Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a building truss chord including a first face having a bottom longitudinal corner and a top longitudinal corner. A second face having a bottom longitudinal corner and a top longitudinal corner, a portion of the first face and the second face are spaced apart and form a cavity between the inner surfaces of the first face and the second face. A lower connection member is disposed between the bottom longitudinal corner of the first face and the bottom longitudinal corner of the second face.

Abstract: A method for forming a concrete anchor may comprise the steps of providing an anchor body, at least partially encapsulating the anchor body in a sealing cover, providing at least one tubular member, engaging an end surface of the tubular member against a surface of the sealing cover so as to weld the member to the sealing cover.

Abstract: The disclosure herein discloses a rebar tying tool that ties plural rebars using a wire. The rebar tying tool includes a housing and a twisting motor, and may include a twisting mechanism that twists the wire around the plural rebars by the twisting motor. The twisting mechanism may include a screw shaft, a gripping member that grips the wire in cooperation with rotation of the screw shaft, a first reduction mechanism that reduces and transmits rotation of the twisting motor to a relay shaft, and a second reduction mechanism that reduces and transmits rotation of the relay shaft to the screw shaft. The first reduction mechanism may be a coaxial reduction mechanism, and the second reduction mechanism may be a parallel-axis reduction mechanism.

Abstract: A membrane 10 is a geomembrane 10, which takes the form of a non-conductive sheet 11. A conductive layer 13 is printed on to the sheet 11, in this instance in a geometric pattern of a rectangular grid. The lines of the grid 13 are conductive and connected to each other, with non-conductive gaps 15 disposed between the grid lines. Accordingly, a conductive linear network is formed, which has the requisite conductivity for leak detection.

Abstract: Prefabricated insulated roof assemblies, methods for manufacturing such assemblies, and use of these roof assemblies in a building are described. The assemblies include a sheathing panel, I-joists, and rigid foam insulation boards positioned in a cavity formed by the sheathing panel and the I-joists.

Abstract: A temporary tread insert and method for installation in a stairway framework during building construction. The temporary tread insert includes an insert body having an upper tread surface, a bottom surface and opposed side surfaces. A front end of the insert body has a substantially bullnose shaped curved surface. The upper tread surface has a notched surface extending along the upper tread surface. Also disclosed is the method of inserting the temporary tread insert into the stair pan of a stairway framework, where the stair pan includes a bullnose at a front end of the stair pan, and the bullnose has a portion extending laterally a distance into the stair pan. The temporary tread insert includes a notched surface.

Abstract: A reveal device usable with fixation mechanisms for a pair of panels that include a pair of strips that are held together by a third strip to form a reveal unit. The reveal unit may contain adhesive or other filler material as well as conduits usable in the electrical or plumbing arts.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a support structure on which a floor panel is seated. The support structure includes: a first beam element disposed in a first direction; a second beam element disposed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a post supporting the first beam element and the second beam element; a beam element bracket seated on top of the first beam element and the second beam element, and connecting the first beam element and the second beam element to each other; and a pedestal seated on top of the beam element bracket, and supporting the floor panel.

Abstract: A decorative and durable panel and a method of making the panel are disclosed. The panel comprises a substrate, an image affixed to the substrate, an abrasion resistant coating over the ornamental layer, and a clear hot melt upper layer.

Abstract: A trench drain includes a trench, a grating seat and a grating hingedly connected to the trench. The trench has a base wall with peripheral side walls extending upwardly therefrom and an outwardly-extending peripheral flange. The grating seat is configured to receive the grating. The peripheral side walls of the trench have a pair of opposing elongated slots formed therein and the grating has a pair of posts on opposing ends thereof. Each of the pair of posts on the grating are received in a respective one of the pair of opposing elongated slots of the trench to establish an axis of rotation.

