Abstract: A porous pavement system and a method of maintaining the porous pavement system are disclosed. A combination of porous and non-porous pavers are laid out to create a porous pavement. A receptacle or retainer for receiving a tool is in incorporated into the porous pavers, to facilitate lifting the pavers by means of the tool. A cradle may be used to hold multiple pavers.

Abstract: A slab anchor that is resizable in the field to accommodate different thicknesses of slabs. The anchor may have a top assembly and a bottom assembly that are joined by pipe such as widely available PVC pipe. A contractor can simply determine the desired width of the slab (which determines the height of the anchor) and cut a PVC pipe to the length necessary to make a slab anchor of the needed height. This system allows contractors to keep on hand only a single type of slab anchor, and to customize this anchor easily at the last minute for each slab. The top assembly of the anchor may have a coil that a fastener screws into after the concrete is poured; a coil protector screw may be placed into the coil during pouring so that concrete does not fill the coil, and removed thereafter to install the fastener.

Abstract: A levelling spacer device for the laying of sheet-shaped products for coating surfaces, including a base positionable posteriorly to a laying surface of at least two sheet-shaped products arranged adjacent and side by side relative to a side-by-side direction, a separator element which rises perpendicularly from the base and is configured to slip between facing lateral sides of the two sheet-shaped products placed side by side, a pusher element adapted to cooperate with the separator element, and a plate provided with at least one through opening configured to be inserted onto the separator element, wherein the plate is configured to be interposed between the pusher element and the base and includes a first flat surface facing the base wherefrom at least one lamella is projecting which is configured to slip between a lateral side of a sheet-shaped product and the separator element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic pump for generating forced traveling waves that can directly drive liquid. A surface traveling wave-driven microfluidic pump comprises a channel with two opposing channel walls. Two symmetric traveling waves are generated on the surface of two opposite channel walls. The channel contains liquid that becomes trapped inside the cavities and is pumped along the direction of the traveling wave at the same speed as the traveling wave.

Abstract: The described leveling lifter includes an engagement part embedded in a concrete slab, wherein the engagement part extends down to the base and contains a coupler component. The lifter may also include an actuator that is structured to engage the coupler within the concrete slab. The lifter also has a base configured under the engagement part. The base is configured to releasably couple to the concrete slab by projections set at a distance from one another on the base, the projections being configured to detach from the concrete slab in degrees upon engagement of the base by the actuator.

Abstract: An insert for lifting and leveling a precast concrete slab is provided. The insert includes a sleeve that extends through the concrete slab and has two distinct threaded portions on an inner surface of the sleeve. This configuration allows a lifting bolt to be positioned into an upper end of the sleeve to lift the concrete slab, and a different-sized leveling bolt to be positioned in the sleeve to selectively elevate or raise part of the concrete slab relative to a ground surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the tile leveling device includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface. The base includes a projection extending upwardly from the top surface. The tile leveling device further includes a stem detachably coupled to the top surface of the base. The stem includes a lower portion and an upper portion having a threaded portion. The lower portion is wider than the upper portion.

Abstract: A knob is screwable to a tile spacer-leveler for together defining a tile alignment device. The knob comprises (i) a body, (ii) elastically-deformable connectors on the knob body, (iii) first and second fixing elements comprising respective threaded slots, supported by the connectors and arrangeable in a first arrangement wherein the threaded rod of a tile separator can be inserted into and removed from the threaded slots without screwing in a second arrangement in which the rod insertion and removal takes place only by screwing, (iv) a blocking element separated from the knob body for elastically deforming the connectors to change the arrangement of the first and second fixing elements to (a) insert the rod between the threaded slots of the first and second fixing means without screw-tightening thereof, (b) screw the knob to the threaded rod with the fixing elements in the second arrangement to align the tiles, and (c) remove the threaded rod without screwing.

Abstract: A leveling device for planar objects includes a first part having a circular end hole, a chamber, a flange, a handle, a contact portion, two blades and a bottom face. A second part includes a receiving hole, a first shoulder, two recesses, a slot, a mark, an axial hole and a second shoulder. The first and second parts are connected to each other. A movable member movably inserted into the first and second parts. The movable member includes a push potion, a middle section, a lower section and a room. An engaging member is securely inserted into the room and has a lower portion extending beyond the movable member. The engaging member is movable with the movable member. A resilient member is mounted to the lower section and biased between the middle section and the second shoulder.

