Abstract: This invention relates to prefabricated, lightweight, multi-component structural modular building panels and modular building systems. The said panels are framed with edge members that have a unique connecting shape, making them modular. The multi-component panel allows for design flexibility and the mass manufacturing of its components. Connectors serve as a link to assemble the panels together, and to connect them to corners, floors or foundations, roof panels and the roof apex member, and or other conventional construction elements. Connectors and members, all with unique connecting shapes, coupled with the said panels, create a structural wall, roof, similar structure or building system. Assembled panels and members incorporate the primary building structure and the building envelope. The assembled panels, members and other components of the building system, in part or whole, can be flat packed for easy transport and shipping, and can be assembled quickly and easily with semi-skilled labor.

Abstract: Structural truss panels include first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members and first and second vertical elongated members fastened to the first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members. The first and fourth horizontal elongated members form respectively a top and a bottom of the structural truss panel. The first and second vertical elongated members forming respective sides of the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel further includes and an angled webbing fastened between the first and second vertical elongated members and the first and second horizontal elongated members thereby creating an integrated web truss within the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel includes first, second, and third brace members forming a V-braced truss panel.

Abstract: A modular structure system of detachable members, the system includes a support pillar and various connectors. The support pillar has a main body and a plurality of channel walls outwardly radiating from an outside surface of the main body. The channel walls are disposed lengthwise on the main body from one terminal end of the main body to another terminal end of the main body. The support pillar has a symmetrical cross-sectional shape and each of the channel walls has an expanded distal end forming two lips.

Abstract: A shingle including a substrate having a first surface defining an upper side of the shingle and an opposing second surface defining a lower side of the shingle; asphalt infiltrating the substrate to form a first asphalt coating on the first surface of the substrate and a second asphalt coating on the second surface of the substrate; a plurality of granules embedded in the first asphalt coating; a first hydrophobic material; and a second hydrophobic material that is a different composition than the first hydrophobic material and the second hydrophobic material comprises a metal stearate, wherein the lower side of the shingle includes a lower surface and the first and the second hydrophobic material are disposed on the lower surface.

Abstract: A fastener plate for use in coupling an underlayment to a roof surface is disclosed. In use, the fastener plate is arranged and configured to enable subsequently applied liquid coatings to flow through a top surface of the fastener plate and into one or more cavities so that the liquid coating seals any openings created by introduction of the fastener. In one embodiment, the fastener plate may include a top surface, a bottom surface, a fastener opening for receiving a fastener, a plurality of openings formed in the top surface, and one or more cavities positioned between the top surface and the bottom surface, the one or more cavities being in fluid communication with the plurality of openings so that the liquid coating can flow through the plurality of openings formed in the top surface and into the one or more cavities to seal any voids created by the fastener.

Abstract: A non-asphaltic breathable sheet is provided that includes at least one breathable polymer layer and at least one nonwoven layer. The breathable sheet may include an open-mesh reinforcing fabric embedded in a breathable polymer layer. The breathable sheet has an advantageous balance of strength, water resistance, and permeability to water vapor.

Abstract: Ridge vents and deck covers are disclosed that have a fibrous mesh mat and a moisture barrier. The mesh mat may be contoured to define a variety of structures and may have regions of relatively higher fiber density and regions of relatively lower fiber density. Solar cells may be exposed on the ridge vents to collect solar energy when the vents are exposed to sunlight.

Abstract: A freestanding, adjustable, modular spiral staircase embodied in a unique method of spiral staircase design is provided. The steps of the spiral staircase are arrayed and supported in a circular pattern around a central column with the outside edges or leading or trailing corners of the steps are supported by three peripheral columns, while step posts interconnect adjacent steps. Many parts are interchangeable and the steps adjustable to allow for shortening or lengthening the staircase. The base of the staircase unit is heavy to provide maximum stability and to prevent tipping.

