Abstract: A shingle repair patch is provided that may include a base member and granules. An adhesive strip is positioned proximate an upper edge on the underside of the base member, or elsewhere on the underside of the base member. The adhesive strip preferably permanently bonds a rigid lip to the base member. The rigid lip preferably extends beyond the upper edge of the base member. An adhesive strip may be positioned on at least a portion of the bottom side of the rigid lip. Release tape is temporarily affixed to the adhesive strip. The adhesive strip is composed of an adhesive that adheres securely without an extended or heat-induced cure period. Standard adhesive may be applied to the remainder of the bottom of the base member, or further adhesive like that found in the adhesive strip may be applied to the remainder of the bottom of the base member.

Abstract: A filtration device for filtering a fluid includes a first barrier member having a plurality of openings through which the fluid can penetrate the first barrier member, the first barrier member having a plurality of edges including a first edge; and a first ion-dispersing thread in the first barrier member. A portion of the first ion-dispersing thread extends in a direction, the direction is non-parallel to the first edge of the first barrier member, and the direction is non-perpendicular to the first edge of the first barrier member.

Abstract: A roof gutter for the purpose of keeping small debris out of the gutter and allowing rainwater to pass into the gutter. The covering is comprised of a water permeable, weather resistant mesh having apertures of a pre-determined size for passing water, the mesh sized to substantially cover a rain gutter; corrugations formed in the mesh, a debris collection first trough disposed along a longitudinal axis of the mesh, formed by making at least two bends in the mesh, the first trough located between a longitudinal midline of the mesh and a front gutter end of the mesh.

Abstract: A rainwater collector to be mounted on a downpipe and including a saddle, a scoop, and a scoop support. The saddle is configured to be coupled to the downpipe. The saddle has an orifice configured to be placed opposite an opening formed in the downpipe. The scoop is configured to be introduced into the downpipe through the orifice of the saddle. The scoop support is configured to be mounted through the orifice of the saddle and to support the scoop inside the downpipe. The scoop and the scoop support are removably coupled to each other. The scoop support has a base and a bearing frame extending from the base. The scoop support further includes a tab extending from the base within the bearing frame. The tab being elastically deformable to form a clamp with the bearing frame and to hold the scoop between the tab and the bearing frame.

Abstract: A light and relatively simple structure for preventing rain leakage in a tree house. A tree house using a trunk of a tree as a pillar inevitably has a gap between the trunk and a roof. Thus, a plurality of two-layer waterproof sheets are placed on top of the roof, so that each sheet can absorb rain water that would run down the trunk of the tree and enter the gap, and can drain the rain water onto the roof. This makes it possible to prevent rain leakage in the tree house through the gap between the trunk of the tree and the roof.

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: Systems and methods for constructing staircases are described herein. The systems include a stringer hanger bracket for coupling a stair stringer of the staircase to an upper floor, two or more tread support structures and a jig. Each tread support structure is configured to couple a tread to the stair stringer. The jig is configured to determine a mounting position of each of the tread support structures on the stair stringer, determine a mounting position of each of the tread support structures on the stair stringer and/or determine a length of the stair stringer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mineral wool board, comprising the following steps: providing mineral wool fibers having a fiber length of 50 to 800 ?m; providing a binder comprising a mixture of liquid resin and mineral fillers having an average grain size d50 of 10 nm to 250 ?m; gluing the fibers with the binder, and compressing the glued fibers using heat and pressure.

Abstract: A spackling tool for spreading and smoothing spackling includes a main planar flat blade made of a thin resilient material. The blade is substantially rectangular in shape with left and right side edges and front and rear edges. In one embodiment, a left blade is formed by bending the material forming the main blade upwardly at an angle of substantially 90° and a right blade is formed in substantially the same way at the right side edge of the main blade. A handle is secured to the rear edge of the main blade at the midpoint thereof and extends away from the main blade in substantially the same plane as the main blade. In a second embodiment, the left and right blades are hinged to the main blade so that the angle between them and the main blade can be adjusted.

