Abstract: The truck snow-melting system comprises a pair of three-port diverting valves which may, under electrical control from within the cab of a truck, be transitioned between directing exhaust gases out of the vehicle's exhaust pipe and directing exhaust gases to a left transport pipe and a right transport pipe. The left transport pipe directs exhaust gases to a left exhaust outlet located in front of driven wheels on the left side of the truck and the right transport pipe directs exhaust gases to a right exhaust outlet located in front of driven wheels on the right side of the truck. The exhaust gases melt wintery precipitation so that the truck may gain traction. A plurality of adjustment points allow the horizontal and vertical positions of the exhaust outlets to be changed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable floodwall system comprising a floodwall panel installed in a housing unit. The floodwall panel is connected with a counter-balance weight. The floodwall panel is capable of being raised from the housing unit and being lowered into the housing unit. The present invention also relates to a method of flood prevention comprising providing a floodwall panel in a housing unit; connecting the floodwall panel with a counter-balance weight; raising the floodwall panel from the housing unit for flood prevention; and lowering the floodwall panel into the housing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water barrier shield foot element for supporting a protective module of a water barrier shield configured to be positioned between a body of water and an area of land to be protected. The water barrier foot element is configured to be arranged against a ground surface and extends in a longitudinal direction, wherein the foot element comprises a base element, a front end, a rear end and a first and a second longitudinal side portion. The front end is configured to be arranged in a direction towards the protective module, characterized in that the base element at one of either the rear end or the front end of the foot element is wider than the other so that the base element has a trapezoidal shape. The invention further relates to a water barrier shield support arrangement, a water barrier shield system and a method for manufacturing a water barrier shield foot element.

Abstract: An automatic water control system for open ditch drainage includes a drainage control apparatus that is designed to be disposed in a drainage ditch and to control the water level in the drainage ditch, as well as the water table level in the field.

Abstract: Described herein is a floating flap gate including a gate leaf having a buoyancy forming portion, the gate leaf being configured to be raised due to buoyancy effect (e.g., from water), a bottom fitting mounted to a proximal end portion of the gate leaf, the bottom fitting having a convex circular arc-shaped surface across a width direction of the gate leaf, a plate member having a concave circular arc-shaped surface to be mated with the convex circular arc-shaped surface of the bottom fitting when the gate leaf is in a lowered state, wherein the concave circular arc-shaped surface is in contact with the convex circular arc-shaped surface when the gate leaf is raised.

Abstract: The installation of one or more prefabricated drains beneath the surface of sediment in a sediment pond utilizing suction or a vacuum to withdraw water from the sediment material to lower the water level down to the level of the prefabricated drains below the pond surface. Dewatering may be coupled with imparting vibrations to the material to further promote both additional dewatering and compaction of the sediment material in the pond. A suitably graded bottom ash, fly ash, sand or large-diameter-solid particle or sediment layer may be added on top of the horizontal drains to enhance dewatering of finer sediment material.

Abstract: A Smart Caisson incorporates an expandable balloon-like body at depth under the base of a vertical piling or foundation member. The self-expanding balloon footing counteracts soil erosion by expanding to fill areas of soil recession. A pipe or through-hole in the vertical piling admits surface rainwater into the balloon footing at the same time the rainwater is contributing to sub-surface erosion. Users can actively pump water downward through the piling through-hole to fill the balloon footing during times of low rainfall or following short-duration erosion events, such as earthquakes. The through-holes are designed to capably admit cement, concrete and other fill materials without clogging or corroding. A metal mesh surrounding the balloon footing expands with the balloon, providing structure and a matrix to trap and hold shifted sub-surface earthen material and concrete previously pumped into the balloon footing. An array of sensors warns the user of sub-surface soil conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides helical ground anchors or piles designed to cut through rock. The helical ground anchors have a shaft, one or more helical plates attached to the shaft and at least one cutting tip attached to the distal end of the shaft in order to make a first cut through rock along the axis of rotation of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft is tapered and the at least one cutting tip can be attached to the longer end of the shaft. The helical shaped plates are attached to the shaft at a distance above the at least one cutting tip.

