Abstract: A system and method of stabilizing and strengthening wall structures constructed with hollow core cementitious blocks that have not been filled with concrete. Relatively small ports are drilled at the grout line every 4-6 courses along the vertical plain of one hollow core and this and every second core is then filled with a high density expanding resin thus filling the core there by providing sufficient strength and rigidity, yet flexibility to the wall structure to withstand significant seismic activity.

Abstract: A composite building panel that includes a central body, substantially parallelepipedic in shape, containing an expanded polymer matrix, having opposite faces, a top surface, and a bottom surface; at least one embedded framing stud longitudinally extending across the central body between the opposite faces, having a first end embedded in the expanded polymer matrix, a second end extending away from the bottom surface of the central body, and one or more expansion holes in the embedded studs between the first end of the embedded stud and bottom surface through which the polymer matrix expands. A concrete layer can optionally cover a portion of the top surface and/or bottom surface. The building panel can be positioned perpendicular to a structural wall and/or foundation to provide a floor panel. The second end of the framing studs can be embedded in a second central body to provide an insulated concrete form.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a sectional rail system which is constructed with the known outer rails with U-shaped cross-section and intermediate rails with C-shaped cross-section, and which is peculiar in that each of the retention means of the outer rail includes at least one stop pin which is disposed close to the inner side of the screw web of an outer rail, preferably two stop pins disposed opposite each other close to the inner side of the screw webs of the outer rail, where each stop pin furthermore is provided with a support flange for supporting an end part of the reinforcement web of the intermediate rail. The fastening means of the outer rail may thus include one, two or more stop pins, and one or more resilient lock pins. Hereby may be achieved provision of a tool-free assembly method for the sectional rail system and that by screwing on plate covering close to the edge part of the intermediate rail, it is avoided that the screw web and the associated reinforcement web “capsize”.

Abstract: A composite building panel including a central body, substantially parallelepipedic in shape, comprised of an expanded polymer matrix, having opposite faces, a first surface and an opposing second surface; and one or more reinforcing members longitudinally extending across the central body between said opposite faces, having a first side portion embedded in the expanded polymer matrix, and a second side portion extending away from the first surface of the central body and one or more expansion holes located in the reinforcing member between the first side portion of the reinforcing member and the first surface of the central body. The central body includes a polymer matrix that expands through the expansion holes; and a space defined by the first surface of the central body and the second side portion of the reinforcing members is adapted for accommodating utilities through the space.

Abstract: A flooring system having a top floor layer, a sub-floor, and an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer is disclosed. The underlayment material may include a cross-linked, polyolefin foam having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 3.0 lb/1000 ft2/24 hr, and an average sound pressure level of less than about 15 dB over a range of about 300 Hz to about 1000 Hz. Foam density, gel fraction, and resin blend may combine to provide an underlayment material having such reflective sound and moisture vapor barrier properties.

Abstract: Designed for office interior environments and layouts, there is provided a module wall system that comprises a module having a number of cavities and opposite cavities. The modules may include board plates, lateral plates, cover plates, and internal rails that are built to accommodate cables and utilities. The internal rails may be posted throughout the length of such modules and may interconnect with columns. The cavities may have cover plates positioned conveniently to form a structural, functional and decorative composition. The modules are interconnected, structured and fixed with the columns, which can be posted vertically and sitting on feet, to provide better stability. The columns are hollow and fitted with removable column cover for access to wiring or complementary accommodation of decorative objects. Modules may form various convenient work areas or cubicle layouts with functional and aesthetic environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof drainage for trucks (I). In order to prevent damage to the loaded goods by water dripping from the roof edge, an adjustable gutter (II) underneath the roof edge is proposed.

Abstract: The invention is an assembly of elements to collect solar energy and rain water. Solar energy is converted to electricity by either photovoltaic film or laminate panels or sheets mounted atop arcuate, curved canopy structures that are formed and positioned like “wings”. Rainwater is collected by the low-incidence arcuate curved wings and directed to a central trough along the wings' structural spine, which conducts it through a support column to a water container or vessel. In a preferred embodiment the vessel is an underground container extending parallel to and as long as the above-ground structural spine of the assembly.

Abstract: Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.

