Abstract: A drain cleaner including a cable configured to be inserted into a drain, a drum supporting the cable, a first motor operable to rotate the drum, and a cable feed control mechanism configured to feed the cable in a linear direction along a first axis. The cable feed control mechanism includes a second motor, a drive wheel rotatable by the second motor about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, and a driven wheel rotatable about a third axis that is parallel to the second axis. The drive wheel and the driven wheel are configured to engage the cable to feed the cable along the first axis.

Abstract: A column cap connector for mounting and securing a beam to a post of a building including a central web portion and upwardly extending walls disposed along longitudinal edges thereof, wherein a lower portion of the beam fits within the walls, downwardly extending legs formed from the seat and alternatively from the seat and the walls of the connector attach the connector to the post with projecting tabs attached to the seat to support the connector on the post.

Abstract: An oblong cantilevered support includes a pair of latitudinally spaced apart oblong resilient members connected by a pair of longitudinally spaced apart blocks. The longitudinal spacing between the blocks can be adjusted. One or both of the members can have a tapered profile causing the stiffness of the member to vary along its length. Adjusting the spacing between the blocks and/or sliding a variable stiffness member longitudinally with respect to the blocks can adjust the stiffness of the overall support. Each member can be made from a unitary piece of fiber composite material such as a carbon fiber infused polymer wherein the orientations of the fibers are varied to provide both bending and torsional strength and stiffness that varies along the length of the member. The tapered geometry can be formed by a pair of parallely spaced apart oblique trapezoidal truncated pyramids interconnected by a webbing strip.

Abstract: Adjacent concrete wall panels are connected at the vertical joint by a shear connector structure that includes a metal connector angle embedded in a corner portion of one of the panels, and one or more threaded nuts or studs are welded to a flange of the angle. A metal shear connector plate has a hole for each threaded nut or stud and elongated holes or slots for the other concrete panel. After the panels are erected and positioned, the connector plate is bolted to the studs and self-tapping concrete anchor screws are inserted into the slots and threaded into holes formed in the other panel. The studs are formed by machinery weld studs to form a bore with threads at the welded end of each stud.

Abstract: An anchor bolt for an adhesive anchor or the like that can be caused to exert substantial tensile strength at a relatively shallow embedding depth. An anchor bolt for an adhesive anchor that is fixed via adhesive to an anchor hole formed in a fixed body includes: a head part that is inserted into a hole back part of the anchor hole; a shank part that is continuous with the head part and formed to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the head part; and a sleeve part into which the shank part is inserted, the sleeve part extending from an opening part to the hole back part of the anchor hole and having a tip end thereof abutted onto the head part.

Abstract: An H-beam joint structure for joining ends of H-beam steel materials adjacent to each other. The steel materials have a flange and a web. The joint structure includes: a transmission plate arranged parallel to a front surface of the web on at least one side of the web of the H-beam and the steel material, and welded to a back surface of the flange; and a coupling plate provided in close contact with the transmission plate to connect the H-beam and the steel material. A web of the H-beam, the web of the steel material and the transmission plate are bolted via the coupling plate. As a result, there is provided an H-beam joint structure which has a joining strength equivalent to a conventional joint structure for an H-beam, and also which can easily be constructed to have less parts and make front surfaces of the flanges flat.

Abstract: A sound damping wallboard for installation on an installed wallboard, a sound damping wallboard system, and a method of constructing a sound damping wallboard on a building structure are disclosed. The sound damping wallboard includes a gypsum layer having a gypsum layer inner surface and a gypsum layer outer surface, a first sound damping layer disposed at the gypsum layer inner surface and having a first sound damping layer inner surface opposite the gypsum layer inner surface, a first encasing layer disposed at the gypsum layer outer surface, a second encasing layer disposed at the first sound damping layer inner surface, and a second sound damping layer disposed at the second encasing layer opposite the first sound damping layer inner surface.

Abstract: A fire-stopping material for use in sandwich panels is provided, wherein the fire-stopping material comprises a resilient, porous material at least partially impregnated with an intumescent agent. A panel for an internal wall and an internal wall are also provided, comprising the fire-stopping material disposed between two substantially parallel boards, such as plaster boards. A method of providing a service penetration through an internal wall is also provided.

Abstract: A fire-resistant partition wall includes wall studs and first and second walls each including gypsum boards with vertical and lateral joints. The wall studs are on the back side of the vertical joints. A joint base member is provided at the lateral joints. The gypsum boards, the joint base member, and the wall studs are not screwed with a common screw, and (a) the gypsum boards are screwed to only the wall studs and are not screwed to the joint base member, and the joint base member is fixed to the lateral joint position by being inserted between the gypsum boards and the wall studs, or (b) the gypsum boards are screwed to the wall studs and to the joint base member with different screws, and the joint base member is fixed to the lateral joint position by being inserted between the gypsum boards and the wall studs.

