Abstract: A protective sleeve is disclosed herein consisting of a rectangular upper and lower panel with three edges of the panels permanently sealed together and at least one shorter edge unsealed to allow for full insertion and extraction by one person a swimming pool cover hold-down weight water tube and allows for airtight or non-airtight sealing of the unsealed end.

Abstract: Swimming pool cleaners may operate autonomously within pools and spas. The cleaners need not include any external hoses or cords, and their bodies may be oriented at pool waterlines so as to make their on-board filters readily accessible for removal. The cleaners may dock at docking stations for various purposes, including (but not limited to) for charging any on-board battery and communicating electronically with the docking station or other external equipment.

Abstract: A fastening system is disclosed for forming modular, reconfigurable, and scalable data center infrastructure support systems which may permit construction of self-supporting multi-story data centers capable of supporting substantial loads without requiring external attachment points to walls, ceilings, or building support columns. It may be seen that data center infrastructure support systems formed from there herein described fastening systems may be capable of supporting substantial loads, even when scaled in the vertical direction to include multiple stories.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lightweight concrete building structure using pre-stressed lightweight structural beams 46 with a lightweight floor panel (48) spanning between beams (46). In a particular arrangement, the parking system using building structure (10) may be about less than half the weight than traditional parking building structures. In accordance with one arrangement of the particular embodiment of the invention, the building structure comprises floor structures having one or more structural beams, and one of more lightweight panels for attachment to the structural beam, wherein the floor structure is defined by joining together the one or more lightweight structural beams and the one of more lightweight panels. This particular arrangement is particularly useful because it permits defining a floor structure capable of sustaining relative large loads (such as a multitude of vehicles) using lightweight floor panels.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a pre-Northridge type steel beam-to-column connection, includes welding the web of the beam to a flange of the column and slotting the beam web in the region of the connection and near the beam flanges. Stress relief holes are made into the web of the beam and slots are cut into the web of the beam. A top backup bar is welded to the flange of the column and a bottom backup bar is removed from the flange weld to the column. The method includes back gouging the flange of the column at a position of the removed backup bar and welding a bottom flange of the beam to the flange of the column.

Abstract: Reinforcing bars include load transfer connectors. A link plate includes openings that mate with the load transfer connectors to overlie the splice between reinforcing bars being spliced. A cover plate may be fastened over the link plate.

Abstract: Transportable and rapidly deployable air supported structure systems and related methods are disclosed. The air supported structure systems include at least one transportable container. The systems also include a flexible outer membrane configured to couple to a base in a substantially air-tight manner. The systems further include at least one air handling mechanism contained within the at least one container configured to force air between the outer membrane and the base to form an enclosure therebetween via internal air pressure. The systems are configurable between a packaged state with the outer membrane contained within the at least one container, and a deployed state with the outer membrane being coupled to the base and the at least one air handling mechanism forming the enclosure via the internal air pressure. The at least one container may form a portion of the base and/or provide for ingress and egress with the enclosure.

Abstract: A system for constructing ranch rail fencing with posts and rails from engineered wood products, including, but not limited to, oriented-strand board (OSB), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), fiber strand, and/or laminated strand lumber (LSL). The engineered wood products may be treated and/or encapsulated, such as zinc borate (ZB) treated wood-based composites with high resin content, coated during manufacturing on all surfaces and sides by aliphatic polyurea coatings.

