Abstract: A method of forming glass-like sheets using date palm seeds is provided. The method includes milling date palm seeds to form a powder. The powder is compressed to form discs, after which the discs are immersed in a delignification solution followed by removal from the delignification solution and washing. The discs formed from the date palm seed powder are immersed in a bleaching solution until a change in color is observed from opaque to transparent. The transparent discs thus formed are then hardened through application of an epoxy resin. The initial grinding procedure may be substituted by an initial slicing step of the date palm seeds in a similar method of forming the glass-like sheets.

Abstract: The non-wood pulps have a fiber length greater than about 1.70 mm and a porosity of about 100 cfm or greater. The relatively high degree of porosity is achieved without a loss in tensile strengths. The high degree of porosity and strength makes the pulps well suited for the manufacture of wet-laid fibrous products, particularly wet-laid tissue products. The pulps may be prepared from plants of the family Asparagaceae by mechanical pulping and more preferably by a chemi-mechanical pulping using a sodium hydroxide alkaline peroxide solution where the plant biomass is cut to size prior to pulping.

Abstract: Application of KBC as a unique form of and source of nano-crystalline cellulose having viability for use in place of or in conjunction with alternative fiber additives, such as for paper products and reinforced paper composites.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-ply creped tissue products, and in particular embodiments creped wet-pressed tissue products, having substantially higher per-ply basis weights, such as from about 14.0 grams per square meter or greater. Despite having relatively high per-ply basis weights, the products are generally soft and flexible, such as having a softness value (measured as TS7) less than about 10.0 and a Stiffness Index less than about 20.0. While being soft and flexible, the tissue products are durable enough to withstand use, such as having a geometric mean tensile (GMT) greater than about 1,000 g/3?.

Abstract: A bollard sleeve with a removable or replaceable cover is described. In one example, the bollard sleeve includes a cover portion and a sleeve portion coupled to the cover portion. The cover portion can have a cover removably coupled to a skirt, and the sleeve portion can have a tab. When the tab is in a first position, the tab can prevent the cover from being removed. When the tab is in a second position, the tab can form an opening that allows the cover to be removed. The tab can be bent from the first position to the second position, or the tab can be removed from the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A haunched component-based steel support structure for a foundation pit, including an enclosing purlin beam, a support beam located on an inner side of the enclosing purlin beam, and a triangular support arranged on the enclosing purlin beam. A first edge of the triangular support is fixedly arranged on the enclosing purlin beam. An end of the support beam abuts against a second edge of the triangular support to be supported on the enclosing purlin beam, and a haunched component is arranged between the enclosing purlin beam and a third edge of the triangular support. A first side of the haunched component is connected to the third edge of the triangular support, and a second side of the haunched component is connected to the enclosing purlin beam.

Abstract: A material handling bucket apparatus including a material handling bucket and method of use thereof. The material handling bucket includes a bucket back half and a bucket front half. The bucket back half is configured to engage a loader. The bucket back half includes a plurality of guide slots and a dozer scraping lip configured to engage a surface. The bucket front half is pivotally coupled to the bucket back half. The bucket front half includes a plurality of slide members receivable in the plurality of guide slots. The plurality of slide members are configured to slide within the plurality of guide slots to allow the bucket front half to move linearly and pivotally relative to the bucket back half.

Abstract: A support system is provided for a gear case of a rope shovel. The gear case supports a gear drive configured to drive rotation of a hoist drum, and the gear case includes a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The support system includes: a coupling for securing the gear case against translational movement relative to a rotating frame, the coupling oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis and configured to engage the rotating frame and a portion of the gear case; and a support member configured to be coupled to the rotating frame of the rope shovel and supporting the gear case, the support member permitting translational movement of the gear case relative to the rotating frame to accommodate flexing of the rotating frame.

Abstract: A work machine comprises: a work implement; a hydraulic cylinder; a hydraulic pump that supplies the hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder via a hydraulic circuit; a relief valve that can set a relief pressure of the hydraulic circuit to either a first set pressure or a second set pressure higher than the first set pressure; a detection unit that detects at least one of a pressure of the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic circuit and a speed of the work implement; and a relief pressure changing unit that changes a relief pressure of the relief valve from the first set pressure to the second set pressure based on a detection value of at least one of the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic circuit and the speed of the work implement when the controlled state of the work implement is the excavation state.

Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body turnably mounted on the lower traveling body, a link unit attached to the upper turning body, and a processing circuitry configured to align an end of the link unit with an end attachment to be attached.

Abstract: A blade for a work machine includes a body having a main portion including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A wing portion is pivotally coupled to the body about a pivot axis. The first lateral edge includes a curved edge extending outwardly towards the wing portion, where the curved edge forms an apex between the top edge and the bottom edge. A first axis is defined through a first intersection point and a second intersection point, the first intersection point located at an intersection of the top edge and the first lateral edge and the second intersection point located at an intersection of the bottom edge and the first lateral edge. A second axis is defined through the apex and is parallel to the first axis. The pivot axis is located between the first axis and the second axis.

Abstract: A vibration ripper having a link structure with an improved vibration isolating function is characterized by including: a first vibroisolating body installed across the vibration body from a left lower portion of the vibration body; and a link device for connecting the outer body and the first vibroisolating body in order to absorb vibrations, wherein the link device is provided with a pair of connection members which are spaced apart from and parallel to each other, a coupling hole for coupling the first vibroisolating body is formed in the left side of the connection members, and a second vibroisolating body coupled to the outer body is integrally installed on the right side of the connection members.

Abstract: A camera captures an image of a region including at least a portion of an operating member and generates image data indicative of the image. A controller acquires the image data from the camera. The controller determines whether an operation of the operating member by an operator is an intentional operation or an unintentional operation based on the image. When the operation of the operating member by the operator is determined to be the intentional operation, the controller controls a work machine according to the operation of the operating member. When the operation of the operating member by the operator is determined to be the unintentional operation, the controller invalidates the operation of the operating member.

Abstract: A site management system manages the positions of workers and work areas of work machines. The workers can recognize the work areas of the work machines at a work site in which the work machines and the workers carry out work. A site management device is connected to a worker terminal carried by a worker and a work machine processor is mounted on a work machine 1. The site management device generates worker information 360 on the basis of a signal transmitted from the worker terminal and generates work machine information 350 based on a signal transmitted from the work machine processor. Work area information 380 including the position and the work area of a work machine is generated on the basis of the pieces of information 350 and 360 and a work area notification signal is transmitted with the work area information to the worker terminal device.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system may include a first input component to control a lean angle of at least one set of wheels of a machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the lean angle. The control system may include a second input component to control an articulation angle of an articulated joint of the machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the articulation angle. The control system may include a third input component to control a rotation angle of an implement of the machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the rotation angle.

Abstract: A management server receives a maximum value and a minimum value of the respective voltages in a plurality of battery cells configuring an electricity storage device of a hydraulic excavator from the hydraulic excavator, and stores the values in a storage device. Discharge characteristics of the electricity storage device are stored in the storage device in the management server. A battery state estimation calculating unit in the management server calculates an estimation maximum value and an estimation minimum value of cell voltages in the present or in the future by adding the discharge characteristics stored in the storage device to the latest maximum value and the latest minimum value of the cell voltages stored in the storage device. A management information producing unit outputs information based upon the estimation maximum value and the estimation minimum value of the cell voltages calculated in the battery state estimation calculating unit.

Abstract: To achieve improvement of operability and reduction of energy loss, when controlling so that an upper limit pressure of a discharge line becomes a pressure corresponding to an manipulation tool manipulation amount by controlling an increase or decrease of a bypass amount, in a hydraulic control circuit equipped with a bypass valve for controlling a bypass amount flowing from a hydraulic pump to an oil tank. By using a bypass valve control map representing a relationship between a manipulation tool manipulation amount and a spool stroke, the spool stroke of a bypass valve is controlled, and an upper limit pressure of the discharge line is set so that an opening area of the bypass valve is fully closed by a manipulation amount which is larger than a manipulation tool manipulation amount at which the maximum pressure of the discharge line is reached.

