Abstract: A structural member alignment tool is provided for aligning and connecting misaligned structural members having bores therethrough and a method for using same. There is also provided a flange alignment tool kit comprising a structural member alignment tool and a plurality of sleeves and a method for using same. The sleeves decrease the inner diameter of the structural member bores thereby allowing the structural member alignment tool to align misaligned structural members.

Abstract: Device for producing a material web in a dryer part that includes at least one dryer section having a plurality of cylinders including heated cylinders and cooled cylinders. The device may also include a porous dryer screen and a metal belt that may be guided with the material web in a meandering path alternatingly around the heated and cooled cylinders. At least one of the metal belt and the dryer screen being highly prestressed and the device may also include at least one of a heating installation and a cooling installation assigned to act on an area of a circumference of the plurality of cylinders in which the material web may be supported by the dryer screen and the metal belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating volatile components from a base material. Specifically, the apparatus comprises a gas tight reactor, an induction heating vessel, a plate and evacuating means for evacuating volatile components from the reactor. The method comprises the steps of heating the material from which the volatile components are to be removed by induction heating in a gas tight vessel. More specifically, the area surrounding the object within the gas tight vessel is filled with metal filings which are then heated by induction heating. The metal filings thus inductively heat the object, causing any volatile components therein to be released. The volatile components are then evacuated from the gas tight vessel and the metal filings removed.

Abstract: A steam blast box for applying steam to a web of paper conducted over a roll of a paper machine. The box has a closed steam blast chamber which extends along the roll transverse to the direction of travel of the web and to which steam can be fed. The front wall of the box, which faces the roll, has a plurality of steam outlet openings. A steam propagation space is formed between the front wall of the steam blast box and the roll. For controlling the temperature and/or for regulating the amount of heat transferred to the web of paper in the steam propagation space, an air outlet channel, which extends transverse to the direction of travel of the web and is located at the web inlet end of the steam propagation space, is provided for the admixing of air in the steam. In this way, sensitive separate, zone-wise control of the heating of the paper web can be obtained. The steam propagation space can be cooled zone-wise by feeding air on the inlet side.

Abstract: Drying of a solid polymer is disclosed in which a solid polymer obtained by polymerization (or a product of modification of the solid polymer) is contacted with a drying gas so that any solvent and/or unreacted polymerization feed materials remaining in the solid polymer are removed to thereby dry the solid polymer, and in which a gaseous polymerization feed material is used as the drying gas and contacted with the solid polymer to thereby dry the solid polymer (step i), and the resultant solid polymer is contacted with a drying gas which contains an inert gas (step ii). The drying gas can be recovered from the step (i) and part thereof can be recycled through a polymerization step as it is or be recycled, after cooling the drying gas to thereby remove any condensed components, to the step (i). Not only can the solid polymer be efficiently dried but also the solvent and unreacted polymerization feed materials recovered from the solid polymer can efficiently be recycled by the disclosed method.

Abstract: An innersole for insertion into a shoe having a base of a flexible material with an upper and lower surface with a plurality of spaced rows of lugs extending upwardly from the upper surface. Each of the lugs has a base portion and a rounded top portion and an elongated axis. A cover is disposed over the upper surface of the base covering the lugs forming an undulating surface on the base and fixedly secured to the lugs and the upper surface of the base with no spacing between the cover, the lugs, and the upper surface of the base. A plurality of perforations are provided, each of the perforations extending through the cover, each of the lugs along generally the longitudinal axis thereof, and through the base. A plurality of spaced grooves may be provided on the underside of the base.

Abstract: A shoe insert that can be customized by the user to control pronation of the foot and to relieve or reduce stress at painful areas of the foot comprising a film of plastic capable of being deformed to the shape of the foot by the weight of the user. The film includes fastening hook or loop material on at least one surface whereby detachable cushioning elements can be attached to the film. The cushioning element is preferably a sheet of loop cloth that continuously covers one or both surfaces of the film. The cushioning pads also contain a sheet of loop or hook material on one or both surfaces. The pads can be inclined to affect pronation or can contain apertures to relieve stress. The outer edges of the pads and the upper edge of the aperture are preferably chamfered or rounded to reduce discomfort.

