Abstract: An insulated concrete form panel system, and method of making same, is provided, the system and method comprising first and second opposed panels forming a cavity therebetween and an internal connector frame serving as a mold for receiving expandable polymer material to form the first and second panels, such that the irreleasably pre-assembled connector frame extends between, and is integral to, first and second panels. The present system provides first and second panel pairs may be mechanically connected to panel pairs positioned adjacent thereto (e.g. above, below, or side-by-side), increasing integrity of the structure.

Abstract: An example pre-assembled wall panel may include a panel frame which includes a plurality of studs connected to opposing end members, first and second wall boards connected to opposite first and second sides of the panel frame, a plurality of spacers attached to at least one of the first and second wall boards and configured to support a finish panel in a spaced relation from the at least one of the first and second wall boards; and a pipe disposed between the first and second wall boards and extending between the opposing end members, wherein the pipe includes a pipe diverter, and wherein a free end of the pipe diverter passes through an opening in the first wall board or the second wall board.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to an insulation-retaining sheet, e.g., for blown-in insulation, that includes an integral vapor-retarding membrane. In one aspect, the disclosure provides an insulation-retaining sheet including a sheet of mesh having an air permeability of at least 200 cfm per square foot; and one or more strips of vapor-retarding membrane, the one or more strips of vapor-retarding membrane being laminated to the sheet of mesh, the first side edge each of the strips of vapor-retarding membrane extending to the first side edge of the sheet of mesh, the second side edge each of the strips of vapor-retarding membrane extending to the second side edge of the sheet of mesh, wherein the insulation-retaining sheet has a plurality of open zones extending laterally from the first side edge of the sheet of mesh to the second side edge of the sheet of mesh in which no vapor-retarding membrane is laminated to the mesh.

Abstract: A construction system definable in terms of an X, Y, and Z coordinate axes which provides a first part having a hollow four-walled web elongate in the Z axis, having a series of securement flaps along the edges of the upper surface of the elongate Z axis member; and a second part having at least one open end for complemental engagement of the first part wherein the second part may fit over distal ends of said first part in which a cross-section of the second part is generally that of the first part, but wide and tall enough to allow the first part to slip within the second part, and said second part having an opposite end of said opening, wherein said second part securing the first part to a structural support.

Abstract: A construction system definable in terms of an X, Y, and Z coordinate axes which provides a first part having a hollow three-walled web elongate in the Z axis, having a series of rigid securement flaps on the upper Z edges of the elongate Z axis member; and a second part having at least one open end for complemental engagement of the first part wherein the second part may fit over distal ends of said first part in which a cross-section of the second part is generally that of the first part, but wide and tall enough to allow the first part to slip within the second part, and said second part having an opposite end of said opening, wherein said second part securing the first part to a structural support.

Abstract: A construction system definable in terms of an X, Y, and Z coordinate axes which provides a first part having a hollow four-walled web elongate in the Z axis, having a securement flange on the upper XZ base of the elongate Z axis member; and a second part having at least one open end for complemental engagement of the first part wherein the second part may fit over distal ends of said first part in which a cross-section of the second part is generally that of the first part, but wide and tall enough to allow the first part to slip within the second part, and said second part having an opposite end of said opening, wherein said second part securing the first part to a structural support.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides in various embodiments a truss member connector including a first attachment section, a second attachment section, a connection section connecting the first attachment section to the second attachment section, and one or more guide pins. The present disclosure provides in various embodiments a reinforced truss and a method for reinforcing a truss member of a truss with the additional reinforcing member which includes attaching an additional reinforcing member to the truss member with a plurality of truss member connectors to enable rotation of the additional reinforcing member relative to the truss member such that the additional reinforcing member adds support and rigidity to the truss member and the entire truss.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rebar coupler. The rebar coupler includes a housing having first and second openings for receiving first and second rebars, respectively, and a partition disposed at a center; a mounting member inserted in each end of the housing and receiving rebars therein; a plurality of coupling members slidably disposed on the mounting member and being brought into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the inserted rebars to prevent the rebars from moving out from the rebar coupler; a resilient member configured to apply a restoring force to the coupling members so that the coupling members slid by the rebar inserted in the mounting member are returned to an original position; and a cover fastened to both ends of the housing to prevent the mounting member and the coupling members from moving out from the housing due to a tensile force of the rebar.

