Abstract: In one general aspect, a sign connector is provided. The sign connector including: a first bracket connected to a first sign, the first bracket including a receiving means; and a second bracket including a first and second member, an end of the first member attached to an end of the second member to form an angle between the first member and the second member, and the first member is detachably connected to a second sign and the second member is adapted to be received within the receiving means of the first bracket.

Abstract: Banner support apparatus (25) comprising: a first part (40) for releasably retaining a banner (44), the first part having an elongate body with a groove (42) extending along its length, the groove being configured to receive and at least in part trap one end of a banner; a second part (30) for attachment to lifting apparatus, the second part having an elongate body, with the first and second parts having interfitting profiles (54, 56) for releasably coupling the first and second parts to each other; and a mechanism for resisting de-coupling of the first and second parts (40, 30) when the profiles (54, 56) are interfitted.

Abstract: The field of the present invention relates to an identification assembly, and in particular, to a clasp device for securing to an identification wristband, and to a wristband and clasp assembly. In one embodiment, a identification assembly for a patient includes a band with first and second opposite ends and first and second opposite edges and a width measured between the first and second edges. The identification assembly also includes a clasp secured to the band. The clasp has a first section having an inside surface and an outside surface; a second section having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface of the second section facing the inside surface of the first section; and a protrusion extending from one of the first or the second section to engage the other of the first or the second section to secure the first and second sections together in a closed position.

Abstract: For an exchangeable adapter assembly 100 for a handle frame 120 of a handgun comprising a trigger 150 and a handle 160, into which a magazine 130 including a magazine base 131 can be inserted, the handle 160 having a front region 161 close to the handle and a rear region 162 more remote from the handle, a quick changeover is ensured in that in the rear 162 and front 161 regions of the handle frame at least one adapter element 125/126 is provided which cooperates with a rear 102 and front 103 adapter piece of a grip enhancer 100 for attachment of the grip enhancer 100 to the handle frame 120, and in the rear part 162 of the handle frame 120 there is also provided at least one eyelet device 123 which, when the grip enhancer 100 is attached to the handle frame 120, positively engages a bore 101 in the grip enhancer 100, into which a securing pin 140 can be releasably inserted in order to releasably connect the grip enhancer 100 to the handle frame 120.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for substituting a different stock, or a different receiver assembly, in a long gun (e.g., a shotgun) without the use of tools by a user in the field. Applicants' preferred apparatus comprises: a long gun (e.g., an illustrated shotgun) having a stock and a receiver assembly; and an adaptor assembly which removably interconnects the stock to the receiver assembly, wherein the adaptor assembly includes: an adaptor base affixed to the receiver; an end of the stock is mounted onto the adaptor base; and a rotatable locking pin, continuously attached to the base, which can be lifted up and rotated or turned on its axis by 90° to unlock the adaptor assembly. The stock can then be pulled off the adaptor base. Upon a new stock being mounted on the adaptor base, the locking pin can be rotated back to its original orientation and pushed down to lock the adaptor assembly, whereupon the adaptor assembly interconnects the substitute stock with the receiver assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of decreasing barrel resonance of a firearm upon firing, which greatly increases the accuracy thereof, produces tighter groupings, and reduces flash, report, and recoil. In order to achieve improved firearm accuracy, the firearm barrel is coated with a sound barrel resonance dampening material in the form of a tough, energy absorbing elastomeric coating.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a net that is closable to substantially impede the unintentional release of a fish or other creature that is releasably contained therein.

Abstract: A notched dehooking device having a handle (2) located at a first end of an elongated shaft (3) and a hook removal portion (4) having a notch (6) affixed to a distal end of the shaft. The notch works to capture and hold fishing hooks while dehooking a fish. The distal end of the shaft is bent degree to 30 degrees horizontally to form a horizontal offset angle (8) and 1 degree to 30 degrees vertically to form a vertical offset angle (7). These offset angles work to better accommodate circle hooks a large range of other types and sizes of hooks and also to hide a barb or point of a hook while removing the hook thereby preventing re-engagement of a hook with a fish after being removed.

