Abstract: A protective shelter and methods for manufacturing are disclosed. A protective shelter includes a room having a plurality of sides and a roof to form an enclosed space where the sides and roof of the shelter are reinforced with a plurality of reinforcing rods and the reinforcing rods of the sides are connected to the reinforcing rods of the roof, at least one opening in one of the sides for a door to provide access to the enclosed space of the room, at least four channel base rails that have a pair of top edges, a channel bottom defined between the pair of top edges, a first end and a second end and where the base rails are incorporated into the bottom portions of each side of the room, a plurality of vertical dead bolt anchors welded to the channel bottoms of the base rails and a lower end of at least one of the reinforcing rods of the sides is wired to an upper end of one of the plurality of vertical dead bolt anchors.

Abstract: A connector for connecting wall studs of two adjacent floors in a light frame building structure, the connector having a first attachment tab, a seat member, a diagonally slanted support leg, and a second attachment tab, all substantially planar. The connector is intended to be paired and the paired connectors joined by an elongated tie member that pierces the sill plates of the intervening floor structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building comprising a foundation; a wall supported by the foundation; and trusses supported by the wall. A plurality of hold down assemblies connects at least some of the trusses directly to the foundation. Each hold down assembly comprises an anchor; a tie-rod connected to the anchor; a bearing plate operably associated with an end portion of an associated truss for transferring load to the tie-rod; and a fastener securing the tie-rod to the bearing plate, thereby tying the associated truss directly to the foundation.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting framing components of a building structure to a foundation wall includes a connector having a generally L-shaped cross-section. The connector is configured to be secured to the foundation wall. The connector has a joist shelf configured to support one or more floor joists and a ledge configured to support one or more wall sheathing panels.

Abstract: A concrete container including a concrete footing including a shear key; a concrete wall inserted in the shear key; a plurality of footing reinforcing members inserted in the concrete footing on a support side of the shear key and extending above the concrete footing; a plurality of wall reinforcing members inserted in the concrete wall on a support side of the concrete wall and extending diagonally towards the concrete footing; a poured concrete moment connection substantially covering the plurality of footing reinforcing members extending from the pre-cast concrete footing and the plurality of wall reinforcing members extending from the wall.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing panel system for reinforcing a structure against lateral or shear and uplift loads. The system includes a structural reinforcing panel which is installed between the studs in a wall of the structure. The panel is connected to the foundation of the structure and the sill or header. Two or more panels may be connected together at a corner, within a wall, ceiling or floor. The roof rafters of the structure may be attached to a top plate bracket mounted to the sill plate, which may also be connected to one or more structural reinforcing panels, provides uplift load support for the structure. For structures built on piers, a pier mount bracket provides a linkage to one or more structural reinforcing panels.

Abstract: A wall structure system may utilize precast concrete columns and panels. Each concrete column may be secured to an in-situ concrete footing by a threaded anchor bolt imbedded in the footing. The column may be positioned onto the footing so that the exposed threaded rod extends through a cylindrical opening in the bottom of the column. A washer and threaded nut may be installed on the threaded rod and secured through an access port in the side of the concrete column. Wall panels may be installed by sliding them into vertical slots in the columns, thereby concealing locations of the access ports.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a previously existing structure comprising the steps of constructing a ring foundation surrounding and reinforcing a previously existing foundation. Thereafter, securing reinforcing wall panel assemblies to previously existing wall structures with the wall panel assemblies being external to and secured to upright members of the previously existing wall structures and supported by the ring foundation. Securing platform segments forming reinforcing floor assemblies to upright structural elements of the reinforcing wall panel assemblies, the platform segments being supported by previously existing floor structures during assembly of the platform segments and attachment of the platform segments to the reinforcing wall panel assemblies. Then removing the previously existing floor structures.

Abstract: A starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks and stones for building mortarless walls is disclosed. The starter element comprises an horizontally extending strip having a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to a structure, a second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in engagement with the mortise interlock element of the brick and a third portion sloping downwardly from the interlock element to be in at least partial contact with an inside surface of the brick. The starter element can also comprise means adapted to allow the drainage of water and the passage of air behind the wall.

