes, panels, window assemblies, and/or doors that may incorporate the glazing units. A control unit provided in a cartridge housing located in the cartridge cavity may be operably connected to one or more connected devices to provide any number of a variety of functions such as, e.g., sound control/production, optical effects, thermal effects, etc.

Abstract: A corner key includes a heel and at least one leg extending along an axis from the heel. The at least one leg includes a retention element and a lifting cam such that upon insertion into a frame member the lifting cam induces a bending stress in the retention element.

Abstract: A sliding fire door is disclosed with an improved tightness of the closure by the door main body. The sliding fire door includes an opening frame, a fire door, and a guiding mechanism. The guiding mechanism includes a guide roller group which includes a plurality of guide rollers arranged one adjacent to another along the slide direction and which is configured to guide the door main body. The guiding mechanism is configured to guide the door main body such that the door main body is moved from an opening position to a closing position. The door main body has a first opposing surface which is oriented toward the wall. The opening frame has a second opposing surface which is oriented toward the first opposing surface of the door main body in the closing position. The guiding mechanism moves the door main body to cause the first opposing surface to be moved closer to the second opposing surface when the door main body is moved from the opening position to the closing position.

Abstract: A soundproof door assembly for use in reduction of sound transmitted from one side of the door to the other side, having an STC number at least STC 36 determined in accordance with ASTM E413-10 and E90-09, comprising a soundproof door having a thickness of 30-80 mm, which comprising two door skins, one formed as a front door skin and the other formed as a rear door skin for the soundproof door respectively; a quadrilateral frame, constituted by a top rail member, a bottom rail member, a left stile member and a right stile member to seal the perimeter of the door skins; and a multiple-layered core, to form a concrete inner portion of the door, which comprising three layers of a hard-soundproof material that blocks sound with high frequency over 500 Hz, wherein each of the door skins includes an aperture aligned and devoid of any soundproofing core thereby forms a window of the soundproof door for accommodation of a glass pane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing protection to a structure. The apparatus may include at least one protective sheet configured to be maintained in one of a collapsed state and an extended state. In the extended state, the at least one protective sheet may be configured to cover at least a portion of the structure. Further, the apparatus may include at least one holder configured to house the at least one protective sheet. Further, the apparatus may include at least one actuator configured to transition the at least one protective sheet from one of the collapsed state and the extended state to an opposite state. Further, the apparatus may include at least one power source configured to supply electric power to the at least one actuator. Further, the apparatus may include at least one switch communicatively coupled the at least one actuator and the at least one power source.

Abstract: A security system and method for preventing unwanted passage through windows and doors of a building includes custom sizing and welding of hardened steel structures that mount into the door jam or window frame, on the inside of the door or window with the use of threaded fasteners. The custom assembled structure consists of an outer frame and horizontal and vertical pickets that may be formed of flat stock, hollow square or rectangular steel tubing or solid square hardened steel bars. The system and method involves specifically spacing the vertical and horizontal pickets so as to lineup with an ornamental structure on the window or door (e.g., grids) without obstructing the view of the door or window so that the steel bars of the security structure is essentially invisible.

Abstract: A Venetian blind to be fitted to an architectural frame, including a first rail; a second rail; and a transfer mechanism, wherein: the first rail includes a tilt controller configured to control tilting of the blind, the second rail includes a control actuator, and the transfer mechanism mechanically couples the control actuator and the tilt controller to transfer movement of the control actuator to the tilt controller.

Abstract: A shutter control system for use with a network. The shutter control system includes a network device coupled to the network to communicate an indication. The shutter control system also includes a shutter controller configured to receive the indication, to determine if the indication meets a predefined condition, and, in response to the indication meeting the predefined condition, to communicate an actuation signal. A shutter device, having at least one motor, receives the actuation signal, and operates the at least one motor based on the received actuation signal.

Abstract: A winding device for a blind includes two pivot seats, two limiting members respectively pivoted to the pivot seats, a spring member having first and second end portions respectively connected to the limiting members, an outer tube sleeved on the spring member, and two tubular sleeves connected between one of the limiting members and the outer tube. When the tubular sleeves are driven to rotate by a blind body of the blind, one of the tubular sleeves drives one limiting member to rotate synchronously, but the other tubular sleeve cannot drive the other limiting member to rotate therealong, such that the first and second end portions of the spring member are twisted to provide a resilient restoring force for balancing and positioning the blind body.

Abstract: A covering system for an architectural feature having a roller, the roller including a main body portion and a flapper portion pivotable relative to the main body portion. The covering system also includes a first support member operatively associated at one end to the main body portion and at a second end to a bottom rail, as well as a second support member operatively associated with and laterally moveable relative to the first support member, wherein a first end of the second support member is operatively associated with the flapper portion and a second end of the second support member is operatively associated with the bottom rail. The covering system also includes a limiting mechanism configured to interact with the flapper portion of the roller to maintain the bottom rail in a horizontally level position as the second support member is moved laterally with respect to the first support member.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment provides a low-cost solution for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window. The window treatment includes a covering material, a drive shaft, at least one lift cord rotatably received around the drive shaft and connected to the covering material, and a motor coupled to the drive shaft for raising and lowering the covering material. The window treatment also includes a spring assist unit for assisting the motor by providing a torque that equals the torque provided by the weight on the cords that lift the covering material at a position midway between fully-open and fully-closed positions, which helps to minimize motor usage and conserve battery life if a battery is used to power the motorized window treatment. The window treatment may comprise a photosensor for measuring the amount of daylight outside the window and temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures inside and outside of the window.