Abstract: A prefabricated offset shingle kit includes a first shingle packet, a second shingle packet, and a third shingle packet. The first shingle packet has a first wrap portion disposed around only a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a rear face, and a left face. The second shingle packet has a second wrap portion disposed around only a top face, a bottom face, a front face, a rear face, and a right face. The third shingle packet has a wrap portion disposed around only a top face, a bottom face, a front face, and a rear face.

Abstract: Disclosed are sealing apparatuses used in conjunction with corrugated roofing around chimneys, vents, solar tubes, and other structures protruding through corrugated roof or siding. In one embodiment a specialized gasket comprising gasket ribs having a profile that matches a chosen corrugated sheet metal barrier is utilized. A transition barrier hole is cut into the corrugated sheet metal barrier and then the hole is used to cut a transition gasket hole in the gasket. A sealant is used between the gasket and mating parts to create a seal about the transition vessel to prevent roof leaks. In some embodiments, the gasket is in the form of gasket plugs which may be trimmed and utilized to plug and seal the corrugations surrounding a transition barrier hole in a corrugated sheet metal barrier.

Abstract: A decorative ornament is supported on the roof pipe of a house to improve the outward appearance of the house. The support for the decorative ornament is in the form of a cylindrical body the upper portion of which is in the shape of a castle turret and the bottom portion of which is cylindrical and slipped over the cylindrical roof pipe of a house.

Abstract: A roof structure support allowing roof shingle having a partially tubular mounting bracket having an upper plate for securing a roof structure joist and a lower plate for securing onto a wall plate, wherein a base tube is received by a collar affixed to a roofing deck and an associated boot.

Abstract: In one implementation, a stair system disclosed herein allows for efficient manufacturing and installation of stairs. The stair system includes a stair comprising a plurality of steps, a lower landing rotatably attached to the bottom of the stair, and an upper landing rotatably attached to the top of the stair, wherein each of the upper landing and the lower landing are configured to be attached to vertical posts.

Abstract: A foldable staircase that can be easily transported and conveniently used rather than a ladder. The foldable staircase includes a lower staircase and an upper staircase. The upper staircase and the lower staircase are constructions that bridge vertical distances and provide platforms allowing the user to walk up or down the foldable staircase. The foldable staircase provides an alternative means to reach high areas that is easy and safe to ascend or descend as conventional stairways and staircases along with the transportability of a conventional ladder. The foldable staircase can be adjusted to a collapsed configuration or operative configuration. The collapsed configuration allows a user to store or easily transport the foldable staircase. The operative configuration allows the user to ascend or descend the foldable staircase.

Abstract: A method of fastening a wall panel to a wall, according to one illustrative embodiment, comprises coupling a retaining body to a mounting body mounted on an outer surface of the wall adjacent a side edge of the wall panel. Coupling the retaining body to the mounting body may comprise coupling a first connector on an inner surface of the retaining body to a second connector on the mounting body, and positioning a retainer on the retaining body against a retaining surface on the wall panel to fasten the wall panel to the wall. Kits and wall assemblies according to other illustrative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Floor panels which are provided with a mechanical locking system including an extruded flexible tongue in a sidewardly open groove which during a vertical folding motion is bent horizontally. A tongue adapted for being received in a sidewardly open groove of a floor panel, wherein the tongue, which is an elongated extruded section, when received in the groove is bendable in a plane substantially parallel with a front face of the floor panel, such that the tongue is at least partially resiliently displaceable inside said sidewardly open groove in said plane during locking of the floor panel with another floor panel and wherein a vertical protrusion, serving as a friction connection between the tongue and the groove, is arranged at an upper or lower part of the tongue, wherein the tongue has a length in the longitudinal direction of the tongue and a total width perpendicular to the length, and the total width varies in the longitudinal direction of the tongue.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system that may be locked with a vertical displacement of a first panel against a second panel. The locking system includes a flexible strip that during locking bends upwardly or downwardly. The locking system includes a first and a second joint edge section with different locking functions. One section provides a horizontal locking and another section provides a vertical locking.

