Abstract: A sewer line root cleaning and repair system includes a root cleaner having a first body and a second body connected by a flexible connector. A flexible rotating member extending from a pneumatic motor in the first body extends through the flexible connector and the second body. The flexible rotating member terminates beyond the second body in a series of bristles. As the root cleaner moves through a sewer line a set of wheels on the first body extends outward, centering the first body in the sewer line as the bristles spin at high RPM centering the second body in the sewer line and scouring the sewer line free of roots including small root hairs. Afterward, a coating sprayer is inserted into the sewer line, connected to a coating supply and air supply, and the coating is sprayed under pressure to line the inner surface of the sewer line.

Abstract: There is provided a powerless back-flow prevention apparatus comprising: a body having a sewage inlet at a front thereof, a sewage outlet at a rear thereof, and a length-wise sewage channel there between; a door pivotally coupled to the body at the rear thereof to open or close the outlet, wherein the door comprises: a number of floating members arranged spacedly with each other; and a guide disposed on the floating members to pivot upwards via the floating force to close the outlet, and to pivot downwards via a gravity in an absence of the sewage back-flow to open the outlet, and, then to guide the sewage from the outlet.

Abstract: An underdrain assembly for filtering particulates from a fluid having an upper structure connected to a bottom plate. At least one flow control vane is positioned between the upper structure and the bottom plate for directing and managing fluid flow through the assembly. The upper structure can have first and second filtration members, the second filtration member positioned between the first filtration member and the bottom plate. The second filtration member can have a shape that restricts fluid flow within the underdrain. The underdrain can have air and water inlets. The water inlet can have an end with a plate covering an upper portion thereof. The end can also include an opening having an angular cut forming an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the water inlet. Thus arranged, air is prevented from migrating out the water line. A resilient mounting arrangement for the underdrain is also disclosed.

Abstract: A frame system for a building structure includes beam members. Each beam member comprises two opposed, parallel flanges. A web is interposed between the flanges. Spreader members comprise two opposed, parallel side flanges, a web interposed between the side flanges and two opposed end flanges bridging the side flanges at respective terminal ends of the web. The beam members and the spreader members are configured to be fastened to each other to form a frame assembly.

Abstract: A joining element includes at least two joint holes for pin joints as well as a first plane surface and a second plane surface and an inclined surface slanting towards an outer edge of the joining element and arranged at an angle with respect to at least one said plane surface. A method includes joining two wood structures to one another by using the joining element.

Abstract: A base member for cooperating with a support member and at least one fixing member to form an anchor assembly mountable to a form board on which wet concrete may be poured during formation of a concrete substrate. The base member includes: a mounting portion for positioning the anchor assembly on the form board prior to inserting the fixing members into the form board; an aperture having first and second generally opposed ends, the first end being open to facilitate insertion of the support member into the aperture; and a barrier reconfigurable in use from a first configuration, in which the barrier restricts ingress of wet concrete into contact with the support member via the second end of the aperture, to a second configuration in which the barrier allows an object to extend via the second end of the aperture into contact with the support member.

Abstract: A veneer tie for use in a wall to join a veneer wall to an inner wall. The veneer tie includes an attachment portion and an insertion portion. The attachment portion has a bent loop defining an opening configured to receive a fastener to secure the attachment portion to the inner wythe and a circumferential discontinuity located on the loop. The discontinuity has a width that is less than a width of the opening. The insertion portion is fixed to the attachment portion and extends in a direction transverse of the attachment portion. The insertion portion is configured for attachment to the veneer wall.

Abstract: Construction panels and other materials, methods for their manufacture, and systems and methods for monitoring environmental conditions with such panels are provided herein. The panels include a core having a first surface and an opposed second surface, and an environmental sensor assembly associated with the panel and configured to detect an environmental condition of the panel and wirelessly communicate data on the environmental condition to a reader.

Abstract: An acoustic panel device includes a panel member and a mount. The panel member includes a porous material. The mount is arranged to captively support the panel member. The mount can be a frame that surrounds the panel member. The frame can define a channel, and a portion of the panel member is disposed in the channel.