Abstract: An engineered wood fence picket and system for manufacturing fence pickets using engineered wood products, including, but not limited to, oriented-strand board (OSB), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), fiber strand, and/or laminated strand lumber (LSL). The opposing right and left edges of each picket has corresponding elements of a joint, such as, but not limited to, a shiplap joint or tongue-and-groove joint. A fence or fence segment may be constructed by aligning a plurality of said fence pickets vertically or horizontally so that the edges of adjacent pickets mate or meet to form a joint. The fence can be assembled more quickly and cheaply than with any prior art materials, and the fence will be higher quality, with longer life, thinner and lighter, and minimal maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle storage compartment arrangement (100), comprising a storage compartment (102) and a cover arrangement (104), said cover arrangement being connected to the storage compartment (102) and slidably movable along a first geometric axis (202) between an opened position and a closed position, wherein said cover arrangement comprises a locking mechanism (106, 406, 506) for connecting the cover arrangement to the storage compartment, said locking mechanism comprising a first (108) and a second (110) locking pin movable along a second geometric axis (204), said first and second geometric axis being substantially perpendicular to each other, wherein the first and second locking pins are controllable between a first state in which the cover arrangement is locked to the storage compartment, and a second state in which the cover arrangement is unlocked from the storage compartment, wherein the cover arrangement further comprises an actuation handle (112) connected to the first and

Abstract: There is described a surface mountable delivery device which has a multi layer construction comprising a liquid permeable support layer adjacent to a porous reservoir layer, the porous reservoir layer being provided with a backing layer. The surface mountable delivery device may comprise of stickers, tapes, pads, tubes, socks, etc.

Abstract: A pin tumbler cylinder lock that is virtually pick proof comprises a cylinder housing having a single bore and a cylinder key plug arranged in the single bore. The pin tumbler cylinder lock also comprises a cutout having a predetermined shape in a predetermined portion of the housing. The pin tumbler cylinder lock also includes a lockout sleeve arranged over the cylinder key plug wherein the lockout sleeve may rotate within the cutout to create a lockout mode for the pin tumbler cylinder lock when a lock picking attempt is occurring thereon.

Abstract: A pin tumbler cylinder lock that is virtually pick proof comprises a cylinder housing having a single bore and a cylinder key plug arranged in the single bore. The pin tumbler cylinder lock also comprises a cavity having a predetermined shape in a predetermined portion of the housing. The pin tumbler cylinder lock also includes a lockout sleeve arranged over the cylinder key plug wherein the lockout sleeve may rotate within the cavity to create a lockout mode for the pin tumbler cylinder lock when a lock picking attempt is occurring thereon.

Abstract: A lock having a latch assembly with a bolt head freely movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The latch assembly also includes lock pin that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, which may be moveable by a motor and/or biasing mechanism. The lock also has a strike assembly including a strike housing for receiving the bolt head. The strike housing includes a keeper biased to a latched position relative to the bolt head. When the lock pin is in the locked position, the lock pin engages the keeper to hold the keeper in the latched position, and thus the bolt head in the extended position in the strike housing. The lock also includes an access control system for controlling the motor of the lock.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism, which essentially consists of a rotary latch and a pawl, and further comprising an actuation lever mechanism acting on the locking mechanism, and an inertia element. Said inertia element, during normal operation, follows a movement of the actuation lever mechanism. At high accelerations, for example in the event of a crash, the inertia element blocks the actuation lever mechanism acting on the locking mechanism. According to the invention, an elastic damping element is connected to the actuation lever mechanism. Said damping element abuts the inertia element at least in the event of a crash for the purpose of damping vibrations.

Abstract: A door inside release spring for a vehicle door assembly includes a torsional spring body, and a first spring arm extending from a first axial end of the spring body. The first spring arm is configured to be operably connected to an inside release lever to bias a position of the inside release lever. A second spring arm extends from a second axial end of the spring body opposite the first axial end. The second spring arm is configured to be operably connected to a child lock lever to bias a position of the child lock lever.

Abstract: A service latch assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a striker member and a latch mechanism configured to selectively engage and release the strike member. The latch mechanism includes a frame plate defining a guideway configured to receive the striker member, a striker guard inserted into the guideway, a latch member pivotally connected to the frame plate, a stop tab extending from a closed end of the guideway, a stop bumper inserted onto the stop tab, and an over-mold fitted over the latch member. The over-mold includes a pivot limiter bumper configured to cooperate with the stop bumper to limit the pivot of the latch member in an open position and a striker retention feature nested onto an edge retention surface of a first lever arm of the latch member.

