Abstract: A hot tub cover consists of an impermeable exterior shell and at least one multilayered insulative and structural core. Each multilayered insulative and structural core may further have multiple core layers layered adjacent to each other in various configurations, providing superior protection from heat losses from within the hot tub as well as structural strength and durability.

Abstract: A sled for a pool cover pump for keeping the pump from tipping over in use, reducing pump clogging and guarding against damaging a plastic pool cover. The sled has a base unit with a platform mounted on runners which spread the load on the pool cover and which elevate the pool cover pump above the pool cover a distance that the platform serves as a gate or doctor blade preventing leaves and other debris from getting into the pump inlet.

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

Abstract: A columbarium for housing a plurality of cremation urns including a columbarium base and a plurality of vertical openings in the base interior, the vertical openings for the storage of cremation urns. The columbarium includes a plurality of slab members secured to the base side surfaces and a lid securable to the slab member upper portions. The columbarium includes a lock assembly for securing the lid to the columbarium base including a slide catch disposed on an interior portion of the lid and a latch assembly having a latch member. The latch assembly is secured to the columbarium base and is rotatingly engageable with the slide catch by rotation of a horizontal shaft having a free end with a male or female portion aligned with the side key opening. The lock assembly includes a key having a male or female portion for mating with the latch assembly shaft.

Abstract: A central lock for a folding tent includes a central lock rod, an upper lock plate fixedly disposed at one end of the central lock rod, and a lower lock plate assembly detachably connected to the other end of the central lock rod. An elastic locking member and an unlocking mechanism used to control the elastic locking member to be locked are disposed in the lower lock plate assembly. The elastic locking member includes an arc-shaped portion provided integrally and two horizontal locking rods extending inwards from a gap of the arc-shaped portion. A lower end portion of the central lock rod is provided with a locking groove used in cooperation with the locking rod and a clamping and locking portion located at a lower end of the locking groove.

Abstract: A retention bracket configured for use with a latch mechanism including a laterally extending housing. The retention bracket includes a first wall, a second wall, a collar, and a deformable section. The first and second walls are longitudinally offset from one another and are structured to receive the housing therebetween. The collar extends longitudinally outward from one of the walls and defines an opening having an effective diameter. The deformable section has a natural state in which the effective diameter is a first diameter, and a deformed state in which the effective diameter is a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: A method of fitting a childproof latch fitting mechanism and a latch installation tool arranged to locate between a first latch fitting and a second latch fitting, to spatially locate the first and second latch fitting at a pre-determined distance respectfully one from the other, wherein in the installation tool is temporarily attached to the first and second latch fittings, whilst they are located and fixed, at least temporarily in place.

Abstract: Provided are an electric lock and a display screen using the same. The electric lock comprises a main lock and a secondary lock. The main lock comprises a housing, a driving assembly comprising a driving member and a rotating shaft which is rotatably arranged on the housing, and a first connecting member. The secondary lock comprises a first sleeve, an elastic member and a second connecting member which is rotatably arranged in the first sleeve. The second connecting member is able to move along the axis of the first sleeve. The driving member drives the first connecting member to move along its axis, and rotates the first connecting member when the first connecting member abuts against the second connecting member. The electric lock is simple in structure, convenient to operate and small in size.

Abstract: A lock is provided for a secondary aircraft cockpit barrier. The lock has a locking tongue, a cavity for receiving the locking tongue, a locking retainer for retaining the locking tongue in the cavity, and a damped locking tongue releasing mechanism for releasing the locking retainer thereby unlocking the locking tongue from the cavity. The damped locking tongue releasing mechanism is damped such that releasing the locking retainer requires at least about 5 seconds.

Abstract: Inertial lock systems for push-push latch style vehicle drawers or storage bins including an inertia lock to maintain a drawer in a closed position under a g-force. A shaft is rotatably mounted on a drawer housing; an inertia member is mounted on the shaft; and a confining member is mounted on the shaft and disposed opposite to the inertia member. The confining member is configured to move to a position to restrict movement of a rotating latch of the drawer when a g-forced applied to the drawer exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate locking device may include a latch assembly configured to engage or disengage a striker, wherein the latch assembly includes a housing, a latch member disposed in the housing and configured to engage or disengage the striker by rotation, a pawl member rotatably disposed in the housing to restrain or release the latch member, a driving device configured to rotate the pawl member to release restraint of the latch member, an engaging member configured to restrain the pawl member by engaging the pawl member when the pawl member rotates to a position releasing restraint of the latch member, and a releasing portion configured to press the engaging member to release the restraint of the pawl member when the latch member is rotated to a position releasing the engagement of the striker.

