Abstract: A plurality of vertically adjacent panels each has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion, a support being provided for mounting the upper edge portion of each panel and the lower edge portion of the upwardly adjacent panel. The upper edge portion of the panel has an upstanding flange disposed within a first downwardly open channel of the support with screw members extending through the upstanding flange and into the support to retain the upstanding flange in the first channel, and the lower edge portion of the upwardly adjacent panel has a further upstanding flange disposed within a second downwardly open channel of the support, thereby to mount the upper edge portion of the panel and the lower edge portion of the upwardly adjacent panel on the support.

Abstract: A device for releasably fastening a cover slab to the opening of a crypt or niche extending back from a vertical support wall. Each device is positioned at a common point of adjacency of a plurality of slabs. Each device has a rotatively mounted locking plate for engaging slots in the sides of each of the slabs. The plate has a cutaway sized and dimensioned to allow for the passage of one of the slabs through the cutaway when the cutaway is rotated into proper alignment. Keyed tool means for turning the plate indicated the positioning of the cutaway.

Abstract: A multi-window sash including: a frame structure; a plurality of sash units, to each of which a panel is mounted which are connected with each other in a panel width direction, each of the sash units including bilateral vertical frame members, an upper frame member and a lower frame member which constitute a rectangular frame of the sash unit in combination thereof; and a mullion structure connecting adjacent two sash units and including at least a mullion having an expandable structure.

Abstract: A unique method of pre-glazing a structural frame and window assembly for an office/commercial building in a controlled factory environment at a remote location from the installation site, transporting the pre-glazed frame and window assembly to the installation site, and installing the pre-glazed frame and window assembly in an opening in the office/commercial building.

Abstract: Cladding units for a building and a seal structure for the joints thereof are disclosed. A cladding unit comprises a cladding member consisting of a framework and a face member attached to one side face thereof and fastener stringers for waterproof slide fasteners attached one each to the outer lateral parts of the cladding member. In a seal structure for the joint to be formed between the opposed frameworks of the cladding units mutually adjoined and attached to the backing member on the building, the joint formed between the adjoining cladding units is sealed by uniting the engaging parts of the opposed fastener stringers of these cladding units and the gap between the end parts of the fastener stringers and the gap between these end parts and the backing member of the building are sealed by filling the gaps with a wet sealing material.

Abstract: A glazing bar system for utilization within glass panel roofing. A support beam has upper and lower capping located thereon. An end cap is disposed along an end of the support beam so as to present a finished appearance when a lower end of the support beam is aligned along an eaves portion of a building structure. A bracket is secured to the end of the support beam by means of a screw inserted through a screw port of the support beam. The end cap having L-shaped projections forming two channels which allow the end cap to be slidingly engaged over ends of the bracket.

Abstract: A display wall assembly for displaying items, comprises a support; first and second profile units being adapted to enable displaying of the items, the profile units being attached to the support in a spaced relationship; a panel supported by and disposed between the profile units; and, a light-weight intermediate reinforcing structure interposed between the panel, the support and the profile units.

Abstract: The wall panel system of the present invention includes a flexible sheet interlock to flexibly seal a joint defined by adjacent perimeter framing members and a capillary break to inhibit the entry of water into drainage or weep holes in gutters in the perimeter framing members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a panel with holding frames, in which the panel and the holding frames can be fitted easily and at a high accuracy and there is no problem concerning appearances. The panel with holding frames is formed by fitting the holding frame to each side portion of a square panel. Each holding frame has a leg portion for connecting to a fixation portion for fitting, a support portion fixed to a rear surface of the panel in contact, and a rim portion for catching a periphery of the panel, and the support portion has a relief portion operating to receive the periphery of the panel into the rim portion smoothly. The respective holding frames are temporarily assembled in a frame-shape, and receiving portions for fitting corner blocks are formed at the support portions of the holding frames to make the respective holding frames in a predetermined fixation state after putting the panel into the temporarily assembled frame.

