Abstract: A fabricated limiting-reinforced steel-wood frosted sleeve composite joint includes a square central column, X-shaped wood beams and a beam-column connecting assembly, wherein the beam-column connecting assembly is fixedly disposed around an outer side of the square central column, and the X-shaped wood beams are located on an outer side of the beam-column connecting assembly and are fixedly connected with the beam-column connecting assembly. The square central column comprises a frosted wood column, a frosted steel sleeve, a frosted wood sleeve shell, a Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) layer and central column frosted steel covers, wherein a first central hole penetrating through the frosted wood column is formed in the center of the frosted wood column in a lengthwise direction, a prestressed steel strand penetrates through the first central hole, the frosted steel sleeve is of a hollow tetrahedral structure and is fixedly disposed around an outer side of the frosted wood column.

Abstract: A self-storage facility. The facility comprises a first set of commercial containers forming a first level of storage volume and a second set of commercial containers, atop the first set, forming a second level of storage volume.

Abstract: The present disclosed subject matter relates to a connector for transversely screwing together two workpieces, comprising a main body having a base surface, a cover surface parallel thereto, and a substantially generally-cylindrical lateral surface connecting the base and cover surfaces for shape-fitting insertion into a generally-cylindrical blind hole in one of the workpieces. The connector further comprises a first bore for a screw, said bore passing through the main body at an acute angle to the base and cover surfaces, and at least two second bores for a further screw each. Said second bores flank the first bore and pass through the main body approximately perpendicularly to the base and cover surfaces.

Abstract: A wall tie assembly is provided for use in building construction for connecting a masonry veneer, such as brick or stone, to a building wall while inhibiting compression of building insulation disposed between an internal wall and the veneer. The wall tie assembly includes a washer through which a fastener is disposed and couples to a tie member. The fastener fixes to the structural portion of the wall through the insulation, such that the washer may interface with the exterior surface of the insulation in a manner to form a seal that prevents moisture and air from penetrating through the aperture formed in a weather barrier of the internal wall by the fastener. The tie member attaches between the head of the fastener and the washer and is bent for positioning within mortar of the masonry veneer of the wall.

Abstract: A loosefill insulation installation includes a loosefill insulation material made from fiberglass fibers. The loosefill insulation material unexpectedly has improved thermal performance, even though the amount of mineral oil applied to the fiberglass fibers is reduced. For example, the fiberglass fibers can be coated with a mineral oil in an amount that is between 0.1% and 0.6% of the weight of the fiberglass fibers, such as about 0.375%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural system (1) with acoustic insulation properties, comprising modular mountable enclosures (2) for configuring a construction (3), the enclosures (2) comprising at least three layers (4, 5, 6) joined together by means of fasteners (7a, 7b, 7c) with discreet elastic elements, the system having at least one second layer (5) disposed in an intermediate position between the first layer (4) and the third layer (6).

Abstract: A magnetically shielded room, that is capable of suppressing positional deviation of a measuring tool in an internal space, has an upper shielding body, a side periphery shielding body, and a lower shielding body, which form a magnetically shielded internal space of the magnetically shielded room. A pedestal has a higher rigidity than the lower shielding body, and is located on an under surface of the lower shielding body. First and second supporting members are located on and stand erect from the pedestal. The first and second supporting members penetrate the lower shielding body and extend into the internal space.

Abstract: A covering support system includes a covering support that has a support member defining a support surface and that is connected to a mounting member so that when the mounting member is rigidly mounted relative to a wall stud, the support surface is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the wall stud and disposed from the exterior of a building surface by the overhang distance.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to a sound-dampening baffle and lighting apparatus and methods of production therefor. In one embodiment, a sound-dampening baffle and lighting apparatus is provided that includes a structural frame which provides support for a sound-dampening outer layer and a light source. The sound-dampening outer layer is disposed around the structural frame. The sound-dampening baffle and lighting apparatus also includes a light source disposed on the structural frame. The light source is directionally switchable so that light emanating from the light source points upward, downward or both.