Abstract: An edge finishing structure includes a spring plate base and an edge trimmer strip. The spring plate base includes a hook-up seat, an intermediate plate extending from a lower end of the hook-up seat, and a stop plate connected to the intermediate plate. The spring plate base is also provided with at least one coupling unit. The edge trimmer strip has a bottom portion mounted on the hook-up seat and the intermediate plate. The bottom portion is formed with a positioning groove corresponding to the hook-up seat. As such, the spring plate base and the edge trimmer strip can be mounted to an external circumference of board member. Various advantages can be achieved, including easily mounting of the edge trimmer strip, causing no deterioration to an outside appearance of the edge trimmer strip, and enhancing flexibility of variation of stylish shaping on a top portion of the edge trimmer strip.

Abstract: A suspended scaffolding connector includes a central spine comprising an anchor connector at a top end thereof, a bottom lug at a bottom end thereof, and a top lug situated between the anchor connector and bottom lug. The connector further includes at least one top truss connector attached to the top lug and at least one bottom truss connector attached to the bottom lug, where the top and bottom truss connectors are configured and spaced for structural connection to top and bottom connectors of a scaffolding truss. The connector also includes top and bottom truss ledger connectors attached to the spine and situated between the top and bottom lugs and adapted for connection to a scaffolding ledger, and the anchor connector is adapted for connection to a suspension anchor and to support the scaffolding truss through the top and bottom truss connectors.

Abstract: Diagonal reinforcement for floor formwork support structures, the support structure comprising height-adjustable props on which diagonal reinforcements are mounted, wherein each of the diagonal reinforcements comprises a projecting pivot close to the upper end thereof, or on the upper end itself, the free end of which pivot is deformed towards one side and can fit progressively into one of the holes in the prop on which the pivot is mounted by means of rotation, it being possible to detach the reinforcement simply by reproducing the insertion movement in reverse.

Abstract: An adjustable concrete form brace includes a horizontal adaptable extension member. A first lower brace element and a second lower brace element opposing the first lower brace element each have a horizontal insertion channel adapted to receive the horizontal extension member. A first upper brace element and second upper brace element are attached to the first lower brace element and the second lower brace element respectively. Each of the lower brace members include a saddle, and each saddle is adapted to retain one or more reinforcement bars. The first upper brace element and second upper brace element each include a form retaining element.

Abstract: A system for laterally supporting a vertical shoring post is provided. The system includes a head and a jaw assembly, the jaw assembly movably mounted to the head, the head configured for selective engagement with a shoring post, and the jaw assembly configured for engagement with a beam that provides lateral support to the shoring post. The head comprises first and second arms that extend in the same general direction and when engaging the shoring post the first and second arms are disposed upon opposite sides of the shoring post. The jaw assembly includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, the moving member pivotably connected to the fixed jaw, wherein the fixed jaw and movable jaws are configured to receive an end of the beam therebetween.

Abstract: A portable bathroom assembly for facilitating a disabled user to use a toilet without assistance includes a surround that has a floor, a wall and an entrance extending through the wall for entering the surround. A urinal is coupled to the surround for receiving urine from a male user. The urinal is positioned on the second lateral side of the panel adjacent to the entrance. A portable toilet is positioned on the floor and the portable toilet is mounted for urination and defecation. The portable toilet is slidably coupled to the surround and the portable toilet is slidable between a maximum distance and a minimum distance from the entrance.

Abstract: Some food pathogens are not well controlled by lethality treatments followed by refrigeration. A food processing facility according to this invention reduces the likelihood that food pathogens will be able to enter the food processing facility, or spread should they be able to enter. The food processing facility is divided into a plurality of area, with different areas having different allowed actions that can be taken on the food product, different rules and/or procedures for persons who are allowed entry, and/or different levels of cleanliness. The food processing facility includes a plurality of separate rooms for processing the food product, each including separate food processing machines, air handling systems, drain systems and/or often-used supplies and tools. Different air pressures within different areas limit the possible movement of airborne food pathogens. Sanitizing stations are placed between various ones of the different areas.

