Abstract: A lifting device for elevating a load includes a telescoping mast having an inner mast section telescopically received within an outer mast section and configured to extend in an upward direction and retract in a downward direction relative to the outer mast section. An emergency brake is secured to the inner mast section and includes first and second eccentrics configured to rotate relative to the inner mast section between an unlocked position, in which the first and second eccentrics are free from locking engagement with the outer mast section to allow retraction of the inner mast section, and a locked position, in which the first and second eccentrics are in locking engagement with the outer mast section to inhibit retraction of the inner mast section. A base of the lifting device may include a holder having a tapering interior for receiving the telescoping mast.

Abstract: A binding machine includes a wire feeding unit configured to feed a wire, a curl guide configured to curl the wire fed by the wire feeding unit around an object to be bound, a binding unit including a twisting shaft provided to be rotatable around a predetermined axis, and a gripping part provided at one end side of the twisting shaft, wherein the gripping part is configured to grip the wire curled by the curl guide and the twisting shaft is configured to twist the gripped wire so as to bind the object, a binding machine main body having one end side at which the curl guide is arranged and configured to accommodate therein the wire feeding unit and the binding unit, and a setting unit provided at an opposite end side of the binding machine main body and configured to set a predetermined operation condition.

Abstract: A binding machine includes a wire feeding unit configured to feed a wire to be wound on an object to be bound and a binding unit configured to twist the wire wound on the object to be bound. The wire feeding unit includes a pair of feeding members configured to sandwich the wire between the pair of feeding members and to feed the wire by a rotating operation, a wire feeding drive unit connected to one feeding member and configured to rotatively drive the one feeding member, and a load reducing part configured to reduce or remove a load, which is to be applied to the wire via the one feeding member, of the wire feeding drive unit.

Abstract: A collar flange assembly clamping tool is disclosed, including an axle having a long axis, and a pair of arms mounted on the axle. At least one of the arms is slideable along the long axis. Each arm includes a primary axis perpendicular to the long axis of the axle, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion with a tab. The proximal end portion includes a clamping device that moves in a direction perpendicular to the primary axis of the arm and the long axis of the axle.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is disclosed, including a rigid housing having a slot with an engagement axis, and a shaft extending parallel to the engagement axis. The apparatus further includes a tab member on a distal end of the shaft and a rotational actuator on a proximal end of the shaft. The rotational actuator is configured to rotate the shaft, causing the tab member to move between a hooked position and an unhooked position.

Abstract: A lifting tool assembly is disclosed, including a crossbar having a long axis spanning between first and second end portions. A first hook member is pivotably suspended from the first end portion and a second hook member is pivotably suspended from the second end portion. The end portions are symmetrically angled relative to the long axis and each hook member includes first and second finger structures.

Abstract: Dust free tile removal apparatus comprising a hollow base member, a hollow rake member, a plurality of rake tines, struts, and a handle. The hollow base member includes an opening that is configured to couple to a vacuum source at one end and is in fluid communication with the hollow rake member at another end. The connection of the hollow rake member with the hollow base member forms an obtuse angle. The hollow rake member has a top surface and a first end each having at least two openings. Rake tines extend outward from the first end of the hollow rake member. Struts extend from a bottom surface of the apparatus. The handle spans between the struts.

Abstract: A motorized floor stripper machine includes a motor, a frame, and a blade carrier. The blade carrier is capable of holding blades of different sizes, which can be installed on the blade carrier. The blade carrier is mounted to the frame on shock absorbers. A cam on the frame is connected to the blade carrier by a linkage that includes a bearing block, a pivot plate, a pivot pin, and a support plate. The blade carrier includes ball bearings that fit within linear channels mounted to the frame, so that when the cam is driven in an orbital motion, the blade carrier moves in a generally linear forward-backward motion. The blade carrier is relieved and includes multiple sets of holes for securing blades of different sizes.