Abstract: The present invention is a frame brick (10) having a brick body (12) made of composite material and which is in hollow box form and which comprises at least one type of fiber and at least one type of resin, and at least one connection extension (15) which is one-piece with said brick body (12) and which provides connection to another structure element with the same characteristics. As an improvement, at least one cutout (201) is provided at least partially in the direction of the height of the brick body (12) on at least one of two wall surfaces (20) extending mutually on a brick length section (19) of the brick body (12).

Abstract: A panel and a method for manufacturing of such a panel with a carrier plate, comprising a front side and a back side, and wherein the carrier plate comprises a layer system at least at the front side that is built from various polymer layers with different hardness values.

Abstract: A composite structural member for a building structure comprises a first elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region and a second elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region. The second end region of the first elongate portion is connected to the first end region of the second elongate portion so that the composite structural member provided thereby is substantially longer than either of the first and second elongate portions. The first elongate portion may comprise a first member suited for resisting high magnitude forces and the second elongate portion may be a second member, less well suited for resisting high forces but having lower cost per unit length. The composite structural member may be a rafter, especially a rafter of a portal frame.

Abstract: Algae-resistant roofing granules are formed by extruding a mixture of mineral particles and a binder to form porous granule bodies, and algaecide is distributed in the pores. Release of the algaecide is controlled by the structure of the granules.

Abstract: A pet staircase may be formed by joining modular units to each other in succession and that overlie a household staircase. They are retained in position over the household staircase. Each modular unit has stairs and/or ramps. The treads may be adjusted so that they all are parallel to each other and extend horizontally.

Abstract: An improved glass railing anchor system for multiple glass panels in high-rise buildings which can experience hurricane strength winds, and which includes an elongated base member having two hollow wall sections which create a channel for receiving the glass panels. Aligned with and beneath the hollow wall sections are integral keyways which anchor assembly's which include mounting plates, elevated rails and a central mounting post that also elevate the base member to allow for drainage. The anchor assemblies are slidable and can be selectively positioned for easy and secure installation. The base member, hollow wall sections, keyway and drainage areas can be integrally incorporated into a unitary device.

Abstract: Provided are a wall-material mounting member and a wall structure that make it possible to reduce the gap between the lower end of a window frame or the like and an end portion of a wall material, while also facilitating the mounting operation, thus enhancing the appearance quality of an installed wall. A fixed member 110 includes guiding portions 111L and 111R that movably guide movable main bodies 125L and 125R of a movable member 120 in a first direction, and pressing portions 113L and 113R that press the movable main bodies 125L and 125R toward the guiding portions 111L and 111R. The movable member 120 includes a protruding piece 121 protruding from the movable main bodies 125L and 125R in a second direction, and a locking piece 123 protruding from the protruding piece 121 in the first direction. The protruding piece 121 is provided with a first tool engagement portion 121U capable of taking on a force F1 in the first direction.

Abstract: A fastening system suitable for attaching a cladding panel to a structural substrate comprising: a first and second panel support profile member, each of the first and second panel support profile members comprising a first arm, a second arm and a bridging portion intermediate the first and second arm. The bridging portion is configured to be attachable to either a cladding panel or a structural substrate. The first arm of each of the first and second panel support profile members further comprises a projecting member; wherein the configuration of the second arm and at least a portion of the bridging portion of each of the first and second panel support profile member defines a recess; and wherein the first and second panel support profile members seat together such that the first and second panel support profile members interlock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an OSB board with at least two board edges lying opposite one another, in particular two opposite longitudinal edges, where the upper side of the OSB board is provided with at least one layer of a cardboard paper. The board edges respectively on the upper side of the board have a rounding with a radius of between 3 and 10 mm. Each of the two opposite board edges has an offset in form of a simple rebate, the rebate in the one board edge complementing the rebate in the opposite board edge. At least one glue tube in each case is provided in at least one of the opposite offsets of the rebates, in particular in at least one groove.

