Abstract: A method of designing a rolled H-section steel includes: setting a height dimension H from an upper flange to a lower flange, a width dimension W of each of the upper flange and the lower flange, a plate thickness tw of a web, and a plate thickness tf of each of the upper flange and the lower flange so that, when it is assumed that a value obtained by dividing a second moment of area Ix about a strong axis by an outer circumferential length Lp in a cross-sectional shape when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to a member axis direction is a surface treatment economy Ix/Lp and an area of the cross-sectional shape is S, a predetermined relational formula is satisfied.

Abstract: A joist is disclosed. The joist includes a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a central portion, wherein each of the first leg portion and the second leg portion define a first side, a second side, and a distal side, a first lap portion and a second lap portion located at the central portion, and one or more stiffener defined within each of the first side, the second side, and the distal side of the first leg portion and the second leg portion.

Abstract: A strut and method using same is provided. The strut comprises a body member having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. A first gripping member is connected to the first end of the body member. The first gripping member comprises a first plate for engaging a first structural engagement member. A second gripping member is connected to the second end of the body member. The second gripping member comprises a second plate for engaging a second structural member. The body member of the strut extends in a direction to intercept each of the first and second plates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates more particularly to kits and systems of roofing shingles that can provide a variety of shingle coverage thicknesses and patterns while simplifying design and installation. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a roofing system comprising a first array of overlapping first shingles disposed on a roof. The system includes a first number, n>=2, of overlapping horizontally-extending courses of linearly arranged first shingles, with horizontal and vertical offsets between courses. Each first shingle includes a top headlap portion extending from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge and a bottom tab portion formed of a plurality of tabs extending from the headlap portion toward the bottom edge of the first shingle, the bottom tab portion having an open area that is at least 20% of the total area of the bottom tab portion.

Abstract: A thermally adaptive glazing panel roofing system is provided. The system includes a glazing panel including at least one notch formed in a side of the glazing panel, two side brackets each including a ledge feature. Opposite sides of the glazing panel are supported by the ledge features. The system further includes at least one panel support plate attached to one of the ledge features and engaged to the notch. The system further includes a first pressure cap affixed to a first side bracket of the two side brackets and a second pressure cap affixed to a second side bracket of the two side brackets. The glazing panel is operable to thermally expand along the ledge features.

Abstract: A system and method for covering at least a portion of a roof with an impermeable membrane is provided. The method includes placing a strip of the impermeable membrane over a subset of the portion of the roof intended to be covered, cutting a length of the strip to accommodate a size of the portion of the roof intended to be covered, fastening a flexible, elongated band of material to the end of the strip using a plurality of first fasteners, rolling the band of material at least one half turn in the end of the strip, attaching the band of material that was rolled in the end of the strip to a fascia of eaves of the roof using a plurality of second fasteners, and repeating the steps above until the portion of the roof is covered in the impermeable membrane.

Abstract: A modular thatch panel for a thatch roof is provided that distinguishes a perforated louvered drainage and drying tray and an insert thatch bale. The tray has louvers at the bottom aspect of the tray and perforations distributed over the tray bottom. The bottom surface of the tray faces a barrier (e.g. water, thermal and/or fire) which overlays a roof panel. The tray and the barrier are at a distance suitable for airflow in between the two layers. The insert thatch bale is compacted, bonded and inserted in the perforated louvered drainage and drying tray.

Abstract: A debris guard for installation on an eavestrough is disclosed. The debris guard including a frame with a back side, a front side, a length and two ends. The frame having a water collection portion between the front side and the back side that extends along the length of the frame, the water collection portion having a plurality of holes to allow rainwater to pass through. The frame having a connector engagement structure that extends outward from a surface of the water collection portion, the connector engagement structure being shaped and/or sized to attach with a connector for joining pieces or lengths of the frame together.