Abstract: A self-sealing framing system is disclosed for curtainwalls, storefronts, and other framing systems for buildings in which frame members are erected in a grid and infill panels set within the openings of the grid. An elastomeric weathering gasket is mounted to a first frame member such that a portion of the weathering gasket overlies a recess formed in a side wall of the frame member. In an undeformed condition the elastomeric weathering gasket normally extends through a plane defined by the side wall of the first frame member. A second frame member oriented substantially perpendicular to the first frame member has an end abutting the side wall of the first frame member. The end of the second frame member contacts the elastomeric weathering gasket and displaces it onto one side of the plane by the contact with the end of the second frame member. A portion of the weathering gasket is displaced into the recess in the side wall of the first frame member.

Abstract: A bracket mounted facade structure comprises a girder part, preferably horizontal girder parts (1), which with one girder part, preferably an H section girder part (2) and/or with a U section girder part fit around parts of the facade tiles (3 and 4), more particularly tile flanges (5 and 6) with play. In order to improve such structure technically and economically, the vertical play (7) between the preferably ceramic facade tiles (3) or tile flanges (5) and the center web (8) of the girder part or, respectively, of the U section girder part or, respectively, of the H section girder part (2) is completely or partially filled by components, preferably pins (9). Such pins (9) are secured in position by facade tiles (10) placed thereover or by the flanges (5) thereof to prevent them from falling or being pulled out.

Abstract: A safety glass structure which is resistant to extreme wind- and impact-conditions. In particular, the safety glass structure comprises a frame forming an opening and defining an outer rigid channel; a laminated glass panel within the opening comprising first and second glass layers bonded to an interlayer of plasticized polyvinyl butyral; an inner rigid channel within the frame circumscribing the periphery of and bonded to said laminated glass panel by a self-sealing adhesive which permits no or minimal relative movement between the border area of the panel and said inner rigid channel; and said inner rigid channel being mounted in and bonded to the outer rigid channel with a resilient material which permits the panel to flex within its border when exposed to said extreme wind- and impact-conditions.The safety glass structure of the present invention may be used in residential or commercial structures to preserve the integrity of the building in extreme weather conditions.

Abstract: Cladding units for a building and a seal structure for the joints thereof are disclosed. A cladding unit comprises a cladding member consisting of a framework and a face member attached to one side face thereof and fastener stringers for waterproof slide fasteners attached one each to the outer lateral parts of the cladding member. In a seal structure for the joint to be formed between the opposed frameworks of the cladding units mutually adjoined and attached to the backing member on the building, the joint formed between the adjoining cladding units is sealed by uniting the engaging parts of the opposed fastener stringers of these cladding units and the gap between the end parts of the fastener stringers and the gap between these end parts and the backing member of the building are sealed by filling the gaps with a wet sealing material.

Abstract: An integral drip system for thermally isolated straight in glazed curtain wall or window wall which will restrict water penetration into a building. The drip system includes at least one flange included for easy glazing replacement. This drip system reduces the number of parts required to assemble curtain wall or window wall systems.

Abstract: A vertical movement clip for attaching a channeled beam or stud member to a horizontal building member. The clip has the advantage of easily sliding into the interior of the stud and wedging between two parallel legs of the stud member to fit securely therein. The clip also has the advantage of providing an attachment flange that securely attaches to and holds the floor to the stud and prevents most all horizontal movements and yet allows for vertical floor movement relative to the stud. A second embodiment includes a first and second arm having bent portions for increased loading capacity.

Abstract: A new and useful anchor for use in the installation of a composite building panel. The anchor comprises a vertically upstanding wall mounting face and a spacer extending normal to the wall mounting face. Spaced outwardly from the wall mounting face by the spacer there is provided a first longitudinally extending flange-receiving groove opening in a first vertical direction. Adjacently deposed to the first flange-receiving groove with a common middle wall there is provided a second longitudinally extending flange-receiving groove opening in an opposite vertical direction. Fasteners mount the anchor means to the wall.

Abstract: Glazing system in buildings for facades, roofs, glass enclosures and windows for example and comprising glass elements with at least two glass panes (3, 4) joined at a distance from one other. The panes are connected in the form of a frame along certain edge areas at a distance from these, so that tracks extending inwardly from the edges are formed between the panes. The elements are intended to be mounted on a framework comprising framework elements (15) with portions (16) for contact of the elements during fastening to the framework by means of fastening elements (18) extending in said track. Where the fastening elements are to be positioned, protector elements. (7) are arranged having both a U-shaped portion, which is arranged to surround the edge of the glass pane (4) facing the framework, as well as an extra flange (6) which extends in the track and connects to the U-shaped portion so that a space is formed for a portion of the fastening element (18).