Abstract: A rodent trap comprises a pail having an upright side wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall to an open top end of the pail. A rotating body is supported for rotation at the open top end of the pail. Typically a ramp provides rodent access to bait on the rotating body. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of integrally moulded mounting grooves on an inner surface of the side wall retain opposing ends of a shaft of the rotating body such that the shaft is slidably removable from the grooves through the open top end of the pail, and the outer surface of the rotating body includes at least one groove formed therein so as to be arranged to receive and retain bait therein.

Abstract: An insecticidal barrier (1) of a non-living material comprising a first region (7) and a second region (8), wherein the first region comprises a synergist and the second region comprises an insecticide but no synergist.

Abstract: A fan type noxious insect control apparatus is disclosed which is desirably used carried on a user's body part and excels in noxious insect control performance. To this end, the apparatus is so configured that air is drawn through an inlet port (6) by driving of an axial flow fan (3) and passed through a chemical carrier (2) carrying a noxious insect control active ingredient to form the air containing such active ingredient, the air being run out through an outlet port (7) to diffuse the active ingredient into the ambient atmosphere and further that the inlet port (6) at an upstream of the fan (3) is open facing axially thereof, the outlet port (7) at a downstream of the fan (3) is open facing radially thereof, and there are provided an annular wall (8) surrounding the fan (3) and an air flow passage (9) communicating between a delivery section of the fan (3) and the outlet port (7) to convert air flowing out of the axial flow fan (3) axially thereof to air flowing radially thereof.

Abstract: A racquet-shaped swatting apparatus for killing insects comprises a racquet head having a racquet frame and frame opening. Closely spaced electrical wires extend across the frame opening for intercepting and killing insects in flight, while a plurality of light sources are provided on the racquet head for illuminating flying insects. Preferably, the electrical wires of the racquet head frame and the racquet head light sources can be simultaneously activated by the user. The swatting apparatus is particularly adapted for use in low lighting environments.

Abstract: A flying insect trapping device configured to be used with a fuel supply containing a combustible fuel is disclosed. The trapping device includes a combustion device that includes an inlet port for receiving the combustible fuel, a turbulence reducing structure for substantially laminating flow of a mixture of the combustible fuel and air, a catalyst element disposed downstream of the turbulence reducing structure, a heat zone having a hollow interior space in between the turbulence reducing structure and the catalyst element to enable the combustible fuel to flow into the heat zone for continuous combustion therein to create an exhaust gas comprising carbon dioxide, and a plurality of heat exchanger fins extending inwardly into the hollow interior space of the heat zone for conducting heat generated by the continuous combustion.

Abstract: A perfume composition including at least one compound having the formula: wherein p, q and r are independently selected from 0 and 1, p+q+r being from 0-3 and X1 is saturated or unsaturated, such that: (a) when p+q+r=0, R1, R2 and R12 are Me; R3-5 and R9-11 are H; (b) when p+q+r=1, R1 and R12 are independently selected from H, Me and Et; R2 is selected from H and C1-C4 alkyl; R3-5 and R9 are independently selected from H and methyl; and R8 and R10 are H; (c) when p+q+r=2, R1 and R2 are selected from H and C1-C4 alkyl, R3 and R9-12 are independently selected from H and methyl: R4-5 are H, or R4 and R5 together form a methylene group; and R6-7 are H; (d) when p+q+r=3, R1, R2 and R12 are Me; and R3-11 are H.

Abstract: A candle and process for making it are disclosed. The candle comprises prilled wax particles, comprising hydrogenated natural oil and wherein at least 75% of the prilled wax particles are less than 800 ?m in diameter. The candle includes a compressed core and a thermally fused outer layer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for purifying crude biodiesel, wherein said crude biodiesel is contacted with a clay material, said clay material having: a surface area of more than 120 m2/g; a total pore volume of more than 0.35 ml/g; a silicon content, calculated as Si?2, of at least 60 wt.-%.