Abstract: A working machine includes a prime mover, a traveling device, a traveling motor, a traveling pump, a circulation fluid passage, a traveling switching valve shiftable between a first state corresponding to a first speed of a hydraulic motor and a second state corresponding to a second speed of the hydraulic motor, a brake, an actuation valve configured to output the hydraulic pressure applied to the traveling pump, and change the hydraulic pressure output therefrom, and a controller configured or programmed to control the traveling switching valve, the brake and the actuation valve, and being capable of activating a first mode. The controller is configured or programmed to, when activating the first mode, shift the brake into a braking state, shift the traveling switching valve into the second state, and control the actuation valve so as to set the hydraulic pressure output from the actuation valve to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a construction machine including: an engine generating power; a pump generating hydraulic pressure by receiving power generated from the engine; a main control valve receiving signal oil from the pump; a key switch capable of turning on and off power of an electronic unit; an engine control unit that maintains operation of the engine for a predetermined time and then stops operation of the engine when the key switch is switched from an on-state, during which power of the electronic unit may be turned on, to an off-state; and a pilot cut-off valve for opening and closing the signal oil according to the state of the key switch, and an accident caused by the engine control unit may be prevented by the construction machine.

Abstract: A system automatically controls a work machine including a work implement. The system includes a processor. The processor controls the work machine by selectively executing a normal digging mode in order to dig an actual topography at a work site, and a wall digging mode in order to dig a digging wall formed between a plurality of slots by digging the actual topography. When the wall digging mode is executed, the processor acquires starting edge position data indicative of a position of a starting edge of the digging wall. The processor determines a digging starting position based on the position of the starting edge of the digging wall. The processor controls the work machine to dig the digging wall from the digging starting position.

Abstract: A time period for which an ineffective operation is performed during an excavation work is reduced. A work machine includes a vehicular body, a running wheel rotatably attached to the vehicular body, a work implement operable with respect to the vehicular body, an operation apparatus for operating the running wheel and the work implement, and a controller that controls an operation by the work machine. The controller determines that slip-during-excavation which refers to slip of the running wheel with respect to the ground is occurring during the excavation work based on an operation command value output from the operation apparatus and outputs a signal relating to working of the work implement.

Abstract: In some implementations, the EMV uses a calibration to inform autonomous control over the EMV. To calibrate an EMV, the system first selects a calibration action comprising a control signal for actuating a control surface of the EMV. Then, using a calibration model comprising a machine learning model trained based on one or more previous calibration actions taken by the EMV, the system predicts a response of the control surface to the control signal of the calibration action. After the EMV executes the control signal to perform the calibration action, the EMV system monitors the actual response of the control signal and uses that to update the calibration model based on a comparison between the predicted and monitored states of the control surface.

Abstract: Provided herein are atmospheric water harvesting systems that are tailored with an optimal adsorption threshold, based on energy cost and water availability considerations. The systems include a plurality of adsorbent modules, each containing metal organic frameworks of various adsorption thresholds. Such a design enables real time adjustment to achieve optimal harvesting conditions in changing atmospheric conditions, whether for daily or seasonal humidity variations.

Abstract: Generally, a water harvester useful in harvesting water from supply air. Specifically, a water harvester configured to remove the heat gained during adsorption of water by the water capture material contained in the water capture modules of the water harvester. Removal of the enthalpy associated with the adsorption of water by the water capture material can lower the equilibrium temperature of the water capture material and increase the driving potential of adsorption by the water capture material and correspondingly increase the difference in absolute humidity between the supply air passing into a water capture module and the discharge air passing out of a water capture module.

Abstract: A rigid T-shaped body with a hollowed cavity is configured to intercept a drain line between a clogged portion and an unclogged portion. A first inlet on the body to receive pressurized water from a water line. A second inlet on the body to receive pressurized air from a mobile air source. The second inlet can have a smaller diameter than the first inlet. The pressurized air is mixed with the pressurized water in a chamber at an intersection of the T-shaped body to produce a pressurized air/water combination of air pressurized water droplets. A combined outlet for coupling to the clogged portion of the drain pipe to force the pressurized air/water combination to clear the clogged portion of the drain.

Abstract: A portable personal urinal device designed for home use provides a practical and hygienic solution for urination. The device features a vertical standing support with a base equipped with lockable casters for mobility. An upper reservoir for water is attached near the top of the support, with ports for water introduction and removal. Below this, a urine receptor with a height adjustment mechanism includes a bowl and a waste liquid reservoir. The device facilitates fluid communication between the bowl and the reservoir through conduits equipped with valve mechanisms for controlling water flow and waste disposal. Additional functionalities include a movable top cover for the receptor, integrated pumps for water and waste management, and optional features such as a toilet paper holder and a deodorizer in the water reservoir. This invention addresses hygiene, convenience, and aesthetic appeal, making it suitable for diverse user needs and settings.

