Abstract: A deck system including hold-down devices for attaching deck boards to deck support structures and a siding system including attachment devices for mounting siding boards to wall structures. Hold-down devices are attached to deck support structures by horizontally-extending fasteners and attach the deck boards to the deck support structures without fasteners providing paths for water to pass through the deck boards into the support structures. Deck board engagement members of the hold-down device extend into slots in deck boards. Siding board attachment devices are mounted on upright surfaces of wall structures using horizontally extending fasteners. Siding boards are mounted with a standoff distance providing ventilation space behind and between siding boards.

Abstract: Provided is a module for accommodating electrical equipment for controlling a wind turbine, the module including a first platform first platform and spaced apart from a but connected with each other by a connection element. The first platform is configured to be attached to the tower or a support structure of the wind turbine by means of a first mounting support. The second platform is configured to be attached to the tower or the supporting structure of the wind turbine by means of a second mounting support, the second mounting support including a plurality of second mounting support units. The first platform is arranged to be located below the second platform after being mounted inside the tower or the supporting structure of the wind turbine. The first platform has a plurality of first cutouts which correspond to the shape and the arrangement of the second mounting support units.

Abstract: The present invention is a raised flooring system adapted for use in commercial and residential flooring construction. The flooring system comprises of inverted-T-shaped tracks with a plurality of adjustable supporting legs mounted thereon to adjust the height of the inverted-T-shaped track. The inverted-T-shaped tracks create a void space for air circulation, installation of insulation panels, noise reduction, in-floor heating and water drainage. The void space also allows for cables and services to run below the floor. The inverted-T-shaped track is made of rigid insulation which is durable and mold resistant.

Abstract: A stringer for decking has a strip of material to extend over a top surface of a decking joist, and is provided with clips. Each clip has a base part standing up from the strip, and a head projecting in the lengthwise direction of the strip. Alternate clips have their heads projecting towards opposite ends of the joist. The size of the head, and the height of the head above the strip, are chosen to fit into the grooves of a standard grooved deck board. The lengthwise spacing between two adjacent clips with their heads facing towards each other is chosen so that the standard grooved deck board will fit onto the two clips with the two heads received in the grooves on either side of the board. The lengthwise spacing between two adjacent clips with their heads facing away from each other sets the width of a gap between two boards fitted onto the two clips.

Abstract: An installation method and tool facilitate the installation of decking members onto an elongated fastening track in an integrated fastening track systems. The installation tool comprises a base having a distal portion and a proximal portion. Imparting a striking force to the rear face of the base distal portion urges the front surface of the base proximal portion laterally into contact with fastening tangs integral with and extending upwardly from the fastening track, thereby engaging the fastening tangs to secure a decking member with longitudinal side edge slots to the fastening track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for covering a surface of a wall, preferably the surface of a wall of a ship, more preferably the surface of the deck of a ship. The system according to the invention comprises: a number of first wall-covering elements; two mounting assemblies, each comprising a second wall-covering element and a connecting assembly for releasable connection of the second wall-covering element to the surface of the wall for covering; and a number of first coupling elements for coupling the first wall-covering elements to the mounting assemblies.

Abstract: A modular platform assembly for a wind turbine tower includes a core platform sub-assembly having an underlying structural support grid. A plurality of platform extension panels are disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of a perimeter of the core platform sub-assembly. Support extensions are configured on the support grid at a plurality of circumferential positions around the core platform sub-assembly, with the platform extension panels supported by the support extension. The support extensions are mountable to a wall within a wind turbine tower and are variably positional on the support grid so at to vary the effective diameter of the support grid.

Abstract: A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.

Abstract: A deck plank readily attaches to an engagement clip when force is applied generally from the upper surface down on the plank. When a plurality of clips are attached to underlying surface, and a plurality of deck planks are oriented to the clips and urged into engagement, a secure deck structure is provided. The deck plank surface extends laterally beyond the outside vertical supporting panel (32) and turns downward to form downward facing supporting leg (45). The opposite side of the deck plank between outside supporting leg (35) and outside vertical supporting panel (34) forms a water resistant cavity that does not get penetrated by fasteners due to the underside clipping means. The deck plank and clipping system allows the individual repair of deck planks without removing the adjacent deck planks.