Abstract: Soil displacement piles having a shaft and one or more soil displacement assemblies secured to the shaft are provided. If more than one soil displacement assembly is utilized, each soil displacement assembly is separated by a longitudinal distance. Each soil displacement assembly has an upper helical plate, a lower helical plate separated from the upper helical plate by a longitudinal plate distance, and at least one soil displacement plate positioned relative to the shaft, the upper helical plate and the lower helical plate.

Abstract: A pile measuring system suitable for determining parameter(s) of a pile during an installation of the pile is disclosed. The pile measuring system comprises at least one positioning sensor and a parameter calculator. Each of the at least one positioning sensor is attached or attachable to a location on a sleeve and configured to measure position coordinates of the respective location on the sleeve. The parameter calculator is suitable for determining the parameter(s) of the pile from the position coordinates measured by the at least one positioning sensor.

Abstract: A retaining wall system comprises at least one rear supporting block, at least one façade block and at least one connector. The retaining wall system comprises top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral surface therebetween defining receiving slots on at least a portion thereof. The façade block comprises front and rear surfaces, top and bottom ends, and lateral side. The top and bottom ends define respective receiving slots. The connector comprises a rear portion for being fitted into the receiving slot of the rear supporting block and a front portion for being fitted into the receiving slot of the façade block. The connector provides for connecting the façade block to the rear supporting block.

Abstract: A permanent on-site manhole casting system comprising a top, a main barrel, and a base. Each component consists of a ribbed plastic outer barrel and a ribbed plastic inner barrel with a plurality of plastic tie strips used to connect the said outer and inner barrels. A coupling mechanism consisting of a plastic outer coupling ring and a plastic inner coupling ring is welded to the coupling ends of the top, main barrel and base which connects the top, main barrel and base components. A concrete mixture is poured into the space between the coupled outer and inner barrels where the concrete is then allowed to set and cure and the filled form is then completely buried.

Abstract: An adaptor for quickly, easily, and safely attaching and removing compatible tools from the end of a boom of an excavating machine.

Abstract: A control method includes the steps of: providing an excavator including: several movable members configured to move parts of the excavator, one actuating set comprising several actuators, among which at least one electric actuator, one or more static brakes movable between: i) a locking position and ii) an unlocking position, a command device to receive commands from an operator, a control unit to control the actuators and the static brakes based on command signals. The control method further includes: a reception step for receiving a command signal, an actuation check step to check whether the command signal requires the control unit to actuate an actuator of the actuating set, and if yes, an unlocking step wherein the control unit releases the static brakes of the actuating set.

Abstract: Front loaders typically have interchangeable implements that require an operator to drive toward a desired implement and to attempt to align the implement attachment points with the attachment points on an implement mount that is attached to the loader. This is made more difficult because the operator's view of the various attachment points (catch hook and support pins, rods, links) of the implement and the implement mount is often blocked by the front loader arms (booms) or other front loader components, thus, aligning the implement and the implement can be very difficult. The present disclosure provides for a system and method to simplify the above-described implement alignment processes.

Abstract: A hybrid work machine that can suppress excessive limiting on pump absorption power even in a situation in which supply of electric power to an electric motor is limited is provided. The hybrid work machine includes: an engine 22; an assist generator motor 23 connected to the engine 22 in such a manner that a torque can be transmitted to the engine 22; an electric storage device 24 that supplies electric power to the assist generator motor 23; a monitoring device 28 that monitors the electric storage device 24 and that acquires electric storage device information; a hydraulic pump 41 driven by the engine 22 and the assist generator motor 23; and a pump regulator 43 that regulates a delivery flow rate of the hydraulic pump 41.

Abstract: Construction machine having a running-gear mechanism, a functional component, having a chassis with a cab for a driver, and monitoring cameras connected to at least one monitor in the cab in order to provide visual monitoring of work carried out adjacent to the machine, each camera having wide-angle lenses to monitor around the machine, a first camera to monitor the rear side of the machine with the camera directed in an inclined in relation to the plane (X) on which the machine stands, a second camera for monitoring the left-hand side of the machine and a third camera for monitoring the right-hand side of the machine, the second and third cameras being installed in upper left-hand and right-hand corner regions in relation to the front side of the machine with each directed at an angle of .+?.5.degree. in relation to the vertical (Y) of the plane (X) on which the machine stands.