Abstract: A woven fence system including at least one fence panel having a body defined by a first-post, a second-post, and a woven-section comprising a plurality of woven sheets, and at least one restraint board at a base of the woven-section. The at least one fence panel is configured to be secured in a vertical position within a ground surface at the first-post and the second-post. The at least one fence panel includes a natural drainage system to reduce wood rod while providing light weight, structurally stable fence.

Abstract: There is described a handle, for example a door handle, lifting handle or touch pad, which is particularly useful as a self-sterilising door handle for use in public areas. The handle comprises: a contact area formed of a hydrophilic sintered porous material, particularly a plastic material; and a reservoir containing an anti-microbial liquid, wherein said reservoir is fluidically connected to the contact area. The reservoir can include a port to allow the reservoir to be re-filled or alternatively the whole reservoir can be detached and replaced when required. The anti-microbial liquid can be delivered along the hydrophilic sintered porous material by fluid transmission action so that the contact area is continually treated by the anti-microbial liquid, thereby rendering the handle continuously wetted and disinfected and inhibiting the growth of culture forming units.

Abstract: A latch mechanism includes a hook-handle assembly coupled to a first panel and a clevis coupled to a second panel. The hook-handle assembly engages the clevis to secure the first panel relative to the second panel.

Abstract: Striker assemblies and latch assemblies are disclosed. One striker assembly includes a housing, a striker, and a spring. The housing has opposed sidewalls, each of which defines an aperture. The striker extends between the sidewalls of the housing with end portions of the striker positioned within respective apertures defined in the sidewalls. Each of the pair of end portions defines a surface extending in a transverse direction. The spring has a pair of end portions. Each spring end portion contacts the surface of a respective striker end portion. The spring is engaged with the housing to bias the end portions of the striker toward a centered position of the respective apertures. At least one of the end portions of the striker is movable transversely within the respective aperture away from the centered position of the respective aperture and is biased toward the centered position of the respective aperture.

Abstract: A connector device includes a connector component and a housing body. The connector component has a connector head. The housing body includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion has an accommodating space for the connector head. The second body portion is coupled to the first body portion and is rotatably movable with respect to the first body portion, wherein the second body portion has a first position and a second position. When the second body portion rotates to the first position, access in and out of the accommodating space is allowed for the connector head. When the second body portion rotates to the second position, the second body portion blocks the connector head access into or out of the accommodating space.

Abstract: A locking system for an enclosure, including a control bracket mounted to a door of the enclosure and configured to slide in a longitudinal direction along a guide rod running through a pin bracket of the control bracket. The control bracket further includes a latching pin to secure the door of the enclosure. A handle mechanism has a push rod that causes the control bracket to slide along the longitudinal direction, also causing the latching pin to move into a position that secures the door.

Abstract: A safety lock and access key for doors that otherwise need to remain locked comprising a lock body containing a spring biased catch extending from one end of the body to engage in a keep of the door frame, a lever for moving the catch into the body to unlock the door, and a tool for unlocking locked doors.

Abstract: A latch for a cabinet door or drawer has a pawl movable to a plurality of positions such according to the cabinet's configuration and finger size wherein an optimal finger gap may be created between the cabinet and the door or drawer for accessing and releasing the latch to open the door or drawer.

Abstract: The current invention is a cable tether for computer and adapter security and theft Prevention. The cable tether has one or two loops at each end of the cable with a crimp-able metal sleeve. The end of the cable is attached to the sleeve forming the end of the loop while the cable loops back through the sleeve forming an adjustable loop. This end of the cable can slide within the sleeve. The loop is placed around the item to be protected or secured and cannot be removed. The loop is then pulled tight by pulling the cable through the sleeve. Once it is tight enough that sleeve is crimped against the cable holding it in place and forming a secure loop. This can be done at the other end to secure the item to a base, table or computer protecting it from getting lost or taken.