Abstract: A new prefabricated wall panel is the basic unit of a new, more efficient and stronger wall system. The wall panel is manufactured from a plurality of foam sections sized to leave vertical and horizontal voids into which concrete is later poured, each foam section having an inner and outer surface and two sides; and a plurality of fastening strips. The fastening strips are longitudinal metal strips being situated between the sides of two foam sections. Each fastening strip has two longitudinal fastening strips projecting perpendicularly to the longitudinal fastening strip and the fastening strips being adjacent to the outer surface of the two foam sections.

Abstract: A device for compensating for the natural shrinkage of building materials includes an expander mounted on a base plate. An opening in the expander aligns with a hole in the base plate to define an axis and receive a shank of a fastener. The expander is biased axially away from the base plate substantially at the axis. The base plate can be securely fastened to a first building member. A fastener can be axially fixed relative to a second building member and the expander but not axially fixed relative to the base plate and first building member.

Abstract: Architectural precast concrete construction relies on mechanical connectors at discrete location that may be damaged in a blast or seismic event, posing specific design problems to the engineer. These problems can be overcome with proper detailing. The performance of precast concrete cladding wall panel connection details may be enhanced by incorporating a specific connection hardware, herein described, that deforms elastically or inelastically to accommodate relative displacements due to building motion and/or energy associated with blast pressures.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a building structure having a convertible roof with at least one moveable roof section. The moveable roof section can include an integrated overhang. The moveable roof section can also include a roller that rides on a track formed by an angle member. The convertible roof can further have a configuration that reduces rafter visibility.

Abstract: A wall support for a ceiling support grid with grid members is disclosed. Each grid member can have a top with a bulb, a web extending downward from the bulb, and a bottom with a flange extending from the web opposite the bulb. Examples of the wall support may include a bracket having a C-shaped channel with a back, a lower flange at a lower end of the back, and an upper flange at an upper end of the back. In addition, the bracket may include only one tab in the lower flange for each grid member. The only one tab may be configured to engage and retain the flange of a respective grid member. The grid member may rest on the lower flange. The lower flange may have no other features for positive engagement with and retention of the flange of the respective grid member.

Abstract: An insulation system for a concrete block having an open end and a closed end, the insulation system including a single sheet of a foam material configured to have opposite end portions with a middle portion intermediate the end portions and a hinge defined between each of the end portions and the middle portion to enable the sheet to be folded so that the middle portion is disposed perpendicular to the end portions to render the sheet in a u-shaped orientation so as to be insertable into the open end of the concrete block; and a panel of foam material configured as a rectangle to conform to the closed end of the concrete block. The sheet of foam material is sized to provide a snug interference fit with the open end of the concrete block when folded into the u-shaped orientation and the panel is sized to provide a snug interference fit with the closed end of the concrete block. The sheet of foam material and the panel of foam material are each made of a closed cell flexible foam.

Abstract: This invention presents a wall mounted receiver to accommodate insulated or non-insulated pipes and at least one inlet or portal for at least one pipe conduit or wiring per portal and with a high degree of flexibility and unique mechanical connection security; this receiver is arranged to receive the piping from any directional angle with a unique flexible inlet capability; without limitation, this receiver is for use with refrigeration or air conditioning equipment and related connections, such as insulated pipes, non-insulated pipes, condensation piping, conduit and wiring. The receiver can be mounted to different wall surface types without the assistance of a wall bracket; can also be fit into tight space service areas depending on refrigeration equipment requirements; can be installed in new construction applications; and can also upgrade existing installations without the need to cut the existing piping.

Abstract: A system for centering a reinforcing member within a drilled shaft/bore hole includes a first cage member and a second cage member. The first cage member is operable to surround a first half of the reinforcing member. The second cage member is operable to surround a second half of the reinforcing member. The second cage member is operably connected to the first cage member, and the first and second cage members have identical shapes.

Abstract: A mount assembly is provided for mounting a structure to a roof having a top surface. The mount includes a flashing including an aperture; a bracket including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having an opening and a countersink extending around the opening, the second portion extending at an angle away from the flashing, the second portion including a slot configured to be coupled to the structure; a fastener extending through the aperture and through the opening of the bracket; and a seal extending around the aperture and positioned between the flashing and the first portion of the bracket, the seal engaging the countersink of the bracket and being compressed against the flashing.