Abstract: A method and system for auto recognition of at least one standoff target to determine position information for a mobile machine. One example automatically scans for at least one standoff target. A location for the at least one standoff target is determined. In addition, a distance and direction between the mobile machine and the at least one standoff target is generated. The location information for the at least one standoff target and the distance and direction between the mobile machine and the at least one standoff target is utilized to provide a position for the mobile machine.

Abstract: A shim for use with a wear member comprises a body that defines a first aperture that includes a closed end and an open end, wherein the first aperture is defined by at least three surfaces including two side surfaces and at least one surface that defines the closed end and that further defines a surface normal that points toward the open end, and a second aperture that includes a closed end and an open end, wherein the second aperture is defined by at least three surfaces including two side surfaces and at least one surface that defines the closed end and that further defines a surface normal that points toward the open end. The surface normal of the first aperture forms an angle with the surface normal of the second aperture that is greater than zero degrees.

Abstract: The present invention provides an edge wear protector system adapted to be attached to a bucket of earth moving equipment, the bucket includes a base plate and a side plate connected to the base plate. The edge wear protector system includes a first member attachable to the base plate. First member includes an attaching side adapted to connect to the base plate when the first member is attached to the base plate, such that the first member includes a plug channel adapted to receive a plug weld therein and the plug channel is disposed on the attaching side of the first member. The edge wear protector includes a second member attachable to the side plate.

Abstract: A multi-function device capable of temporarily stopping water output, comprising: a water output device, having a water input end and a water output end, the water output device is provided with a plurality of water channels inside, to connect to the water input end and the water output end; and a switching mechanism, disposed in the water output device, to drive water flow to flow or stop, to realize water switching, the switching mechanism is located in the water channels nearing the water input end. The multi-function device is compact in structure. Wherein, the switching mechanism is positioned to block the water channel before water enters into the switching chamber. Therefore, weight of the water output device will not be increased, while avoiding damages to the water separation plate and the tight seal piece caused by higher water pressure.

Abstract: A faucet assembly comprises: a water supply pipeline comprising a water outlet pipeline section and a water inlet pipeline section connected to each other, wherein the water inlet pipeline section contains a throat section with smaller cross sectional diameter; a shell made of hard materials and wrapped around the throat section, so as to define a closed space that contains air around the throat section, while the throat section has an opening to the closed space; a flexible membrane wrapping layer made of elastic materials and is hermetically sealed on the inner side of the shell, so that the closed space that contains air has an elastic, retractable and sealed boundary; a heater connected in series to the inlet pipeline section and is positioned in the upstream of the shell along the water outlet direction, to heat the water that is about to flow into the throat section.

Abstract: A lockable plug device for sanitary ware comprises a closure member operable to engage with an outlet or drain of the sanitary ware product to stop water emptying from the sanitary ware product, for example a bath. The lockable plug device also includes a closure mechanism, which is linked to the closure member and is operable to displace the closure member relative to the outlet or drain such that the outlet can be open or closed. The closure mechanism comprises a lock feature, which is operable to lock the closure member in an open position.

Abstract: A magnetic sink insert. The magnetic sink insert includes a first ring including an upper portion, a lower portion, an outer wall, and an interior wall defining an opening. The inner diameter of the upper portion is equal to the inner diameter of the lower portion, and the outer diameter of the upper portion is greater than the outer diameter of the lower portion. The lower portion is configured to removably engage a sink drain via a frictional fit or a threaded connection therewith. In one embodiment, a plurality of posts extends upwardly from the first ring, and a second ring is affixed to the upper ends of the plurality of posts. The first and second rings include a magnetic material. The magnetic material attracts metallic utensils and other metallic objects to the interior walls of the rings, preventing metallic objects from falling into a garbage disposal.