Abstract: A panel having at least one pair of complementary locking elements at mutually opposite panel edges, wherein the locking elements are in the form of positively locking holding profiles with a locking groove and with a complementary locking tongue respectively, wherein at least at the edge of one of the holding profiles the panel surface has an edge break portion, with the proviso that that holding profile which is provided with the edge break portion is provided with an upper contact surface beneath the edge break portion and the complementary holding profile is provided with a complementary upper contact surface which is arranged substantially parallel thereto, and wherein a butt joint can be produced by the two contact surfaces in contact with each other, wherein the butt joint is inclined relative to the panel surface and for that purpose one of the contact surfaces is associated with a tongue and is inclined downwardly in the direction of the free end of the tongue in question and the complementary upper

Abstract: A set of panels for covering floors, ceilings or walls is disclosed. Specifically, sets of panels including a plurality of panels joined with a mechanical locking at their adjacent edges. Each of the panels includes at least two pairs of parallel side edges. When the panels are installed in rows, the adjacent edges of two adjacent panels in one row are locked to one another and the adjacent panels of the adjacent rows are locked to one another. Locking provides connecting while preventing movement spacing the locked panels apart in a direction perpendicular to the coupled side edges by a translation in the plane of the bottom surface of the panels, and preventing movement spacing the locked panels apart in a direction perpendicular to the coupled side edges by a translation in a plane perpendicular to the bottom surface of the panels.

Abstract: A floor may include a substrate having a top side and a bottom side. A top layer may be provided on the substrate. The top layer may consist of a printed thermoplastic film and a thermoplastic transparent or translucent layer provided on the printed thermoplastic film. The top layer may be directly adhered to the substrate by heat welding the printed thermoplastic film and the top side of the substrate, in the absence of a glue layer. The substrate may be a synthetic material board including a filler. The substrate at least at two opposite edges may include coupling means provided in the synthetic material board. The thermoplastic transparent or translucent layer may be provided with a structure.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure is a siding system including a first panel having a first end and a second end, where the second end of the first panel includes a locking clip, and where the second end of the first panel forms a first portion of a channel. The siding system also includes a second panel having a first end and a second end, where the first end of the second panel includes a locking leg sized to engage the locking clip of the first panel, and where the first end of the second panel forms a second portion of the channel when the first panel and the second panel are engaged. The system also includes a batten sized to be removably engaged within the channel.

Abstract: An architectural perimeter pocket assembly having at least a top and an inner side for forming an open bottom pocket, the inner side including an upper section and a lower extension section separately formed from the upper section, the sections having mutual engageable coupling formations horizontally displaced from main portions of said sections that when engaged enable the upper section to support the lower extension section vertically and restrain the lower section from pendulum-type motion.

Abstract: An improved bridge overhang bracket assembly may include top, diagonal and side members. A hanger element may be mounted to the top member and pivotally attached proximate to the top end of the side member. The hanger element may be translatable along the top member for adjusting its longitudinal position, to vary the positions of the diagonal and side members quickly and easily, without disassembly, and may enable folding of the members to a shipping/storage position. A second hanger element may be mounted to the top member for attaching the assembly to a tie rod. The diagonal member may include at least one connection tab for receiving a bolt to connect the top and diagonal members together in the shipping/storage position. Also disclosed is a fastener assembly for securing a side rail to a T-bolt channel.

Abstract: A construction management system for constructing a building including at least one heavy lifting machine for moving a one building element to a mounting position on the building, a central computing unit providing a building information model comprising at least a construction plan comprising a target state of the construction of the building, a three-dimensional model of an actual construction state of the building, and a three-dimensional model of the element, wherein the central computing unit is adapted to determine the mounting position for the element based on the construction plan, the model of the current construction state and on the model of the element.

Abstract: A foldable boom for conveying an item, said foldable boom being foldable about at least one folding axis, said foldable boom being locatable in a folded stowed position, and moveable to unfolded extended positions; said foldable boom having a near end arranged for pivotal movement about a first horizontal axis located on a turret, said turret being rotatable about a vertical axis; said foldable boom having first conveying apparatus to convey an item therealong, internally within said foldable boom, to a remote end of the foldable boom; wherein said foldable boom is foldable about a folding axis, and a pivoting shuttle equipped with a clamp to releasably hold an item is provided at said folding axis to transfer said item between said first conveying apparatus in boom elements connected about said folding axis.

