Abstract: A fastening apparatus for two or more prefabricated blocks, in which the apparatus includes a perforated plate, a first block with a step, a connector plate that sized and shaped to engage the step, and an upstanding wall that is spaced apart from the block member. The perforated plate is connected to the wall and extends away from it towards the step. The perforated plate is partially mounted on part of the connector plate so as to sandwich it between the perforated plate and the step.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wall panel system having a plurality of wall panels arranged within a framework. The wall panels may include a plurality of retention devices releasably engaging the framework to position the wall panels relative to the wall panel system. One or more of the retention devices may be actuated to engage and disengage from the framework. The wall panel system may include trim releasably engaging the framework.

Abstract: At least one first display module selected from display modules arranged in a matrix to form a display screen for displaying an image has a first screw hole into which a first screw is screwed with the first screw pressed against a second display module placed adjacent to the first display module in forming the display screen. The first display module has a through-hole. The second display module has a second screw hole into which a second screw is screwed after the second screw is put through the through-hole toward the second display module. The second screw includes a shank having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the through-hole and a head having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the through-hole.

Abstract: A pair of pants including a fly that can be opened and closed via a bi-directional zipper that extends from a top end proximal to an upper terminus of the pants to a bottom end at the crotch point of the pants. The zipper includes a top slider and a bottom slider that travel on a common set of zipper teeth. The top slider separates the zipper teeth when moved in a direction away from the top end toward the bottom end and closes the zipper teeth when moved in the opposite direction. The bottom slider separates the zipper teeth when moved in a direction toward the top end and away from the bottom end and closes the zipper teeth when moved in the opposite direction. The pants allow a wearer to excrete urine while in a sitting position, particularly such as when the wearer is operating an aircraft.

Abstract: A curtain wall constructed from prefabricated connecting wall elements mounted in rows next to and above each other with the wall elements including a frame of assembled profiles on the inside of the curtain wall and of one or more infill elements on the outside of the curtain wall. The frame contains mullions and transoms in the form of profiles which along the perimeter of the frame have female coupling parts and male coupling parts which allow the adjacent mullions and adjacent transoms in an assembled condition in the curtain wall to engage with their coupling parts to form composite basic profiles, where between two rows of connecting wall elements a horizontal seal has been applied which extends continuously in a horizontal direction over the width of the underlying row.

Abstract: Provided is a ballistic shield having a body formed from a ballistic resistant material and sized to protect at least a torso of an individual. A first flap is connected to a side of the body that is configured to fold into a first closed position and a first open position, in the first open position the first flap is configured to connect to second body of a second ballistic shield. A second flap is connected to a bottom of the body that is configured to fold into a second closed position and a second open position, in the second open position the second flap is configured to connect to second body of a second ballistic shield. A corner flap is connected to the first flap or the second flap, the corner flap is configured to fold into a third closed position and a third open position, in the third open position the corner flap is configured to cover any openings between a corner of the first body and a corner of the second body.

Abstract: An array of adjacent panels forms a display sign. Each panel has a frame that holds a display sheet showing a cellular portion of the sign. The display sheet covers a front of the frame. A border of the display sheet wraps around the sides of the frame and is trapped in a backside channel in each side member of the frame. Retainers pushed into the channel trap the border in the channel. Each frame may be quickly attached and released from a respective base attached to a wall or other support structure, allowing quick changes to all portions or selected portions of the sign. A mobile app may be provided that configures the sign in a camera image of the support structure, divides the sign into panels, and generates printer output in a selected printer page size for each panel, including the border.

Abstract: Floor and ceiling panels and methods of constructing a floor system for a building are described. In some embodiments, a panel includes a plurality of joists, a corrugated form deck disposed above and attached to the plurality of joists, a ceiling substrate disposed below and attached to the plurality of joists, and an in-floor radiant heat member disposed between the corrugated form deck and the ceiling substrate. In some embodiments, the panel includes a plurality of joists, a corrugated form deck disposed above and attached to the plurality of joists, and a sound dampener disposed between the corrugated form deck and the plurality of joists. In some embodiments, the method includes attaching a pre-assembled panel to a frame of the building and pouring concrete onto the panel so that a radiant heat member is separated from the concrete by a corrugated form deck of the panel.