Abstract: A soffit panel attachment device includes a central portion, an attachment surface, a plurality of flanges, and a plurality of openings extending through the central portion. The attachment surface extends perpendicularly from the central portion at a first end of the central portion. First and second flanges extend parallel to the central portion to form a U-shaped channel sized and shaped to receive a soffit covering material. Two soffit panel attachment devices may be installed in opposing configurations such that the U-shaped channels are positioned to support opposite ends of a soffit panel material. The plurality of openings may be a grid of hexagonal or circular openings that provide airflow paths across the soffit panel material such as from an exterior space into an attic space above the soffit.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a retractable awning assembly. The retractable awning assembly may include a plurality of roller tube sections, at least two torsion bar sections, a pair of spring-loaded arms, a fabric cover, a plurality of front bar sections, a pair of end caps, a plurality of mounting brackets, and a plurality of hood sections. Methods of assembling the same are provided.

Abstract: A pet ramp is provided having two panels in a collapsible arrangement, with a first panel having legs and a second panel able to be cantilevered from the first panel. The second panel extends beyond the legs and is pivotable to rest on any available surface. A stop is provided between the first and second panels to hold a cantilevered deployed position of the second panel.

Abstract: Devices and methods covering a gap between an edge of a surface and a body exposed through an opening in the surface defined by the edge. Such a device has at least first and second sections formed of different materials. The device is positioned so that the second section is over a portion of the surface adjacent the opening and the first section extends over the gap and the opening. After removing a release liner releasably secured to a backside of the first section to cover an adhesive, portions of the first section are bent and molded to plastically conform the portions to the edge of the surface while the second section remains over the portion of the surface adjacent the opening. The body is then contacted with the backside of the first section such that the backside of the first section is adhered to the body with the adhesive.

Abstract: A wood or manufactured wood-composite based siding used on concrete wall or concrete masonry unit (CMU, or block) construction (including, but not limited to, insulated concrete form construction) with an integrated rainscreen feature. The rainscreen feature or component is applied to, or integrated into or with, the back of the siding (i.e., the inner surface) during the manufacturing process, or in a secondary process thereafter. The features may include raised elements, strips or ridges from approximately 1/16 to approximately ¾ inches tall, with one or more channels or spaces. No job-site assembly is required, thereby reducing time and cost.

Abstract: A fitting includes a first mounting portion connectable with a first member and having opposing planar surfaces and inner and outer ends. A second mounting portion is angled with respect to the first mounting portion, is connectable with a second member and has opposing planar surfaces, an outer end and an inner end integrally formed with the first mounting portion inner end. A boss projects outwardly from the second mounting portion first surface and is disposable within a recess of the second member or a stiffener coupled with the second member. The boss has an inner end adjacent to the second mounting portion inner end, an outer end spaced from the inner end, a centerline between the boss inner and outer ends, and an outermost surface spaced from the second mounting portion first surface by a spacing distance having a value greater than zero at all points along the centerline.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mineral-based floor panel including a mineral-based core, wherein the panel includes at least one groove. The at least one groove may be provided in a rear side of the panel. There is also disclosed other such mineral-based panels, such as a building panel, a wall panel, a ceiling panel or a furniture panel. There is also disclosed a method for forming such grooves in a mineral-based panel. Furthermore, there is disclosed a mineral-based panel including a mineral-based core and polymer-based lower layer(s) attached to the core. A locking system of the panel includes a strip extending horizontally beyond an upper portion of the panel, wherein at least a horizontal portion of the strip is entirely formed in the polymer-based lower layer(s).

Abstract: A flooring substrate system that uses one of three substrate components upon which various types of finish flooring may be attached above a deck structure. The deck structure may be open lumber framed or may be a waterproofed planar surface. Affixation of the flooring system may be by direct connection or by gravitational placement. Height and slope adjustable components interlock through a plunge, twist and locking teeth arrangement to form supporting members beneath the substrate components. A special fastening system is utilized with one the substrate components to provide a floating structural panel assembly that may be gravitationally placed atop a waterproofed deck while allowing for water to pass under the top finish flooring.