Abstract: A pool cover anchor system, for use on deck boards surrounding the pool, includes first and second anchor parts. The first anchor part includes: a first portion having an opening; a second portion that extends away from the first portion; and an anchor member that extends away from the first portion for a hook of the pool cover to be mounted thereto. The second anchor part includes: a first portion pivotally received in the opening in the first anchor part; and a second portion that extends away from the first portion of the second anchor part. The opening in the first anchor part is positioned a distance away from the second portion of the first anchor part for each of the second portion of the first anchor part and the second, portion of the second anchor part to respectively bear against two different deck boards simultaneously, and distribute loads therebetween.

Abstract: A modular antimicrobial and antifungal treatment system for a spa or pool includes a main module. The main module comprising a transition metal mesh configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the main module. An anti-microbial and antifungal plastic material arranged in an interior portion of the main module. Individual modules in the main module includes a time release anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, or both, components, a sea salt component, and an adsorbent material. Further, a modular antimicrobial and antifungal treatment system for a spa or pool includes a support member coupled to the main module configured to hold the main module within an interior portion of a filter.

Abstract: A powered pool skimmer device can include a funnel assembly comprising a the funnel having a wide opening and a narrow opening, and a funnel profile extending between the wide opening and the narrow opening, a filter assembly positioned below the funnel assembly, a pump assembly positioned below the filter assembly, the pump assembly including a pump configured to draw water through the funnel assembly and filter assembly and exhaust it through an exhaust, and a main body extending along an axis, wherein the funnel assembly, the filter assembly, and the pump assembly are positioned within the main body and arranged along the axis.

Abstract: A pool skimmer device includes a mounting plate configured to attached to a pool skimmer basket, an extension body extending from the mounting plate to a distal end, and a funnel positioned at the distal end of the extension body, the funnel comprising a wide opening positioned at the distal end of the extension body and a narrow opening, and a funnel profile extending between the wide opening and the narrow opening.

Abstract: A skimmer door device configured to be positioned in front of an aperture of pool skimmer of a pool can include a frame configured to be secured to the pool skimmer in front of the aperture of the pool, the frame comprising a rear plate and two lateral tracks, one of the two lateral tracks positioned on each side of the rear plate, a door slidably received within the lateral tracks and configured to move up and down within the two lateral tracks to cover the aperture of the pool skimmer, and a float attached to the door, the float configured to float on a surface of water within the pool to adjust the position of the door.

Abstract: Mounting arrangements for pool skimmers, methods for mounting pool skimmers, pool skimmer adapter plates, and pool skimmer installation kits are provided that provide unique opportunities to overcome the limitations of the prior art. Aspects of the invention include an external adapter plate having an internal cavity sized to receive an inlet of a pool skimmer assembly and an internal adapter plate having an internal cavity positioned to at least partially align with an inlet opening of the inlet of the pool skimmer assembly. The use of the adapter plates allows the pool designer and installer broad latitude in selecting a proper skimmer assembly with minimal if any impact upon the design of the pool wall or panel used. Aspects of the invention are uniquely adapted to panel-type pool construction, but may be adaptable for any pool skimmer installation.

Abstract: Devices for extracting cleaning robots from swimming pools include support frames and plates which can be deployed beyond and below the support frames. The support frames may be supported on rims of the swimming pools.

Abstract: A pool cleaner for cleaning a swimming pool has a vacuum head having an intake nozzle drawing in fluid. A body chamber is coupled to the intake nozzle and has an intake end and a discharge end. A pump is housed within the body chamber drawing fluid from the intake end and expelling the fluid through the discharge end. A filter is placed within the body chamber filtering out particulates from the fluid drawn into the body chamber. A battery pack is located remote from the pool cleaner and wearable by a user of the pool cleaner. A power cord couples the battery pack to the pump. The power cord being electrically connected to the pump by a waterproof connector.