Abstract: A latch for a vehicle hood and method of construction thereof is provided. The latch includes a housing; a ratchet pivotally mounted on the housing and a pawl pivotally mounted on the housing for pivoting between a first position in locked engagement with the ratchet and a second position out of locked engagement with the ratchet, with the pawl being biased into the first position. A pawl lever is pivotally mounted on the housing to engage the pawl and rotate the pawl from the first position to the second position. A double pull lever having an abutment surface is pivotally mounted on the pawl lever. A safety catch member is pivotally mounted on the housing, wherein the safety catch member selectively engages the abutment surface of the double pull lever to pivot the safety catch member from a locked first position to an unlocked second position.

Abstract: A front hood latch release system includes a primary latch and a secondary latch securing the front hood. A first handle is disposed within a vehicle cabin and linked to actuate the primary latch. An emergency handle is disposed within a compartment covered by the front hood and linked to actuate the primary latch. A secondary handle is accessible from outside the vehicle cabin and linked to actuate the secondary latch.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a vehicle storage box may include a pair of pawls fixed on opposite sides of a coupler and configured to cause inward translation of one pawl in response to actuation at the other pawl, and a sliding element arranged between each of the pawls and the coupler, the sliding element including at least one retention mechanism to fix the pawl to the sliding element and further including a biasing element to compress the pawl to further engage the pawl with the retention mechanism.

Abstract: An example motor vehicle includes, among other things, a door having an exterior surface, and a handle moveably coupled to the door. The handle is moveable within a plane of movement oblique to the exterior surface. A door handle and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bearing including a substrate and a low friction layer, where the bearing includes an annular shape including a radial bearing portion in the form of an axially-extending base region, and an axial bearing portion in the form of a radially-extending flange, where the axial bearing portion terminates in a deep drawn axially extending lip, and at least one of a radial coining region or an axial coining region, where the radial coining region is positioned along the radially-extending flange and forms an annular depression, where the axial coining region is positioned along the axially-extending base region, and where the axial coining region is deformed so as to be non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bearing.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a storage compartment, a refrigerator door configured to open and close the storage compartment, a hinge assembly configured to couple the refrigerator door to the cabinet. The hinge assembly includes a first link rotatably coupled to the cabinet and a second link rotatably coupled to the refrigerator door. The refrigerator further includes a door opening device provided at the cabinet, and the door opening device includes a pushing member configured to push one of the first link or the second link to thereby open the refrigerator door.

Abstract: A vehicle hinge assembly includes a door portion, a body portion, and a hinge pin movable between an engaged position where the door portion and the body portion are rotatably coupled and a disengaged position where the door portion and the body portion are configured to be decoupled from one another. A latch is moveable relative to the hinge pin between a locked position where the latch blocks movement of the hinge pin and an unlocked position where the latch allowed movement of the hinge pin. The latch is configured to be in the unlocked position when the vehicle hinge assembly is in a first substantially upright orientation, and the latch is configured to be in the locked position when the vehicle hinge assembly is in a second substantially upside-down orientation.

Abstract: An anchoring system used to anchor a ribbon spring to a guide track. A mounting slot is formed in the guide track that provides access to the internal gap space. A counterbalance spring is provided having an offset tab section proximate a free end. A barb flap is formed by bending a segment of the counterbalance spring from the offset tab section. The offset tab section with barb flap are extended into the gap space through the mounting slot. As the counterbalance spring is unwound, a bias is created that engages both the offset tab section and the barb flap within the gap space. This locks the free end of the counterbalance spring in place without the need of any mechanical fastener.

Abstract: A hinge device connecting a door rotatably to a washing machine main body, which enables the door to be closed smoothly and slowly, and to be opened easily.

Abstract: A method for damping a movement of a door system of a vehicle that is equipped with a damping system having an adjustable and controllable damping action. A movement of the door system between a closed position and an open position is damped in a controlled manner. A measurement of the change in speed of the speed of movement of the door system is calculated and if the change in speed exceeds a predefined limit value, a set, gentle damping action is changed over to a greater damping action.

Abstract: A pick-up truck includes a pick-up bed, a tailgate connected to the pick-up bed, a motor configured to move the tailgate along a path, a camera, and processors. The processors stop the tailgate while the tailgate is automatically moving in response to detecting, via the camera, any object within the path.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a door that is movably mounted to the body. The door has a powered latch and an electrically-powered actuator that extends and retracts a plunger from an inner side of the door. A controller unlatches the powered latch and actuates the electrically-powered actuator such that the plunger contacts the body and pushes the door open. The controller then controls the electrically-powered actuator to retract the plunger while the door is open.