Abstract: A waterless trap for use in a drain assembly includes flow enhancing features to promote the vortex water flow of water received in the trap, an improved sealing arrangement to enhance the seal between a seal member and the housing to inhibit sewer gas leaks from an attached drain pipe by maintaining an evaporation barrier that assists in retaining water in a corresponding p-trap, and a plurality of air passages can allow the trap seal to open with ease when the drain pipe is pressurized. These features may be used in combination with one another or may be independently employed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drop-actuated flush mechanism for a toilet.

Abstract: A toilet has a first bowl connected via internal passages to a water tank having a hand-operable valve, one or more remotely-operable spray openings, directed upward, and a connected passage to a sewer line, and a second bowl, rotatable and joined to the first bowl, and operable by a lever in a manner that the second bowl maintains an upright position, or an inverted position facing downward into the first bowl, Urine or feces in the second bowl at a time of moving the lever from the first position to the second position, as the second bowl is moved to the inverted position, is dropped into the first bowl, the second bowl, inverted, is spray-cleaned by operation of the spray openings, and the cleaned second bowl is returned to upright position by moving the lever back to the first position.

Abstract: A waterless urinal for a vehicle, the urinal including a fluid bowl having a drain, and a waterless urinal cartridge disposed within the drain. The cartridge includes a housing having a waste reservoir disposed within the housing that holds a predetermined volume of urine, and a drainage aperture configured so that an amount of urine exceeding the predetermined volume of urine flows through the drainage aperture to exit the housing. A cover is coupled to the housing and forms part of a surface contour of the bowl, the cover includes a sealing fluid reservoir and fluid passages for directing urine from the bowl to the sealing fluid reservoir. The sealing fluid reservoir is in conmmnication with an internal cavity of the housing, the waste reservoir includes at least one fluid flow control feature configured to restrain urine movement within the waste reservoir in response to a change in vehicle dynamics.

Abstract: A drive-over tile intake guard has a drain tile inlet coupler that rests against the earth surface and does not rise consequentially above the earth. The inlet coupler encompasses and protects the end of a drain tile pipe. A plurality of rods are affixed on a first end to the inlet coupler, and each extend therefrom simultaneously downward into the drain tile and also generally radially toward the center of the tile opening. However, the rods are also each angularly offset from radial to the tile opening center. By angularly offsetting the rods each in the same rotational direction, smaller debris that might block flow through other prior art guards but which will not block the drain tile from functioning will swirl, slip off of the rods and pass into the drain tile, and ultimately be discharged at the outlet end of the drain tile.

Abstract: A shower drain connector is provided having a vertical guide terminating at an upper end by a radial installation flange. The vertical guide forms a collar sleeve adapted to receive a drainage pipe in a contained manner. The collar sleeve has an inner diameter that larger than the outer diameter of a drain pipe being contained. The radial installation flange is less than or equal to 16 inches in diameter. A plurality attachment orifices adapted form connectors for receiving standard screw connectors positioned evenly radially about a periphery of the upper flange to allow for attachment of the flange to a subfloor such as to maintain a perfectly centered support for the drainpipe in spite of any on-site conditions.

Abstract: A backwater valve has a valve body, and a valve member pivotally movable about a pivot axis between an open position away from the valve body and a closed position covering the valve body. A control linkage is provided with at least one of a float or a counterweight in communication with the valve member via the control linkage to modify operation of the valve member.

Abstract: A building assembly structure comprises a coupling block fixed on the ground or to a frame so as to fix and extend the frame. The coupling block comprises a body has a first through-hole passing through upper and lower portions thereof, a connection member coupled to a lower portion of the first through-hole, and having a second through-hole formed therein, a fixing plate coupled to the connection member so as to be located on the lower portion of the body, and having a fixing protrusion protruding from a side thereof, and a vibration-proof pad coupled to the upper portion of the body in order to absorb load and shocks applied from above.

Abstract: A modular building structure, obtained by assembling a plurality of module frames to obtain a complex frame is provided. The structure includes walls and floors implemented by cladding panels, and the module frames have a substantially parallelepiped shape. The structure includes connecting knots joining module frames adjacent on a same plane, on the lower side or upper side, at angles, or which provides for the connection of the module frames to a basement or to a roof structure. Each knot has a box-like structure with an inner core shaped like a hollow straight parallelepiped, formed by six walls facing two by two, each wall has an opening that form respective channels opened according to orthogonal axes. At each opening, the knot includes a corresponding supporting plate, parallel or orthogonal therebetween; each supporting plate, extending beyond the plane defined by one or more adjacent supporting plates, defines a respective rest.