Abstract: An insole comprising an absorptive flat paper base panel, and a corrugated paper cover panel covered on the absorptive flat base panel, the corrugated paper cover panel having a plurality of folds and furrows alternatively arranged together and defining with the absorptive flat paper base panel a plurality of ventilation spaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a anti-blister shoe grip (10) which is installed into the back of a dress shoe to prevent heel abrasion and the forward pressure on the toes caused by padding. The anti-blister shoe grip (10) is installed through a shoe back inside (14BI). A first anti-blister shoe grip (110) is essentially the same as the anti-blister shoe grip (10) but is sewn onto a shoe back inside (14BI).

Abstract: A sport shoe having an upper, a sole having at least an outer sole having a mobile portion at least at the heel portion of the sole which is pivotable about a lateral axis forward of the heel portion. A midsole insert member is insertable between the mobile portion and the upper. The mobile portion includes upper engaging projections cooperating with the upper to prevent the midsole insert from moving laterally relative to the upper when the midsole insert member is introduced between the mobile portion and the upper.

Abstract: A footwear device for reducing noise caused when an outdoorsman walks over leaves, twigs, and other ground objects and additionally serves to conceal an outdoorsman's feet from visual detection. The footwear device can be slipped on over an outdoorsman's shoes or can be worn over the bare or socked feet as a moccasin. The footwear device comprises a camouflaged cloth upper body portion for covering and concealing the shoe or foot, an adjustable opening for receiving the shoe or foot into the footwear device, a means for securing which firmly holds the device in place around the shoe or foot, and a bottom sole comprised of a synthetic fur material that reduces noise occurring when the outdoorsman steps on ground objects. In addition to suppressing walking related noise and concealing the feet, the present invention is supple to facilitate carrying, easy to put on, and to remove.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a power excavator during a land finishing work is disclosed. In the above method, the bucket, arm and swing unit are controlled in response to output signals from a handling signal input means. Meanwhile, the boom is controlled as follows. That is, when a boom handling signal is output from the handling signal input means, the boom is controlled in response to the boom handling signal. However, when the handling signal input means does not output a boom handling signal, the boom is controlled by a geometrical operation of signals output from the boom, arm and bucket sensors and a land finishing angle for calculating reference boom angle data. The reference boom angle data is control-operated to output an automatic boom control signal, thus controlling the boom in order to move the bucket tip on a land with the land finishing angle in response to an arm handling signal output from the handling signal input means.

Abstract: A steam iron having a water tank with an internal air trap and external gear mounts. The air trap holds a volume of air when the iron is being filled with water, but receives water when the iron is moved to a horizontal position to prevent water from spilling out of a water fill spout. The iron has gears that connect a temperature control of the iron to a water metering valve. The gears are stabily rotatably mounted directed to the water tank on the gear mounts.

Abstract: A pressing iron comprises a housing made of plastic material in the form of a hollow body having a base (3) whose upper portion (H) has an opening (O) closed by a cover (C) and whose outlet (D) is closed by a pressing block comprising an upper portion (4) and a lower portion (5) having at least one pressing sole (6), and surmounted, in the front and rear portions respectively, by two hollow projections (8 and 9) connected at their upper portion by a cross member (10) forming a handle and constituted by a trough (11) closed by a cover (12). The rear projection (9) has a wide opening closed by a cover (14) forming a heel. The hollow body (2) and the cover (14) are formed by a shell (1) molded in one piece and having a transverse cross section of generally inverted V shape. The trough (11) of the handle and the internal surfaces (8' and 9') of the projections (8 and 9) opening inwardly.

Abstract: A steam iron with an electrically heated sole-plate, which has numerous steam holes that open in ball-like depressions. The sole-plate has a recess, which is open on the ironing-surface side and is surrounded by the ironing surface. Further steam holes open on the bottom of the recess.

Abstract: A magnetic calendar (20), which may be of the perpetual type, includes a non-ferromagnetic body portion (22) which is preferably rectangular and preferably substantially planar, having a front surface (24) and back surface (26) for abutting a metal surface (38). The front surface (24) of the body portion (22) is divided into a plurality of segments (28) forming a grid-like section (30). The segments (28) may display artwork (58) such as a small pictorial (66), a portion of a large pictorial (64), or a phrase (60). The magnetic pieces (32) adhere to the front surface (24) of the non-ferromagnetic body portion (22) and may include a feature (33) such as indicia (36), an occasion (35), or a holiday (37) affixed thereon. The magnetic pieces (32) may cover at least a portion of the artwork (58).