Abstract: A deck framing system includes a perimeter support member that has a joist support wall and a web wall extending perpendicularly from the joist support wall and an overhang wall extending perpendicularly from the web wall. First and second joist support brackets include a joist support portion and a pair of attachment wings, where each one of the pair of attachment wings contacting the web wall of the perimeter support member. First and second joists each include a deck support wall and a lower wall. The deck support walls of the first and second joists are disposed between the overhang wall and the joist support portions, and the lower walls are disposed between the joist support portions and the joist support wall.

Abstract: A slab filler, and method for implementing fillers in a two-way concrete slab for building structures, are disclosed. The filler comprises an upper keeper tray and a lower keeper tray, and a volumetric filling element. The upper keeper tray is attached to a top of the volumetric filling element and the lower keeper tray is attached to a bottom of the volumetric filling element. The filler comprises a plurality of indicators positioned on all corners of the keeper tray to indicate an amount or level of a concrete fed on the filler. The filler further comprises grooves at an end of the spacer, configured to securely hold one or more belts. Spacers and belts are configured to receive one or more rebar. Further, the volumetric filling element is a high-density material, where the filler is incorporated without upper keeper tray and lower keeper tray.

Abstract: A hanger for suspending a load from a metal decking is described. A first hanger includes a body having ends that may be placed between opposing metal decking grooves and a separate assembly placed through an aperture in the body and adapted to support a load. The hanger thus permits the load to move side-to-side in the hanger, thus lessening the impact of seismic events on the hanger. A second hanger attaches two bodies, each having ends that may be placed between opposing metal decking grooves and a separate assembly placed through an aperture in the body used to attach the bodies to a strut channel. An additional assembly attached to strut channel is adapted to support a load. A hanger and method are also presented for preventing damage to concrete-filled metal decking hangers resulting from a seismic event.

Abstract: Described herein are acoustical panels, comprising: a substrate; a non-woven veil having an airflow resistance of greater than 45 mks rayls, comprising: from about 20 wt. % to about 60 wt. % glass fibers; from about 40 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of a filler; and from about 110 dry g/m2 to about 135 dry g/m2 of a coating. Methods of making and using the panels are also described.

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

Abstract: Described herein is a coated building panel having a body and a surface coating atop the body, the surface coating comprising inorganic pigment and a polymeric dispersant comprising a polymer backbone and pendant side chains extending from the polymer backbone; wherein the surface coating comprises a liquid carrier in an amount less than about 1 wt. % based on the total weight of the surface coating.

Abstract: A method of forming an asphalt mixture includes mixing a polyol with a bio-source material to form a bio-asphalt. The method can further include mixing the bio-asphalt with a bitumen source different from the bio-asphalt to form an asphalt mixture. The bio-source material can include an oil, such as a vegetable oil, an animal fat, or any combination thereof. The bitumen source can include a petroleum-based asphalt. The method can further include adding a modifier, such as a fatty acid, a polycarboxylic acid, a polyacrylic acid, a polyacrylate comprising a copolymer, or any combination thereof. Moreover, a roofing grade asphalt mixture includes a bio-asphalt. The bio-asphalt includes an alkyd, wherein the alkyd is a reaction product of a polyol and a bio-source material. The roofing grade asphalt mixture further includes a bitumen source material and particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to roofing granules, such as colored solar-reflective roofing granules, and to methods for making and their use in roofing products. One aspect of the disclosure provides a collection of colored solar-reflective roofing granules, wherein substantially each roofing granule includes an inner layer of a porous ceramic material, the pore size and material of the inner layer being selected such that the inner layer is substantially reflective of infrared radiation; and disposed about and substantially surrounding the inner layer, an outer layer of a substantially colored ceramic material, the outer layer of substantially colored ceramic material being substantially transmissive to infrared radiation, the collection of colored solar-reflective roofing granules having a L* of no more than 60 and a solar reflectivity of at least 30%.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly implements a stabilized fastener matrix which functions to stabilize the fastener connection with a roof. In one embodiment, a base has a one-piece construction with angularly spaced stepped bores. Roofing fasteners each having a flat head are receivable in the bores and securable therein. Plugs each having a flat lower surface are threadably engageable in the threaded bore wherein the flat lower surface of the plug engages the flat head of the fastener. In a second embodiment, the base has a two-part construction comprising a bottom plate and a top plate. The bottom plate has a plurality of arcuate slots which are angularly spaced from one another. Elongated fasteners are received in the slots. A top plate has a crown and a connector projects from the crown. The top plate mounts onto the bottom plate to provide a stabilized connection with the roof. The mount assemblies are also efficiently sealable with the adjoining roof.