Abstract: An insert for lifting and leveling a precast concrete slab is provided. The insert includes a sleeve that extends through the concrete slab and has two distinct threaded portions on an inner surface of the sleeve. This configuration allows a lifting bolt to be positioned into an upper end of the sleeve to lift the concrete slab, and a different-sized leveling bolt to be positioned in the sleeve to selectively elevate or raise part of the concrete slab relative to a ground surface.

Abstract: A method and assembly for laying and leveling adjacent tiles. The assembly includes a base member having a bottom plate and a cam tool. The cam tool is pivotally combined with the base member so that the cam tool rotates relative to the base member about an axis of rotation. The cam tool has a handle combined with a cam member. The cam member has a tile engaging surface around its outer periphery with a first portion that is a first distance from the axis of rotation and a second portion that is a second distance from the axis of rotation. Rotation of the cam tool around the axis of rotation causes the distance between the tile engaging surface and the bottom plate to change. One or more tiles is adapted to be placed between the tile engaging surface of the cam member and the bottom plate of the base member. The tiles are compressed between the tile engaging surface and the bottom plate as the cam tool is rotated to a desired position.

Abstract: A leveling spacer device, for laying slab-shaped products, includes: a base, positionable posteriorly of a laying surface of at least two slab-shaped products adjacent and flanked with respect to a flanking direction; a separator which rises from and is squared to the base, and is configured to contact, on opposite sides, lateral facing flanks of the two flanked slab-shaped products; a threaded shank which rises from the separator element with a screwing axis perpendicular to the base; a presser screwable to the threaded shank and a collar rotatably associated with respect to a rotation axis coinciding with the screwing axis, to an end of the presser facing towards the base, so that the collar is axially interposed between the end of the presser and the base. A constraint is defined between the collar and the presser, and is configured to axially constrain the collar and the presser.

Abstract: A board adjuster is provided, including an adjusting member and a positioning member. The adjusting member includes a toggling portion and an insertion portion, the insertion portion has two restricting members extending oppositely, the toggling portion has two recessive portions, and the insertion portion is located between two recessive portions. The positioning member has a slot. The insertion portion is for being inserted into a gap between two boards, the positioning member is for abutting against and between the two boards and the toggling portion, the insertion portion is disposed through the slot, the positioning member is disposed through the two recessive portions, the positioning member abuts against the two recessive portions so that the two restricting members respectively abut against a side of one of the two boards away from the toggling portion.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjusting device used for adjusting and leveling a plurality of tiles on a floor or a wall during an installation, the adjusting device comprises of a clip which is placed underneath a laying surface of at least two adjacent tiles and comprises of a top portion in vertical plane, and it has an opening which receives a first wedge and has three sharp edges around the opening to grab the first wedge, a bottom plate in horizontal plane comprises of a flat base having at least two support protrusions at each side to support a tile, and a first wedge has two triangle faces and one quadrilateral face having teeth to be engaged with the opening in the clip, so the first wedge presses the tiles towards the bottom plate of the clip in such a way to level the tiles.

Abstract: A tile aligning and leveling system that uses an under tile base re-usable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a re-usable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.

Abstract: A system and method for installing tile includes the use of fasteners and washers that are installed into the interstitial gaps of the tiles or installed through the face of the tile. The washers and fasteners create a downward pressure on the tiles to align the edges of the tiles and to ensure that the tiles conform to the surface to which they are applied, thereby significantly reducing or minimizing the occurrence of gaps or voids between the installation surface and the tiles. Once the tiles are fixed in position and the adhesive has set or cured, the washers and fasteners are removed and the interstitial spaces or gaps between the tiles is grouted and the tile can be painted or stained. Additionally, the method of manufacturing decorative concrete tiles uses flexible rubber molds to achieve a variety of unique shapes, patterns, and textures.

Abstract: A method and assembly for laying and leveling adjacent tiles. The assembly includes a base member having a bottom plate and a cam tool. The cam tool is pivotally combined with the base member so that the cam tool rotates relative to the base member about an axis of rotation. The cam tool has a handle combined with a cam member. The cam member has a tile engaging surface around its outer periphery with a first portion that is a first distance from the axis of rotation and a second portion that is a second distance from the axis of rotation. Rotation of the cam tool around the axis of rotation causes the distance between the tile engaging surface and the bottom plate to change. One or more tiles is adapted to be placed between the tile engaging surface of the cam member and the bottom plate of the base member. The tiles are compressed between the tile engaging surface and the bottom plate as the cam tool is rotated to a desired position.