Abstract: A tile lippage removal system preferably includes a spacer post, a threaded cap and an anti-friction protection plate. The spacer post includes a base member, a spacer member and a threaded shaft. A bottom of the spacer member extends from a top of the base member. A break away connection is made between the spacer member and the base member. A bottom of the threaded shaft extends from a top of the spacer member. A plurality of grip extensions extend from an outer surface of a substantial inverted cup to allow rotation of the threaded cap. A female thread is formed in a center of the substantial inverted cup to threadably receive the threaded shaft. The anti-friction protection plate includes a round outer perimeter and a spacer opening, which is sized to receive the spacer member. The anti-friction protection plate may be used to improve existing tile lippage removal systems.

Abstract: A coating system for applying a coating to a substrate that can be part of a wall assembly. The system includes a positioning stage and an end effector coupled at a distal end of the positioning stage, the end effector configured to apply coating to a target surface. The system can further include a computing device executing a computational planner that: generates instructions for driving the end effector and positioning stage to perform at least one coating task that includes applying coating, via the coating the end effector, to one or more substrate pieces, the generating based at least in part on obtained target surface data; and drives the end effector and positioning stage to perform the at least one coating task.

Abstract: A rebar tying tool may include a controller configured to selectively execute one of a plurality of control modes including a single-action control mode and a repetitive-action control mode. While the controller executes the single-action control mode, a tying mechanism may perform a tying operation in response to an activation of a manipulation member by a user. While the controller executes the repetitive-action control mode, the tying mechanism may perform the tying operation in response to a detection of the at least one of rebars by a detection mechanism.

Abstract: A shell element that can be formed simply and in a short time, a shell structure using the shell element, and a structure forming set that can form the shell element simply and in a short time are provided. Resin material is foamed on the inside of thin film, a foamed material portion with bubbles being mixed is in the state of being sandwiched by the thin film and a solid layer, and tensional stress is applied to the thin film and the solid layer and compressive stress is applied to the foamed material portion, thus the shell element is difficult to be cracked or split, and the shell structure is formed by the shell element. And, the shell structure forming set forms the shell structure easily.

Abstract: A frame pool having a plurality of vertical support tubes, a plurality of horizontal support tubes, a pool body comprising a pool bottom and a pool wall, and a reinforcing band having a continuous annular shape and provided between the inner side of the vertical support tubes and an outer surface of the pool wall. The reinforcing band entirely or partially covering the perimeter of the pool body and being fitted with the pool wall. A fixing band having a continuous annular shape is provided about an outer surface of the reinforcing band and of the vertical support tubes. At least one fixing device is fixedly coupled to the reinforcing band, wherein the fixing band passes through the fixing device.

Abstract: A hot tub cover consists of an impermeable exterior shell and at least one multilayered insulative and structural core. Each multilayered insulative and structural core may further have multiple core layers layered adjacent to each other in various configurations, providing superior protection from heat losses from within the hot tub as well as structural strength and durability.

Abstract: A heating system is described that uses solar thermal technology in the heating cycle using the compression principle to reduce the electrical consumption of the compressors, thereby increasing the efficiency of systems being used for heating with an increased refrigerant flow. Thermal energy provided from solar thermal energy collectors may be used. The rate of efficiency of the total heating system depends heavily on the size and construction of the heat exchanger array and the pipework to and from these heat exchangers. The system uses proper dimensioning, components in the pipework, and logic groups with sensors and actuators attached in that pipework to increase energy efficiency.

Abstract: A robotic pool cleaner includes a housing, a propulsion mechanism configured to propel the robotic pool cleaner along an interior surface of a pool, and a suction mechanism for drawing liquid from the pool into the housing. A transceiver is configured to receive a signal that is indicative of a relative location of another robotic pool cleaner.