Abstract: A method of producing a biodiesel fuel oil, in which all fats or oils having an acid value of 20 or less can be used as a raw material, and in which no wastewater treatment is needed to thereby attain reduction of environmental load, and in which a biodiesel fuel oil conformable to quality standard levels can be obtained. The process for producing a biodiesel fuel comprises the steps of providing a fat or oil having an acid value of 20 or less as a raw material and heating the raw material oil in vacuum to thereby distill off any moistures, odorous substances and free fatty acids; bringing the raw material oil into contact with a hydrophilic adsorbent to thereby adsorb off any remaining free fatty acids and acidic substances; carrying out an ester exchange reaction in the presence of a potassium based alkali catalyst; and purifying light liquid components as a product of ester exchange reaction in accordance with a nonaqueous method.

Abstract: The present invention provides friction-modifying fuel additives and fuel compositions including an alkanolamine, which are effective for enhancing engine performance wherein the additive is free of esters or the ratio of amides to esters is greater than 1.4 to 1 and methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: Systems and processes for dehydration of a process stream in the production of motor fuel grade ethanol (MFGE) can include temperature controlled adsorption of water in the process stream, and heat pumping of the associated heat of adsorption. The process can include providing a process stream (110) including ethanol and water to a first temperature controlled adsorber (102) where water is removed by adsorption to produce an MFGE product stream (114) and an associated heat of adsorption. A cooling fluid can be provided to the first temperature controlled adsorber (102) to remove heat of adsorption and produce a heated cooling fluid (120). Heat from the heated cooling fluid can be provided to a heat sink.

Abstract: An eco-friendly vertical planter apparatus, system, and method that allow a user to grow vegetative plant matter with minimal water and soil. The vertical planter apparatus includes a base and at least one central planting unit having its own base and at a least one sidewall to form a container for holding plant matter and soil. The vertical planter also includes a moisture-retentive wick, such as a cotton-woven braid, having at least two ends. One end of the moisture-retentive wick is placed within the container. In use, soil is placed within the container atop at least one end of the wick and plant matter is planted within the soil substantially adjacent the moisture-retentive wick. Optional features include modular central planting units, multiple external planting tubes, a thermal mass to retain heat to plant matter roots, a water reservoir, a cloche/cover to simulate green-house effect, and dark or light colored central planting units or tubes depending on the type of plant matter being grown.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end is disclosed. A wrapper is formed from a sheet of material or bag which is wrapped about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping. The wrapped floral grouping is then positioned within a receiving space of a sleeve whereby the wrapper is secured in a stable position about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping by the sleeve. A detaching element defines the detachable upper portion and a lower portion of the sleeve so that the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing carbonaceous material are provided. In one or more embodiments, a carbonaceous material and water can be mixed to provide a slurried mixture. The water mixed with the carbonaceous material can be at least 90% liquid phase. At least a portion of the slurried mixture can be gasified in the presence of a combustion gas to provide carbonaceous solids and a syngas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The syngas can be at a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 1,650° C. At least a portion of the carbonaceous solids can be selectively separated from the syngas to provide a syngas product and carbonaceous solids. At least a portion of the separated carbonaceous solids can be combusted in the presence of an oxidant to provide at least a portion of the combustion gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for fast pyrolysis of biomass and other solid organic materials including a vertically oriented cylindrical vessel having a solids outlet proximate the bottom thereof, a vapor outlet, a top wall forming at least one opening, and an adjacent heated side wall. Disposed within the cylindrical vessel and extending through the at least one opening in the top wall is a rotor having a rotatable shaft coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel to which is attached at least one substantially vertically oriented blade having one edge connected directly or indirectly with the rotatable shaft and having an opposite edge spaced apart from the heated side wall, whereby a non-radial, preferably tangential, force is imparted on the feedstock in the cylindrical vessel. Also disclosed is a method for fast pyrolysis of biomass and other solid organic materials.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing syngas are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, a hydrocarbon can be reformed in the presence of steam and one or more first catalysts in a first reaction zone to provide an effluent containing a portion of the hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen at a first temperature. The first reaction zone can include one or more catalyst-containing tubes. The effluent can be indirectly heated from the first temperature to a second temperature. The effluent at the second temperature can be reformed in the presence of one or more oxidants and one or more second catalysts at conditions sufficient to provide a syngas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and less than about 5% mol, dry basis, methane. The syngas can be used to indirectly heat the effluent from the first temperature to the second temperature.