Abstract: An additive printing device and a method for using the same to manufacture a tower structure of a wind turbine is provided. The additive printing device includes a vertical support structure, a support ring suspended from the vertical support structure, and a printer head movably coupled to the support ring for selectively depositing cementitious material. A drive mechanism, such as a rack and pinion, moves the printer head around the support ring while selectively depositing cementitious material. The vertical support structure may be raised and/or the relative position between the vertical support structure and the printer head may be adjusted to raise the printer head to print subsequent layers. This process may be repeated to print the tower structure layer-by-layer from the ground up.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of pump truck control, and discloses a pump truck boom control method, a pump truck boom control system and a pump truck. The pump truck boom control method comprises: detecting a working condition of a boom, wherein the boom is divided into first-type arms close to the first arm and second-type arms close to the last arm in advance; and controlling each arm in the first-type arms to act at respective preset movement speed when the boom is in an opening placing boom working condition before the construction or in a folding placing boom working condition after the construction. The method can realize speed-up control on movement speeds of the each arm in the first-type arms under the opening placing boom working condition before the construction or under the folding placing boom working condition after the construction without a boom posture detection sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preventing a user from moving beyond a first distance from a support structure. The apparatus comprises an extension member, comprising a first end and a second end that is opposite the first end. The first end is configured to be fixed to the support structure. The second end is movable relative to the first end along a plane and the second end is configured to extend away from the first end to an extended position and retract from the extended position towards the first end to a retracted position. The apparatus also comprises a flexible tether, having a fixed length and comprising an anchor end, attached to the second end of the extension member, and a user end, configured to attach to a user. The extended position is no more than a second distance away from the first end. The sum of the fixed length and the second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A method, includes securing a component of an anchor apparatus to a board of a form utilized to form a concrete support structure; coupling an anchor of the anchor apparatus relative to the component by engaging a threaded segment of the component with a cooperative threaded segment of the anchor; depositing concrete within the form to create the concrete support structure, the concrete support structure at least partially enclosing the anchor; removing at least a portion of the board of the form; and accessing the anchor through a cavity in the concrete structure formed by the component.

Abstract: A post connection adapter for detachably fastening a scaffolding post to a support includes a fastening body having first and second fastening-body fasteners in first and second fastening-body fastening positions, respectively, and detachably fastenable to the support selectively by the first or second fastener. The first and second positions have a fastening position distance between each other of 72 mm. The post connection adapter includes a post connection body extending toward the post connection body axis and fastened to the fastening body. An imaginary center plane containing an imaginary center point between the first and second positions is offset by 20 mm perpendicular to the center plane and to the post connection body axis, with respect to a post connection body axis plane extending parallel to the center plane and containing the post connection body axis. A device has two identical post connection adapters detachably fastened to a support.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a load bearing ledger fitting, a modular header beam, a perimeter safety deck, a multi-purpose bearing plate, and a mega-shore bearing plate of an integrated construction system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pole assembly. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a first pole section which is formed by an inner shell wall surrounding a hollow inner cavity. According to a further preferred embodiment, the inner shell wall is formed as a first column of a given shape, which is formed of fiberglass reinforced polymer, and which is surrounded by a center fill layer. The center fill layer is preferably formed of SSC concrete which surrounds the inner shell wall. According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention preferably further includes an outer shell wall which is formed as a second column of a given shape, which surrounds the center fill layer.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a tower structure of a wind turbine includes an additive printing device having a central frame structure with a platform and an arm member. The arm member is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tower structure. The additive printing device also includes a plurality of robotic arms secured to the arm member of the central frame structure. Each of the robotic arms includes a printer head for additively printing one or more materials. The additive printing device further includes at least one nozzle configured for dispensing a cementitious material. Moreover, the system includes one or more molds additively printed via the additive printing device of a polymer material. As such, the mold(s) define inner and outer wall limits of the tower structure.

Abstract: A system for providing shade onto a surface is described herein. The system includes a canopy configured for engagement with, and aerial suspension by, a frame. The frame includes a plurality of sections configured for end-to-end alignment from a left end to a right end of the frame. Each section is configured to engage with any adjacent sections to form the frame. The ends of the frame are secured to the surface, thereby aerially suspending the canopy and providing shade to the surface.