Abstract: A robotic pool cleaner includes a housing, a propulsion mechanism configured to propel the robotic pool cleaner along an interior surface of a pool, and a suction mechanism for drawing liquid from the pool into the housing. A transceiver is configured to receive a signal that is indicative of a relative location of another robotic pool cleaner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower section and to a method for raising said section with a complete new or existing wind turbine on the upper part thereof, the assembly being raised to heights greater than 120 meters by means of a raising system that operates at ground level and gradually inserts modular frame structures through the lower part. The modules have heights between 10 and 14 meters and are formed by a trellis of at least three vertical columns and with diagonal elements which react to the twisting moments and shear forces generated by the action of the wind. A transition part with a base sufficient for raising in wind conditions greater than 15 meters/second is disposed on top of the modules.

Abstract: A mobile pole for temporary support of one or more electrical lines includes a boom assembly mounted on a wheeled trailer. The boom assembly includes a plurality of segments pivotably attached to one another. Actuators acting between the segments effect pivoting motion to deploy and stow the segments. A utility pole having one or more cross members is mounted on a free end of one of the segments. The utility pole is rotatable about its longitudinal axis to orient the cross members relative to the electrical lines.

Abstract: An enclosure comprising an opening that allows access to a space formed by the enclosure, a door that covers the opening, wherein the door includes a pair of rigid edges, and a vertical living hinge that attaches the door to a portion of the enclosure. The enclosure may comprise a horizontal living hinge that allows the pair of rigid edges to fold with respect to each other. The door may comprise a plurality of stiffening members to form the pair of rigid edges. The enclosure may comprise a plurality of stiffening members in the enclosure wall, located proximate to the opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tent comprising a tent skin, at least one elongated support element for supporting the tent skin in a tensioned state of the tent, and a deflection device which is configured for connection with two securing points and with the at least one support element and for transmitting a longitudinal tension, applied to the deflection device between the securing points, as transverse tension to the support element in order to curve the support element, wherein the at least one support element is connected to a pre-tensioning device which maintains the support element in a pre-tensioned and curved state independent of the tension of the deflection device.

Abstract: A portable demountable canopy system is provided including a canopy defined by a rim arranged around an outer periphery of the canopy, the rim forming an open area, and a rollable membrane deployed across the open area; a plurality of poles being attached to the canopy; and counterweight elements present in an amount at least equal to an amount of the poles, each of the counterweight elements along outer sides thereof fitted with at least two fastening elements for receiving a lower end of each pole. Also disclosed is a kit with parts for assembling the system.

Abstract: A portable residential fence system with a lower post surround assembly, a middle post surround assembly and an upper post surround assembly. Each assembly is made of four adjoining strips. The lower and middle surround assemblies are attached to each other by angled joining strips. The lower post strips include extension brackets that are flat to the ground. The lower and upper surround strips include apertures that allow bolts to extend horizontally to attach fencing to the post. Stakes can be driven through apertures in the lower assembly extension brackets and into the ground so that a fence post can be held in an upright positon without the need for cement footings or other holding methods that are not portable. The surround strips and joining strips are all made of rigid material such as metal or glass filled plastic.

Abstract: A fence panel has pinched end connections. The ends of the rails are pinched such that they are flattened from their normal diameter, which are secured to the posts, for example, by welding. A center post may also be used, where its ends are pinched and secured to the middle of the rails. Likewise, additional rails may be utilized, each with pinched ends, and secured to the appropriate posts. The fence panels with pinched ends of particular members may be offset stacked on top of each other to create a nested stack of fence panels that is more stable and compact for transport.

Abstract: A domestic appliance for treating items may include a cabinet having a plurality of walls at least partly defining an interior chamber for treating items; a door assembly to enclose the interior chamber; a fascia panel attached to the door assembly, the fascia panel having a handle shell that at least partly defines a handle recess on the fascia panel, and the fascia panel having at least one fascia panel rib formed on an interior surface of the fascia panel opposite the handle shell; a handle tray having a main body and at least one finger extending from the main body, the at least one finger structured to be positioned adjacent to the at least one fascia panel rib.

