Abstract: A building comprising (a) a rectangular central structure having a horizontal roof section, a floor section and at least one support for the roof section, (b) two roof extensions each pivotally attached on either side of the roof section with an offset hinge such that each can pivot from a first, horizontal position to a second, vertical position, wherein in the first position the two roof extensions are offset vertically relative to the roof section, and (c) two floor extensions each pivotally attached on either side of the floor section such that each can pivot from a first, horizontal position to a second, vertical position, wherein during transport or storage of the building, the two roof extensions and two floor extensions are each located in the second, vertical position, the floor extensions being located interior to the roof extensions.

Abstract: Problems faced in the residential construction industry include the shortage of skilled manpower which gives rise to problems such as the inconsistencies in construction quality, time delay and cost overrun. This is because most construction work uses on-site wet concreting systems requiring expertise in numerous construction techniques and tasks. Since the progress of most tasks using these construction techniques depends on the progress of another task, most construction projects are difficult to manage. This results in an inefficient construction system that hinders provision of low-cost mass housing. Described according to an embodiment of the invention is an industrialized construction system comprising a roof support structure and a roof frame coupled to and supported by the roof support structure. The construction system further comprises a plurality of wall frames extending from a base. The roof support structure is adapted for being supported by the plurality of wall frames.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for a concrete structure is provided through means of a void former and anchor assembly which it cast in place to provide an accurate recess in the structure having two or more spaced divergent anchors therein. The anchors define annularly aligned apertures within the recess. A lifting shackle of an arcuate configuration complimental with that of the recess is received within the recess and carries an arcuate locking bolt extendable through the aligned apertures.

Abstract: A tray assembly may be used in combination with inclined, stepped, level or variable level support surfacing. The tray assembly may be used in tandem with identical embodiments of the tray assembly for forming larger, linked tray assemblages. The tray assembly may comprise a plurality of legs, which are stowable in a primary tray structure when not being used to elevate the tray structure above a support surface. When used to elevate the primary tray structure above variable level support surfacing, the legs may each be adjusted relative to the primary tray structure for properly maintaining a horizontal tray configuration relative to the support surfacing. The tray support legs are removably receivable in the tray-receiving slots for stowage, and are removably receivable in leg-receiving apertures for supporting the primary tray structure in horizontal spaced relation relative to a support surface.

Abstract: An aseismatic reinforcing structure of a double flooring and an aseismatic reinforcing method of the double flooring, in which by providing iron pillars for the double flooring in which a space is formed between a floor slab of a building and a floor portion supported to leg bodies arranged on the floor slab, a natural frequency of the floor portion is raised, and an amplification of a shake of a free-access panel constructing a floor surface that is caused by a resonance is prevented or suppressed, thereby improving aseismatic performance.

Abstract: A shock absorber utilizes an internal passage design and cooperates with at least one flow-restricting member and elastic member to change the flow speed and displacement during the extension and retraction of the shock absorber, so as to make the extending and retracting speeds of the shock absorber different for buffering the shake wave to the house, thus reducing the force shaking the house in the earthquake.

Abstract: A seamless surround for a rectangular skylight assembly is provided. Each side of the rectangular surround is characterized as having an obtuse-angled profile having an angle of between greater than 90 degrees and about 100 degrees, the profile including a vertically extending surface and a downwardly sloping surface. The vertically extending surfaces abut curb members attached to the skylight assembly and include apertures therethrough for receipt of a joining element. The downwardly sloping surfaces abut a building rooftop and further include apertures therethrough for receipt of a joining element. The roof-abutting side of the downwardly sloping surfaces includes a barrier material attached thereto. The barrier material may be any suitable air and water barrier, such as a polyurethane foam or a thermoplastic elastomer. A method of installing a skylight having the seamless surround is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a unitary U-shaped cladding component that surrounds three sides of a deck-mounted skylight frame. In one embodiment, the frame includes a pair of longitudinal members, each of which has a locking mechanism (such as a bendable tab or rotatable latch) on its exterior side near one end. The locking mechanism engages a corresponding lock-receiving slot of the side panels of the cladding component. In another embodiment, the cladding component includes a locking mechanism (such as a bendable tab) on the exterior surface of each end. The locking mechanisms engage corresponding apertures in a head flashing member. Skylight including these cladding components are also provided, as are methods of installing such cladding components.