Abstract: The invention is a drone hangar enabling safe containment and recharging of a drone located close to an area of interest, such as a drone used to inspect wind turbines located off shore.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides a seismic yielding connector. The seismic yielding connector includes a U-shaped plate configured to connect a side stud of a panel to another component of a panel and a yielding plate located between the U-shaped plate and the side stud of the panel. A high-strength bolt connects the U-shaped plate, the yielding plate, and the side stud of the panel to a structural column. A bushing is located between the U-shaped plate and the structural column.

Abstract: A shelter such as a team shelter includes, for example, a frame structure having left and right frames, and a canopy. The canopy is positionable in a first position with a front portion of the canopy disposed at a first elevation between front portions of the left and right frames so that the front portion of the canopy, and front portions of the left and right frames to define a front facing opening allowing access by one or more people into the shelter and under the canopy. The canopy is positionable in a second position with the front portion of the canopy disposed at a second lower elevation relative to the left and right frames so that the canopy disposed in the second position results in the shelter being less susceptible to wind induced tip over compared to the shelter with the canopy disposed in the first position.

Abstract: A shape disrupter for a net support system may have a conical body and an elliptical shape in plan view. The shape disrupter may have low thermal signature and low weight. The shape disrupter may be stackable. The shape disrupter may have a protrusion on the shape disrupter for fixing each of the shape disrupters in place during stacking. The shape disrupter may have cutouts or openings to reduce the weight and thermal signature of the shape disrupter. The shape disrupter of the present disclosure may cooperate with support poles or nets to provide a support system for large nets or screens.

Abstract: A system and method of installing a modular fencing system in which slotted posts are used in conjunction with hollow longitudinal rails to support the fence panels in a manner that creates a unified curtain wall perimeter barrier. The posts, rails, and fence panels are made of metal. Plastic sleeves with angularly-tilted ends are inserted into both sides of a slot opening to prevent water intrusion and to facilitate fencing on a slope. The rails are then slidably inserted into and through the sleeves to be held in place through the slots. Adjacent rails are mechanically fastened to each other. The full length of the fence is bolted to the rails to ensure that any load or impact to the fence is distributed throughout the entire system. For additional strength, each fence panel is also through-bolted to metallic finish plates, which are mounted on the slotted posts for seamless and aesthetically-pleasing look.

Abstract: A post assembly (10,10.0, 10.00, 10.000, 10.0000, 110, 210, 310) for a parking lot barrier system (11), the post (12) of the post assembly (10,10.0, 10.00, 10.000, 10.0000, 110, 210, 310) being of any appropriate section and having at least one aperture (30, 32) at or near to the base (12.1) of the post (12). The at least one aperture (30, 32) is sized and shaped so as to allow the post (12) to deform elastically under collision loads at low speeds sign posted in parking lots.

Abstract: An LED ring or light guide for a mechanical or mechatronic closure system that includes an actuating means, such as socket wrench receptacle or swivel handle, which is rotatably supported in a housing or tray. The LED ring or light guide also includes a retaining nut or bearing piece that can be screwed on with the housing or with the tray with the intermediary of a thin wall such as door panel of a sheet-metal cabinet or sheet-metal housing. A light ring surrounds a flange of the housing or of the tray, and a flexible foil is arranged between light ring and thin wall. The flexible foil carries light emitting diodes (LEDs) and relays the light thereof. A closure indicator integrated in the actuating means is achieved in this way.

Abstract: A cylinder lock unit includes a housing having an upper part and a lower part that includes a cylindrical bore accommodating a rotatable key plug. A back region of the key plug has a minimum length of 50% of a total length of the key plug with an adjoining front region having a maximum length of 50% of the total length. The front region accommodates at least one side locking mechanism confined entirely within the front region of the key plug that includes a longitudinal row of at least two coded side locking tumblers each interacting with the lower part of the housing wherein each side locking mechanism is movable independently of each other with at least three different code positions for each coded side locking tumbler and a plurality of different code combinations for the at least two coded side locking tumblers in each of the longitudinal row.