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: A take-up fastener is disclosed for fastening a level in a frame construction to the level below so as to resist upward forces generated by wind and other sources on the framed construction. The take-up fastener in general includes a take-up plate, or washer, fastened to a portion of the upper level and a take-up screw fit through the take-up plate and fastened to the adjacent level below. Once the take-up fastener is fully assembled, the take-up plate includes a pair of tabs which are capable of engaging threads on a take-up screw in a way that allows one-way motion of the take-up screw relative to the take-up plate. In particular, the take-up plate can move downward relative to the take-up screw, for example on constricting of the wooden members to which the take-up plate is affixed. However, the engagement between the take-up plate and take-up screw prevents movement of the take-up plate upward with respect to the take-up screw, for example upon an upward load due to wind or other external force.

Abstract: A foundation for a tall vertical structure, such as a wind turbine installation, features anchor bolts having a grout cap slid over the anchor bolt, where the grout cap has a flared skirt which seals against the open annulus formed by the anchor bolt and its accompanying PVC sleeve, where the top of the PVC sleeve is generally flush with the bottom of the grout trough. The grout cap extends from its bottom which abuts the bottom of the grout trough, up and extending at least partially into a bolt hole in the tower flange. A method of protecting anchor bolts utilizing the grout cap is also described.

Abstract: A building comprises foundation; first stud wall; second stud wall; the second stud wall is disposed above the second first stud wall; tie rod operably attached to the foundation; first nut connecting the tie rod to the second stud wall; first spring urging the first nut and the tie rod upwardly; second nut connecting the tie rod to one of the first stud wall and the second stud wall; second spring urging the second nut and the tie rod upwardly; the first spring is configured to carry a load at least substantially equal to the weight of a portion of a length of the tie rod disposed between the first nut and the second nut; and the second spring is configured to carry a load disposed below the second nut, the portion extending to where the tie rod is attached to the foundation.

Abstract: A sound barrier wall has a plurality of footings spaced apart and vertical “I” beam wall stiffeners mounted to the footings. Alternatively, the vertical wall stiffeners are mounted to a crash barrier. A horizontal wall stiffener can be disposed between the adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. A plurality of wall panels is vertically stacked between adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. Each wall panel includes a sound insulating block, and plurality of support members disposed on opposite sides of the sound insulating block for providing structural support. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the sound insulating block and a stem portion extending into the sound insulating block. An “I” beam can be disposed between the vertically stacked wall panels. A top cap is mounted over the vertically stacked wall panels and protective layer is formed over the wall panels and vertical wall stiffeners.

Abstract: A hold down clip, a metal stud assembly structure, and a method for assembling metal studs for building walls. The hold down clip has a base portion containing an elongate slot therein. A leg portion of the clip is orthogonal to the base portion and contains a plurality of bolt holes therein for attaching the leg portion to a metal stud. A reinforcing flange is attached to the leg portion and base portion. A connecting bolt is disposed in a slotted aperture in the base portion for connecting the clip to a floor or to an adjacent metal stud.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One is movable relative to the other one in a first direction, and locked in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the members to urge the one in the first direction. The members include opposing first and second cylindrical walls, respectively. A resilient member is disposed between the walls. One of the walls includes a first receiving volume configured to fully receive the resilient member and the other wall a plurality of second receiving volumes configured to only partially receive the resilient member.

Abstract: A high strength, lightweight building structure comprising a high-strength connection to a foundation, high-strength eaves, and high-strength structural panels. The fiber reinforced, high-strength structural panels form the walls, ceiling, roof, soffit, and eave of the structure. The panels comprise a rigid foam core having outer membrane layer, panel spacers, and sheeting. The high-strength foundation connection comprises a continuous seam plate with bonding agents, mechanical fasteners, and a metal bearing cap having continuously spaced, angle-shaped anchor studs welded to the metal bearing cap. The high-strength eave structure, comprise of a soffit panel connected to an inclined eave panel, a connection bracket and a rigid wedge continuously bonded between the ceiling panel and roof panel, thus forming a sealed, non-vented attic space.