Abstract: A number of elongated and preferably extruded periphery pieces are described that have essentially the same shape in cross-section. Each piece has a first channel behind a second channel. The first half of the window may slide in the first channel, and the second channel is to receive a second half of the window which may be fixed. A number of elongated and preferably extruded glazing frame pieces are used each having a glazing channel on one side and a section on an opposite side to be fitted into one of the periphery pieces. The glazing frame pieces also have essentially the same shape in cross-section. A number of glazing stop pieces, each of which is to be secured to a respective one of the glazing frame pieces, are provided. These glazing stop pieces also have essentially the same shape in cross-section. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Sealant assemblies and methods are provided for sealing an interface between a surface and a projection extending from the surface. The sealant assembly includes a flexible member circumscribing an area to form a sealant pocket and a filling sealant at least partially filling the sealant pocket. The filling sealant and the flexible member comprise substantially the same material.

Abstract: Hollow metal “logs” each extending usually horizontally are arranged in adjacent, parallel, spaced-apart relation to form, or be part of, a wall or roof. Rigid insulating members are inserted between the logs. Each insulating member is shaped to fit around a log on either side of the insulating member. Each insulating member has a pair of outer faces respectively on either side of the wall or roof and lying substantially in respective planes parallel to the axes of the logs. The insulating members abut one another and collectively surround the logs and insulate the wall or roof.

Abstract: A connector device is provided for a curtain wall system of the type having structural members secured to the building framing to define frames to support glazing panels. The glazing panels each have a sash by which they are secured to the frames of structural members to form an outer wall portion of a building. The curtain wall system has connector devices securing one of the glazing panels to the frames of structural members. The connector device comprises a keeper secured to a frame, and a latch mechanism secured opposite the keeper on the sash. The latch mechanism has a latch bolt automatically displaceable to a locking position upon contact with the keeper. The keeper and the latch mechanism cooperate in the locking position to lock the glazing panel to the frame in a secured position. A method for installing the connector device is also provided.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building façade comprising, casting at least one plate member; coupling at least one load member to the plate member; aligning a first façade assembly levelly prior to attachment to the substrate; aligning a second and third façade assembly horizontally adjacent and vertically adjacent the first façade assembly, respectively, by interface with the first façade assembly, and repeating the steps of aligning additional façade assemblies to form a facade.

Abstract: A reflective insulation layer is provided for a structure. The structure includes a wall and spaced-apart strips which extend along the wall from a top portion of the wall to a bottom portion of the wall. The reflective insulation layer includes a low emittance layer having first perforations, and a synthetic polymer layer having second perforations. Additionally, the reflective insulation layer includes an expander spaced between the low emittance layer and the synthetic polymer layer. The expander couples the low emittance layer to the synthetic polymer layer to form a first air space between the low emittance layer and the synthetic polymer layer.

Abstract: A plastic molded wall covering that includes a plurality of one piece plastic molded corner moldings mounted in a vertically stacked array. The corner moldings each have a pair of front panels disposed at an angle to each other and formed with simulated building elements, such as hand laid stone. The corner moldings have respective upper and lower interlock devices and internal support and reinforcing walls extending rearwardly of the front panels in interconnecting relation to the interlock devices. The internal support and reinforcing walls have a curved serpentine configuration with a curved junction line with the respective front panels such that any plastic molded sink mark exposed on a front side of the front panels from the integrally formed internal walls similarly is undulating so as to blend into the simulated building elements and not detract from its natural appearance.

Abstract: In a roof system having exceptional insulating value, high density polyurethane foam or extruded polystyrene is used to form molded panels of predetermined size, shape and ornamental configuration. A non-skid primer coat is applied to the top surfaces and sides of the panels at the time of manufacture. A fabric layer or polyester mesh may be embedded in the bottom of the molded foam panels to enhance adhesion characteristics. During installation, the panels are set in a layer of low rise foam adhesive that is applied to the underlying roof deck or other surface (e.g., plywood, concrete, roofing felts, or spray foam), thereby avoiding the use of penetrating fasteners while enhancing wind uplift resistance. The panels may include interlocking structure for side-by-side and/or overlapping installation. Edges of the foam panels that need to be cut for fitting at valleys, hips, ridges, etc. are repaired in the field using factory supplied fabric and coating.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A shear plate for application to the outer end portion of a ferrule to be cast into a concrete component such as a wall panel, the shear plate having an outer portion engageable with the ferrule and, beyond the outer portion, a portion shaped to incline away from the adjacent surface of the concrete component to which the outer end of the ferrule is to be exposed. The shear plate enables the ferrule to be situated close to an edge of the component in a situation in which it will be subjected to shear loading in a direction towards that edge.