Abstract: A rain gutter cleaning system having a gutter system cleaning pole (GSP) which is attached to said elongated debris contacting element (DCE) at a point off center thereof so as to form a long (LS) and short (SS) side, and method of it's use.

Abstract: An awning assembly and method of construction that includes a first main member rotatably coupled to a vertical track at a first end of the first main member; a second main member pivotally coupled to and at a second end of the first main member; a first supplemental member rotatably and slidably connected to the vertical track at a first end of the first supplemental member; a second supplemental member having a first end pivotally coupled to and at a second end of the first supplemental member. The second supplemental member has a second end pivotally coupled to the second main member. The first main member includes first, second, and third cross-sections spaced the second cross-section comprising slot that allows for the passage of the first supplemental member through the first main member, wherein the first cross-section differs from the second cross-section.

Abstract: An elongate hanger for precast cladding panels includes an anchorage band embeddable in an upper region of a precast panel; an abutment band contiguous with the anchorage band and providing an abutment surface for the lower edge of an upper panel in a panel assembly mounted to a support wall; a ventilation band contiguous with and extending horizontally from the abutment band, and having one or more ventilation openings; and a mounting band contiguous with and extending upward from the ventilation band in a tilted off-vertical plane when the panel is mounted to a support wall by fasteners extending through a lower region of the mounting band. The hanger vertically supports the cladding panel at a distance from the support wall corresponding to an air space defined by the selected hanger geometry, with the ventilation openings facilitating the flow of water or water vapor out of the air space.

Abstract: A tile leveller and spacer system that allows rapid and reliable spacing and levelling of tools is described. The tile spacer comprises a base for locating the spacer under the tiles, and a stem that includes an alignment cross which is used to correctly space the tiles. The stem tile spacer is placed over the stem and engages with teeth on the stem. The tile leveller is pushed down over the stem to level the tiles between the base and the bottom of the tile leveller. The stem further comprises a frangible portion located between the base and the tile alignment portion, and when the stem is pulled with sufficient force, the frangible portion breaks to allow removal of the stem. A hand tool may be used to assist in this process. The hand tool can have an adjustable stop which can be set to a first setting to level the tiles, and a second setting to cause the frangible portion to break, allowing removal of the stem and leveller.

Abstract: A tool is used for assembling at least a portion of a stay-in-place form-work for casting a structure from concrete, the form-work comprising first and second elongate panels having first and second edge components and connectable in an edge-to-edge relationship wherein the first and second edge components engage one another. The tool comprises: a first arm having a first handle, the first arm terminating at a first tool head; and a second arm having a second handle, the second arm terminating at a second tool head and pivotally attached to the first arm by a pivot joint. The first tool head comprises a first protrusion for engaging the first edge component. The second tool head comprises a second protrusion for engaging the second edge component; the first and second handles are moveable toward one another in a manner which forces the first and second tool heads toward one another thereby forcing the first and second edge components into a locked configuration.

Abstract: A solar shade system includes a first and second canopy assembly that are configured to support a cantilevered beam out from a post. The cantilevered beam is utilized to support a canopy that extends substantially from the first and second canopy assemblies. A post coupler extends between the two posts and an extended end coupler extends between the two extended ends of the cantilevered beams. A canopy has four sides with sleeves configured on each side for receiving a support, such as a post coupler, an extended-end coupler and a canopy cantilever. The solar shade system is quick and easy to assemble.

Abstract: A weight system for supporting a free-standing object comprising first and second upper panels, a least one side panel, a lower panel, and a closure system. The panels are joined to define an upper wall and at least side wall, with the first and second upper panels defining a fill opening in the upper wall and a container defining an interior chamber. The closure system is arranged to allow the container to be configured in a closed configuration in which access to the interior chamber through the fill opening is substantially prevented and an open configuration in which access to the interior chamber through the fill opening is allowed.

