Abstract: Adjustable apparatus for bracing one or both sides of a wall being fabricated from masonry blocks and having an opening near the base of the block wall. Bracing system includes strong rigid members assembled in the form of a right angle brace set having stiff vertical, horizontal and diagonal members, a connector having a length sufficient to extend through the opening affixed at a right angle location of one or both of the brace sets. A pair of such braces—back to back, and spaced on opposite sides of a wall—are interconnected together via this connector. Selected brace members telescope to accommodate increases in wall height and a manually adjustable outrigger screwjack at the remote end of the horizontal member eliminates reliance on prior art deadmen.

Abstract: A pedestal adapted to support a floor panel comprising a base, support means for supporting said floor panel above said base, displaceable means operable between said base and said support means for selectively displacing said support means and said floor panel relative to said base so as to level said floor panel while said floor panel is supported by said support means.

Abstract: A reduced friction coupling which interconnects a lower, supporting member and an upper, supported member of a concrete forming apparatus to reduce the force required to lower the height of the forming apparatus under load on the members by a formed concrete structure. Two or more polymeric washers are received about the supporting member between a threaded nut which is used for adjusting the height of the forming apparatus and the supported member. The polymeric washers reduce by a surprising amount the force required to retract the nut under load. Washers of molybdenum disulphide filled nylon can support up to 10,000 pounds per square inch and reduce the force required to retract the nut by at least sixty percent under such a load compared to the force required if a single steel washer is used.

Abstract: A post shoring and decking system is for use in supporting sheet on which cement compositions can be poured. This post shoring and decking system includes a main leg member, which has a U-shaped channel, a drophead member for coupling with the main leg member and a ledger member, that is received by the drophead member.

Abstract: An improved pedestal for a flooring system of the type which utilizes prefabricated base panels installed in side by side relationship to support a series of upstanding pedestals positioned in a geometric pedestal array is disclosed. The pedestals support further panels which define chases. Working floor panels are mounted atop caps which form tops of the pedestals. In one embodiment the caps each thread into a threaded bore in a pedestal body for leveling adjustments. Novel feet project downwardly from the pedestal bodies to provide positive locks with the base panels.

Abstract: An adjustable support pedestal is provided which can selectively raise or lower the level of a building surface or industrial component such as a paver, pipe, etc. is provided herein. More specifically, a base member, crown member, and at least one non-threaded tubular stem are provided which can be selectively adjusted to raise or lower the height of the building surface.

Abstract: A U-head plate is provided having a channel for capturing a base plate of a shoring apparatus. A pair of inwardly opposing L-shaped extensions extending downwardly from the U-head plate forms the channel. A latch attached to the U-head plate has a tongue for engaging a notch in the base plate of the shoring apparatus upon capture of the base plate of the shoring apparatus within the channel. The tongue is biased toward the notch by a spring.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for positioning and fixing beams, in particular made from wood, in particular for the construction of ground foundations, by means of at least one ground dowel. The ground dowel receives, in a retaining part, a ground dowel insert part which can be fixed therein and which possesses a retaining means, attached to a baseplate, for determining the position of the beam relative to the ground dowel insert part, the ground dowel insert part being fixed at least adhesively on the pressed-on beam. After the ground dowel, placed at the desired position and provided with the ground dowel insert part, has been adjusted to the desired height, the beam is pressed on to the retaining means in the desired position. The ground dowel insert part is fixed on the removed beam in accordance with the position determined by the retaining means, and the beam thus positioned, with the ground dowel insert part fixed thereon, is inserted into the retaining section of the ground dowel.

Abstract: A support apparatus provides a vertical strut having a threaded portion at a lower end and a strut cap positioned on an upper end. A beam support yolk engages a structural beam and the support yolk rotationally engages the strut cap. A strut base provides a threaded receiver and a cavity, the cavity positioned below the threaded receiver. The threaded portion of the strut engages the threaded receiver. The strut further provides a device for rotational advantage for rotating the strut and the strut cap for adjustment in vertical position of the support yolk relative to a support surface under the strut base.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unitized access floor system, a method to install it, and automatized leveling tools. The access floor comprises an assembly of modular stringer frames joined to form a layout. Pedestals for vertical leveling of the modular stringer frame are attached to the stringer frame, or can be hinged to the stringer frame during manufacture, and can fold down from within the stringer frame to facilitate stacking, packaging and shipping from the factory. The primary automatized leveling tool involves a rotating driving female socket coinciding with the layout of the modular stringer frame, matting with the leveling pedestals. The automatized tool has a central motor with variable speeds and reversible independent gear drives or multiple motors. Modular stringer frames are leveled adjacent to each other forming a matrix comprising modular stringer frames which receive floor panels interlocking adjacent stringer frames.

