Abstract: A connector which couples to an outlet conduit to decrease an outlet conduit passageway pressure differential between outlet conduit opposing first and second ends, whereby the connector includes a mixing chamber having a first inlet port in fluidic communication with a connector first open end and the mixing chamber; an outlet port in fluidic communication with the mixing chamber and a connector second open end; and a second inlet port in fluidic communication with the connector second open end and the mixing chamber. Additionally, a connector including a connector internal surface defining a connector passageway which communicates between connector first and second open ends; and a sensor module operatively coupled to the connector passageway to sense a parameter of a first fluid flowing in a first fluid flow path through the connector passageway.

Abstract: A ventilation control device (2) includes a total exhaust air volume reader (16), an exhaust device specification reader (17), an exhaust air volume distributor (18), and an exhaust air volume instructor (19). The total exhaust air volume reader (16) reads the total exhaust air volume set to a building. The exhaust device specification reader (17) reads a maximum exhaust air volume of each of exhaust devices (3) as a specification of the exhaust device (3). The exhaust air volume distributor (18) sets the exhaust air volume of each exhaust device (3) by distributing the exhaust air volume read by the total exhaust air volume reader (16) according to the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust device (3) read by the exhaust device specification reader (17). The exhaust air volume instructor (19) instructs, to each exhaust device (3), the exhaust air volume set by the exhaust air volume distributor (18).

Abstract: A self-contained truck-mounted brick laying machine can include a frame that can support packs or pallets of bricks placed on a platform. A transfer robot can pick up and move the brick(s). A carousel can be coaxial with a tower. The carousel can transfer the brick(s) via the tower to an articulated and/or telescoping boom. The bricks can be moved along the boom by, e.g., linearly moving shuttles, to reach a brick laying and adhesive applying head. The brick laying and adhesive applying head can mount to an element of the stick, about an axis which is disposed horizontally. The poise of the brick laying and adhesive applying head about the axis can be adjusted and can be set in use so that the base of a clevis of the robotic arm mounts about a horizontal axis, and the tracker component is disposed uppermost on the brick laying and adhesive applying head. The brick laying and adhesive applying head can apply adhesive to the brick and can have a robot that lays the brick.

Abstract: A faux rafter tail configured to be securable below a soffit. The faux rafter tail has an elongated structure which includes a middle section, and terminates in a proximal end and a distal end. The faux rafter tail may include a body portion and a top portion. The top portion may include a mounting tab at each of the proximal and distal ends, and each of the mounting tabs extends in a direction away from the middle section of the faux rafter tail with each of the mounting tabs having a lower surface and an upper surface. The faux rafter tail may optionally include an alignment nub or the mounting tab having a measurement or length indicator.

Abstract: A dry stack block structure, comprising: at least one course comprising blocks, each comprising: a first and second side walls and a central wall positioned between and parallel to the side walls, wherein the walls are rectangular and having a bottom and top edges located in a first plane and a parallel second plane, a first end and a second end located in a third plane and a parallel fourth plane, perpendicular to the first plane; a first and second end transverse webs connecting the ends respectively of the walls in the third and fourth planes respectively, wherein the end transverse webs having a bottom edge located in the first plane; and two intermediate transverse webs positioned between the third and fourth planes and connecting the second and central walls, the intermediate transverse webs having a bottom edge and a top edge located in the first and second planes.

Abstract: Environmentally responsible insulating construction blocks and structures constructed primarily of recycled materials are disclosed. The environmentally friendly construction blocks and structures comprise shredded rubber tire pieces coated with silica fume, slag cement and cement, which are then mixed with water and formed in a mold. A layer of grout or a fireproof material may be disposed on one side of the environmentally responsible insulating construction block. The environmentally responsible insulating construction blocks provide high insulation as well as strength for applications such as green roofing, wall construction and green roofing decks. Environmentally friendly structures can be built by pouring the coated shredded rubber tire pieces into molds to form walls, and then to pour a layer of the coated shredded rubber tire pieces as a roof deck, thereby creating a self-supporting structure in a monolithic pour.