Abstract: An expandable canopy frame including a plurality of legs coupled to each other through a plurality of rib members scissor-type coupled together, with upper ends of certain of the rib members being respectively coupled to top ends of the legs, and lower ends of certain of the rib members being respectively coupled to a slider mechanism slidably mounted to each of the respective legs; a roof assembly for supporting a canopy; and a releasable locking assembly, coupled to the roof assembly, for facilitating the expansion of the expandable canopy into an expanded position and for maintaining the canopy in the expanded position; wherein the expandable canopy in its expanded position has a plurality of sides, and wherein the releasable locking assembly is closer to one of the sides than to the remaining sides of the expandable canopy in its expanded position.

Abstract: A mechanically reprogrammable cylinder lock includes a magnetic tool to provide reprogramming.

Abstract: An electric lock includes a housing, a manual control member rotatably affixed to the housing, and a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch base rotatably affixed to the housing; a retractable plug arranged on the clutch base, wherein the retractable plug is radially movable relative to the clutch base; a driving member abutting against a first end of the retractable plug; and a motor configured to drive the driving member to move relative to the clutch base toward the shaft of the manual control member.

Abstract: A closing device has a first closing part which has a housing and a blocking piece disposed on the housing; a second closing part which has a sprung locking element which at least in portions is configured so as to be spring-elastic; and a magnetic element which acts between the blocking piece of the first closing part and the second closing part and causes a magnetic attraction force between the blocking piece of the first closing part and the second closing part. The first closing part for closing the closing device is capable of being placed on the second closing part in a closing direction. The blocking piece and the sprung locking element in a closing position are mutually engaged such that the first closing part in the direction counter to the closing direction is locked in relation to the second closing part.

Abstract: A security system having: a frame with first and second support assemblies respectively having first and second cantilevered arms, each with a free end; and a blocking assembly. The first free end can be directed into a U-shaped portion on a first portable consumer article to allow the U-shaped portion to straddle the first cantilevered arm. The second free end can be directed into a U-shaped portion on a second portable consumer article to allow the U-shaped portion on the second article to straddle the second cantilevered arm. Changing the blocking assembly from the loading state into the securing state prevents the first and second articles, straddling respective arms, from being separated from the security system. Changing the blocking assembly from the securing state into the loading state allows either of the first and second displayed articles to be separated from the security system without separating the other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tamper proof tag and accompanying method for verifying that a watch is authentic and has not been tampered with. The tamper proof tag, when affixed to the watch, ensures that the watch is authentic and prevents a user from tampering with the watch. The tamper proof tag also allows the watch to be worn while the tamper proof tag is affixed to watch and is minimally obstructive to the aesthetics of the watch. This provides a purchasing user with confidence that the watch is authentic, while also allowing the user to try on the watch without having to remove the tamper proof tag. The tamper proof tag also protects the seller from a user that may attempt to tamper with the watch after purchase. For example, the seller may condition returns for a sold watch on the tamper proof tag remaining affixed to the watch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-theft device configured to be attached to merchandise to be protected the anti-theft device including a housing, which comprises a winding apparatus rotatably arranged therein, at least one securing-loop arrangement designed and intended to loop around the merchandise to be protected such that the anti-theft device can be securely connected to the merchandise to be protected, and a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A security apparatus having a lock head and lock body is disclosed. The lock head includes lock fingers capable of shifting horizontally. When collapsed, the lock fingers may be withdrawn from a security slot of a portable electronic device. Engaging members are set at the lock head and lock body respectively such that the two can be secured together or be readily removable from each other when needed. The lock body includes a locking mechanism operably coupled to the lock head. Configurations of the lock fingers are alterable via the locking mechanism. The lock head and the locking mechanism are on different planes.

Abstract: An actuator for motor vehicle applications, in particular a motor vehicle door actuator, includes a manually or electromotively operating drive. Furthermore, a flexible drive means which is connected to the drive and can be acted upon by the latter is realized. Additionally provided is an actuating member driven by the drive means. According to the invention, the drive means is produced predominantly from plastic.