Abstract: A water turbine and electric motor hybrid power suction type water-saving toilet, with toilet main body comprising a hollow frame, a hollow frame water inlet, a basin bottom water injection hole and an S-shaped bend, wherein the hollow frame is located on upper part of the toilet with water injection holes distributed along the periphery towards inner side of the toilet; the hollow frame water inlet is formed in rear part of the toilet; the basin bottom water injection hole is formed in lower part of the toilet and communicates with the hollow frame water inlet through a pipe cavity attached to outer wall of the toilet; and a basin bottom water injection valve is arranged at the opening of the basin bottom water injection hole leading to the S-shaped bend and controls connection/disconnection of basin bottom water injection hole and S-shaped bend inlet section with water pumping process synchronously.

Abstract: A touchless actuation system for a toilet includes a touchless sensor, a motor assembly, and a processing circuit. The touchless sensor is located within a closed reservoir of the toilet. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal from the touchless sensor and to detect an object within a detection region based on the signal. The detection region is external to the closed reservoir. The processing circuit is configured to facilitate flushing of the toilet through interaction with the motor assembly when the object is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a receptacle suitable for control, data collection, and remote management. An exemplary receptacle may include a basin for receiving at least one viscous element; at least one sensor physically associated with the basin; and at least one actuator responsive to the at least one sensor, wherein actuation of the actuator outputs the viscous element to the basin. The receptacle may further include a controller at least partially physically proximate to the basin and capable of controlling the actuation of the at least one actuator; and a control system communicative with the local controller over at least open data path, wherein the control system imposes a plurality of rules to the controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular building structure, comprising: a plurality of floor slab frames, a plurality of first wall panels, a plurality of second wall panels, a plurality of floor module boards, and a plurality of ceiling module boards. The two adjacent floor slab frames are connected through a plurality of clips, so as to fix the floor slab frames together. Through those structure, the workers can quickly build multiple floors with strength not much different from normal floors, while all the modular components ensure that they can be prefabricated in advance in the factory, which can also significantly improve the transportation efficiency.

Abstract: A modular building section defining the roof and opposing walls of a modular clearspan building. The building section includes a roof portion extending in a longitudinal direction between opposite first and second ends, and a pair of first and second legs, each leg pivotally attached about a pivot axis to the roof portion proximate a roof portion end. Each of the first and second legs has a stowed position in which the leg generally extends in the longitudinal direction and is in superposition with the roof portion, and an expanded position in which the leg depends from the roof portion and generally extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. The legs are moveable independently of each other from their respective stowed positions to their respective expanded positions under the influence of gravity during lifting of the roof portion. Also disclosed are methods for constructing a modular clearspan building.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for tilt-up construction using an anchor, a wood beam or other object, and a fastener for coupling the anchor to the object. The anchor is positioned proximate an interior surface of the wood beam and secured to the wood beam with the fastener. The wood beam is part of a wall form having one or more wall sections for defining an interior boundary for receiving a pourable substrate such as concrete. Once the concrete has been poured, the anchor is fixedly coupled to the wood beam. In alternate embodiments, a first fastener and a second fastener may be used to removably couple the second fastener to the first fastener in instances where the wood beam needs to be removed for certain types of tilt-up construction. In these embodiments, the first fastener is cast in the concrete, but is not fixedly coupled to the wood beam.

Abstract: A connecting member, an ALC batten mounting node structure, and a prefabricated mounting method are provided. The connecting member includes a connecting part, a first pipe clamp, and a second pipe clamp. The connecting part includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment, the first pipe clamp and the second pipe clamp are respectively perpendicular to the first connecting segment, and symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the first connecting segment, and the second connecting segment is bent towards one side of the first connecting segment.

Abstract: A method and kit for installing siding panels to an exterior surface of a structure. The method and kit are directed to the positioning of a mending plate between the ends of horizontally adjacent siding panels. Lines of an adhesive are applied to the mending and the mending plate is disposed approximately midway between the ends of each of the adjacent first and second siding panels. Pressure is applied to the ends of the siding panels that are disposed over the respective portions of the mending plate thereby uniformly spreading the adhesive across the back surface of the siding panel and the mending plate to enhance the chemical bond of the adhesive once fully cured.