Abstract: A system for anchoring a pole into the ground includes an anchoring base intended to be anchored into the ground, the anchoring base exhibiting a high, flush end intended to be flush with the ground; at least one interface exhibiting a housing capable of holding a pole, the interface having elements for holding a pole inserted in the housing thereof; and elements for assembling/disassembling the interface on the anchoring base.

Abstract: A bracket for retaining glass used to cover the window of a door of an oven appliance and an oven appliance with such brackets. The bracket supports the glass in position at the window. Embodiments of the bracket may provide features including use on either side of the oven door, use of a shorter length of glass, and other features that can facilitate manufacture.

Abstract: A sealed and thermally insulating tank having a sealing membrane, a thermal insulation barrier, and a reinforcing piece for reinforcing the sealing membrane against the pressure of the fluid contained in the tank. The thermal insulation barrier has a groove parallel to the longitudinal direction of the corrugation, and the reinforcing piece has a retaining rib engaged in the groove, the retaining rib forming a lug extending in the groove beyond a longitudinal end of the main body in the longitudinal direction of the corrugation. A stop element attached to the thermal insulation barrier stops the reinforcing piece in the longitudinal direction of the corrugation in a first direction and cooperates with the lug to stop the reinforcing piece in a direction moving away from the support surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to HVAC systems, zone control units, and control systems. More specifically, an HVAC system employs distributed zone control units that provides localized air recirculation. A zone control unit includes a return air section that receives return air from serviced building zones and mixes the return air with a supply of outside air. The mixed air is heated and/or cooled by the zone control unit and discharged to serviced building zones in a controlled manner. An exhaust air system is used to extract air from serviced building zones. The HVAC zone control unit also includes a local control unit with an Internet protocol address. The local control unit includes a memory and a processor for storing and executing a control program for the zone control unit. The control program controls of the zone control unit in response to commands received via the Internet.

Abstract: A casing system for covering the edges of structural frameworks and the like. The system includes a first casing piece and a second casing piece shaped to fit together. The first casing piece has a decorative profile milled into at least one side or end edge. The second casing piece has a reverse image of the decorative profile milled into a side or end edge. The pieces fit together by abutting edges or sides having a decorative profile and the reverse image of the decorative profile.

Abstract: A new concept wall system is provided, wherein the Exterior Insulation and Finish System cladding is created using components with no water absorption, a very low vapor permeability and sealing properties, accommodated with an installation technology which extend the materials properties to the assembly, together with bonding and sealing the intersections and terminations, creating a Non-Permissive to water and vapor diffusion, Exterior Insulation and Finish System (NP-EIFS). The present invention relates to an EIFS cladding having two air and vapor barriers, one applied to the substrate, a continuous liquid membrane with sheathing joints sealed to be moisture barrier for inside vapors, and an exterior weather and vapor barrier which is created using closed cell extruded polystyrene insulation boards, special assembled with joints sealed, to create a non-permissive insulation envelope of the enclosure.

Abstract: A deck drainage system includes a bracket. The bracket has three parts selectively separable from each other. These parts include a first portion, a second portion, and a central portion joining the first and second portions. The first portion has a first leg and a first arm disposed at an angle to the first leg. The second portion has a second leg and a second arm disposed at an angle to the second leg. The central portion is generally flat.

Abstract: A pillar slab system using precast concrete pillar slabs for constructing a pillar, pergola or other stone structure comprises a body comprising at least four sides. Each exterior side surface comprises at least one simulated stone face. At least first and second side surfaces also have at least one simulated joint defining a visual separation between simulated stone faces. The simulated joints in the side surfaces are disposed at different horizontal positions, so that when one pillar slab is stacked on an identical pillar slab in a different orientation, the simulated joints in adjacent surfaces are vertically staggered relative to one another to avoid obvious repeating patterns and provide the appearance of a natural stone construction.