Abstract: A double glazing window having built in blinder has developed for electrically controlling, which is comprising a control unit (10), an outer frame (20), an inner frame (30), four slim rectangular frame containers between the outer and inner frames, double glazed plate glasses with a closed vacuum space (S), a plurality of blinding strips (50) disposed in the closed vacuum space (S), first operating unit (60) installed in the left frame container, second operating unit (70) connected to the first operating unit (60) for operating by magnetic force, first tilt angle adjusting unit (80) installed in the right frame container, and second tilt angle adjusting unit (90) connected to the first tilt angle adjusting unit (80) for tilting by magnetic force. The sensors are installed for detecting upper and lower limits of an actuator of the operating unit and the tilt angle limit of the actuator of the tilt angle adjusting unit.

Abstract: A guide rail assembly for motor vehicle window lifters and a method for the production thereof. Two guide webs having protrusions formed thereon form a guide rail on a carrier plate made from a plastic material. The guide webs may be bent elastically inwards or outwards, enabling the driving element to be clipped on by pushing it on in the vehicle's transverse direction y and considerably simplifies production in an injection moulding process because the guide rail may be removed by elastically bending the guide rails such that a smaller number of sliders is required in the moulding tool. In one embodiment, there is also provided a driving element comprising a body of a first material and, securely held therein, sliding inserts comprised of a second material which material ensures a particularly good tribological pairing with the material of the associated guide web.

Abstract: The lock mechanism comprises a first subunit (6) arranged to be fixed on an outer face of an upright tubular member (7) of the hinged leaf and a second subunit (8) arranged to be fixed within the tubular member (7). The second subunit (8) comprises a frame (9), a bolt member (10) movably mounted on said frame (9) between a projected and a retracted position, and a bolt operating mechanism which comprises a gear train (20, 21, 22) to increase the travel of the bolt member (10). The first subunit (6) comprises operator means (26, 28, 29). The lock mechanism further comprises a rotary shaft (32) by means of which the bolt operating mechanism can be coupled to the operator means so that only a hole has to be made in the tubular member (7) of the leaf.

Abstract: An integrated tilt latch and sash lock assembly is suitable for use with a sash window assembly, and includes a sash lock mechanism, two tilt latch mechanisms, two connectors, and a drive mechanism engaging the connectors. The sash lock mechanism includes a handle and a rotor that is rotatable by movement of the handle. The tilt latch mechanisms each include a latch bolt moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The first connector is operably connected to the rotor and to the latch bolt of the first tilt latch mechanism, and the second connector is operably connected to the latch bolt of the second tilt-latch mechanism. Movement of the first connector activates the drive mechanism, and activation of the drive mechanism creates reciprocal movement of the second connector to retract both latch bolts when the rotor is moved to the tiltable position.

Abstract: An example of an inflatable seal for a door includes a bi-directional airflow pattern of frost-inhibiting heated air. The bi-directional flow pattern enables the seal's discharge opening and supply air blower to both be located well above the floor and preferably above the doorway. If the discharge opening is near the suction inlet of the blower, such an arrangement makes it possible to recover previously heated air by returning some of the warm air back to the blower. In some examples, the seal includes a supply air conduit and a return air conduit with one disposed within the other. The internal conduit may include a relatively stiff elbow to prevent that conduit from becoming kinked near an upper corner of the door.

Abstract: An abrasive wear-resistant material includes a matrix and sintered and cast tungsten carbide granules. A device for use in drilling subterranean formations includes a first structure secured to a second structure with a bonding material. An abrasive wear-resistant material covers the bonding material. The first structure may include a drill bit body and the second structure may include a cutting element. A method for applying an abrasive wear-resistant material to a drill bit includes providing a bit, mixing sintered and cast tungsten carbide granules in a matrix material to provide a pre-application material, heating the pre-application material to melt the matrix material, applying the pre-application material to the bit, and solidifying the material. A method for securing a cutting element to a bit body includes providing an abrasive wear-resistant material to a surface of a drill bit that covers a brazing alloy disposed between the cutting element and the bit body.

