Abstract: A fitting includes a first mounting portion connectable with a first member and having opposing planar surfaces and inner and outer ends. A second mounting portion is angled with respect to the first mounting portion, is connectable with a second member and has opposing planar surfaces, an outer end and an inner end integrally formed with the first mounting portion inner end. A boss projects outwardly from the second mounting portion first surface and is disposable within a recess of the second member or a stiffener coupled with the second member. The boss has an inner end adjacent to the second mounting portion inner end, an outer end spaced from the inner end, a centerline between the boss inner and outer ends, and an outermost surface spaced from the second mounting portion first surface by a spacing distance having a value greater than zero at all points along the centerline.

Abstract: A bearing clip for joining a truss to a bearing material is disclosed. The bearing clip includes a base portion, a vertical portion, and at least one wing. The base portion includes a back end, sides adjacent to the back end and a bottom surface. The vertical portion extends from the back end of the base portion in a first direction away from the bottom surface. The at least one wing extends from a side of the base portion at an obtuse angle and at least partially in the first direction.

Abstract: A handle assembly includes a first arm member. The first arm member defines a proximal end and a distal end. A hand-grip is coupled to the proximal end of the first arm member. A second arm member is pivotally coupled with the distal end of the first arm member. The second arm member defines a distal end. A dispenser holding assembly is supported at the distal end of the second arm member. The dispenser holding assembly is configured to hold a dispenser.

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

Abstract: The innovation relates to a pool covering system that is usable as a flooring surface. The pool covering system includes brackets that support beams spanning the pool opening. The beams provide structural support to cross members and flooring placed on top of the beams. The pool covering system does not require significant drainage of the pool and does not damage the pool structure during installation and use.

Abstract: The connector assembly joins first and second hollow tubular elements. The connector assembly includes an anchor plug inserted into the first hollow tubular element, and having a second anchor plug opening that is elongated. A connector fitting is inserted into an end of the second hollow tubular element, and has a receiving portion to receive an exterior surface of the first hollow tubular element. The connector fitting includes an elongated-shaped receiver extending inward from the receiving portion, and includes a fastener receiver at a bottom of the elongated-shaped receiver. A torsion bar is configured to extend between the anchor plug and the connector fitting, and includes a tapered top defining a wedge. In operation, when a fastener is positioned and tightened, the bottom of the torsion bar is rigidly secured within the elongated-shaped receiver of the connector fitting, and the tapered top of the torsion bar is rigidly secured within the anchor plug via the second anchor plug opening.

Abstract: The innovation relates to a pool covering system that is usable as a flooring surface. The pool covering system includes brackets that support beams spanning the pool opening. The beams provide structural support to cross members and flooring placed on top of the beams. The pool covering system does not require significant drainage of the pool and does not damage the pool structure during installation and use.

Abstract: A bracket for hanging a joist with respect to a vertical surface includes a brace having a top, an opposed bottom, a front, and an opposed back. An extends from the back of the brace, proximate the top. A boom, proximate the bottom, extends from the back of the brace to a flange, and a gap is defined between the ear and the flange. The ear and the flange are independently poseable with respect to the brace.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube structure is disclosed which comprises a first tube, a clamping member and a positioning member. The first tube has a front necking opening, a rear opening, a stopper ring on a wall thereof adjacent to the rear opening and an engaging groove on the wall thereof adjacent to the stopper ring. The clamping member comprises two corresponding positioning segments and a C-shaped clip portion for connecting the two positioning segments and engaging with the engaging groove. The positioning member is sleeved on the two positioning segments.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a sheet material to a stud member includes two side members that sandwich the stud member and a back member joining the two side members together. One or more protrusions may extend inward from one or both of the side members so that the device is frictionally fit and secured to the stud member. A shelf extends away and outward from the back member so that the sheet material can be placed on the shelf before the sheet member is fastened to the stud member. The device can include an angled portion at the bottom of the back member so that a hammer can apply a force to the angled portion to cause the device to move away from the stud member for removal.

Abstract: A joist hanger typically includes one or more teeth which can be manually pressed into a header to hold the joist hanger in place on the header to free up a worker's hands so that a worker can nail the joist hanger to the header without having to manually hold the joist hanger in place while driving the nails. The joist hanger may also include a height-setting tab configured to engage the bottom of the header to set the height of the joist hanger relative to the header. The tab may be a break-off tab to allow the joist hanger to be used without the tab if desired.

