Abstract: A surface covering having panels supported by a grid framework. The grid framework is formed by a plurality of grid members, each having a main body. The main body of one or more grid member includes scuffing material. An anti-scuffing material is adhered to the portion of the main body containing the scuffing material. The anti-scuffing material prevents the transfer of material from the main body of the grid member to a panel during installation of the panel into the grid framework.

Abstract: Floor panels (2) are shown with a discontinuous surface (31) layer and core (30), which are mechanically connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent edges, said floor panels comprising at least two floor elements (1, 1?), which are connected with glue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floorboard and flooring with a decorative joint portion formed as U or V-shaped groove.

Abstract: A rigid wire lath product having a backing material which may be used to reinforce coatings, such as stucco, applied to building surfaces. The product comprises a mesh of longitudinal wires and transverse wires having a plurality of spaced indentations. A layer of backing material having apertures which straddle the indentations is interwoven in the mesh by longitudinal retaining wires extending along the bottom of the indentations. A method of manufacturing the product by providing a mesh of longitudinal and transverse wires welded together at their intersections substantially in a plane, and forming rows of spaced indentations in the transverse wires. A planar material is overlaid on the mesh such that said portions of the indentations protrude through apertures in the material. A plurality of wires are welded along respective rows of the protruding indentations to sandwich the material between the mesh and the wires.

Abstract: A building formwork module is described for use in a modular formwork system. The building formwork module comprises a body portion defining at least one elongate channel that extends through the building formwork module, the body portion having at least two sides. A first side is provided with a first distancing means that is arranged such when the first side is disposed in abutting relationship with a side of an adjacent building formwork module an elongate gap is defined between the first side and the side of the adjacent module. A settable material can be directed into the at least one elongate channel and the elongate gap between two adjacent modules.

Abstract: A floor strip for bridging a join between two floor coverings that border on one another comprises a base profile that can be fixed in place on the floor, two upwardly extending shanks molded on the base profile, and a cover profile having at least one cover wing that projects laterally. There is a downwardly directed crosspiece, which is connected with the base profile by way of an articulation. The articulation is formed by an articulation rail that is rounded on both sides and grasped between the shanks of the base profile. The shanks are upright but rounded on the inside. The articulation rail is formed by a solid material or by a sleeve, which has a longitudinal groove, into which the crosspiece and/or an attachment means that engages through the cover profile passes. In certain sections, the longitudinal groove passes completely through the articulation rail, and the crosspiece of the cover profile has a greater depth in these regions.

Abstract: A set of moisture proof floorboards and a flooring of such floorboards with a resilient surface layer provided with a decorative groove and/or a sealing means.

Abstract: A steel stud member for use in supporting structures and having reduced thickness as compared with conventional studs, and having a web having side edges, flanges on the side edges, formed at angles to the web, the web and the flanges enclosing inside surfaces, and having outside surfaces for mounting structure, and plurality of narrow indented longitudinal ribs formed in the flanges, and in the web, indented inwardly from the outside to the inside of the flanges, providing greater load bearing capacity for a given gauge of steel. Also disclosed is a method of making such a steel member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decorative and structural blocks designed to be installed as skirting structures for buildings, elevated structures and structural elements such as posts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system that uses specifically designed and manufactured masonry blocks that are used in conjunction with specifically designed support beams and/or brackets to provide durable, attractive, easy to assemble surfaces or skirting structures. The blocks are shaped to be stacked in vertically independent, self-supporting columns, strengthened and linked together by specially shaped, lightweight, lateral support beams positioned between adjacent columns, and which may be attached directly or indirectly to a sub-structure.

Abstract: A system for supporting one or more contiguous overhead signs or portions thereof. The system includes a plurality of sign support members, and a plurality of connectors for coupling adjacent support members along a common longitudinal axis. At least one connector is slidably receivable by the adjacent support members in corresponding channels thereon.

Abstract: A runner for a suspended ceiling grid is roll-formed from a single strip of sheet metal so as to have a generally symmetrical appearance about a vertical center line, with a double vertical web and a double-thickness flange for supporting ceiling tiles.

Abstract: The present inventive apparatus relates generally to the field heat reflective radiant barriers that may be installed on a structure without the need to simultaneously replace rigid construction deck panels or roofing felt. The heat reflective radiant barrier is for use as a part of the outer protective water-shedding materials of a building and is substantially shingle-shaped. The heat reflective radiant barrier may be flexible or rigid.