Abstract: A lock for a motor vehicle includes a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a closing device having an electric drive, wherein the locking mechanism can be transferred from a pre-locking position into a main locking position by the closing device, and a control unit for the closing drive, wherein a closing operation can be prevented in accordance with a measurement variable of the closing drive, and wherein the closing operation can be prevented in accordance with a determinable deviation from a setpoint value curve.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which is equipped with a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and at least one pawl. An actuating lever mounted in a lock case for rotation about an axis is also provided. The pawl is mounted on the actuating lever for rotation about an axis. According to the invention, the rotary latch applies a closing moment on the pawl when the locking mechanism is in the closed state, which moment transitions into an opening moment on the pawl when the locking mechanism is opened as a result of the associated movement of the actuating lever and the shifting of the axis for the pawl.

Abstract: The emergency egress apparatus includes a protuberance mated to a first portion of the door barricade and a keeper mated to a second portion of the door barricade. A retainer is selectively disposed between one of two positions. A first position defines the placement of the retainer that establishes an interference fit between the protuberance and the keeper. A second position defines the placement of the retainer such that it is not in contact with the protuberance or the keeper. The first position secures the first portion of the door barricaded with respect to the second portion of the door barricade, and the second position decouples the first portion of the door barricade with respect to the second portion of the door barricade.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a door stopper including a hook member, a clamping member and a stopping member. The hook member includes a plug-in member and a hook portion disposed on the plug-in member. The clamping member is disposed on one side of the plug-in member and cooperates with the hook portion for clamping a door frame. Therefore, the door stopper of the implementation can be clamped on the door frame, a user mounts this embodiment on the door frame after checking into a hotel and a guesthouse, the plug-in member and the clamping member will not fall from the door frame after the door is opened, so this embodiment is convenient for the user to use when closing the door next time, and there is no need to remount the hook member after each entry.

Abstract: An assembly includes a furniture hinge having a first fitting portion configured to be fixed to a first furniture part, a second fitting portion configured to be fixed to a second furniture part, and a hinge axis hingedly connecting the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion to one another. At least one cover is configured to at least partially cover a gap formed between the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion. A fastening device for fixing the cover to the furniture hinge is provided, and the fastening device includes an arresting device for fixing the fastening device on different positions of the cover in a longitudinal direction of the cover.

Abstract: A door stop system is presented for restricting range of motion of a multi-axial hinge having a main link and a secondary link pivotally connected between a first end member and a second end member. In one or more embodiments, the system is configured to be positioned and held within cutout opening of the hinge, between the main link and either the first end member or second end member to restrict the range of motion. In one or more embodiments, the system includes a first stop component, a second stop component configured to be positioned around the secondary link within the cutout opening and connected together by the one or more fasteners. A portion of at least one of the first stop component or second stop component limits the range of motion of the hinge.

Abstract: A furniture fitting for moving a movable furniture part relative to a furniture carcass includes a housing to be connected to the furniture carcass, and an actuating mechanism arranged or can be arranged at least in part within the housing. The actuating mechanism can be connected to the movable furniture part, and the actuating mechanism can swivel about at least one rotation axis. The actuating mechanism and/or at least one inner side of the housing facing the actuating mechanism has a local elevation, by which, at least in a relative position of the actuating mechanism to the housing, a play between the actuating mechanism and the inner side of the housing facing the actuating mechanism is at least halved in comparison to a region surrounding the local elevation.

Abstract: A double-axis hinge structure including a fixing member, a first shaft, a first guiding portion, a second shaft, a second guiding portion, and a slide guiding member is provided. The first shaft and the second shaft pass through the fixing member and the slide guiding member. The first guiding portion and the second guiding portion are respectively integrally formed on the first shaft and the second shaft. The slide guiding member has a third guiding portion and a fourth guiding portion. When one or both of the first shaft and the second shaft rotates relative to the fixing member, the guidance between the first guiding portion and the third guiding portion and/or the second guiding portion and the fourth guiding portion drives the slide guiding member to slide, so that the first shaft and the second shaft synchronously rotate in opposite directions by the same amount of rotation.

