Abstract: A snow thrower includes a motor, an auger driven by the motor to rotate, a handle device for a user to operate, an auger housing for containing the auger and a frame for connecting the handle device and the auger housing. The auger housing is made of at least two different materials.

Abstract: An inflatable water barrier assembly includes a plurality of boundary units. Each of the boundary units can be linked together on a support surface to define a boundary around a selected area to inhibit flood water from entering the selected area. Each of the boundary units has a lower portion that is fluidly discrete from an upper portion. The lower portion is fillable with water to weighing down the boundary units. The upper portion of each of the boundary units is inflatable with air to inhibit the flood water from passing thereover. A plurality of anchors is engages a respective one of the boundary units. Each of the anchors penetrates a support surface to inhibit the respective boundary unit from being moved by flood water.

Abstract: An adjustable leg for use with a dock includes a tubular, lower member having a non-circular cross-section when taken normal to a longitudinal axis where the lower member has a first end and a second end. The lower member further includes a plate secured to the first end, the plate having a threaded through bore, and a disc secure to the plate. The disc has an elliptical aperture that is biased from the plate. The adjustable leg includes a tubular, upper member having a non-circular cross-section when taken normal to the longitudinal axis. The upper member is sized to be positioned over the lower member. The upper member further includes a threaded rod rotatably positioned within an interior cavity of the upper member, the threaded rod rotatably secured to the upper member. The threaded rod is configured to threadably engage the threaded bore and wherein the disc is configured engage the threaded rod and to place upward pressure on the threaded rod to prevent or reduce unwanted rotation of the rod.

Abstract: A precast dam structure includes at least two precast segments coupled together via linkages and a flow path structure. The flow path structure defines a flow path having an intake port and a draft port and is associated with at least one of the at least two precast segments. The flow path structure is configured to provide a change in flow direction, either internally or externally, from the at least one of the at least two precast segments.

Abstract: An oil containment system aboard a vessel includes a pneumatic system to provide power to a winch and reel assembly containing boom whereby the pneumatic supply is capable of simultaneously powering the winch-reel assembly for boom deployment through inflatable gas fed to a pneumatic motor while also inflating the boom. The inflation of the boom is accomplished by diverting, all or any portion thereof, the inflatable gas from a pneumatic supply through a hose that runs concurrently on the outside of the boom. The pneumatic supply originates from a single pneumatic system powering both the winch and reel assembly as well as associated brake and feeding inflatable gas pressure to the inflation hose running concurrently with the boom. The system can be utilized to confine a discharge of a floating material such as hydrocarbons floating on the surface from a vessel or structure.

Abstract: An elevated workspace platform for rapid installation over and around wellhead equipment, frac trees and manifolds for providing oilfield worker access to equipment. Lift points provide engagement with forklift or other lifting machinery for deployment onsite and do not require any personnel to be underneath. Foldable support legs are securely locked into upright configuration with a hand operated spring-loaded latch. Reinforced steel plate boxes surround and achor the support legs to the elevated platform. Modularized design allows the platform to be stackable for transport to the oilfield work site. Removable and adjustable height stairways, handrails and self-closing gates ensure worker safety and access to equipment. Leveling jacks compensate for uneven ground surface conditions. Safety features reduced slips and falls and decrease insurance costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for real-time compensation for ground movements which would otherwise adversely affect an existing built environment. Embodiments may include providing a plurality of holes in soil for the injection of a substance that expands as a consequence of a chemical reaction. The plurality of holes may be located between a source of movement and an asset to be protected. Embodiments may also include injecting, in at least one of the plurality of holes, the substance and monitoring, in real-time, at least one of movement of the soil or the asset to be protected. Real-time monitoring may occur during an activity that is causing the ground movements. Embodiments may further include obtaining real-time monitoring data, based upon, at least in part, the monitoring.