Abstract: An insulation backing for use in a siding product or an insulated siding panel that includes a backing member composed of a closed cell polymeric material. The insulation backing or backing member including a rear face having a planar surface and at least one geometric region that deviates from the planar surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a form for use in a concrete wall forming system to define wall sections meeting an intersection region. The form comprises: panels arranged in a spaced relationship to each other to define there between a volume for each wall section and an intersection volume for the intersection region; and a series of ties forming a stack of ties. Each tie has an exterior frame having at least three sides, corners where two adjacent sides meet and a web member spanning generally across an interior volume within the frame. Each tie is located in the intersection region with two sides spanning between opposing sides of opposing panels and has each corner embedded within a panel. The form may be insulated.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown with discontinuous surface layers, which are mechanically connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent edges, said floor panels comprising at least two floor elements whereof at least one of the floor elements is non rectangular.

Abstract: A panel attachment system (10) comprising a plurality of covering panels (12), a plurality of retaining members (16) to hold the panels (12), and a plurality of mounting structures (18) to secure the retaining members (16) to a surface (20). The panels (12) are held to the retaining members (16) through the use of protruding locking members (32) formed on the panels (12) which interlock with a slot (48) formed on the retaining member (16). The panels (12) may be coupled to the retaining members (16) without the need for precise alignment, thereby expediting the installation of the surface (20). The retaining members (16) additionally contain a drainage channel (50) to carry water and other debris away from the surface (20).

Abstract: A timber end-joint for end-joining two structural timber segments. The timber end-joint invention is capable of providing stability in axial, lateral, and transverse directions of the joined timber segments, while also concealing the joint such that the appearance of the joined timber segments simulates a single continuous wood timber. The timber end-joint includes generally a tongue, a groove, and a registration device. The tongue extends axially outwardly from the first timber segment. The groove defines a first leg and a second leg protruding axially outwardly from the second timber segment, keyed to receive the tongue. The first leg and the second leg cooperatively define a relief channel positioned transversely along an interface between the first and second legs. The registration device includes a plurality of pegs and peg openings configured along the tongue and groove to provide an aligned fit between the first and second timber segments.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete panel for use as an outer layer of a dwelling wall, said panel made of concrete mix of cement, sand, lightweight concrete aggregate such as polystyrene beads, superplasticiser and water, said concrete mix having a nominal density in the range of 500 to 1500 kg/m3. The panel preferably has a backing sheet of polystyrene affixed thereto. The panel is used as in a cladding and insulating veneer arrangement for a load bearing subwall formed from studs or masonry. The panels are loose fixed in vertical alignment in a horizontally and vertically extending stack of panels and retained in position by retaining clips without any bonding jointing material between the panels. A method of forming such a cladding and insulating arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A panel, in particular a floor panel, has a core of a wooden material, in particular MDF or HDF, or a wooden material/plastic mixture. A pattern is arranged on a visible side. The visible side is provided on at least one side edge (I, II) with a chamfer running at an angle a hereto and a length (L). The angle a of at least one of the chamfers varies over the length (L).

Abstract: An interlocking block for interacting with other like blocks including a body having at least a front face, a rear face, a top face, a bottom face and a pair of side faces. The bottom face can have a plurality of substantially identical parallel transverse indentations but only in the bottom face. The grooves can have a constant cross-section and are spaced apart evenly between the front face and the rear face. There may be at least two substantially identical protrusions only on the top face, each protrusion being parallel with and in vertical alignment with one of the indentations, and receivable within a indentation of a like block. There are fewer protrusions than indentations.

Abstract: An essentially rectangular, flat, foldable building structural panel has a series of horizontal and oblique flexible joints made of silicone rubber impregnated fabric located on the inside of the panel. The horizontal and flexible joints create a series of geometric triangles that can be formed and folded into multiple configurations. The geometric configurations are composed of rigid triangular facet sections and flexible joints between adjacent edges of the triangular facet sections. Alternating the direction of the folds allows the user to create a three-dimensional freestanding structure of various dimensions and geometric configurations. Poles can be included for the purpose of raising the structure to produce a canopy. Since the triangular facets are rigid and the joints between the edges of the facets are flexible, quick erection of the structure may be accomplished. The structure is fastened to the ground by use of ground grommets and stakes.

Abstract: A landscape timber connector includes first and second halves adapted for arrangement in an open timber-receiving position and a closed timber-surrounding position. In the closed position, the first and second halves cooperate to form a housing having a top, bottom, sides, and first and second ends. Mating elements cooperate to lock the halves in the closed position.

