Abstract: A waterproof and safety framing system is disclosed. The framing system includes a building defining an opening, a wall panel, and a framing assembly. The framing assembly includes receiver and a bottom track. The receiver is installed along an edge of the opening, with the receiver including a receiver bottom wall that defines a receiver ridge extending along a length of the receiver. The bottom track is attached to an edge of the wall panel and including a track bottom wall that defines a track ridge, with the receiver and the bottom track matingly engaging such that the bottom track overlays the receiver and the receiver ridge and the track ridge are proximal one another. The framing assembly is structured to prevent the wall panel from passing through the opening in a first direction.

Abstract: Resilient mounting clips, panel mount systems including the same, and associated methods. A resilient mounting clip includes a support structure engagement portion and a panel engagement portion with a plurality of edge extensions and a plurality of outboard panel supports. Each outboard panel support extends from a respective edge extension. Each outboard panel support is configured to move at least substantially parallel to a compression axis when the respective edge extension resiliently flexes with respect to the support structure engagement portion. A panel mount system includes at least one support structure, at least one resilient mounting clip, and at least two panels received by each mounting clip. A method of assembling a panel mount system includes positioning and securing a resilient mounting clip on a support structure and receiving each of a first panel and a second panel with the resilient mounting clip.

Abstract: A fire-rated angle piece and wall assemblies or other assemblies that incorporate the fire-rated angle piece, in which the angle piece can include an intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The angle can be attached adjacent to a corner of a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed between the framing member and a wall board member at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. A fire spray material can be applied over a portion of the angle piece.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, in which building panels are used to form a structure. The building panel includes a core and a coating covering a portion of the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and one or more than one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes an inner scratch layer and an outer main brown layer. The inner scratch layer can be formed of at least two layers and a fiberglass mesh. The outer main brown layer can include a fiberglass mesh embedded into the outer main brown layer. A coating/frame coupler is disclosed which securely couples the coating to the frame so that the building panel remains strong and stable even if the EPS foam blocks are melted or damaged in extreme conditions such as a fire.

Abstract: A composite tie rod comprises an open lattice body formed of interlaced filaments held in a solid matrix. A pair of fittings rigidly connect rod ends with the ends of the body. The rod ends form attachment points on the tie rod.

Abstract: A post support device that enables a rotted base portion of a wooden support post to be removed in situ and the remaining end of the support post to be secured for regained structural integrity, the device having a base adapted to being attached to the surface, elevation support means in cooperation with the base for supporting the post above the base, at least two cover plates, each adapted to covering a portion of the exterior of the post, and each including an elongate flange facing inward towards the post and generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post, said flange portion including a leading cutting edge to enable the flange portion to bite into the surface material of the post upon the application of force to the flange to provide a mechanical seal between the flange and the post, first and second fastening means for securing each cover plate to the post and the base and the elevation support means to the post or the filler block if one is used, respectively.

Abstract: System and method for reinforcing structures includes basalt textile 20 connected to surfaces of the structure 100 with fiber anchors 30. Textile spreads forces and increases ductility of structure. Textile may connect multiple structural elements together, including walls, floors, columns, beams, and roofs. Textile is covered with mortar 50 customized to match color and texture of structure by use of locally obtained grit, aggregate, or colorant. Basalt fiber textile is preferred to avoid degradation of textile from alkaline components of mortar 50.

Abstract: A fastener including a body having a predetermined axial length, wherein the body includes a screw head at one axial end of the body, a threaded portion at an opposite axial end of the body and an unthreaded shank portion extending between the screw head and the threaded portion, and wherein the shank portion has an axial length in excess of at least one-third of the axial length of the fastener body.

Abstract: A rigid guard for a metal wall stud comprising a flat outer wall with apertures for accommodating fasteners to affix it to the outer side of a wall stud, a first pair of flanges extending perpendicularly from one edge of the outer wall at upper and lower ends of the guard, and a second pair of flanges extending perpendicularly from an opposite edge of the outer wall at the upper and lower ends of the guard and each carrying a laterally inturned lip on its free end.

Abstract: A novel fastener for holding and spacing an object at a predetermined distance from a substrate comprises a bridge portion, a first prong extending in a driving direction from the bridge portion, and a second prong spaced from the first prong and extending generally parallel to the first prong in the driving direction from the bridge portion, wherein the second prong is substantially shorter than the first prong.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a 0.625 inch (? inch) thick gypsum wallboard panel to a wooden building frame. The fastener includes a body having a predetermined axial length. The body includes a cupped head at one axial end of the body, having a diameter that is at least in excess of 0.297 inches ({fraction (19/64)} inches), a threaded portion at an opposite axial end of the body and an unthreaded shank portion extending between the cupped head and the threaded portion, wherein the shank portion has an axial length that is at least in excess of one-third of the axial length of the fastener body, and a shank portion diameter that is at least in excess of 0.098 inches.