Abstract: A sealed floating roof for a storage tank, comprising a frame and roof panels, in which the frame provides a guide for directing an automatic welder along said structure to allow for automated welding of the roof panels to the frame, and a method of forming such a roof.

Abstract: A lining board includes: a plate-like support structure which is made of a multi-layered fiber sheet and has a plurality of hollows; and an upper plate which is attached to the top of the support structure and has a plurality of LED leading lightings formed on the top of the upper plate. The honeycomb-structured lining board including fiber sheets stacked with a predetermined thickness has advantages of lightness, high impact-resistance and high noise-proofing due to high sound absorptiveness.

Abstract: A modular structure foundation system that requires no heavy equipment, minimal site preparation, bag concrete and crushed rock, and can be easily assembled by a small crew. The foundation consists of a number of box bar joists that are square units which are assembled based on a grid layout. The box bar joists are supported by foundation steel columns that are embedded into the ground. No forms or other complex structures are needed for the installation. Once the columns are installed, the box bar joists are installed using a unique leveling system. Once the box bar joists are level and secured to the columns, the foundation is complete. The use of the box bar joists also allows for expansion or contraction as additional box bar joists can easily be added or removed from the foundation. Once the box bar joists are in place, the foundation is ready for building.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for providing enhanced assembly tolerances (for thermal or manufacturing variations, e.g.) in constructing gazebos or other standalone decking systems, decks adjoining a house or other primary structure, or other such structures for walkways or human occupancy.

Abstract: A deck for positioning adjacent a structure may include a foundation configured for positioning relatively proximate to the structure, a frame extending from the foundation, and a deck system arranged about and supported by the frame, wherein the deck is adapted for positioning adjacent the structure and for cantilevering away from the structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems for connecting a flooring system to a vertical wall. In one embodiment the building structure includes a floor comprising a cementitious slab and a wall supporting at least a portion of the cementitious slab. A plurality of stand-off screws extend from the top of the wall into the cementitious slab and are configured to transfer forces between the cementitious slab and the wall. The stand-off screws comprise a lower screw portion and an upper stand-off portion. The lower screw portion is drilled into the top of the wall, and the upper stand-off portion extends above the top of the wall and is encapsulated within the cementitious slab. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lower screw portion is heat treated to a higher degree of hardness relative to the remainder of the stand-off screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting tubular goods and wellbore tools that can be used to perform down-hole operations in oil and gas wells. The support apparatus has a minimal footprint and requires minimal surface area. The support apparatus can be used to jack and remove casing and other pipe, as well as other rig-less downhole well operations.

Abstract: A tunnel structure includes a frame; a continuous plate fixed to the frame in order to protect passing-through pedestrians; supporting legs hinged to the frame; and a connecting section supported by the frame, the connecting section configured to enable the combination of multiple tunnel structures.

Abstract: A system including a column (12), a first connecting element (30) extending from the column (12), a beam (14), and a second connecting element (70). The beam includes a base wall (42) at least partially defining a cavity (40) and a cutout (48) in the base wall (42) that is configured to receive the column (12) and that is configured with respect to the first connecting element (30). The second connecting element (70) is disposed in the cavity (40), and the first and second connecting elements (30, 70) are configured to connect the beam (14) to the column (12).

Abstract: A support structure of the type used as a truss for entertainment productions is disclosed. The support structure includes a plurality of frame segments arranged to form a truss and an implement bracket attached to the truss, the implement bracket connecting an implement to the truss. The implement bracket deploys from a stowed position within a space defined by the truss through a window of the truss formed by truss frame segments to a working position outside the space defined by the truss.

Abstract: A deck unit has a hinged, cover panel for use in a deck system as a ceiling. The hinge may be a continuous hinge running the length of the deck unit, preferably a continuous hinge, and extend the length and width of the deck unit including its side flanges or be recessed within it. The edge of access panel cover opposite its hinge is secured using a securing mechanism to a bracket affixed inside the deck unit. By example, a set screw is threaded through a hole in the cover panel, through a weld nut on the inside face of the cover panel and through a U-nut straddling the bracket. Accordingly from a distance, the hinge, latch and the securing mechanism are not visible to indicate that the cover can be opened to permit access to the deck system interior.