Abstract: A method for operating a track guidance system including at least one raised floor element includes planning at least one movement of at least one object on the at least one floor element, transmitting at least one control signal for carrying out the planned at least one movement to the object with the aid of an activatable marking on the at least one floor element, and carrying out the planned at least one movement of the at least one object with the aid of an activatable marking on the at least one floor element based upon the at least one control signal.

Abstract: A floor panel for forming a floor covering comprises a substrate consisting of at least two substrate layers differing in density and, on at least one pair of opposite edges, is provided with coupling parts of the so-called push-lock type. Vertically active locking surfaces, where they cooperate in the coupled condition of two of such floor panels, define a tangent line which is horizontal or does not deviate more than 50 degrees from the horizontal. The locking surfaces are situated closer to the upper side of the first substrate layer than to the lower side of the first substrate layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sound attenuating flooring system. The sound attenuating flooring system has a subfloor, a sound attenuating material overlaying and contacting only a portion of the subfloor, and an overlayment. The sound attenuating material has a first surface and second surface. The first surface is defined by a plurality of outwardly projecting hollow protrusions. The second surface is defined by a plurality of open recesses corresponding to the plurality of outwardly projecting hollow protrusions. The overlayment overlays the second surface of the sound attenuating material.

Abstract: A flooring assembly comprising a flooring unit comprising a stability core layer having a plurality of edge surfaces, two of which have an interlocking mechanism for attachment to the edge surfaces of the stability core of adjacent flooring units; a sound attenuating acoustic layer attached to the bottom surface of the stability core layer; and a finish layer attached to the top surface of said stability core layer.

Abstract: A structure edge protection device having damping rollers of the present invention includes: a frame that can be fastened to an edge of a structure such as a wall or a column; a plurality of rotary rollers that is made of synthetic resin and can rotate on the structure in a movement direction of a impacting object such as a vehicle or freight that is being carried; rotary shafts that support the rotary rollers and are inserted in the rotary rollers for smooth rotation of the rotary rollers; elastic members that can absorb shock that is applied to the structure and the impacting object by contracting and stretching when the impacting object collides with the structure; a sensor unit that can sound an alarm by sensing approach of an object; and connection straps that can strongly fasten a plurality of frame units by being fastened through the frame units.

Abstract: A metal hand tool including a handle attached to a blade piece and method of construction. The blade piece includes a blade opposite an elongated tang. The handle is made up of two, welded, symmetrical handle halves, each handle half having an opening for receiving a hang hole piece and a notched distal end for forming a handle opening to receive the blade piece elongated tang. In an embodiment, the handle includes a curved distal end accommodating a curved welded connection between the blade piece and the handle. The hand tool further includes a hang hole piece configured for placement through the hang hole openings in the handle and for welded connection to the handle. In an embodiment, the elongated tang includes a hang hole opening through which the hang hole extends. Some embodiments further include one or more tang guide pieces welded to the interior of the handle.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for producing a structure includes a base assembly, an elongated member, a carriage, and a first member. The elongated member is fixedly coupled with the base assembly and extends upwards from the base assembly. The carriage is rotatably coupled with the elongated member and configured to translate upwards along the elongated member. The first member is fixedly coupled with and extends outwards from the carriage. The first member includes a material dispensing device configured to dispense material as the carriage rotates relative to the elongated member.

Abstract: An alignment head for an automatic fastener feed installation tool employs a platform with spring biased retractable pins and a central opening. The retractable pins are spaced to protrude downwardly and engage opposing sides of a support joist. The central opening receives the fastener which is automatically positioned for driving at an entry position into a deck board overlying the joist. The fastener is drivable into the joist at a medial position of the joist and a pre-established position from the edge of a deckboard. The pins also define the spacing of the adjacent deck board. In one embodiment, the alignment head is employed for securing the deck boards at a consistent 45° angle to the joist.