Abstract: A sleeve for a post that is generally rectangular in horizontal cross-section, may have two or three panels, may have perforation which allow portions of one or more panels to be removed, may incorporate retroreflective materials, may have holes, bushings, and/or adhesive layers to facilitate attaching the sleeve to a post, may have top-bottom and side-to-side connectors to facilitate connecting the top of one sleeve to the bottom of another or the edge of one sleeve to an edge of another, may be accompanied by spacers to allow the sleeve to be connected to posts of different size and geometry.

Abstract: A door facing is provided. The door facing includes a body portion, and male and female alignment members protruding from a main surface area of the body portion. Also provided are door assemblies including the door facing and methods of making the door facing and the door assembly.

Abstract: A non-metallic explosion vent is provided for protecting a confined space from a high overpressure condition. Reinforcing material having greater tensile strength than the resin, such as glass fiber roving, mesh or fabric, is embedded in the panel. An elongated, overall U-shaped groove extends inwardly from one of the surfaces of the panel through only a portion of the thickness of the panel. The groove interrupts the reinforcing material and defines a line of weakness that presents a relief area of the panel that opens under a predetermined overpressure condition. A plurality of spaced reinforcing components preferably overlie the groove, and optionally may extend across the relief area of the panel, transversely thereof and at an angle to one another. The reinforcing components contribute to control of the burst pressure of the vent and assist in preventing separation of the vent area from the body of the panel and/or fragmentation of the vent area during opening thereof.

Abstract: A corner piece for covering or capping a structure corner adjacent shake shingle siding characterized by a lineally variable contour includes a field modifiable trim strip for reflecting and accommodating the contour of the siding adjacent the structure corner. A method of siding a structure with the new corner piece and a siding system including the new corner piece and lineally variable contour siding panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for assembling a building surface and a building surface assembly that include surface tiles and stability members disposed between the surface tiles to restrict relative movement therebetween. The stability members may advantageously be placed between outer edge segments of the building surface tiles to restrict relative movement of adjacent surface tiles, such as due to seismic activity, vibrations, or high winds. The building surface tiles may include structures such as engagement channels for receiving and engaging the stability members.

Abstract: A building assembly utilized in connecting building members together while permitting limited relative movement between the members. The assembly includes a structure such as a track or plate that includes one or more longitudinal slots. Integrally formed in the longitudinal slot is a breakaway washer that receives a fastener that extends into an adjacent structure. When a certain force is applied to the breakaway washer, the breakaway washer breaks away from the slot and this permits the slot to move about the breakaway washer and fastener which results in there being relative movement between two connected structures.

Abstract: A building element is in the form of hollow brick having a plane major face and dovetailed projections on an opposite major face for slotting together with similar building elements for the construction of masonry structures. The building element has internal through cavities for housing of operative connections of distribution systems and the like, arranged according to an array parallel to said plane major face, which is formed with references for identification from outside of each through cavity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a one piece corner fitting for a corner section of an eaves trough. The corner fitting of the present invention includes two arms designed to substantially fit within the corner section of the eaves trough, each arm including a back side wall configured to lie substantially adjacent a back side wall of the eaves trough corner section, a front side wall configured to lie substantially adjacent a front side wall of the eaves trough corner section and a bottom surface extending between the back side wall and the front side wall of the corner fitting, said back side wall front side wall and bottom surface forming a channel.

Abstract: Assembly for temporarily attaching a vertical masonry guide to an inner leaf of a cavity wall during laying of the bricks of an outer leaf of a cavity wall, comprising an inner leaf attaching part for attaching the assembly to the inner leaf, a masonry guide attaching part for attaching the assembly to the masonry guide, and a connecting part for mutually connecting the inner leaf attaching part and the masonry guide attaching part.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved component for apparatus for facilitating the elevated and leveled placement of a paver surface. Also disclosed are apparatus composed of the disclosed component. Yet further disclosed are related methods of use for the component and the apparatus composed of the same.

