Abstract: According to one embodiment, a RMU comprises a header. The header comprises a sidewall, and at least one coupling surface protruding from the sidewall. The header further comprises a top surface coupled to the sidewall via a through-surface coupling mechanism coupled at least partially through the at least one coupling surface. The header also comprises a bottom surface to the sidewall via a through-surface coupling mechanism coupled at least partially through the at least one coupling surface. The top surface and the bottom surface are coupled to the sidewall such that the top surface and bottom surface can each be individually uncoupled from the sidewall without requiring the other of the top surface and bottom surface to be uncoupled from the sidewall. As used herein, a through-surface coupling mechanism refers to any mechanism that inserts at least partially through a surface for coupling the surface to another part.

Abstract: An equipment storage module (24) is provided for use with a modular wall (20). The modular wall (20) includes a plurality of frame units (100) configured to form a grid of vertically and laterally spaced apart wall spaces having a predetermined height (132) and a predetermined width (130). The equipment storage module (24) is configured to be positioned in one of the wall spaces to form a portion of the modular wall (20). The equipment storage module (24) comprises an enclosure (50) having a cavity (62) in which a patient care equipment (44) having a first connector (98) is configured to be stored. The enclosure has a second connector (66) configured to be coupled to the first connector (98) when the patient care equipment (44) is stored in the cavity (62).

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for making an eave for a roof on a building is disclosed. First, coupling a roof rip piece with an eave trim piece; second, coupling the coupled roof rip piece and eave trim piece with the top of a building; and, in some embodiments, third, coupling a sheeting piece with the top of the building to complete the roof. In another embodiment of the invention, a kit for making a building with an eave is disclosed. The kit may have a plurality of frame members which may be assembled to frame a structure, a roof rip piece, an eave trim piece and a sheeting piece to make a roof with an eave for the structure. Another kit provided by the invention may have a pre-coupled roof rip piece and eave trim piece rather than two separate pieces.

Abstract: A retractable storm shutter for protecting a fenestration is disclosed. The retractable storm shutter includes a base panel coupled to a wall surrounding the fenestration and extending lengthwise across a side of the fenestration. The retractable storm shutter further includes a plurality of planar panels arranged adjacently so as to cover the fenestration. The retractable storm shutter further includes a plurality of hinges, wherein at least one hinge couples each adjacent pair of planar panels and wherein at least one hinge couples a first planar panel to the base panel. The retractable storm shutter further includes a means for fastening each of the plurality of panels to outer edges of the fenestration. Each of the plurality of panels may be rotated about the plurality of hinges so as to stack the panels and place them lengthwise across a side of the fenestration so as to unfetter the fenestration.

Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of operable wall panels in a room equipped with an overhead track system from which the panels suspend and in which the panels are movable to selectively partition the room, the track system including a reading portion. The method comprising providing an identification tag on each of the plurality of panels, each identification tag having panel information, and wirelessly communicating between the identification tag of each of the plurality of panels and a controller, wherein the controller being operable to receive and transmit panel control data comprising the panel information.

Abstract: A system for protecting the overhang portion of a building comprising sheets of impervious material largely pre-formed before delivery to job site to minimize on-site shaping and forming, including the optional use of one or more pre-formed pieces to be fitted together on-site, and also including an optional S-fold connector to join together side-by-side sheets of the impervious material.

Abstract: This invention is a device that is mounted on the top of a movable office partition to improve the acoustical efficacy of the partition. It is equally effective on new or on existing partitions and can be made to fit all the major brands in the movable partition market. It is attractive, lightweight, durable, inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install. The device is able to absorb incident sound and redirect diffracted sound to a path that will reduce sound levels reaching a listener in adjacent cubicles.

Abstract: A crawlspace access panel assembly for covering a crawlspace accessway opening in a building exterior wall is provided. The crawl space access panel assembly having a substantially rigid panel member adapted to cover the opening and a seal attached around a perimeter of the substantially rigid panel. A number of fasteners connected to the substantially rigid panel for removably fastening the substantially rigid panel to the exterior wall, the fasteners being located only on a minimum number of sides of the substantially rigid panel to stably hold the panel to the exterior wall. When fastened the fasteners only on the minimum number of sides of the substantially rigid panel urge the panel against the exterior wall causing the seal to seat around the perimeter so that the substantially rigid panel seals the opening.

