Abstract: A hard side shelter is convertible between transport and deployed modes. When in the transport mode, the shelter has an envelope identical to an ISO-cargo container. A side section floor and cover are each connected to the center section for rotating between being coplanar with the center section floor and roof when in the deployed mode, and being vertical and lying in a center section side planes when in a transport mode. Each side section has end and middle panels that are turnable relative to each other, and a door assembly that is turnable relative to the middle panels. Locking bars engaged the center section floor when the shelter is in a transport mode, and engage the side section floors when the shelter is in the deployed mode. The shelter is handleable by pallet handling systems and includes insulation panels to enhance the heat transfer characteristics of the shelter.

Abstract: The invention therefore proposes an anchorage unit for anchoring at least one prestressing member, capable of being tensioned, onto a structural component to be strengthened or repaired by additional prestressing. The anchorage unit includes means of fixing onto the structural component and means of anchoring the prestressing member located adjacent to a first side of the anchorage unit oriented towards a regular section of the prestressing member. The fixing means are located adjacent to a second side, opposite the first side, of the anchorage unit, which is so provided that it may be put into traction when the prestressing member is tensioned.

Abstract: A sound generating instrument having at least three resonant struts, each resonant strut having a length, terminal ends, longitudinal axis along said length and cross section. At least nine tension elements are provided causing the resonant struts to be compressively connected to other resonant struts by attachment of the tension elements at at least two points along the longitudinal axis of each resonant strut. A striker element is provided for selectively contacting the resonant struts for generating sound.

Abstract: A disposable roof covering comprising a plastic substrate having a porous top surface, and a superabsorbent polymer located between the top surface and bottom surface of the substrate. The polymer absorbs water contacting the roof covering and allows it to evaporate over time to cool the roof structure and interior of the building. The invention provides a lightweight, low cost roof covering for cooling buildings. A method for cooling a roof structure by applying the disposable roof covering over the roof structure is also provided.

Abstract: A bird deterrent system includes a first riser attached to a structure, and a second riser attached to a structure. The bird deterrent system also includes a line attached between the first riser and the second riser. A riser includes a free end, and an attachment end. The attachment end includes an attachment mechanism for universal attachment to a frame member of a structure.

Abstract: Pre-fabricated kits are provided for window/door trimming/casing that are designed and tailored for various window/door openings, architectural styles and/or manufacturers. According to one aspect, the kit is easy to assemble with everything in the box including prefabricated mutually engaging fasteners to allow all the pieces to be fastened together quickly and by hand. According to another aspect, the kit is prefabricated in a prepared and finished condition with all the pieces already painted, stained and finished, so no finishing such as painting required during or after installation. The kit can be manufactured to fit for any type of window/door and opening as long as the dimensions of openings are substantially known. Optional add-ons such as curtain rods, valances, closet shelves, poles, cabinets, shutters and cornices can also be included in the kit in pre-fabricated condition. The principles of the invention can also be extended to other types of molding such as crown molding and baseboards.

Abstract: An improved roof ridge apparatus and method for its use includes a longitudinally extending rigid member that has a plurality of keyways located along its top and bottom wall surfaces and extending along the length of the rigid member. The rigid member is placed into a continuous paddy of foam adhesive laid along a roof underlayment and the keyways receive and engage with the expanding adhesive for bonding the rigid member directly to the roof without the need for mechanical fastening. The keyways protrude from the top and bottom wall surfaces. The protrusions provide spacing between the bottom wall surface and the roof and between the top wall surface and a roof tile so that an adequate amount of foam adhesive resides between these wall surfaces and those structures.

Abstract: Laminated flooring panels include decorative motifs, mechanically embossed-in-registration surface textures, recessed perimeters, and locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms facilitate the alignment of adjacent flooring panels. Adjacent flooring panels substantially aligned allow embossed-in-registration patterns to be substantially continuous across adjacent flooring panels. The recessed perimeter prevents the edges of the flooring panel from prematurely wearing. Individual flooring panels within the flooring system may comprise at least one partial sub-panel having a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture that is complementary with a decorative motif and/or embossed surface texture of a neighboring partial sub-panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy to prevent non-linear displacement in a structure. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes at least one flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. Interior apertures are formed in the flat plate, and one or more cut-outs along outer edges. Nodes are defined between the apertures and the cut-outs and stresses from transferred energy focus on the nodes to reduce non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. One or more tension straps can be attached to the flat plate. The interior apertures may include a single aperture, or multiple apertures. The apertures may include slots. Two plates may be connected and rotated relative to each other placing the apertures out of alignment. Tension straps can be rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve for venting moisture from a window having at least two panes or lights, the panes or lights defining an air space therebetween, is provided. The valve includes: an elongated body having an interior passage formed lengthwise therein, wherein at least a portion of the elongated body is adapted to be inserted directly through a window pane and into the air space formed between the panes; at least one resilient plate pivotally connected to the elongated body; wherein the resilient plate moves in response to changes in fluid pressure within the air space formed between the panes of the window, and wherein the movement of the plate opens the interior passage for allowing moisture-laden air to pass therethrough and out of the air space or closes the interior passage for preventing air from flowing back into the air space between the panes.