Abstract: An explosion-proof decompression plate is provided outside the explosion-proof window of an architecture or equipment. A convex part that protrudes out of the window is formed in the center of the decompression plate, and a flange is formed around the convex part. Further, a confined space is formed inside the decompression plate that is opposite to the convex part. Several thru holes are formed on the flange, and a lock-joint portion of which the area is smaller than the thru hole is formed. Several joint ribs easily splitting are formed between the flange and the lock-joint portions to connect. Accordingly, when the air blast occurs in the architecture or equipment, the decompression plate is thrust away by the blast pressure caused by the air blast and an open mouth is formed to vent out the blast pressure.

Abstract: A system for restraining relative lateral and/or vertical movement between adjacent support tiles of an elevated building surface assembly. The system is usable with a support structure including a plurality of support pedestals that are disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface and that are disposed beneath corner portions of surface tiles to vertically support and elevate the tiles above the fixed surface. The system includes stability members that may be inserted into predetermined gaps between adjacent surface tiles so as to be fit between adjacent surface tiles to restrict lateral and/or vertical movement of the tiles. Fasteners may be placed through apertures in inner portions of the stability members into the top surface of the support pedestals to further secure the stability members to the support pedestals.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.

Abstract: Finishing profile for a floor covering, wherein this finishing profile comprises a body with at least two portions made separable from each other, which, in the unseparated condition, are connected to each other by means of a break-off or cut-off zone, wherein, by whether or not removing one or more of the aforementioned two portions, various application possibilities of the remaining portion of the body are created, wherein, at least on the aforementioned two portions of the body, a layer-shaped covering is provided, wherein said layer-shaped covering shows an interruption at least over part of the length of the finishing profile, at the height of the transition between said two portions.

Abstract: Finishing profile for a floor covering, wherein this finishing profile-comprises a body with at least two portions made separable from each other, which, in the unseparated condition, are connected to each other by means of a break-off or cut-off zone, wherein, by whether or not removing one or more of the aforementioned two portions, various application possibilities of the remaining portion of the body are created, wherein, at least on the aforementioned two portions of the body, a layer-shaped covering is provided, wherein said layer-shaped covering shows an interruption at least over part of the length of the finishing profile, at the height of the transition between said two portions.

Abstract: A connector assembly for accurately projecting fasteners for connecting two building members together while permitting limited relative motion between the members. The assembly includes a plate having one or more longitudinal slots. The plate is secured to or a part of one of the building members. The plate is connected to the other building member by fasteners projected through breakaway washers formed in the slots. The breakaway washers each have an opening for guiding the fastener and centering the fastener on the slot. Centering the fastener on the slot prevents inadvertent clamping of the plate and the other building member together so that limited relative motion is permitted.

Abstract: A roofing system includes at least one row of tiles extending across a surface in a row direction, a first tile of the at least one row of tiles including a rain lock adapted to interlock with a second tile adjacent to and within the same row as the first tile, wherein the rain lock has a lower end, an upper end, and a weakened portion proximate the lower end to allow for removal of a predetermined portion of the rain lock. The second tile of the roofing system includes a corner at the upper end of the rain lock of the first tile, the corner including a notch and a second weakened portion to allow for lengthening of the notch.

Abstract: A formed metal piece is U-shaped to be fit to an outer edge of a framing stud, with a pair of side walls, at least one formed with a guide hole for accurately locating drilled holes for routing cables, etc. The front wall is sufficiently strong to provide nail shielding for protection of cables or pipes passed through the hole drilled in the stud. A series of pieces are installed in alignment prior to drilling the stud holes to speed the process. A cut out portion can be removed to optionally form a slot for installation as a nail shield reinforcement after the cables or piping is installed.

Abstract: A roof flashing for forming a weather-proof seal about pipes of different diameters extending through openings in building structures, the flashing has a collar having a conical shape with a bottom edge and an apex end for passage of the pipe, the collar comprising a wall of elastomeric material wherein the wall has annular grooves forming tear lines for removing a portion of the collar allowing the collar to sealingly engage different diameter pipes. In addition, the roof flashing has a base having a tapered cylindrical shape formed by a wall of elastomeric material, the base having an opening formed by a top edge wherein the top edge is coupled to the bottom edge of the collar, the base further having a bottom edge.