Abstract: A powered latch system for motor vehicles includes at least one powered latch that can be controlled based, at least in part, on vehicle operating conditions. The system may be configured to control unlatching of the vehicle doors utilizing data relating to the vehicle speed and/or the existence of a crash event. The powered latch system can be configured as required for various vehicles, and to accommodate specific operating requirements with respect to child locks in various geographic jurisdictions.

Abstract: An inside handle device for vehicle includes a handle unit and a cable unit. In the handle unit, an operation handle including a connecting recess is rotatably connected to a handle base. The cable unit is connected to the handle unit while holding one end of an operating force transmission cable in which an inner cable is movably inserted into an outer cable. The connecting recess is locked to a connecting body formed at a tip end of the inner cable in a state where the handle unit is connected to the cable unit.

Abstract: An inside handle device of a vehicle includes a handle unit and a cable unit. In the handle unit, an operation member including an operation handle is rotatably connected to a handle base. The cable unit movably holds one end of a cable device configured to connect the operation member to a latch device fixed to a door on a cable cover. The cable cover has a first locking portion formed at a cable introduction edge and a second locking portion formed at an opposite-end edge. The first locking portion is rotatably locked to the handle base with the opposite-end edge as a rotating end. The second locking portion is elastically locked in a state of being rotated around the first locking portion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vehicle lock having a locking mechanism, a lock mechanism and an electrical setting arrangement, wherein the setting arrangement has a rotor arrangement, wherein the stator forms at least two magnetic, unlike stator poles of the stator magnet arrangement, wherein at least one of the magnet arrangements is associated with a coil arrangement, wherein by supplying current to the coil arrangement and a resulting magnetic interaction between rotor and stator, a drive torque to the rotor and thus an adjustment of the rotor can be generated in a predetermined number of actuator positions. Proposed is that the rotor magnet arrangement and the stator magnet arrangement are stationarily fixed to a support section of the motor vehicle lock, and the rotor is pivotable about a rotor axis relative to the support section and relative to the rotor magnet arrangement.

Abstract: A closure latch assembly for a motor vehicle closure panel is equipped with a common kinematic chain of components for a latch release mechanism utilizing a first range of handle travel to initiate a power release of a latch mechanism and further utilizing a second range of handle travel to initiate a mechanical release of the latch mechanism. An actuation rod may include a magnet that, when moved out of range of a sensor, signals to initiate the power release. In the event that the power release does not occur, further movement of the actuation rod forces the mechanical release. In both the power release and mechanical release, a pawl is rotated from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet release position.

Abstract: A hood latch device may include a base having therein an insertion recess to receive a striker, a claw lever rotatably mounted to the base, the claw lever rotatable by the striker inserted into the insertion recess to surround and restrict the striker, a pawl lever rotatably mounted to a portion of the base, the pawl lever to restrict a rotation of the claw lever so that a rotational position of the claw lever corresponds to one of a first-stage locking state and a second-stage locking state depending on a contact position with the claw lever, a release lever rotatably mounted to the pawl lever to be rotated with the pawl lever, and an operating mechanism mounted to the base, the operating mechanism including a lever-rotating device to be rotated by receiving torque from a driving motor and to selectively rotate one of the claw lever and the pawl lever.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock, particularly a motor vehicle bonnet lock, includes a ratchet mechanism which substantially consists of a rotary latch and a pawl. The ratchet mechanism interacts with a lock retainer pin on a vehicle bonnet. A retention element is additionally provided which holds the pawl in a retention position, raised from the rotary latch, during unlocking of the bonnet. The lock retainer pin continues to engage in the rotary latch when in said retention position. During a first opening process which proceeds from the retention position, the lock retainer pin transfers the retention element into a release position that releases the pawl. During a subsequent bonnet closing process, the pawl can thus engage in the rotary latch, which can be pivoted without exertion of force by the lock retainer pin at least into the hold position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock, such as a motor vehicle bonnet lock includes a locking mechanism which substantially consists of a rotary latch and a pawl. The locking mechanism interacts with a striker element on a bonnet. The lock further has an unlocking/opening mechanism for the bonnet, which mechanism is equipped with a release element provided in the interior of a motor vehicle body. The release element is operated twice to open the bonnet. The locking mechanism is transferred to a pre-latched position after the release element has been operated at least once, with the striker element still being trapped. The bonnet is opened from the pre-latched position by lifting the pawl off the rotary latch with the aid of a power mechanism, said lifting being activated separately.

Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a door having an exterior surface, and a handle moveably coupled to the door. The handle is moveable within a plane of movement oblique to the exterior surface. A door handle and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A retention mechanism for a pair of bi-parting doors of a transit vehicle includes a first track connected to a first door of the pair; a second track connected to a second door of the pair; a first retention assembly connected to the transit vehicle and configured to retain the first track in the closed position; a second retention assembly connected to the transit vehicle and configured to retain the second track in the closed position; a first engagement member connected to the second track, the first engagement member being configured to engage the first retention assembly to cause the first retention assembly to move to retain the first track in the closed position when the second track is in the closed position; and a second engagement member connected to the first track, the second engagement member being configured to engage the second retention assembly to cause the second retention assembly to move to retain the second track in the closed position when the first track is in the closed position.

Abstract: An openable side window for a motor vehicle is provided having an openable side window which covers a lateral vehicle opening when in its closed position and can be locked by means of a securing device, the securing device comprising a pivotable securing handle which can be pivoted between an unlocked position and a locked position and has an operating arm and a latch arm which, when in the locked position, interacts with a latch counterpart, wherein the latch arm comprises a functional element which is pre-loaded radially outward with respect to a pivot axis of the securing handle.

Abstract: A hinge system includes first and second hinge assemblies. The first hinge assembly includes a first hinge plate with a post and a second hinge plate with a collar configured to selectively receive the post. The second hinge assembly includes a third hinge plate with a counter bore and a keyway and a fourth hinge plate with a key configured to be selectively received within the keyway and the counter bore.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and front and rear doors having front and rear powered latches, front and rear anti-pinch sensors, and front and rear electrically-powered door openers. The vehicle further includes a controller that is configured to receive an unlatch signal from unlatch sensors/switches and generate a signal to unlatch the front and rear powered latches and actuate the front and rear door openers after the front and rear powered latches are unlatched. The controller may also be configured to actuate the rear door opener to retain the rear door in an open position when the front pinch sensor detects a hand to thereby prevent pinching.

Abstract: The anti-pinch protection device comprises a proximity sensor for detecting an obstacle, which penetrates the door gap between a hinge-side edge of the side door and a further vehicle component adjacent thereto. The anti-pinch protection device further comprises a control unit interacting with the proximity sensor, which is designed to output a signal indicating an imminent pinching situation whenever the proximity sensor detects an obstacle in the door gap during the closing of the side door. At least one component of the proximity sensor is thereby arranged on the inside of the further vehicle component.

Abstract: An electromechanical strut and method of moving a closure member of a vehicle between an open position and a closed position is provided. The electromechanical strut includes a power drive unit including a motor, a leadscrew, a planetary gearset operably connecting the motor to the leadscrew, and an electromechanical brake assembly. The electromechanical strut further includes a telescoping unit including an extensible tube and a drive nut for converting rotary motion of the leadscrew into linear motion of the telescoping unit. The electromechanical brake assembly is selectively moveable between an engaged state, wherein the leadscrew is prevented from rotating to prevent relative axial movement between the power drive unit and the telescoping unit, and a disengaged state, wherein the leadscrew is permitted to rotate to allow relative axial movement between the power drive unit and the telescoping unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding window for a building including a motorized drive device and device for locking an opening member relative to a window frame in a locked chained position, having a first sub-assembly on the window frame and a second sub-assembly on the opening member. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the operation of such drive device, including, during a configuration phase, a step of determining reference positions of the second sub-assembly relative to the first sub-assembly. Moreover, the method includes, during a control phase: receiving an order to control the movement of an electromechanical actuator by an electronic control unit, and moving the opening member at a first set speed or a second set speed, as a function of the order received, at least one preceding order executed and the position of the second sub-assembly relative to the first sub-assembly, according to the reference positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that prevent a collision with a hitch accessory are provided. The method includes: detecting an input to open a gate or detecting a gate opening motion, determining whether hitch accessory is present in a path of the gate opening motion, and in response to determining that the hitch accessory is absent from the path, opening the gate.