Abstract: A device for controlling an opening/closing body for a vehicle provided with a locking device and a control device, the control device being provided with an inverse rotation stopping unit for stopping the inverse rotation of a rotary member based on the on/off state change of a first neutral switch or the on/off state change of a second neutral switch, and a re-inversion control unit. The re-inversion control unit executes re-inversion control for causing the rotary member to rotate in a first direction when the inverse rotation of the rotary member is stopped based on the on/off state change of the second neutral switch in inversion control after close control, and not causing the rotary member to rotate in a second direction when the inverse rotation of the rotary member is stopped based on the on/off state change of the second neutral switch in inversion control after release control.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for pre-fluxing motors of vehicle door e-latches. An example vehicle includes a door including a handle that includes a switch. The handle also includes an e-latch that includes a latch and a motor for the latch. Responsive to detecting grasping of the handle via the switch, the e-latch is to pre-flux the motor and transmit an authentication request. The example vehicle also includes a body control module to cause the motor to unlock the door via the latch responsive to authenticating a fob upon receiving the authentication request.

Abstract: A vehicle lock device includes a base member, a latch, and a release lever. The base member includes a base groove, into which a striker is inserted. The latch includes a latch groove into which the striker is inserted. The latch is pivotal between a lock position, where the striker is fixed to the base groove, and an unlock position, where the striker is released from the base groove. The release lever is pivotal between a lock release position, where pivoting of the latch is permitted from the lock position to the unlock position, and a restriction position, where pivoting of the latch is restricted from the lock position to the unlock position. The release lever includes an engagement release member that contacts the latch when pivoted from the restriction position to the lock release position to pivot the latch from the lock position to the unlock position.

Abstract: A hood hinge is disclosed herein. The hood hinge includes a body attachment member configured to be attached to a vehicle body, and a hood attachment member configured to be attached to a vehicle hood. The hood further includes a hinge mechanism connected to the body attachment member and the hood attachment member so as to enable hinged movement of the hood relative to the body. Also provided are methods for installing a hood in a vehicle. Many embodiments include structural features that make it easier to make small adjustments to the position of the vehicle hood relative to the vehicle body to ensure optimum fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door device for closing a door opening between two rooms of a building. The door device comprises a door leaf and a pivot hinge for pivotably suspending the door leaf in the door opening. The pivot hinge comprises a hinge foot which is attached to a hardening surrounding the door opening by means of wall attachment means. The pivot hinge furthermore comprises, for each wall attachment means, an insert with at least two pairs of parallel faces and a central opening which is eccentric with respect to the central axis, so that the orientation of the insert can influence the orientation of the door leaf in the closed position.

Abstract: A window regulator includes a guide rail including a thermoformed composite. The thermoformed composite includes a thermoplastic composition and reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A flag angle includes: a body having a two ends, and a middle section located between the ends; a mounting portion on the body for mounting the body to a surface; a first wider portion located at one end, the first wider portion extending further away from the mounting portion than an amount the middle section extends from the mounting portion; a second wider portion located at the other end, the second wider portion extending further away from the mounting portion than the amount the middle section extends away from the mounting portion; first, second, third, and fourth attaching features located on the first wider portion and each of the second, third, and fourth attaching features are located progressively further away from the mounting portion; and fifth and sixth attaching features located on the second wider portion, wherein the attaching features include slots and holes.

Abstract: An opening and closing system for an item of furniture, which has at least one movable furniture part and a movement fitting. The opening and closing system has an ejection apparatus having a loadable mechanical force store and a loading device for loading the mechanical force store. The loading device is supplied with energy from an electric energy store. The ejection apparatus is configured to move the movable furniture part into a partly opened position when the mechanical force store is unlocked. The movement fitting has a retraction apparatus and a damping apparatus, which move the movable furniture part from a further partly opened position lying within a predefined area of action, in a damped manner into a closed position, and the partly opened position of the movable furniture part achieved by the ejection apparatus lying within the predefined range of action of the retraction apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an articulated-arm drive, in particular for a swing gate, with a drive unit comprising an output shaft and an articulated arm, wherein the articulated arm comprises a first and a second articulated-arm member, which are rotatably connected to each other by means of a first rotary joint, wherein the first articulated-arm member is connected or connectable to a stationary first pivot point at the end facing away from the first rotary joint, and wherein the second articulated-arm member is rotatably connectable to a gate at the end facing away from the first rotary joint. In accordance with the disclosure, the end of the first articulated-arm member facing away from the first rotary joint is not connected to the output shaft and the output shaft is connected to one of the articulated-arm members via a coupling arm.