Abstract: A device for leveling and aligning tiles and method for leveling and aligning tiles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the leveling device includes a body and two spaced and parallel strip members extending transversely from the body. Each of the spaced and parallel strip members extend to the front and rear of the body. Two opposing lateral open windows are formed in the body. A breakaway section is defined along the body. A wedge device is provided for penetrating one or more of the two opposing lateral open windows and exerting a force on the tiles for leveling them relative to each other.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for layered manufacturing using dispenser robots. The system for layered manufacturing may comprise a plurality of dispenser robots configured to dispense one or more materials. The one or more materials may be layered one on top of another to form a plurality of products. The system may also comprise a moving unit configured to enable movement of the plurality of dispenser robots in relation to the plurality of products. The plurality of dispenser robots may include a plurality of holders configured to grip and release piece of materials. Additionally, the system may comprise one or more attachment units configured to attach the one or more materials to the plurality of products.

Abstract: A system for setting and securing metal plate on an outer wall of concrete masonry, includes upper and lower masonry blocks with side walls and end walls forming an inner grout cavity. The metal plate has Nelson studs extending from it, each having a head on its outer end The studs extend from the plate, through a masonry side wall, into the grout cavity. A spring clip in the grout cavity compressed between a masonry block side wall and the stud head urges the stud and plate inward to secure the plate against the masonry as the grout cavity is filled with grout.

Abstract: A form system for assembling a structural frame includes a base sheet of cardboard, the base sheet having a plurality of folding sections for corrugating the base sheet into a first shape, at least one additional sheet of cardboard, the additional sheet having a plurality of folding sections for corrugating the additional sheet into a second shape, wherein at least part of the second shape corresponds to at least part of the first shape such that when the additional sheet is positioned adjacent to the base sheet, the base sheet and the additional sheet form a V-shaped cavity therebetween, and a concrete fill cast within the at least one V-shaped cavity.

Abstract: A sideform (10) for a sideform system includes an elongate body member (12) defining a side forming face (14) and an opposed mounting portion (16) for mounting the body member on a sideform holder. At least one recessed region (18, 20), in which an insert is receivable, is defined in the body member (12). An engaging arrangement (22) is associated with the recessed region (18, 20) for securing the insert in position in the recessed region (18, 20). At least one attaching formation (28) is arranged on the body member (12) in association with the side forming face (14) for attaching an edge form.

Abstract: This invention concerns a concrete side form system suitable for factory casting or site casting concrete. The side form (10) comprises a substantially rigid longitudinally extending wall. The wall has a first face to define the edge profile of a concrete panel poured onto a casting bed (16) bounded by the wall and a second face opposite the first face having formation to enable the wall to be secured to the casting bed. The wall comprises a longitudinally extending frame having formation along at least one of its edges to removably receive a removable longitudinal insert (13) to provide a shape along an edge of the concrete panel. The removable inserts (12, 13) provide the system with the ability to simply, easily and cost effectively change the edge profile of concrete poured against the side form. Architects can use the invention to specify standard or non standard edge profiles and achieve a much more diverse range of aesthetic finishes to the concrete edges without the cost being prohibitive.

Abstract: An alignment brace for multi-level insulated concrete form walls that utilizes a cured base level wall for anchoring the brace that will be used to brace and align a succeeding wall level comprising, a bracing beam having first and second sections that are pivotally interconnected at a pivot point, an elongated adjustment beam disposed in spaced relation from the bracing beam and co-planar therewith where the adjustment beam is pivotally interconnected to the bracing beam at the pivot point and where the adjustment beam carries at its distal ends a jack screw assembly for expanding or contracting the spacing between the distal ends of the adjustment beam and the bracing beam.

Abstract: A support panel for masonry objects that includes an inner surface, an outer surface, at least one stiffening channel formed longitudinally along the support panel, a plurality of substantially c-shaped claws extending from the outer surface, the claws being disposed in spaced apart relation to one another to form a grid, wherein the claws are configured to contactingly support at least a portion of a masonry object, and wherein the support panel is attachable to a wall of a structure via at least one fastener inserted into through the at least one stiffening channel into the wall of the structure such that the panel is spaced apart from the wall of the structure.

Abstract: A crack inducer controls propagation of cracks in set concrete containing reinforcing bars. The crack inducer has an elongated, rigid core that is relatively narrow in a direction that is parallel to outer surfaces of the concrete. The core has a core width in a first plane that intersects the outer surfaces of the volume, that is at least 20% of the concrete volume width so that a crack in the volume of concrete is induced to propagate from the core and along the first plane. A plurality of spaced cross-plates are connected to the core and a water-stop may be included around part of the core.