Abstract: Concrete wall blocks are described with features facilitating use of the wall blocks to construct each of: a wall section with set back; and, a vertical wall without set back. Wall blocks, kits or sets of wall blocks, and wall sections with various sized blocks are described. Further methods of assembly and use are described. Also, features selectively usable in various types of wall blocks are described.

Abstract: A pipe boot includes a plurality of co-axial hollow cylindrical sections joined by an annular shoulder between successive sections. A first annular bead and a second annular bead surround each tubular section with the first annular bead positioned radially outward of each annular shoulder. The second annular bead is spaced a short distance from the second annular bead leaving an annular trough between them.

Abstract: A bird deterrent device is presented having a base that is at least partially composed of a metal or metal composite. The base can be configured such that the base has sufficient resiliency to revert to an original form after being bent at least 15°. A plurality of spikes can be coupled to the base so that the device is stackable with other such devices while the spikes are oriented at least 5° out of parallel with respect to a plane of the base. It is contemplated that the devices can be stacked such that the base of one device is less than 3 cm from the base of an adjacent device in the stack.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.

Abstract: A water drainage component comprises a foundation engaging member, a structural wall engaging member, a gutter, and at least one water drainage channel. The foundation engaging member is configured to abut a substantially planar portion of a foundation of a building structure. The structural wall engaging member is substantially perpendicular to the foundation engaging member, and at least a portion of the structural wall engaging member is configured to abut a structural wall of a building structure. The gutter defines a water collection area configured to collect water flowing along at least a portion of the structural wall engaging member in the direction of the foundation engaging member, and the water drainage channel defines a conduit in fluid communication with the water collection area extending along a portion of the foundation engaging member, and the water drainage channel is configured to drain water collected in the gutter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corner accessory for placing at the junction between at least two ducts that extend in different directions, the accessory comprising two distinct flaps, one of which has a projecting element and the other of which includes an elongate opening, said projecting element being engaged in said elongate opening so as to move along a longitudinal direction of said opening to allow said flaps to move relative to each other. According to the invention, said elongate opening has a longitudinal edge parallel to said longitudinal direction and opening out locally to a slot that opens out into a free edge of said flap.

Abstract: A pre-finished, moisture resistant and durable building material is provided. In one embodiment the building material includes a fiber cement substrate having a first side and a second side, at least one resin impregnated paper over at least one of the first and second sides, and a stress-relieving polymeric film between the fiber cement substrate and the at least one resin impregnated paper, the polymer film acting as a stress relaxer between the fiber cement substrate and the at least one resin impregnated paper. In another embodiment, a stress-relieving polymeric coating or film is provided between resin penetrated sheets and a substrate. In another embodiment, a process for bonding the resin penetrated sheets to the substrate is provided.

Abstract: A decoration panel the length of which is adjustable so that it may be fitted to a various sizes of walls, windows, furniture and so on. The decoration panel includes a main panel having a plurality of holes aligned on the upper or lower part of it in the vertical direction. Sub panels having a front cover and a plurality of holes on the rear of the front cover corresponding in spacing to the holes are inserted on the upper or lower end of the main panel. A joiner is engaged through the holes of the sub panel into the holes of the main panel.

Abstract: A fresh masonry wall protection device and method for rapidly protecting a newly laid block or brick wall from inclement weather. A thin plastic channel element has a top panel member and a pair of parallel side panel members. The top panel member has a smooth, flat inner face which is adapted to engage the topmost surface of the newly laid block or brick wall. The parallel side panel members are springy and angled inwardly so that they engage the newly laid block or brick wall and have lower ends which angle outwardly to form a water deflector and guideway for installing the protection device on the newly laid block or brick wall. The top panel member is provided with a plurality of spaced rebar punchouts. One end of the channel element is provided with guide lines for adapting the ends to cover corners and other wall angulations.

