Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a core structure. Firstly, a first core structure and a second core structure are fastened. The first core structure and the second core structure are positioned at a defined distance. A reinforcement element is introduced into a cavity between the first core structure layer and the second core structure layer. The reinforcement element, the first core structure layer, and the second core structure layer form a self-supporting core structure.

Abstract: An appliance includes a memory storage location storing a flag indicative of a predicted demand-response (DR) period such as from a utility or when a current alternating current (AC) duty cycle differs from a specified AC duty cycle by a predetermined variance; and a controller coupled to the flag to autonomously place the appliance in an energy shedding mode during the predicted DR period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural component for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising a component core extended across a component area, a first and second cover layer, which are formed on two opposite bounding surfaces of the component core and extend across the component area, a plurality of braces, which are distributed across the component area and connect the first and second cover layers to each other through the component core, and a stiffening belt, which extends between the cover layers along a stiffening line that extends substantially parallel to the component area.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an engineered wood flooring product including providing a flat plywood platform having an original thickness, sanding top and bottom surfaces of the platform to achieve a final thickness less than the original thickness, wherein the amount of material removed from the bottom surface is greater than the top surface to induce center lift in the platform, applying adhesive to the platform, applying a veneer face to the platform, and subjecting the lay-up to a lineal pressing system to ensure bonding.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for simultaneously securing opposite parallel edge flaps of a flexible cover sheet to opposite parallel edge faces of a wall panel. A pair of wiping devices move downwardly and wipe the edge flap against the edge faces and transversely tension the cover sheet. Top sweep devices move down into holding contact with the cover sheet adjacent the parallel edge faces to maintain the transverse tension in the sheet. The edge flaps are then deflected and adhesive applied to the edge faces and back surfaces of the edge flaps. The wiping devices then again wipe the flaps downward into pressed contact with the edge faces to create an adhesive securement therewith.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a base includes the following steps. First, a plate is provided. Next, the plate is machined to form a bottom frame. The bottom frame has a bottom portion and a plurality of side walls disposed at the bottom portion. Next, whether the bottom frame is designed for being assembled to a first display panel or a second display panel is determined. The size of the first display panel is different from that of the second display panel. Next, if the bottom frame is designed for being assembled to the first display panel, a pad is formed on the bottom portion of the bottom frame such that a first base is formed. Next, if the bottom frame is designed for being assembled to the second display panel, the bottom portion is punched to form a plurality of barricades such that a second base is formed.

Abstract: A plurality of framework supporting decorative panels. The framework is interconnected collectively so as to form a modular, ornamental, closed plane structure.

Abstract: An integrated method and system for producing cold-formed steel wall, roof, and/or floor panels is disclosed. Included in the present general inventive concept is the input of design parameters into a computer having design software operating thereon, the generation of design decisions based on those parameters, the issuance of fabrication instructions to one or more roll formers to fabricate the panel components substantially according to those fabrication instructions, and the fabrication of the panel components by the roll formers substantially in accordance with the fabrication instructions.

Abstract: A window frame insulation assembly and sealing arrangement, comprising an elongated, extruded block of foam material having a first or inner side and a second or outer side. A unitary air fin is co-extruded therewith. The air fin comprises an elongated flange of flexible foam material. The air fin and the elongated block define an elongated receiving-channel that is filled with a foam compression rod there between creating a seal for blocking air and moisture from a building in which said window frame assembly has been placed.

Abstract: A process for forming a fiber reinforced core panel which is able to be contoured includes the following steps. First, slice a sheet of a low density material a plurality of times in a first direction of the sheet on at least one side, where the slices extend through only a portion of the thickness of the sheet, then divide the sheet in the second direction of the sheet into a series of low density strips having at least three faces (major face, a first edge face, a second edge face, and optionally a minor face) where the slices in the sheet form a series of cuts in the major or minor face of the low density strips. Next, arrange the series of low density strips to form a core panel and thread a continuous fibrous reinforcement sheet through the low density strips such that the fibrous reinforcement sheet is disposed between adjacent strips and adjacent to the major or minor faces of the low density strips.

Abstract: In a grain bin floor panel having first and second floor surface extending outwardly from a central support leg to respective first and second side support legs, the central support leg includes first and second upright portions and a lower portion connected between respective lower ends of the first and second upright portion. The first and second upright portions are connected to respective ones of the first and second floor surfaces at the upper ends of the upright portions and are spaced apart from one another at respective lower ends. The lower portion is generally concave such that the lower ends of the first and second upright portions together with the lower portion forms a concave quadrilateral.