Abstract: A mullion assembly is provided for forming a window assembly, the window assembly comprising a first window frame and a second window frame coupled to a monolithic mullion core such that a distal portion of the first window frame is in contact with a proximal surface of the mullion core and a proximal portion of the second window frame is in contact with a distal surface of the mullion core. The mullion assembly further comprises a first and second female connector on a respective first and second side of the mullion core. A plurality of separate compartments is defined along a length of the mullion core vertically between the proximal and distal surfaces and laterally between the first and second female connectors. The mullion assembly further comprises first and second male connectors configured to engage the female connectors and seal the first and second sides of the mullion core.

Abstract: Applique armor has a mounting plate with a channel that receives flanged beam mounted on a structure to be protected. A box is attached to the mounting plate opposite the channel. The box contains an open cell layer. When applied to a structure, adjacent mounting plates interlock using mortise and tenon, and mounting plates arranged one behind another overlap with boxes on neighboring mounting plates to eliminate gaps in the armor.

Abstract: A partition system includes a door adjacent a stile defining a seam there-between and a member extending across the seam for blocking viewing through the seam. Methods of installing partitions systems are also provided.

Abstract: A ceiling structure includes a suspended framework having a plurality of main runners and a plurality of cross runners interconnected to define an array of tile receiving openings and a plurality of ceiling tiles positioned within the array of tile receiving openings, each of the plurality of ceiling tiles having a plurality of magnets positioned at a peripheral portion thereof which are configured to magnetically couple the ceiling tile within a respective one of the tile receiving openings with the ceiling tile abutting a respective mounting frame. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The wooden building skeleton of the present invention has excellent quake resistance because the column of a rigid-frame structure joined to a cross member or the foundation so that a bending moment can be transferred therebetween and the load-bearing wall therein exhibit their load bearing ability. A foundation and a wooden column and the wooden column and a beam are respectively joined by two bolts so that a bending moment can be transferred therebetween. A load-bearing wall is also provided between the beam and the foundation. The length of the section of the bolts which undergoes elongation when inter-story deflection occurs between the beam and the foundation or the cross-sectional dimensions of the wooden column is set such that the inter-story deflection which is generated before the wooden column is fractured is almost equal to or greater than the inter-story deflection which is generated before the load-bearing wall is fractured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger pressure test shield to protect observers from a shell and tube heat exchanger plug ejection during a hydrostatic pressure test. The shield provides a transparent high impact resistant shield material clamped between two annular rings. This shield material is isolated from the annular rings by a flexible gasket, which allows slight movement of the shield material upon impact, which is necessary to prevent failure. The heat exchanger pressure test shield is mounted to the channel cover flange, after removal of the channel cover, with several studs passing through an adjustable slot, enabling attachment to a range of heat exchanger diameter sizes. The heat exchanger pressure test shield, with adjustable slot attachment, enables visual inspection of tube plugs during pressure testing at a lower cost, while significantly improving the safety of the observer.

Abstract: A modular beam assembly for installation on an automobile panel is provided. The modular beam assembly has an elongate beam inserted through a plurality of collars forming a slip fit and a retaining cap inserted on at least one end of the elongate beam to retain the elongate beam within the collars. A heat-curable adhesive material may be applied to the collars, the elongate beam, and the retaining cap. The assembly allows displacement of the elongate beam within the collars until the adhesive material is cured.

Abstract: A construction structure of wall surface includes: a hat joiner; and a building board. The hat joiner has a fixing plate portion and a design portion, and the building board has a design portion extending linearly on a surface. A joint at which the design portion of the hat joiner constitutes a design surface, and a design pattern at which the design portion of the building board constitutes a design surface, are formed in a same direction, by arranging the building board in plurality to left and right, or above and below, of the design portion of the hat joiner. A width of the joint at the design portion of the hat joiner is the same as a width of each of the design portions on the surface of each of the building boards.