Abstract: A swimming pool brace assembly having a brace and bracket used to attach a concrete form. The bracket positions the concrete form between the concrete footing and the deck of the swimming pool. The swimming pool brace is provided with receptacles that are adapted to receive the brackets, which are used to retain the position of the concrete form. The receptacles of the brace allow the brackets to be attached to either side of the brace. The bracket includes a retention feature that is configured to retain the bracket in position once inserted into the receptacle of the brace. The bracket includes a series of radially spaced inwardly extending protrusions that engage the concrete form. The protrusions are adapted to deflect to adjust for variations in the size of the forms.

Abstract: An alignment brace for multi-level insulated concrete form walls that utilizes a cured base level wall for anchoring the brace that will be used to brace and align a succeeding wall level comprising, a bracing beam having first and second sections that are pivotally interconnected at a pivot point, an elongated adjustment beam disposed in spaced relation from the bracing beam and co-planar therewith where the adjustment beam is pivotally interconnected to the bracing beam at the pivot point and where the adjustment beam carries at its distal ends a jack screw assembly for expanding or contracting the spacing between the distal ends of the adjustment beam and the bracing beam.

Abstract: A support device (8) for a rib (14) between a floor (18) and a roof (16). The device includes an expansion means (10) and a pair of resilient members (12a, 12b). Each of the resilient members (12a, 12b) have a proximal end (27a, 27b) adapted for connection to the expansion mean (10) and a distal end (28a, 28b) curved away from the expansion means (10) and adapted for engagement with the floor (18) and roof (16) respectively. When the device (8) is positioned towards or against the rib (16) and the expansion means (10) is activated to drive the members (12a, 12b) apart, the member's distal ends (28a, 28b) are driven substantially vertically into engagement with the floor (18) and the roof (16) and a portion of the device (8) is driven substantially laterally (32) into abutment against the rib (14).

Abstract: An apparatus to prepare a preform for fabrication includes a mandrel, anchoring groove, anchoring device, tensioning groove, and tensioning device. The mandrel receives the preform. The mandrel has a first mandrel end and a second mandrel end. The preform has a first preform end and a second preform end. The anchoring groove is disposed at the first mandrel end. The anchoring device is configured and located to urge the first preform end towards the anchoring groove to secure the first preform end therebetween. The tensioning groove is disposed between the first mandrel end and the second mandrel end. The tensioning device is configured and located to urge a portion of the preform into the tensioning groove.

Abstract: A crack inducer controls propagation of cracks in set concrete containing reinforcing bars. The crack inducer has an elongated, rigid core that is relatively narrow in a direction that is parallel to outer surfaces of the concrete. The core has a core width in a first plane that intersects the outer surfaces of the volume, that is at least 20% of the concrete volume width so that a crack in the volume of concrete is induced to propagate from the core and along the first plane. A plurality of spaced cross-plates are connected to the core and a water-stop may be included around part of the core.

Abstract: A device for setting and leveling tile is provided that comprises an elongated straight edge. The straight edge includes a horizontal tile support flange and a vertical flange. A support leg is adjustably attached to the vertical flange adjacent each end of the straight edge and a bubble level is centered on the vertical flange between the support legs. The thickness of the horizontal support flange is sized so that after all the courses of tile are laid and the straight edge is removed, only a layer of grout is required to complete the installation. If the floor is not level, the support legs are adjusted to center the bubble in the level prior to laying the tiles. When leveling tile around a bathtub, an adjustable brace is affixed onto each of the support legs. Each brace includes and adjustment slot therethrough and a rubber boot secured on one end for engaging the bottom of the tub for supporting the straight edge on the edge of the tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to configurations of pre-cast panel forming systems and various components of the panel forming systems. In one embodiment, a bulkhead is provided wherein a cross-sectional support member is located at a point along the height dimension of the upstanding portion of the bulkhead so as to provide substantial resistance to reduction of the width dimension under significant panel forming pressure applied to one of the exterior faces of the upstanding walls. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A method of removing a predetermined area and depth of formable material from an expanse of the formable material having a top surface. The method makes use of a volume indicating tool that includes a depth indicator that has a material surface indicator and a depth guide. The material surface indicator is at a height above the depth guide substantially equal to the predetermined depth. The volume indicating also includes an area indicator, indicating an area equal to the predetermined area. The volume indicating tool is pushed into the formable material until the material surface indicator is level with the top surface of the formable material, thereby pushing the depth guide to the predetermined depth. Then a shovel is pushed into the deformable material until it reaches the depth of the depth guide and is used to gather formable material. The shovel is emptied at a location away from the shovel guide tool.