Abstract: The module comprises a stainless sheet steel framework 40 shaped to provide a rabbet 38 for receiving a double glazing and a stiffening element 3 for the fixation of the module or assembly 41, i.e., the framework 40 and the glazing assembly to the supporting structure of the building facade. To enable direct fixing into the supporting structure, the stiffening element 3 is associated with a stainless steel spring tab 4 located on the supporting structure which allows clipping of the assembly 41 to the supporting structure 5. The space between the rabbets of two adjacent modules is reduced to that required for housing a calibrated, preformed EPDM seal.

Abstract: A constructional element for glazing with glass sheets (1) includes laminated safey glass using glass retaining elements (5, 6; 10) for at least one support plate (12) for glass panes provided with holes with tolerance compensation as well as fixing elements which act together with these.

Abstract: A construction block comprises parallel faces joined by four side edges. Two side edges have outer spacing flanges while the other two side edges have inner spacing flanges. The inner flanges are received within a recess defined by the outer flanges. Hook receptacles located on the lower portion of the outer spacing flanges receive hooks located along the length of the inner spacing flanges when two blocks are interconnected, holding the two blocks firmly to each other. The interfacing flanges provide spacing support and integrity and a location for flange to flange ultrasonic spot welding. A structural bar is positionable within the recess of the inner spacing flanges.

Abstract: A fire barrier protected dynamic joint in a structure, and a method for installing the same. The fire barrier protected dynamic joint includes a flexible sheet of a fire barrier material and a adhesive material for bonding the sheet to an attachment area of the joint.

Abstract: In a sash frame structure for attaching a glass in which a glass is supported in glass attachment channels formed to respective frame members constituting a sash frame by first side seal members and second side seal members disposed on the opposite sides of the glass, the glass is so provided as not to be scattered in pieces even if it is broken. A seal member fitting groove is formed to each of the frame members adjacently to the glass attachment channel, and an engaging portion is formed to the inner surface of the glass attachment channel on the side adjacent to the seal member fitting groove.

Abstract: A building panel particularly adapted for horizontal application. The panel presents inner and outer male connectors at the upper edge of the panel, and complimentary inner and outer female connectors at the lower edge of the panel. Gutter means is provided along the upper edge of the panel intermediate of the male connectors. At the opposite ends of the panel, the outer facing sheet presents inturned end portions. Beyond the inturned end portions the foam core and edges of the inner facing sheets are exposed. In a wall structure assembled from a plurality of the panels, horizontal joints between panels and vertical joints between the panel ends are presented. Gasket means is presented in the vertical joint and is configured so as to provide vertically extending discharge channels communicating with the gutter means. Liquids bypassing the outer seals at the joints collects in the gutter means and is directed to the vertical channels for discharge.

Abstract: In a structure for attaching a lower transverse frame member of a sash in which an elongated attachment transverse member is attached to a lower edge portion of an opening of a building body and a lower transverse frame member constituting a sash frame is attached to said attachment transverse member, the attachment transverse member has a hollow structure formed on the outdoor side portion thereof, and the hollow structure has a drain port opening to the outdoor side. Each of fixing members for fixing the lower transverse frame member to the attachment transverse member is so arranged that the front end thereof projects into the hollow structure.

Abstract: A face mounting infilling system for walls and linings of buildings. The infilling elements are designed at their ends in such a way that they may be clamped to the upper edges of lower linking units, which in turn are designed in such a way that upper linking units may be snap-locked thereon.

Abstract: Cladding units for a building and a seal structure for the joints thereof are disclosed. A cladding unit comprises a cladding member comprised of a framework and a face member attached to one side face thereof and fastener stringers for a waterproof slide fastener attached one each to the outer lateral parts of the cladding member, the fastener stringers each comprising a waterproof tape and an engaging part provided with a multiplicity of coupling elements attached to the waterproof tape as spaced at fixed intervals along one longitudinal edge thereof, the end parts of the waterproof tapes of all adjoining fastener stringers being integrally joined, and the joined corner parts of the waterproof tapes protruding from the corner parts of the framework. The joint formed between the adjoining cladding units is sealed by coupling the engaging parts of the opposed fastener stringers of the cladding units.