Abstract: A heated insulating glass panel, with a fitting, is provided. The heated insulating glass panel is formed from two dielectric sheets that are separated by a spacer, which has a spacer layer at the spacer edge. The fitting, which is made of a fitting base portion and a fitting tubular portion, is attached to the spacer layer at the spacer edge by way of, for example, two screws. Thus, the fitting provides a pathway for routing wires into and away from the heated insulating glass panel. If necessary, an elbow may be provided which attaches to the fitting tubular portion for changing the direction of the routing of the wires. In addition, conduit may be attached to the fitting to route the wiring to and from the heated insulating glass panel.

Abstract: A roof vent is provide. The roof vent comprises a top component coupled to a bottom component. The top component has a top wall, a side wall, a first louvered region disposed between said top wall and said side wall, and a top cylindrical baffle located inwardly of said first louvered region. The bottom component has at least a first cylindrical collar sized and shaped for mounting to a cylindrical exhaust stack of a first diameter, a second louvered region, and a bottom cylindrical baffle located below and inwardly of the top cylindrical baffle. The first louvered and second louvered regions are for helping to prevent insects, and moisture, such as snow and rain, from entering the roof vent. The top component may also be used separately from the bottom component to cover over aging or aesthetically unpleasing passive pot vents.

Abstract: A universal mounting system for a flexible wind abatement barrier includes a flexible textile screen of a size and shape to cover an opening in a building. The shutter has hems at the peripheral edges with thickened structure. Several discrete brackets are fastened to the shutter hems about the margin of any opening with random spacing between the brackets. Each bracket has a mounting plate and a clamp. The thickened hems are threaded through the clamps to secure the shutter.

Abstract: A doorframe assembly includes a doorframe post front portion (202), a doorframe post rear portion (204) and a doorframe post middle portion (207). These three doorframe post portions can be installed into wall-bodies (10) having different thicknesses. Each of the three doorframe post portions has an L-shaped transverse section. The L-shaped transverse section has two arcs around its two corners so that a sheet of fire-resistant decorative laminate (or high pressure decorative laminate) can be adhesively amounted around the outside surface of the L-shaped transverse section.

Abstract: A method of installing a window into a concrete wall. The method includes taking a frame and securing a sub-frame thereto to form a buck. A bracing member is then fastened to the buck and the buck is positioned within a concrete wall form. Once the window is properly positioned and secured in the form the concrete is poured. After the concrete dries the bracing member is removed and a window pane is attached to the frame to create a window.

Abstract: A prefabricated fixture protection cover for attachment to a recessed electrical fixture mounted on a grid system comprises a panel having grooving dividing the panel into a top wall, a first wall, and a second wall. The first and second walls are foldable about the grooving to a position substantially perpendicular to the top wall. At least one attachment member includes a pin and a base. The pin has a piercing end that impales a bottom surface of the top wall of the panel to secure the panel in a fixed position relative to the recessed electrical fixture.

Abstract: A modular furniture system includes a framework assembly comprising vertical and horizontal frame members that can be shared by back-to-back workstations. The vertical and horizontal frame members are configured to facilitate routing of various utility service lines through the framework assembly to locations near the workstations. In another embodiment, a horizontal frame member facilitates routing of electric service wires to outlets near the workstations, while concealing fasteners and other structure of the outlets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a log-cabin type façade for cladding walls in internal and external areas. Said façade comprises elongated contoured elements (12) and corner elements (16), which are designed to produce an interior corner and an exterior corner for internal and external areas.

Abstract: A raised flooring system of the type having multiple levels of a sub-work surface utility line containment for supporting cables, wires, piping and the like. The system includes a plurality of pedestal assemblies, a plurality of base floor pads for placing and securing the pedestal assemblies, and a locking assembly for securing said pedestal assemblies to the base floor pads. The locking assemblies include a plurality of projections extending from the pedestal assemblies, a receiving aperture located in each of the base floor pads for receiving the projections in a first position, and a locking aperture in communication with the receiving aperture for locking the pedestal when in a second position to relative to the base floor pad. Each of the pedestals includes a cap defining a work floor support or stability surface for support of work floor panels.

Abstract: A construction and a method for fireproof sealing between the outer edges of a floor and the exterior wall structure of a building which includes the placement of an insulation support member between the safing insulation positioned immediately around the floor edge, and the spandrel insulation extending between the vertical studs inside of the outer cladding. Safing insulation is normally compressed prior to placement, and this compression is maintained by positioning the insulation support member in abutment therewith. Also, by positioning the insulation support member between the safing insulation and the spandrel insulation, the support member itself is protected which enhances maintenance of the effective seal of the slot between the floor and the outer cladding.