Abstract: A portable or temporary fence including one or more substantially horizontal rails. A joiner is adapted to attach the rail to each post or adjacent panel, the joiner having a configuration that engages with a vertical component passing through the rail and the joiner thus effectively locking the joiner into the rail. The joiner further includes a mechanism to prevent the vertical component from moving vertically out of the joiner thus securing the panel components together.

Abstract: A connector for a windshield wiper, and a wiper blade assembly including same, that accommodates multiple pin-type windshield wiper arms having varying pin lengths and locking mechanisms. The connector for connecting a windshield wiper assembly to a wiper arm may have a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other. The opposing peripheral side walls may each have one or more retaining pin apertures aligned with one another and sized to be capable of slideably accepting a retaining pin of at least one pin-type and/or pin-plus-locking-arm windshield wiper arm.

Abstract: A roof ridge and hip ridge vent system for contoured roofs which include a vent slot located through the roof structure. A contoured roofing material forms the roof surface. Vent strips are provided on the roof surface that extend on each side of the vent slot. The vent strip is comprised of synthetic fibers that are randomly aligned into an open web by an air flow and then joined by a phenolic or latex binder to form an air permeable mesh material having a generally uniform thickness, a density of about 0.08 to 0.1 grams per cubic centimeter (1.3 to 1.6 grams per cubic inch), and a crush recovery of at least 80%. A first longitudinally extending groove extends from the bottom surface about 40% to 60% of a height of the vent strip and is located a distance of at least about 1 inch from a downslope side.

Abstract: An anchor for securing deck elements to a post comprises a body having first and second opposite sides. The first side of the body has an opening for receiving the post along a first axis in a snugly-fit manner. The second side of the body has a generally flat surface generally perpendicular to the first axis for securing the deck elements thereon, and positioning guide members extending from the generally flat surface so as to define therewith areas for receiving and relative positioning of the deck elements.

Abstract: A joist hanger includes a joist retention member, one or more flanges disposed at a top portion of the joist retention member, and a bracket having at least one arm thereof coupled to at least one or more flanges. A system for constructing a structure having a defined fire-rating along a wall that has a top plate and at least one vertical support member can include a joist hanger and fire resistant construction material. The joist hanger can include a joist retention member, a flange coupled to the joist retention member, and a bracket coupled to the flange. The flange is selectively attached to the top plate of the wall. The bracket at least partially defines a space between the vertical support member and the joist retention member, the fire resistant construction material being disposed within the space. The bracket is selectively attached to one or more of the vertical support member or the fire resistant construction material by an attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A gravimetric measuring instrument (10) includes a housing (103) and a weighing cell (120), wherein the latter is arranged inside the housing and includes a load-transmitting member (108). The load-transmitting member reaches through a passage opening (111) of the housing and is releasably connectable to a load receiver (401, 501, 1001). The invention has the distinguishing feature that the load receiver includes a fastening element (450), a weighing pan element (440, 540, 1040) and a snap-locking device (460, 1060) for the releasable seating of the weighing pan element on the fastening element, wherein the snap-locking device includes a detent element (461, 1061) and a spring element (462) which engages the detent element when the weighing pan element is seated in place.

Abstract: A base angle attachment assembly includes a connector for coupling to a base and a pole supported by the base. The connector has a first connecting member and a second connecting member extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the first connecting member. The first connecting member of the connector defines an aperture for receiving a fastener configured to couple the connector with the base. The second connecting member of the connector defines apertures for receiving fasteners configured to couple the connector with the pole. The base angle attachment assembly also includes a containment assembly configured for insertion into an interior cavity of the pole for receiving and aligning the fasteners with the apertures defined in the second connecting member of the connector.

Abstract: An adapter plate is provided for connecting a first conductor pad with a first axis and a second conductor pad with a second axis where the pads have a common bolt pattern. The adapter plate includes a top and bottom surfaces, a first and second ends, a longitudinal axis defined between the ends, and first and second adjustable connectors. The first adjustable connector has arc-shaped slots extending through the top and bottom surfaces at the first end. Similarly, the second adjustable connector has arc-shaped slots extending through the top and bottom surfaces at the second end. The first adjustable connector is connectable to the common bolt pattern so that the top or bottom surface contacts the first conductor pad, while the second adjustable connector is connectable to the common bolt pattern so that the top or bottom surface contacts the second conductor pad.

