Abstract: A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replacably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element maybe a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.

Abstract: An anchor for a post tension reinforcement is disclosed. The anchor includes an anchor base having at least one wedge receiving bore therein. The wedge receiving bore is tapered in diameter at a single selected taper angle. An axial length of the wedge receiving bore is selected so that a minimum internal diameter of the wedge receiving bore is at least as large as an external diameter of a sheath on a reinforcing tendon. In another aspect, the wedge receiving bore is positioned in the anchor so that its longitudinal center is approximately collocated with a load bearing basal surface of the anchor.

Abstract: A continuity system for a building is designed to compensate for the downward settling of building elements over time, which occurs due to the shrinkage of wooden building members. The continuity system comprises one or more hold-down assemblies each having a stud-connector secured to a generally vertical stud, a generally vertical rod inserted into an opening of the stud connector, a rod-gripping member in toothed engagement with the rod above the opening, and one or more positioning elements exerting a downward force on the rod-gripping member. The rod has a lower portion secured to a stable building element such as the building's foundation. The opening of the stud-connector defines a frustoconical bearing surface on the upper surface of a portion of the stud-connector, or on a gripper support element in some embodiments.

Abstract: Tensioning installation for the frameworks of pre-tensioned architectural elements designed for the two-way pre-tensioning of concrete or mortar plates, or the like, comprising a molding assembly made up of a flat molding plate (3) delimited on the perimeter by adjustably positioning side walls (4). The assembly rests on an oversized support platform (1)on which the molding assembly is surrounded by a perimeter area (10) of support platform (1) proper, in which perimeter area (10) hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are provided, which are integral to support platform (1) and are arranged in juxtaposition forming opposite facing pairs according to rectilinear alignments forming a grid. Said hydraulic tensioning devices (7) are all connected together serially forming a hydraulic circuit (8) which, in turn, is connected to a hydraulic pressure connection point (9).

Abstract: A precast reinforced concrete base mat element, a base mat assembly and method for constructing a base mat assembly from a plurality of the base mat elements are described. The base mat element comprises a concrete body having first and second conduits extending there through in first and second generally perpendicular directions and a liner plate anchored in the concrete body. Preferably the concrete bodies have interlocking surfaces formed there on. A plurality of the base mat elements may be juxtaposed together with the interlocking surfaces interlocking with one another and with the tensile members extending through the first and second tensile conduits and being post-tensioned and anchored about the base mat elements to clamp the base mat elements together. The liner plates may then be welded together to form a a generally planar membrane.

Abstract: A stay comprises an inclined casing and a bundle of substantially parallel taut reinforcements lodged in the casing and individually anchored in a first and a second anchoring region. According to the invention, the casing and some of the reinforcements are installed by applying substantially uniform tension values to the reinforcements, then several iterations of the following steps are formed: compacting the installed reinforcements, at least at one end of the casing; slipping a further group of reinforcements along inside the casing, in a space left available by the compacted reinforcements; and tensioning each reinforcement of the further group between the first and second anchoring regions so that all the installed reinforcements exhibit substantially uniform tension values.

Abstract: A system of construction using a mechanical device (20) which applies a force to an assembly of elements having a high resistance in compression in order to build walls, roofs, floors, and beams. The device makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the assembly even when undergoing changes in volumetry. It comprises three parts: a first component, namely a winch (24) applies a force to the assembly at one of its ends. A second component, a thin steel band (22) transmits the force to the assembly over a long distance. A third component, a spring (30) in compression maintains the force applied by the first two components even when there is a change in volumetry. A compressible and impermeable membrane (49) ensures the sealing of the assembly and metal fasteners ensure the stability of the assembly, sideways.