Abstract: A floor panel (20L) or (20R) comprises a first plastics sheet (5) edge lit by a light source in a space (8), a second plastics sheet (6) being provided above the first sheet and below an upper sheet (7) of glass. A floor may be formed by placing a number of panels together, and the floor panels may be mounted on a matrix of beams (22) which are themselves mounted on height adjustable pedestals.

Abstract: An improvement on an elevated floor structure is disclosed. The invention allows various wiring or piping to be hidden between a floor and an elevated floor, wherein the elevated floor includes a plurality of supporting frames and a cover board having its four-corner covering on every four of the supporting frames. A fiber-type positioning-device is placed between the supporting frames and the cover board such that when the cover board is covered on the supporting frames, the cover board is fixed in position by the fiber-type positioning-device. The invention can facilitate the construction work of the elevated floor since the cover board is already in a fixed position on the supporting frames, and no further positioning work is needed when the supporting frames and the cover board are finally fastened together.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building from a position underneath the existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and first and second ends is located within the earth at a position underneath the existing building. A cap support section is placed in contact with the second end of the first non-cylindrical support section. A jack is disposed on the upper side of the cap support section and raised until the foundation of the existing building has been lifted to a desired height. The non-cylindrical support section has low bearing and high friction characteristics. The low bearing characteristics enable the apparatus to be driven further into the earth than cylindrical pilings that are commonly used to lift and level existing buildings. The high friction characteristics assist in maintaining the stability of the apparatus once it has been installed.

Abstract: A building support member is provided for selective interconnection to a vertical elevation support device and which is adapted for aligning, supporting or positioning an object in a given location, and which utilizes a non-threaded plurality of circumferentially oriented ribs to provide vertical adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for lifting and leveling an existing building from a position underneath the existing building. At least a first non-cylindrical support section having a substantially rectangular shape and first and second ends is located within the earth at a position underneath the existing building. A vertically-adjustable cap is placed in contact with the second end of the first non-cylindrical support section. A jack is disposed on an upper surface of a lower side of the cap and raised until an upper surface of an upper side of the cap is exerting pressure against the foundation of the existing building. The jack is then raised, thereby raising the cap, until the foundation has been raised to a desired height. The cap is the locked so that it will not move in the vertical directions and the jack is lowered and removed. If the building subsequently needs to be re-leveled, raised or lowered, the cap can be unlocked and vertically adjusted to an appropriate height.

Abstract: A glide assembly for a space-dividing wall panel arrangement including a housing which is mounted within a lower open end of an upright support element associated with a wall panel assembly, and a stem which projects downwardly from the housing for supportive engagement with a floor. The housing includes a lock plate which defines thereon projections which wedgingly engage within correspondingly located openings in the support element. Tabs are provided on the support element which are deformed during assembly so as to engage the respective projections and prevent disengagement of the glide assembly from the support element.

Abstract: A floor system for providing a raised floor above a sub-floor in a work environment is disclosed. The floor system includes a plurality of pedestals, a plurality of panels having side cutouts arranged so that the side cutouts are in alignment when the panels are installed on the pedestals to form an access opening from the combination of the side cutouts, an access cover configured to fit over the access opening, and a track configured to rest upon the pedestals and to provide a passage for utility carriers. A floor system is also disclosed for providing a raised floor above a sub-floor to support a load in a work environment. The floor system includes a plurality of pedestals, a frame including a combination of frame members to provide a substantially open frame work supported on the pedestals so that the load is distributed across the frame, and a plurality of panels configured to be installed on the frame and to be quickly and easily removable.

Abstract: A floor panel for a raised access floor system, including a shallow metal pan with a bottom wall and a shallow upwardly-opening compartment. The bottom wall has a plurality of first hollow projections projecting upwardly therefrom, which projections adjacent upper ends thereof having sidewardly projecting rib structure. The bottom wall also has a plurality of microfeatures which project upwardly through a lesser extent. The number of microfeatures is substantially greater than the number of projections. The pan side walls and bottom wall are free of openings therethrough. A mass of solidified concrete fills the compartment. The floor panel is supported on a pedestal having a base which has clamping and mounting features integrated thereon for engaging grounding wires and cable management members.