Abstract: A load control system automatically controls the amount of daylight entering a building through at least one window of a non-linear façade of the building. The load control system comprises at least two motorized window treatments located along the non-linear façade, and a system controller. The controller is configured to calculate an optimal position for the motorized window treatments at each of a plurality of different times during a subsequent time interval using at least two distinct façade angles of the non-linear façade, such that a sunlight penetration distance will not exceed a maximum distance during the time interval. The controller is configured to use the optimal positions to determine a controlled position to which both of the motorized window treatments will be controlled during the time interval and to automatically adjust each of the motorized window treatments to the controlled position at the beginning of the time interval.

Abstract: Electric drive unit (104) for cords of blinds, comprising: a DC driven electric motor (106), a cord winding/unwinding unit (107) driven by the electric motor (106), for winding/unwinding one or more cords (102a) of a blind (103), a control circuitry (105) arranged for controlling the operation of the electric motor (106) by controlling the DC supply of the electric motor (106), the control circuitry (105) being functionally connected to one or more rotation detection sensors (108), each rotation detection sensor (108) being arranged for detecting increments of the rotation of the electric motor (106) by cooperating with a rotating element (109) driven by the electric motor (106), the rotating element (109) having at least two discrete elements (110), wherein the passage of which is detected as detection pulses by the one or more rotation detection sensor (108), characterized in that the control circuitry (105) is arranged for controlling the electric motor (106) dependent on the time development of the de

Abstract: A safety device for a window shade system comprising a shade tube having a first end mounted to a first bracket 100 and a second end mounted to a second bracket. The system also includes a first plurality of catchpins 110 mounted to the first bracket, wherein the first plurality of catchpins 110 are mounted below the first end of the shade tube. In response to the first end of the shade tube disengaging from the first bracket, the first plurality of catchpins 110 catch the first end of the shade tube and prevent the first end of the shade tube from further falling.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a self-extending/retracting gate for a platform. In one embodiment, safety gate includes a housing that extends laterally from a back support attached to the platform. The gate includes a sliding member that is operable to retract at least partially into the housing toward the back support to substantially conceal the sliding member within the housing and provide an opening beyond the housing for users to access the platform and to extend from an opening of the housing away from the back support to block access to the platform while the housing supports the sliding member. The gate includes a gate movement assembly within the housing between a rear portion of the sliding member and the back support. The gate movement assembly is operable to cause the sliding member to extend from the housing and retract into the housing according to a height of the platform.

Abstract: A ladder that removably secures to a tree. The tree ladder includes a pair of opposing siderail members, each siderail member having an upper end and a lower end, with a plurality of rungs between the pair of siderail members. A mounting rung at the upper end of the tree ladder has an arcuate shape designed to fit around part of a tree trunk. The mounting rung has a plurality of teeth on an inner edge which are designed to secure to the tree trunk. In this way, the tree ladder can be secured to the tree and an individual can safely climb the tree.

Abstract: A platform ladder apparatus (2) has a transport position and a use position in which the apparatus is arranged to lean against a wall (W) for performing work at an elevated level. The apparatus (2) has a ladder (4) and a working platform (20). A proximal side of the platform is pivotally connected at an upper end of the ladder such that it may be pivoted towards the ladder (4) to a stowed position essentially parallel to the ladder (4). The apparatus further comprises a pair of wall support arms (80) for stabilizing the apparatus in the use position in relation to the wall. The wall support arms (80) are connected to the platform (20) for movement between a stowed arm position in which the arms (80) project out from a distal side (24) of the platform (20) thereby preventing use of the apparatus, and a stabilizing arm position in which the arms (80) project sideways from the platform (20) in opposite lateral directions, respectively, for stabilizing the apparatus (2) in relation to the wall (W).

Abstract: A ladder may include a first pair of spaced apart members, a second pair of spaced apart members and a first pair of hinges coupling the first pair of spaced apart members with the second pair of spaced apart members. In some embodiments, each hinge may include a first hinge component including at least a first hinge plate, the first hinge plate having a notch formed therein, the notch including a first abutment wall and a second abutment wall, a second hinge component including at least a second hinge plate, and a lock mechanism having a pivot pin and a lock pin. The lock mechanism is configured for selective engagement with the notch such that the pivot pin engages the first abutment wall and the lock pin engages the second abutment wall to lock the first hinge component relative to the second hinge component in a first hinge position.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to solid nano-particles applied to the surface of well equipment to treat bituminous material adhesion. An embodiment provides a method of treating the surface of well equipment. The method may comprise applying a solid nanoparticle film to the surface of the well equipment with a treatment fluid comprising solid nanoparticles. The method may further comprise allowing the solid nanoparticles to interact with the surface of the well equipment and/or bituminous materials adhered to the surface of the well equipment to remove at least a portion of the bituminous materials from the surface of the well equipment.

Abstract: A drill string can include an electromagnetic transmitter oriented at an actual effective tilt angle with respect to the drill string and an electromagnetic receiver oriented at an actual effective tilt angle with respect to the drill string. The transmitter and received can be used to investigate geologic formations surrounding the drill string, and measurements of the geologic formations can be based on the actual effective tilt angles of the transmitter and the receiver.

Abstract: A method for drilling a well includes orienting a steerable drilling motor at a selected toolface angle. The steerable drilling motor is connected by a drill string to a surface drilling location. The drill string is automatically rotated at the surface location in a first direction for a first predetermined time interval.