Abstract: The invention is for a cubic nitride compact comprising a polycrystalline mass of cubic boron nitride particles, present in an amount of at least 70 percent by volume and a binder phase, which is metallic in character. The invention extends to a compact in which the binder phase is preferably superalloy in character.

Abstract: An auditorium (10), part of which is covered by a roof structure (20), the auditorium has a partitioning structure (22) which acts to partition off a section of the auditorium whereby a majority part of the partitioned section is covered by the roof structure.

Abstract: A slat wall assembly is provided for being mounted to a wall surface and for receiving displaying elements used in displaying articles. The slat wall assembly comprises at least one backing panel and at least one slat wall member mountable thereto. The backing panel comprises a rear surface mounting side for being mounted to the wall surface and an opposite front side. The slat wall member comprises a rear side for being removable mountable to the backing panel front side and a slat wall front side for receiving the displaying elements.

Abstract: A tower is provided having a plurality of axial substantially tubular sections with an outer diameter no greater than a designated maximum diameter. At least one of the sections includes at least one reverse taper portion located near a base of the tower. The reverse taper portion has a first end, located near the base, having a first diameter. The reverse taper portion has a second end, opposed to the first end, having a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

Abstract: A modular surface foundation for wind turbine space frame towers, an apparatus to form panels of housing members of modular surface foundation, and method of forming the modular surface foundation for wind turbine space frame towers is provided. The modular surface foundation comprises a plurality of footing members, and a housing member disposed on each of the footing members, the housing members extending from the footing members and attaching to one or more structural members forming a portion of a wind turbine tower, wherein the housing member provides support and increased height for the space frame tower and includes an interior space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dwelling module, a roof module, a balcony module, a facade module, a building and a lifting tool for a modular construction system used to form a building from the aforementioned modules. The dwelling module (3) includes a floor (31), a roof (34T) and pillars between the floor (31) and the roof (34T). The pillars contain an embedded multi-purpose part (32) which is used to stack one module on top of another. The roof module is positioned on top of the building, while the balcony module (359) and the facade module (310) can be positioned peripherally to the building. The lifting tool is used to transport and install the dwelling module (3) at the desired site in order to complete a building.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for securing a wall system together in a vertical direction. More specifically, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a first floor lower linkage beam attached to a foundation of a structure. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed including attaching a first floor lower linkage beam to a foundation of a structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an insulating material element and an insulating material element. In order to provide a method for producing an insulating material element by which a very resistant insulating material element can be made that is able to insulate a flat building surface very effectively against heat and/or sound, the invention proposes that the insulating material element (2) be bent such that a surface segment of the first large surface forms at least one surface segment of the side surfaces running parallel to the recess in said area, and is substantially flush to the second large surface.

Abstract: Structure (1) for mounting, on a building wall, at least one frame (50) consisting of a rectangular framework (51), comprising a carcass (2) made of at least two uprights (3) and at least two crossbars (4) assembled so as to form at least one rectangular underframe (15) adapted for receiving a frame (50), and means for fixing at least one frame on the carcass, each upright (3) having a central core (31) bordered by two side wings (32, 33) comprising recesses (38, 39) for receiving the crossbars (4). Each crossbar (4) has a central core (40) and side wings (41, 42) comprising recesses in line with the uprights (3) at the intersections between the crossbars (4) and the uprights (3) in such a way that the wings of the uprights (3) and the crossbars (4), extending on the inner periphery of the rectangular underframe (15), form a projecting border on which a frame (5) may be fitted. Wall provided with a structure of this type on which panel-holding frames are mounted.