Abstract: A studless load bearing panel wall system includes an assembly of bamboo based load bearing panels. The panels may be centrally milled along all edges suitable for accepting spline brackets along the vertical edges thereby constructing wall faces. Channels along the top and bottom edges accept two panels to form a studless wall having an inner and outer panel. The panels may be fastened to the splines and channels by means of screw fasteners. Bamboo based load bearing panels comprising layers formed from pressed bamboo strips bonded with layers of softwood veneers provide high load bearing strength while being dimensionally similar to conventional plywood. Non-load bearing alternate embodiments of the bamboo based panels in combination with similar spline brackets and channels are utilized to construct studless interior walls.

Abstract: An anchor member securing system includes a securing member and a rebar cage structure secured to the member. The securing system may include at least a first foundation placement guide. The anchor members may comprise mudsill anchors and anchor bolts, and the system provides more exact placement of the member or members in a foundation.

Abstract: A modular interlocking exterior wall system comprises one or more laminated panels formed of a paper product core sandwiched between two cementitious skins, two vertical posts having laterally extending flanges which interlock in vertical grooves formed in the sides of the panels, and a top rail having a downwardly opening top groove which receives and reinforces the horizontal top edge of the top panel, wherein bottom portions of the posts are anchored below ground. An optional bottom rail has an upwardly opening groove for receiving and supporting the bottom edge of the bottom panel, and laterally extending flanges of an optional mid rail are received in top and bottom grooves, respectively, of bottom and top panels to interlock and reinforce the panels.

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 assembly for straightening a basement's wall, the basement having a floor and being covered by joists which are spaced from each other on center distances to define interstitial cavities and are arranged a perpendicular array or a parallel array, the assembly having mounting plate; joist mounting fasteners attaching the oblongated mounting plate to joists, the fasteners, upon the perpendicular joist array, positioning the mounting plate within an interstitial cavity, and the fasteners, upon the parallel array, bridging the mounting plate across an interstitial cavity; a rigid beam having upper and lower ends; a jack screw for driving the rigid beam's upper end toward the basement's wall; and an anchor bracket for resisting movement of the rigid beam's lower end away from the basement's wall.

Abstract: An uniquely improved mortar less masonry structure comprising a plurality of concrete masonry units connected to each other by metal bars and metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a reinforcing skeletal system for the masonry to utilize a post tensioned structure. The unique system has been developed with full recessed channels in the masonry unit, anchor bars that fit into the channels and extend across a plurality of masonry units and bolts that act as the tendon for the post tensioning system. This is an improved, rapidly constructed building system that demountably couples each individual masonry unit by an extended bar and bolt system. This extended bar is more efficient and easier to build with as compared to other traditional masonry structures.

Abstract: A perimeter wall support system is disclosed for supporting a perimeter wall section of a manufactured home. The perimeter support system comprises an auxiliary support pier assembly disposed adjacent a perimeter wall having an auxiliary pier support pad with a support pier supported thereon, and at least one elongated strut extending between the auxiliary support pad and the perimeter wall section. At least one anchor coupling affixes a lower end of the strut to the auxiliary support pad. A connector member is carried by an upper end of the strut for securing the strut to the wall section. A longitudinally adjustable mechanism is operable for adjusting the effective length of the strut between the floor structure and the auxiliary support pad in finite increments.

Abstract: Wall and floor connection arrangements. In various embodiments, a first a joist rim is coupled to the flanges of at least some vertically extending studs such that an upper rim flange of the first joist rim is substantially coplanar with a portion of an upper track of the wall. A second joist rim is coupled to another lateral flange of at least some of the vertically extending studs such that an upper rim flange of the second joist rim is substantially coplanar with a portion of the upper track and the upper rim flange of the first joist rim. A plurality of first joists may be coupled to the first rim and plurality of second joists may be coupled to the second rim. A floor deck may be received on the upper track as well as the upper flanges of the first and second joist rims.

Abstract: A crawlspace encapsulation system that enables sealing and insulating of the crawlspace while allowing for the venting of gases trapped between the ground and the sealing and insulating system. The crawlspace encapsulation system includes an insulation joist plug, one or more insulation panels, and a polymeric membrane.