Abstract: A portable safety container configured also for fixed installation is disclosed having a main body, which, in turn has a covering element and a containment structure. The main body also is selectively coupled with a support body and a lock element. The lock element is configured so that a locking configuration of the covering element with the containment structure corresponds to a first closing state, and an additional locking of the main body with the support body corresponds to a second closing state.

Abstract: Prior to dry-in of a building, constructing an outer frame within an external opening of the building by attaching a top piece to a top, attaching a first side piece to a first side, attaching a second side piece to a second side, and attaching a bottom piece to a bottom of the building opening. After constructing the outer frame within the external opening of the building, the method includes mounting glass to glass receiving surfaces of the top piece, the first side piece, the second side piece, and the bottom piece. After dry-in and interior wall finishing of the building, the method includes attaching a plurality of inner base caps to an interior of the outer frame. After dry-in and exterior wall finishing of the building, the method includes attaching a plurality of outer base caps to an exterior of the outer frame.

Abstract: A system, device, assembly and methods for a frame assembly, including a connector as shown and described. The assembly may be a door frame assembly and may, by way of example, be a door jamb and/or a door mullion including a connector. A connector may provide stability to the assembly.

Abstract: The herein described invention is a window installation apparatus comprising of at least one wedge-shaped distance piece. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a body (1) connected in a sliding manner to a clamp (3) between which an expansion unit is positioned, comprising at least one wedge (6) and a lead screw (9) connected by means of a threaded connection with an opening (12) of the wedge (6), wherein the body (1) has protrusions (2) positioned at its opposite sides, lateral rails (5) mating with brackets (4) of the clamp (3) and an opening (10) in a rest wall (11) for the lead screw (9), while the outer walls (7) of the wedge (6) and the inner walls (8) of the body (1) and the clamp (3) converge downward at the same angle.

Abstract: A glass panel unit including a first panel including at least a first glass plate; a second panel arranged to face the first panel and including at least a second glass plate; a frame member formed in a shape of a frame, corresponding in shape to respective peripheral portions of the first panel and the second panel extending along edges thereof, and bonded to the peripheral portions; and at least one spacer provided in a vacuum space between the first panel and the second panel. The at least one spacer containing a polyimide, where the polyimide has an absorption edge at which an absorption index decreases in an optical absorption spectrum ranging from an ultraviolet ray to visible radiation, the absorption edge being equal to or less than 400 nm, and the polyimide includes at least one selected from the group consisting of a fluorine group and a chlorine group.

Abstract: A system for controlling a louver blind mobile panel that is moveable along a rail installed in a living space construct. The mobile panel featuring an inner volume capable of housing at least one motor that is functionally coupled to an electronics unit. The electronics unit is controlled with a wireless remove controller to control the activity of the at least one motor.

Abstract: A water-tight or air-tight accessible compartment has a removable hatch sealed at the edge with elastically conformable opposing seals, with elongate communication elements extending into the compartment between the opposing seals, seals conforming to the topology formed between the compartment edge and the elongate communication elements.

Abstract: A pet door is provided herein. The pet door includes a pivotal flap and a frame that defines a through-way. A rotatable knob is mounted to the frame and has a handle portion and a stop wall. The handle portion and stop wall include various profiles and configurations that work in concert to control the flap's direction of pivotal movement. In a first configuration, the flap may swing outwardly or inwardly. A second configuration prevents the flap from swinging inwardly. A third configuration prevents the flap from swinging outwardly. A fourth configuration places the flap is in a locked position to prevent swinging in either direction. The electronic door also includes an electronic latch mechanism which selectively latches and unlatches the flap. The latch mechanism unlatches the flap in response to a wireless signal from an electronic transmitter that may be affixed to a pet.

Abstract: As described herein, a photovoltaic film may include a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged to form a frit pattern. The photovoltaic film may be affixed to a transparent substrate to form a film-treated panel. The transparent substrate may be glass, such as a windowpane. The photovoltaic cells may be configured to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be stored and used to power an electrical device.

Abstract: A smart window system is provided. The system includes a plurality of smart windows, each having at least one electrochromic window and a plurality of sensors. The system includes a control system coupling the plurality of smart windows and the plurality of sensors. The control system is configured to couple to a network, and configured to generate a building model that includes information regarding the plurality of smart windows and is based on information from the plurality of sensors and information from the network.