Abstract: A counter-torque wrench for use with spinal implantation systems is provided wherein the counter-torque wrench engages a spinal implant rod and a bone screw body in a manner to promote a perpendicular alignment between the longitudinal axis of the rod and the longitudinal axis of the bone screw body, and a co-linear alignment between the longitudinal axis of the bone screw body and the longitudinal axis of the wrench body. The counter-torque wrench may comprise a handle attached to a first end of the counter-torque wrench body and a rod engaging member attached to a second end of the counter-torque wrench body. The rod engaging member may comprise generally opposing slots, wherein each slot comprises a prong extending into each slot, the prong creating a generally L-shaped slot, and a pocket formed by a curved feature of each slot.

Abstract: An adjustable rack system that is adjustable in length as well as in width. The adjustable rack system may be used to vertically stack and display or store pies or other food or non-food items. The adjustable rack system comprises at least to support members that may be positioned parallel to each other. Each support member comprise a pair of top sliding rails, a pair of bottom sliding rails, and a pair of vertical supports, each vertical support used to couple one of the top sliding rails to a corresponding bottom rail.

Abstract: A variable configuration shelving apparatus including shelf-supporting reversible beams. In one position, beam top edges are flush with a shelf thereon. In another position, the beams form upstanding lips about a shelf. Beam structure is included.

Abstract: What is described is a support to be fixed to flying pans and the like, comprising a thin curved element (3) configured so as to irremovably embrace a connecting protuberance (13) of a handle (14). On the outer surface (50) of said element (3) two pairs of lateral incisions (10) are provided which define lateral portions (11) of the curved element (3) to be force fit into lateral grooves (12) of the connecting protuberance (13).

Abstract: A joint for furniture structures which comprise first tubular elements (3) and a second tubular element (5) which are angularly arranged to one another.

Abstract: The log hanger assembly includes a first saddle support, a second saddle support and a saddle member that is pivotally attached to both saddle support. The first and second saddle support include arcuate base plates that are arcs about a log axis with an arc radius that is substantially equal to the log radius of the log to which the base plate and extends outward from the convex side of each base plate. The saddle member is pivotally attached to the posts of the saddle. The saddle member extends 180 degrees around a rafter or moist and has a saddle member axis that is substantially perpendicular to an axis of a log to which the saddle supports are attached.

Abstract: A mounting bracket having a vertical member with a back portion and side flanges where the back portion has a plurality of slots and holes and the side flanges have slots at both ends. Adjustably connected to the vertical member is a shoe with a bottom portion and side flanges that extend upwardly and are aligned with the side flanges of the vertical member. The shoe is positioned substantially perpendicular to the vertical member to form a generally L-shaped bracket.

Abstract: An assembly to secure a shear assembly and attached building wall to a building foundation in order to resist uplift forces and to transfer vertical weight loads to the foundation. The assembly provides a degree of motion perpendicular to the plane of the wall in order to accommodate misplacement of anchor structures set in the building foundation. The assembly is configured and is attached to anchor structures in such a way as to accommodate a variety of protrusions of the anchor structures from the building foundation. The assembly provides additional convenience of use by being substantially pre-assembled. The assembly is also adapted to interconnect structural members in multi-story buildings.

Abstract: The present invention is a channel-shaped connector for connecting a first building structural member to a second building structural member in conjunction with fasteners and an anchor member to resist forces on buildings imposed by earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other similar cataclysmic forces. A connector constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a back member formed to interface with the fasteners for attaching the back member to the first building structural member, a first side member connected to the back member, a second side member connected to the back member, and first and second anchor receiving members. Both the first and second anchor receiving members extend laterally between the first and second side members, and both the first and second anchor receiving members are connected to the first and second side members.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bracket (1) which in a preferred embodiment is formed of a single strip of sheet metal comprising an affixture portion or a flat wall frame affixture portion (2) and an anchoring portion or a flat base affixture portion (3) having temporary spacing means in the form of four outwardly protruding teeth (4) projecting from a lower face of the base affixture portion (3). The wall frame affixture portion (2) is secured via affixture fasteners (7) to a structural member of a wall frame in the form of a wall stud (8). The base of affixture portion (3) is secured against the upper surface of a building element or a concrete floor slab (6). In assembly, the teeth (4) provide a temporary gap between the lower face (13) of the base fixture portion (3) and the upper surface of the base or concrete floor slab (6). The bracket (1) is secured to the concrete slab (6) via a bolt or shank (9) pre-anchored to the base (6).