Abstract: A tile application system having a trim guide and a field guide. The trim guide has a first, second, and third side, a a registration channel adjacent to the first side and perpendicular to the second side, a terminal end on the first side having a distance V from the second side. The field guide has a base, a first and second wall extending from the base, and a registration channel between each wall. Each wall has a length V from the base and a thickness X. The registration channels of each guide has a width Y. A leveler with a ledge of a thickness Y is insertable into any registration channel for aligning the guides vertically or horizontally or both. A support for the leveler has a channel and an extending ledge each with a width Y to accept the leveler and to insert into any registration channel.

Abstract: A bricklaying tool includes a mortar guide member having a slot for reception of mortar when the tool is placed on a course of bricks when building a wall. The mortar guide member has a brick engagement panel. An upstanding mortar retaining flange is provided having a rear edge of the panel. A spirit level is mounted on the flange. The slot is open ended with a stiffening strut mounted across the open end which also forms a handle.

Abstract: A leveling device for leveling floor pavement layers comprises a rod (1) having a hollow (90) therethrough and a fixing flange (11) for fitting with a fixing member at a lower end, a fixing member (3) including an aperture (31) in the center thereof to be releasably coupled with the rod (1), fixing holes (33) on the outer periphery thereof, a finger stop (310) formed at an end of the aperture (31) to be fitted with the fixing flange (11) of the rod (1) and a cap (4) releasably coupled with the hollow (90) of the rod (1).

Abstract: A chamfer for securing precast concrete wall panel forms that are used in tilt-up construction. The chamfer includes an elongate base portion and at least one chamfer portion coextensive with the lengthwise direction of the elongate base portion. The base portion defines a substantially horizontal base plane. The chamfer portion includes a first leg disposed upstanding relative to the base portion, and a second leg portion angularly disposed relative the first leg. The second leg further includes at least one flexible edge that projects beyond at least the base plane or the plane defined by the lengthwise direction extension of the first leg. Depending on which part of the second leg the edge is cantilevered from, it forms a sealed relationship between the chamfer and a casting surface, the chamfer and a plank used as part of the wall form, or both.

Abstract: A waterstop, 10 or 11, for restricting or preventing the flow of water across the joints of foundation elements 8, such as between or along individual diaphragm wall panels or between or along individual secant wall piles. The present invention also relates to a method of installing a waterstop at or near the joints between adjacent foundation elements. The waterstop consists of one or more longitudinal strips, 1 or 2, of hydrophilic material, wherein the or each hydrophilic strip extends vertically along the interface between adjacent foundation elements, from a position at or near the top of the foundation elements, to a position at or near the base of the elements.

Abstract: A jig adapted for easily positioning, properly orienting and installing a molding. The jig includes a body having a positioning portion configured to receive a molding. The body also includes a first positioning margin and a second positioning margin each emanating from the positioning portion, the positioning margins being configured so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other. The jig facilitates placement of the molding at a proper installation angle at a juncture of two surfaces, such as a ceiling and wall.

Abstract: There is provided a guide strip (1) to assist in cement rendering around window frames and like openings. The strip (1) is the combination of two longitudinally extending portions (2, 3)joined in side-by-side relationship by a frangible part (4). The base strip (2) being one of these portions, is to be left in-situ within the render and has a render depth setting lip (6) extending from one side thereof alongside the frangible part (4). The window frame masking portion (3), being the remaining portion, can then be longitudinally snapped leaving only the base strip (2) embedded in the render. The strip (1) includes a connection means such as a ribbon 9 of double-sided adhesive to secure the base strip (2) to the window frame (12) prior to rendering.

Abstract: A chamfer for forming precast concrete wall panels used in tilt-up construction. The chamfer includes an elongate base portion and at least one chamfer portion coextensive with the lengthwise direction of the elongate base portion. The base portion defines a substantially horizontal base plane. The chamfer portion includes a first leg disposed upstanding relative to the base portion, and a second leg portion angularly disposed relative the first leg. The second leg further includes at least one flexible edge that projects beyond at least the base plane or the plane defined by the lengthwise direction extension of the first leg. Depending on which part of the second leg the edge is cantilevered from, it forms a sealed relationship between the chamfer and a casting surface, the chamfer and a plank used as part of the wall form, or both.

