Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a fluid flow path automatically diverts a fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of a main body, and includes two or more selectable fluid flow paths through which an external air stream is drawn, a fixed fluid flow path to be selectively connected to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, a path selecting unit to connect the fixed fluid flow path to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, and a driving member to provide a driving force for path selecting of the path selecting unit. If mounted in an external apparatus, the driving member causes the path selecting unit to move and connect to the fixed fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of the external apparatus.

Abstract: An improved, high strength construction system that uses post tensioning. It is comprised of a series of interconnected, super heavy duty hollow core blocks 102 with minimal ducts 103, a series of tendons 105, and a plurality of anchors or plates 104 with additional features. The system 101 is configured with the plurality of adjacent blocks 102 contiguous and touching one another and demountably coupled to each other by means of the tendons 105 and anchors 103. The unique features include a strong, durable full plate 104 and bolt 105 both of which may be treated for corrosion resistance. This new coupling results in a structure that is far stronger than an ordinary block structure built with mortar and standard reinforcing. The SYSTEM has more predictable and controlled strength which is stronger than most reinforced concrete systems.

Abstract: A connector arrangement for a wall panel system is provided which includes connector blocks that join serially-adjacent wall panel frames together in proper alignment with each other. These corner blocks also are matable with a system of spacer strips, light block strips, single-side trim covers and multi-side trim covers which enclose the connector blocks and connector structure. A corner spline arrangement is also provided between adjacent trim covers which spline extends vertically and defines a closed corner, right-angled corner between the interconnected trim covers.

Abstract: An anchor pier for supporting a manufactured building, in which the anchor pier includes having a shaft with a connector and a helical flight proximate a driving tip, with a brace member attached to the connector and to the manufactured building with a connector, to transfer loading between the manufactured building and the ground. A method of supporting a manufactured building is disclosed.

Abstract: The wainscot wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels which are mounted to a wall. The plurality of panels are mounted to the wall with a plurality of horizontal joints including but not limited to a bottom edge joint and a top edge joint and one or more intermediate or middle horizontal joints. Each of the joints are attached to the wall and used to mount the panel to the wall. In particular, the joints may have panels which mechanically receive the panels so that no adhesive or chemical attachment methods are necessary in order to mount the panels to the wall. This reduces the exposure of toxic chemicals to the occupants of the building and permits air to flow behind the panels, thereby mitigating the creation of mold.

Abstract: A framing construction system is provided that may comprise a cable protecting plate comprising non-metallic material, an upper convex surface, a lower concave surface, a first side edge, a second side edge, a first end, and a second end; an opening provided in wallboard; wherein the protecting plate is substantially rectangular in shape and inserted within the opening in the wallboard, with the lower concave surface being placed over a service line positioned across a structural support to prevent typical fasteners from penetrating the service line; and wherein the protecting plate is pivoted around the structural support and the upper convex surface of the protecting plate resting against an inside surface of the wallboard to secure by tension the protecting plate in the opening in the wallboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall construction for an exterior brick wall of a building, comprising a rear brickwork and a front brickwork, which is characterized in that the front brickwork (2) is made at least in part of constructional elements (11), particularly bricks, building blocks and the like, which at their side facing the rear brickwork (5) are designed to be reflective for heat radiation. The invention further relates to a constructional element, in particular a brick, a building block or the like, for use in the production of the front brickwork of such a wall construction which on the side which in the walled-in state faces inwardly, is provided with a layer (8) which is reflective for heat radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a fluid flow path automatically diverts a fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of a main body, and includes two or more selectable fluid flow paths through which an external air stream is drawn, a fixed fluid flow path to be selectively connected to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, a path selecting unit to connect the fixed fluid flow path to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, and a driving member to provide a driving force for path selecting of the path selecting unit. If mounted in an external apparatus, the driving member causes the path selecting unit to move and connect to the fixed fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of the external apparatus.

Abstract: On a roof having a raised seam, a method of securing a cable comprises extending a first run of cable in a direction generally parallel to the raised seam. In accordance with the method a cover is accessed having a channel dimensioned to receive the cable therein. The cover is installed on the roof at the raised seam. The cable is secured in the channel of the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic support (1) which can be folded together as a result of joints (10) in the pressure member (3) and has a flexible web (12) that is connected to the tractive member (4) over the entire length of the latter and is connected to the pressure member (3) only in the region of the joints of said member (10). This allows the joints (10) to be fixed in such a way that the pressure member (3) does not buckle at the site of the joints and thus remains stable.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system including a video system having a video monitor and a cradle secured within a vehicle. The cradle is shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving and securely holding the video system. The cradle includes a docking port with a faceplate that is substantially flush with an upper end of a seat back of an automobile.

