Abstract: A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights. In one embodiment, the support pedestal can include a base member, a support member and a coupling member operatively connecting the base member and the support member. The coupling member can include first and second cylindrical walls, whereby an outer wall of the coupling member bears directly on an outer wall of the base member. Locking members can be utilized to operatively attach the coupling member to at least one of the base member or the support member. The locking members can function to increase the structural stability of support pedestal.

Abstract: In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a window assembly and a window spacer. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the window assembly includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a spacer arranged between the first sheet and the second sheet. The spacer includes a first elongate strip, a second elongate strip, and continuous sidewalls or a plurality of sidewalls. In some embodiments the sidewalls include a first portion having a first fastening mechanism and a second portion have a second fastening mechanism. The first fastening mechanism is arranged and configured to securely engage with the second fastening mechanism to connect the first portion with the second portion.

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 method for making a window frame for installation in the exterior shell of an aircraft, which comprises at least one outer flange, an inner flange, and a vertical flange arranged perpendicular to and between these two flanges, contemplates that first a semifinished part comprising multiple, individual substructures is made, which next is inserted into a molding tool, into which, under pressure and temperature, resin is injected, and that the component made in this manner subsequently is hardened in the molding tool. The semifinished part has a layer structure, which comprises a web material, fiber bundles, or a combination of fiber bundles and web material.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a deck drain vent system is disclosed. The deck drain vent system includes at least one panel disposed below a lower surface of a deck. The panel is substantially planar and has a bottom side and a top side facing and spaced apart from the lower surface. At least one vent penetrates the panel to allow fluid communication between the cavity and the bottom side. The deck drain vent system further includes a shaft lock secured to the vent. The shaft lock hinders liquids and debris from entering the vent, yet allows air to freely circulate between the cavity and a surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A precast wall system and a method for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels. Each precast panel has a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between and attached to the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first group of the interconnected precast panels are arranged vertically on a second group of the interconnected precast panels and the top end plate of each panel corresponding the first group is connected to the bottom end plate of a respective one of the panels corresponding to the second group. Methods for horizontally and vertically connecting the precast panels to each other are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a filter media support system with multiple locking mechanisms. The support system comprises two or more interlocking rows of support blocks. One or more slides and one or more guides protrude from the side walls of the blocks. Each guide is conformed to receive one slide from a neighboring block, forming a first locking joint. The side walls also comprise one or more nubs and one or more recesses. Each nub is conformed to fit within one recess of a neighboring block, forming a second locking joint. In one embodiment, the method for assembling the support system comprises aligning a slide of a first support block with a guide of a second support block. The slide of the first support block is vertically moved into the guide of the second support block. Force is applied so that the nubs are flexed within the recesses.

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. The foam may have a compressive strength of at least about 0.85 kg/cm2. 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 method of assembling a wind turbine tower is provided, wherein the method includes providing a plurality of tower members having a top end and a bottom end, and coupling the bottom end of a first tower member to the top end of a second tower member such that the bottom end of the first tower member is interlocked within at least a portion of the top end of the second tower member. The method also includes coupling at least one support member to each of the plurality of tower members.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a filter media support system with dual locking mechanisms. The support system comprises two or more interlocking rows of support blocks. One or more slides and one or more guides protrude from the side walls of the blocks. Each guide is conformed to receive one slide from a neighboring block, forming a first locking joint. The side walls also comprise one or more posts and one or more sockets. Each post is conformed to fit within one socket of a neighboring block, forming a second locking joint. In one embodiment, the method for assembling the support system comprises aligning a slide of a first support block with a guide of a second support block. The slide of the first support block is vertically moved into the guide of the second support block. Force is applied so that the posts snap-lock into the sockets.

Abstract: An extendible shelter connectable to a building has an extendible frame and a plurality of covers, connected to an outermost frame end, for covering the frame. Adjacent covers are connected to one another at outermost edge ends of their adjacent edges, which are threaded through a fastener. As the frame is extended outwardly away from the building, the adjacent edges are drawn through the fastener, which fastens the edges together to automatically fasten the adjacent covers. When the frame is retracted, the fastener unfastens the edges and covers. Anchor for locking wheels for the frame in fixed position on a ground surface over which the shelter extends are also disclosed.