Abstract: A robotic pool cleaner includes a housing, a propulsion mechanism configured to propel the robotic pool cleaner along an interior surface of a pool, and a suction mechanism for drawing liquid from the pool into the housing. A transceiver is configured to receive a signal that is indicative of a relative location of another robotic pool cleaner. A controller is configured to control the propulsion mechanism in accordance with the indicated location of the other robotic pool cleaner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a steering system for a suction cleaning device, a locomotion system for a pool cleaner, and a turbine for use in an automatic cleaner. The steering system includes a fluid driven turbine that rotates a cam gear that is interconnected with a cam wheel for directing a drive pinion. The drive pinion is positionable in a plurality of positions to drive a nose cone that steers the suction cleaning device. The locomotion system includes first and second A-frame arms that respectively engage first and second bearings about first and second eccentrics of a turbine. Rotation of the turbine causes the first and second A-frame arms to rotate back and forth driving associated walking pod assemblies. The turbine includes a turbine rotor and a plurality of vanes connected to the turbine rotor. The plurality of vanes including lateral edges having lateral open regions to facilitate debris-removing efficiency.

Abstract: A support assembly for a rooftop shade system is provided. The support assembly includes a plate defining a plurality of parallel, angled slots that extend inward from one edge of the plate. The support assembly also includes a pole that is operatively connected to the plate such that the angle formed between the plate and the pole is selectively variable. The pole terminates at a pin that is insertable through a grommet on a tarp to thereby support the tarp.

Abstract: A locking device includes a spindle follower linkage coupled with a latch and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A locking block is formed with a pin hole. A pin is insertable through an opening of a housing and into the pin hole. A locking block spring for biasing the locking block in a first position where the pin is inserted into the pin hole and the locking block is disengaged from the spindle follower linkage, and a second position where the pin is removed and the locking block is pushed towards and engaged with the spindle follower linkage, thereby holding the spindle follower linkage in the locked position. A spring unit is held inside the pin hole to facilitate ejection of the pin.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to locks that include one or more cylinder members effective to deter removal of a lock cylinder. In some configurations, the cylinder member is configured to engage a circumferential surface of the lock cylinder to deter removal of the lock cylinder on circumferential rotation of the lock cylinder. In other instances, the cylinder member is configured to etch the lock cylinder upon circumferential rotation of the lock cylinder.

Abstract: The locking device includes a key having a cylindrical shaft in which a guide groove is formed in the axial direction, and a cylinder lock which includes an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder, a locking bar and a tumbler, the inner cylinder has an inner cylinder main body rotatably accommodated in the outer cylinder, a rod fixed to the inner cylinder main body, and a key insertion slot, the locking bar is interposed between the inner cylinder main body and the outer cylinder and prevents the rotation of the inner cylinder by engaging and disengagingly locking the inner cylinder main body and the outer cylinder, and the tumbler has a guide convex portion engageably and detachably engaged with the key groove, and an inner concave portion rotatably received in the inner cylinder and dropping the locking bar.

Abstract: A door lock chassis has a gauge insert that defines different dimensions corresponding to different door thicknesses. The gauge insert is positionable in the lock chassis in different orientations corresponding to the different dimensions used to align the lock chassis for different door thicknesses. Additionally, a door lock may include an anti-rotation assembly for preventing rotation of the lock chassis. The anti-rotation assembly may include a retention member that is secured to an inside hub of a lock chassis. As an anti-rotation member is displaced in a first axial direction along the inside hub to a mount position, the anti-rotational member may deflect resilient members of the retention member. With the anti-rotation member at the mounted position, the anti-rotation member may be in a frictional engagement with the previously deflected resilient members so that anti-rotation member is retained at the mount position.

Abstract: A multipoint lock is described. The multipoint lock includes a main latch. The main latch has a latched position where the main latch is configured to extend a first distance from an unhinged edge of a door panel. The main latch is configured to be retractable toward the unhinged edge of the door panel by rotation of a latch drive hub in each of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction relative to a first side of the door panel. The multipoint lock also includes at least one auxiliary latch and a deadbolt drive hub. Rotation of the deadbolt drive hub substantially simultaneously actuates the main latch and the at least one auxiliary latch.