Abstract: A system for securing modular building units to each other and a method for assembling structures using said method is disclosed. The disclosed system allows for modules to be connected to each other from an external position, without a person having to enter the modules to fasten components internally. The system and method may be used to build structures using prefabricated modules, avoiding significant amounts of onsite labor and drastically reducing the time required to erect structures.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for connecting a cable end of a wire rope to a structure. Each connecting assembly includes a structure attachment interface and cable end attachment interface. The structure attachment interface is adapted to mount to the structure at a point on the structure without the connecting assembly exiting the structure at any other point on the structure. The cable end attachment interface is adapted to mount the cable end to the connecting assembly.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and an apparatus for constructing a termination point in a wall are provided. A rigid, cured cement board is attached to exterior sheathing of the wall. A stop bead apparatus is attached to the rigid, cured cement board at a terminating location of the wall. An edge of a rigid, cured cement board is inserted into a gap formed between a base panel of the stop bead apparatus and the exterior sheathing. A finish layer is applied to an exterior surface of the cement board, whereby the finish layer covers the base panel of the stop bead apparatus.

Abstract: A support assembly supports external veneer such as face-brick. A bracket mounts to a load bearing wall support structure. A shelf angle includes a horizontal leg that defines a surface upon which to mount the veneer. The mounting bracket may be a channel having a seat that includes an outwardly protruding toe, an accommodation for the shelf angle, and an overhanging finger. The back of the shelf angle may have apertures to admit the toes of the mounting bracket. The seat includes an oversized slot having a relief angle to permit the shelf angle web to be rotated angularly during assembly. The mounting bracket has an overhanging arm for engaging the part of a cross-wise running beam, such as an I-beam upper flange. The mounting bracket has an abutment for contacting a lower part of the beam, such as a lower flange of an I-beam. There is a fitting to secure the bracket to the beam.

Abstract: A mounting clip (1) for the floating mounting of wall and ceiling panels consisting of composite wood materials, said panels being connected to one another without adhesive by corresponding locking profiles to form a wall or ceiling covering and being fastened to a substructure. The mounting clip has a base board (2), a receiving portion (4) formed in one piece with the base board and intended for engaging in a locking profile of a panel, wherein the receiving portion has a distancing piece (5) arranged as far as possible perpendicularly to the plane of the base board, and a contacting piece (6), which adjoins the distancing piece and is arranged as far as possible parallel to the plane of the base board, and a slot (8) is provided in the base board for fastening the mounting clip to a fastening means on the substructure the slot can be at least 1.5-4 cm long and extend transversely with respect to the contacting piece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wall panel system having a plurality of wall panels arranged within a framework. The wall panels may include a plurality of retention devices releasably engaging the framework to position the wall panels relative to the wall panel system. One or more of the retention devices may be actuated to engage and disengage from the framework. The wall panel system may include trim releasably engaging the framework.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing panels from a board which includes dissecting the board along predefined lines. The board includes a core material board and is laminated with a laminate material layer. The board is dissected along an impressed region running linear over the complete surface of the laminate material layer. Also disclosed are a press plate, a method for the production of a board having an impressed region, and a board for producing the panels.

Abstract: A floor panel for forming a floor covering wherein the floor panel is substantially realized on the basis of synthetic material. The floor panel is rectangular and comprises a first pair of opposite edges and a second pair of opposite edges such that both pairs of opposite edges comprise coupling parts allowing for mutually coupling a plurality of such floor panels to each other. The coupling parts of at least the first pair of opposite edges are configured such that two of such panels can be coupled to each other at these edges by means of a turning movement and the coupling parts to this aim consist of a tongue and a groove as well as locking parts, which, in the coupled condition, prevent the shifting apart of the tongue and groove. The floor panel has a global thickness which is smaller than or equal to 4.5 millimeters.

Abstract: A plurality of hidden clips can be included with a strip of clips and separated by a frangible section or tab located between adjacent clips. Each strip can be provided with a hand grip portion removably attached to a proximal-most hidden clip in the strip of clips. An aperture defined in each hidden clip can include an offset cylindrical section that causes a fastener to pivot from a vertical alignment when the fastener is driven into a joist.