Abstract: An expansion joint profile system for producing an expansion joint in the manufacture of a rigid floor covering includes a profile (1) comprising a first profile element (3) having a first support leg (5) provided for bearing on a substrate (18) and a first abutment leg (6) projecting upwardly therefrom. A second profile element (4) has a second abutment leg (6). A connection element (9) is formed in a ridge-like manner and extends in the longitudinal direction between the two profile elements (3, 4) and connects them to one another in the lower region. An insertion opening (10) is formed between the abutment legs and is open at the top and extends in the longitudinal direction (L). A sealing element (11) is formed in a T-shaped cross-section with a downwardly projecting insertion leg (12) for insertion into the insertion opening (10).

Abstract: A self-stick insulation includes an insulation product and an adhesive coating applied to a major surface of the insulation product. The adhesive coating includes between about 5-15% by weight of the adhesive coating of at least one of polystyrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) and polyacrylic acid (PAA), between about 1 and 8% by weight of the adhesive coating of an alcohol amine, between about 25 and 50% by weight of the adhesive coating of a polyvinyl alcohol, and between about 20 and 40% by weight of the adhesive coating of a starch paste. The adhesive is activated with the application of liquid water.

Abstract: Insulated wallboards are exposed interior insulation panels, for walls and ceilings, in occupiable spaces, that can be taped, finished, textured, and painted, which eliminates the need for gypsum board, and reduces or eliminates the need for other insulation, such as wall cavity insulation and exterior insulation. Insulated wallboard panels are formed by applying various combinations of thermal reflection layers such as aluminum foil; moisture resistance layer; or reinforcement layers over an insulating core. An enhanced surface or enhanced surface layer is provided on the interior-facing surface of the panel, to accept joint compound, paint, plaster, texture, or other interior finish. The core may be phenolic or other material with appropriate insulating and fire-retardant properties.

Abstract: A framing system for constructing a wall frame assembly having a framing member and studs. A template of the framing system has an elongated body configured to be located on a surface of the framing member and a series of spaced apart openings corresponding to locations for placement of ends of the studs. A framing guide of the framing system has a body, a passage that is configured to receive a fastener, and a guiding surface within the passage is disposed at an angle relative to a bottom surface of the body to direct the fastener along a predetermined angle and direction relative to a front surface of the body. The template may be used to locate studs onto the framing member. The framing guide may be used to guide the fastener to connect the stud and framing member.

Abstract: Isocyanate-reactive compositions that include a hydrofluoroolefin blowing agent, polyurethane foam-forming compositions, as well as spray-applied polyurethane foams formed therefrom that can provide structural support to wall structures and can also exhibit ASTM E84-16 Class A flame spread and smoke development characteristics at a foam thickness of 4 inches.

Abstract: A stay-in-place concrete formwork system allows stucco to be applied directly to the formwork, avoiding the need to provide a further surface treatment of the wall prior to applying stucco. Apertures are provided on an exterior facing wall of the formwork panel to receive and embed stucco therein. The panel may also be formed with outward stucco-engaging projections. Other features include using rigid insulation to brace the stucco and keep concrete from the apertures, a sealing joint element, extendible panels for use in curved formwork, rainscreen features and an alligator connector panel for adjustable lengths of formwork faces.

Abstract: A precast composite wall structure and method for forming the wall structure are disclosed. The method includes providing a casting bed defining a plurality of shapes corresponding to a three-dimensional outer surface of a wall structure, placing a first layer of uncured concrete to conform to the shapes defined by the lower surface, positioning a forming member in overlying relation above the frame, the forming member defining a plurality of rectangular-shaped channels therebetween, positioning a stud frame within the casting bed along the forming member, placing a second layer of uncured concrete within the casting bed to conform to the rectangular-shaped channels between the rectangular protrusions, and allowing the concrete to cure.

Abstract: A composite open web beam-joist includes a cambered beam-joist portion including a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, and an open web layout extending from end to end. The open web layout includes triangular web sections and openings between each of the triangular web sections. Each triangular web section includes a peak. A first chord angle beam is attached to the first side of the cambered beam-joist portion at the peaks of the triangular web sections. A second chord angle beam is attached to the second side of the cambered beam-joist at the peaks of the triangular web sections. A plate is vertically attached to a center of the top end of the cambered beam-joist. The plate extended longitudinally along the center of the top end of the cambered beam-joist portion. The plate includes a distal end having a flange and a recess.