Abstract: A wedge for a tendon retaining anchor includes at least two circumferential wedge segments adapted to be placed on an exterior of a tendon. The wedge segments have an exterior surface adapted to cooperate with a receiving bore of a load transfer device and an interior surface having gripping elements thereon. A circumferential dimension of the wedge segments is selected so that a total uncompressed gap between circumferential ends of the wedge segments when the segments are applied to an exterior surface of the tendon is at most about 2.4 times a height of the gripping elements. In another aspect, a tendon retaining system includes an anchor having a wedge receiving bore and wedge segments adapted to cooperate with the wedge receiving bore. The wedge segments include gripping elements on an interior surface thereof. The system includes a device adapted to limit lateral compression of the wedge segments.

Abstract: A structural element made of a composite material includes a plurality of modular cells disposed within the composite material that have tensile elements that create axially directed tension anchoring elements attached to the tensile elements that create compression with anchoring elements of proximate modular cells. The modular cells may be disposed randomly or in a patterned manner within the composite material. A stackable structural cell facilitates more efficient creation of beams or columns and can include rebar for some of the tension elements that are axially arranged. Additionally, modular cells and/or supported capsules may be added to increase tension and/or decrease mass or weight of the beam or column. The structural cell can further include a boundary layer for containing the composite material prior to hardening.

Abstract: A locking insert is described for use in a poured concrete structure. The locking insert includes a hollow elongated body, a longitudinal channel with two configured side edges and a channel floor, a paired gear nut and locking plate that interengages said configured side edges, an attachment bolt, and a method to prevent concrete from seeping into the locking insert. The embedment of the locking insert into a concrete structure provides a positive locking, positional and anti-slip method of attachment for a structural or secondary element. The locking insert allows for vertical positioning and locking of the paired gear nut and locking plate to ensure a proper connection with a structural or secondary element through an attachment bolt. The locking insert with an attached outwardly projecting element transfers the load associated with the structural or secondary element throughout the concrete structure to allow for a high strength connection.

Abstract: The prestressed building structure comprises an assembly of precast elements separated by gaps occupied by an interface product, one or more prestressing sheaths having sections respectively incorporated into the precast elements, and a prestressing tendon tensioned inside the sheath. The sheath sections are respectively fitted with first and second end pieces opening out on the facing surfaces of the two precast elements. The first end piece has a flared opening. An elastic connecting sleeve is connected in a sealed manner to the second end piece. The sleeve presses against the first end piece, which compresses it longitudinally to ensure a seal between the inside of the sheath sections and the gap separating the adjacent surfaces of the two elements.

Abstract: A wind energy plant tower with a tower portion made of a concrete material and a steel-made tubular tower segment, which has on its foot a plurality of connection bores for the connection to the tower portion made of the concrete material, wherein the tower portion made of the concrete material has a head portion with a plurality of openings and a plurality of anchor bolts are provided, which can be fastened after the completion of the tower portion made of the concrete material each at a time in or on one of the connection bores on the foot of the steel-made tower segment and one of the openings in the head portion.

Abstract: A tendon tensioning anchor has a base member having a tubular section extending therefrom, and a pair of flanges extending outwardly on opposite sides of the tubular section, and a polymeric encapsulation in generally air-tight juxtaposition with an exterior of the base member. A hole is formed through each of the pair of flanges. The polymeric encapsulation extends entirely through and fills the holes so as to integrally connect the polymeric material overlying one surface of the flange with the polymeric material overlying an opposite surface of the flange. The hole is formed adjacent to the tubular section.

Abstract: There is provided a strand that can reduce the trouble in constructing an object to which compression force is applied by the strand and that can keep the construction cost down. A strand 1 is placed in a bore hole provided in a wall or roof surface, and is gripped by a wedge in a tensioned state so as to apply a tensile force to the wall or roof surface. The strand 1 of the present invention includes a pipe-shaped member (corrugated tube 11) made of metal, and a plurality of metal wires 12 arranged on the outer periphery of the corrugated tube 11. The metal wires 12 are arranged to surround the corrugated tube 11 on the cross section of the corrugated tube 11.