Abstract: A method of treating PVC plates as well as plates and panels manufactured by this method. The plates and panels, in particular wall, ceiling or floor panels, comprise a heat-treated carrier plate based on polyvinyl chloride with a density of, for example, 900 to 2,500 kg/m3 and a film applied thereon. The film is a thin PVC-film and comprises a decorative pattern directly printed thereon.

Abstract: A method of treating PVC plates as well as plates and panels manufactured by this method. The plates and panels, in particular wall, ceiling or floor panels, comprise a heat-treated carrier plate based on polyvinyl chloride with a density of, for example, 900 to 2,500 kg/m3 and a film applied thereon. The film is a thin PVC-film and comprises a decorative pattern directly printed thereon.

Abstract: A method of treating PVC plates as well as plates and panels manufactured by this method. The plates and panels, in particular wall, ceiling or floor panels, comprise a heat-treated carrier plate based on polyvinyl chloride with a density of, for example, 900 to 2,500 kg/m3 and a film applied thereon. The film is a thin PVC-film and comprises a decorative pattern directly printed thereon.

Abstract: A method of treating PVC plates as well as plates and panels manufactured by this method. The plates and panels, in particular wall, ceiling or floor panels, comprise a heat-treated carrier plate based on polyvinyl chloride with a density of, for example, 900 to 2,500 kg/m3 and a film applied thereon. The film is a thin PVC-film and comprises a decorative pattern directly printed thereon.

Abstract: A work platform configured to be adjustable in both height and width, while enabling ease in transformation between an open, use configuration in a closed, storage configuration. The work platform having a platform and a pair of leg frames pivotably coupled to opposite ends of the platform, each of the pair of leg frames including a first leg and a second leg, each of which includes a first member pivotably coupled to the platform, and a second member shiftable relative to the first member, an intermediate rung operably coupled to respective distal ends of the first members and including a length extension lock mechanism configured to inhibit shifting of the second members relative to the first members, and a base rung member including a crossmember operably coupled to the respective distal ends of the second members.

Abstract: A booth that has an opening through which a user enters and exits the booth and a desk and a chair installed in a space surrounded by a floor and a side wall, the booth includes a movable sound insulation member that is installable to enclose the user in a case where the user is below a top portion of the booth while being in the booth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming pool cleaning system comprising a cleaning apparatus to be immersed in the pool, the system further comprising at least one moving image acquisition means secured to a float via a flexible tie.

Abstract: A sliding seismic isolation device includes a structure fixation plate having a first sliding surface and a metallic slider having a second sliding surface contacting the first sliding surface. A friction member composed of a single-layer fabric is attached to the first sliding surface, the second sliding surface, or both of the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface. One of a warp and a weft is formed of multiple plied yarns into which high-strength fibers and PTFE fibers are twisted together and the other of the warp and the weft is formed of multiple high-strength fibers in the single-layer fabric. The single-layer fabric has a twill weave and is woven such that the plied yarns of the one forming the single-layer fabric are exposed at a surface opposite from the attachment side of the friction member more than the high-strength fibers of the other forming the single-layer fabric.

Abstract: A tuned liquid damper, including a first outer housing having two ends, the first end being open to the atmosphere and the second end being connected by a conduit to a gas-filled second outer housing. The conduit may be adapted to allow gas flow between the second end and the second outer housing. The tuned liquid damper may also include first and second membranes, each attached to the inside of the first outer housing, and a sealed compartment within the first outer housing defined by the first and second membranes. The sealed compartment may be at least partially filled with a liquid, which prevents gas flow through the first outer housing from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: The present anti-ballistic shelter is a reinforced unit configured to comply with both ISO standards for size and weight, and with the U.S. Department of State Certification Standard for Forced Entry and Ballistic Resistance of Structural Systems. Each end and side wall of the unit is reinforced with wall studs that penetrate the unit's structural framework. Even though these wail studs are welded into place, penetration of the wall studs into the framework ensures acceptable blast, ballistic, and forced entry resistance even if the welds are flawed.