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 beaded soffit panel and related method for buildings and the like includes a plurality of generally flat, imperforate base portions shaped to enclose at least a portion of the soffit when the soffit panel is mounted in a generally horizontal orientation under the eave. A plurality of generally M-shaped, contoured beads extend between the base portions, and have oppositely inclined sidewalls with center walls therebetween to create a decorative appearance on the soffit panel. A plurality of narrow vent slits extend through the exterior faces of the bead sidewalls at a predetermined acute angle to define angled tabs that extend inwardly, whereby when the soffit panel is installed, vision through the vent slits from a position generally underneath the eave is substantially blocked by the angled tabs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for producing fire rated doors having added strength, better finishing and low cost manufacturing flexibility. The fire rated doors are made from two panels “sandwiched” together. An optional interior layer (e.g., fire resistant material, lead sheeting, steel or Kevlar) can be added between the door panels for various purposes. Splines, stiles or sticks are inserted in longitudinal channels in the door panels to provide assistance in aligning the door panels and greater hardware holding strength. An intumescent banding material concealed by a banding material around the perimeter of the door seals the door within its frame during a fire. The door design and the automated manufacturing process provide greater design choice, reduced cost and faster fabrication.

Abstract: Universal master boards and methods of making flush door skins and doors from the universal master boards are disclosed. The universal master boards each have an expansive surface with a graphic design of at least first depressions and second depressions in at least first and second surface regions, respectively. The first depressions simulate a first wood grain pattern, and the second depressions simulate a second wood grain pattern aligned in a different direction than the simulated first wood grain pattern. The universal master boards may be cut and demarcated selectively to establish different assortments of simulated wood patterns and different ornamental features, such as stiles and rails.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for sticking edging material (12, 10) onto lightweight building boards (1) comprising two thin-walled outer layers (2, 4) and a core layer (6) of lightweight filler material disposed between the outer layers, having the steps: provision of a lightweight building board (1), a decor edge (10) and a stabilizing edge (12), and sticking on of the decor edge (10) and/or the stabilizing edge (12) in the region of a narrow surface (1?) of the lightweight building board (1). The process according to the invention is characterized in that the stabilizing edge (12) is introduced into a section between two outer layers (2, 4) in the region of the narrow surface (1?) without having first created a recess of at least one outer layer and/or of the core layer in this section, said recess corresponding substantially to the stabilizing edge.

Abstract: Methods and systems to manufacture lattice-based sandwich structures from monolithic material. Such methods and systems eliminate the bonding process which is conventionally used to join lattice based truss cores to facesheets to form sandwich structures. This bonded interface is a key mode of failure for sandwich structures which are subjected to shear or bending loads because the nodes transfer forces from the face sheets to the core members while the topology for a given core relative density dictates the load carrying capacity (assuming adequate node-bond strength exists). An aspect comprises a core and related structures that provide very low density, good crush resistance and high in-plane shear resistance. An aspect of the truss structures may include sandwich panel cores and lattice truss topology that may be designed to efficiently support panel bending loads while maintaining an open topology that facilitates multifunctional applications.

Abstract: A method for making a door with a decorative polymer panel assembly. The method can include forming a polymer grille by cutting a design into a polymer with a low-moisture content. The polymer grille can have a frame portion and a design portion. A seal can be contiguously disposed about a perimeter of the frame portion. A grille assembly can be formed by disposing a translucent panel on each side of the seal, forming an air space with the polymer grille disposed within the air space. The grille assembly can be pressed, heated and cooled, forming the decorative polymer panel assembly. The decorative polymer panel assembly can be disposed within an opening of a door, and the door can be disposed within an opening of a structure.

Abstract: A method for making a decorative polymer panel assembly for insertion into an opening of a door or window. The method can include forming a polymer grille by cutting a design into a polymer with a low-moisture content of no more than five wt %. The polymer grille can have a frame portion and a design portion. A seal can be contiguously disposed about a perimeter of the frame portion. A grille assembly can be formed by disposing a translucent panel on each side of the seal, forming an air space with the polymer grille disposed within the air space. The grille assembly can be pressed and heated to form a heat formed seal between the seal, the polymer grille, and each translucent panel. The grille assembly can then be cooled to an ambient temperature, forming the decorative polymer panel assembly.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for making a photovoltaic cell are provided. The photovoltaic cell is able to have a substrate made of a composite material. The composite material is able to be formed by mixing a binder and a physical property enhancing material to form a mixer. The binder is able to be pitch, such as mesophase pitch. The physical property enhancing material is able to be fiber glass. The substrate of the photovoltaic cell is able to be flexible, such that the photovoltaic cell is able to be applied on various surfaces.