Abstract: A modular elevated walkway system elevates a person and places them in close proximity to an engine compartment to enable the person to conduct maintenance on components of the engine. The system includes a plurality of platform units. Each of the platform units is coupled to an adjacently positioned one of the platform units. Each of the platform units includes a platform having a planar upper surface configured for supporting the weight of a person standing thereupon. A plurality of legs is coupled to and extends downwardly from the associated platform. The legs are configured to support the associated platform above a ground surface.

Abstract: A floor system for a building includes prefabricated grid sections attached to framing members of the building and a plurality of panels mounted to the grid to form a structurally integrated floor. The panels are removable to provide access to space below the floor that would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor. A subfloor deck below the floor separates one building story from another and encloses the space between the floor and the deck, which can be used for temporary and permanent installations including, for example, pipes for water, laboratory gases, and compressed air, and power, telephone, and data cables; and as a plenum for HVAC. Either or both of the floor and the subfloor deck can be attached to the building frame to function as a diaphragm. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors and raised accessible flooring systems.

Abstract: A decking system comprises a ledger board for mounting on an upright supporting surface, a beam, a plurality of joists for spanning between the ledger board and the beam, and a plurality of deck boards for spanning across the joists in which all of the components can be mounted to one another by interlocking engagement of various connectors so that no additional fasteners are required for assembly. The components are formed of extruded and molded materials which do not require any maintenance. A railing system and a stair system are also provided which similarly connect by interlocking engagement of the components.

Abstract: The wood deck is made of deck boards and deck board connectors. Each deck board has a lip extending along each side thereof. A pair of wings, a riser and the sole plate of a board connector define a pair of oppositely facing board receiving slots for receiving the lips of a pair of adjacent deck boards. Each deck board is preferably made of torrefied wood. The deck board connectors have bosses on their riser for maintaining a desired spacing between deck boards. Each deck board connector has drainage channels in its sole plate, on each side of the riser for draining any moisture that may seep between deck boards. Each deck board connector also has aeration gaps under its sole plate for drying any moisture that may seep beneath the boards. The wood deck is thereby less susceptible of retaining moisture under or between the deck boards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for covering a surface of a wall, preferably the surface of a wall of a ship, more preferably the surface of the deck of a ship. The system according to the invention comprises: a number of first wall-covering elements; two mounting assemblies, each comprising a second wall-covering element and a connecting assembly for releasable connection of the second wall-covering element to the surface of the wall for covering; and a number of first coupling elements for coupling the first wall-covering elements to the mounting assemblies.

Abstract: Construction elements and methods of using and making them in a structurally strong manner are disclosed. The construction element and the method of making it may be in the form of an elongated beam, a post or other. The element may include a generally tubular open frame formed of a series of conjoined octahedral sections constructed and arranged in a side by side manner joined together by conjoined pairs of tetrahedral sections disposed intermediate the octahedral sections. Each pair of octahedral sections may be constructed and arranged such that they are conjoined together by a common member, also common with the intermediate tetrahedral sections. The method may include forming an upright structure, using at least one large construction element having a plurality of octahedral and tetrahedral sections, and positioning at least one small construction element within an opening within the sections of the large construction element and affixing thereto.

Abstract: A deck board mounting clip mounts deck boards to joist members with respective undercut portions in a deck structure. The mounting clip has an intermediate body received between an adjacent deck boards, a first retainer flange protruding laterally into the side edge of one of the deck boards, a second retainer flange protruding laterally into the side edge of the next deck board, and a hook portion engageable with the undercut portion of the joist member such that the mounting clip cannot be lifted from the joist member.

Abstract: A decking system comprises a ledger board for mounting on an upright supporting surface, a beam, a plurality of joists for spanning between the ledger board and the beam, and a plurality of deck boards for spanning across the joists in which all of the components can be mounted to one another by interlocking engagement of various connectors so that no additional fasteners are required for assembly. The components are formed of extruded and molded materials which do not require any maintenance. A railing system and a stair system are also provided which similarly connect by interlocking engagement of the components.

Abstract: A plank assembly for use in an attic safely supports an individual on an attic surface whether moving across or remaining stationary on the surface. The assembly includes a plank having a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The plank is configured for coupling to a pair of joists supporting an attic when a top side of the joists abuts the bottom surface of the plank. A pair of extensions is coupled to the plank. Each of the extensions is coupled to opposite ends of the perimeter edge. Each of the extensions is slanted downwardly relative to the top surface of the plank. An inner side of each of the extensions is configured for positioning above an outer side of an associated one of the joists.