Abstract: A method of forming a reinforced composite structure comprises providing a plurality of fiberglass rovings to a resin applicator. The plastic applicator has an inlet, an outlet, and a plastic applicator cavity such that the rovings enter the plastic applicator through the inlet and exit through the outlet. The inlet and outlet are relatively positioned to spread out the rovings. Resin-containing rovings are directed between a first fiberglass matt and a second fiberglass matt and then cured. A joint that connects two frame members formed by the method of the invention is provided.

Abstract: A composite panel assembly includes: a first composite panel having first and second contact surfaces, and including upper and lower protective layers, and a first core; and a second composite panel having third and fourth contact surfaces, and including upper and lower protective layers, and a second core. The first contact surface of the first composite panel is disposed above and abuts against the third contact surface of the second composite panel, and the second contact surface of the first composite panel is disposed below and abuts against the fourth contact surface of the second composite panel.

Abstract: In an engagement bushing installation for the connection of a lightweight construction panel including spaced first and second cover plates with a support layer disposed therebetween to another structure by a mounting element extending through a passage in the construction panel, the passage includes a first section which extends through the first cover plate and the support layer and a second section of smaller diameter extending through the second cover plate for accommodating the mounting element, an expansion sleeve is disposed in the first section so as to abut the second cover plate and the part of the expansion sleeve disposed in the first cover plate is radially expandable so that it can be expanded into radial engagement with the first cover plate while it is axially engaged with the second cover plate when the lightweight construction panel is engaged by the mounting element with the other structure.

Abstract: Plantation hurricane tie connection that connects exterior roof rafters in “plantation” style houses to the exterior of the supporting wall using fasteners to attach the connector to the sides of the exterior roof rafters to the wall sheathing.

Abstract: A monopour foundation form has flexible sheet form element (20) having longitudinal edge portions (21) and a contact portion (22), with the contact portion supported directly on the ground and oriented in the direction of the foundation axis (1). Transverse wall form supports (3) supported directly on the flexible sheet form element, longitudinally spaced apart and centered over the foundation axis (1), support a wall form assembly (12) in a position above the ground. Edge portions (22, 23) of the flexible sheet form element are secured to the lower edge portions (15, 16) of the wall form assembly thereby forming a general U-shape and extending longitudinally under the wall form assembly (12). A foundation mix fills the flexible sheet form element, simultaneously forming the footing and the interior portion of the wall form assembly.

Abstract: An insulated wall finishing system consisting of several components all of which have a central core made of rigid foam core material such as EPS foam. One or both sides of the central core are laminated with a gypsum product, formica, wood or wood by-products. The components consist of a straight wall panel, a corner column and Partition “T”, when combined and interconnected allows the installer to construct a perimeter wall and interior walls. Each wall panel further contains a plurality of right-angled metal supports oriented vertically within the panel, which allow for more rigidity and also offer a point of attachment for heavy objects such as pictures, cabinets, televisions and similar object. Each wall panel further contains a plurality of vertical holes or chases oriented vertically within the panel to allow for the routing of plumbing, electrical and audio visual utilities within the panel.

Abstract: A device (4) for positioning and supporting a cladding element (10a) for attachment to a building structure (1). The device (4) has a first support member (90) adapted to receive a lower edge of a cladding element (10a) and an attachment member (5) adapted to be attached to the building structure (1). The first support member (9) is coupled for the attachment member (5) and extends from the attachment member (5) at an angle to the attachment member (5).

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for constructing prefabricated foam panels is provided. While making a longitudinal pass over a foam block, the apparatus flattens the foam block, cuts longitudinal kerfs in the foam block, and draws metal studs into the kerfs. The apparatus comprises a unique, heated blade having a shape similar to the cross section of a metal stud. The blade kerfs foam blocks, including blocks made of recycled or low-grade foam. The associated method includes kerfing the foam blocks by passing the blade through the foam blocks and drawing metal studs into the kerfs.

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymeric matrix, at least one transparent region including a plurality of optically clear elements provided in the polymeric matrix and at least one opaque region including a plurality of opaque reinforcing elements provided in the polymeric matrix generally adjacent to the at least one transparent region. A structural window and a method for reinforcing a composite material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulating glass unit composed of at least two outer panes and of an edge connector which comprises a spacer profile. With the aim of reducing a relative displacement between the two outer panes under loading, it is proposed according to the invention that the spacer profile has two opposed contact faces which are connected in a shear-resistant manner to the outer panes via an adhesive layer, wherein the spacer profile additionally has at least one articulated region which is designed in such a way that the two contact faces can be rotated at least partially in order thereby to reduce stresses in the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A metal stud for use in a metal building wherein the studs are secured to horizontally extending and vertically spaced-apart girts which are either C-shaped or Z-shaped. A metal stud is generally C-shaped and includes a base wall portion and opposite side wall portions with upper and lower ends. The lower ends of the side wall portions each have slot formed therein wherein which are adapted to receive a wall portion and flange of a girt. The upper end of the stud has a tab which extends upwardly therefrom to enable the tab to be secured to a girt. The stud may also be used in the roof system of the building.