Abstract: A blast door (12; 14) comprises a panel (12a; 14a) and a frame provided around the perimeter of the panel. The frame comprises a plurality of frame members (12b, 12c, 12d; 14b, 14c, 14d). Each frame member has a cross section that includes a cavity (36, 40) in which the panel perimeter is received. This ensures that the frame encloses a perimeter portion of the panel on either side thereof. Securing means (47) are provided within the cavity of the frame, to secure the panel therein. A method of fabricating the blast door comprises providing the panel and the frame comprising the plurality of frame members, and securing the panel within the frame using securing means located within the cavity of the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pre-engineered brick panel formed of first and second adjacent bricks, spaced apart by a grout joint. The surface of the first brick is adjacent to a surface of the second brick. Each of the adjacent surfaces includes a grout channel and the grout channels in adjacent surfaces are aligned with one another. Grout is disposed in both of the grout joint and the aligned grout channels. Also disclosed are methods for making and installing such pre-engineered panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a construction, in particular a sandwich construction for the aeronautical and aerospace fields, comprising the following steps. A heating material is initially applied on one side of a core construction material. In a further step a reinforcing element is introduced into the core construction material and the heating material in such a way that the reinforcing element extends through the core construction material and the heating material and has a portion which projects beyond the heating material. The heating material is then heated to soften the projecting portion at least in regions and said projecting portion is subsequently deformed using the softened region as a pivot point to engage the core construction material from behind and to form the construction. This method is distinguished in particular by the fact that it allows the portions to be heated substantially simultaneously, and not sequentially as in the state of the art.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: A cab for a vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, a tractor, or small construction vehicle, is constructed of twin-sheet thermo-plastic panels that can be easily assembled, preferably with snap-together interlocking features. One of the panels can be a door panel having a door hinged to a door frame to control passage through a doorway. Both the door and the door frame have spaced apart hinge knuckles that interleave along a hinge axis to allow the door to pivot about a hinge pin. The door and door frame can be molded in a single twin-sheet panel. The two walls of the panel are fused together along the outer periphery of the panel door portion and the inner periphery of the panel door frame portion. The door is separated from the door frame by cutting the each of the walls along a door perimeter between the door and door frame portions of the molded panel.

Abstract: A vacuum insulation panel is provided comprising a core with a plurality of stacked non-woven organic free glass fiber sheets, plies, or net shape one piece glass fiber core and a vacuum sealed enclosure containing the core. The fiberglass sheets are formed from glass fibers having a nominal diameter of about 1.5-3.0 microns and the enclosure is formed from an annealed stainless steel foil. The vacuum insulation panel has a thickness of from about 1 to 2.5 inches and an insulation value R of at least 56.8 at moderate vacuum levels between about 1.0E?02 to 1.0E+01 mTorr. In addition, a method of manufacturing same is provided, as well as a method of construction, wherein the vacuum insulation panel is disposed between two walls in the gap therebetween, and preferably a filler material, such as aerated concrete, fiberglass, foam, etc., is disposed in the gap so as to partially or fully encase the vacuum insulation panel.

Abstract: The apparatus mounts a locking element into a groove in an edge of a panel. An advance device feeds a stream of locking elements to a pressing device which mounts the locking elements into the groove on the edge of the panel. The locking elements are fed from a line of locking elements stored on a reel. A separating device cuts the line of locking elements into individual locking elements. The separating device is positioned either upstream of the advancing device or immediately upstream of the pressing device. When the separating device is immediately upstream of the pressing device, a spring is used to flex the stream during the short stoppage when the separating device separates individual locking elements from the line of locking elements.

Abstract: A method for the production of panel-type components having at least three layers of boards disposed parallel to the plane of the component, with the boards being connected to one another without glue by dowels extending substantially transversely to the plane of the component, includes disposing a plurality of layers of boards on top of each other in different orientations, providing a plurality of bores in these boards which penetrate the layers, and pressing dowels into the bores. An especially high strength is achieved by tensioning layers of the boards during drilling and insertion of the dowels, the tensioning including applying compressive forces. Also, the dowels are preferably compacted in a radial direction before insertion in the bores.

Abstract: A method for making window with a decorative polymer panel assembly. The method can include forming a polymer grille by cutting a design into a polymer with a low-moisture content. The polymer grille can have a frame portion and a design portion. A seal can be contiguously disposed about a perimeter of the frame portion. A grille assembly can be formed by disposing a translucent panel on each side of the seal, forming an air space with the polymer grille disposed within the air space. The grille assembly can be pressed, heated and cooled, forming the decorative polymer panel assembly. The decorative polymer panel assembly can be disposed within a frame which can be disposed within an opening of a structure.