Abstract: An apparatus permitting VESA compliant devices to be mounted onto flat surfaces or mounted onto outlets of various international standards is described. The apparatus can include two main parts. The first part (“VESA Bracket”) mounts onto a VESA compliant device. The second part (“Surface Bracket”) can be placed onto a flat surface. The two parts come together using a set of tabs and fastening hardware. The apparatus mounts the VESA device at a fixed angle, which creates a void space inside the apparatus, allowing power charging adapters or other electronic components and cables to be stored, thereby achieving an aesthetic look. The apparatus permits a completed assembly to be placed onto a tabletop surface. The different hole patterns on the surface bracket are utilized to mount and affix the assembly securely onto an outlet or any flat surface. The complete assembly stays within ADA compliant dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism (22), an electric drive (26) which allows the locking mechanism (22) to be unlocked, a child safety device (29) with a child safety sensor (31), the electric drive (26) can be activated or not activated depending on the switch position of the child safety sensor (31), and a closing drive (42) which transfers the locking mechanism (22) from a pre-locked position into a main locked position. A locking mechanism sensor (25) is associated with the locking mechanism (22) and depending on the switch position of the locking mechanism sensor (25), the drive (26) can be activated or not activated.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle assembly (10) incorporating a dual sided adjustable male fastener (40). The dual sided adjustable male fastener (40) is adapted to be installed to an initial predefined preliminary position from the inside of the structure and then adjusted from the exterior at the point of final assembly to establish a flush orientation of the handle relative to surrounding components.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for a motor vehicle includes a handle carrier mounted on the vehicle and a grip part rotatably mounted on the handle carrier. The grip part opens a door or flap of the motor vehicle. A coupling device is rotatably mounted on the handle carrier for transmitting an actuation of the grip part to a locking arrangement on the vehicle. A joint element pivotably interconnects the coupling device and the grip part. The joint element movably supports an actuating member which is moved by rotation translationally between mounting and operating positions. In the operating position, the actuating member is pivotably mounted on the coupling device and is in engagement with the grip part. In the mounting position, the actuating member bears against a blocking surface of the coupling device that blocks rotation of the actuating member and is out of engagement with the grip part.

Abstract: An electrical latch for a closure system of a motor vehicle and method of operating are provided. The electrical latch includes a latching mechanism having a pawl and ratchet, a cinching mechanism having a cinching lever, and an electric actuator mechanism for actuating at least the cinching lever. The electrical latch further includes a control unit powered by a main power source and having a control circuit controlling operation of the actuator mechanism to affect the position of the cinch lever, and a backup energy source providing power to the control circuit and the actuator mechanism in the event a fault condition is experienced by the main power source. The electrical latch is configured to return the cinching lever to a home uncinched position in response to switching of power from the main power source to the backup energy source.

Abstract: A door stop assembly for securing a door in a desired position may include a block portion; and an arm portion extending from the block portion at an angle, wherein the arm portion may be sized to fit within a space between a door jamb and a door. The device may also include a top cap and a bottom cap made of, for example, a non-slip material to prevent or reduce slipping of the device during use.

Abstract: A door lock and an electrical appliance using the door lock. The door lock comprises: a switch housing; a pen core-like mechanism disposed in the switch housing; a control needle (state means) passing out of the pen core-like mechanism; and a manual unlocking pull rod mechanism. The manual unlocking pull rod mechanism is capable of moving towards the control needle and coming into contact therewith. The position of the control needle (state means) indicates the switch state of the door lock, such that when the door lock is in an unlocked position, further pulling of the manual unlocking pull rod mechanism has no effect on the door lock switch mechanism.

Abstract: A security device for a double door or double window arrangement, the device comprising a first and second barrier positioned on opposite sides of the double doors or windows. The device has a connecting portion connecting the first and second barriers. The barriers are held in position relative to the double doors or windows to prevent opening of the doors or windows, thus providing a quick way to lock down or disable a doorway or window.