Abstract: A display system is provided and includes a base, a collapsible support structure, a spinner connector, and a modular panel. The collapsible support structure connects with the base, and the spinner connector receives the collapsible support structure. The spinner connector independently moves around the collapsible support structure. The modular panel is removably connected to the spinner connector such that the modular panel can also move independent of the collapsible support structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to building elements and building constructions, and more particularly to building systems which utilize compressed blocks made of a fibrous material in conjunction with a framework in order to form building constructions for buildings and structures. The present building element consists of a block 2 made of a fibrous material, and forming elements which are disposed on the surfaces of the block and consist of a pair of frames 3 interconnected by at least one transverse brace 4 to form a single structure. The building element also comprises a forming mesh 5, which is disposed between the fibrous material block 2 and the frames 3, on top of the transverse braces 4 that connect the frames 3; outer and inner walls 6, which are fastened from the outer sides of the frames 3; and membranes 7, which are disposed between the walls 6 and the frames 3. The outer contour of the frames 3 comprises curvilinear jigsaw-like locking elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for incorporating core materials such as phase change materials or admixtures into building materials like concrete. The methods use cenospheres, which are then etched and loaded with the core material. The composition can also be coated with a thin film. Compositions containing cenospheres loaded with the various core materials are disclosed, as are building materials containing such compositions.

Abstract: A method for making a reinforced concrete structure and reinforcement agents are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining a mold for the reinforced concrete structure. A lattice is formed within the mold, where the lattice includes inter-locking ringed fibers and where each inter-locking ringed fiber is a fiber formed into a ringed structure that is inter-locked with at least one neighboring inter-locking ringed fiber in the lattice. The lattice is then encased by filling the mold with concrete. In some embodiments, the reinforcement agents are a plurality of ringed fiber-structures, each of which is coiled into a ringed structure that may or may not inter-lock with at least one neighboring ringed fiber(s)-structure.

Abstract: A shingle including a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, an asphalt layer, a layer of granules, and a spacing layer is provided. The asphalt layer covers at least a portion of the top surface and the layer of granules is adhered to the asphalt layer. The spacing layer is attached beneath at least a portion of the bottom surface.

Abstract: A roofing system features a plurality of roofing sheets each having an outer perimeter of which two opposing perimeter edges respectively define a fastening edge and a hooking edge. One or more fastening holes penetrate the sheet near the fastening edge. At the hooking edge, the sheet is bent under itself to form a hooking portion reaching back toward the fastening edge. A plurality of hold-downs are placed atop a first row of roofing sheets near the fastening edges thereof, and have apertures aligned with the fastening holes of the roofing sheets, through which the hold-downs are fastened to the a roof deck. The hooking edges of a next row of roofing sheets hook to the affixed hold-downs of the first row, thus coupling the two rows of sheets together and concealing the first row's fastened connection to the roof deck beneath the second row.

Abstract: A gutter debris preclusion device for use with a gutter having a support structure being substantially rigid; a screen having a plurality of apertures and being disposed on the support structure; and, a fastener member disposed on the support structure and having a barrier member and a protective film removably attached to the barrier member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drywall paperbeads, particularly drywall paperbeads for use in protecting exposed drywall surfaces having non-planar surface contours in an edge region adjacent the drywall edges. The paperbead includes an elongated core having an inner surface and an outer surface, an elongated paper strip having an inner surface and an outer surface, a thickness of between 6 and 7 mils, a weight of between 110 and 125 grams/square meter (gsm) and a porosity of 30 to 130 Gurley sec. The inner surface of the paper strip is roughened and bonded to the outer surface of the core. The outer portion of the thickness of the paper strip is impregnated with a strengthening compound, preferably a polymer strengthening compound, more preferably a latex strengthening compound in an amount of between 3.5% and 13% of the total weight of the paper strip.