Abstract: A clamping device for combined floors includes a base member having a snapper, a first rib and a second rib extending upwardly form the base member and adapted to be received in the combined floors for connecting the combined floors. The base member has a &pgr;-shaped bracket extending from a first end of the base member and a T-shaped space defined in a second end of the base member. The &pgr;-shaped bracket is reciprocally and movably received in the T-shaped space of an adjacent base member so that the clamping device is connected to one another.

Abstract: A tool for the spacing of tiles during their installation includes a central body with radially projecting prongs that are fitted between adjacent tiles to control the spacing thereof.

Abstract: A chamfer for forming precast concrete wall panels used in tilt-up construction. The chamfer includes an elongate base portion and at least one chamfer portion coextensive with the lengthwise direction of the elongate base portion. The base portion defines a substantially horizontal base plane. The chamfer portion includes a first leg disposed upstanding relative to the base portion, and a second leg portion angularly disposed relative the first leg. The second leg further includes at least one flexible edge that projects beyond at least the base plane or the plane defined by the lengthwise direction extension of the first leg. Depending on which part of the second leg the edge is cantilevered from, it forms a sealed relationship between the chamfer and a casting surface, the chamfer and a plank used as part of the wall form, or both.

Abstract: A tool for hanging fascia board includes three parts. A first part consists of a t-bar having two pieces attached perpendicularly together and designed to be removably mounted on the end of a rafter board with the flat elongated member lying against a side wall of the rafter and with a portion of the second perpendicular member overlying the top of the rafter and removably affixed to it through the use of nails driven through openings in the second perpendicular member. A support hanger is pivotably mounted to the t-bar and has a slot sized and configured to slidably receive a fascia board. A depth adjuster is mounted on the support hanger and may be reciprocated and fixed in a desired position to adjust the depth of the slot of the support hanger. Thus, the depth of the slot may be adjusted to facilitate attachment of fascia boards of varying dimensions such as, for example, 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, and 2×12.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing hollow metal frames having a grout filled interior is disclosed. An apparatus includes a substantially planar body having an upper and lower surface. The upper surface includes at least one grip. The lower surface includes a gasket and a number of protrusions. The protrusions are placed into holes on the hollow metal frame into which additional components such as hinges are to be added. Grout is added to the frame and allowed to harden. Once the grout is hardened, the grout guard is removed and air spaces are retained. Screws and other components are typically filled into the air spaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retainment system for concrete block inspection port coverplates. The retainment device is formed from a hook-shaped engagement shaft that is positionable around rebar through an inspection opening. A proximal end of the engagement shaft protrudes from the concrete block opening and is available for placement through an inspection opening coverplate. Either a U-shaped locking nut can be used to secure the coverplate to the engagement shaft, or the coverplate itself includes integrated annular grooves as a locking mechanism. The device provides for simplistic covering of any standard inspection opening, and the use of transparent plates providing an uninhibited view of the rebar presence and condition, even when the retainment device is mounted. The use of annular grooves placed perpendicular to the length of the shaft, allow for ease of shaft disengagement from the wall upon curing of the cement, providing a flush surface to either be left exposed or for placement of stucco thereon.

Abstract: A window lift bracket for attachment to a mounting edge of a movable window and which is connectable to a window lifting mechanism. The window lift bracket includes a base which is attachable to the window lifting mechanism and spaced apart portions extending from the base being positionable on either side of the movable window. The spaced apart portions define a channel therebetween. The window lift bracket includes at least one member, such as a flexible beam member, which is disposed generally in the channel for engaging the window when the window is disposed therein. Preferably, the engagement between the member and the window provides a reduced stress area at the bottom of the channel. Opposing surfaces of the spaced apart portions may provide convoluted surfaces, such as protrusions and depressions, which effectively increase the surface area to which the adhesive adheres, thereby improving the adhesion of the adhesive to the window bracket and the window.

Abstract: A portable roof anchor having a slidably adjustable beam member is supported at a pivot location near a line support end and at an opposed end by a rotatably attached self-leveling counterweights. A line wrapped onto the beam member may be used as a handle for carrying the beam member to a roof top, then used to support a person or equipment over a side of the building. The counterweights have a relatively small top cross-section and a relatively large bottom cross-section so that, for any given amount of weight, a relatively large bottom surface area and a relatively tall height from the rooftop will be provided. A handle is provided near a line-deployed center-of-gravity so that the roof anchor assembly may be easily maneuvered, while the line remains over the side of the building, with one hand on the handle and a second hand cradled underneath the beam member.