Abstract: A ventilated exterior wall or roof system comprises frame including a plurality of frame members, and a double envelope structure attached to the exterior of the frame. The double envelope structure comprises a water resistant membrane, an exterior sheathing material disposed on the exterior side of and spaced from the water resistant membrane, and one or more air channels between the water resistant membrane and the exterior sheathing.

Abstract: An assembly and method for venting a flat or low sloped roof system eliminates the need for a base sheet membrane and fasteners and provides a spaced arrangement of V-grooves formed in the top surface of a new or existing lightweight concrete deck. The V-grooves allow moisture to migrate to the perimeter of the roof and exit the roof system. Instead of attaching a base sheet membrane to the lightweight concrete deck using penetrating fasteners, the roof membrane plies are attached directly to the primed lightweight concrete deck by self-adhesion, heat welding or with the use of cold adhesives. This prevents damage to the structural integrity of the underlying lightweight concrete, while providing an improved roof venting system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymeric microparticles in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compact polymeric microparticles in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: A floor including a flooring plate and a plurality of spaced apart stiffening columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate. The columns remain substantially rigid up to a predetermined critical pressure and then buckle as the pressure increases. The columns are at least partially surrounded by by a resilient underlayment. Deflection stops may extend from the flooring plate to prevent over-buckling and/or permanent deformation of the stiffening columns. In some examples, the deflections stops may assist the floor in providing a substantially rigid surface at very high pressures.

Abstract: A door comprising first and second door skins secured to each other to form a cavity therebetween filled with expended foam. Each of the door skins has an opening therethrough for receiving a glass insert and a flange portion. Distal ends of the flange portions of the first and second door skins engage each other in an overlapping relationship by the expansion pressure of the expanded foam. The door further comprises a glazing rim member having a leg portion snap-locked between the flange portions of the first and second door skins. The method for assembling the door comprises the steps of filling the cavity between the door skins with foam material, then inserting the glass insert through the openings in the door skins and mounting the glazing rim member to the first door skin by snap-locking between the flange portions of the first and second door skins.

Abstract: A system and method to route electrical service conduits through the interior of a building and also to comply with the National Electrical Code(NEC). The system includes the use of a two inch concrete encasement which is reinforced by metal plates. A lower portion of the concrete encasement has a flat metal bar therein for mounting to rods extending from a secure ceiling area of a building. The protective nature of the encasement enables the service conduit to be designated as outside of a building and thus in compliance with NEC standards.

Abstract: A new building material made of chopped straw, cement, mortar cement or lime combined together with a bonding agent is pressed into building blocks of different sizes and shapes. The blocks come in different sizes and shapes to serve different building needs and/or to fit an integrated assembly system. The blocks are interlocked or fitted to correspond to specific requirements. Depending on the proportions of the elements and the pressure exercised to make the blocks, the density can be controlled to increase either the insulation value or the structural value. The grooves, which are part of the interlocking system, can also be filled with concrete either vertically or horizontally or both to create a stronger structure calibrated according to additional structural needs. The resulting concrete structure can also be reinforced with steel rod to further increase its strength. This building material is highly adaptable and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A construction system includes three types of structural members. The first type includes a first flange and a second flange merged at a right angle. The first flange includes a row of circular apertures extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, a first oblong aperture and a second oblong aperture. The second flange includes a row of circular apertures extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The second type includes a single flange with a row of circular apertures, a first oblong aperture and a second oblong aperture. The third type includes a first flange and a second flange merged at a right angle with at least one closed end. The first flange includes a row of circular apertures, a first oblong aperture and a second oblong aperture. The second flange includes a row of circular apertures. The structural members may be joined to form a structure.

Abstract: A stress distributing cross member hanger system for an aluminum boat trailer includes a welded bracket assembly on an aluminum cross member for bolting the cross member to an aluminum side rail. The side rail can be either I-beam or tube shaped with mounting bolt holes through its web or side walls respectively. The cross member can be either tube shaped or I-beam shaped with a pair of aluminum brackets welded to either side at each end. The paired brackets are bolted to the side rail at the bolt holes. The length of the weld and the weld pattern is selected to distribute the stresses thereby reducing weld failures.

Abstract: A structure including a gazebo including a plurality of vertical structural elements and partial walls constructed between adjacent vertical structural elements, and a roof constructed of roof slats that extend from a central hub situated at an apex of the roof, at least one solar powered light attached to the gazebo, and a solar collector and cell assembly for powering the at least one solar powered light.