Abstract: An improved movable decorative base assembly is provided that includes a receptacle having a bottom, at least one upstanding side wall forming a hollow interior and an open top. The base assembly includes a wheeled, base carriage on which the receptacle may be placed. The decorative base assembly further includes a pole receiver, which is carried by the base carriage and has a receiving hole for attaching a tube or other elongated body carrying a parasol canopy. The receiving hole of the pole receiver aligns with a through hole in the bottom of the receptacle, allowing the elongated body to extend through the receptacle and attach to the pole receiver, the assembly forming a unitary body which can be rolled on a floor or surface. The decorative base assembly allows safe, comfortable, and stable maneuvering, while alleviating physical strains otherwise felt by those utilizing alternative assemblies.

Abstract: A sun tracking canopy structure having a canopy positionable to maintain a shaded area based on calculated solar elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: A system and method for stretching and securing fencing includes a clamping member having a clamping channel, a clamping bar configured to be received within the clamping channel, and at least one fastener for securing the clamping bar to the clamping channel; a stretcher bar having a plurality of hook members for engaging the fencing, and at least one notched opening configured to receive a tensioning device; wherein the clamping bar and the clamping channel are correspondingly shaped, sized, and configured, such that the fencing is held secure between the clamping bar and the clamping channel when the clamping bar is secured to the clamping channel.

Abstract: A fence with a one-way viewing insert including a domicile assembly, a fence assembly, and a pane assembly. These assemblies in conjunction with one another provide a simple solution for adding privacy to a user's domicile. The fence assembly includes fence posts secured along the perimeter of a domicile. The fence posts having a pane opening to receive the pane assembly. The pane assembly includes a pane with a reflective face and a viewing face located opposite one another. The viewing face of the pane is oriented facing said user's domicile and allows for a user to view through it. Facing away from the user's domicile is the reflective face of the pane. The reflective face preventing viewers from the opposite side of the domicile to view past the pane.

Abstract: A collar assembly for retrofitting a barrier to one or more bollards comprises a barrier and at least one collar adapted to fit around each of bollard. Each collar comprises two or more openings. Each opening is configured to receive a barrier mounting device or a securing element. Each collar has at least one securing element configured to affix the collar to the one or more bollards. Each collar has at least one barrier mounting device configured to attach the barrier to the one or more bollards. The barrier is mounted to each barrier mounting device.

Abstract: A security system with multifactor authentication, and may comprise a lock assembly configured to secure an object and having a secured condition and an unsecured condition, a lock actuating element for actuating the lock assembly between the secured and unsecured conditions, a first authentication structure configured to permit actuation of the lock assembly by the lock actuating element when authenticated by the first authenticating structure, and a second authentication structure configured to permit actuation of the lock assembly by the lock actuating element when authenticated by the second authentication structure, so that authentication by the first authentication structure and the second authentication structure is required to actuate the lock assembly.

Abstract: Various implementations of an electric strike are described that includes a casing housing that includes a power source, a lock mechanism, circuitry powered by the power source, the circuitry being configured to authenticate a user, and electro-mechanically actuate the lock mechanism, and a rotor coupled to the lock mechanism, the rotor being powered by the power source and configured to situate the lock mechanism based on a lock state of the electric strike.

Abstract: A latch control device includes a connecting seat divided by two integrally formed walls into a hollow portion and a mounting portion spaced from the hollow portion. A detecting module is disposed between the two walls. A locking member is pivotably mounted between the two walls. A first restraining member is disposed in the mounting area and is configured to lock or unlock the locking member, controlling pivotal movement of the locking member. When the locking member is not pivotable, a latch of a door lock in the hollow portion is restrained in the hollow portion, preventing opening of a door to which the door lock is mounted. When the locking member is pivotable, the locking member can pivot while the door pivots, permitting opening of the door.