Abstract: A method for optimizing processes for increasing the load-bearing capacity of foundation grounds includes the following steps: detecting at least one part of a built structure and/or of ground; identifying at least one region to be treated of the foundation ground; and injecting, at least one injection point located substantially within the at least one region to be treated, a cement and/or synthetic mixture. The method further includes at least one second step of detecting at least one part of the built structure and/or of the ground that lies above the injected foundation ground. The method further includes a step of interrupting the injection step, and measuring at least one physical parameter that is susceptible of varying as a consequence of the injection step.

Abstract: An example embodiment of the present invention provides a pole cap for covering an end of a pole. The pole cap comprises a sheet that includes a central portion, a first strip, and a flap that has a slit. The central portion is configured to cover a base surface of an end of a pole. The first strip is configured to fold over an edge of the base surface and circumferentially wrap around a portion of a curved surface of the pole. The flap is configured to fold over the edge of the base surface.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a borehole in soil, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises wet concrete. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast. The blast is used to force the wet concrete into a customized shape within the borehole.

Abstract: An excavation support system and methods for making same. The system can include a plurality of linear slide-rail posts; a plurality of corner slide-rail posts; at least one slide-rail panel having opposing first and second ends, wherein the first end is disposed within the recessed groove of the linear slide-rail post and the second end is disposed within one of the recessed grooves of the corner slide-rail posts; at least one linear roller cart, having at least one roller attached thereto, adapted to slide onto the linear slide-rail post and secure thereto, the linear roller cart comprising a generally horizontal plate for supporting at least one hydraulic brace leg; and at least one corner roller cart having at least one roller attached thereto, adapted to slide onto the corner slide-rail post and secure thereto. Each cart having a generally horizontal plate for supporting at least one hydraulic brace, and movable in an upward and downward direction relative to the vertical axis of the slide-rail post.

Abstract: A mooring system has a pre-existing subsea foundation at a first seabed location and a catenary mooring line connected to the pre-existing foundation and extending to a moored floating unit. A supplementary subsea foundation is installed at a second seabed location to upgrade the capacity of the mooring system. The mooring line is connected to the supplementary subsea foundation while the connection between the mooring line and the pre-existing subsea foundation is maintained.

Abstract: A block, block system and method of making a wall block. Multiple block embodiments with multiple embodiments of a visually exposed surface having three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints that can be used to construct a patio, wall, fence or the like; the multiple embodiments creating a more random and natural appearance.

Abstract: A work machine extending in a fore-aft direction comprising a frame and a ground-engaging mechanism, the ground-engaging mechanism configured to support the frame on a ground surface; a boom assembly coupled to the frame, the boom assembly having a pair of boom arms pivotally coupled to the frame; and an attachment coupled to a fore-section of the boom arms. The attachment may comprise a guide rigidly coupled to a fore-section of the frame; a movable member coupled to the guide, the movable member moveable relative to the frame by a pair of hydraulic cylinders, the guide restricting movement of the movable member in a non-vertical direction; and a work tool coupled to the movable member wherein actuating the pair of hydraulic cylinders engages the movable member, vertically lifting or lowering the work tool relative to the frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for trenchless placement of an underground protective network of intertwined cables for protecting buried assets from accidental damage are disclosed. The system includes an apparatus for towing behind a vehicle and laying a plurality of continuous cables directly underground and interweaving the cables to form a cable network. The apparatus includes a plurality of soil rippers mounted at respective radial positions to a rotating carrier. The rotating carrier rotates about an axis that is at least partially normal to the ground surface. The rippers plow through the ground in the direction of vehicle travel and include a cable-feeding guide for directly and continuously feeding cable out underground during operation. In operation, the combined movement of the soil rippers from rotating the carrier and movement in the direction of travel serves to intertwine the cables deposited by respective rippers forming the protective network of intertwined cables.

Abstract: An area limit control part as a control section outputs a requested boost pilot pressure for driving a control valve, based upon a pilot pressure in accordance with an operating amount of an operating lever and a posture signal of a posture sensor. A drive permission determination part determines whether or not a drive of a hydraulic actuator is permitted based upon the pilot pressure in accordance with the operating amount of the operating lever. A pilot pressure selecting part selects the requested boost pilot pressure from the area limit control part in such a manner as to drive the control valve with the requested boost pilot pressure to the hydraulic actuator the drive of which is permitted, and not to drive the control valve to the hydraulic actuator the drive of which is not permitted.