Abstract: A roof panel system assembled from roof panels comprising a panel portion bounded along a support edge by a support element and along an opposed cover edge by a cover element. The cover element adapted to rest upon and provide resilient sealing and locking engagement with the support element of an adjacent panel. The support element adapted to provide resilient support and locking engagement with the cover element of a second adjacent panel. In an embodiment a panel cover is provided for shielding an upper surface of the panel portion and adapted to inter-fit and lock with engaged support element and cover element pairs along the support element and the cover element of the panel when the panel is engaged with adjacent panels when assembled. In an embodiment contoured insulated panels are provided as a base to support the panels. The contours providing passageways to allow the transport of air beneath the panels when assembled.

Abstract: A cover for boards of a wooden deck structure is made of flexible material and is preferably made from polyvinylchloride. The cover has a central portion with side portions that are integral therewith and can pivot relative to the central portion from a first position that is substantially parallel to the central portion to a second position that is substantially perpendicular to the central portion. The cover can be formed into rolls of significant length and can be installed by cutting an appropriate length from the roll to completely cover a single board from end to end. No adhesives or fastening means are required. A combination of a cover and wooden deck structure, and a method of installation of the cover on a deck structure is also provided. Each board of the deck is covered individually.

Abstract: A modular staircase system configured to form a curved staircase, support extremely heavy finishing materials, having higher design tolerances, and can be achieved at a relatively moderate cost. A plurality of stair modules are configured to secure to one another to form a complete staircase system, each which has an elaborate stringer of significant strength and moderate weight configurable to create floating staircases at an affordable cost.

Abstract: A method and system for coupling a stair platform to a tower of a wind energy turbine that includes a stair platform comprising at least one side member and a doorway formed in a portion of the tower. The doorway further includes a casing that defines an outer perimeter of the doorway. At least one connection member extends outward from the casing. At least one attachment slot is defined in at least one side member of the stair platform. The attachment slot is configured to receive a portion of the at least one connection member therein to couple the stair platform to the doorway.

Abstract: A skylight is formed with a pair of plastic panels having outer peripheral flanges and a central region transparent to visible light, aligned in a stacked orientation with the peripheral flanges overlying one another and defining an enclosed central region in-between. An inner and outer pair of circumferentially oriented spacer frames are interposed between and bonded to the outer peripheral flanges of elastic panels to form a sealed enclosed region. A peripheral frame is formed in situ about the plastic panels from a moldable polymeric material which entraps the peripheral flanges forming an integral leakproof structure with the spacer frames preventing intrusion of the moldable polymeric frame material into the enclosed region.

Abstract: A door threshold may include upper and lower members for sandwiching carpet and/or carpet padding therebetween. The threshold may, in certain example embodiments, grip the carpet in order to prevent it from being pulled out from between the upper and lower threshold members. Thus, in certain example instances, the need for tacks (or carpet tack strip(s)) proximate the threshold can be reduced and/or eliminated. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the threshold structure may include a locating bracket that is provided proximate the door frame for frame alignment and security purposes, and/or one or more pans located under the threshold for locating and/or securing purposes. Levelers, shims and/or the like may be used in certain example embodiments in order to compensate for non-level flooring proximate the door.

Abstract: An electrically powerable grid element having first and second conductive members of opposing polarity. The grid element includes first and second electrical access slots which expose the conductive members. The grid element includes a tap which has a conductor engaging means which forms an electrical connection with the first and second conductors via the first and second electrical access slots.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating a wind turbine tower is provided. The method includes providing at least one fiber reinforced plastic (“FRP”) strand, embedding a first portion of the FRP strand into a first concrete segment, and embedding a second portion of the FRP strand into a second concrete segment such that a third portion of the FRP strand extends from the first concrete segment to the second concrete segment. The method further includes displacing at least one of the first concrete segment and the second concrete segment relative to the other such that a tension is applied to the third portion of the FRP strand.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a frame assembly having a base plate, a plurality of first lateral supports secured to the base plate, and a plurality of second lateral supports secured to the base plate. The first lateral supports lie in a first plane and the second lateral supports lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane each intersect the base plate and the first plane is disposed at an angle relative to the second plane. The composite floor panel also includes a concrete portion coupled to and supported by the first lateral supports and the second lateral supports.

Abstract: A building structure includes a hexagonal grid in a vertical plane to thereby be structurally strong and solid, and has a variety of whole shapes.