Abstract: A door lock for a domestic electrical appliance comprises a movably arranged locking member, which is selectively adjustable into an unlocking position and a locking position and in the unlocking position permits the opening of a closed door of the domestic appliance and in the locking position is in blocking engagement with a blockable component, at least when the door is closed. The blocking engagement causes the closed door to be blocked against opening. The door lock further comprises an electrically controllable actuator for actuating the locking member, and an electrical door detection switch that switches depending on the closing of the door. The doer lock also comprises an electrical auxiliary switch device, which selectively opens or closes an electrical shunt path to the door detection switch depending on the position of the locking member.

Abstract: An exit device assembly for use in association with a door having a top, a bottom and a generally vertical surface. The exit door assembly includes an exit device configured to be mounted on the surface of the door, the exit device including a manually movable member, a latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent one of the top and the bottom of the door, the latch mechanism including a latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position, and a non-rigid device for causing movement of the latch in response to movement of the manually movable member.

Abstract: The invention provides a lock body having a keyway and a throughbore parallel to the keyway with the throughbore having two portions separated by a shoulder. A first cable passes through the throughbore, the first cable having a knob at one end and a chevron at a second end. A second cable depends from and is attached to the lock body. The cable body also has a bolt that is biased partially into the first portion of the throughbore. The keyway has a plug that is rotatable with the proper key to retract the bolt from the throughbore. The chevron can pass by the bolt in an axial first direction by urging the chevron and allowing the taper to move the bolt transversely against the bias, but not in a second axial direction. A base accommodates the lock body and cables and is captured by the second cable.

Abstract: An emergency release system is disclosed for use with a side door of an automobile. The emergency release system may include a latch, a cable, and a handle connected to the latch via the cable. The handle may be pivotal through a first range to a stop, translatable to surmount the stop, and pivotal through a second range after surmounting the stop to release the latch.

Abstract: A striker applied to a vehicle seat includes an engagement pin having a bar shape and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes: a covering portion that covers a part of a lateral surface of the engagement pin from outside and to which one end portion of the engagement pin along a longitudinal axis of the engagement pin is fixed; and a mounting portion that is mounted to a vehicle seat or a vehicle. When directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the engagement pin are regarded as first directions and directions approximately corresponding to seat front-rear directions are regarded as second directions in a state where the mounting portion is mounted, the covering portion is provided with a first load receiving portion that is approximately perpendicular to the first directions and a second load receiving portion that is approximately perpendicular to the second directions.

Abstract: The invention is a sliding latch with a bolt sliding in and out of a primary housing from a closed condition to an open condition on a sled that also slides in the housing. A spring biases the bolt to extend out of the housing to the closed condition. The bolt can be moved to an open condition by an electric motor mounted on the sled that rotates a threaded member to move a nut in a cavity in the bolt that pulls the bolt against the spring bias. The bolt can also be moved to an open condition by a force directly on the bolt against the spring bias. The bolt can also be moved to an open condition by a force pulling on the sled to move the sled and nut so the nut pulls the bolt against the spring bias to an open condition.

Abstract: A latch is configured to fix a panel relative to a frame. The latch includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and defining an aperture along the longitudinal axis; a cap mounted within the aperture of the housing for rotation about the longitudinal axis, the cap comprising a drive surface; and a cover coupled to the housing to pivot about a lateral axis, the cover pivotable to be in a closed position in which the cover covers the cap; wherein when the cap is in an unlatched position, the drive surface of the cap is aligned with an engagement surface of the cover and positioned to block the cover from pivoting to the closed position; and wherein when the cap is in a latched position, the drive surface is unaligned with the engagement surface and positioned to permit the cover to pivot to the closed position.