Abstract: A self-furring wire lath has stiffening trusses. In a preferred embodiment the lath comprises a grid of intersecting transverse and longitudinal wires welded at their intersections. Stiffening trusses are formed at bent sections in the transverse wires by first longitudinal wires affixed at the shoulders of the bent sections and second longitudinal wires affixed on the bent sections. A barrier layer is disposed between the first and second longitudinal wires. A building paper backing may be affixed to the barrier layer. The lath reduces cracking and wastage of stucco while remaining easy to work with.

Abstract: An exterior wall restoration system is applied to an existing exterior wall construction in various layers. The wall restoration system can be utilized to cover damaged or defective wall systems without having to remove a substantial portion of the existing wall system. The wall restoration system includes a water resistant membrane layer, a reinforced cementatious base coat layer, a finish coat layer, a sealant layer, and a final coat layer—these layers are applied over the existing wall system.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing portable nail care in which a mobile nail care kiosk having running water and a station for providing the nail care is wheeled to a temporary position, such as by a gate of an airport terminal, to permit the on-the-spot provision of nail care services adjacent the gate. In one embodiment, the mobile kiosk is provided with its own self-contained water supply and waste disposal vessel, along with a heater for heating the water for a sink adjacent the nail care table for providing running water for use throughout the nail care process. By virtue of the mobility of the kiosk, nail care services can be provided at a convenient location to passengers or airport personnel whose flights have been delayed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device that creates a semishaded surface whose level of exposure to sunlight can be determined and on which the sunlight can be distributed uniformly for a given period. It consists of a fixed framework (1) supporting a mobile reciprocating frame (2). A skylight (A) with slats is set into the mobile frame (2). The mobile frame (2) supports one of several frames (3) into which are set skylights (b) with slats. The adjustable deviation between the frames (2 and 3) determines the level of exposure to sunlight. This device is especially intended for persons who wish to be exposed to a reasonable level of sunlight. Its field of application is particularly, though not exclusively, in the tourism, leisure and accommodation industries.

Abstract: A complete pre-fabricated tile counter is described that is already tiled and grouted and ready for installation upon a cabinet or other substructure, with or without a back splash or side splash panel. Counter tops including built-in sinks, and counters and splash panels may be produced economically in any style, shape and tile selected by a homeowner or builder prior to installation at a site. The invention counters are designed to be installed easily by the average homeowner or builders, in a minimum of time and with little mess to be cleaned up.

Abstract: An enclosure with an adjacent auxiliary fold-out room is useful as a utility building for cellular telephone equipment. The auxiliary fold-out room is selectively positionable in a collapsed configuration and alternatively positionable in a expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration the auxiliary fold-out room lies against the enclosure and in the expanded configuration, panels of the auxiliary fold-out room define an enclosed space adjacent an access opening of the enclosure and provide cover for maintenance personnel while servicing equipment within the enclosure.

Abstract: A modular structure for use in displays and exhibitions wherein three girders are affixed to vertical columns in a triangular patter having a right triangle. Triangular floor panels are supported by longitudinal flanges on the beams to provide an elevated load-bearing surface. The structure, girders and floor panels are designed for rapid assembly and take-down.

Abstract: A fixed or portable multi-functional enclosure that is card-operated, climate controlled, and provides a quiet work place for use by students or businessmen. The enclosure has a generally semi-oval shaped housing comprising a front portion including a front cowling, a central portion with a curved door, and a rear portion with a lower section and a rear lid. The enclosure housing includes three magnetic card readers located on the opaque front cowling, the curved door, and the rear lid. The central portion includes an ergonomically designed seat or chair and a curved console containing a computer monitor. The ergonomically designed seat or chair is tiltable and is dimensionally adjustable up, down, forward, and backward. The console includes a fiber optic camera, a computer monitor, a computer printer, a modem, a facsimile machine, and a phone speaker. Positioned on the console are connection ports for a VOX head phone set and a virtual reality head set.

Abstract: A modular structure for constructing houses is designed for children to play. The structure includes moulded material panels which are connected with the assistance of corner parts through conjugated members built into the panels. The panels have an outer embossed surface resembling stonework, windows and door openings in which the relevant leaves or panes are articulated. The facade parts form a top angle for supporting saddle roof parts above. The modular structure is used for mounting houses for children to play within and it is accessible for children. The house may also have auxiliary rotatable simulated domestic elements, such as a vertical mirror that rotates down to be a horizontal table top.