Abstract: Provided is a work machine capable of regenerating a return hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic actuator while preventing a drag loss of a regeneration hydraulic motor and a hydraulic pump from increasing and preventing the regeneration efficiency of the regeneration hydraulic motor from decreasing. A controller 100 computes a required regeneration hydraulic motor revolution speed from a displacement of a regeneration hydraulic motor 13 and a regeneration flow rate of the regeneration hydraulic motor, computes a required first hydraulic pump revolution speed from a displacement of a first hydraulic pump 15 and a target assist flow rate of the first hydraulic pump, and selects a greater one of the required regeneration hydraulic motor revolution speed and the required first hydraulic pump revolution speed as a target revolution speed of an electric motor 14.

Abstract: A product and system for identifying and monitoring a characteristic including the part ID, presence, condition, usage and/or performance of ground-engaging products used on various kinds of earth working equipment.

Abstract: A hydrant tool for performing fire hydrant operations. The hydrant tool includes a wheel shaped base, a selectively extensible leverage bar that extends from a lateral edge of the wheel shaped base. A wrench opening, preferably a Storz wrench opening extends is defined in a lateral edge of the base. A center portion of the base includes a configurable socketed opening for operation of the hydrant valve.

Abstract: A faucet knob return spring kit for automatic shut off includes a pair of knob sleeves each having an outer perimeter and a through hole. The through hole is configured to receive and secure a faucet knob. A pair of sleeve eyelets is coupled to the outer perimeter of the pair of knob sleeves. Each of a pair of extension springs has a sleeve hook end coupled to the pair of sleeve eyelets and a wall hook end. Each of the pair of extension springs has a rest position and an alternate stretched position. Each of a pair of eyelet screws has a spring eyelet and a threaded screw. The spring eyelet is coupled to the wall hook end of the pair of extension springs and the threaded screw is configured to mount into a wall adjacent the faucet knob.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a drainage pipe is disclosed. The method provides removing a pre-existing bathtub drain of a pre-existing bathtub drainage system to expose the concrete-encased drainage pipe, attaching a gasket to an exposed end of the concrete-encased drainage pipe, attaching a drain body to the gasket, attaching a strainer to the drain body, and attaching the drain body to the concrete-encased drainage pipe via the gasket. The drain body and gasket create a water-tight seal with and between the concrete-encased drainage pipe when attached. The method enables a user to convert a pre-existing bathtub drainage pipe to a shower drainage pipe without the added necessity of digging into the concrete surrounding the pre-existing drainage pipe below the pre-existing bathtub drain in order to place a small piece of modern piping material and a secure fastener below the body of the shower drain.

Abstract: A power plunger including a barrel member as a housing for a piston, a connecting rod, a crank having a pushing mechanism, a power supply, and an actuating switch. The power plunger provides splash-back free unclogging of drains.

Abstract: An automatic air release plunger is provided for unclogging an obstructed drain in a plumbing fixture having undrained wastewater. The plunger includes a handle and a hollow, compressible plunger head. The plunger head is coupled to the handle at the plunger head's proximal end. The plunger head also includes a seal extending from its distal end that is capable of sealing the plunger head to a drain opening of the plumbing fixture. Additionally, the handle and plunger head include automatic air release features that allow air to flow along an air-escape path from inside of the hollow plunger head into a void formed in the interior of the handle, and thereafter into a channel which extends from the proximal end of the plunger head to a gap at a proximal end of the handle where the air is released whenever the plunger head is compressed.

Abstract: An undermount support for an appliance and a method for using the support, the support including a frame that is: (a) assembled around the exterior periphery of the appliance; (b) located in supporting contact below the underside of a rim flange of the appliance; and (c) attached to cabinetry supporting a countertop or cooktop. The frame thereby enables the cabinetry to support the appliance by the rim flange.