Abstract: A building structure provided with lateral walls comprising a thermoplastic polymer, which comprises: a plurality of vertical walls which are arranged on a plurality of levels, each of which walls comprises at least one first substantially continuous central panel made of a thermoplastic polymer and a pair of layers of cement plaster which are arranged on the opposite sides of the corresponding first central panel and form the opposite faces of the corresponding vertical wall, and a metallic structure for connecting at least the vertical walls of each one of the levels of the building structure.

Abstract: A method for assembling a tower is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of tower segments, wherein at least one tower segment includes an inner surface that defines a first cross-sectional area of the tower segment and a second cross-sectional area of the tower segment that is different from the first cross-sectional area. The method also comprises providing a platform including a plurality of mounting assemblies configured to mount the platform within the at least one tower segment at one of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area, coupling the platform to the inner surface of the tower segment at one of the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area, and coupling the plurality of tower segments.

Abstract: An energy saving insulated roofing shingle and related method of manufacturing. One embodiment of the shingle has an insulator attached to, or formed as part of, the interior surface of an outer layer across a portion of the headlap area about equal to the designed exposure surface area of the installed shingle. The insulation reduces the heat absorbed by the shingle and transmitted into the deck that in turn heats the attic space. The disclosed principles reduce the heat load directed into a building from the sun. In addition, the thickness of the insulation under the shingle nailing area may be minimized, thereby allowing for the normal asphalt shingle surfaces to lay against each other. Moreover, to reduce the overall shingle thickness, the insulation could replace all or part of the backsurfacing materials applied to the back of shingles in the location where the insulation is added. Additionally, asphalt applied to the back of the shingle could be reduced to accommodate insulation thickness.

Abstract: Systems for retaining a replaceable part within an image display device are provided herein. One example includes a first retaining member with a first looped retention arm configured to apply a retaining force in an x-direction to the replaceable part and a second retaining member with a second looped retention arm configured to apply a retaining force in a y-direction to the replaceable part. Upon displacement of the replaceable part from an engagement position to a displacement position, a normal force as applied by one of the first retaining member and the second retaining member is reduced and the force to push the replaceable part towards the engagement position is increased.

Abstract: A method is provided for coupling individual fenestration units together and sealing the gaps between them so as to form a sealed compound fenestration unit. The individual fenestration units include mating channels and tabs, or other connectors, that are attached to outside frame surfaces of the individual fenestration units. When the connectors are coupled together, they attach the frames of the individual fenestration units securely together in such a way that gaps are formed between the units along their joined frame surfaces. The gaps are sealed by resilient sealing strips that are configured to be inserted into the gaps, and that are formed with seals that bear against the walls of the gaps to form impervious moisture seals.

Abstract: A system for connecting modular walls includes a position retention mechanism configured to releasably retain a plurality of wall modules together. In one implementation, the position retention mechanism includes opposing front and back surfaces or walls, and one or more channels formed therebetween. The position retention mechanism is further configured with a plurality of spring tabs positioned within the one or more channels, wherein the spring tabs are configured to lock into a plurality of opposing connector interfaces corresponding to the opposing wall modules, such that the positioning retaining mechanism secures adjacent, opposing wall modules together. The position retention mechanism can further be configured with different surfaces to connect or hold a variety of components of various shapes together.

Abstract: A method for installing wall panels to a wall of a building is provided. The method applies the rainscreen principle. Interlocking components are used to attach aluminum or other wall panels to an exterior wall. In one aspect, the method includes operatively connecting a plurality of attachment clips to a wall surface of the exterior building wall. The method also includes providing a first panel perimeter strip and a second panel perimeter strip. The first panel perimeter strip is fastened to a first wall panel along a first side surface of the first wall panel, while the second panel perimeter strip is fastened to a second wall panel along a first side surface of the second wall panel. The method then includes sliding the first panel perimeter strip onto a first wing member of an attachment clip, thereby connecting the first wall panel to the wall, and sliding the second panel perimeter strip onto a second opposing wing member of the attachment clip, thereby connecting the second wall panel to the wall.

Abstract: A ceiling panel uses a perimeter frame with a wide outwardly extending bottom flange defining a thin panel edge. Preferably the bottom flange includes a lower surface for securing of a finished substrate about the panel perimeter. The upper surface of the bottom flange receives a gusset clip that includes two arms for securement of the bottom flange and an upwardly extending lift and shift securing tab. The upwardly extending lift and shift securing tab is preferably located within a depth of the ceiling panel generally defined by an acoustical dampening material located within the perimeter frame.