Abstract: System and methods for providing synchronized ornamental displays in a presentation zone that is at least partially containing a fluid, which include a support structure, a decorative object supported by the support structure, a light disposed on the object, a plurality of cables coupled to the support structure at their respective first ends; a plurality of cable tensioning devices, wherein one cable tensioning device is engaged with the second end of a respective cable of the plurality of cables, and the plurality of cable tensioning devices are positioned spatially about the periphery of the presentation zone, wherein the spatial arrangement defines a range of desired movement for the object, and a control device operatively associated with the tensioning devices and light.

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

Abstract: The clamping element is supported in a positive fit on the base plate in the direction of traction of the traction element in the anchoring for pre-stressed strip-shaped traction elements on supporting structures. The traction element is received between a base plate which is fixed to the supporting structure and a clamping plate which can be clamped against the base plate and is fixed by adhesion and clamping. The clamping plate can include, on each side of the traction element, a retaining cam plate which projects in a downward manner and which engages in a retaining recess of the base plate, or can include a retaining projection which supports a stop which is connected to the base plate. The stops on the upper side of the base plate are welded push blocks which are arranged on both sides and/or in the region of the front side of the clamping plate.

Abstract: A prestressed structural concrete system is disclosed that includes a prestressed concrete structural member and a cover configured to securely engage a cavity of the member to substantially seal the cavity from an outside environment. The cover includes a surface configured to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal with the concrete member.

Abstract: A precast composite flooring system utilizes girders and floor panels having steel lower structures placed in tension and concrete upper structures places in compression. Openings through a stem wall allow ducts, pipes, and conduits to be run therethrough. The system provides reduced weight over conventional precast or pour in place systems, allowing further reduction in the weight and size of other building components. The floor deck does not use tensioning strands, allowing openings to be formed at nearly any stage of construction and with reduced concern over cutting steel reinforcement. The floor panels and girders bolt together and bolt to a steel column frame, allowing for more efficient assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking-up slack in a building hold-down system. The apparatus may include a base having a tubular shape, a slide having a tubular shape and a threadless interior surface, a locking member, and a biasing member. The slide may be sized and positioned to translate within the base. The locking member may be positioned between the base and the slide to permit translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause expansion and resist translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause contraction. The biasing member may urge translation of the base with respect to the slide in the direction causing expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality of connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes a top, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: A device for fastening facade plates, includes a threaded bar which extends from a holding element. The holding element is provided with an annular space at the first end thereof, which is located near the threaded bar. The annular space encompasses a wall that is made of an elastic material. A channel extends from the annular space to a second end which is located at a distance from the threaded bar while a valve, by means of which the channel can be sealed, is provided at the second end.

Abstract: An anchor system for a tendon includes a load transfer device having at least one wedge receiving bore therein. The wedge receiving bore has a tapered interior surface. The anchor system also includes a wedge configured to be affixed to an exterior surface of a tendon. The wedge has a tapered exterior surface configured to cooperate with the tapered interior surface of the wedge receiving bore to laterally compress the wedge against a tendon when the wedge is moved longitudinally into the bore. Taper angle of the wedge and a taper angle of the wedge receiving bore are selected such that longitudinal compressive force exerted by the wedge is substantially evenly longitudinally distributed.

Abstract: Reinforcing connector (10) for reinforcing attachment among components (110) of a structure (100); such as crossing beams (111), beam (111) supporting a slab deck (113), or masonry blocks (118). Reinforcing connector (10) includes a length of roving (20) composed of filaments (25). Roving (20) is disposed in borehole (50) piercing component (110). Free ends (21,23) of roving (20) protrude from borehole openings (51) and are splayed apart into individual filaments (25). Filaments (25) are attached to surfaces of components (110) with adhesive means (30). Reinforcing connector (10) increases ductility and resistance to lateral forces of structure (100).