Abstract: A lockout system includes a hasp assembly and a plurality of tags. The hasp assembly has a back plate defining slots each sized and shaped to receive a tag. The back plate and tags each have openings that align when a tag is received in a slot. A first hasp portion on the back plate defines part of a closed loop. A longitudinal locking bar is slidable along the back plate and has notches shaped to receive ends of the tags. Moving the locking bar between an unlocked position and a locked position operates the second hasp portion between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the first and second hasp portions complete and define the closed loop, where one or more tags can be installed in slots with the first end of the tag engaging a notch to lock closed the hasp portion.

Abstract: An inline motorized lock drive is mountable within a lock housing to drive a sliding locking element between a locked and unlocked position. The lock drive includes a reversible motor having a shaft with an augur thereon to drive a lock spring, which drives the locking element. The sliding motion of the locking element is axially aligned with the motor axis to substantially reduce friction. The lock drive is preferably modular and emulates a solenoid lock drive with a control circuit. The control circuit is connected to drive the motor is switchable to default to a locked position or an unlocked position and emulate a “fail safe” or a “fail secure” type solenoid lock drive. The control circuit operates on 12 or 24 volts to replace solenoid locks of either voltage and stores power when power is applied, then uses the stored power to return the lock drive to the selected default state when power is removed.

Abstract: A window lock assembly is provided for locking a window with a cord. The cord allows a window to be opened a small amount. The lock can be locked and unlocked without a key, and in some embodiments, can be operated with one hand.

Abstract: A hoop lock including a shackle, a crossbar, and a locking assembly operable to secure the shackle to the crossbar. The shackle may include a straight foot and a bent foot, and the locking assembly may engage the straight foot and the bent foot to secure the shackle to the crossbar.

Abstract: A vehicle latch is provided herein. The vehicle latch having: a claw rotationally mounted to the latch for movement about an axis; a pawl rotationally mounted to the latch for movement about an axis between a first position and a second position, wherein the pawl restricts movement of the claw when it is in the first position and wherein the pawl does not restrict movement of the claw when it is in the second position; and an inertia locking device for limiting movement of the pawl towards the second position, wherein the inertia locking device includes a mass-spring damper system configured to react to acceleration forces applied to the pawl in order to limit the movement of the pawl.

Abstract: A door lock apparatus has a lock mechanism for holding a vehicle door in a closed state, an assisting mechanism for assisting in closing and/or opening the vehicle door, and a driving portion for operating the assisting mechanism, and the driving portion has a plurality of motors in which output shafts are disposed parallel to each other and pinion gears are provided individually on the output shafts, a rotational shaft which is disposed parallel to the respective output shafts of the plurality of motors, an internal ring gear which is fixed to a first end portion of the rotational shaft and which meshes with the respective pinion gears of the plurality of motors, and a worm which is fixed to a second end portion of the rotational shaft and which is configured to transmit power to the assisting mechanism.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided herein. The latch assembly having: a lock lever rotatably mounted to the latch assembly for movement between a first position and a second position; a switch positioned to detect movement of the lock lever between the first position and the second position, the switch being located in a carrier; an actuating lever rotatably mounted to the carrier for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein the actuating lever is operably coupled to the lock lever such that movement of the lock lever from the first position to the second position causes the actuating lever to move from the first position to the second position; and wherein the switch is located in a first plane along with at least one other switch and the lock lever rotates in a second plane that is different from the first plane.

Abstract: The plug door lock device is provided with a plurality of lock mechanisms, each of which has a motor for locking the door leaf. Each of the lock mechanisms has a lock arm capable of coming into engagement with an engaged portion fixed to the door leaf, a link member having one end-side portion coupled rotatably to the lock arm and a rotation preventing mechanism.