Abstract: A ballast block deck system includes a plurality of ballast blocks (12) laterally positioned to form an elevated deck (14) on an existing roof structure. Each block (12) has a predetermined thickness and multiple corner portions (22). A pedestal assembly (30) is located directly beneath the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) to space and support the blocks (12) a spaced distance above the existing roof surface. The pedestal assembly (30) includes a support plate (34) having a support surface (40) for supporting the corner portions (22) thereon, a cornercap (42) which overlies the corner portions (22), and a fastener (44) which removably attaches the cornercap (42) to the support plate (34). When installed, the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) are captured between the support plate (34) and cornercap (42) of the pedestal (30).

Abstract: A clean room which uses a perforated floor upon which equipment can be directly placed is presented. The perforated floor includes a regular array of openings through which air can pass to an underlying facility room. The openings are covered by a grate through which the air can pass. In combination the perforated floor and the grates are able to support equipment in any location thereon.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a covering element for building surfaces and a method for the production thereof. The covering element includes a decorative visible side generally having a support plate having top and bottom surfaces, an upper transparent face sheet bonded to the top surface of the support plate, and a lower face sheet bonded to the bottom surface of the support plate. The upper face sheet has a support layer having cellulose in which an abrasion-resistant material is embedded in the form of corundum particles. In the present configuration, a decorative layer is applied to the bottom of the support layer by a color printing process. The decorative layer, which is underneath the support layer, is visible after all the layers have been pressed together under the application of heat. This process causes it to become transparent. The support layer and the decorative layer are covered with bonding material having melamine resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and stabilizing sunken or settled foundations, slabs, footings, etc. includes a lifting plate having a pipe section solidly secured thereto, for passing concentrically over the anchor pier used in such operations. The concentric lifting plate pipe precludes cocking or tilting of the plate relative to the anchor pier and foundation structure, thereby greatly improving the security of the lifting operation. As a result of the increased lifting plate stability provided by the present invention, only a single clamp is needed for securing the lifting assembly to the foundation. The clamp is adjustably positionable as required, to secure to a solid area of the foundation structure. The present system secures the plate to the pier using mechanical fasteners, thus precluding requirement for costly welding and other metal forming equipment. A method of raising or stabilizing a foundation or similar structure using the present apparatus, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unitized access floor system, a method to install it, and automatized leveling tools. The access floor comprises an assembly of modular stringer frames joined to form a layout. Pedestals for vertical leveling of the modular stringer frame are attached to the stringer frame, or can be hinged to the stringer frame during manufacture, and can fold down from within the stringer frame to facilitate stacking, packaging and shipping from the factory. The primary automatized leveling tool involves a rotating driving female socket coinciding with the layout of the modular stringer frame, matting with the leveling pedestals. The automatized tool has a central motor with variable speeds and reversible independent gear drives or multiple motors. Modular stringer frames are leveled adjacent to each other forming a matrix comprising modular stringer frames which receive floor panels interlocking adjacent stringer frames.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to a foundation support for use with manufactured homes, such as mobile homes and trailers, as well as the more conventional prefabricated home. Using a tube-in-tube construction, where sleeves of rubber lay compressed, one adjacent the other, intermediate an inner and outer tube, provides an earthquake resistant support. The elastomeric portion of the foundation support provides isolation from vibrations produced from ground movement, wind forces or from traffic vibrations. A screw jack located centrally within the inner cylinder permits the ideal adjustment in providing and maintaining support for the manufactured building at a dead level. A ball swivel joint facilitates the installation and adjustment. As a protective safety device, to prevent the over extension of the screw jack, there is a stop at the distal end of the threaded jack rod to maintain sufficient thread engagement when the jack is fully extended.

Abstract: A heavy-duty floor panel for use in an elevated floor system that includes a top, bottom and plurality of sides defining an outer perimeter of the floor panel. A plurality of reinforcing structures may extend from the bottom and be arranged in a pattern to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio of the panel. The reinforcing structures may include five series of reinforcing structures. The first series of reinforcing structures may have a first, substantially constant height, be disposed adjacent to the outer perimeter of the floor panel, and may have a thickness that varies along their length. The second series of reinforcing structures may have a second, substantially constant height different from said first height, be disposed inwardly from said first series of reinforcing structures, and may also have a thickness that varies along their length.