Abstract: This technology comprises a combined accessory of an in-situ concrete 3-D printed horizontal load-bearing member and a preparation method. The combined accessory includes 3-D printed concrete and a bottom mesh, the 3-D printed concrete contains fine aggregates having the particle size of 0.08 mm-4.75 mm, and the fluidity of the 3-D printed concrete is larger than or equal to 110 mm and smaller than or equal to 190 mm; the bottom mesh is a reinforcing mesh or expanded metal, the diameter of the reinforcing bar is larger than or equal to 0.5 mm, and the mesh aperture of the reinforcing mesh is smaller than or equal to 7.5 times of an upper limit of the particle size of the fine aggregate and is larger than or equal to 7.5 times of a lower limit of the particle size of the fine aggregate.

Abstract: The padeye according to the invention acts as an eyelet where the mooring line connects to the anchor. The three padeye embodiments disclosed herein are well suited for use with any concrete anchors, and in particular with any concrete suction anchor. The solutions provide connection mechanisms to the mooring and modalities that engage the concrete in a manner that is structurally safe and reliable; the padeye solutions are inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to transport, install, maintain, and replace.

Abstract: Disclosed and described herein are components for configuring and assembling gutter guard systems for trough-style and built-in gutter systems. Such gutter guard systems are designed and arranged to be positioned across the opening of a trough or box gutter to prevent debris from entering the rain gutter. The modular assembly includes a number of configurable components. In one embodiment, a gutter guard system includes a customizable main body, a mesh screen, a front receiver, and a rear receiver. The customizable main body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, and a rear edge, and the main body is arranged to be trimmed to custom dimensions. Once assembled, the mesh screen is positioned on the top surface of the main body, the front receiver is positioned along the front edge of the main body, and the rear receiver is positioned along the rear edge of the main body.

Abstract: A system and method for removing shingles from a roof with an automatic triggering of power to a fastener engaging member which is accomplished with the aid of relative movement occurring when a leading edge of the system encounters a fastener coupled to a substrate with shingle coupled thereto.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a patio cover system. The system comprises a frame comprising support beams; support posts configured to support the frame; cover panels rotatably coupled to the support beams; an actuator, and/or other components. The actuator may be mounted to the frame and coupled to the cover panels, may be configured to rotate the cover panels between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and comprises a motor; a piston coupled to the motor; an arm coupled to the piston and configured to extend from the piston toward the cover panels; a linking member coupled to the arm and the cover panels, and/or other components. The linking member may be configured to rotate the cover panels in unison between the open configuration and the closed configuration when driven by the arm, the piston, and/or the motor.

Abstract: A returned stair tread assembly comprises a tread plate, a front nosing and a return nosing fitted flush against each other to form an exposed joint between the front and return nosings, and a device for securing the return nosing to the front nosing and the stair tread plate. The tread plate has a side tongue. The front nosing has a front nosing tongue spaced from a forward end of a side edge surface of the front nosing. The return nosing receiving the front nosing tongue of the front nosing and the side tongue of the stair tread plate therein. A front end of the side groove is spaced from a forward end of the return nosing. The front nosing tongue and the side tongue are disposed in the side groove and configured to slidably connect the stair tread plate and the return nosing.

Abstract: A hand rail system and associated methods. Newel posts of the hand rail system can be mounted in a top mount configuration or a lateral mount configuration. Mounts are receivable in a boot subassembly in a horizontal or vertical arrangement for anchoring the boot subassembly to substructure. After anchoring of the boot subassembly, a column subassembly may be installed and anchored. Openings in the boot and column subassemblies permit access to the interior of the newel post for anchoring the boot and column subassemblies and for connecting a hand rail to the column subassembly. Subsequent installation of covers on the boot subassembly and column subassembly closes the newel post and provides a finished appearance free of external indication that openings in the newel post existed and have been covered. Four-sided turned newels, newel panel retainers, and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prefabricated assembly for covering walls and floor in a building, and in particular, for bathrooms, and other units in a building that requires waterproofing and an aesthetic finish. The prefabricated assembly can include finished panels for use in shower surrounds and shower tray. The prefabricated wall panels can have tiles and natural stones as the finishing layer that provides an aesthetic appearance. The prefabricated panels are manufactured in an industrial setting and transported on-site. The prefabricated panels include interlocking fasteners that make assembly quick and easy.