Abstract: A hinge bracket assembly includes an appliance wrapper defining a first receiving space extending in a first direction, a second receiving space extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a third receiving space extending in a third direction oriented at an acute angle relative to the first direction. An anchor plate is engaged with the appliance wrapper and includes a retention member received by the first receiving space, a first flange received by the second receiving space, and a second flange received by the third receiving space. A hinge plate is coupled with the anchor plate and includes a protrusion received by a slot defined by the retention member. The appliance wrapper is positioned between the anchor and hinge plates. A locking arm is selectively engaged with the anchor and hinge plates and is rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Abstract: With respect to an opening/closing control device for controlling an opening/closing operation of an opening/closing body driven by a motor, the opening/closing control device includes a current detector, a voltage detector, a processor, and a memory. The processor calculates the speed of the opening/closing body based on a change in the detected position of the opening/closing body, and decreases the pinch threshold value in a case where a state, in which the calculated speed of the opening/closing body is less than or equal to a first predetermined threshold value, and a temporal change in the calculated load is greater than or equal to a second predetermined threshold value and less than or equal to a third predetermined threshold value, continues for a certain period of time or greater.

Abstract: An engine hood drive for an engine hood system of a motor vehicle includes a drive unit for delivering a torque at a predetermined adjusting angle between a passive position and an active position. A drive lever is connected in a torque-transmitting manner to the drive unit for pivoting between the passive position and the active position and which has an actuating end. A driving slot has a guide receiver for the actuating end of the drive lever. The driving slot is pivotable about a flap hinge for an engine hood at a predetermined flap angle between a closed position and an open position. The driving slot is transferrable in the direction of the open position as a result of a pivoting movement of the drive lever from the direction of the passive position in the direction of the active position.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving an open-and-close body and a method for attaching the drive unit to the open-and-close body. The drive unit includes a cable, a drum, a pulley, a fix member, an elastic member, and a limiting member. The cable has a portion connected to the open-and-close body and another portion wound on the drum. The pulley is movable between a first position, where the pulley does not tension the cable, and a second position, where the pulley engages the cable and applies tension to the cable. The fix member is capable of fixing the pulley in the first position. The elastic member urges the pulley towards the second position. The limiting member is provided between the drum and the fix member, and the limiting member allows or limits rotation of the drum in accordance with the position of the pulley.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening and closing an overhead door includes a drive loop coupled to the overhead door, a motor with a drive shaft and a drive wheel for driving the drive loop. A one-way bearing couples the drive shaft to the drive wheel, which one-way bearing is configured to transmit torque from the motor to the drive wheel, as the motor rotates the drive shaft in a first rotational direction to raise the overhead door, and configured so that torque is not transmitted to the drive wheel as the motor rotates the drive shaft in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. As a result, the motor applies torque through the one-way bearing to raise the overhead door and to support the weight of the overhead door while lowering the overhead door.

Abstract: A novel and useful frameless supplemental window for fenestration incorporating infiltration blockers suitable for use with existing windows. The supplemental window, in one embodiment, comprises plastic sheet material with bullnose edging around it. Corner braces add rigidity and strength to corners in several embodiments. An attachment mechanism secured either to the sheet material or the bullnose edge functions to fasten and/or seal the supplemental window to an existing window. Infiltration blockers fastened to the sheet or bullnose prevent or minimize air leakage around various window elements. The bullnose edging and infiltration blockers function to substantially enclose (i.e. trap) a volume of air between the window pane and the plastic sheet material. The supplemental window is configured such that the layer of air enclosed is of an optimum thickness within a preferred range of 0.15 to 0.75 inches to maximize thermal insulation properties of the supplemental window.

Abstract: A window blind has a headrail, a bottom rail, and multiple slats provided below the headrail. In the headrail, an adjusting shaft and an auxiliary adjusting module are provided and connected. A ladder string is connected to the adjusting shaft, whereby the adjusting shaft adjusts a shape of the ladder string to tilt the slats and the bottom rail. A first cord and a second cord extend out of the headrail and are connected to opposite sides of the bottom rail. When the adjusting shaft drives the slats to tilt in a direction, the auxiliary adjusting module releases the first cord out of the headrail and retracts the second cord into the headrail. When the slats are tilted in an opposite direction, the auxiliary adjusting module retracts the first cord into the headrail and releases the second cord out of the headrail.