Abstract: Structure heating systems and methods of making and use. One embodiment has a unitary or integral roof edge heating element with a single heating cable mounted in a heating cable channel running laterally through the heating element and a roof edge heating panel extending from the portion of the heating element bearing the heating cable. Another embodiment includes a single heating cable mounted in a heating element surrounded by a heating element cover. Some embodiments can reduce the amount of heat transfer contact with supporting roof or adjacent structure, reducing heat transfer to the supporting roof or other adjacent structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting roof sheathing, including: (a) a left side member, wherein the left side member includes a length, a top surface, and a bottom surface; (b) a first upright member, wherein the first upright member includes a length, an outer surface, and an inner surface, and wherein the first upright member emanates contiguously and substantially orthogonally from the left side member; (c) a second upright member, wherein the second upright member includes a length, an outer surface, and an inner surface, and wherein the second upright member emanates contiguously from and substantially parallel to the first upright member; and (d) a right side member, wherein the right side member includes a length, a top surface, and a bottom surface, and wherein the right side member emanates contiguously and substantially orthogonally from the second upright member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a service pit having a head section and a foot section made from fiberglass, aluminum or other metal sheeting, molded plastic, or other suitable material. In one example embodiment, the service pit is equipped with a staircase pivotally mounted at one end of the service pit to accommodate a pivoting action of the staircase and permit access to the bottom of the pit for cleaning, maintenance or other operation.

Abstract: It is known to secure a panel 1 within a trough 3 by placing one edge of the panel 1 within the trough 3 and filling the trough with resin 21. Once hardened, the resin 21 holds the panel 1 in place securely. However, panels 1 thus secured cannot be removed easily if damaged. The present invention provides a barrier 11, 13 for preventing flow of liquid resin 21 along a length of a trough 3, and for receiving a panel 1 thereon. A panel 1 may therefore be secured within a trough 3 with a reduced amount of resin 21.

Abstract: A panel (assembly) having an inner panel member (sheet) and an outer panel member (sheet), with the member being secured to the member so that the member applies an outward force to the first member.

Abstract: A tile aligning and leveling system that uses an under tile base re-usable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a re-usable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel suitable for constructing a waterproof floor or wall covering, wherein the panel has a substantially planar top surface, a substantially planar bottom surface, and at least four substantially linear side edges. The invention also relates to a process for producing a panel according to the invention. The invention further relates to a panel obtainable by said process according to the invention.

Abstract: A temporary platform for assembling elevator equipment in an elevator shaft is arranged substantially in the region of a shaft opening, such that the platform partially sits on a floor surface of the building and partially protrudes into the elevator shaft. The platform includes a bottom frame and bottom plates that lie on or are inserted into the bottom frame. The bottom frame also includes two lateral bottom bars, at least one front and one rear transverse bar that interconnect the two lateral bottom bars, and at least two intermediate bars that are arranged parallel to the two lateral bottom bars. The two intermediate bars are supported substantially by the front and the rear transverse bars.

Abstract: A light weight plastic liner adapted for receipt over an aerial lift basket. The lift basket mounted on a wheeled boom or scissor lift. The liner includes a floor cover and four side covers for covering an inside and an outside of four sides of a frame on the lift basket. Also, the liner includes a removable door cover for covering a hinged door on the lift basket. Further, the liner includes a bungee cord in a bottom seam of the liner for holding the liner in place on the lift basket.

Abstract: A levelling structure for levelling a structure having supports for secondary support on fixed footings. A coupling mechanism extends between an access point on the structure and the footings. Adjustment of the coupling member from the structure alters the elevation of the structure and supports together towards or away from the footings. By providing the adjustment from the structure itself, the requirement for elevational adjustment beneath the structure is avoided as well as adjustment against the opposition of the load.

Abstract: A support structure for placing shaped bodies such as landscaping bricks. The support structures may be coupled together to form a track of a predetermined shape. The track may be configured to receive and place the shaped bodies in framed sections to form a landscaping barrier.