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: A corner joint between two frame lineals of a pultruded window frame is defined by inserting a leg of a corner member into a hollow interior of each lineal and attaching the legs to the lineals by adhesive. Each leg has a plurality of surfaces thereof each having a first portion at the corner which lies closely adjacent a corresponding surface of the first lineal and a second portion, at the end of the first portion remote from the corner which tapers inwardly away from the corresponding surface of the first lineal such that a spacing therebetween increases in the direction away from the corner. The adhesive is applied to the tapered portion and the taper acts to force the adhesive along the leg to the first portion and to the ends of the lineals where the excess can be wiped away.

Abstract: An assembly device for at least two laminated glazing elements each including plural individual glazing elements that are rigid and assembled to one another at the surface by bonding layers, which succeed one another in a direction of extension, partially overlapping in contiguous edge regions in perpendicular projection on faces of the glazing elements, and are assembled to one another in this limited overlap region on the edge side. Only one portion of the rigid glazing elements, at least one individual glazing element of each laminated glazing element, extends into the overlap region. This allows a smooth continuous transition from one laminated glazing element to the next with a visual effect of an extremely transparent glazing.

Abstract: A modular assembly structured to assume either a shipping container configuration or a building unit configuration including a frame comprising a plurality of support members and defining both a part of the building unit configuration and shipping unit configuration. A plurality of frame panels are movably connected to the frame and disposable in either a closed position or an opened position so as to respectively and at least partially define either the shipping unit configuration or the building unit configuration. The plurality of unit panels are movably connected to the frame and disposable outwardly therefrom to collectively define end wall portions and ceiling portions of the building unit configuration wherein the unit panels may be stored within the interior of the frame. An erection assembly is selectively disposable in an assembled position exteriorly of the frame and supported thereon so as to facilitate the assembly of at least some of the frame panels and/or unit panels.

Abstract: An expansion joint and seal is provided that is adapted for adherence to a wall and floor interface. The joint is operative to seal the interface such that self-leveling materials cannot flow between the wall and the floor. When adhered to the interface, a compressive member may be disposed coincidental to the wall. This compressive member allows for expansion of solidified self-leveling materials relative to the wall. In one arrangement, the joint and seal utilizes a flexible sheet member having a bottom surface that is adapted for adherence to the interface of a wall and floor. A compressible member is attached to the top surface of the flexible sheet member. The bottom surface of the flexible sheet member may also include a peel-away release member that covers an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface.

Abstract: A demountable building structure that is readily assembled from a set of components is disclosed. The building structure includes a plurality of arc frame members spaced along a length of the building structure. Each of the arc frame members extends from a first foot portion to a peak, and back to a second foot portion. Each of the arc frame members includes a plurality of beams. Each of the beams includes two opposed flanges. Each of the flanges has two bifurcated ends. The ends define c-shaped rope chases with openings. The building structure further includes bases slidably mateable with the first and second foot portions, and elongate membranes having beaded longitudinal edges. The membranes are stretched between adjacent of the arc frame members. The longitudinal edges are within the rope chases. Spreaders extend between adjacent of the arc frame members for urging apart the arc frame members from each other and for maintaining the membranes in a stretched condition.

Abstract: A flood protection system for a building employs waterproof flexible sheeting (26) of a size at least sufficient to cover a region to be protected on one or more faces of a building. The sheeting is capable of withstanding water pressure at least with a head as great as the difference in height from the lowest to the highest point of the region. The sheeting has a first side and an opposite side on the side of the sheeting opposite the first side. The first side is arranged to bear against the surface of the building at least around the periphery of the region and an opposite side. A frame of similar dimension to the sheeting is used to mount the sheeting with its first side against the face of the building. The frame co-operates with compressible sealing means (23, 24) which bear against the opposite side of the sheeting to thereby press the first side against the face of the building. Fixing means mount the frame to the surface of the building without the fixing means piercing the sealing means.