Abstract: This invention relates to repairing the water leakage problem of panel joints in an exterior building surface. In addition, this method may also be used to project new panel joints. A long lasting effective repair method is provided by using two extruded component parts assembled in the field to cover up the existing panel joints such that a number of P.E. Cavities and air links are created to form P.E. Seals around the existing panel joints such that elements such as exterior water can no longer reach the leaking joints. Since P.E. Seals can tolerate a significant degree of imperfection without causing the water infiltration problem, the effectiveness of the repair work can be expected to last for a long time.

Abstract: A partitioning sash comprises at least one multi window mullion for forming a multiple window portion, at least one salient corner mullion for forming a salient angle portion and at least one reentrant corner mullion for forming a reentrant angle portion. The multi window mullion, the salient corner mullion, and the reentrant corner mullion has the same dimension measured in a direction parallel to a width of the sash. Each of the salient corner mullion and the reentrant corner mullion is constituted of a mullion body and an auxiliary frame body. The mullion body has a glass receptacle groove on a side surface to be located at one side in a direction parallel to the width of the sash, end has recesses on side surfaces to be located at both sides in a direction parallel to the depth of the sash.

Abstract: A construction assembly for attaching thin panels to a support frame. An elongate base strip suitable for attachment to a support frame. Two walls extending from the bases strip define a slot, one of the walls having plural teeth. A mating cover strip has a flexible projecting wall with plural teeth on one side facing the teeth of the slot but fewer in number. The cover strip and elongate base have thin panel support walls facing each other. The flexible projecting wall bends on a fulcrum attached to one of the second wall and the flexible projecting wall, such that upon insertion of the flexible projecting wall into the slot, the teeth are urged towards each other to grip a panel in the slot.

Abstract: A wall cladding system to provide an attractive finished, exterior appearance to a building wall, the system including an assembly of adjacent, similar, thin cladding elements, oriented in a substantially vertical plane, each cladding element including an exterior panel provided with an exterior and an interior major face, the interior major face being attached by an adhesive material to a flexible sheet of material having an upper edge projecting beyond the cladding element. Further, a plurality of spaced-apart fasteners are provided to connect the flexible sheet of material to a building wall.

Abstract: A deflection clip is provided for connection between a non-load bearing stud member of a building and a further, load bearing structure of the building such as a floor or roof frame member. The clip comprises an integral, single piece angle member consisting of first and second substantially planar plate portions located in orthogonal planes and joined together along a common lateral edge. The angle member includes a substantially centrally located, raised stiffener portion disposed intermediate the upper and lower edges thereof. The first plate portion includes a plurality of spaced, vertically extending slots for receiving fasteners used in affixing this first portion to the stud member. The second portion, which is adapted to be connected to the further structure, includes first and second spaced, parallel stiffener portions extending outwardly from the corresponding upper and lower edges of the angle member, orthogonally to the plane of the second portion.

Abstract: A fixture for mounting external cladding in the form of single facing sheets on internal or external walls of buildings includes a fixing bracket for affixation to a wall and a horizontal positioning plate to support the external cladding sheet. The horizontal positioning plate includes guides which hold the facing sheet in place. The fixture is horizontally and vertically adjustable. The horizontal positioning plate and the fixing bracket have substantially horizontal support surfaces that engage each other and are horizontally adjustable in all directions relative to one another. The horizontal supporting plate is locked in a selected position to the fixing bracket by a welded connection after the horizontal positioning plate has been adjusted relative to the fixing bracket.

Abstract: A structural mounting system for mounting of structural components includes a base section and a co-operating section each of which in use is secured to a respective structural component and which are assembled together. The base section in cross section includes an undercut and the co-operating section in cross section includes a leg, having a toe projecting laterally to engage the undercut. When the sections are being coupled together the co-operating section is rotated about its longitudinal direction relative to its final position so that lateral movement of the toe to engage beneath the undercut requires the co-operating section to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the base section to adopt its final position. Spaced linear restraint points and a rotation restraint point together defining a triangle of points of contact to make the assembly of sections rigid.

Abstract: A structure component 7 composed of a vertical-load support trussed structure supporting a load in a vertical direction and arranged along a vertical plane and a horizontal-load support trussed structure supporting a load in a horizontal direction and arranged along a horizontal plane is provided between main mullions 4 in a building. Since the structure component 7 supports the vertical load and the horizontal load at the trussed structures 9, 10, a support strength can define responding to the loads so as to support efficiently.