Abstract: A sash fastener for securing a slidable and tiltable sash window includes a lock assembly and left-hand and right-hand latch assemblies. The lock assembly is mounted upon the sash window meeting rail, and includes a pivotable cam to engage a keeper on the master frame, a handle to pivot the cam, and a pair of pivotable arms, each extending into the meeting rail. A link selectively connects the two arms, and when actuation of the handle causes the cam to rotate, it may selectively drive one of the arms to pivot, with the link causing the other arm to pivot. The left- and right-hand latch assemblies each include a housing, biasing means, a latch member with an adjustable receiver clip having an opening therein configured to receive one of the arms of the lock assembly, within the meeting rail, with movement of the arms actuating the latch to permit tilting.

Abstract: A door checker includes a housing which has a base from which first and second opposing flanges extend. First and second guide pins are spaced apart from one another and are interconnected to the first and second flanges. A check arm extends through the base and is arranged between the first and second guide pins. The check arm is configured to move relative to the housing and includes a profile that corresponds to a variable door holding force. A bearing member is arranged on one side of the check arm and is slidably supported by the first and second guide pins. The bearing member coacts with the profile.

Abstract: A solar-power-generation-type sliding window assembly for maintaining an electrical connection between a solar cellmounted to a sliding window and a battery charged by the power generated by the solar cell during normal operation regardless of the position of the sliding window is provided. The solar-power-generation-type sliding window assembly includes a sliding window that has a solar cell and configured to be opened or closed via sliding thereof. A window frame is fixed to an opening in a wall and supports the sliding window. A plurality of rollers are rotatably disposed in the sliding window and supports the movement of the sliding window inside the window frame. Additionally, a connection terminal is disposed on a selected roller among the rollers and electrically interconnects an output terminal of the solar cell disposed on the sliding window and a frame terminal disposed on the window frame.

Abstract: A stopper device includes: a stopper that has an abutting part located at a distal end of a tubular part in the axial direction, and a through-hole penetrating through the abutting part and communicating with the inside of the tubular part; and a screw that has a flange-shaped screw head accommodated in the tubular part, and a shaft projecting toward a proximal end side of the tubular part in the axial direction. The tubular part has a first restricting part that restricts movement of the stopper toward the distal end in the axial direction by being engaged with the screw head. The position of the stopper in the axial direction is changed by inserting a tool in the tubular part through the through-hole and rotating the screw.

Abstract: A door assist system for a vehicle comprises an actuator configured to control a position of a door about a hinge assembly and an interference sensor. The interference sensor is configured to generate an electromagnetic field in an interference zone between the door and a body of the vehicle. Based on changes or fluctuations in the electromagnetic field, the interference sensor is configured to detect an obstruction in the electromagnetic field and generate a detection signal. The system further comprises a controller configured to control the actuator in response to the detection signal.

Abstract: A double-glazed window or door assembly is provided. The double-glazed window or door assembly comprises a first glass pane and a second glass pane spaced apart to form a volume therebetween. A perimeter seal is located between adjacent faces of the first glass pane and the second glass pane to substantially seal said volume. A one-way inlet valve is mounted on the second glass pane to provide fluid communication from atmosphere to the sealed volume. A one-way outlet valve is mounted on the second glass pane to provide fluid communication from the sealed volume to atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire and blast resistant window assembly, comprising a frame adapted to be built into a window aperture, a glazing system and a front insulating glass unit. The assembly is characterized in that the front insulating glass unit is mounted on the frame such that a thermal break is formed therebetween, the frame contains a metal framework, which delimits a mounting aperture for the glazing system, wherein separator plates are welded to the framework, along the perimeter thereof, with spaces between the separator plates, and the glazing system comprises a first and a second glazing unit. Each of the glazing units comprises a support profile and a glazing sheet, which is inserted in the support profile and clamped thereto from the inside by glazing beads, wherein a thermal break is formed therebetween.