Abstract: A modular construction system is made of a plurality of panels having peripheral frame elements defining a top channel, a bottom channel, and side channels. An exterior planar sheet and an interior planar sheet element enclose an inner core region that is filled with an adhesive bonding material that attaches the components together.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: A compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body.

Abstract: A building frame resistant to earthquakes, gale-force wind loads, fire, insects and rot includes a peripheral frame wall constructed of rectangular steel tubing. Side wall frame modules and end wall modules bolted together along adjacent edges form the peripheral frame wall. Diagonal bracing is built into selected side and end wall modules as required for the desired degree of wind resistance. Trusses made of various size tube such as 2×3 inch rectangular steel tubing for supporting a roof, including a hip roof, on the peripheral wall, are assembled and welded in a welding shop and the prefabricated trusses and wall modules are trucked to the building site. Multiple stories may be erected and fastened together by anchor brackets arranged bottom-to-bottom above and below the second and higher floors. The building frame is secured to a foundation by attaching the anchor brackets to anchor bolts set in the foundation.

Abstract: A high strength, lightweight building structure comprising a high-strength connection to a foundation, high-strength eaves, and high-strength structural panels. The fiber reinforced, high-strength structural panels form the walls, ceiling, roof, soffit, and eave of the structure. The panels comprise a rigid foam core having outer membrane layer, panel spacers, and sheeting. The high-strength foundation connection comprises a continuous seam plate with bonding agents, mechanical fasteners, and a metal bearing cap having continuously spaced, angle-shaped anchor studs welded to the metal bearing cap. The high-strength eave structure, comprise of a soffit panel connected to an inclined eave panel, a connection bracket and a rigid wedge continuously bonded between the ceiling panel and roof panel, thus forming a sealed, non-vented attic space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction module for erecting flat structures, particularly walls, comprising two parallel panel-shaped wall parts and a module core arranged between them. According to the invention, each wall part has a number of room-height solid squared timbers that are set on end. These squared timbers are joined to one another in an at least non-positive manner via a mechanical pinning placed transversal to the longitudinal direction of the squared timbers and extending in the plane of the wall parts, and/or these squared timbers are each pinned in an at least non-positive manner with at least two crossbars, which extend essentially transversal to the longitudinal direction of the squared timbers and which are located in the future module core.

Abstract: A method for securing a building to a foundation provides hold-down units that perform double-duty by acting as a compressive load on a floor immediately therebelow due to the force of a seat or base portion thereof. Meanwhile, a flange portion of each hold-down device extends upward to fasten to the upright members in an upper floor applying tension thereto. Thus, an anchoring rod extending through multiple floors of the shear walls may reduce the number of total hold-down devices by an amount approaching half that otherwise required. Likewise, the number of more expensive, automatic, take-up devices used is reduced by approximately half.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting framing components of a building structure to a foundation wall includes a connector having a generally L-shaped cross-section. The connector is configured to be secured to the foundation wall. The connector has a joist shelf configured to support one or more floor joists and a ledge configured to support one or more wall sheathing panels.

Abstract: An enclosed structure, such as a patio enclosure, sunroom, or solarium, is attachable to the exterior wall of a building, has a high proportion of windows and a roof, and constructed from a framework of composite members and insulating wall panels, wherein header and post beams of the room wall assemblies are extruded from material having improved thermal characteristics and stability. Importantly, the beams enable wire services to be routed in concealed fashion from a power source associated with the building to accessible locations in the room and remote to the building. The header and post beams are configured to enable the wire services to be concealed but yet accessible for repair and routing through the header beams and into one or more post beams, as desired.

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: A block wall or fence and methods for constructing a block wall or fence with a footing framework encased in concrete to form a footing support structure wherein the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid without first constructing the footing support framework or first enclosing the footing framework in concrete. Additionally, vertical reinforcing members located in vertical columnar cavities within blocks of the wall and/or horizontal reinforcing members located in horizontal channels within blocks of the wall form a reinforcing framework; wherein some or all of the blocks of the wall or fence may be laid before encasing the reinforcing framework and/or the footing support framework in concrete.

Abstract: A building assembly is provided which includes in certain embodiments a perimeter structure having at least first and second sides, joists supported on the perimeter structure and extending between the first and second sides of the perimeter structure, a rim board positioned at aligned first ends of the joists, and connectors. Each of the connectors is fastened to and/or embedded in the perimeter structure, and is fastened to the front face of the rim board. Methods of constructing a building structure are also provided.