Abstract: A surface-mounted device for controlling the swing/rotational motion of a hinged door/panel system. Said device controls the velocity of the door/panel's and provides check point(s) in the pathway of its motion. The device includes a non-pivoting carrier component to be fixed upon a hinged door/panel, a non-pivoting receiver component fastened to the adjacent and separate area which shares a common hinge(s)/axis with the movable door/panel and a flexible control arm component firmly attached at one end to the carrier. The flexible control arm is aligned with the receiver's through-body aperture by means of the carrier's fixed position on a movable hinged door/panel and provides control of the door/panel by means of passing into and through the aperture provisioned in the receiver in a linear manner to provide both speed and positional check control (motion detents) of the door's potential swing arc path.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching and detaching hard objects allowing for rotation wherein protrusions built in or attached to one object are forced into cavity sockets built in or attached to another by causing force resulting in momentary bending of protrusions or the cavities. The sequential bending causes curvilinear motion allowing protrusions to enter otherwise inaccessible cavity sockets. Once in, the components of the joining mechanism revert to natural position and an equilibrium is reached which keeps the objects attached, yet free to move around an axis. This equilibrium can only be disturbed by causing force at specific points on the mechanism and pulling the objects apart in a curvilinear motion, thereby detaching the objects in one continuous motion with little effort. Momentary bending necessary to operate the apparatus is made possible by empty space in the casing housing the mechanism. Permitted angles of rotation are controllable and attached objects can be locked in a position.

Abstract: A hinge locking device for a door includes a mounting plate defining an upper plate end and a lower plate end, a plate slot extending into the mounting plate at the lower plate end, the plate slot configured to receive a hinge plate of a door hinge assembly therethrough; a reinforcement gusset affixed to the mounting plate and defining a gusset recess aligned with the plate slot; and a barrel channel defined between the gusset recess and the mounting plate, the plate slot allowing lateral access to the barrel channel, the barrel channel configured to receive a hinge barrel of the door hinge assembly.

Abstract: A sliding door roller assembly includes a roller housing being at least partially disposed within an outer housing moveable relative to the roller housing and at least one roller wheel in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the at least one roller wheel. At least one resilient member is positioned at an end of the outer housing, and includes a fixed termination section coupled to an end member of the outer housing, a compliant section extending from the fixed termination section, a curved engagement section, and a resilient section between the compliant section and the curved engagement section and pivotable about the compliant section. The at least one resilient member is flexible from a first position to a second position when the curved engagement section mates with an inner surface of a slot defining a bottom edge of a panel secured to the outer housing to provide a holding force between the resilient member and the inner surface of the slot.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening and closing apparatus includes: a vehicle door; a rail mounted on a vehicle body; and a roller unit mounted on the vehicle door, and configured to move along the rail, where the roller unit allows the vehicle door to open and close in either a sliding mode, in which the vehicle door slides along the rail, or a swing mode, in which the vehicle door swings in a predetermined position of the rail.

Abstract: A guide system for guiding a door wing includes a first guide rail for guiding the door wing, and a second guide rail for guiding the door wing, with the second guide rail extending transversely relative to the first guide rail. A carrier displaceable along the second guide rail is connected or is to be connected to the door wing via at least three furniture hinges spaced from one another in the mounted condition. All furniture hinges, by which the door wing can be connected or is connected to the carrier in the mounted condition, are arranged or can be arranged on a common mounting member separate from the carrier. The mounting member is releasably connected to the carrier by a fastening device, and the mounting member is releasably connected to the carrier in a direction extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the carrier.

Abstract: A versatile door system for a vehicle having a frame with an opening. The door system includes a door assembly including a hingeable door and a slidable door. The hingeable door is hingeably coupled to the frame proximate the opening. The slidable door is slidably coupled to the hingeable door. A rail system includes a segmented upper rail having a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion formed on an exterior side of the hingeable door. The slidable door includes a slider bearing configured to sequentially engage the first and second portions of the segmented upper rail along a path of travel of the slidable door. In a closed configuration, the hingeable door and the slidable door are securably disposed within the opening. The hingeable door and the slidable door are configured to collectively provide access to selectable portions of the opening.

Abstract: Proposed is a door hinge. More particularly, there is provided a door hinge which is conveniently assembled, has a minimized shape, and above all, enables a closing force to be applied to a door so that when the door is opened, high-temperature heat is inhibited from being released from inside an apparatus on which the door hinge is installed.