Abstract: A column segment comprising a body having at least one external channel, an upper protrusion extending from a top side of the body, and a lower protrusion extending from a bottom side of the body, wherein the at least one external channel further comprises an outer angled wall arranged to receive a securing means and direct said securing means through the at least one external channel, wherein the upper protrusion includes a domed portion and a plurality of locating slots, wherein the lower protrusion includes a domed recess and a plurality of projections, and wherein a first column segment is stackable with a second column segment by the domed portion and the locating slots of the first column segment matingly engaging with the domed recess and the projections of the second column segment.

Abstract: An ice storage and bagging system for automatically bagging ice and dispensing the bagged ice to a customer. The ice storage and bagging system generally includes a storage bin to store a plurality of ice cubes, an ice dispensing machine to transfer the plurality of ice cubes from the storage bin and a bagging system to receive the plurality of ice cubes from the ice dispensing machine to within a bag, wherein the bag is filled with a predetermined amount of the ice cubes. A delivery system transfers the filled bag of ice cubes from the bagging system to a customer and a purchasing system activates the ice dispensing machine to fill the bag with the plurality of ice cubes to be delivered to the customer in an automated manner. The ice may also be formed via a forming machine prior to being stored within the storage bin to completely automate the present invention.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a packaging bag includes steps of: preparing a sheet of rectangular film material; forming a bag body from the sheet of the rectangular film material; preparing a shaping member; preparing and attaching a fastener; forming a vertical sealing portion; forming the bottom surface portion so as to include a lower end seal portion; a triangular folded portion; and a flat surface folding portion; and forming the lower sealing portion so as to include a central sealing portion; and a side sealing portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-layer polymer film, intended to be used for packaging articles having an extended shelf life, said film being composed of a cast polyamide sheet, covered, on one of its faces, with a heat-sealable coating, comprising polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and/or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), so that said film has an average permeability between 35 g/m2/24 hours and 110 g/m2/24 hours. It also relates to a process for producing said film. It additionally relates to a pouch obtained from said film, said pouch being particularly suitable for packaging articles having an extended shelf life, especially microorganism culture media in dishes.

Abstract: Machine for packaging products having parallelepiped shape, comprising a translating organ (1; 2) apt to translate a block of products, formed by stacks placed side by side of products, by exerting a push on at least one face of the block, said translating organ (1; 2) comprising at least two mutually mobile pushing members (3; 4) so as to implement a push distribution which can be adapted to the size of the block face whereon the push must be exerted to obtain the block translation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus for making a medium-filled packing of two superposed heat-sealable elongated webs of plastic film (3) which are thermally sealed in longitudinal and transverse directions of the film webs for forming packings (11), and where the formed packings are filled by medium and closed. The film webs (3) are passed between a pair of rollers (6) which are pressed against each other, retaining the film webs therebetween. Thermal sealing across part of the width of the film webs is performed so that unbroken longitudinal areas (9) without any thermal sealing appear in the longitudinal direction of the film webs (3). The medium is filled into the packing before closing it for the formation of the medium-filled packing.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, flat bottom bag, or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by forming one or two vertical creases along opposing sides of the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The vertical crease is formed using a pivoting tucker mechanism positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube. A novel method is also disclosed for adjusting the orientation of labeling on the packaging film, which results in the production of innovative packages.

Abstract: A beverage bottling or container filling plant having a beverage bottle or container handling machine and a method of operation thereof. 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: This invention is a device and method to seal covers on containers such as food containers. But it can be used to seal containers for other products also. Its design allows its configuration for use on containers and covers of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A package for a medicament, the package comprising a sleeve and a slide, the slide having a medicament region for containing medicament, the sleeve having opposed first and second major surfaces connected and spaced apart by a side wall to define an internal volume, the side wall further defining a slide opening, the slide being movable parallel to a slide axis between a position in which the medicament region is substantially within the internal volume and a position in which at least some of the medicament region extends outside the internal volume through the slide opening, characterised in that the sleeve includes a shoulder and the package includes biasing means, the sleeve and slide being arranged such that the slide is movable within the internal volume between a secured position, in which slide is substantially prevented from moving parallel to the slide axis by contact between a portion of the slide and the shoulder, and an unsecured position, in which the slide portion can move parallel to the s