Abstract: A skimmer basket assembly has an basket, a circular platform with a magnetically permeable ring supported on a spring, a guide tube having a lowermost end of the guide tube positioned above an uppermost position of the circular platform, and a flag assembly within the guide tube, the flag assembly having a central stem, a flag at an uppermost end, a magnetic tip at a lowermost end, and a float. With the skimmer basket in a housing, with water flowing through, and the circular platform at an uppermost position, the flag assembly is held to the ring, and, with debris collected in the basket, increased force compresses the spring, separating the flag assembly, allowing the flag mechanism to float upward as an alert that there is debris in the skimmer basket.

Abstract: A system used to monitor and control a pool using a visual light communication system is disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid-submersible vacuum system includes a housing canister enclosing a filtration element and a water pump. Power comes from a power converter that plugs into a standard AC power supply.

Abstract: Debris filters for automatic swimming pool cleaners may be formed of metal, carbon fibers, or composites more rigid than soft nylon bags. In at least one version, the filter may be made of, or include, steel or stainless steel. Non-uniform sizes, densities, and/or shapes of openings in the filtration material may be created to provide different levels of filtration in a single device.

Abstract: A modular parking system comprising at least one modular parking structure for use on a ground surface comprising a pair of opposing horizontal support members, a pair of opposing end plates, vertical support members, and a parking surface. The opposing end plates are coupled to the opposing horizontal support members. The vertical support members are coupled to at least one end plate. The parking surface is coupled to an upper surface of the pair of horizontal support members, positioned above the ground surface, and oriented generally horizontally. The modular parking system may also comprise a levelling system configured to align the modular parking structure, a laser monitoring system configured to monitor the height of each modular parking structure, a fire suppression system, and an electrical management system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a parking platform for a motor vehicle, in particular for a motorized parking apparatus for a motor vehicle. Profile parts are provided which are arranged next to each other along a longitudinal direction and preferably are connected to each other and form a parking space for the motor vehicle. The profile parts each comprise a base region and a projecting region projecting therefrom. In order to provide a generic parking platform with high stability and increased user friendliness for a vehicle operator, the profile parts each comprise a profile section which has at least one base region and at least one projecting region, as well as a covering section which is arranged next to the profile section and is connected thereto. The covering section of a profile part covers at least one projecting region of an adjacent profile part.

Abstract: The invention provides an anti-falling prefabricated floor slab unit, wherein, the prefabricated floor slab unit is provided with a slab-column mounting hole matched with a column unit in cross section; and the anti-falling prefabricated floor slab unit is provided with a slab-beam mounting hole which is connected with an embedded part on the top surface of a beam unit or/and a lotus root beam unit to mount the anti-falling prefabricated floor slab unit.

Abstract: A support post includes a plurality of rod-like bodies, an annular member that bundles the rod-like bodies, and a base that supports and erects the rod-like bodies bundled by the annular member.

Abstract: A climbing device for carrying out a movement relative to a tower, to a part-ring segment for a tower, to a tower, to a wind power installation, and to a method for producing a tower. A climbing device for carrying out a movement relative to a tower, comprising a main body having a longitudinal extent from a first end to a second end, wherein the second end in an operating state faces a foundation of a tower; at least one first climbing element having an extent between a first inner end and a first holding end; at least one second climbing element having an extent between a second inner end and a second holding end; wherein the first climbing element is disposed and configured for carrying out a first holding movement of the first holding end relative to the main body, by way of a first holding movement direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal extent, and/or for carrying out a first climbing movement of the first holding end relative to the main body.

Abstract: An inflatable structure that can be easily transported, inflated, assembled, disassembled and stored with minimal if any tools and in a fraction of the time associated with prior art structures. The inflatable structure is comprised of a plurality of interchangeable structural members removably attached to one another, and that afford the user virtually endless design options and superior weatherproofing and insulating qualities. The structural member further comprises a plurality of filaments positioned in an airtight void, wherein said plurality of filaments are in tension when the structural member is inflated.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tarpaulin clamp configured to contact the opposite sides of a tarpaulin. The tarpaulin clamp includes a base assembly. The tarpaulin clamp also includes an insert assembly configured to be received in the base assembly. This is done in such a way that the tarpaulin is positioned between the base assembly and the insert assembly.