Abstract: A door opening and closing device includes: a door drive unit capable of opening and closing a door; a detection means for detecting a subject present in an approach area; a measurement unit that measures a distance from the detection means to the subject; a determination unit that determines whether the subject has stopped in the approach area; a setting unit that sets a trigger zone in the approach area a; and a control means for starting control to drive the door drive unit when the subject is determined to have moved into the trigger zone. The setting unit sets the trigger zone to drive the door drive unit on the basis of the separation distance from the detection means to a stopped position.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator system including a movable barrier operator configured to be connected to a movable barrier and move the movable barrier. The system includes a remote control configured to utilize a first security protocol to wirelessly transmit a communication to the movable barrier operator and cause the movable barrier operator to move the movable barrier. The movable barrier operator is configured to receive information representative of a second security protocol and to eliminate a compatibility of the movable barrier operator with communications from the remote control utilizing the first security protocol.

Abstract: A glass door construction set in a pre-existing frame includes glass door leaves made of two or more panes of glass, which define a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral edges. The top and bottom edges include a top and bottom rail, respectively, to enhance the structural integrity of the glass door leaves. The lateral edges, however, remain free of the typical perimeter framing required on current glass doors to meet the stringent impact standards. The glass door leaves each include handles on either side of the glass leaves that are interconnected to effectively create a structural equivalent of an I-beam. The handles provide the necessary structural rigidity along a vertical extent to meet impact standards.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a universal strut for doors and window elements. More particularly, the invention encompasses a universal strut that mates with a first formed member, and a second formed member, and which assembly is used as windows, doors, window frames, and door frames. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive universal strut for applications that require different widths and lengths for a production or customized window, door, window frame, or door frame. The universal strut can also be used as a thermal barrier between the first formed member, and the second formed member. Preferably, the universal strut is made from a non-metallic or thermal barrier material, while the first formed substrate, and the second formed substrate are preferably made from a metallic material. The universal strut allows for the formation of various configurations for the shapes of window and/or door elements.

Abstract: A glazing shield system for retrofitting glazing systems of buildings is disclosed. The glazing shield system includes a support frame and a unitized panel. In certain embodiments, the glazing shield system may be mounted on an existing glazing system in a non-intrusive and non-destructive method. In one embodiment, the support frame may be attached to an infill panel of an existing glazing system using structural adhesives, and the unitized panel may be mounted on the support frame, creating an insulating glazing shield.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door, a transparent panel assembly disposed at the door and defining a see-through part through which an interior of the refrigerator is visible, and a first light disposed closer to the interior than the transparent panel assembly to brighten an area viewed by the see-through part. The transparent panel assembly includes transparent panels spaced apart from each other to define an accommodation space, a display disposed in the accommodation space to output a screen, and a second light brightening the display. The display, the first light, and the second light are selectively turned off according to manipulation of a user to be converted into an opaque state in which the interior is not visible and a transparent state in which the interior is visible, and in the transparent state, a screen is outputted while an inner space of the refrigerator is seen.

Abstract: A threaded insulating glass unit plug for sealing an aperture in a spacer frame of an insulating glass unit, method of assembly and installation is provided. The threaded insulating glass unit plug includes a head integrally formed with threaded body. The head has a recess formed for engaging a tool for installation during use. The body includes a cylindrical portion and a conical portion, the cylindrical portion spacing the conical portion from the head. A plurality of threads extend along the entire length of cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A building façade or roof comprising at least one photovoltaic element and at least one microwave relay powered at least in part by the electricity generated by the photovoltaic element.

