Abstract: The present invention resides in one aspect in a building material that comprises wood and a composite polymeric material that is combined with the wood in a heterogenous admixture. The composite polymeric material incorporates fibers in a polymeric matrix. The fibers can be chopped, continuous, or combinations thereof. In addition, the fibers can be unidirectionally oriented and/or randomly oriented. Suitable fibers for use in the composite polymeric material are glass, polymers, carbon, combinations thereof, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other fibers known to those skilled in the pertinent art to which the invention pertains can be used without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Suitable polymeric material for the polymeric matrix include thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, or a combination of thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: The present invention resides in one aspect in a building material that comprises wood and a composite polymeric material that is combined with the wood in a heterogenous admixture. The composite polymeric material incorporates fibers in a polymeric matrix. The fibers can be chopped, continuous, or combinations thereof. In addition, the fibers can be unidirectionally oriented and/or randomly oriented. Suitable fibers for use in the composite polymeric material are glass, polymers, carbon, combinations thereof, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other fibers known to those skilled in the pertinent art to which the invention pertains can be used without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Suitable polymeric material for the polymeric matrix include thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, or a combination of thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite beam includes cutting an elongated piece of wood to produce strands having cross sections with a substantially symmetrical equilateral polygonal shape. Resin is then applied to the strands, and the strands are formed into a composite beam.

Abstract: A liquid tight connector for joining a liquid tight flexible conduit to a junction box or panel and having improved ground continuity is provided. The connector includes a body member having a cast-on lug to which an external ground may be secured. To provide a liquid tight seal between the fitting and the junction box, channel or raceway, an O-ring or similar seal is provided. The O-ring is placed in a recess whose depth and cross section are so related to the size and characteristics of the O-ring, that when the O-ring provides a liquid tight seal, a metallic surface of the body is in contact with the joined metallic member. With this increased metallic contact, there is an improved capacity to conduct fault current. The recess may be positioned to provide substantial contact area on an appropriate side of the perimeter of the O-ring. This protects the contact area from rust and/or corrosion which would reduce the fault current carrying capacity.