Abstract: The locks includes a housing, a locking mechanism, a first illuminating element projecting light in a first direction to illuminate the locking mechanism, a second illuminating element projecting light in a second direction, a power source, and a touch-sensitive switch for selectively energizing at least one of the first and second light sources when actuated.

Abstract: This invention discloses a lock that set on a suitcase of being opened or closed without using a zipper, which including an operating component and a locking component that are separately-mounted; the operating component is set on a non-border position of the suitcase, and the locking component is set on the border of the suitcase, wherein the locking component comprises at least one locking unit, the force transfer between the operating component and the locking component is provided by a force transmission mechanism that connected between the operating component and the locking component; the operating component comprises an operation member, and the locking unit comprises a lock head and a lock hook, wherein driving the operation member can drive the lock head or the lock hook to move through the force transmission mechanism, to lock or unlock the lock. This invention also provides a suitcase provided with the lock as described above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Bowden cable, particularly for a motor vehicle lock with a locking mechanism, comprising a rotary latch and at least one pawl for locking said rotary latch in a main latching position and a pre-latching position, preferably with a closing aid for moving said rotary latch from the pre-latching position into the main latching position. The Bowden cable comprises a securing device designed such that said Bowden cable can be adjusted and fixed in place by means of a translational movement, or that this adjustment can be fixed by deformation of at least one deformation tab. This allows said Bowden cable to be mounted in a particularly simple manner.

Abstract: A hatch cover lock comprises a front member including a pair of flanges, a rear member positioned between the pair of flanges; a gap defined between front member and the rear member; a clamp defining a J-shaped cross-section in a plane normal to a length thereof, the clamp having one leg thereof disposed in the gap and having another leg thereof disposed parallel to an outer surface of the rear member and at a distance therefrom, a handle, a first pivotal connection between the handle and the front member, a gravity lock, a second pivotal connection between the gravity lock and the handle, and a weld-free connection between the main portion of the rear member and the main portion of the front member.

Abstract: A latch for a door of a motor vehicle includes a supporting body, a closing assembly adapted to cooperate with a latch striker, and an opening mechanism which can move between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. An inertia lever is fitted to the supporting body and is free to oscillate from a first position to a second position. The latch includes a blocking lever movable between a release position and a stable blocking position. The inertia lever and the blocking lever are coupled in such a way that movement of inertia lever from the first position and the second position causes the movement of blocking lever from the release position to the stable blocking position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyless portable lock for a door. The portable door lock includes a horizontal bar that lays across the door and/or the door frame and a strap with one or more holes. The user pulls on the strap, closes the door and inserts a rod through the one or more strap holes so that the rod lays across the door and the frame on the opposite side of the door as the horizontal bar. This action will prevent the door from being opened. A transverse bar may extend from the horizontal bar at approximately 90 degree angle so that the portable door lock is generally in the shape of a L.

Abstract: Provided is a torque hinge which can be easily assembled. A torque hinge includes a restricting member 3 having a hole 31, a shaft 4 passed through the hole 31 of the restricting member 3, a friction member 6 engaged with the shaft 4 in an interference fitting state so as to generate torque due to friction to the shaft 4 which relatively rotates and fitted in the hole 31 of the restricting member 6, and a fixing shaft 41 for unrotatably fixing the friction member 6 to the restricting member 3, the fixing shaft 41 intervening between the friction member 6 and the restricting member 3. The fixing shaft 41 presses a wedge-shaped rotation locking portion 44 of the friction member 6 onto an inner surface of the hole 31 of the restricting member 3.

Abstract: A hinge for cold rooms or glass shutters includes a stationary support structure and a shutter movable between an open position and a closed position. The hinge includes a hinge body with a working chamber; a pivot coupled with the hinge body; a cam element unitary with the pivot; a plunger element sliding in the working chamber, the plunger element having a slider with an operative face interacting with the cam element; a counteracting elastic member acting on the plunger element to move it between a position proximal to the bottom wall of the working chamber and a position distal therefrom. The hinge body has a substantially plate-like shape. The cam element includes an elongated appendix extending from the pivot to come in contact engagement with the operative face of the slider. The pivot is placed at one of the side walls of the working chamber.