Abstract: A pedestal support for an elevated paver deck assembly including a cylindrical tower, a cap slidably mountable on the upper end of the tower for supporting a plurality of pavers, and a base slidably mountable on the lower end of the tower. Interlocking spacers for adjusting the height of the pedestal support and the relative heights of the pavers are also provided. A method for constructing an elevated paver deck assembly including the pedestal supports is also disclosed.

Abstract: A deck forming system is utilized for forming and supporting concrete decks. The deck forming system includes deck panels extending between deck beams which are supported by a jack post assembly. Flat bars are used to join the deck beams to a header supported by a jack post in the jack post assembly. Fasteners such as pins and wedges removably secure the flat bars to the ends of the deck beams and the header so that the deck beams can be removed while the jack post and header remain in place to support the poured concrete deck until it reaches a predetermined strength.

Abstract: A flooring system is disclosed which utilizes prefabricated floor panels installed in side by side relationship. The floor panels support a series of upstanding pedestals. The pedestals are positioned such that they provide a geometric pedestal array. The pedestals support panels which collectively define fluid conduit, power cable and communications chases. Working floor panels are mounted atop the pedestals. A heat pump is connected to supply, return and condensate conduits installed in the conduit chase to supply cooling water from a cooling tower. Metal and plastic embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable bleacher construction includes a wheeled framework for supporting a plurality of bleacher seats thereon in a mobile travel condition and a stationary seating condition. At least one pair of leveling jacks is located on opposite sides of the framework for stabilizing and leveling the framework upon a ground surface when the portable bleacher construction is in the stationary seating condition. The jacks are arranged to provide a four-point stance for the framework, and have a high sway load capacity to provide lateral stability. A control arrangement is associated with one of the jacks in each pair for separately controlling the leveling of both of the jacks. The control arrangement is located on one side of the bleacher construction, and enables operation of leveling jacks on both sides. The control arrangement includes a pair of transfer rods and a separate operating handle interconnected with each transfer rod.

Abstract: A demountable indoor/outdoor arena seating system includes a plurality of seat groups in seating modules. The seat group modules are supported by a plurality of floor board deck members of joined planks, wherein the deck members have attachment extensions attachable to the seat group modules. The deck members are supported by inner struts insertable in outer hollow struts. The inner struts are grooved to accommodate the heads of shortened locking bolts having spring loaded cam rings to lock the bolts in place.

Abstract: An interlocking wall and roof system for the protection of a building structure is disclosed. The interlocking roof and wall system is equipped with a plurality of supports that form downward facing open channels that are either already attached to the overhang of the roof or are easily attachable to the overhang. The system also includes a plurality of protective walls that surround the building structure. The protective walls can be lifted from a resting position to a position where at least a portion of the walls fit into the downward facing open channels of the overhang. These walls are lifted by a hydraulic lifting system. The invention also provides a complete building structure already fitted with the supports, hydraulic lifting system and protective walls.

Abstract: An adjustable head is provided for selective interconnection to a vertical elevation support device and which is adapted for aligning, supporting or positioning an object in a given location.

Abstract: A cable support apparatus for a raised floor system comprising at least one support member. The at least one support member is configured to be mounted to a pedestal of the raised floor system and connect with portions of cable trays. The support member, in one preferred embodiment includes a first member and a second member, each defining a slot for positioning on the support pedestal. The support member also includes a plurality of holes for the securing of the first member and the second member together as well as for connecting with cable trays. The cable trays are attached to the support member with an attachment mechanism such as a threaded stud.

Abstract: Metallic network elevated floorboard structure composed a metallic elevated floorboard, leg members, base seats, wire channels, central cover boards and side cover boards. The metallic elevated floorboard is composed of a plane iron panel having multiple punch holes at equal intervals and a concave iron board having multiple concaves riveted with the plane iron panel. Four corners of the elevated floorboard are formed with bores in which the leg member is fitted. The periphery of the elevated floorboard is formed with a flange having notches in which the side cover board is inlaid.

Abstract: An elevation-adjustable rod member locking structure is disclosed, which includes a locating socket fixedly fastened to an end of a tubular upright post, the locating socket having an inward shoulder, an adjustment nut threaded onto a screw rod and supported on the shoulder, the adjustment nut having an outward flange, and a lock screw threaded into the locating socket and stopped at the top side of the outward flange of the adjustment nut to lock the adjustment nut with the locating socket.