Abstract: The manual control device to open and close the lock of a door or window has a support body having a longitudinal cavity; a rotatable manual gripping member having a housing; a control rod engaged in the cavity of the support body; at least one quick blocking element of the axial extraction of the support body from the control rod, the support body having an end in the manual gripping member rigidly engaged in the housing and an end external of the gripping member. A support plate of the support body fixable to the door or window and having a hole to rotatably engage the external end of the support body. An angular position indexer of the manual gripping member, the indexer having a blocking seat and a one snap-fitting member engaged in the blocking seat, the blocking seat or snap-fitting member being formed integrally with the support body.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox uses a rotary actuator with multiple positions to achieve multiple locking states. Multiple positions of the actuator are detected, using optical sensors. The locking mechanism includes an outer sleeve and an inner cylindrical barrel that are coupled with torsion springs. The lockbox has a shackle and a key bin that are retained by the inner barrel when in the locked state, and the barrel can be rotated to either release the shackle or to release the key bin that typically holds a building's key.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox uses a rotary actuator with multiple positions to achieve multiple locking states. Multiple positions of the actuator are detected, using optical sensors. The locking mechanism includes an outer sleeve and an inner cylindrical barrel that are coupled with torsion springs. The lockbox has a shackle and a key bin that are retained by the inner barrel when in the locked state, and the barrel can be rotated to either release the shackle or to release the key bin that typically holds a building's key.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox uses a rotary actuator with multiple positions to achieve multiple locking states. Multiple positions of the actuator are detected, using optical sensors. The locking mechanism includes an outer sleeve and an inner cylindrical barrel that are coupled with torsion springs. The lockbox has a shackle and a key bin that are retained by the inner barrel when in the locked state, and the barrel can be rotated to either release the shackle or to release the key bin that typically holds a building's key.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox uses a rotary actuator with multiple positions to achieve multiple locking states. Multiple positions of the actuator are detected, using optical sensors. The locking mechanism includes an outer sleeve and an inner cylindrical barrel that are coupled with torsion springs. The lockbox has a shackle and a key bin that are retained by the inner barrel when in the locked state, and the barrel can be rotated to either release the shackle or to release the key bin that typically holds a building's key.

Abstract: A key comprises a body with a head and a blade and a magnet in the head. The key can be part of a key set including a plurality of keys. Each key can have a hole through the head, for example through approximately a center of the head. The key set can include a hub through the holes in the keys, such that the keys are coupled by and are rotatable around the hub. The magnets in the keys can silence, and resist, index, and lock rotation of the keys around the hub.

Abstract: Electromechanical lock. Actuator (103) comprises drive head (109) rotatable by electric power (160). Access control mechanism (104) comprises driven gear (101) with cogs, and grip mechanism (111). Drive head (109) comprises two pins (210, 212) configured and positioned so that one of pins (210, 212) is in notch between two cogs (220, 222, 224, 226, 228) of driven gear (101). For opening, drive head (109) rotates driven gear (101) to open position (400), by two pins (210, 212) driving cogs (220, 222, 224, 226, 228) and overcoming grip mechanism (111), and thereby setting access control mechanism (104) to be rotatable (152) by user. If external mechanical break-in force (172) is applied, drive head (109) remains stationary by at least one of pins (210, 212) contacting at least one of cogs (220, 222, 224), and by grip mechanism (111) holding driven gear (101) stationary in locked position (200).

Abstract: A latch assembly that is adjustable between first and second backset settings. A cam is rotatable about a cam axis, and facilitates linear displacement of a latch link in a first direction. A multiplier link is rotatable about a multiplier link axis that is offset from the cam axis can be rotated in the first rotational direction by engagement with the latch link. A latch bar is coupled to the multiplier link and is linearly displaced in a second direction by rotation of the multiplier link in the first direction. The latch apparatus also includes a latch bolt that is coupled to the latch bar, the latch bolt being displaced toward a retracted position by the displacement of the latch bar in the second direction. The latch assembly can also include a dead latch link can block retraction of at least the latch bolt.