Abstract: A system of internal structuring of establishments for the marketing of telecommunications services, consisting of a group of elements configuring a commercial establishment contemplating the repetitive succession of a number of identical porticos which structure the usable space of the premises, the porticos consisting of columns and illuminating beams supported thereon, to which different modules structuring divisions by areas or modes of attention to clients are incorporated, with identification of a cabinet, a zone for presentation of services, a zone for promotion of services or emphasis thereon, a zone or area for experimentation, a zone for assistance or information, an area of personalized attention to clients and an area for exhibition of available equipment.

Abstract: A self-contained workstation defined by a multi-panel divider wall which defines a workstation area and is closeable by a door assembly hingedly connected thereto. The workstation is readily movable and accessible so as to facilitate repositioning of the workstation as well as opening and closing of the door assembly. The workstation further includes an overhead canopy which is pivotally connected along one edge to the divider wall and extends forwardly therefrom so as to overlie the workstation area which canopy is raisable to adjust vertical clearance within the workstation.

Abstract: A storage shed of a height less than that of an adult person, and which is accessed through a front door or ramp, when the roof portions are in an open supported position. The shed is intended for use in locations where local regulations prevent the placement of buildings that exceed the height of a residential fence. The superstructure of the shed; namely, the walls and roof portion(s) is formed of metal frame members which are covered over with a plywood or vinyl siding. The roof covering may be corrugated galvanized sheeting, or wood optionally covered by shingles as well as transparent or translucent plastic. The roof may be opened and closed by the operation of a series of water operated or electrically operated rams.

Abstract: A modular bank station unit for installation in building environments, such as stores, shopping centers, and office buildings, for providing full banking services, said modular bank unit comprising a pair of side walls and a rear wall bolted together to support a top enclosure, the top enclosure having compartments for storing video equipment. The unit also includes a front counter enclosure fully engaged with the side walls to enclose the unit and totally support the side walls, wherein the front enclosure provides opposing partitions, a customer window between the partitions, a plurality of cabinets, shelves, and bins for holding banking documents, a computer, a facsimile, and other banking equipment. The front enclosure provides a curved front surface to provide smooth customer flow.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a rigid, one-piece, lightweight, plastic and/or resin cover housing structure designed to accommodate and protect an outdoor barbecue grill positioned within. The shape of the grill covering allows for the shape of an outdoor grill and further allows for convenient use and storage. Furthermore, the grill covering provides additional food service and/or preparation space, and an apparatus whereby cooking utensils can be stored.

Abstract: A modular convenience store. The store has a floor and a plurality of walls extending substantially vertically from the floor, which define a perimeter of the store, which has an interior and exterior. This plurality of walls includes a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall. The front wall is less than or equal to sixty feet long. The rear wall is less than or equal to sixty feet long and substantially opposing the front wall. The left wall is less than or equal to fourteen feet long, and the right wall is less than or equal to fourteen feet long and substantially opposing the left wall. A roof covers the interior of the store. A front door is substantially intermediate the front wall, and a rear door is substantially intermediate the rear wall. A walk-in cooler, with an interior, is located within the interior of the store, adjacent the left and rear walls, left of the rear door, and spaced from the front wall.

Abstract: A building unit for providing shelter, storage space, and the like generally includes a floor panel, two side wall panels, two end panels, and a roof panel. The floor panel has a pair of floor supports extending along its exterior surface. The floor supports define a passageway therethrough for receiving air. Side brackets releasably mount the two side wall panels to the floor panel and roof panel. Roof brackets matingly engage upwardly extending flanges of the roof panel to stabilize the building structure and seal the interior of the building unit against leaks. The roof brackets also interlock with the side brackets to stabilize the building unit. A building unit may be erected adjacent to other building units to form a modular building assembly.

Abstract: An open but secure kiosk, anchored in the ground, for a full service travel center in an indoor commercial public area is, in one embodiment, substantially rectangular with a small square area removed from each corner and has vertical corner beams, an upper wall portion defined by at least two parallel double upper cross-beams running along the entire upper perimeter of the kiosk, a lower wall portion along the entire lower perimeter of the kiosk directly below the upper wall portion constructed of continuous solid block roughly three feet in height and including the upright side wall of customer counters that form the two longer sides of the kiosk. There are also ceiling cross-beams. Movable grates above the counters close downward and seal the long side walls and there are bright signs at the top of the long walls.

Abstract: A solar energy bus shelter comprising a floor in a rectangular configuration having a first edge, a parallel back edge, and parallel side edges therebetween; a rear wall with adjacent parallel short side coupled to the floor and extending upwardly therefrom; forward supports extending upwardly from the floor adjacent to the front edge and adjacent side edges; legs extending downwardly from the floor positionable in the ground with enlarged lower extents; the floor also having at least one forwardly extending ramp; windows formed in the opposite sides and front of the frame with associated framing to support the windows with respect to the frame with doors being mounted in openings formed in the frame above at least one ramp; a roof mounted on the frame to cover the frame, the roof being formed of an insulated material with transparent skylights; a bench spaced upwardly from the floor and forwardly of the rear wall to define an air inlet thereabove adjacent the rear wall; and windows extending upwardly from a

Abstract: The present invention is a short-term rest facility for travelers that can be erected within existing transportation terminal structures such as airports, bus terminals, train stations, and the like. The traveler's quarters of the present invention has provision for automatically charging the fees for the use of the facility to the guest's credit or debit card account. The traveler's quarters of the present invention contains complete bedroom and bathroom facilities, and other amenities.