Abstract: An inner leg telescopically fits within an outer leg and includes a motor coaxially mounted to an end remote from the outer leg. A drive screw is coupled to the motor shaft and extends through a drive nut in an axially extending drive nut riser. As the motor rotates the drive screw, the inner leg extends and retracts from the outer leg. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive nut riser is a hollow cylindrical tube extending substantially the length of the outer tube to position the drive nut near the intersection between the inner and outer legs when fully extended. Such an arrangement allows a motor to be coaxially mounted within the inner leg and, therefore, concealed and provides the desired extension and retraction of the legs for adjustment to different operative positions.

Abstract: A quick-connector for terminal fastening of a penetrating rebar (7) to a perpendicularly oriented concrete dowel (2), the connector comprising a wire clip (1) having a deflected segment of wire of the length (L) at least partially made of resilient-elastic metal, wherein the wire clip (1) includes, with respect to a primary turning arc (3), arms (5, 5′) that are mirror-symmetrical to an angle-bisecting plane (4), wherein each arm (5, 5′) forms a deflected secondary turning arc (6, 6′) transverse to the primary turning arc (3) and a clippable hook (8, 8′) that rests force-lockingly into a radial external surface zone (9), of a terminal radial expansion (1), of the concrete dowel

Abstract: A base for a steel unit comprises a support tube, a bottom plate, a platform and at least one girder. The bottom plate is connected to a lower end of the support tube and is installed with a plurality of retaining holes. The platform is connected to a top end of the support tube; and the platform is installed with locking holes near the four corners. Thereby, at least one girder having an end may be placed on the platform; and one end of the girder is locked to the locking holes of the platform. Therefore, a preferred shock-proof ability is achieved so that the elevated floor having a better shock tolerance and safety of the structure is improved.

Abstract: A foundation element in the form of a rigid monolithic prefabricated frame which includes at least two opposite containing side walls and cross-members interconnecting the two side walls so as to form a casting through-cavity between these two walls. The frame is intended to be located on the ground with the interposition of adjustable support devices and is intended to receive a hardenable fluid binder material poured into its through-cavity and adapted to spread onto the ground between this and the side walls and to fill the cavity, encapsulating the cross-members and the iron rods or other connecting members for connecting a superstructure element. Also provided are prefabricated structures including prefabricated tunnels, with foundation elements formed by means of the said prefabricated frames.

Abstract: To provide flooring for a building, more specifically, flooring washable at its installation place in a building. In the flooring for a building which has a plurality of floor panels laid in parallel to constitute a whole floor, an opening is formed on a floor surface between one floor panel and its adjacent floor panel. The flooring for a building according to the present invention is provided with a gutter portion that is arranged below the opening to receive a liquid dripping from the opening. The gutter portion is formed as an integral part of the one floor panel, and communicates with a drain pipe for draining the liquid in the gutter portion to the outside. The present invention thus provides washable flooring for a building which is easy to construct.

Abstract: An adjustable support system is provided for a premanufactured building structure. Struts (65, 66) are mounted at their lower or platform ends in support clevises (45, 46), and are mounted to the joists (12, 13) of the building structure. The lower or platform end (78) of the struts can be moved horizontally with respect to the support platform (36) by rotating the adjustment nut (80) on the travel screw (55) of the support clevis. This effectively reorients the strut to a greater or smaller angle with respect to the horizontal, so that the strut bears more or less of the load of the joist and the building structure. Preferably, the rotation of the adjustment nut (80) is accomplished with a torque wrench which provides the installer with an indication of the load being assumed by the strut.

Abstract: A length adjustable bar for mounting within a window opening to secure a protective panel therein includes a substantially hollow outer section having an inner section telescopingly received therein. A plurality of gear teeth are longitudinally disposed on the inner section. A cam is pivotally mounted to the outer section and includes gear teeth thereon that interengage the gear teeth on the inner section when the cam is rotated to a first position. The cam is rotated with a handle having an aperture thereon that aligns with apertures on a pair of spaced tabs when the cam is placed in the first position to receive a locking means to fix the bar at a select length. The design allows the bar to be extended to substantially the same length or width of the window opening. By pivoting the handle downwardly, the geared cam extends the inner section slightly to tightly wedge the bar within the opening.