Abstract: A latch system for locking of a door to a cabinet comprises a latch receiver secured to the cabinet and having first and second ramps and a rest surface. The latch system further comprises a door latch comprising a handle, a shank coupled to the handle, and a cam latch supported by the shank. In response to rotation of the handle (in either rotational directions), the shank and the cam latch rotate to cause a lock arm of the cam latch to slidably interface with the first and second ramps of the latch receiver, and to seat against the rest surface, thus placing the door latch in a locked position. The latch receiver can have a plurality of ramps, and the lock arm can have a plurality of cam surfaces, so that it can be locked from both rotational directions (i.e., multidirectional). The door latch can have a compression load adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus (100), including: a housing (106); female threads (138) recessed into a bottom end of the housing; a through-slot (162) oriented to transverse to a longitudinal extent (908) of the housing; and an adjustment mechanism (176) configured such that adjustment of the adjustment mechanism adjusts an amount of occlusion of the through-slot.

Abstract: An exemplary shackle is configured for use with a crossbar having a pair of openings and a locking mechanism including a pair of deadbolts. The shackle includes a substantially flat plate portion having a length in a longitudinal direction, a width in a transverse direction, and a thickness along a lateral axis defining a proximal direction and a distal direction. The length is greater than the width, which is greater than the thickness. The shackle further includes a pair of longitudinally-offset legs extending distally from the plate portion. Each leg has a diameter, and includes a bumper and a notch positioned distally of the bumper. An offset distance is defined between the distal surface of the plate portion and the distal faces of the bumpers. The width of the plate portion is greater than each of the diameter and the offset distance.

Abstract: A chain lock includes a main body, a rotatable part, a cylinder, a plug provided with a tailpiece, and a chain. The main body defines therethrough a first channel and a second channel. The rotatable part defines therethrough a third channel. The rotatable part is rotatably mounted to the main body. The cylinder is slidably fitted into the first channel of the main body and biased by a compression spring. The plug together with the tailpiece is rotatably mounted in the cylinder. The chain includes a series of rings, one ring of which is located in the second channel of the main body and inserted through by the cylinder. In use, a second ring of the chain can be located in the third channel of the rotatable part to be inserted by the cylinder, and the plug can be rotated by a key to have the cylinder fixed in place.

Abstract: A handcuffs assist device. The device includes a housing including a shaft. The housing includes one or more pulley wheels positioned about the shaft and coupled to a first end of one or more handcuff cables. A second end of the handcuff cables is coupled to one or more handcuffs. The housing includes a ratcheting mechanism having a sprocket wheel positioned about the shaft and a locking bar coupled to the housing. The locking bar has a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. At least one of the shaft, the one or more pulley wheels and the sprocket wheel is configured to rotate about the shaft in a first direction and not in the second direction when the ratcheting mechanism is in a locked configuration.

Abstract: A paddle lock has a body, a lever, a latch, a locking bolt, a bolt driving device, and a lock device. The lever is pivotally mounted on the body and has a pushing arm. The latch has a pushed protrusion selectively abutting against and pushed by the pushing arm of the lever. The locking bolt is mounted slidably in the body and has an abutting arm. The abutting arm extends toward the pushing arm to selectively abut the pushing arm. The bolt driving device is mounted in the body and is connected with the locking bolt to push the locking bolt to extend out of the body or to retract the locking bolt into the body. The lock device is mounted on the body and is connected with the bolt driving device.

Abstract: A lock device includes a base member fixed on an opening/closing member, an operation member rotatably supported on the base member, and a rod configured to move forward and backward to be engaged with and disengaged from a locked portion of the fixed member in response to operation of the operation member, The operation member includes a pivot portion and a transmission portion. The base member includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. When the transmission portion presses an inclined surface of the rod and thus causes the rod to move backward, the first attachment portion abuts against the rod, thereby limiting movement of the rod in the direction intersecting with the forward and backward movement direction of the rod.