Abstract: An improved concrete form duct chair and method of forming concrete structures. The concrete form duct chair has a generally flat polymer or steel body with several pre-stressing strand duct sized apertures passing through the body, as well as four or more alignment legs projecting from the body, the alignment legs and body dimensioned and configured to extend for a total width approximately equal to such cross sectional width of such concrete form and thus hold the concrete form duct chair in position against the walls of the form. Concrete access apertures passing through the body allow concrete to pass therethrough during pouring operations. A method embodiment of the invention teaches pouring of concrete structures with pre-stressing ducts passing therethrough using the device of the invention to retain the pre-stressing ducts in alignment within the concrete form.

Abstract: A linearly extendible impact anchor driving apparatus for positioning and setting a wedge anchor assembly in a pre-drilled hole extending inwardly through the ceiling or wall surface of a structure while at ground level and with a single tool. One embodiment of the apparatus has an extendible tubular housing with a coupling and anchor head at one end and a hemispherical end tip at the other. A slidable handle impacts a stop mounted to the body to impart linear force to the anchor.

Abstract: Cable terminations having features which reduce stress in the transition between the potted region and the freely flexing region of a cable when the cable flexes laterally with respect to the anchor. Several favorable geometries are disclosed. The use of a supplemental buffer material to reduce stress is also disclosed.

Abstract: The cable mechanism includes an elongated flexible cable that has one end portion adapted for being attached to a supporting structure, for example, the exterior surface of a building by a cleat or clamp, and an opposite end portion mounted to one end portion of an axially elongated stud. The stud has an axial intermediate threaded portion while the end portion opposite the mounting of the cable is polygonal in transverse cross section. Fasteners such as a nut and washer may be provided on the stud in an axially adjusted position to at least aid in supporting, for example, the lower surface of a bay window in a leveled condition while the cable is attached to a building by a clamp or cleat.

Abstract: An anchor positioning assembly to position an anchor in a concrete casting frame having a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member. The anchor positioning assembly includes an anchor and a hook member. The anchor includes an first portion and a second portion, and the hook member includes a first end configured to couple to the first reinforcing member, a second end configured to couple to the second reinforcing member, and an intermediate section coupled to the second portion of the anchor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting equipment for handling a wind turbine component in connection with lifting means. The equipment comprises a base frame with at least one attachment area, and at least two attachment points for said wind turbine component. The at least one of said attachment points are adjustable mounted in relation to said base frame. The invention also relates to a method for handling a wind turbine component.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a connection, having an anchored, elongated tension member, a fastening member attached to the elongated tension member, a resisting member that receives the elongated tension member and an expansion device that receives the elongated tension member there through. The expansion device is formed with a sleeve. First and second bearing members are received in the central aperture of the surrounding sleeve A torsion spring connects the first and second bearing members and is located within the surrounding sleeve. The torsion spring biases the first and second members in opposite rotational directions.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a connection, having an anchored, elongated tension member, a fastening member attached to the elongated tension member, a resisting member that receives the elongated tension member and an expansion device that receives the elongated tension member there through and is compressively loaded between the fastening member and the resisting member by operation of the fastening member on the elongated tension member. The expansion device is formed with a sleeve. First and second bearing members are received in the central aperture of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve. At least one of the bearing members is threadably connected to the sleeve. This bearing member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve.

Abstract: An article for engaging a sheathing of a sheathed portion of a tendon has a tubular body having an inner surface and outer surface and a first end and a second end, fins extending radially outwardly from the outer surface, a longitudinal split extending through a wall of the tubular body and extending from the first end to the second end, locking ribs extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the tubular body, and a collar formed adjacent the second end of said tubular body. Each of the locking ribs extends parallel to the other locking ribs. The locking ribs are equally spaced along the inner surface of the tubular body. Each of the fins extends parallel to the other fins. Each of the fins have a height increasing from the first end to the second end of the tubular body.

Abstract: An assembly and method for anchoring a wall frame to the foundation of a building utilizes an anchor member which can be threaded upon a threaded shank which is connected to and extends upwardly from the foundation, a cable, a first cable vice which is connectable to one end of the cable and being anchorable to a top member of the wall frame which is positioned upon the foundation, a second cable vice which is connectable to the other end of the cable, and a cap member. The second cable vice is anchorable to the cap member, and the cap member is connectable to the anchor member so that when the cable is anchored between the top member of the wall frame and the cap member by way of the first and second cable vices, the cap member can be connected to the anchor member to thereby tension the cable between the top member of the wall frame and the foundation.