Abstract: An operating system for an architectural covering is provided. The operating system allows at least three modes of operation of an architectural covering. A transmission may be included between an input assembly and an output drive member, and the transmission may be selectively engaged to place the operating system into one of the at least three modes of operation. The operating system may include a first drive section including an input, a second drive section including an output, and a control mechanism arranged to selectively lock an element of the first and second drive sections to control movement of the output of the operating system upon actuation of the input. A shift lock is also disclosed herein. In use, the shift lock operates to restrict shifting operation of the operating system from one operating mode to another.

Abstract: A motor-drive system for retractable covering having a headrail with a horizontally disposed roller supporting a top edge of a flexible fabric material includes an electric motor mounted within a housing and interconnected to the roller to selectively rotate the roller in opposite directions while minimizing noise created from vibrations within the system. This system includes motor mounts within the housing which separate and absorb vibrations of the motor within the housing and a drive disk of a moderately soft material, which is firm enough to transfer torque from the motor to the roller while being soft enough to absorb vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted from the motor to the roller. An interconnect mounting the drive disk to the drive shaft of the motor is also made of a third relatively soft material, which is harder than the drive disk to more ably transmit torque but soft enough so as not to unduly transmit noise.

Abstract: A step stool having a platform having a length at least 1.5 times a length of a first step. The platform rotatably attached to a first front leg and a second front leg above the first step. The first step having a perimeter having a first side which extends down from a top of the first step. The first step having a first boss that extends outward from the first side through which a first fastener extends to attach the first front leg to the first step. The first step having a rib which extends outwards from the first side adjacent the first boss and in alignment with the first front leg when the first and second front legs and first and second rear legs are in an open position where they form a generally upside down V shape. The rib providing support to the first front leg when a cantilever type force is applied to the stepladder. A method for using a step stool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of drilling ground along a drilling direction, the method comprising: providing at least first and second drill tubes (40, 42); providing an articulated and motorized manipulator arm (12) having a gripper member (30); using the gripper member (30) to take hold of the first drill tube (40); moving the gripper member in the drilling direction so as to drive the first drill tube into the ground, the gripper member releasing the first drill tube; then taking hold of the second drill tube and fastening the second drill tube to the first drill tube; and moving the gripper member so as to drive the first and second drill tubes into the ground.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore that traverses a formation, the method comprising the steps of inserting a one-stage drilling tool into the wellbore. The one-stage drilling tool comprising a laser head configured to produce a drilling beam, a completion sheath configured to line the wellbore, and a centralizer configured to support the completion sheath within the wellbore. Operating the laser head to produce the drilling beam that comprises a laser. The drilling beam has a divergent shape comprising a base at a distance from a front end of the laser head and an apex proximate to the front end of the laser head, wherein a diameter of the base of the drilling beam is greater than a diameter of the one-stage drilling tool. And drilling the formation with the drilling beam, wherein the laser of the drilling beam is operable to sublimate the formation.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for making a metal matrix composite component includes melting a powdered mixture with an electron beam. The powdered mixture comprises powdered tungsten carbide in an amount of 45 wt % to 72 wt % of the powdered mixture and a powdered binder in an amount of 28 wt % to 55 wt % of the powdered mixture. The powdered binder comprises boron, silicon, and nickel.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a downhole swivel sub includes a first swivel part configured to connect to a first section of a workstring, and a second swivel part configured to connect to a second section of the workstring. The second swivel part is rotatable relative to the first swivel part. The downhole swivel sub also includes a locking sleeve rotationally coupled with the first swivel part and movable axially between a locking position wherein the first swivel part and the second swivel part are rotationally coupled and an unlocking position wherein the first swivel part is rotatable relative to the second swivel part. The locking sleeve includes at least two first rows of teeth disposed at a same radial position and separated axially on the locking sleeve. The at least two first rows of teeth are configured to engage and disengage with at least two second rows of teeth located on the second swivel part.

Abstract: An unbonded flexible pipe for offshore fluid transportation is disclosed. The pipe includes from inside and outwards a sealing sheath, a pressure armor layer, at least one tensile armor layer, at least one support layer and an extruded external protective polymer sheath. The at least one support layer includes at least one support strip which is helically wound with a winding angle ? of at least about 80 degrees to the longitudinal center axis to provide strip windings along the length of the pipe and the at least one support strip includes a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV).