Abstract: A self-leveling underlayment for a tile countertop is disclosed. Roofing felt covers the deck, and a flashing strip is fitted along the seam where the deck meets walls. Metal lath is laid over the felt, and rebar is laid along edges of the deck. Backsplash tile is supported by lengths of backer board along walls adjacent the deck. A self-leveling, water-based, cementitious underlayment mix, once set-up, supports the tile.

Abstract: The roof tiles (1) of a sloping roof rest via a ridge on tile laths (2) and overlap one another in two directions. They are fixed with tile hooks (4) and each tile hook (4) comprises a first shaft section (7), which at the free end has a hook-shaped bend (8) which grips around a closing groove (6) on a side edge of a first tile, a second shaft section (9), which at the free end has a device (10) by which the tile hook is fixed to a tile lath (2), and a shoulder (11), which is located between the two shaft sections (7 and 9) and engages on the rear surface of a second tile partially located under the first tile. The two shaft sections (7 and 9) of the tile hooks are essentially perpendicular to the shoulder (11).

Abstract: An improved metal framing member that utilizes stiffening sections to enable lighter gauge of metal to be used. The framing member also features embossed surfaces that facilitate fastening using standard self-tapping fasteners. Safety edges are provided to eliminate the sharp edge problem of handling metal framing members. The framing member is designed to be fabricated using rollforming methods in all standard sizes of studs, floor joists, rafters, and trusses.

Abstract: A panel system for office workstations wherein a display board is removably secured to a hanging bar, The bar has a bracket assembly for selectively and removably hanging it onto a selected surface and has flanges arranged in the bar which may receive the bracket assembly and which removably secure the display board on the hanging bar when the display board is oriented with the flanges in a predetermined position. The display board has a frame defined by top, bottom and side extrusions and corner members joining the extrusions together, utilizing channels arranged in the extrusions, and hangers slideably fixed in the extrusion channels which are adapted to be secured in channels when properly oriented therewith. A tray may also be removably secured in the channels of the display board extrusions in selected removably secured positions.

Abstract: A special mobile kitchen provides an impact-resistant food service trailer and a rapid deployment, containerized field kitchen unit which can be quickly transported to a remote field location by helicopter or other aircraft as well as by ship or land transportation. Advantageously, the mobile kitchen has thermally insulating composite walls so that the kitchen unit can effectively function even at freezing temperatures and dessert conditions. The composite walls can be readily assembled from modular components comprising lightweight, high strength fiberglass panels for easy storage and economical transport. Desirably, the high tech panels are constructed with numerous access openings for ready access to work stations in the kitchen for better service, repair, maintenance, and adjustments and for enhanced supply and delivery of food. During storms and inclement weather, the access openings can be closed and secured with impact-resistant doors and shutters.

Abstract: Workstations with the look and feel of millwork but with the flexibility of systems furniture comprise modules constructed from a relatively few number of elements. The modules are based on several basic geometries, and comprise a horizontal work surface, a forward support panel assembly, and end panel assemblies. In addition, each module can be equipped with transactional shelves and various accessories, e.g. pull-out writing shelves and pencil drawers, drawer pedestals, courtesy shelves, lighting, etc. The elements of the modules are constructed from durable materials that are easy to maintain and clean. Certain embodiments of these workstations are particularly well adapted for use in health care settings.

Abstract: A pre-burned ceramic cap cooperating with a notched metallic stud to anchor ceramic fiber insulating material in the interior wall of a furnace. The cap is provided with a slotted collar internally of the cap, so that on rotation of the cap surfaces on the collar engage surfaces on a notch to lock the assembly in position and to protect the metallic parts of the assembly from the deteriorating effects of combustion gas contact therewith.

Abstract: This invention provides a fastener which includes a shank having a head on one end and a conical portion on the other, the apex of the conical portion constituting a piercing point for the fastener. The shank includes a smooth cylindrical portion adjacent the conical portion and a threaded portion adjacent the head. The axial section of the fastener exhibits an abrupt, angled transition between the conical portion and the smooth cylindrical portion. The thread diameter of the threads on the threaded portion is greater than the diameter of the smooth cylindrical portion, which is the same as the base diameter of the conical portion. The thread angle of the threads is between about 35.degree. and about 55.degree., and the included cone angle of the conical portion is between about 23.degree. and about 35.degree..