Abstract: Method for reinforcing a structure (1), comprising the following stages: a) placing in one part (11, 12) of the structure (1) an anchoring element (3) secured to strands of reinforcing wires (41, 42) such that the anchoring element (3) is at least partially incorporated into the part (11, 12) of the structure (1) and in that at least one portion (42) of the strands of reinforcing wires protrudes from a part (12) of the structure (1); b) securing the anchoring element (3) to the part (11, 12) of the structure (1); c) applying at least one layer of fabric (5) onto a surface (15) of the structure (1) such that at least one part of the portion (42) of the protruding strands of reinforcing wires is secured to the surface (15) of the structure (1) by bonding said layer of fabric (5). Structure thus produced. Anchoring element of a structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internal fixer for an anchor having a releasable tensioning steel wire. The internal fixer of the present invention includes a first outer body (10), which is provided with a tube coupling hole (11), a body seating hole (13) and a wedge receiving body support means; and a wedge receiving body (30), which is seated in the body seating hole (13) and has a conical wedge seating hole (31), into which separated wedge bodies (41) are seated. The internal fixer further includes a wedge unit (40), which is seated in the wedge seating hole (31) of the wedge receiving body (30) and comprises the three separated wedge bodies (41); and a second outer body (20), which supports and covers both the wedge receiving body (30), which is seated in the body seating hole (13), and the wedge unit (40), which is placed in the wedge seating hole (31).

Abstract: A system of construction using a mechanical device (20) which applies a force to an assembly of elements having a high resistance in compression in order to build walls, roofs, floors, and beams. The device makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the assembly even when undergoing changes in volumetry. It comprises three parts: a first component, namely a winch (24) applies a force to the assembly at one of its ends. A second component, a thin steel band (22) transmits the force to the assembly over a long distance. A third component, a spring (30) in compression maintains the force applied by the first two components even when there is a change in volumetry. A compressible and impermeable membrane (49) ensures the sealing of the assembly and metal fasteners ensure the stability of the assembly, sideways.

Abstract: A tie anchor for strip-type tension members includes an anchor body disposed on at least one side of the tension member. The anchor body includes a plurality of clamping blocks arranged at a distance from each other in a longitudinal direction of the tension member. The clamping blocks are connected to tension member by adhesive and/or friction (clamping friction). An end-most (final) one of the clamping blocks is attached to a fixed abutment. Adjacent clamping blocks are interconnected by expansion members whose spring stiffness becomes progressively stronger toward the end-most clamping block.

Abstract: A reusable modular block system includes a lightweight structural block having a top, a bottom, a first block end, a second block end, an insulating core, an inside facing and an outside facing wherein the structural block is configured to create internal vertical and horizontal raceways between adjacent blocks, a gasketing system connected to the structural block along a portion of the periphery of the structural block, and a fastening system within and that extends horizontally and vertically through the insulating core where the structural block, the gasketing system and the fastening system form a single, integral block component.