Abstract: A system for preventing overflow of a toilet includes a sensor, a processor and an actuator. The sensor senses a parameter caused by fluid dynamics within the toilet during a flush cycle. The parameter may involve vibration, sound, pressure, fluid flow rate or other detectible characteristics of the toilet. The processor uses information regarding the parameter that is gathered by the sensor to evaluate the condition of the flush cycle to determine if an impeded flush condition exists. In the event of an impeded flush condition, the processor directs the actuator to close a valve, which may be the toilet flapper valve in some embodiments. Also disclosed are methods for preventing toilet overflow, detecting an impeded flush condition and calibrating the system.

Abstract: Toilet assemblies having various embodiments of a cleaning system are described herein which include a toilet assembly and a cleaning system. The toilet assembly has a toilet bowl, a toilet tank, a flush valve, a rim inlet port and a rim flow path (which may be an isolated rim path) extending from an outlet of the flush valve to the rim inlet port.

Abstract: An air treatment device is disclosed. The air treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first air passage part of which one side is connected with at least one contamination space; a first air suction part for enabling the contaminated air within the contamination space to flow into the first air passage part; and a first air treatment part including: a partition formed inside a toilet water tank; at least one of through-holes, which is formed in the partition, connected with the other side of the first air passage part, and connected with a space inside the partition; and an air discharging part for discharging the contaminated air into the inside of the partition.

Abstract: A waste disposal docking system includes a first sleeve to secure to a septic tank hose connection fitting; an angled PVC fitting having a second end of the first sleeve attached; a septic tank hose extending from the septic tank hose connection fitting, through the first sleeve and through the angled PVC fitting; a housing with a motor attached thereto; an extension device engaged with the housing to extend and contract via the motor; a second sleeve attached to a second end of the angled PVC fitting; the extension device engages with an end of the septic tank hose to extend and contract the septic tank hose; the septic tank hose is extended and contracted inside the second sleeve, the second sleeve extending and contracting therewith; and an end of the septic tank hose is to engage with a sewer cleanout station.

Abstract: An automated system for a jetter system, a method for automatically filling a sewer access system with antifreeze liquid, and a method for automatically recapturing antifreeze within a sewer access system are provided. The automated system may include: a control system configured to provide a normal operational mode, an auto antifreeze mode, and an auto recapture mode; a pump; first and second tanks, and conduits that connect these components. The system automatically fills the conduits with antifreeze liquid from the second tank and then can automatically purge the conduits of antifreeze liquid and return the antifreeze liquid to the second tank for later use in again filing the conduits with antifreeze liquid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to deployable structures and methods of use thereof. In particular, deployable structures with non-cylindrical or irregular shapes and methods of use thereof are disclosed. Non-cylindrical combustion elements can be used to rigidize such non-cylindrical or irregular shapes. The use of gaseous oxidizers along with deployable structures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A construction method for a building is provided that includes the steps of: hoisting and positioning a plurality of precast columns on at least a portion of a predetermined area of a construction site to form a precast column array having at least two spans along a first direction and one or more spans along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; positioning the pre-fabricated beam rebar assemblies between adjacent precast columns, positioning each of the precast slab panels on support potions on the precast columns, assembling the beam cage and pouring the concrete into the molds for the beam cage to accomplish the structure of a single story; and repeating the steps of constructing the above-mentioned precast column array until completion of the structure of all stories of the building.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a beam-to-column connection systems for a moment-resisting frame as well as moment-resisting frames that include such connection systems.

Abstract: A construction structure of a geodesic dome-shaped house and a connection structure body thereof comprises: a plurality of triangular unit modules constituting a unit structure and a connection structure body of a geodesic dome-shaped house; a pair of inner beams which are disposed on both opposing sides of the triangular unit module; a connector which is disposed in a corner area between the pair of inner beams and connected to the pair of inner beams by a first coupling member; and a pair of outer beams which are disposed on outer surfaces of the pair of inner beams, respectively and connected to the connector and the inner beams by a second coupling member.