Abstract: A diving pool includes a first tiered section extending to a first depth of the diving pool, a second tiered section extending to a second depth of the diving pool that is deeper than the first depth, and a cover. The cover can be releasably positioned within the diving pool at a depth of the diving pool to isolate a shallower portion of the diving pool above the cover at the depth from a deeper portion of the diving pool below the cover at the depth.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed technology include a lighted inflatable pool including: a wall including a first inflatable chamber; a base; at least one lighting element disposed within the wall, the at least one lighting element being configured to emit light; and a receiver connected to the at least one lighting element, the receiver being configured to receive a command for controlling the lighting element and to control the at least one lighting element in correspondence with the command.

Abstract: A pool cleaner for cleaning a pool, the pool cleaner may include a filtering element for filtering fluid; at least one sensor for sensing an actual yaw of the pool cleaner and an actual orientation of the pool cleaner; at least one steering element that is configured to move the pool cleaner along a cleaning path, during a cleaning process of segments of multiple sidewalls of the pool; wherein the cleaning path mostly includes substantially horizontal cleaning path segments that have a cleaning path segment yaw that is a substantially horizontal yaw; wherein the certain region is fully submerged; and a controller that is configured to control the at least one steering element, based on the actual yaw of the pool cleaner.

Abstract: A memorial display system including a memorial assembly having a grave marker, a storage compartment, and indicia. The grave marker includes an integral storage compartment and the indicia. The storage compartment is a transparent display case. The indicia is displayed on the front surface of the grave marker. The memorial assembly is modular and configured to secure and seal pre-selected memorial items as contents for viewing.

Abstract: A system for a dynamically orienting adjustable shelter is provided. The system generally comprises a base, lever arm, counterweight, boom, canopy, canopy supports, and support cables connected to said canopy supports. The boom and lever arm connect to the base in a way such that the boom may be in an upright position when a counterweight is placed on the lever arm. A canopy assembly may be rotatable attached boom in a way that allows it to rotate about said boom, which allows the canopy assembly to reduce the cross-sectional area of the canopy exposed to the wind. A cable may be attached to the front end of the canopy supports, which may prevent the back end of the canopy from tipping too far down when there is no wind that the system may use to stabilize the canopy by naturally reducing the cross-sectional area exposed thereto.

Abstract: A wire strand attachment clip including a wire catch that defines a wire strand receiving and holding area configured to receive a wire strand, and a plurality of attachment arms connected to and extending from the wire catch that are dimensionally and biasingly configured to be positioned on a support post to attach the wire strand to that support post such that the attachment arms engage multiple surfaces of the support post.

Abstract: A mounting system for separating and connecting fencing slabs which includes an end beam assembly having opposite sidewalls each having an elongated slot portion recessed within the beams. Additionally, at least one gate partition with distal ends is inserted within the recessed portion of the end beam. The distal end of the partitions includes a cap which conforms to the shape of the slot portion thereby allowing for the partition to be slidably inserted therein. Once inserted, a spacer member is then inserted within the slot portion to create spacing between the partitions inserted to the end beams when forming the fencing structure. A slidable cover is also included to entirely cover a side of the end beam when not in use. The system is utilized to form a desired fencing structure.

Abstract: A gate assembly is disclosed including a gate rail and an upright including a plurality of walls defining a cavity therebetween. A first of the walls includes an opening that is configured to receive the gate rail therethrough such that the gate rail extends into the cavity. The gate assembly further includes a gate corner insert configured for insertion into the cavity of the upright through a second opening of the upright. The gate corner insert includes a base and a plurality of protrusions extending from the base. The base and the plurality of protrusions define a second cavity therebetween with first and second protrusions of the plurality of protrusions defining a third opening in communication with the second cavity. The third opening and the second cavity are configured to receive the gate rail therein for removable attachment to the gate corner insert.

Abstract: A wood rail-to-metal post bracket assembly comprised of two galvanized carriage bolts and nuts; four pieces punched and press-formed from sheet metal; two pieces formed as pipe clamping mechanisms, and two pieces formed as rail brackets. The pipe clamping mechanisms and the rail brackets connecting the respective wood fence rails to an associated elongated pipe member.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include a lock assembly. The lock assembly includes a lock bolt. The lock bolt has a lock bolt body and having a bolt security engagement feature formed as part of the lock bolt body. The lock assembly also includes a receiver. The receiver has a receiving area for receiving at least a portion of the lock bolt and the receiver has a receiver security engagement feature formed as part of the receiver. The receiver security engagement feature is complementary to the lock bolt security engagement feature.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox includes a latching apparatus that 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 include latch pins which 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. During insertion of a latch pin into the rotatable barrel, the maximum torque imparted on a first spur gear by the torsion spring, at a maximum rotation angle of the rotatable barrel, is sufficient to rotate the barrel back to its neutral position after the latch pin has been fully inserted into the barrel, and is less than or equal to a back drive torque limit of a prime mover of the rotary actuator.