Abstract: Sheet material items are fabricated which have an intermediate structure in the form of one or more sheets sandwiched between front and rear covers. One such intermediate panel functions as a facade panel behind which a display panel is located. When the covers are opened, the facade panel forms the front of a box-like structure while the display panel emerges into an attention-attracting orientation from an at least a partially hidden position behind the facade panel. Actuation is achieved through a subpanel that is hinged to the display panel along an angularly oriented line of weakness, causing the display panel to move into its exposed position by sliding along an edge or interior surface of one of the major walls of the box-like structure.

Abstract: A tag adapted to be attached to an article of clothing or the like with a fastener of the type comprising an elongated plastic member having a cross-bar at one end. In one embodiment, the tag comprises a continuous sheet of plastic material heat sealed to a backing sheet in a blister pack type configuration so as to define a pocket into which the cross-bar may be inserted, the pocket having a sidewall which includes a guide notch. The tag is attached to an article of clothing by inserting the cross-bar of the fastener first through the article of clothing and then through the plastic sheet into the pocket, using the needle on a tagger gun to penetrate the article of clothing and also to penetrate the plastic sheet and using the notch on the plastic sheet to assist in positioning the needle of the tagger gun.

Abstract: An identification bracelet includes an integral adhesive closure which permits the bracelet to be formed in a virtually uniform thickness. The bracelet is formed of laminates that are relatively permanently bonded to each other over a majority of the body of the bracelet, with a movable cover portion formed as part of one or more of the laminates. The cover portion is adapted to be moved from a covering relationship to a non-covering relationship with respect to an adhesive disposed between two or more of the laminates. The cover may be removable from the bracelet, and may be configured with gripping portions to permit ready manipulation of the cover from the aforesaid covering relationship to the non-covering relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements to a merchandise information system having a plurality of overlapping display items each having on opposite sides thereof information concerning available merchandise at a remote location. The system includes a support having a rigid base, and a plurality of spaced flexible webs formed integral with the lower edge of the base and depending therefrom. The display items are attached to the lower ends of the webs to display one side of the item. The lower end of each web includes a "claw" structure to prevent theft of the display item through downward extraction of the item from the web. The rigid base connects to a hanger support ledge on a plurality of steps on a display base. Mounting of a number of supports on the steps causes the display items to be arranged in an overlapping manner.

Abstract: A sign display device consists of a substantially U-shaped bracket with arms that resiliently grip a bar member such as used to form a frame for mounting a poster or sign. Slots extend through the bracket and are sized to receive sign clips that are affixed to the back of a sign. Use of the sign display device permits attaching a secondary sign to a main sign or poster display, with the bracket concealed by the secondary sign and standing out from the surface of the main sign for increased or enhanced visual recognition.

Abstract: A corner frame having a base for engaging the back of the foamboard and a top for engaging the front of the foamboard separated by sidewalls on the base which are of a width to permit positioning the corner of the foamboard within the corner frame thus covering and protecting the corners of the foamboard. The corner frame is an assembly of two pieces--a top and a base. The top and base, being separate, are connected to one another to form a corner frame by either a slide lock feature or a snap lock feature. The corner frame may be connected to the foamboard by spikes, other gripping means or a two sided adhesive. The corner frame also may receive a cord or wire so that the corner frames may be used to hang the foamboard like a picture and/or used to straighten warped foamboards or to prevent warping of foamboards.

Abstract: A one-piece frame corner joining apparatus for joining two picture frame members at a predetermined angle to form a frame corner. The frame members are preferably standard aluminum frames having a longitudinal channel for receiving corner hardware. The joining apparatus includes first and second legs disposed at the predetermined angle relative to each other, each leg receivable in a corresponding frame member channel. Each leg includes a top side and a bottom side, a bore, a screw received in the bore, and a tab portion connected to the bottom side of the leg. The tab portion is formed of a strip of the leg that is bent back over the bore and spaced apart from the leg such that the screw, when tightened, deflects the tab downward to frictionally engage the leg with the corresponding frame member channel.

Abstract: The retainer clip is adapted to be positioned between an inwardly extending flange at the back of a picture frame and backing material located within the frame behind a picture in the frame. The retainer clip includes a resilient body, structure on the body for engaging the inwardly extending flange at the rear edge of the picture frame and structure on the body for engaging the backing material. The structure for engaging the backing material includes at least one prong, detent or barb positioned to engage the backing material.