Abstract: A drive device for adjusting a cover element of a vehicle, for use in a window lift apparatus, including a gearing element rotatable about a rotation axis and a motor unit which has an input shaft rotatable about a shaft axis for driving the gearing element. The shaft axis of the input shaft is oriented at an oblique angle to the rotation axis of the gearing element.

Abstract: A trunk cover for a vehicle includes an upper panel covering one portion of a loading space part formed in a vehicle, a lower panel disposed continuously with the upper panel and covering the other portion of the loading space part; a main body connection part connecting the upper panel to a main body of the vehicle, and a panel connection part connecting the upper panel and the lower panel so that a length formed by the upper panel and the lower panel is variable when opening the loading space part.

Abstract: A secure enclosure is described which is designed to offer inventory management and tamper detection for the storage and removal of rolled coins and other valuable items. Within the secure enclosure a plurality of shelves are provided. Each shelf may have its own scale for the purpose of weighing the contents supported by its shelf. Each shelf may be designed for the storage of one particular denomination of rolled coin. Monitoring circuitry interfaces with the scales for the purpose of determining the quantity of rolls upon each shelf, and the possibility for an erroneous deposit or removal of rolls supported by a shelf or an improper access to other contents on the shelf. A further approach detects multiple types of rolls of coins utilizing a single scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door guide frame of a detachable segment structure for sliding windows and doors, in which in order to improve heat insulating performance of the door guide frame, the door guide frame is divided into an outer body portion and an inner body portion and a thermal break is disposed therebetween, and even when a second pocket guide segment accommodated in the inner side surface of the inner body portion and a third pocket guide segment accommodated in the inner side surface of the outer body portion are separated from an upper cap region of an aluminum material and have a lower leg region formed of a thermal break material, a supporting means capable of providing a good supporting force for the lower leg region formed of such thermal break material is provided without affecting the heat insulating performance of the door guide frame.

Abstract: A window frame includes an opening portion and a joining portion formed along an inner periphery of the opening portion and bonded to an outer periphery of a window glass. The window glass includes a plurality of corner portions formed in corner regions in the outer periphery of the window glass and connection side portions formed in the outer periphery of the window glass and connecting the adjacent corner portions to one another. An adhesive portion includes first adhesive portions bonding the corner portions of the window glass to the window frame and second adhesive portions bonding the connection side portions of the window glass to the window frame. Adhesion force per unit peripheral length in the first adhesive portions is greater than adhesion force per unit peripheral length in the second adhesive portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a vacuum insulated glazing unit, the vacuum insulated glazing unit comprises a first tempered glass pane and a second tempered glass pane arranged in parallel, having a surface of each pane opposing each other with pillars arranged as spacers between the opposed surfaces. A side frit material is peripherally arranged between the first glass pane and the second glass pane creating an internal void between the glass panes. An evacuation opening is provided in the first glass pane and the evacuation opening comprises an evacuation member, preferably a hollow tube, through which evacuation member the internal void can be evacuated.

Abstract: An insulating glazing unit, in particular a triple insulating glazing unit, includes at least one spacer shaped to form a peripheral spacer frame and defining an inner region, a first outer pane, which is arranged on a first pane contact surface of the spacer frame and a second outer pane, which is arranged on a second pane contact surface of the spacer frame, at least one central pane, which is introduced into at least one intermediate space of at least one retaining profile and which retaining profile is shaped to form a peripheral retaining profile frame, which frames the central pane, wherein the central pane is arranged with the retaining profile frame within the inner region of the spacer frame and between the outer panes.