Abstract: A drywall-trimming strip for trimming an archway has a nose with a tabbed edge and a flanged edge. A first series of slits spaced from one another define a series of tabs spaced from one another along the tabbed edge. A flange extends from and along the flanged edge. The tabs are joined to the tabbed edge of the nose by a continuous juncture extending along and defining the tabbed edge of the nose, which has a second series of slits extending to the continuous juncture and spaced from one another, as the slits defining the tabs are spaced from one another. All parts of the drywall-trimming strip are made from a comparatively harder, less flexible, polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride having a hardness of Durometer Shore 82 D, except for the continuous juncture, which is made from a comparatively softer, more flexible material, such as polyvinyl chloride having a hardness of Durometer Shore 92 A.

Abstract: A net layer (32) defines the shell (40) of a building, carried by any necessary supports. A hardening layer (34) is applied to fix the shape of the net layer (32) and to establish wall, roof, and floor. Optionally the shell is of sufficient strength to receive application of further layers in order to define an exoskeleton. Structures of roof sections include parallel-sided segments and converging-sided segments, with troughed or domed section shapes. Structures of walls include opposed shell sides (35), (78) and central filler layers (70), together defining an exoskeleton. Posts (72) can add additional structural capacities for supporting walls, roof and floor and can be formed integrally of net (32) and hardener (34).

Abstract: A sealed unit includes at least two sheets of transparent or translucent material separated from each other by a spacer. One example of a spacer for a sealed unit includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and filler arranged therebetween. The first and second elongate strips have a small undulating shape in some embodiments. Methods of making spacers and window assemblies as well as devices for use in the manufacture of spacers and assemblies are disclosed including a manufacturing jig and a spool storage rack. The spool storage rack stores a plurality of spools configured to store spacer materials thereon.

Abstract: A portable shelter made from two corrugated plastic sheets. Each sheet has score lines that define a floor panel, two wall panels, and two roof panels. The two sheets are overlapped, and the panels are bent along the score lines to form the walls and roof. Each panel is secured to the adjacent panel with tabs and seam members to form standing seams that are secured by fasteners. An opening in the roof provides ventilation, while a cap over the opening blocks precipitation from entering. The entire structure is secured in place with stakes that are inserted through the floor into the ground. Solar panels can be affixed to the shelter to provide electrical power.

Abstract: A spacer accessory including: a shank extending in an axial direction, one end of which includes a mechanism for securing the shank to a structural element of the wall that is to be lined and the other end of which includes a mechanism assembling the shank with lining studwork; two claws surrounding the shank; and a mechanism locking the two claws against one another with axial clamping.

Abstract: This new design assembly consisting of two brackets with a round tube, that is mounted on to the roof fascia, the bracket with a single one side round tube is mounted at the far end of the fascia, and the bracket with the double sided tube is mounted on the fascia approx. 10 feet apart. Using the hole in the end cap install the gutter assembly over the round tube on the bracket so that it rotated freely. Install a rain cover over the bracket. The pin is then removed from the bracket and the gutter assembly rotates from a horizontal location to a down position to clean out leaves and debris. After cleaning, the gutter is rotated back to its horizontal location and the pin is reinserted. The rain water will flow trough the bracket tube and out the downspout.

Abstract: A flooring system having a top floor layer, a sub-floor, and an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer is disclosed. The underlayment material may include a cross-linked, polyolefin foam having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 3.0 lb/1000 ft2/24 hr, and an average sound pressure level of less than about 15 dB over a range of about 300 Hz to about 1000 Hz. Foam density, gel fraction, and resin blend may combine to provide an underlayment material having such reflective sound and moisture vapor barrier properties.

Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrofit connection of a roof frame to a support member therebelow includes a claw member having a load bearing flange to be driven into an interface between a roof sheathing and a top edge of the roof frame, and a tie-down member to be mounted to a vertical surface of the support member. The tie-down member is connected to the claw member to allow various angular positions of the load bearing flange depending on roof slopes.

Abstract: Ball pivot assemblies for mounting panels to a cable regardless of panel geometry or orientation include a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes geometry configured to enable a panel to pivot about the ball pivot in a plurality of orientations in a plurality of planes with respect to the cable. One or more implementations of the present invention can include a ball socket configured to receive the ball pivot, and provide a secure interface between the ball pivot assembly and the panel. Also, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more cables using one or more ball pivot assemblies. In addition, one or more implementations of the present invention include methods of mounting panels using one or more ball pivot assemblies.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for framing openings for doors, windows, store fronts, air conditioning units and other purposes, in walls formed of cast-in-place concrete. The devices include a jamb member having attached first and second inner flanges with angled guide surfaces for guiding placement of a wall forming system in alignment and engagement therewith and for anchoring the jamb member following hardening of the poured concrete. A method includes use of the disclosed jamb member to frame an opening in a building wall.