Abstract: A holdown has a back with at least one first fastener opening in the back, a pair of mutually spaced side walls extending from the back and a seat extending from the side walls, the seat having mutually spaced, elongate, flat seat surface portions extending along and adjacent the side walls at substantially right angles to the plane of the back. A second fastener opening is formed in the seat midway between the side walls and the back, the side walls and the seat are being formed in one piece of sheet metal. A sheet metal clamp member having mutually-spaced, parallel opposite, flat edges, convex and concave major surfaces between the edges and a second fastener opening extending through the clamp member midway between the edges; is dimensioned for edge-to-edge surface seeking abutment of the edges with respective ones of the seat surface portions.

Abstract: A three tooth kinematic coupling based on having three theoretical line contacts formed by mating teeth rather than six theoretical point contacts. The geometry requires one coupling half to have curved teeth and the other coupling half to have flat teeth. Each coupling half has a relieved center portion which does not effect the kinematics, but in the limit as the face width approaches zero, three line contacts become six point contacts. As a result of having line contact, a three tooth coupling has greater load capacity and stiffness. The kinematic coupling has application for use in precision fixturing for tools or workpieces, and as a registration device for a work or tool changer or for optics in various products.

Abstract: The present invention is a channel-shaped connector for connecting a first building structural member to a second building structural member in conjunction with fasteners and an anchor member to resist forces on buildings imposed by earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other similar cataclysmic forces. A connector constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a back member formed to interface with the fasteners for attaching the back member to the first building structural member, a first side member connected to the back member, a second side member connected to the back member, and first and second anchor receiving members. Both the first and second anchor receiving members extend laterally between the first and second side members, and both the first and second anchor receiving members are connected to the first and second side members.

Abstract: A connector having a concave seat member for connecting a first building structural member to a second building structural member in conjunction with fasteners and an anchor member to resist forces on buildings imposed by earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other similar cataclysmic forces. A connector constructed in accordance with the present invention consists of a concave seat member, formed with an opening for receiving an anchor member therethrough to attach the connector to a second building structural member such as a foundation, a first side member connected to the concave seat member, a second side member connected to the concave seat member, and a back member connected to the first and second side members. The back member attaches with fasteners to a first building structural member such as stud in a framed shear wall.

Abstract: A construction element, preferably a constructional toy, including a tubular body portion and, formed integrally with each of the opposite ends thereof, a pair of gripping jaws, each pair constituting a coupling portion. The constituent jaws of each pair are oppositely disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body portion and are separated by oppositely disposed peripheral coupling device. The tubular body portion is formed with longitudinally directed, angularly spaced-apart, first coupling device. Each pair of the gripping jaws of the construction element can embrace a body portion of a second construction element, with the jaws not extending beyond a median plane of the body portion of the second construction element, and with inner surfaces of the pair of jaws conforming to the outer surface of said body portion.

Abstract: A single piece tension tie connection for tyhing a wood, or steel structural frame member to a wood, steel or concrete structural base member. The tension tie consists of an elongated strap member having triangular shaped side members with four seat members integrally connected to the strap and side members so that the four seat members are locked together and act as a unit in withstanding bending forces imposed by large tension forces imposed on the strap. The entire tension tie is a single member requiring no welding or separate washers.

Abstract: A holdown connection including a single element holdown connector formed from a single metal sheet member requiring no welding for connecting a wood stud member to an anchoring means such as a concrete foundation or another structural member. Three sides of the connector are joined at 90.degree. to each other along a rigid corner bend line. A holding seat member overlaps with a held seat member so that a held edge of the held seat member is in close engagement with a substantial portion of the length of the rigid bend line of the holding seat member. Bending slots formed in the back and side members are limited in length.

Abstract: The connector is of the type attached to one end of a first element and having a throat designed to allow engagement around a matching retaining collar mounted on a second element which is to be attached to the first element. The cross-section of the connector has an M-shaped profile having two central bars separated from side bars by empty spaces. The central bars delimit between them the throat and the side bars allow the connector to be attached to the elongated first element to which it is fitted. The present connection is particularly suited for erecting scaffolding.

Abstract: A tubular reinforcement element between two hollow tubular members includes an internal lug located internally of the open end of the one hollow tubular member. The internal lug includes a slotted side wall of the same configuration as, and bonded to the inner face of, the open end of one hollow tubular member, and a concave end wall integrally formed with the side wall and extending across the open end of the one hollow tubular member. The end wall of the internal lug has a concave surface complementary and bonded to the curved external surface of the second tubular member.