Abstract: A seismic construction system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The system is shown in three exemplary applications—a masonry backup wall with ladder—or truss-type reinforcement cooperating with a snap-in wire tie; a masonry backup wall with ladder—or truss-type reinforcement with a high-span wall anchor cooperating with a low-profile, snap-in wire tie; and a drywall backup wall with internal insulation, a sheetmetal wall anchor, and snap-in wire ties. The snap-in wire ties accommodate a continuous reinforcing wire for the outer wythe, which reinforcing wire snaps into the wire housings therefor with a predetermined force. With the interconnected wall and veneer anchors and the respective reinforcing elements a seismic construct is formed.

Abstract: There is provided a structure which can reduce the lifting workload and the building workload at a high place. A structure 1 of the invention includes a rectangular frame 11 arranged horizontally, a rectangular main beam 12 arranged vertically on the frame 11, and a principal rafter 13 supporting the main beam 12 and can be built on the ground. The structure 1 is used as a greenhouse roof frame. The lifting workload and the building workload for building a greenhouse roof frame, a framework of the entire greenhouse and a greenhouse, can be greatly reduced as compared with those of the prior art.

Abstract: A translucent building block and method of manufacturing the same where the block has at least two oppositely oriented outer surfaces between which extend a plurality of translucent members that are mounted to a retainer which supports the translucent members spaced inwardly of opposite free ends thereof which extend outwardly from the retainer to points adjacent the at least two outer surfaces and wherein a plurality of openings are provided through the retainer to permit passage of cast material during introduction of the material about the translucent members within a mold during a manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, for allowing pets to ascend and descend on a foldable staircase having a plurality of stair treads operatively connected by articulating links in such a manner that the treads can be pivoted in unison from a stowed position of the staircase, in which the treads are substantially stacked upon one another, to a plurality of extended positions, in which the links position the treads in a spaced and parallel relationship to one another. A latch selectively secures the staircase in a selected one of the extended positions. The latch is configured for preventing further pivoting of the treads in either direction between the stowed and extended positions of the staircase, when the latch is engaged.

Abstract: A block for use in a building panel includes a plurality of layer components. Each of the layer components is separately formed from the others. Each of the layer components provides a load-bearing support function, an environmental protection function, and/or a utility function. The constructive material used to form each of the layer components and a configuration of each of the layer components are selected so as to allow the building panel to meet at least one predetermined criteria when the block is disposed in the building panel and coupled to other blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction panel, in particular for use in dry construction.

Abstract: A building construction frame element consists of a wooden core of a single piece of wooden material provided with a thermal break formed of an insulating material extending across the heat conductance path of the element, which may be in the form of stud for a wall or ceiling. A method for producing the frame element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A load bearing assembly (300, 452) that includes at least one molded plastic panel (1) and/or at least one molded plastic panel assembly (3), a first support (303) and optionally a second support (306), is described. Each panel (1) of the load bearing assembly (300) includes a first external portion (17) and a second external portion (20), each having a plurality of reinforcing structures (49, 79) having sidewalls (52, 82) that define a plurality of external portion recesses (64, 98).

Abstract: A bearing is provided for use in connection with expansion joint systems. The bearing may be incorporated into expansion joint systems that are used in roadway constructions, bridge constructions, and architectural structures. The bearing can absorb increased loads that are applied to the expansion joint system. The structure of the bearing also permits improved motion of, and provides improved support for, the components of the expansion joint system that are supported on or engaged with the bearing.

Abstract: Wall and floor connection arrangements. In various embodiments, a first a joist rim is coupled to the flanges of at least some vertically extending studs such that an upper rim flange of the first joist rim is substantially coplanar with a portion of an upper track of the wall. A second joist rim is coupled to another lateral flange of at least some of the vertically extending studs such that an upper rim flange of the second joist rim is substantially coplanar with a portion of the upper track and the upper rim flange of the first joist rim. A plurality of first joists may be coupled to the first rim and plurality of second joists may be coupled to the second rim. A floor deck may be received on the upper track as well as the upper flanges of the first and second joist rims.