Abstract: A composite panel for making a wall of a building includes an outer cladding plate, an inner wall plate, and a supporting structure provided between the outer cladding plate and the inner wall plate and which is partially embedded in a polymer foam.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing floor panels, of the type, which comprises a top layer (4) on the basis of synthetic material (5) and which, at least at two opposite sides (7A-8A; 7B-8B), has profiled edge areas (9) that comprise at least coupling parts (10), whereby, for manufacturing the floor panels (1), one starts from a board-shaped material (6), characterized in that the floor panels (1) are formed at least partially by means of a laser treatment (11) of said board-shaped material (6).

Abstract: A modular rail and post fence system which may be fabricated, assembled, and installed without fasteners, adhesives or welding. The fence system includes a plurality of rail assemblies with each rail assembly formed from a pair of panels. Each panel has a pair of sidewalls joined together at an angle to form an angled edge wherein the pair of panels are joined together to form a rail assembly. A plurality of elongated posts are also provided. Each elongated post has at least one longitudinal recess. At least one pair of notches in the pair of longitudinal recesses is provided whereby the angled edges of each rail assembly are received in one pair of notches of the elongated posts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plastic molded shutter assembly that can be customized in size. A shutter of a standard length, or series of shutters of standard lengths are manufactured. A plurality of cuts are made in the shutter, removing a predetermined amount of material from the shutter. The end cap is replaced and fixedly secured to the remaining shutter, resulting in a single shutter of a desired length.

Abstract: An attachment member formed from sheet material configured to connect a wall to a curved roof of a building structure. The attachment member includes at least two segments: a first segment having a flat center portion and a pair of walls extending perpendicular to the center portion in cross section, the pair of walls defining a recess oriented in a direction perpendicular to the center portion, wherein the recess is adapted to accommodate a portion of a wall of a building structure; and a second segment extending from one of the walls of the first segment, the second segment being oriented in a same plane as the flat center portion of the first segment in cross section, the second segment including a longitudinal rib, the longitudinal rib protruding in cross section from the second segment, the longitudinal rib being adapted to mate with a rib of a curved building panel. Building structures made using such attachment members and an attachment member forming system are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wood-based composite panel that is not susceptible to top surface edge swell, and methods of making the panel.

Abstract: A modular floor system comprises modular floor panels and zippers that are fabricated in a manufacturing facility and subsequently installed in a facility. By virtue of being fabricated in the manufacturing facility the modular floor is subsequently installed in the sports facility with minimal labor and cost, while providing superior performance.

Abstract: A hollow metal door using hollow structural sections with closed cross section, along with the method for making same, is described herein.

Abstract: A floor tile comprising: a first section having a finished surface and an opposing unfinished sectional surface; a second section having a finished surface and an opposing unfinished sectional surface; the first sectional surface being attached to the second sectional surface and offset from the second sectional surface, the offset defining a connecting edge along the first and second sectional surfaces, wherein the first finished surface and the second finished surface are opposing and outward facing, and wherein the floor tile is connectable to an adjacent floor tile via the connecting edge.

Abstract: A method of producing an engineered composite structural panel by selecting a structural panel having at least two structural shells, an insulating material extending therebetween, and a plurality of truss members extending therebetween. A determination is made if the two or more structural shells act as a unitary composite structural panel. If the structural panel is not a unitary composite structural panel, then parameters of the panel are adjusted and it is further determined whether the panel is a unitary composite structural panel. Combined truss systems for strengthening the structural panels may be formed by combining ladder truss members with warren truss members, by superimposing the ladder truss members and warren truss members, and by superimposing ladder truss members with a warren truss member and another warren truss member that is inverted.

Abstract: Insulated panels and methods of forming insulated panels are provided. According to the method, mold bulkhead and a sealing strip including a first anchor extension, a second anchor extension, and a panel cap are provided. The method also includes removably attaching the exterior face of the sealing strip to the interior mold surface on at least one of the plurality of mold sides, wherein the first anchor extension and the second anchor extension project into the interior mold volume, and wherein the sealing strip defines a sealed insulation zone. A curable building material is introduced into the interior mold volume to form a first slab. The first slab at least partially surrounds the first anchor extension. The method also includes inserting an insulation material layer into the interior mold volume, wherein the insulation material layer is at least partially within the sealed insulation zone.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a unitized overhead glazing system of the present invention includes an array of assembled structural framing cassettes each having at least five photovoltaic modules. In an embodiment, each cassette forms one electrical string and is pre-wired, tested, and shipped ready to install for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, parking canopies, covered walkways and specialty awnings. The unitized overhead glazing system can be utilized to generate electricity, provide shade, collect water, reduce heat island effect, provide more controlled lighting and support infrastructure for plug-in vehicles. The unitized overhead glazing system is designed to be installed and maintained from below, eliminating safety concerns associated with conventional canopies where work must be performed while on top of the canopy. The unitized overhead glazing system incorporates sealing methods and components to manage water, limit debris build up, and maximize energy yield.