Abstract: A trim set attachment assembly is provided comprising a retaining strip attached to a mesh panel encapsulated within a seat frame, and at least one tab extending from the trim set and securedly seating between the retaining strip and the mesh panel, thereby securing the trim set in relation to the mesh panel. The tab includes a trim piece seated within an anchor. The trim piece extends from the trim set to seat beneath the retraining strip atop the mesh panel, while the anchor prevents the trim piece from sliding out from under the retaining strip. The retaining strip includes a base, with at least one retainer extending from the base to secure the trim piece therebeneath. The retaining strip further includes a flange, with at least one connector extending through the mesh panel and the flange to connect the retaining strip to the mesh panel.

Abstract: A construction beam useful for building bridges, commercial or industrial buildings, or the like has an elongated shell with an interior volume. A conduit lies within the interior volume of the beam that has profile extending along a longitudinal direction of the beam. A compression reinforcement fills the interior volume of the conduit. The beam may include a shear connection device, where one end of the shear connection device is positioned in the compression reinforcement, and the other end extends outwardly through the shell.

Abstract: A structural concrete beam, and method therefor, comprising a prefabricated structural concrete portion and a poured-in-place structural concrete portion, wherein said poured-in-place portion comprises at least ten percent of the total weight of said structural concrete beam. Reinforcing extends from the prefabricated portion to the poured-in-place portion. In a preferred embodiment, the structural concrete beam is an “inverted-T” beam, and the prefabricated structural concrete portion comprises the lower corbel portion of the beam, and the poured-in-place structural concrete portion comprises the remaining upper stem portion of the beam.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar splice secures together reinforcing bar ends by utilizing, at both ends, both tapered-thread coupling and coupling involving a filler, such as a grout or an epoxy. The splice may include a central tapered-thread central sleeve or coupler, and a pair of collars that are screwed onto externally-threaded ends of the central sleeve. The central sleeve has a channel therethrough with tapered internal threads at both ends, and a center internal relief. The internal relief is an increased radius center portion that ensures full thread contact between the tapered internal threads and external threaded sections of the rebar ends. The sleeve has externally-threaded ends that are engaged by internally-threaded ends of a pair of collars. Distal to their internally-threaded ends, the collars have filler-material-receiving channels. The channels include plural sloped surfaces for aiding in securing filler material between the collars and the rebar ends.

Abstract: A multidirectional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. The assembly has trim member that press fits to a base member along an axis disposed perpendicular to the exterior wall. The base member has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and circumferentially continuous inner and outer walls disposed co-axially to one another and laterally projecting axially. The trim member has a facial plate disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis and a mating wall that press fits between the inner and outer walls. The outer wall carries a plurality of channeling features for cascading water on top of the mating wall. The mating wall generally carries a dam flange and preferably end dams for diverting water through weep holes in the facial plate.

Abstract: A method of building construction includes mounting a rigid insulation sheet over an outer vertical surface of a concrete wall and applying a flexible membrane sheet over at least an above-grade portion of the rigid insulation sheet.

Abstract: A coated metal plate is provided as a mechanical fastening device for a roof deck. The top side of the metal plate can have a coated layer, and the bottom side of the metal plate has an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is covered by a film, which is removable and can be peeled off at the time of installation. The bottom side of the metal plate is attached to the roof deck by the adhesive layer, and a roofing membrane is heat welded to the coated top side of the metal plate. The disc shaped metal plate can have a hole in the center of the plate, and a fastening device such as a screw can extend through the hole and attach the metal plate to the roof deck for additional support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing panels (9) for aeronautical structures with U-shaped stiffening members (13) and I-shaped stiffening members (17) between their webs comprising the following steps: providing laminates for shaping the skin (11) on the curing tool (31); providing planar laminates (23) for shaping the stiffening members (13, 17); shaping the U-shaped stiffening members (13) on individual shaping tools (33) and placing the I-shaped stiffening elements (17) in said tools; grouping said individual shaping tools (33) together on an assembly tool (41); placing the group of stiffening members (13, 17) on the skin (11); placing a vacuum bag (55) on the assembly with the aid of profiles (59); consolidating said assembly by means of a curing process under suitable pressure and temperature conditions using external tools (60) to assure verticality of the webs of the stiffening members (13, 17).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for sealing the joint between two pieces of wood in an airtight manner. A longitudinal grove is created in the face of one of the pieces of wood. The groove has an upper portion and a narrower lower portion. Suitable compressible seal means such as a foam rod is placed in the groove. When the face of the second piece of wood is placed against the first face, the compressible seal means is compressed and forms an airtight seal. The remaining space in the upper groove portion allows longitudinal airflow along the length of the sealing means ameliorating moisture build up problems.