Abstract: A deck screw for use with plastic and plastic composite deck materials has a shank with a lower segment having a right hand thread and an upper segment having a left hand thread. The upper left hand threaded section has a major diameter which is the same as or slightly less than the major diameter of the lower right hand threaded section. The deck screw evacuates and eject loose material cut out from the deck material as the screw penetrates the deck material, preventing undesirable unsightly deformation of the deck upper surface.

Abstract: According to the invention, an apparatus for stabilizing a door is disclosed. The apparatus may be a U-shaped member in which the edge of a door is disposed. The member may have press-fit features to resist removal of the member from the edge of the door. The member may also consist of a gap cover to at least nominally seal the interface of the door and surrounding objects when closed. The member may further define water path features to guide fluids down the length of the member. In another embodiment of the invention, a stabilized door is provided that may consist of such a U-shaped member. In another embodiment of the invention, a building with a stabilized door is provided. The adjacent objects around a stabilized door, such as a door jam, may be fitted with a second U-shaped member that may have some features of the first U-shaped member.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a siding trim that includes at least three trim elements each having at least two recesses associated therewith. The two recesses share a traversing frame element. The traversing frame element has at least two projecting elements projecting outwardly therefrom. The two recesses selectively receive and retain one or more panel elements. The two recesses bias against the one or more panel elements to soundly retain the one or more panel elements therein.

Abstract: A method for using light to indicate locations of inconsistencies on a composite structure. The method generally includes electronically accessing positional data defining one or more inconsistency locations on a composite structure. The positional data may be extracted from a part fabrication file containing numerical control (NC) data that may be used by a material placement machine to fabricate the composite structure. A light source directs light at the composite structure to illuminate the inconsistency locations as defined by the positional data. The information needed by the light source may be stored in a lookup table accessed by a processor of a vision detection system. The light allows the inconsistency locations to be noted for later action.

Abstract: This application discloses a relatively thin flexible anchor sheet for installation under carpets or other decorative coverings and a covering module composed of a pre-attached decorative covering and anchor sheet which can be assembled by overlapping hook and loop attachment to an additional covering module to create a complete floor covering of carpet tile, stone or other material and without attachment to a floor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for fabricating structural building panels. The apparatus may be used for fabricating panels directly on the foundation for a building. The apparatus may include a support frame, a flattening frame, a press frame, drive members such as pneumatic cylinders supported by the press frame, and posts attached to the support frame and used for aligning and coupling the apparatus and panel components. In order to fabricate a structural panel using the inventive apparatus, drywall sheets having bores sized for receiving the posts therethrough are prepared and drywall ribs or spacers are cut from drywall sheets. The support frame may be located on the foundation where the structural panel is to be positioned and a first sheet and a second sheet placed onto the posts, the sheets having adhesive and drywall spacers positioned perpendicularly therebetween.

Abstract: An embodiment configured according to principles of the invention includes a plate defining a hexagon having a base parallel with joint between concrete slabs. Another embodiment includes a hexagon-shaped plate having a first portion and a second portion, and a form having a slot configured to closely receive the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system, method, and device that diverts wind around and over a building, such as a home or mobile home. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a flexible sheet material and a tensioning network of flexible support ribs bonded to the flexible sheet material. In another embodiment the present invention comprises a system of selectively linked rigid panels that snap and lock into a pre-mounted specialty channel means and bracketing system for rapid deployment and provide protection from flying debris during a severe weather event.

Abstract: To make one man made stud or sometimes called lumber sandwich adhesive is applied to both sides of the inner core #(16) and one is positioned on each edge of one out side piece #(10) When using two pieces for the inner core #(16). Then place the second out side piece on top to complete the sandwich. Now glue in a #(12) end block in both ends to complete the stud. When making one stud at a time the stud must be clamped or weighted till the glue dries. If you make a one piece #(16) inter core for more strength than no end blocks #(12) will be required. To make more than one stud at a time lay flat a large outer sheet #(10) next lay down the one or two piece inner core that has been applied with adhesive #(16) all across the outer sheet when another #(10) outer piece is placed on top this will complete the sandwich for several studs or pieces of lumber when sawed to a desired width. By repeating this process several times the weight of the pile will eliminate the use of clamps till the glue dries.