Abstract: An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry. Audit trail data may be recorded based on usage of the key.

Abstract: A door lock mechanism that rotates a cam mechanism to lock or unlock an enclosure. The mechanism includes a bias member that is coupled to the cam mechanism with a cam pin, where the cam pin is located on one side of the centerline of the lock in the locked state, and on the other side of the centerline of the lock in the unlocked state, to bias the cam mechanism into either the locked or unlocked state. Further disclosed are one or more stop mechanisms that prevent the cam mechanism from over-rotating past the locked or unlocked position. The bias member can further absorb impact from the lock rods of the door lock mechanism contacting the stop mechanisms.

Abstract: A center slide assembly for a multi-point exit device. Upper and lower spool assemblies may be displaced from first positions to second positions along an inner region of a center slide. The displacement of the spool assemblies may displace upper and lower pull cables so as to retract latch mechanisms from extended positions to retracted positions. A first latching pin may be displaced, along with the displacement of the upper spool assembly, along an abutment surface of a tilting link so as to pivotally displace the tilting link from an unlocked position to a locked position. Displacement of the lower spool assembly may displace a second latching pin to a position wherein the second latching pin may be received and retained within a jog of the tilting link when the tilting link is in the locked position, which may thereby retain the associated latch mechanism in the retracted position.

Abstract: A lock system includes an active panel center gearbox. The active panel center gearbox includes a deadbolt, a deadbolt drive to extend or retract the deadbolt, an upper drive assembly, a lower drive assembly, a latch bolt, a handle assembly to retract the latch bolt and to extend or retract the lower and the upper driver assemblies, a reverse action rocker coupling the lower and the upper drive assemblies so they move in different directions, a mishandling bolt, and a mishandling plate. When the mishandling bolt extends, it lowers the mishandling plate. When the mishandling plate lowers, it engages the deadbolt to prevent the deadbolt from extending, it engages the handle assembly to prevent the lower drive assembly from extending, and it engages the reverse action rocker to prevent the upper drive assembly from extending.

Abstract: A latch arrangement for fastening a panel of a door or a window to a frame element is provided. The latch arrangement includes a locking element mounted on the frame element and displaceable between a locked position in which the locking element can be engaged with the panel locking thereby the panel to the frame element, and an unlocked position in which the locking element is disengaged from the panel unlocking thereby the panel from the frame element. An actuating mechanism, optionally including a manually operable handle, is mounted on the panel and configured to selectively engage the locking element and to displace the locking element to the unlocked position. Where a stop latch provides deadlock functionality, the panel-mounted actuating mechanism preferably sequentially releases the stop latch and then displaces the locking element.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to product merchandising systems that are designed to prevent brute force attempts to steal a product on display. The merchandising systems include security features that enhances the strength of the connection between a puck assembly and a base assembly and between the base assembly and a display surface. The merchandising systems are suited for withstanding brute force pulling attacks on the puck assembly and the base assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle body assembly structure allowing a distance between a vehicle body and a part to be adjusted in any of left-right, front-rear, and up-down directions with a simple structure such as a screw.

Abstract: A vehicle door device includes: a latch mechanism configured to be switchable between a latch state and an unlatch state; a door handle configured to be movable between a first position and a second position; a door handle projecting mechanism configured to move the door handle from the first position to the second position when a press portion provided on an outer surface of the door handle or in a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the door handle is pressed; and an electrical unlatch operation mechanism including a switch and an electric actuator, the switch being operated by the door handle or the door handle projecting mechanism when the press portion is pressed, and the electric actuator being configured so that, when the switch is operated, the electric actuator is operated to switch the latch mechanism from a latch state to an unlatch state.

Abstract: A closure latch assembly equipped with a double pawl latch mechanism and including a resilient linkage arrangement between a component of the double pawl latch mechanism and a component of a latch release and reset mechanism which is configured to assist in both latch release and latch reset operations.

Abstract: A concealed handle assembly that includes a handle base and a handle body rotatable about a first axle such that one end of the handle body can extend or return to a concealed state, the first axle being disposed on the handle base, the handle body having a handle body initial position, a handle body first open position, and a handle body second open position. The assembly further includes a rocker arm rotatable about a second axle, the second axle being disposed on the handle base, the rocker arm having a rocker arm initial position, a rocker arm first open position, and a rocker arm second open position, the rocker arm being capable of being rotated away from or returned to the rocker arm initial position as the handle body rotates, the rocker arm being capable of driving a bolt.