Abstract: Provided is a modular construction kit adapted to construct a raised temporary platform, the modular construction kit comprising one or more floor elements, wherein the floor element comprises a monocoque structure forming a floor section and a flange section, wherein the flange section is adapted to strengthen the floor element and is adapted to be attached to a further element to form a self-supporting floor, without the requirement for a supporting floor frame.

Abstract: An easily assembled, transportable, re-deployable, modular, protective, double-roof system is disclosed which is compatible with other Modular Protective System (MPS) components and can be assembled in a variety of configurations to provide soldiers and equipment with protective enclosures.

Abstract: A spring clip system for mounting material to a structure includes: a spring clip, a rail and a starter clip. and. A first end of the spring clip is threaded through a hole in the rail while a second end of the spring clip is placed over the edge of siding material. A bottom portion of the spring clip holds the top edge of siding board and a top portion is used to hold the bottom of next siding board. The first end of the clip is bent back over the edge of the hole in the rail against the force of the spring action and snapped over the outer edge and into a notch. The starter clip is holds the bottom edge of the first siding board. The starter clip is held in place by a pin and receives the bottom of the first siding board.

Abstract: Fastening means, a preferred embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 2, has a joist 1 and a locking member 5. The joist 1 has a channel and locking extensions and the locking member 5 has a base 6 and an upstand 7. The base 6 has rounded corners 10. The fastening means is formed such that when it is in use the locking member 5 can be slid into the channel and rotated therein to assume a locking position, such rotation made possible by the rounded corners 10 which, when in use, serve to prevent a rotational impasse between the joist 1 and the locking member 5. The fastening means is formed such that when the locking member is in the locking position it is in a tight fit within the channel and cannot pull out of the channel by reason of obstruction by the locking extensions.

Abstract: A deck assembly uses plurality of joists preferably formed from metal located side by side and each having a web portion and a deck portion Integrally formed with the web portion. The deck portion extends laterally from the web portion and the joists are spaced from one another such that the deck portions from a continuous deck surface with the joists being connected to one another.

Abstract: The composite joist floor system includes joists supporting metal decking and a stand-off fasteners are spaced along the length of the joist Each fastener has an upper portion with a through hardness between HRB 70 and HRC 40 and a lower portion having a threaded portion with a through hardness of between HRB 70 and HRC 40 and a thread-forming portion adjacent the threaded portion with at least a HRC 50 hardness and failure torque to thread-forming torque of at least 3.0 and a drive torque at least 20% less than a thread-forming torque, and a fluted lead portion adjacent the thread-forming portion with a nominal diameter between 70 and 95% of major diameter of the threaded portion adapted to form a fastener opening. These stand-off fasteners extend into and are encapsulated by a cementitious slab supported by the metal decking to form a composite floor system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems for connecting a flooring system to a vertical wall. In one embodiment the building structure includes a floor comprising a cementitious slab and a wall supporting at least a portion of the cementitious slab. A plurality of stand-off screws extend from the top of the wall into the cementitious slab and are configured to transfer forces between the cementitious slab and the wall. The stand-off screws comprise a lower screw portion and an upper stand-off portion. The lower screw portion is drilled into the top of the wall, and the upper stand-off portion extends above the top of the wall and is encapsulated within the cementitious slab. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the lower screw portion is heat treated to a higher degree of hardness relative to the remainder of the stand-off screw.

Abstract: A framing structure includes elements that are integrally connected by a poured bonding core. The elements include a hollow-interior column and a beam having a cavity that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material. The hollow interior of the column and the cavity of the beam form a continuous volume that is configured to receive a pourable bonding material.

Abstract: A fastener for securing first and second decking boards with a joist is shown and described. The fastener may include a joist connecting member capable of engaging the joist, a board connecting member capable of engaging the first decking board, where the board connecting member is generally perpendicular the joist connecting member. The fastener may also include a retention feature laterally spaced from the board connecting member, where the retention feature is capable of engaging the second decking board.