Abstract: An underlayment for supplementing one or more mechanical properties of conventional wall, ceiling, or floor board is used to in a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly that may be fabricated on site. The assembly includes a first and second wall, ceiling, or floor boards which each have mechanical properties, and the underlayment which has at least one supplemental mechanical property for supplementing the physical properties of the first and second boards. The second board is secured to the first board with the underlayment sandwiched between the second and first boards to form a wall, ceiling, or floor assembly with the supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment. The supplemental physical property or properties of the underlayment may include, but are not limited to, sound transmission reduction.

Abstract: One embodiment is a retractable brace comprising a telescoping portion including a first tube and a second tube, wherein the first tube includes a plurality of adjustment holes; a first bracket coupled to a first end of the telescoping portion; and a second bracket coupled to,a second end of the telescoping portion, the second bracket including a plurality pin holes that align with the plurality of attachment holes. Another embodiment of a retractable brace includes a telescoping portion including a first tube and a second tube, wherein the first tube includes a plurality of adjustment holes; a footplate coupled to a first end of the telescoping portion; and a bracket coupled to a second end of the telescoping portion, the bracket including wings.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a conductive ink onto a plastic panel including an articulatable arm having an end that opposes a surface of the panel. A nozzle is mounted via a nozzle height actuator to the end of the arm, and the nozzle is coupled to a source of conductive ink. A flow regulator, coupled to the ink source, regulates the flow rate of ink out of the nozzle and is controlled by the controller. A height sensor is configured to output a height signal relative to the surface and the controller, which is coupled to the arm, the flow regulator, the nozzle height actuator and the sensor, is configured to control the arm, flow regulator, nozzle height actuator, and speed of nozzle movement such that a conductive trace of predetermined height and width is applied to the substrate.

Abstract: A decking board installation tool, providing fixed and or adjust ability of multiple components. Comprising of an on board allen key which is firmly magnetically carried and non intrusively stored underneath the tool, when not needed for making adjustments to the tool. The onboard allen key universally fits and adjusts all fasteners and components on the tool and or tools associated with The Ultimate Deck Jig. The tool also has an ergonomic side edge profile, which allows for picking the tool up easier and gives the user more comfort when used for extended periods of time. Also, because the tool is made of lightweight material, extruded aluminum or injection molded plastic, the user is less likely to feel the effects of its weight when in use over an extended period of time. The tool also has clearly laser etched and or molded incremental markings on the drill bushings and the body of the tool where adjustments can be made, including the various end plate thickness dimensions.

Abstract: A multiple glazing element including at least one pane of laminated glass of two glass sheets that each have a thickness between 1.5 and 2.5 mm, and a single thickness glass pane having a thickness between 3 and 5 mm. The weight of the glazing element is at least 30% less than the weight of an insulating glazing element that includes at least two single thickness glass sheets separated by a layer of gas having the same thickness as that of the multiple glazing element, with a difference of sound reduction index between the multiple glazing element and the insulating glazing element not exceeding 3 dB.

Abstract: A ceramic honeycomb structure having reduced stress joints between its webs and skin is provided. The webs define a plurality of cells, and the skin surrounds the plurality of webs and has an inner wall that is connected to peripheral ends of the webs such that a plurality of angularly spaced wall joints are formed. Portions of the inner wall disposed between the angularly spaced wall joints include continuous arches. Each of the arches includes a curved central portion that terminates on either end on curved corner portions that are more sharply curved than the central portion. The arches eliminate sharp angles faces between the peripheral ends of the webs and the inner wall of the skin, thereby reducing stress concentrations in the interface between the webs and the skin. The arches also strengthen the skin, which allows it to be made thinner, thereby reducing thermally induced stresses in the joints between the webs and skin.

Abstract: A method for applying a wrapping plastic film band (15) around a product (16) to be packaged, according to which method the wrapping plastic film band is wrapped to form a film girdle (18) around supporting elements (21), from where it is transferred to a position around the product (16) to be packaged. A device for applying a wrapping plastic film band around a product to be packaged comprises supporting elements (21, 22), upon which the wrapping plastic film band is wrapped, and transfer elements (21, 23) for transferring the film girdle to a position around the product to be packaged.

Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for precise registration of inserts in web formed packaging is provided in which insert placement occurs following the start of the package build. Registration is maintained through the build and product deposit steps by external gripping of the insert.