Abstract: A trigger has an upper board and a lower board. The lower board is detachably mounted on the upper board and has an open slot and an elongate board. The open slot is formed through an end of the lower board, and the elongate board is formed on the middle of the open slot and extends to the end of the lower board. The free end of the elongate board is bent perpendicularly to the elongate board. The door track with the trigger includes two installation boards, and two ribs are formed on the two installation boards respectively and extend toward each other. The upper board is mounted on the top surfaces of the ribs of the installation boards, and the lower board is mounted on the bottom surfaces of the ribs. When the sliding door collides with the trigger, the trigger can be deformed and prevents the slider of the sliding door from being restricted by the trigger.

Abstract: A system for detecting presence of an external obstacle combining contact and non-contact sensing in a common safety edge of a motorized closure includes a sensing edge with an elongate sheath forming a cavity in which two electrically conductive elements are physically and electrically separated. A control circuit includes an oscillator electrically connected to the conductive elements and that drives each at a drive frequency to establish an electric field. A controller is electrically connected to the first and second conductive elements and determines whether (i) the first and second conductive elements are in electrical contact with one another or (ii) a change to the drive frequency exceeds a threshold value. In response to a finding of either condition (i) or (ii), the controller outputs a signal to initiate or disrupt motion of the motorized closure. Two inductors connected to the conductive elements isolate the oscillator from the controller.

Abstract: A vehicle door system is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, a power source, and a controller. The actuator is configured to adjust a position of a door. The controller is configured to control the actuator with energy provided by the power source. The controller is further configured to identify a charge level of the power source and compare the charge level to at least one threshold. In response the charge level being less than the at least one threshold, the controller is configured to output a warning signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding-door assembly, including a stationary frame, a horizontally movable door leaf, and a drive device for moving the door leaf, which drive device includes a drive motor, which is arranged on the leaf and has a toothed wheel, which interacts with a toothed belt arranged on the frame, wherein the toothed belt is wrapped around the toothed wheel over a partial periphery of the toothed wheel and wherein at least two teeth of the toothed wheel are simultaneously fully engaged with at least two teeth of the toothed belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for opening a movable panel of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps of: —projection of at least one light spot (102) with which an authorized user (U) has to interact, —determining if there is an intention to open the panel (100), and if so—authorizing the opening of the panel (100). The step of determining if there is an intention to open the panel (100) comprises: —acquiring a measurement signal of a movement performed by the user (U), —filtering the signal, —identifying if the movement performed by the user (U) is in a predefined correct order with at least the following steps: moving the user's part towards the light spot (102), keeping it in the light spot (102) and moving it outside the light spot (102), and —determining if the movement performed by the user (U) meets a predefined specific time condition.

Abstract: A door (20) with a door access system is movable between an open position and a closed position and includes a first side (20A) and a second side (20B). The door (20) further includes a chamber (48) therein. The door (20) further includes a translucent reflective layer (36) mounted to the first side (20A) of the door (20). An intensity of a reflected portion of light reflected by the translucent reflective layer (36) is greater than an intensity of a transmitted portion of the light transmitted through the second side (20B) to the first side (20A) of the door (20). A door access system (10) is coupled to the door (20) and includes a door access control device (50) mounted in the chamber (48) of the door (20). The door access control device (50) is configured to control opening of the door (20).