Abstract: An aluminum frame member according to the present invention has an improved weather-proof characteristics and can be produced through a simplified and inexpensive fabrication process. The aluminum frame member comprises an interior side member and an exterior side member formed separately from each other. The interior side member has a panel support portion at the exterior side, and a surface of the interior side member is coated with a relatively inexpensive coating. The exterior side member has a panel support portion at the interior side, and a surface of the exterior side member is coated with a coating having weather-proof capacity which is higher than that of the coating of the interior side member. The exterior side member is fixed to the exterior side of the interior side member, thereby concealing from the exterior a portion of the interior side member which is otherwise exposed to the exterior.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing an integral brick wall panel and particularly a novel vibrating mortar plow for use in such method to assist filling the mortar spaces between bricks and holes in the bricks with mortar. The vibrating mortar plow of the invention has a bottom mortar engaging face having a plurality of spaced, parallel fins which are adapted to be received in the mortar spaces between adjacent rows of bricks. The integral brick wall panel is provided with a plurality of cantilevering connectors by which the brick wall panel can be directly connected to a building structure or by which it can be connected to a backing layer to form a composite wall panel.

Abstract: Mounting (10) for facing panels, which have several securing bolts (12) projecting on the wall side with panel-parallel securing collars (13), behind which engages at least one wall anchor (15) which is anchored to the wall with anchor bolts (16).In order to fasten the facing panel to the wall with simple means and in a simple way, the mounting is designed so that the securing bolts (12) are suspended with their panel-parallel securing collars (13) in at least one hook-like wall anchor (15), which prior to the mounting of the facing panel (11) to the wall is detachably connected with the securing bolt (12).

Abstract: In order to simplify the quick and easy re-construction of a clean room which is constructed of prefabricated panels that are adapted to be connected to stud members, and to avoid the use of screws and bonds, a trim system which features a plurality of different trims is provided. By selecting a suitable trim from the plurality, and fitting it onto an edge of a panel by way of a channel or receiving portion provided thereon, it is possible to use existing studs and double finger T-clips to combine a variety of different panels together while taking advantage of a propriety type connection flanges which may be formed on some of the panels which are available.

Abstract: A vertical movement clip for attaching a channeled beam or stud member to a horizontal building member. The clip has the advantage of easily sliding into the interior of the stud and wedging between two parallel legs of the stud member to fit securely therein. The clip also has the advantage of providing an attachment flange that securely attaches to and holds the floor to the stud and prevents most all horizontal movements and yet allows for vertical floor movement relative to the stud.

Abstract: A system for stone cladding of building includes a plurality of facing blocks arranged as superposed courses. Each block in a first course has a first step defining a lower tread, a riser, and a top tread extending along the length of the top surface of the block. Each block in a second course disposed above the first course has a second step complementary to the first step and extending along the length of the bottom surface of the block and configured to interfit with the first step of a block in the first course. A plurality of horizontally-extending vertically spaced rails are attached to a wall which is to be faced. The rails directly or indirectly support the facing blocks by overriding the top tread and riser of blocks in the first course and underlying and supporting the bottom surface of blocks in the second course. A concrete layer may be poured between the facing blocks and the wall.

Abstract: A curtain wall 2 in which attachment portions 12, 13 are arranged near an interior surface 11A and an exterior surface 11B to form mullions 10 and transoms 30 as structural member, and toward the attachment portions 12, 13, a supporting member 15 supporting a glass panel 4 and a facing member 14 covering the interior surface 11A are attached.

Abstract: A slate positioning device comprises a positioning plate. The positioning plate has a horizontal plate and the first and the second longitudinal plates at two ends of the horizontal plate. The first longitudinal plate has a hole. The second longitudinal plate has an upper convex edge and a lower convex edge. A pad plate has a slot and a concave surface to cover the first longitudinal plate. The upper convex edge and the lower convex edge are inserted in the corresponding grooves of the corresponding slates. A screw rod passes through the hole and the slot to fasten the first longitudinal plate and the pad plate.