Abstract: A system and method for tensioning a cable. A thimble is placed over an eccentric member having a splined bore. A portion of an endless cable is placed over the thimble. The eccentric member and thimble are placed between a pair of parallel, spaced apart arms of a mounting structure. A splined shaft is inserted through holes in the arms and into the splined bore of the eccentric member to secure the eccentric member to the mounting structure. A threaded nut is placed on a threaded end of the splined shaft. The cable is tensioned by rotating a head portion of the splined shaft 180 degrees, or by a different predetermined value, which places the cable under a predetermined tension. A retaining screw is inserted through one of the mounting structure arms and into a threaded hole in the eccentric member. The system enables a precise degree of tension to be quickly and easily applied to a cable with no risk of accidentally over-tensioning the cable.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for a post-tension system has an anchor member, a polymeric encapsulation covering the anchor member and defining a tubular section extending outwardly of an end surface of the anchor member, a rigid ring affixed within this tubular section and having a notch formed in an inner wall thereof, and a cap having a generally tubular body with an open end and a closed end. The cap has a flanged end adjacent the open end thereof. This flanged end has an outer periphery engageable within the notch of the rigid ring.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a building wall, such as a foundation wall, against inward movement caused by shifting of adjacent soil or by hydrostatic forces or other forces acting on the exterior surface of the wall to push it inwardly. The support arrangement includes upper and lower jacking members that each engage respective upper and lower sections of a support beam that is placed vertically against the surface of the wall to be supported. Each jacking member includes a respective jackscrew that is rotatable for applying a wall holding or a wall restoring force to either or both of the upper and lower sections of the wall.

Abstract: A modular building comprising: a foundation floor having secured therein a plurality of anchor elements; a plurality of wall-retaining track elements adapted to engage wall panels of the building, the track elements being securable to the foundation floor so as to define the position of at least the load bearing walls of the building; wall panels locatable with respect to the track elements, each panel including at least one channel or duct formed therein parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof and at least one channel or duct formed therein disposed perpendicularly to and laterally of the longitudinal axis; and a plurality of securing members adapted to pass through and locatable within said channels or ducts, the securing members being anchored at each end thereof so as to maintain the panels in fixed relationship to one another.

Abstract: A structural element for constructing an auxiliary means for the manufacture of a reinforcement includes at least one coupling point for coupling the structural element to another structural element. The structural element is formed from a basic element. The structural element may further include a holding means for holding a reinforcement rod. A method for constructing an auxiliary means and a method for manufacturing a reinforcement are also provided.

Abstract: An unbonded post-tension strand protector (200) and related method of use is provided. The unbonded post-tension strand protector is used to protect one or more unbonded post-tension strands (101) embedded in concrete from damage due to drilling or chipping. Unbonded post-tension strands embedded in poured concrete are tensioned to improve the compressive strength of concrete. The unbonded post-tension strand protector is placed over at least one selected portion of an unbonded post-tension strand (101).

Abstract: A wedge for an anchor system is disclosed. One embodiment of the wedge includes at least two circumferential wedge segments. Each segment defines an exterior tapered surface and an interior surface. The interior surface has gripping elements thereon. The gripping elements define a difference between a major diameter and a minor diameter of about 0.25 to 0.75 of an amount of a difference defined by a conventional thread having substantially a same axial spacing and major diameter as the gripping elements on the interior surface. Another embodiment of the wedge has an interior surface shaped to substantially conform to an exterior surface of a tendon.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A method for constructing a laminated and corrugated wall plate includes building a light steel frame made of one or more layers of corrugated cold-bent plates. A wire gauze is wrapped on the outer periphery of the light steel frame and locked in position by screws. Then, the outer surface is applied on reinforcing bonding agents and cement mortar orderly. A first bonding coating is applied on a convex surface of the frame and the hollowed wire gauze to be combined together with the cement mortar as a bonding grout layer; after the bonding grout layer becomes hardened to produce pre-cracks, the bonding grout layer has its outer side applied with a second bonding coating.

Abstract: An impression device for food items. More particularly, the present invention is a stamping device designed to create images upon a variety of foods for decoration and/or marketing purposes. The stamper device of the present invention has the general appearance of a traditional rubber stamp, with large knob at the top to quickly adjust the depth of embossings. Small wings beside the knob provide an instant feature for orientation and comfortable ergonomic grip. The device provides both an emboss-only mode, and emboss-and-cut simultaneously mode, much in the manner of a cookie cutter. A simple snap means located at the bottom of the device functions to change such modes. Under the base of the device is a “socket set” style snap-in stamping die. As is the case with the roller device, the stamper device may be utilized for: 1) standard messages and images; 2) snap-in letters, which allows the user to assemble his or her own custom message; or 3) custom logos, messages, and images.