Abstract: A technique facilitates drilling operations by combining a conductor with a conductor sharing offset shoe system. The conductor sharing offset shoe system protects against collision of boreholes by properly positioning and/or orienting a drill string during drilling of boreholes through the conductor. The conductor sharing offset shoe system may comprise a bullnose disposed at a lower end of the shoe system and an upper guide member disposed at an upper end of the shoe system with a guide opening sized to receive the drill string therethrough. A guide tubing extends from the guide opening into the bullnose to guide the drill string during drilling of a borehole. The guide tubing is sized to preserve sufficient space for accommodating movement of the drill string through the conductor sharing offset shoe system externally of the guide tubing during drilling of another borehole.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for cleaning rock debris when deep-water surface drilling is done. The apparatus for cleaning rock debris when deep-water surface drilling is done comprises: an open barrel having an open through groove which is axially provided; a plurality of debris cleaning mechanisms connected to the open barrel at an interval in a circumferential direction of the open barrel, wherein each of the debris cleaning mechanisms comprises: a fixed block connected to an outer wall of the open barrel; a debris cleaning leg having one end rotatably connected to the fixed block, and the other end provided with a debris cleaning impeller; and a pull rod having one end connected to the outer wall of the open barrel above the fixed block, and the other end movably connected to the debris cleaning leg.

Abstract: A drill string element of a drill string, the drill string element configured to keep the pressure in the annular space between the drill string and the drill hole within calculated limits or to keep the pressures prevailing in the annular space or drill string as small as possible. Settled drill cuttings are brought back into the flow or settlement of the drill cuttings is prevented.

Abstract: A setting tool for setting frac plugs and the like can include a mandrel having a chamber for housing expandable gas and a gas port in fluid communication with the chamber; a firing head secured to the mandrel for igniting a power charge to generate pressurized gas within the chamber; a barrel piston housing the mandrel and connected to a sleeve for setting the frac plug; and an expansion region defined between the mandrel and the barrel piston and receiving the pressurized gas which exerts force to cause a stroke of the barrel piston over the mandrel as the expansion region expands axially. The setting tool can include various features, such as certain gas bleed systems, an enhanced shear screw assembly, a bleed port and plug assembly, a scribe line, a particular gas port configuration, a liquid escape conduit, no-shoulder barrel configuration, and/or a low-force design for frac plugs.

Abstract: The inner barrel system includes a coring inner barrel. The system also includes a connector sub coupled to the coring inner barrel. The connector sub includes a tubular wall defining a central axis and a shear zone extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the tubular wall. The shear zone severs with less force than the coring inner barrel.

Abstract: A technique facilitates enhanced sealing capability in a space saving format when utilizing a plurality of uniquely constructed seals. As a result, the seals are useful in swivels and other types of structures to provide secure sealing between seal surfaces while reducing the overall seal area. Each seal comprises a body having a seal base combined with lips which may be activated when the activation fluid is supplied under pressure. In swivel applications, the seals may be constructed in a vertical orientation as axial face seals. The vertical orientation of the seals enables construction of the swivel with a reduced cross-section and thus a reduced hydraulic loading.

Abstract: An adjustable blowout preventer may be configured to be adjustable, such that a central bore of the blowout preventer may be adjusted or repositioned. The blowout preventer may include one or more adjustment mechanisms for adjusting an angle of tilt of the central bore and/or an offset distance of the central bore. The adjustment mechanisms may be arranged between a stack of the blowout preventer and a wellhead. The adjustment mechanisms may generally be tubular structures having angled and/or laterally offset bores therein. The adjustment mechanisms may be configured to be rotatable, such that rotation of the mechanisms may change an angle of tilt and/or lateral offset of the blowout preventer central bore, or portions thereof.

Abstract: A system for locking a bearing assembly to a rotating control device (RCD) housing is provided. The RCD housing can be coupled to a blowout preventer, and the bearing assembly can be received within the housing, and can comprise a stationary bearing housing having a perimeter channel. A plurality of locking block assemblies are each supported by the housing and are operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Each locking block assembly comprises a movable block configured to interface with the perimeter channel when in the locked position, and at least one elastic component is situated between the housing and the movable block. The at least one elastic component is configured to automatically bias the movable block in the locked position. Upon supplying fluid pressure via a valve device, the movable block moves to the unlocked position and the at least one elastic component compresses to facilitate removal of the bearing assembly from the RCD housing.

Abstract: A chemical reaction heat source for use in heaters used in down-hole applications is provided. The heat source has a fuel composition that comprises thermite and a damping agent. The use of the thermite mix enables the heaters of the present invention to generate hotter temperatures down wells. This in turn allows the use of Bismuth/Germanium alloys, which have higher melting points, to enable the production of plugs for the abandonment of deeper wells where subterranean temperatures are higher.