Abstract: A self-contained magazine for a firearm includes a housing for receiving a plurality of rounds therein, the housing including an open end through which rounds are loaded and unloaded, a follower provided in the housing, said follower being slidable along a longitudinal axial direction of the magazine, a spring biasing the follower toward the open end, to bias rounds toward the open end, an electronic counter means integrated in the magazine for calculating the number of rounds contained in the magazine upon loading rounds into and unloading rounds from the magazine, and display means for displaying the number of rounds in the magazine. The present invention provides a self-contained magazine for a firearm that incorporates all essential features for calculating and displaying the number of rounds therein as the number changes due to loading and unloading.

Abstract: A mechanism for determining the presence of a round of ammunition within a firearm by measuring the resistance across the round upon passing a test current through electrodes positioned to contact ammunition, and optionally means for determining the viability of the ammunition.

Abstract: A firearm conversion system for firearms having a pivoted hammer. The conversion system utilizes a plurality of different mode determinating cams which may be alternately mounted upon a shaft, the shaft also supporting the pivoted hammer. The cams each provide a selection among firing modes including safe, fire, single-action and double-action.

Abstract: A live bait bucket designed to oxygenate water in which fishing bait is kept, comprising an outer bucket and an inner bucket, the space therebetween forming an annular oxygen chamber wherein gaseous oxygen is placed. A removable bait container is designed to fit within the inner bucket. Piping and a pump are provided to circulate water through a filter and back into the annular oxygen chamber, where the water is cascaded over baffles to increase the contact with the gaseous oxygen. A valve is provided to permit injection of oxygen into the annular oxygen chamber. Carrying handles may be provided both on the outer bucket and on the removable bait container.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting and destroying insects includes a housing, a canister secured to the housing and containing carbon dioxide, and a discharge device for discharging the carbon dioxide from the canister and into the housing. The apparatus further includes a source of octenol provided in the housing, and a device for introducing and mixing the octenol with the carbon dioxide within the housing. The mixture of carbon dioxide and octenol is released from the housing for attracting insects. A heat source is also provided for further attracting insects, and an electric grid secured to and surrounding the housing destroys the insects upon their contacting the grid.

Abstract: An improved cut plant watering apparatus for detecting and indicating a predetermined water fill level to prevent overfilling and spillage when watering a cut plant, such as a Christmas tree, mounted in a container comprising a conduit for carrying water from a fill location to the container, an indicator in communication with and responsive to a detector that, when used to fill the container with water, indicates that the predetermined water level has been reached so that a person does not inadvertently overfill the container, thereby eliminating water damage to surrounding objects or to the carpet and floor.

Abstract: A device for stringing and supporting growing plants, such as tomato plants, and which is manually operable by a workman includes a handheld, elongated pole having a handle end, an opposite dispensing end, a tip member having an aperture and which is secured to the dispensing end, and a plurality of brackets having eyelets positioned adjacent the handle end and projecting perpendicular from the pole. Further included is a container for attachment to the workman's belt and disposed within the container is a rotatable ball of string which is dispensed from the container during the stringing of the plants.

Abstract: Protective enclosures for seeds provide a self-contained environment for protecting the seeds in their early growth stages in arid or hostile environments. A protective enclosure (10) for one or more seeds (15) comprising an outer shell (11), said shell (11) being permanently or temporarily liquid-impermeable in at least one direction, and a hygroscopic material (14) contained within the the shell (11) surrounding at least one seed (15), said material (14) being capable of absorbing and storing liquid.

Abstract: A floating island with a water-purifying effect of the present invention has a floating body and an agent container. The floating body includes a planter made of a foamed resin, soil contained in the planter and plants planted in the soil. A plurality of openings are provided in the bottom of the planter through which water is supplied to the soil in the planter and roots of the plants grow into water. The agent container stores an oxygen-generating agent therein, which is attached on the outside of the bottom of the planter.

Abstract: A window regulator so constructed as not to be deteriorated in slidability between a band member and a guide surface is disclosed. An end of the band member formed annularly by a slider is guided by a guide member so that the inner side surface of the band member slides along the guide surface. The guide surface includes lateral grooves, brushes and a recess. The lateral grooves always retain grease and supply an appropriate amount of it to the inner side surface of the band member by the sliding motion of the latter. The brushes remove dust and dirt which may attach to the inner side surface of the band member by the sliding motion thereof. The recess keeps off the dust and dirt attached on the periphery of engaging holes of the band member from the space between the guide surface and the inner side surface of the band member. The slidability between the band member and the guide surface thus is not deteriorated and the band member can smoothly slide along the guide surface.