Abstract: A composite siding panel mountable on an exterior wall of a building includes a backing member and a siding member attached to the backing member, wherein the first side edge of the siding member overhangs the first side edge of the backing member, and the second side edge of the siding member is aligned with or positioned contiguously with the second side edge of the backing member. An adhesive coating joins the front face of the backing member to the rear face of the siding member. The adhesive coating runs substantially from the first side edge of the backing member to the second side edge thereof. The backing member can be composed of closed-cell expanded foam or wire-fabricated foam, and the siding member can be formed from vinyl, polypropylene, aluminum, steel, fiberglass, engineered wood, or fiber cement. A siding assembly including a plurality of composite siding panels adjacently mountable on an exterior wall of a building is also disclosed.

Abstract: A panel having a panel upper side and a panel lower side and at least two opposing panel edges, which have each an edge break on the panel upper side, the edge breaks forming in the connected state a joint in a covering surface. The edge break of one of the panel edges is formed larger than the edge break of the opposing panel edge, and a lower part of the large edge break of the one panel edge is overlapped in the connected state by the small edge break of the opposing panel edge.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system having small local protrusions which reduce displacement along the joint when the panels are laying flat on the sub floor and locked vertically and horizontally. A method to install a floor comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels laying in parallel rows on a sub floor with long and short edges which are connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent long edges and one pair of adjacent short edges.

Abstract: A floor covering including: a floor covering main body and a surface layer provided on the floor covering main body, wherein the surface layer contains a thermoplastic resin and a plasticizer in an amount of from 20 to 50 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin, wherein the plasticizer contains a benzoic acid ester-based plasticizer in an amount of from 10 to 80% by mass. According to the present invention, a floor covering having excellent workability and anti-soiling property can be provided.

Abstract: A window bracing device which is used to support a window unit within a window opening of a wall of a structure while that window unit is being secured to the structure, with the window bracing device being temporarily attached to the window unit on the interior side of the window unit, then braced against the interior of the wall surrounding the window opening, retaining the window unit in place while a worker secures the window unit to the wall; wherein the window bracing device is comprised of a bracing arm, a first foot, a second foot, a window engagement member, and an attachment component.

Abstract: A machine for distributing insulation material from a package of compressed insulation material has a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end configured to receive compressed insulation material. A lower unit has a shredding chamber configured to receive the insulation material from the outlet end of the chute. The shredding chamber includes shredders and at least one agitator configured to condition the insulation material, thereby forming conditioned insulation material. A discharge mechanism receives the conditioned insulation material exiting the shredding chamber and distributes the conditioned insulation material into a distribution airstream. A blower is configured to provide the distribution airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism, the blower driven by a blower motor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for drywall banjo tools for applying joint tape. An example tool for applying joint tape includes a base configured to couple to a drywall banjo that dispenses the joint tape. The example tool includes an arm including a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end is rotatably coupled to the base to enable the arm to rotate between an extended position and a retracted position. The example tool includes a corner wheel rotatably coupled to the distal end of the arm to enable the corner wheel to apply the joint tape along a corner drywall joint when the arm is in the extended position. The example tool includes side wheels rotatably coupled to the base to enable the side wheels to apply the joint tape along a flat drywall joint when the arm is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A demountable wall system includes a frame component. The frame component may include a front channel that receives a panel of the demountable wall system. In addition to the front channel, the frame component may include at least one of a front cover, a removable back cover, a leveling system, a supplemental channel, or a joining system. In some examples, the demountable wall system includes a door support system for movably supporting a door relative to the panel of the demountable wall system.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for providing high electrical resistance for an upper control assembly (including control handles) of an aerial lift are provided through an isolation member that is integral to the upper control assembly and interposed between fluid lines in the control assembly and a set of fluid conduits that extend from the control assembly towards other portions of the aerial lift. The isolation member is a dielectric element that comprises a manifold that is made of material that is substantially electrically non-conductive, and that has a plurality of through-holes or hoses configured to allow hydraulic fluid to flow through the isolation member into and out of the fluid lines and conduits. These methods, systems and apparatuses are preferably used in upper control assemblies of aerial platforms that can carry one or more operators in order to prevent such operators from electrocution when controlling the lift.