Abstract: A tough building system and buildings and associated accessories which make such structures more versatile. Support accessories can include a fiber-reinforced polymeric composite support bracket, adapted to be mounted to a top of a foundation wall, and to support an edge of a slab of concrete adjacent the top of the foundation wall, or to support brick fascia, or to support ends of floor joists adjacent an inner surface of said foundation wall. Support accessories can also include a load-bearing, and load distributing support pad, adapted to be used as an interface support/footer between an underlying natural base and an overlying constructed structure. The support pad has a plurality of fiber-reinforced polymeric layers, optionally stacked one on top of the other. The pad has a load bearing capacity of at least 1000 pounds per square foot. The support pad may be a pultruded product.

Abstract: Novel building systems, in particular low cost superior strength building assemblies incorporating single or double shear walls, and disaster resistant window attachments are described herein. The inventive building systems are particularly well-suited for adding rooms to existing buildings, such as attached residential room additions, basements, disaster relief housing, and Do-It Yourself (DIY) projects.

Abstract: Various floor and wall constructions are disclosed. One embodiment includes a second vertical wall supported over a first vertical wall. One or more joist rims may be attached to the first vertical wall and pluralities of joists may be attached to the joist rims. Decking material may be supported on the plurality of joists. The second vertical wall may be fabricated from spaced second studs that extend between a top track and a bottom track. The bottom track comprises a web and two upstanding legs. The ends of the second studs serve to define open areas within the bottom track between the respective stud ends. A cementitious material may be applied onto the decking material and into the open areas within the bottom track to form the floor surfaces and barriers within the open areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for tying down an existing roof frame to resist windstorm uplift forces, in which an elongate connector is inserted slantingly upward through a hole through the roof frame, allowing an upper end of the connector to protrude from the roof frame to receive a head member which is detachably attached thereto in order to prevent the roof frame from moving upward relative to the connector under an uplift force. The lower end of the connector is secured to an underlying wall such that the connector applies a restraining force against wind uplift forces.

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 compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body.

Abstract: A multi-media workstation having a master rail system for permitting horizontal adjustment of the various components of the workstation. The workstation generally includes a console having a work surface and a master rail system for supporting various audiovisual equipment. The master rail system includes a rail extrusion connecting at least two frames and having a longitudinal slot formed in at least one of its surfaces. The various components of the workstation each include a finger engaged in the longitudinal slot of the rail extrusion, wherein the component is able to be horizontally translated along a length of the rail extrusion.

Abstract: A sound barrier wall has a plurality of footings spaced apart and vertical “I” beam wall stiffeners mounted to the footings. Alternatively, the vertical wall stiffeners are mounted to a crash barrier. A horizontal wall stiffener can be disposed between the adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. A plurality of wall panels is vertically stacked between adjacent vertical wall stiffeners. Each wall panel includes a sound insulating block, and plurality of support members disposed on opposite sides of the sound insulating block for providing structural support. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the sound insulating block and a stem portion extending into the sound insulating block. An “I” beam can be disposed between the vertically stacked wall panels. A top cap is mounted over the vertically stacked wall panels and protective layer is formed over the wall panels and vertical wall stiffeners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of constructing a wind energy plant and to a wind energy plant as such. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for constructing wind energy plants at lower expenses and more rapidly. According to one embodiment, a method for constructing a wind energy plant that comprises a tower that is based on a foundation and an electrical power module, the power module is mounted on the tower foundation before the tower itself is constructed. The power module includes a transformer and may optionally an inverter and/or other electrical installations, such as for example switch cabinets, that are provided for controlling the wind energy plant and/or for guiding the electrical power that is provided by the generator of the wind energy plant and that is fed to a network.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes that include tiles having an extending member that is disposed within a concavity on the bottom side of the tile and that extends a distance therefrom. The extending member may additionally be coupled to an anchor member disposed within the concavity on the bottom side of the tile. The extending member is set within a substrate such that it is held fast, thereby improving the bonding of the tile to the substrate.

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.