Abstract: An appliance for evacuating a flexible container, the appliance including a base housing and a vacuum source disposed within the base housing. A drip retainer is removeably disposed in the base and is in communication with the vacuum source. The drip retainer includes a chamber for holding material. The drip retainer further including a nozzle projecting therefrom, the nozzle is engagable with an opening of the flexible container. A cover is rotatably connected to the base and movable to a closed position to cover the nozzle.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having an information adding station. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A packaging material dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring may include a pulley that connects to the band, such that the rotating ring is driven by the drive belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum packaging material use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched packaging material that is between approximately 90% and approximately 120% of load girth. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a ratio of rotating ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined substantially constant length of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for each revolution of relative rotation between a packaging material dispenser and the load is determined. A rotational drive system used to provide the relative rotation is linked to a pre-stretch assembly portion of the packaging material dispenser. The linkage may be mechanical or electrical. The linkage controls a ratio of the rotational speed to the pre-stretch assembly dispensing speed, such that the predetermined substantially constant length of pre-stretched packaging material is dispensed for each revolution of the packaging material dispenser relative to the load regardless of the speed of the rotational drive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of packaging a innerspring mattress. Various embodiments include placing the mattress in a bag, compressing the mattress and bag, sealing the bag, then rolling the mattress and bag into a cylinder shaped roll. Other embodiments include securing the rolled mattress and bag with tape, then placing into a second bag for shipment and storage. An additional embodiment discloses a method of packaging a foam encased innerspring mattress.

Abstract: A cartoning method including the steps of: feeding blanks from a single magazine through a single blank feeder in a first direction; forming an array of at least two blanks from the fed blanks and thereafter transporting the array for forming, loading and closing via respective robot kinetics of at least two axis motion. Carton blanks and cartons travel through a path. Robots below the path transport the cartons. Robots above the path facilitate carton forming, loading and closing. Methods and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for wearing a shoe cover onto a shoe without using hands. The device has a guiding system constructed in two parts. The first part is a disposable shift rail installed inside a package of shoe covers. The second part is a stretching path joining to the shift rail. With the guiding system, a reliable control of shoe cover movement is established.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, more particularly a gripper head, for picking up, transporting, and placing packaging units, in particular trays, for instance trays with eggs, comprising: a gripper frame, connected with an arm or beam for therewith displacing, for instance vertically moving and/or rotating, the gripper frame, two gripper blades which are rotatably connected with the gripper frame and which engage the packaging units on two opposite sides, two supporting strips each connected along hinges extending substantially in horizontal direction with each respective one of the two supporting strips and which are furthermore connected with the gripper frame, a driver which upon substantially horizontal pick-up and placement of the packaging units performs a vertical movement for engaging such packaging units in an engagement position and releasing such packaging units in a release position, and control means connected with the gripper frame, with the supporting strips, and with the driver,

Abstract: A bag filling and packaging system including gripper pairs around a rotating table so that the grippers of each gripper pair grip two side edges of a bag on which various packaging processes are performed. A gripper distance adjustment auxiliary cam is provided to ascend and descend relative to a gripper distance setting cam for setting distance between grippers. A roller rolls on the two cams as the table rotates, and the distance between the grippers changes in response to the height of the roller by a transmission mechanism. An apparent bag width is measured prior to gripping a bag, the height of the gripper distance adjustment auxiliary cam is controlled according to this measured value, and the distance between grippers in a bag supply process is adjusted accordingly, the amount of part gripped by the grippers at side edges of a bag thus being constant for all bags.

Abstract: Process for preparing a cornet consisting of a substantially conical wafer (22) prior to the filling of said cornet with an ice-cream; in order to preserve the crunchy nature of the wafer, the inner wall of the cornet is sprayed with liquid chocolate (23); this chocolate solidifies rapidly in order to form a coating layer for separating the wafer and the ice-cream. The process is characterized in that the inside of the cornet is sprayed with an excess quantity of chocolate to guarantee that no coating-gap zone remains on the inner wall of the wafer, the excess liquid chocolate collecting, under gravity, at the bottom tip of the corner; prior to solidification of said excess, the excess is sucked out of the cornet, subsequent solidification of the coating layer thus making it possible to establish a continuous barrier over the inner wall of the wafer.

Abstract: A processing system which enables automation of processing of sheet bodies with a view to raising efficiency of operations, from stacking to packing. A plurality of paper sheaves, which have been produced by cutting and chopping, are transported in a width direction, sequentially fed to a transfer conveyor, transported from the transfer conveyor in a length direction, and fed to a cover sheet application device. At the cover sheet application device, the paper sheaves are superposed with cover sheets, and fed to an inversion apparatus. At the inversion apparatus, the paper sheaves are inverted such that the cover sheets are at upper sides, and are fed out to another cover sheet application device. At this cover sheet application device, the cover sheets are superposed with lower face sides of the paper sheaves. Hence, the paper sheaves, with the cover sheets superposed at both upper and lower faces thereof, are bagged.