Abstract: A pergola structure (10), comprising: at least one horizontal rafter (28), comprising a plurality of tilted notches (22) at the top (32) thereof; and a plurality of parallel horizontal purlins (34), each inserted into the tilted notches (22) from above, thereby each of the purlins (34) is disposed at two sides (12A, 12B) of the rafter (28), providing a firm roof, while allowing flow of air and light therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flashing systems used to control and redirect water and, more specifically, to flashing systems used to control and redirect water from the junction of a deck with a wall or post. The present invention utilizes a se of flashing members and an upward facing pocket to create a system that drains water away from the decking assembly, including the support structure and decking.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting tubular goods and wellbore tools that can be used to perform down-hole operations in oil and gas wells. The support apparatus has a minimal footprint and requires minimal surface area. The support apparatus can be used to jack and remove casing and other pipe, as well as other rig-less downhole well operations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pressurized flooring for aircraft, provided with beams (1) including an upper sole (2), a vertical web plate (3), and a lower sole (4), the lower sole being provided with two oblique feet (7, 8) arranged on both sides of the vertical web plate and presenting a support surface (14, 15) provided for supporting pressurized curved membranes (9), characterized in that the lower sole includes a linking element (10) connecting the two oblique feet, so that said lower sole presents an enclosed section. Such a structure can be advantageously realized in composite material.

Abstract: An aisle containment system is provided. The aisle containment system includes a pair of wall beams suspended from a ceiling, a pair of floor tracks positioned beneath the wall beams and secured to a floor, and at least one blanking panel secured to one of the wall beams and one of the floor tracks.

Abstract: A support system securable between pairs of metal bar joists or beams includes one or more end brackets secured to the top of a first bar joist at one end, and another corresponding number of end brackets secured to the top of a second bar joist opposite the first two end brackets. One or more elongate bars span the distance separating the bar joists. Each elongate bar is secured to one of the end brackets secured to the first bar joist at a first end, and to the respective, aligned end bracket secured to the second bar joist at a second end. Cross members, each defined by a pair T-shaped bracket assemblies having cross bars secured thereto, are secured between the elongate bars.

Abstract: A boardwalk system including a first component having a pre-formed recess and a second component having a pre-formed recess. The system further includes a connector configured to be positioned in the recesses of the first and second components to connect the first and second components such that the connector limits the movement of first component away from the second component.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a concrete floor includes at least two joist assemblies. Each joist assembly includes a male frame member and a female frame member. A plurality of top joist clips retain a top of the male frame member against the female frame member and a plurality of bottom joist clips retain a bottom of the male frame against the female frame member. A plurality of bottom and top straps are used to retain a distance between two adjacent joist assemblies. A cross brace is used to retain a distance between two adjacent joist assemblies. A deck panel is retained and supported between two adjacent joist assemblies. Concrete is poured over a top of the deck panel to form a composite floor system. An exterior insulating finishing system is attached to the concrete, while it is still wet to form a composite wall system.

Abstract: A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.

Abstract: A connector for a ceiling framework including profile sections crossing one another at right angles for connecting the profile sections by being fitted to ends of certain profile sections which fit into apertures pierced in other profile sections. The connector includes two parts, a primary clip and a secondary clip, the two parts being associated with one another via a meltable mechanism capable of melting at a temperature of a fire to separate the two parts. In a fire, the secondary clips become detached allowing the primary clips to fit more deeply into the apertures of the profile sections, making it possible to absorb expansions due to heat of the fire and keep the framework and the ceiling sections it supports in place. The connector can be applied to the field of building construction, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting tubular goods and wellbore tools that can be used to perform down-hole operations in oil and gas wells. The support apparatus has a minimal footprint and requires minimal surface area. The support apparatus can be used to jack and remove casing and other pipe, as well as other rig-less downhole well operations.

Abstract: A modular decking system includes a plurality of elongated deck members for placement across a subsurface. Each plurality of elongated deck members has a top deck portion, opposed first and second downwardly extending sides having outwardly and laterally extending longitudinal flanges, and a plurality of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending leg members extending downwardly from the top deck portion between the first and second sides. An elongated connector, connecting adjacent first and second deck members of the plurality of deck members, has a horizontal base portion having first and second laterally spaced and upwardly extending sidewalls and an interconnecting wall extending between the first and second sidewalls forming an upwardly opening channel adapted to receive the first and second longitudinal flanges of the first and second deck members, respectively, and forming a longitudinal gutter disposed between the top deck portions of the first and the second deck members.