Abstract: A privacy glazing structure may include an electrically controllable optically active material that provides controlled transition between a privacy or scattering state and a visible or transmittance state. To make electrical connections with electrode layers that control the optically active material, the privacy glazing structure may include an offset pane arrangement. The structure may include first and second panes that contain an optically active material. The two panes may be sandwiched by two laminated outer panes. In some examples, the first and second panes are recessed relative to the laminated outer panes along their side edges to define recesses in which electrical connection features are positioned. While the side edges may be recessed, the bottom edges of all the panes may be positioned flush with each other.

Abstract: A fenestration system includes one or more of a light modulation controller or ventilation modulation controller. The light modulation controller is in communication with at least one light modulation element of a fenestration assembly having a frame and a panel. The light modulation controller includes a light prescription module configured to provide a specified light prescription for the building interior. A lighting difference module is configured to determine a prescription difference between the specified light prescription and ambient light. A dynamic light module of the light modulation controller operates the at least one light modulation element according to the prescription difference. The ventilation modulation controller is in communication with at least one operator configured to open and close the panel.

Abstract: A modular self-contained gate for selectively blocking an entryway comprising an ISO standard shipping container modified such that an existing closed end wall of the shipping container comprises an elongate slot-like opening arranged vertically and adjacent an edge of the closed end wall, a substantially flat and rectangular gate comprising a long edge having a length substantially the same as a length of the shipping container and a height less than a height of the opening, the gate aligned with and linearly displaceable through the opening between a first position wherein the gate is stored inside the shipping container and the entryway is open and a second position wherein the gate is extended outside of the shipping container and passage via the entryway is barred, and a support mechanism inside the shipping container suspending the gate such that the gate remains suspended above the ground.

Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, axles coupled to the chassis, a turntable rotatably coupled to the chassis, and an aerial ladder assembly pivotably coupled the turntable. The aerial ladder assembly includes a first ladder section extending longitudinally, a second ladder section extending longitudinally, and a support slidably coupling the second ladder section to the first ladder section such that the first ladder section supports the second ladder section. The support facilitates longitudinal movement of the second ladder section relative to the first ladder section between an extended position and a retracted position. The support is pivotably coupled to the first ladder section.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a stepladder. The stepladder includes a ladder top having a surface having a front side and a rear side and a left side and a right side and a front side flange and a rear side flange and a left side flange and a right side flange. The stepladder includes a conduit holder slot for holding tubing, pipe and conduit. The conduit holder slot extends along the length of the surface and in the surface's right side and the left side. The conduit holder slot has a cross-section in the ladder top which is non-symmetrical. The stepladder includes a front section. The stepladder includes a rear section. A method for cutting a tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a rotatable member, a thrust bearing coupled to the rotatable member, wherein the thrust bearing includes a bearing stack that further includes a unitary inner race member that includes a number of axially spaced inner races around an outer surface of the unitary inner race member. A set of bearing elements is placed in each inner race, and a separate outer race secures each set of bearing elements in each inner race.

Abstract: An apparatus including a housing defining a housing bore and a shaft extending within the housing bore. The shaft is deflectable and tillable within the housing bore. The apparatus further includes a fulcrum for tiltably supporting the shaft within the housing bore, a shaft deflector contained within the housing for providing a deflection of the shaft within the housing bore so that the shaft tilts about the fulcrum, and a deflection adjusting mechanism. The deflection adjusting mechanism includes a biasing device which responds to an external force exerted on the shaft in order to adjust the deflection of the shaft provided by the shaft deflector and thereby provide an adjusted deflection of the shaft.

Abstract: Earth boring tools having offset blades with a plurality of fixed cutters having side rake or lateral rakes configured for improving chip removal and evacuation, drilling efficiency, and/or depth of cut management as compared with conventional arrangements.