Abstract: An electro-optic window is provided, together with a method of manufacturing the window. The window (3) is made of a material substantially transparent to at least one of infra-red, visible and UV radiation and treated to have reduced RF/MICROWAVE transmission characteristics by the provision of a grid (1) set into at least one surface (2) thereof. The grid (1) is formed of a material selected to be either reflective or absorptive to RF/MICROWAVE radiation.

Abstract: A barrier for the inside of a home. The barrier includes two partitions that slide relative to each other to increase and decrease a distance between ends of the barrier. The partitions slide into and out of confronting relationships with each other. The partitions engage each other at upper and lower locations and further at a medial location where an elongate member of one partition is received in a tube engaged to the other partition. A threaded piece upon being turned brings pressure to bear upon an end of the tube such that the partitions can be incrementally expanded apart and thereby pressurized between two locations within the home so as to block off one portion of the home. The threaded piece is slideable along the elongate member.

Abstract: A motorized sheer shading system may move a sheer shade material between an open position, a closed position, and a view position. The shading system may move the sheer shade material from the open position to the closed position at a first average rotational speed, and from the closed position to the view position at a second average rotational speed. The shading system may automatically determine a control limit that corresponds to the closed position of the sheer shade material after control limits have been set for the open position and the view position. The shading system may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the raise button of a remote control is still depressed, and may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the lower button of the remote control is still depressed.

Abstract: Wheel carriage assemblies and related fabric deployment systems and methods are disclosed. A wheel carriage assembly comprising at least one wheel with ball bearings on the interior of each wheel, and a pivot point that allows for position independence, is configured with a hembar coupled to a piece of fabric to allow a surface of varying shape to be covered. The system provides the ability to cover both traditional window shapes as well as surfaces of irregular shape or inclined orientation, and reduces and evens the amount of wear on certain components to extend system life.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for range-based sensitivity analysis in hydrocarbon reservoir modeling are disclosed. A computer-implemented method may include receiving a first numeric range defined as a minimum value and a maximum value for a first input parameter of a computational model, computing a different computational model result for each of a plurality of values in the first numeric range by using each of the values as the first input parameter in different respective computational model calculations, and displaying results of the computational model calculations.

Abstract: A reaming tool includes a reaming tool body configured to be coupled within a drill string or a string of drilling tools. A plurality of reaming blocks is attached to the reaming tool body at circumferentially spaced apart locations. Each reaming block comprises at least one row of shear cutters and gouging cutters, the gouging cutters in the at least one row disposed rotationally ahead of the shear cutters in the at least one row.

Abstract: A rotating bit with cutters used in drilling operations to advance a borehole in the earth. The bit includes column cutters in the bit body in a recessed central area. The column cutters contact a column of borehole material that is formed during operation. The column cutters are oriented to fracture the column, producing larger cuttings or chips, and to exert a force on the column to limit lateral movement of the bit during operation.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools may have a body, a cutting element attached to the body at a first location, and a formation-engaging structure attached to the body at a second location. The formation-engaging structure may be movable during a drilling operation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the formation-engaging structure may be located rotationally behind the cutting element at a first radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the body at which the cutting element will at least initially shield the formation-engaging structure from engaging a formation. In the second position, the formation-engaging structure may be located at a different second radial distance from the longitudinal axis of the body at which the formation-engaging structure will engage a formation.

Abstract: A polycrystalline-diamond cutting element for a drill bit of a downhole tool. The cutting element includes a substrate and a diamond table bonded to the substrate. The diamond table includes a diamond filler with at least one leached polycrystalline diamond segment packed therein along at least one working surface thereof. The cutting element may be formed by positioning the diamond table on the substrate and bonding the diamond table onto the substrate such that the polycrystalline diamond segment is positioned along at least one working surface of the diamond table. A spark plasma sintering or double press operation may be used to bond the diamond table onto the substrate.