Abstract: A pair of shade brackets and a diverter are provided for diverting a shade material of a roller shade to a fixed drop down position. The pair of mounting brackets are adapted to secure to a structure and retain the roller shade therebetween. Each mounting bracket comprises a diverter retaining portion. The diverter comprises a diverter roller and a pair of bearings disposed on two opposite ends of the diverter roller. The diverter is removably retained between the pair of mounting brackets such that each bearing is engaged by a respective diverter retaining portion and the diverter roller is adapted to freely rotate via the bearings. As the shade material is raised or lowered, the diverter roller rolls on the shade material via the bearings.

Abstract: The embodied invention is an outer security door design that retrofits an existing sliding door. The door design comprises an outer frame which secures into the framework of an existing sliding door. An inner rotating security screen door then fits into the outer frame. The outer frame includes important support underneath the lower frame center point, as the weight of the rotating screen door provides higher stress at that location. The outer frame allows the screen door to be latched in the open or closed position.

Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.

Abstract: A smart window controller includes circuitry configured to establish a representative model of one or more building zones based on occupancy, construction, lighting, or cooling properties of a building. A lighting control strategy is implemented for the one or more building zones based on the representative model or one or more user preferences input at a first user interface screen of an external device. Automatic operations of one or more smart windows, cooling systems, or artificial lighting systems are controlled based on trigger points associated with the lighting control strategy, and a performance level of the lighting control strategy for the one or more building zones is determined based on one or more predetermined financial metrics.

Abstract: A cabinet assembly includes a cabinet unit, a guide rod and a sliding ladder. The cabinet unit has a top surface that has two opposite top peripheral edges extending in a first direction. The guide rod is mounted to the cabinet unit and is disposed adjacent to one of the top peripheral edges. The sliding ladder extends in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction, and has at least one hook portion that is removably and slidably hooked to the guide rod, and a plurality of rung portions that are arranged in a spaced apart manner in the second direction.

Abstract: A method of drilling vertical and horizontal pathways to mine for solid natural resources involves a drill bit, at least one reamer, a first plugging material, and a second plugging material; drilling a testing wellbore to a specific vertical depth with the drill bit and identifying at least one desired mining section wherein the desired mining section is associated with a corresponding vertical depth; creating a new bottom end for the testing wellbore by filling the testing wellbore up to an offset distance with the first plugging material; drilling a horizontal access hole from the new bottom end into the desired mining section with the drill bit and enlarging it with a reamer; excavating cuttings from the desired mining section through the horizontal access hole; filling the horizontal access hole with the second plugging material; and repeating the drilling, enlarging, and filling process to create a plurality of lateral holes.

Abstract: A rotary valve can include a housing, a manifold with multiple flow paths can be fixedly mounted to the housing. A rotary actuator with a first surface can be rotatably mounted within the housing, and a valve seat with a second surface can be fixedly attached to the manifold, where the second surface can sealingly engage the first surface. The rotary actuator can include a gap that selectively aligns with respective ones of valve seat ports as the rotary actuator rotates relative to the valve seat, thereby selectively pressurizing one or more actuators. A system and method can include a rotary valve that selectively causes pads to extend at a predetermined orientation in the wellbore to steer a drill bit. The azimuthal orientation of a rotary actuator of the valve can determine which pads are extended and which are retracted as the drill bit rotates.

Abstract: A horizontal pipe ramming system includes a hydraulic crowd system. A hydraulic percussive hammer is mounted on a carriage that is urged forward by hydraulic cylinders acting between the carriage and an abutment. The continuity of crowd is enhanced by a compressive resilient assembly that releases its energy to the hammer to keep it in contact with the pipe after impact.