Abstract: Unitary one-piece frameless overpressure vent panel assembly (10) includes a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central relief opening (26), a rigid, generally planar secondary support member (44) provided with a central relief aperture (46), and a frangible vent panel (30) between the support members in full closing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture. A sealant element (48) may be provided between the vent panel and at least one of the support members in circumscribing relationship to the relief opening or aperture. At least one line of weakness (34) may be provided in the vent panel. A flexible gasket (58) secured to the secondary support member assures a fluid tight seal between the vent panel assembly and the structure defining a protected zone. Alternatively, a knife blade or the like may be provided adjacent the vent panel to effect severing thereof under a predetermined overpressure in lieu of a line of weakness in the panel.

Abstract: Generally, the invention is a dry stack building block for constructing a masonry wall. The dry stack unit has a front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The dry stack unit also has a rear section substantially parallel to the front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. Two or more webs coupling the inner surface of the front section to the inner surface of the rear section have a top surface and a bottom surface. Two or more pairs of lugs may extend above the top surface of the front section and the top surface of the rear section. Each pair of lugs may have a first lug offset from a second lug in an axis perpendicular to the inner surfaces of the front section and the back section.

Abstract: Materials for use in installing a deck include a plurality of decking tiles, each of the tiles having an outside corner angle with a hole at a predetermined location with respect to the corner and a plurality of decking tile connectors. Each of the connectors includes a plate, spacer flanges upstanding from the plate arranged to divide the plate into quadrants defined by angles that are the same as the corner angles of the tiles, and Christmas tree fasteners upstanding in the quadrants at locations to align with the holes in the tiles.

Abstract: An internal building pressure apparatus includes, in a building with walls and more than floor, at least one pressure sensor on at least more than one floor. A connection is provided for connecting pressure sensors and an analysis device is connected to the pressure sensors for receiving input from the pressure sensors and for providing sensor data output. According to another embodiment, a controller may be included either alone or in combination with the analysis device.

Abstract: A block-out tube for use in joining together pre-cast concrete members, the block-out tube having an ovalized cross-section, an integral elongate imperforate hollow tubular body with smoothly curved corrugated walls, a rounded tip closing the bottom end thereof, a mounting flange with tear-away nail tabs at the top open end thereof, and a removable transparent member for sealing the top end for preventing water and debris from entering the interior of the tube. The block-out tube, secured by attaching the tear-away tabs to a concrete pouring form, is cast into the top of the lower concrete member, the ovalized corrugated body being embedded therein and the top sealed end being exposed at the top surface thereof, after the removal of the form.

Abstract: A multi-unit termination accessory for flashing certain through-wall openings in a building. The multi-unit termination accessory unit is thermo-formed in multiples of four with clearly delineated cutting lines for separating the multi-unit flashing member into four identical termination accessory units for use in corners of frame construction rough openings. This multi-unit forming permits multiple units to be formed in a single molding, thus reducing the time and cost per unit. Additionally, the individual termination accessory units are provided with a feature that permits their use with either full depth or partial depth windows thus increasing their versatility and acceptance by the construction industry.

Abstract: A fastener-free composite roofing product comprising a roofing material and an interply material attached to the roofing material, wherein the interply material includes an adhesive coating on one side. The interply material is attached adjacent to an edge of the roofing material to permit a major portion of the interply material to be folded away from the roofing material for application to a roof. The adhesive is effective to secure the roofing product to the roof without the use of nails or other fasteners. The roofing material may be a roofing shingle or roll roofing, and the interply material is comprised of a water resistant material.

Abstract: Retaining wall blocks and the walls made from such blocks are disclosed, wherein curved landscapes (i.e. curved profiles and sloping embankments) are easily accommodated without the use of mortar. As well, a modular system of blocks and their manufacture are disclosed wherein some blocks are used in vertical orientations and some in horizontal orientations.