Abstract: A plug for a pressure test configured for a tubular component, the tubular component including a male threaded element at a free end, the male threaded element including a male thread and a sealing surface, the plug including a thread compatible with the male thread, an inner annular groove, and a sealing ring held in the groove such that the sealing ring is radially compressed between an outer periphery of the male threaded element and a bottom of the inner annular groove.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a constant bottom hole pressure during wellbore drilling operations, the method comprising supplying drilling fluid to the drill string via a top drive at a first pressure while flow of drilling fluid out of a wellbore annulus is restricted by a choke to hold pressure in a wellbore annulus and supplying drilling fluid to the drill string via the top drive at a second pressure lower than the first pressure and to a circulation coupler at a third pressure while flow of drilling fluid out of a wellbore annulus is restricted by a choke to hold pressure in the annulus, wherein the sum of the second and third pressures is approximately the same as the first pressure.

Abstract: An iron roughneck for constant circulation of drilling mud during operation of a drill string, the iron roughneck comprising: a frame; a wrench unit supported by the frame, wherein the wrench unit is capable of gripping a drill string; a spinner unit supported by the frame, wherein the spinner unit is capable of engaging and spinning a drill pipe; and a circulation coupler supported by the frame, wherein the circulation coupler forms a chamber around the drill string.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the pneumatic conveyance of drill cuttings in onshore drilling rigs, where drill cuttings are conveyed by a pneumatic conveying unit arranged on a mobile platform.

Abstract: A dissolvable pressure barrier comprises a body having metallic dissolvable components, a power source, and a connector that is shiftable from a first position to a second position when a pressure greater than a predetermined load is applied to the pressure barrier. In the first position, the connector is electrically insulated from the power source. In the second position, the connector is in electrical communication with the power source, the metallic dissolvable components, and the casing of the wellbore, thereby forming an electric circuit wherein a voltage is provided by the power source and the dissolution of the pressure barrier is accelerated by an anodic process. The metallic dissolvable components may be coated with a low activity metal to assist with the dissolution process.

Abstract: A downhole tool for cyclically generating cyclical pressure waves in drilling fluids of sufficient magnitude to vibrate a drill string or coiled tubing to reduce friction between drill string or coiled tubing and a wall of an uncased or cased wellbore. A passageway through which drilling fluid flows through the tool is constricted to increase pressure of the drilling fluid while it continues to flow through the tool. A bypass around the constriction is cyclically opened by a rotary valve to increase the flow area through the tool for the drilling fluid while at the same time an axially shifting valve, shifted by a pair of rotating cams, opens to allow drilling fluid to vent to an annulus formed by the drill string or coiled tubing and a wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus may have a drill string located in a well that penetrates a formation within the earth; and a downhole tool located as part of the drill string, the downhole tool comprising a landable and/or retrievable agitator. A downhole tool has a housing and a landable or retrievable agitator. An apparatus has plural retrievable and/or landable agitators positioned in series in a tubing string downhole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fishing a metal object from a subterranean well include a fishing tool with housing, the housing being an elongated member having an internal bore. A first electromagnetic assembly is located within the internal bore of the housing and a second electromagnetic assembly is located at an outer diameter surface of the housing, the second electromagnetic assembly being moveable between a contracted position and an extended position where the second electromagnetic assembly extends outward from the housing. The first electromagnetic assembly is operable to generate a first magnetic force with an adjustable magnitude. The second electromagnetic assembly is operable to generate a second magnetic force with an adjustable magnitude, the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force having a same magnetic polarity.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) may be used in oil production and extraction operations in the seabed. The hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) may be able to provide a connection between cylindrical bodies such as Christmas tree and a wellhead. The hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) may have a locking system including a hydraulic circuit and the unlocking system has a hydraulic circuit. Additionally, a pre-load adjustment system may be performed through an adjustment ring. The hydraulic connector type (“Titus”) contains a set of jaws, one actuator hydraulic piston, pressurization chambers, sealing elements, external jacket, bottom cap, adjustment ring and hydraulic fluid lines.