Abstract: A rotatable connector for use with a truss in accordance with the present disclosure includes a sleeve and a connector end coupled to the sleeve. The sleeve engages with the truss in a fixed orientation. The connector end rotates relative to the truss to allow attachment with another connector of an adjacent truss in a variety of orientations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembling structure of prefabricated concrete components. The sleeve includes a non-grout connection section and a grout connection section. The steel frame includes an inner barbed structure and an outer barbed structure. The diameter of the channel surrounded by a plurality of inner barbed structures is smaller than the diameter of the second to-be-connected steel bar. The diameter of the contour surrounded by a plurality of outer barbed structures is larger than the diameter of the inner chamber of the grout connection section. The alignment device includes a lower bearer and an upper bearer. The upper bearer and lower bearer are both electromagnets. The same magnetic poles of the upper bearer and the lower bearer are oppositely arranged, and the upper bearer and the lower bearer are connected in series in the same circuit.

Abstract: A variable acoustic system for selectively controlling acoustic properties of an environment. Said variable acoustic system comprises a two side portions, a back portions and a variable expansion assembly. Said variable acoustic system further comprises a shell and a plurality of absorbers. Said variable acoustic system is configured to selectively transition through a one or more configurations. Said one or more configurations comprises at least a closed configuration and an open configuration. Said closed configuration comprises said two side portions closed with said shell exposed. Said open configuration comprises said two side portions open with a portion of said plurality of absorbers exposed. Said shell configured to reflect more acoustic energy than said plurality of absorbers. Said two side portions comprise a first side portion and a second side portion. Said two side portions each comprise at least an outer portions and a back absorbers.

Abstract: A stud such as a light-weight metal stud can include a first elongated channel member and a second elongated channel member coupled to the first elongated channel member by a wire matrix, where ends of the wire matrix are located at ends of the first and second channel members. A pitch of the wire matrix can vary over the length of the stud. Two or more such studs can have different lengths where a difference in the lengths is not a multiple of the pitch.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing interlocking, dry-cast concrete retaining wall blocks in an upright orientation comprises a mold box comprising two side walls joined to end walls to define a mold cavity, a top face, and a substantially open bottom face. Partitions configured to define a space between adjacent blocks or a space between a block and a side of the mold box extend parallel to the side walls of the mold box substantially from the top face into the mold cavity, to form first transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces the blocks which do not include any undercut portion that would impede removal of the mold box in a substantially vertical direction. At least one removable insert comprises insert members which, when positioned in the mold box beneath the partitions, form remaining transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces, the remaining transverse portions including at least one undercut portion.

Abstract: A straight beam made for use in a suspended horizontal drywall ceiling. The beam is modified so that it can be bent in multiple directions to multiple predetermined angles. The beam has a web connecting two top flanges to two bottom flanges. A notch in the web extends through either the top or bottom flanges dividing the beam into a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side may each contain a pocket angled away from an outward face of the web forming a cutout having a locking edge and optionally a protuberance projecting out in the same direction as the pocket. Furthermore, the first side and the second side may optionally each contain an indentation projecting outward from the web in a direction opposite the spring pocket. As a result, when the beam is bent to the desired predetermined angle the locking edge or indentation may engage with the protuberance locking the angle in place. A soffit may then be constructed with drywall hung therefrom.

Abstract: A wall block having a block body and a vertical plane of symmetry. The block body having a front portion, a rear portion and a neck portion. The wall block including a core extending through the neck portion and dividing the neck portion into first and second neck wall members extending rearward from the front portion to the rear portion. The wall block having a flange extending downward from the block body. The wall block having a channel positioned in the rear portion of the block body. The wall block having a first plane parallel to the plane of symmetry that passes through the first neck wall member and a second plane parallel to the plane of symmetry that passes through the second neck wall member, the first and second planes being located approximately midway between the plane of symmetry and the lateral outermost points of the wall block.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a structural insulated panel framing system comprising: insulation sheathing receivable by a wall jig; a frame for placement atop the insulation sheathing; and spray foam for application to the frame and the insulation sheathing to fuse the frame and insulation sheathing to produce a structural insulated panel.