Abstract: A rotary positioning adjustment device includes a shaft sleeve and a connecting rod. A reel is fixedly connected with an end of the connecting rod; a fixed seat is sleeved on the connecting rod; the reel is arranged in the fixed seat; and a power storage assembly is installed in the shaft sleeve. The power storage assembly includes a power input piece, a second torsion spring and a power output piece; a first support leg of the second torsion spring is connected in a hooked mode with one side of an input block of the power input piece, and a second support leg of the second torsion spring is connected in a hooked mode with the other side of the input block. A curtain includes the rotary positioning adjustment device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described herein for pre-winding a motorized roller shade. The motorized roller shade may include a roller tube, a flexible material attached to the roller tube, a motor drive unit, and mounting brackets configured to support respective ends of the roller tube. The roller tube of the roller shade may be slid to an extended position. A configuration procedure may be determined to have been initiated. The flexible material may be secured, for example, to prevent the flexible material from unrolling. The roller tube may be wound a predetermined number of rotations with the flexible material and a hembar of the roller shade secured, for example, to prevent the flexible material from being raised or lowered. Winding the roller tube may include pre-winding a spring that is coupled to the roller tube. The flexible material may be unsecured when the roller tube has been pre-wound.

Abstract: A flexible curtain defines a major surface and is configured to repeatedly actuate to move between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. Two sensors are configured to detect different condition and are removably attached to two sensor attachment locations. The major surface extends across an operational surface of a target system such that the sensors detect the conditions of the target system when the flexible curtain defines the deployed configuration. The flexible curtain and the sensors converge at a predetermined edge of the flexible curtain to expose the operational surface of the target system when the flexible curtain defines the stowed configuration.

Abstract: An improved roller shade system provides increased support, additional adjustments and/or increased safety. The slip plate allows the brake to slip forward and minimize damage to the clutch spring when a user pulls too hard on the hembar. The center drive mechanism extends through a bracket to allow the drive shaft to distribute power in both directions and drive two shade tube simultaneously. The tube adapter absorbs force from the spinning shade tube to minimize damage to the other components and the bead chain. The sprocket has a back wall supporting the sprocket, allowing the sprocket 130 to rest on the back flange of the sun gear to minimize pressure on the gears. An adjustment arm is adjusted to help level the shade band. The shade bands may be removed without disturbing the other shade bands in the system. A height of a hembar may be adjusted by rotating a rod within the hembar.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a roller blind limiter assembly comprising a support-engaging member, a limit screw and a limit nut threadedly engaged therewith, operatively connectable to a roller blind tube and travelling along the screw upon extension and retraction of a blind, wherein, in use, the limit nut abuts a winding stopper of the limit screw when the blind reaches upper and/or lower end positions. The roller blind limiter assembly is configurable in a locked configuration wherein the limit screw is fixedly mountable to the roller blind support, and an unlocked configuration wherein the support-engaging member is pivotable about the longitudinal direction with respect to the limit screw. The present disclosure also concerns a roller blind mechanism and a roller blind system comprising such a limiter assembly, and a method for adjusting an end position of a roller blind.

Abstract: A telescopic ladder system includes a lower base configured to be connected to a ladder-supporting portion of a vehicle, and a ladder including a base section and a fly section operatively connected to the base section and slidable relative thereto. A supporting member is disposed at a distal end of the fly section. A security railing is connected to the distal end. The ladder has an attachment point for attaching a safety line thereto. The attachment point is disposed at one of the fly section, the supporting member and the security railing. A first actuator selectively sets an inclination angle of the ladder relative to the lower base. A second actuator selectively extends the ladder by sliding the fly section relative to the base section. A safety system and a method for securing an operator atop a vehicle or van are also contemplated.

Abstract: A sensor system has a cutter element for a cutting tool, an interrogation transceiver operable to transmit a radio-frequency (RF) interrogation signal; and a sensor transceiver system operable to receive the RF interrogation signal and to transmit an RF response signal. The sensor transceiver system includes a signal guide medium configured to transduce between the RF interrogation signal, a guided signal in the signal guide medium, and the RF response signal. A characteristic of the RF response signal is dependent upon a condition of the signal guide medium. The cutter element includes the signal guide medium to allow the condition of the signal guide medium to depend upon a condition of the cutter element proximate the signal guide medium. A method of using the sensor system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill head of a ground drilling device includes a drill bit and an attachment which can be fastened to the drill bit, wherein at least one dowel pin is provided for holding the attachment on the drill bit, and the drill bit has one or more receptacles for a dowel pin, wherein the receptacle is enlarged with respect to the radius of the dowel pin.