Abstract: Methods and systems for opening an access point of a vehicle. A system and a method may involve receiving wirelessly a signal from a remote controller carried by a user. The system and the method may further involve receiving audio or video data indicating the user approaching the vehicle. The system and the method may also involve determining an intention of the user to access an interior of the vehicle based on the audio or video data. The system and the method may also involve opening an access point of the vehicle responsive to the determining of the intention of the user to access the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: An insulated door panel comprises a shell having spaced first and second exterior panels and frame members adjacent edges of the panels, a plurality of stiffeners in a shell interior portion extending along a length or width of the panels, and a hardenable insulation material creating a bond between the exterior panels, stiffeners, and frame members in the shell interior portion. The stiffeners comprise a thermally non-conductive fiber reinforced polymer. The hardenable insulation fills substantially all of the space between the adjacent exterior panels, stiffeners, and frame members. The door panel also comprises end cap members composed of thermoplastic polycarbonate material, and has openings therein to receive the ends of the stiffeners.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixed frame or opening frame, resulting from an assembly of joinery profiles, forming the mullions and the cross-members of the frame, with the profiles of the mullions and the cross-member profiles being assembled by their ends. The frame includes at least one device for compressing, including at least one mechanical connection extending interiorly along an intermediary portion of the frame, the at least one mechanical connection connecting by its ends of supports of the device for compressing, the supports being integral respectively with mullions or cross-members, on either side of the intermediate portion of the frame, the mechanical connection being solicited in traction in order to provide the maintaining under constraint of the ends of the joinery profiles of the intermediate portion of the frame against the corresponding ends of the joinery profiles, arranged on either side of the intermediate portion, belonging to the mullions or cross-members.

Abstract: A multi-compartmentalized utility cart for storage, transport and or deployment of a quadrangle of four private voting terminals for generating paper ballots (one being ADA-compliant), or alternatively two four private voting stations plus a private VVPB tabulation station, all without moving the equipment off the multi-cart. The present invention provides the foregoing complete with multiple on-board optional deployable privacy panels and optional curtains attached to the cart at each station to enclose a voter standing or seated in front of the voting terminal or ballot box.

Abstract: A one-way driving mechanism for a cordless window blind essentially includes two volute spring gears, which are meshed with each other, and a volute spring connected between the volute spring gears. The volute spring gears each meshes with a cord gear. Each of the cord gears is connected with a cord, which is encircled with a single loop by a clutch wheel. Each clutch wheel is provided therein with a position-securing member.

Abstract: An insect killing door system includes a door that is hingedly positioned in an entry to a building. The door has a window and an electrification unit is positioned to cover the window. Moreover, the electrification unit inhibits insects from passing through the window. The electrification unit is selectively turned on to kill insects that have landed on the electrification unit. In this way the insects are inhibited from entering the building when the door is opened. A control unit is provided and the control unit is in wireless electrical communication with the electrification unit. The control unit selectively turns the electrification unit on and off.

Abstract: A window covering can be configured to facilitate height adjustment of window covering material. In some embodiments, a handle or clips may be utilized to help maintain the position of the window covering material so that the use of an operator cord and/or exposed lift cords can be avoided or minimized.

Abstract: An all welded signal light assembly transportable in secure, stacked condition with a plurality of all welded signal light assemblies of like construction.

Abstract: A ladder having a first rail and a second rail. The ladder having a standard rung having a width permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The ladder having a first wide rung having a width greater than the width of the standard rung, which is permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The ladder having a second wide rung having a width greater than the width of the standard rung, which is permanently attached to the first rail and the second rail. The first wide rung and the second wide rung are disposed in a work zone of the ladder. The work zone of the ladder is where a user typically stands on the ladder while performing tasks. The standard rung is disposed outside the work zone. A wide rung. A method for using a ladder. A method for producing a ladder.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing rubber stator material from inside a housing includes a head, at least one blade, and an actuator. For example, the apparatus can be used to core out rubber material from the housing so new material can be molded therein. Also, the apparatus can be used to cut back excess rubber material newly molded in the housing. The head is rotated about an axis and is moved along the axis relative to the housing. The at least one blade is pivotably connected to the head and removes the rubber stator material at least partially from inside the housing with the rotation and movement of the head through the housing. The actuator is associated with the at least one blade and is operable to adjust a pivot of the at least one blade relative to the head.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) has a first section, a second section, and a drilling motor disposed along the second BHA section. The first BHA section is connected to the second BHA section with a flex sub. A steering assembly positioned along the BHA includes a first steering unit and an axially spaced apart second unit. Each steering unit has at least one pad. During operation, the first steering unit generates a force in a first direction and the second steering unit generates a force in a second direction different from the first direction. The first and the second steering units thereby cooperate to axially misalign the first BHA section and the second BHA section at the flex sub.