Abstract: This invention is an additively manufactured wall panel using computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and manufacture multi-colored and multi-layered wall panels. This results in a variety of highly attractive, multi-colored wall panel faces ranging from brick, colored grout lines and multi-colored stones to multi-colored geometric designs. The design and manufacturing process greatly reduces the amount of precast cementitious materials by efficiently using higher quality materials. This reduces cost and weight while simultaneously producing a much more comprehensive, multi-functional wall panel complete with an interior frame, exterior insulation and an air, vapor and moisture barriers.

Abstract: A disclosed rebar coupler includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a coupling means. Accordingly, the connection angle between the first coupling member and the second coupling member is variable to a desired angle. The connection angle between rebars to be connected may be rapidly and conveniently varied at an industrial site to which the rebars are applied.

Abstract: A system includes apparatus and methods for providing continuous structural support to footings and hollow core wall units. In operation, wire rope chairs, connectors, wedge pins, and a tensioner tool are used to interconnect wire rope within footings and hollow core wall units laid on the footings, allowing for continuous wire rope within selected units that when grouted, provide an interconnected reinforced structural wall that is safer to install than traditional methods, with other advantages.

Abstract: A system to produce a bitumen-based membrane provided with a bituminous surface covered by grains. The system comprises a movement device designed to more a preformed membrane in a predefined feed direction, a grain application machine comprising a rotating application drum provided with a plurality of cavities which are designed to receive grains in a loading region of said drum, a grain loading device designed to load the grains in the cavities in the loading region of the drum, and a grain retention device made of sintered polymer material, which is arranged in contact with a retention region for retaining the outer surface of the application drum so as to maintain the grains in the cavities until the latter reach an angular discharge position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sump drain apparatus comprising a drain bowl, a ramp connected to the drain bowl comprising an incline plane configured to divert drainage water toward the drain bowl, and an attachment flange connected to the ramp and configured to couple the sump drain apparatus to a roof deck, wherein the ramp is configured to be positioned on top of the roof deck and contain sump insulation beneath the ramp and above the roof deck.

Abstract: An apparatus includes rigid tubing and a tubular nozzle. The tubular nozzle is attached to the rigid tubing and includes a proximal nozzle portion, a distal nozzle portion, and a guide-shoe. The proximal nozzle portion defines a first proximal nozzle sub-portion merging with a second proximal nozzle sub-portion at a first angle. The distal nozzle portion is removably attached to the proximal nozzle portion and defines a first distal nozzle sub-portion merging with a second distal nozzle sub-portion at a second angle. The guide-shoe projects outwardly from an exterior sidewall of the distal nozzle portion. In use, high-velocity air is propelled through the tubular nozzle to remove debris from the gutter. The guide-shoe allows the tubular nozzle to easily bypass hangers that are located in the gutter and to lock the tubular nozzle in the gutter so that it does not unintentionally depart the gutter.

Abstract: A device for reducing and/or eliminating water noise. A screen made of waterproof material has small holes distributed across its entire surface, to reduce the size of water droplets exiting the screen to less than 5 mm.

Abstract: A fiber cement soffit comprising a first major face, a second major face, an intermediate portion positioned between the first and second faces and an edge portion surrounding the intermediate portion such that the first and second faces, intermediate portion and edge portion together form a panel of predetermined thickness; and a plurality of apertures extending between the first and second major faces of the soffit through the predetermined thickness forming a vented portion wherein the apertures comprise between approximately 8% and 28% of the total surface area per linear foot of each of the first major face and second major face of the vented portion such that the net free ventilation provided per linear foot of the fiber cement soffit is between 10 and 16 square inches.

Abstract: A corrugated plate assembly includes at least two corrugated plates each having a crest portion. The crest portion is asymmetric and includes first and second arcuate ends, two longitudinal lateral sides connected between the first and second arcuate ends and two indentations indented from the first and second arcuate ends. The second arcuate ends of the corrugated plates are interconnected in such a manner that the indentations of the second arcuate ends are intersected each other and that the second arcuate ends overlap with each other. Ventilation gaps are formed between overlapping parts of the second arcuate ends.