Abstract: A door glass weather strip is structured such that a terminal end portion thereof to be contacted with a door pillar is cut away so as to correspond to the door pillar and is finish end formed. A clip to be inserted into a rectangular engaging hole formed in a door panel is provided on the surface of a mounting portion of the door glass weather strip. That particular, on the surface of the cut-away terminal end portion E of the mounting portion that is opposed to the outside surface of the door panel. The clip is formed of flexible synthetic resin, and includes a first engaging piece portion formed in a hook shape and engageable with the lower edge of the engaging hole in the door panel, and a second engaging piece portion which projects upwardly from the upper end of the first engaging piece portion and also includes in the top portion thereof an engaging stepped portion to be engageable with the upper edge of the engaging hole.

Abstract: A temporarily installed resilient, shock-absorbent cover to protect the vulnerable parts of doors and door frames, as well as the frames of archways and the furniture that passes therethrough during the process of moving is disclosed. The cover includes a hinge side frame cover temporarily secured to the door. The hinge side frame cover shields the face of the door frame, and also shields a portion of the door. A latch side frame cover protects the latch side portion of the door frame. The latch side frame cover has an angular U shape which covers the forward, inner and rear face of the door frame. The cover is held in place by upper and lower retainer clips which are permanently attached thereto. The clips apply pressure to the wall creating friction to hold the cover in position. In archways where no door is present, both sides of the opening are covered with latch side frame covers.

Abstract: A sliding vehicle window assembly is provided which includes at least one, and preferably a pair, of window panels spaced from each other to define a window opening and interconnected by upper and lower frame members or tracks, bonded to the interior surface of the pair of window panels. The upper and lower frame members are also spaced vertically apart from each other. At least one, and preferably two, arcuate channels are defined in each of the inwardly facing walls of the two frame members--the two channels arranged generally in tandem or end-to-end alignment. The pair of channels in each frame member are configured to receive a window panel, opposite ends of which retain cam or channel followers received by the channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing rainwater overflow protection for a roof gutter. The method includes removing rainwater under the force of gravity from the gutter via a conduit connected at an opening in a substantially vertical wall at one end of the gutter. A further step includes directing the rainwater from the opening through a downward turning transition section in the conduit such that a substantially horizontal rainwater flow direction is gradually converted to a downward flow direction. A portion of the rainwater may be further directed via the conduit from the gutter to a conventional downspout connected to a bottom surface of the gutter. In this alternative, the conduit joins the conventional downspout at a location at least six inches below the bottom surface of the gutter and serves as a bypass for a plugged conventional downspout opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a soffit assembly made of inside and outside soffit boards, each comprising two or more serially arranged boards. When assembled, the inside and outside soffit boards define a central gap closed by a vent strip having perforations there along to enable breathing through said vent strip; the vent strip also icludes left and right U-shaped receptacles to enable the vent strip to snap to the adjacent soffit boards. A cross strip is also set forth which has a H-shape in profile to enable the adjacent boards to be abutted against each other and thereby joined with said cross strip at the joint between the boards.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a wall form assembly on a floor includes an upright tubular seat which has upper and lower portions and which confines an axial hole through the upper and lower portions. The upper portion has an internally threaded top section. The lower portion is provided with a radial support projection. A horizontal beam has a front end and a rear end mounted on the upper portion of the tubular seat. A hook member is mounted on the front end of the horizontal beam. A rotary shaft is disposed rotatably in the axial hole and has an upper end and a lower end that extends out of the tubular seat and that has a roller mounted thereon. An operating member includes a threaded shank which has a lower section that extends threadedly into the axial hole via the internally threaded top section of the tubular seat and that is coupled to the upper end of the shaft.

Abstract: A closed-riser, adjustable rise, staircase system is provided which allows a plurality of stair treads to be assembled into staircases having different rise heights, for example, from six inches to seven inches, while maintaining the closed-riser nature of the staircase. The nose piece portion extending downwardly from the walking surface of each stair tread is dimensioned such that the distance to which it extends is greater than the desired range of adjustability of rise heights, and the riser portion of each stair tread is dimensioned such that, when positioned for the maximum desired rise height, an upper portion of the riser will continue to extend behind the nose piece of the stair tread positioned immediately above.