Abstract: An adjustable support piece is provided which can selectively raise or lower the level of a building surface or industrial component such as a mechanical pump, etc. A base member, crown member, and threaded tubular stem which can be cut with a hand saw are provided and which can be selectively adjusted in height to raise or lower the height of the building surface. In one embodiment, a coupling may be used to interconnect two tubular stems together. Further, a crown coupling spacer may be used to moderately increase the total length of the adjustable support piece.

Abstract: A fabricated foundation wall is constructed in soil below grade level and has three major components. The first is a basement wall grid which includes a lower beam mounted on spaced piers. A plurality of vertical support members are spaced along and extend upwardly from the lower beam. An identical upper beam spans and is attached to upper ends of the vertical support members. The second component is an outer wall structure which attaches to and extends across the outer surface of the basement wall grid and extends below the lower beam to form an air void. The third component is an inner wall structure which includes lower and upper tracks attached to the lower and upper beams, respectively, and which receive a plurality of laterally spaced vertical studs each having inner surfaces which are flush with the inner surfaces of the vertical support members for attaching wall sheathing.

Abstract: A raised floor system constructed of octagonal panels for use in a semiconductor clean room facility is disclosed. In the raised floor system, a plurality of pedestals each having a top portion and a base portion threadingly engaged together for adjusting a height of the pedestal is first provided. The top portion of the pedestal has a square top surface and four recessed peripheral slots surrounding the top surface. Each of the four recessed peripheral slots being adapted for engaging an octagonal panel. The raised floor system further includes a plurality of octagonal panels each has a flat top surface and a convex bottom surface equipped with a raised peripheral ridge for engaging one of the recessed slots on the top portion of the pedestal such that the flat top surface of the octagonal panel is coplanar with the square top surface of the pedestal when the octagonal panel is mounted to the pedestal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inhibiting tangling of a plurality of cables. The cable support apparatus includes a support brace having a plurality of legs, together at least partially surrounding a cable run for a plurality of cables. A side of the legs opposite the cable run is formed with a plurality of spaced apart passages for separating and guiding the plurality of cables with respect to the cable run. These passages at least partially surround corresponding cables and may be used together with a detachable clamping plate to retain the cables within the corresponding passages. The method includes passing cables to be connected to a movable member through corresponding cable passages in a first direction along an outer portion of the cable support brace and securing the cables within the cable passages. The cables are turned in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction and passed through an opening in an interior portion of the cable support brace.

Abstract: A support post for use in construction mounted to the floor with a base collar which is provided with spacer rings for height adjustment. The spacer rings are inserted into the base collar before the support post is in order to provide additional height for the support post as needed in the field.

Abstract: A foundation column is provided far supporting an associated housing structure relative to an associated foundation base. The foundation column includes a vertical elongate main body member, a substantially flat cap plate member disposed on the upper end of the main body member, and a pair of spaced apart wall members carried by the cap plate member on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis defined by the main body member. The pair of wall members are selectively movable relative to the cap plate member to receive associated housing structures of various sizes in the space formed between the pair of wall members. Two such foundation columns are combined together with a pair of lateral attachment members to form a corner anchor system. The first and second foundation columns are connected to the first and second lateral attachment members using first and second diagonal strut members, respectively.

Abstract: A universal block made of concrete designed to be used with different size posts and beams. The pier block is a conical, six-sided structure and includes two concentrically aligned, post-receiving voids designed to receive the ends of a (4×4) or (6×6) inch post. The (6×6) inch void is positioned above the (4×4) inch void. Formed horizontally on the top surface of the pier block are two transversely aligned beam-receiving slots. Each beam-receiving slot includes a narrow and a wide slot longitudinally aligned. The wide slot is positioned above the narrow slot. A vertically aligned drain hole is formed through the pier block from the bottom surface of the (4×4) inch void to the bottom of the pier block, which allows water to drain from the post-receiving voids.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the inclination of a building surface, the device having two mutually cop-operating adjusting elements. The first element is for establishing an initial angle &agr; and the second adjusting element is moved between an initial position and operational position selected by the user depending on the slope to be given to the building surface. The second adjusting element is selectively adjustable relative to the first adjusting element and thereby produces the slope required for the building surface by positioning the second element with respect to the first by mutual rotation. The device also has an adjusting means for making each mutual position corresponding to an adjusting angle &agr;.