Abstract: A process for sub-dividing a laminated flooring substrate into a plurality of laminated flooring planks and a system therefore are described. The process can include providing a laminated flooring substrate having a decorative pattern on a core wherein the decorative pattern can include a plurality of indicators, and independently detecting the indicators with a plurality of detecting devices, each assigned a respective indicator. The detecting devices can individually obtain the position of the detected indicators and a control unit can align a separate saw blade per each position detected. The system includes a cutting unit with individually adjustable saws or an alignment device configured to align the laminated flooring substrate with the saws, to cut the laminated flooring substrate along positions relative to the detected indicators, for example, in the center thereof or off-set therefrom.

Abstract: A system for revitalizing an existing structure and a method of using the system are disclosed. The system includes an insulating panel that has a body and reinforcing metal strips. The system also includes at least one fastening strap coupled to the insulating panel, the fastening strap has at least one recess having a hole. The system also has at least one fastening device that passes through the hole in the recess of the fastening strap and secures the at least one fastening strap and the insulating panel to the existing structure. The recesses of the fastening strap are positioned so that the fastening devices engage the body of the insulating panel.

Abstract: Floorboards are shown, which consist of a core and a surface layer and are provided with decorative joint edges which are formed by removing the surface layer.

Abstract: Semi-floating floorboards/building panels having mechanical joint systems, a core with curved edge portions so the surface layer on top of the core will be located below the panel surface, and where the edges of the floorboard have a bevel such that in which the joint system, when two floorboards are joined and pressed towards each other, the surface layer 31 and a part of the core 30 of the joint edge portion 19 in the second joint edge 4b overlaps the surface layer 31 that is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane of the first joint edge 4a of the other floorboard. Further, floorboards/building panels are produced by machining the surface structure with a plurality of core grooves 20, 20? and applying the surface layer 31 on the upper side of the core 30 to at least partly cover a floor element. A pressure is applied and the surface layer 31 forms around the core grooves 20, 20?.

Abstract: A barrier assembly includes a barrier having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The interior surface bounds a chamber that is adapted to receive a ballast. The barrier also has an internal sidewall extending between top and bottom surfaces of the barrier so as to bound a passage extending completely through the barrier between the top and bottom surfaces. The barrier assembly also includes an elongated coupler extending down through the passage and projecting below the bottom surface of the barrier. A means for securing the coupler within the passage is formed on or attached to the coupler. The means for securing the coupler within the passage prevents the coupler from being removed from the passage while allowing the coupler to freely rotate within the passage.

Abstract: A method of constructing, assembling and disassembling a mandrel for fabricating a monolithic composite nacelle panel for use on an airplane comprises attaching a first fairing bar including an exposed ball roller assembly to a tilting plate; attaching a first outer section to said first fairing bar; attaching a second outer section to said first fairing bar; attaching a center section to said first outer section and said second outer section; attaching a nozzle section to said first fairing bar and positioned adjacent an inner wall of said first outer section, an inner wall of said center section, and an inner wall of said second outer section; attaching a second fairing bar to said first outer section, said center section, and said second outer section; and attaching a cavity section to said second fairing bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a reinforcement strip includes a former for receiving and folding a foldable material about a longitudinal fold line. A pocket former may be provided to make a pocket for receiving piping. A piping guide may be provided to provide piping to the pocket. A support strip guide may be used to provide a support strip to the pocket.

Abstract: An adjustable-height support member, also referred to as a chair, provides support in a panel assembly having an inner wall and an outer wall. The chair includes a base configured for attachment to an interior surface of the inner wall. A shaft extends from the base. An optional cap covers the shaft such that the total length of the chair corresponds with a desired thickness between the inner wall and the outer wall of the panel assembly. During assembly, the chair prevents sagging between the inner wall and the outer wall. The chair also allows the insulating foam to be applied so as to substantially fill the void between the inner and outer wall.

Abstract: A method of welding a deck plate and a closed section rib both constituting a steel plate deck, comprising: working a root portion of the closed section rib to have a flat surface in parallel with a surface of the deck plate; and welding the deck plate and the closed section rib while making the flat surface of the closed section rib to be in contact with the surface of the deck plate.