Abstract: A modular sliding window assembly for in a motor vehicle body is provided with a sliding pane subassembly which has a snap-fit with a frame subassembly. The frame subassembly preferably comprises a pair of fixed panes, an upper and lower applique, and an injection molded cover member integrating the fixed panes and the appliques. The sliding pane subassembly preferably comprises a generally horizontal run channel member and at least one glazing pane optionally having a run channel guide affixed to a peripheral edge of the pane. The pane is slidably received in a run channel formed by the run channel member. The horizontal run channel member has a snap-fit attachment preferably to one of the appliques. The appliques can have a flexible flange or the like extending inboard from the injection molded cover member, forming a step ridge or like configuration.

Abstract: A prefabricated vehicle window comprises (a) a vehicle window; (b) a substantially uncured, deformable bead of a moisture-curable adhesive material deposited along the periphery of the vehicle window; and (c) a peelable, moisture-impermeable coating covering the bead of moisture-curable adhesive material.

Abstract: A method of laterally reinforcing a load bearing structural member is described. The method comprises wholly or partly encircling the structural member with an elongate strip (8) of high tensile, high stiffness material and applying a tension to the strip (8) sufficient to put the material of the structural member into lateral compression such that an abnormal increase in the internal stresses in the structural member will cause yielding of the strip (8) before compressive, bending, or shear failure of the structural member.

Abstract: A log construction has a pair of logs, each having an end region with a surface portion thereon, wherein the surface portions are arranged to engage one another at a boundary therebetween, the boundary having a length. At least one barrier extends across the boundary and along the length thereof to couple the end regions together, the barrier having a pair of projections. Each of the logs has a passage open to and adjacent the boundary for receiving a corresponding one of the projections. Each projection has a pair of outer surfaces and the passage having a pair of inner surfaces, the outer and inner surfaces being further arranged to generate residual compressive forces toward the boundary as a result of shrinkage between the barrier and the end regions.

Abstract: A building structure has an outer shell including sidewalls and an integrated roof projecting upwardly therefrom. The sidewall and roof include an inner plurality of supporting studs with a mesh member secured abutting the inner side of the studs. A plastic outer wall is formed from a plurality of polystyrene panels. The panels are located in abutting relation and interconnected to each other and to the studs to define a plastic wall and defining a concrete receiving space. T-bars are located between abutting panels and abut the exterior of the panels. A tie-rod connects the T-bars to the studs to support the insulating wall in spaced relation to the mesh. The panels are recessed to form columns within the wall and roof structure. Reinforcing bars are located within the columns. Wet concrete is deposited into the concrete space and thereby integrally interconnected to the inner wall unit and to the outer insulating wall to form a continuous integral wall and roof.

Abstract: A heat-insulating outer wall for a building includes an inner air gap (7) with a partitioning wall (12) which separates the inner air gap into a first part (7a) and a second part (7b), which at the top is equipped with an outlet opening (11). The second part (7b) is equipped at the bottom with a heater (13). Airflow-regulator (15) is positioned in suitable places in the wall in order to limit the airflow in the case of large air pressure differences.

Abstract: A form void for providing a space between a poured concrete structure and an underlying expansive soil is formed of three sheets of corrugated paper for shipping in a flat "knock-down" configuration and is erected at the construction site simply by inserting one panel into a groove between two other panels. The upper surface is comprised of three panel thicknesses, and the outer support panels are reinforced by a pair of internal support panels. The cross-sectional shape may be trapezoidal, rectangular, symmetric or non-symmetric, or have a sloped top.

Abstract: An expansion joint cover installation includes first and second building members defining an expansion gap between them and a cover member spanning and covering the gap and engaging the building members. The cover member is held centered in the gap by a resilient centering system that is coupled between the building members and the cover member and includes a plurality of first tensioned flexible segments connected obliquely between the first building member and the cover member and a plurality of second tensioned flexible segments connected obliquely between the second building member and the cover member. By arranging the tensioned segments obliquely to the axis of the gap, they are relatively long and are able to provide an adequate centering force over a relatively large range of motion between open and closed states of the gap.

Abstract: A structural element for thermal insulation between two concrete structural components. An insulating body having metal reinforcing rods extending therethrough is to be attached to the concrete structural members with the rods extending within each member along either side of the insulating body. The rods running diagonally through the insulating body and extending along upper and lower edges of the insulating body so as to lie within upper and lower portions of the concrete structural members. Fire protection plates may be attached along upper and lower surfaces of the insulating body.