Abstract: A connecting head for scaffold systems, with the connecting head including a connecting zone having centering lobes and an annular contact surface as well as a conical surface arranged so as to provide for favorable welding conditions.

Abstract: A connector including a rectangular block for attachment to the side of a first frame member, with wings preferably fit into slots within the block and extending laterally from the block, edges of the wings provided an interference fit within hollow frame members to connect the hollow frame members to the first frame member. The wings preferably have cross pieces slotted over their ends so that four edges provide the interference fit.

Abstract: Photoresist compositions of this invention comprise a positive photoresist polymer, preferably a novolac polymer, a photoactive component (PAC) and a broadband dye additive with high aqueous alkaline solubility and selected from a dye of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, chloro, bromo and nitro moieties.

Abstract: A structural framework assembly made up of tubular members interconnected by a first connector arrangement which uses a connector having a concave surface pressing against a curved outer surface of a tubular member and having a pair of spreadable arms which are spread by a setscrew to lock inside an end of another tubular member, and a second connector arrangement which uses a connector plate extending into the end of a tubular member with the bottom of the connector plate inserted into a longitudinal slot at the bottom of the tubular member and a top tab on the connector plate inserted into an upper slot at the top of the tubular member. The longitudinal slot at the bottom of the tubular member opens out to the end of the tubular member and the upper slot is located at a distance from the end of the tubular member.

Abstract: Connecting elements (4) can be inserted into the ends of the individual bar-shaped elements (2), the connecting elements having a projection (13) which engages into an opening (8) at the end of the tube. In that way each individual connecting element (4) can be released even in a framework construction which has already been assembled. The bar-shaped elements (2) are exchangeable and the framework can be broken down into all individual parts.

Abstract: A connector assembly for joining a horizontal member and a vertical member without the formation of substantial exposed gaps. The assembly includes a base with a saddle surface at one end and an abutment flange at the other end. The base has an aperture between the ends and a slot communicating with the aperture. A locking collar has a bore receiving the base and an inwardly directed annular lip at a first end of the collar. The collar also includes an internal screw thread and an abutment for engaging the flange of the base. Also the assembly includes a locking insert with a body for reception in the base. The insert has extending arms at one end terminating in screw threads and at the other end a holding flange for retaining the horizontal member. A method of using the connector assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rail connector for use in connecting pipe rails to pipe posts includes a circular tubular member with a reduced sleeve which fits inside a pipe rail and substantially conforms to the inner surface of the pipe rail to provide a tight fit between the connector and pipe rail. The connector includes a mechanism for adjusting the diameter of the sleeve to provide a tight fit between the sleeve and the rail. This mechanism includes a wedge member having substantially rounded sides such that minor deviations in the machining of the sleeve can be accommodated. Also disclosed is a mechanism for locking the pipe rail on the connector so that the pipe cannot be removed.

Abstract: A pipe fitting of expandable material for joining plastic pipes as used in the manufacture of PVC furniture with fittings and the fastening device being molded together as one unit.

Abstract: A rail connector for use in connecting pipe rails to pipe posts includes a circular tubular member with a reduced sleeve which fits inside a pipe rail and substantially conforms to the inner surface of the pipe rail to provide a tight fit between the connector and the pipe rail. Also disclosed is a mechanism for adjusting the diameter of the sleeve to provide tight fit and a mechanism for locking the pipe rail on the connector so that the pipe rail cannot be removed.

Abstract: A construction method is disclosed which utilizes entirely squared-end framing members to build a pitched roof building.

Abstract: A pipe fitting of expandable plastic material for joining plastic pipes as used in the manufacture of P.V.C. furniture with fittings and the fastening device being molded together as one unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining sections to a knuckle in a spatial structure and including a first hollow base piece having a substantially spherical shaped out shell provided with a first plurality of equidistantly positioned holes and an inwardly bent perimeter area, a second hollow base piece having a substantially spherical shaped outer shell provided with a second plurality of equidistantly positioned holes, components for joining the first and second hollow base pieces to each other to form the knuckle with all holes of the first and second plurality of holes equidistantly positioned from each other, an internally threaded single piece element, a section having a face and being rigidly attached to the internally threaded single piece element so that the face rests upon the outer face of the knuckle, and a tightening screw having a head resting on the inner face of the knuckle and a body passing through one of the equidistantly positioned holes of the knuckle so as to engage by threading the single piece elemen