Abstract: An elevator call box with internal, concealable latching mechanism comprises an internally disposed, cylindrical magnetic pin with a relatively low pull force that is slidably displaceable by an larger, external magnetic force supplied by a service technician. When the access door is closed, magnetic pin penetrates an orifice in a locking tab to lock the call box. The pin magnet is normally attracted to an adjacent, magnetically attractive clip snap-fitted to a latching block. The latch is externally disengaged via a stronger portable magnet carried by service personnel. The larger magnetic pull force of the portable magnet slidably displaces the smaller magnetic latch pin, freeing the locking tab to permit pivotal opening of the access door. Once the stronger magnet is moved away, the smaller magnetic pin, which is attracted magnetically to the clip, will return to it's rest position penetrating the locking tab and locking the control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a key (1) for locking a cylinder lock, comprising at least one first surface (2) and at least one second surface (2?), with sensing positions (4) provided along the longitudinal extent of the key (1), wherein at least one code (3) is provided on the first surface (2) and wherein at least one further code (3?) is provided on the second surface (2?), the codes comprising control points (6, 6?, 7, 7?) at the sensing positions (4) that are provided transversely to the longitudinal extent of the key (1) and arranged at certain control heights (5), wherein at least at one sensing position (4) at least one control point (25, 25?) has a different dimension, preferably a larger diameter, on the two surfaces than a control point (6, 6?, 7, 7?) at another sensing position (4). The invention also relates to a lock for such a key and a system made up of at least two locks and at least one key.

Abstract: A system to detect an unauthorized attempt to open a security lock (1-6), the system comprising a camera (10), which is directed towards the vicinity of the security lock; a communications connection between a camera (10) and a predefined mobile station (13); and a detector or sensor (8, 9), which is arranged to start the camera for transmitting a picture via said communications connection to the mobile station. The system further comprises a safety device (6) of the lock, having a safety latch (16), which has a locking position and an opening and, in which locking position, the mechanical opening of the lock with a key and/or rotary knob is prevented; at least one detector or sensor (8, 9), which is located in connection with the lock or door and arranged to detect at least one of the following events: (i) the presence of a key in the key channel (4) of lock, (ii) a movement or vibration of the door, (iii) a movement or vibration of a part of the lock.

Abstract: An actuating apparatus for opening and closing a cover in or on a vehicle, having push-push kinematics which interact with the cover.

Abstract: An exit device for a door includes an elongate housing, a latch, a touch bar assembly, a panel, and a dogging assembly. The elongate housing is configured to be mounted to the door. The touch bar assembly is attached to the elongate housing. The touch bar assembly includes a touch bar that is movable relative to the elongate housing and has a linkage that operably connects the touch bar to the latch. The panel is connected to the elongate housing. The dogging assembly has a combination lock dogging operator and a dogging mechanism. The dogging mechanism is rotatably coupled to the elongate housing. The combination lock dogging operator is mounted to the panel, and is drivably engaged with the dogging mechanism.

Abstract: A security device comprises a body having, a lock portion and a securing member. The lock portion may comprise a first engagement member, a second engagement member. The securing member comprises a first interface portion having a locking member, a second interface portion, and a hinge member configured to pivotally couple the first interface portion to the second interface portion. The security device further comprises an extension having a first end and a second end and comprising a head engagement section proximate the first end, and a locking member engagement portion proximate the second end. In an assembled state, the extension is configured to be coupled to the locking member engagement portion and configured to engage the first engagement member, and the second engagement member is configured to engage the locking member.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a seal (10) for an inlet opening (120) of a latch (100), in particular a motor vehicle latch, having at least a partially flexible sealing element (11) with at least an insertion slot (12), whereby a first seal wing (11.1) and a second seal wing (11.2) are formed on the sealing element (11), whereby a striker can at least be partially arranged in the inlet slot (11).

Abstract: A locking device for locking a seat of a vehicle, in particular a motorcycle or motorcycle-like vehicle, is provided. The locking device includes a locking element for locking the seat and a Bowden cable for actuating the locking device. The Bowden cable is connected by a first end to the locking element and by a second end to an actuation lever for actuating the Bowden cable. A vehicle with the locking device is also provided.