Abstract: An interlocked grid structure includes one glazing bar extending between and perpendicular to an aligned pair of shorter glazing bars which abut it. Each glazing bar comprises a T-section which is formed by a hollow metal extrusion and a plastics extrusion which are interlocked, and by a plastics cap which is formed by a double beading and which is snap-fitted onto a head portion of the metal extrusion which forms the stem of the T-section and which is load bearing. The plastics extrusion forms the base of the T and provides a seat for a pane of glazing material on either side of the stem. A locating metal plate is embedded in the adjacent ends of the shorter bars to which it is fixed and extends through a lateral aperture in the load bearing stem portion of the glazing bar to locate the shorter bars relative to the glazing bar.

Abstract: First and second operable wall panel faces are positioned with respect to one another by vertical and horizontal brackets which include corner portions positioning the panel faces in compressed relation with vertical and horizontal flexible vinyl seals extending about the entire perimeter of the panel faces, so as to provide increased impact resistance, reduced noise transmission, and easier manufacture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for glazing a last lite into a window opening between two previously installed lites. Retainers are installed onto the adjacent vertical edges of the two previously installed lites. The retainers are configured such that the last lite can be pivoted into position against a transverse flange of the retainer without obstruction. Subsequent to the last lite being set, frame members are engaged with the retainers, thereby capturing the edges of the last lite between the retainers and the corresponding frame members. The last lite is then structurally bonded to the frame members. The entire last lite glazing sequence can be accomplished quickly and easily from inside the building.

Abstract: A panel member mounting structure for a curtain wall has a frame body comprising a plurality of quadrangular frame sections defined by mullions and transoms. For each quadrangular frame section, a quadrangular gasket consisting of integrally connected left and right vertical gaskets and upper and lower horizontal gaskets is applied. In panel member mounting operation, first the quadrangular gasket is fitted to the mullions and transoms defining a quadrangular frame section, and then the panel member is fitted in the quadrangular gasket by deforming the exterior side holding pieces of the vertical and horizontal gaskets toward the exterior side. Next, while the panel member is temporarily being held by the exterior side holding pieces of the vertical and horizontal gaskets, the zippers are fitted to the gaskets, thereby preventing the deformation of the exterior side holding pieces of the gaskets to fix the panel member firmly.

Abstract: This invention relates to exterior building wall systems utilizing multiple wall panels forming horizontal and vertical wall joints. Each individual wall panel consists of an essentially flat exterior facing member and four perimeter members structurally connected to the facing member. The design of the perimeter members and the combination of differential pressure seals and pressure equalized seals enable the system to prevent water from infiltrating into the building. In addition, this invention is easily disassembled and saves much time and expense.

Abstract: An improved pressure plate for glazed panel wall construction is disclosed for retaining a glazing panel in place against a corresponding frame member. A gasket element is bonded to the pressure plate and confronts an exterior marginal portion of the glazing panel to retain the glazing panel in place against the frame member. In the disclosed embodiment, the gasket element is comprised of an elastomeric material which is formed integrally with, and preferably coextruded with, the pressure plate. Also in the disclosed embodiment a compression seal bonded to the pressure plate is interposed between the pressure plate and the frame member to thermally isolate the pressure plate from the frame member and to provide a watertight seal. Again, the compression seal of the disclosed embodiment is formed integrally with, and preferably coextruded with, the pressure plate.

Abstract: A panel-securing system for securing a panel in a desired position includes a mullion portion having a channel formed therein and a holding element received within the channel of the mullion portion and coupled with a panel fastener attached to the panel to secure the panel to the mullion portion, the holding element including a snap-locking element. The mullion preferably extends in a longitudinal direction toward the panel, and the channel preferably is angled with respect to the longitudinal direction. The holding element preferably is inserted into the channel to urge the panel fastener toward the mullion portion to secure the panel to the mullion portion. Further, a plurality of mullion extensions of different lengths can be used to create a curtainwall of irregular three-dimensional geometry.

Abstract: The fastening device for objects, more particularly cladding panels or parts of apparatus, comprises a profile bar receiving the object to be fastened. The profile bar is essentially formed of a center profile and a respective adjacent lateral profile on both sides which are designed in such a manner that the center profile and one of the lateral profiles form a respective continuous clamping channel receiving a portion of the object to be fastened. This allows a very simple attachment of a variety of objects without any visible fastening elements.