Abstract: A waste disposal device including a sensing mechanism for delaying the rotation of a cartridge. The waste disposal device comprises a container defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated waste in a flexible tubing. The rotatable cartridge contains the flexible tubing. A lid is coupled to the device and is capable of moving between an open and closed position on the container. A rotation mechanism is operatively configured to engage the rotatable cartridge. A sensing mechanism is arranged to allow for delay in rotation of the cartridge until the lid assumes the closed position so that the waste is encapsulated in the flexible tubing after the closing of the lid, and after the subsequent twisting of the flexible tubing about the waste material caused by the rotation of the cartridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a particle filter (1) with the following method steps: a gaseous stream laden with pollutants and/or particles is fed to a particle filter (1) that operates catalytically and/or by filtration, pollutants and/or particles are chemically converted or stored in the particle filter (1), filtrate or ash particles (2) being produced and/or deposited on the particle filter (1). Once the particle filter (1) has been used for a specific period of time, a layer (3, 4) for increasing the through-flow resistance is applied to the layer of filtrate or ash particles (2) in the direction of filtration.

Abstract: A greasy soot purifying device includes a dome bottom in a bearer inside an exhaust pipe of a smoking exhauster, an automobile, a motorcycle and/or a factory which is equipped with a smoking exhausting device, a perforated circular steel plate on the top connected to the bottom by a pair of actuate conductive rods which is converged with a power source and a temperature sensor disposed on an outer periphery of said bottom. When the greasy soot exhausts through the perforations of the steel plate which produce a temperature up to 500° C., it will be in repeated instantaneous combustion to be gasified and purified as the fresh air and when the temperature becomes higher than the predetermined degree, the temperature sensor will be functioned to break off the electric current until the temperature returned to it predetermined degree.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dust separating apparatus using a centrifugal force. The dust separating apparatus includes a cyclone body configured to separate dust from air using centrifugal force, and having an entering pipe through which the air enters; a dust collecting receptacle configured to be detachably connected to a bottom end of the cyclone body, and for collecting dust separated from the air; and a filter unit configured to be detachably disposed to the cyclone body, wherein the filter unit has a compact, at least double structure formed by a filter for filtering large dust and a filter for filtering fine dust.

Abstract: An inertial impactor that uses gas stream flow rate to separate oil particles in internal combustion engine crankcase emissions. The inertial impactor is particularly adapted for use in closed crankcase ventilation systems. The oil particles have a particle size of from about 0.3 ?m to about 0.7 ?m. Elimination of the oil particles in the crankcase emission gas stream results in cleaner intake air to the turbocharger air intake system.

Abstract: A filter element (12), particularly for the intake air of an internal combustion engine. The filter element (12) has a filter body (13) and a seal (15) disposed circumferentially around the filter body (13). The seal (15) is bonded to the filter body (13) with an adhesive (31) and includes a hard component (26) and a soft component (27). The hard component (26), which rests directly on a housing section, prevents the filter element (12) from moving relative to this housing section, and since the filter element cannot move relative to the housing section, damage to the filter element is avoided.

Abstract: Exhaust gas collection units (110, 120, 130) are arranged in series in an exhaust gas collection device (100) for collecting objects separated from exhaust gas passing an exhaust gas route, and inside the exhaust gas collection units (110, 120, 130) are formed exhaust gas paths for passing exhaust gas along the exhaust gas route. Collision plates are placed in an exhaust gas collection section in each of the collection units. The collision plates in the exhaust gas collection sections of the upstream side collection units (110, 120) are arranged such that a space extending in the axial direction of the exhaust path is present in the exhaust path without being blocked by any of the collision plates arranged in the exhaust path. The collision plates in the exhaust gas collection section in the exhaust gas collection unit (130) on the downstream side are arranged so that such a space is not present.

Abstract: A cyclonic separating apparatus includes a separating chamber, an inlet communicating with the separating chamber and an outlet formed by a conduit communicating with an interior portion of the separating chamber and having a longitudinal axis, wherein a single planar baffle projects radially inwardly from an interior surface of the conduit towards the longitudinal axis. The presence of the baffle in the outlet has the effect of reducing noise generated by the apparatus when in use and also improves pressure recovery.

Abstract: Described is a filter bag for a vacuum cleaner which may include a tubular bag with a closed free end area and an opposed, at least partially closed area as well as with a retaining plate. The bag is made from a bag material having at least one non-woven layer, and the at least partially closed area is folded forming a bottomplies of the bag material which lie the one above the other are formed in areas, and is at least partially closed by a weld seam extending centrally in the bottom, the plies of the bag material which lie the one above the other being at least partially connected to one another.

Abstract: A fiber bed assembly for a mist eliminator that operates at high efficiency and inhibits re-entrained liquid from leaving the mist eliminator. The fiber bed assembly has a construction that facilitates rapid drainage of liquid collected by the fiber bed. A pre-filter media can be employed upstream of the primary collection media to remove larger liquid drops. The pre-filter media can be used in unique combination with other features to reduce liquid re-entrainment, and/or allow increased flow capacity.