Abstract: A powered latch system for a door of a vehicle including a latch assembly, actuatable inside and outside handles, a powered actuator and a door controller that causes the powered actuator to unlatch the latch assembly upon actuation of the inside and outside door handles. The latch assembly may be mechanically unlatched by a user within a vehicle interior even if the powered actuator does not actuate due to a loss of electrical power or other failure. The controller can be programed to unlatch the latch assembly according to various criteria as required to meet the specific requirements of different markets.

Abstract: A door handle device for a door of a motor vehicle, with a bearing bracket attachable/attached to the door, with a door handle pivotally mounted on the bearing bracket, with an unlocking device that connects the door handle to the door lock so as to unlock the door lock upon actuation of the door handle, and with a blocking element, which is disposed on the bearing bracket in a release position releasing the unlocking device. The blocking element is at least partly displaceable into a blocking position preventing the unlocking device from unlocking so as to prevent opening of the door in an accident-related deformation of the door. It is provided that the blocking element is designed to be plastically and/or elastically deformable at least in sections such that the blocking element is movable into the blocking position at least in sections in the direction of the bearing bracket.

Abstract: A fuel lid actuator includes a motor, a gear member that rotates within a predetermined angular range associated with the operation of the motor, a moving member that includes a shaft-shaped rod part and is disposed so as to be able to advance and retreat in an axial direction in associated with the rotation of the gear member, and a housing member which includes first and second housing members that house the motor, the gear member and the moving member and in which a cylindrical rod support part for supporting the rod part is installed. The rod support part is in formed into a tubular shape and includes a semi-cylindrical first rod support part installed in the first housing member and a semi-cylindrical second rod support part installed in the second housing member.

Abstract: A suction-security system includes an adhesion membrane coupled to a swing arm. Rotation of the swing arm lifts a center portion of the adhesion membrane, creating suction and adhesion of the suction-security system to an anchor surface. The swing arm may have a low profile enabling use of the suction security system in an enclosure with minimal loss of available interior space. The system may include a shield protecting the adhesion membrane, and a bushing in the shield permits rotation of a portion of the shield without disturbing adhesion of the adhesion membrane to the anchor surface. The suction-security system may be used in consumer items such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, and suitcases.

Abstract: A bearing including a substrate and a low friction layer, where the bearing includes an annular shape including a radial bearing portion in the form of an axially-extending base region, and an axial bearing portion in the form of a radially-extending flange, where the axial bearing portion terminates in a deep drawn axially extending lip, and at least one of a radial coining region or an axial coining region, where the radial coining region is positioned along the radially-extending flange and forms an annular depression, where the axial coining region is positioned along the axially-extending base region, and where the axial coining region is deformed so as to be non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bearing.

Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, which includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of the electronic device may include a low profile hinge design that includes a micro-hinge. The micro-hinge can couple a first element to a second element and can include a first attachment that couples to the first element, a second attachment that couples to the second element, and a plurality of linkages that couples the first attachment to the second attachment. The low profile hinge can further include a plurality of micro-hinges and a plurality of support rods.

Abstract: A hinge has a first component that pivotally supports a second component of the hinge. The first hinge component carries an energy harvesting switch having a movable operator such as a spring-projected plunger that is positioned to be depressed or otherwise moved by the second hinge component in response to relative pivotal movement of the first and second hinge components. If a gate is fastened to the second hinge component, at least some of the weight of the gate is transferred from the second hinge component to the first hinge component. When the gate is pivoted away from a closed orientation toward an open orientation, the second hinge component moves the operator of the energy harvesting switch thereby causing the energy harvesting switch to emit a radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A furniture fitting for moving a furniture part movably supported relative to a furniture carcass includes a first fitting portion to be fixed to a furniture carcass, and a second fitting portion to be fixed to a movable furniture part. The second fitting portion is pivotally connected to the first fitting portion, and a limiting device limits an opening angle of a relative pivoting movement of the first and second fitting portion. The limiting device includes at least one movably mounted actuating element, and the opening angle can be adjusted by a manual or by a tool-assisted actuation of the actuating element.