Abstract: A device for filling tablets into tablet carriers, e.g., blisters, comprises a tablet storage container for intermediately storing a multiplicity of tablets which lie loosely next to one another and above one another and at least one displaceable load receiving means for removing a single tablet from the tablet storage container and transferring the received tablet to the tablet carrier. The load receiving means thereby removes the tablet from above from the tablet storage container. The load receiving means is designed for performing scanning movements above the tablet storage container, where the scanning movements proceed under the control of either predetermined curves or of a sensor for detecting tablets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure device for a package comprising a first panel (2) and a second superposed panel (3) with superposed through-openings (5) and a third panel (4) with at least one opening (11), the third panel (4) being able to occupy two positions in which the opening (11) is either superposed on said openings (5) of the other panels (2, 3) or is not superposed thereon. The second panel and/or the first panel (3, 2) comprises at least one tube (6) attached in a substantially perpendicular manner to its surface oriented toward said first panel (2) respectively the second panel (3) and housing a channel in communication with said at least one opening (5) of the second panel (3) respectively of the first panel (2), said at least one tube (6) making it possible to attach the first panel (2) and the second panel (3) together.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides methods and apparatus for packaging wood mulch. Examples include a wood mulch bale produced using a method comprising compressing wood mulch at a pressure of between 12,000 pounds and 60,000 pounds to form a volume of compressed wood mulch and disposing a band about the compressed volume of wood mulch, wherein the compressed volume of wood mulch is between about 3000 cubic inches and about 5400 cubic inches. Other variations are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine, wherein at least one tool can be displaced to a lowered or to a lifted position by means of a lifting system, the lifting station being driven by at least one adjustable pneumatic/hydraulic drive.

Abstract: The invention concerns a riding saddle (200) with a gullet plate (101; 101?) as well as a gullet plate (101, 101?). A gullet plate (101, 101?), which is designed and arranged in a riding saddle (200) so that the foremost part (103) of the gullet plate (101; 101?) is situated above the lowermost part (104) and, when the riding saddle (200) is mounted, the gullet plate arms (102, 102?) enclosing the back of the horse (11) on its downward facing ends (105) each define a pressure surface (112) with a longitudinal extent that runs roughly parallel to the dorsal vertebrae (3) of the animal, contributing to more uniform weight distribution on the forehand and hind quarters and simultaneously giving the rider considerable latitude in order to convey commands with his body language.

Abstract: A filter media for use in an inlet air filtration system includes a woven glass material and an amount of carbon impregnated within the woven glass material.

Abstract: An air filter for a combustion machine including a housing with a flow passage and a filter insert, wherein said filter insert subdivides the flow passage into an intake flow passage with an air inlet opening and into a discharge flow passage with an air outlet opening, wherein the filter insert has an air inlet surface which extends at least region-wise over the length of the filter insert along the air flow direction, wherein said filter insert has at least two successive filter elements, wherein the outside diameter or diameters of said filter elements, is or are different.

Abstract: A residence chamber for use in treating products of combustion is disclosed. The chamber comprises a first chamber, having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and a baffle. The baffle is located in the first chamber part and is arranged so as to cause gas entering the chamber through the inlet to travel initially in a first helical path and subsequently in a second helical path. The second helical path is in a second opposed axial direction and is inside the first helical path. The gas is arranged to exit the first chamber part through the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separator for cleaning of gas from solid or liquid particles suspended therein which are of greater density than the gas. A main object of the present invention is to accomplish a centrifugal separator which does not have said inactive regions and thereby achieves efficient separation of particulate contaminants from a gas. This object is achieved by the centrifugal separator initially defined, which is characterised in that the interspaces between the separation discs at least at their radially outer parts are substantially open for flow of the gas in the circumferential direction and that mutually adjacent separation discs are arranged at mutual spacing such that rotation of the rotor causes a pumping action in the interspaces, which pumping action drives the gas from the gas inlet, through the interspaces between the separation discs and out via the gas outlet.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a vessel for receiving a fluid. The vessel may include a shell and a demister including at least one section positioned proximate to the shell. Each section can have a first surface for primarily receiving the fluid and orientated, independently, about 5-about 85° with respect to horizontal.

Abstract: The present invention provides one or more reinforcing members configured to act together with the adhesive bonding between filter media layers to further resist axial deformation forces such as induced by fluid flowing through the filter and thereby acting to retain the structural form and integrity of the filter element. Also disclosed is a method of reinforcing layers of a multilayer axial filter element against displacement of the layers.