Abstract: A series of self-standing and portable advertising displays include a hollow base with access to its interior that may be filled out with a solid or liquid material in order to add weight to the displays. By a combination of common elements as lateral supports, connecting unit, lower and upper corners units, advertising support frame and hollow base advertising displays having tower shaped structures of different polygonal sides are easily assembled. The obtained display uses tongue and grooves as well as key-hole mechanisms to fastening and secured different components of the structure.

Abstract: A solar device for being configured on a platform is provided. The solar device includes a solar module, a splicing member, and a bracket. The solar module has a first connection hole. The splicing member has a body, a first latching pin, and a second latching pin. The first and second latching pins extend from the body and face against each other. The bracket is fixed to the platform and has a second connection hole. The first latching pin passes through and is locked to the first connection hole correspondingly, and the second latching pin passes through and is locked to the second connection hole correspondingly, such that the splicing member is connected between the solar module and the bracket.

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: Systems for wall sections, wall panels assembled from sections, walls assembled from panels, and shelters assembled from walls. In embodiments, a wall for a shelter is disclosed, the wall comprising a frame comprising frame segments forming an n-sided closed polygon; at least one wall panel, each wall panel contained within the frame; and a plurality of flats, each flat attached to and overlapping a frame segment and a portion of a wall section, thereby retaining each wall panel within the frame. In embodiments, a shelter is disclosed, the shelter comprising a plurality of walls, each wall comprising a frame comprising frame segments forming an n-sided closed polygon; at least one wall panel, each wall panel contained within the frame; and a plurality of flats, each flat attached to and overlapping a frame segment and a portion of a wall section, thereby retaining each wall panel within the frame.

Abstract: A foundation wall includes a frame having a front side and a back side. The frame further includes a plurality of vertical stud members having a first end and a second end, a top beam attached to the first end of the plurality of vertical stud members, and a bottom beam attached to the second end of the plurality of vertical stud members to define a plurality of cavities between adjoining vertical stud members. Rigid insulation is adapted for positioning in the plurality of cavities to become a load-bearing part of the frame. One or more structural sheets is affixed to the front side of the frame and to the back side of the frame. A waterproof bond is formed along an interface between edges of the one or more structural sheets and a periphery around the front side and the back side of the frame.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of mullion retrofit adaptors, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over the front side of at least some mullion of the existing supporting framework. It also includes a plurality of new mullions, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over at least some of the retrofit adaptors. A method for refurbishing an existing curtain wall attached to a base structure is also presented. This proposed concept can significantly reduce the time and costs for refurbishing an existing curtain wall.

Abstract: A modular frame structure (1) for a wall made of glass or other pane material includes: a lower side or base (2) suitable to receive and lock an edge portion of a pane, an upper side or cross member (4) suitable to receive and lock an edge portion of a pane, one or more posts (6) suitable to receive and lock a portion of a pane, connecting means (8), suitable to guarantee a connection between posts (6) and lower (2) and upper (4) sides, in which: posts (6) comprise a reinforcing bar (9) suitable to confer stiffness to frame structure (1), connecting means (8) comprise a first undercut coupling seat (27) obtained on lower side (2), a second undercut coupling seat (28) obtained on upper side (4), first coupling portion (29) being insertable in first undercut (27), second coupling portion (30) being insertable in second undercut (28).

Abstract: Connecting element for panels (11, 12) comprising a flange (19) having a presser (19?) at a first end, a first longitudinal seat (20a) for receiving and engaging an extension (13) of a first panel (11) in an intermediate portion, and a enlarged base (28) at a second end, said first longitudinal seat (20a) being open in an area adjacent to said flange and delimited, besides by said flange (19) also by a first lateral wall (22) opposite to said flange (19) and by a first base wall (25) for connecting said first lateral wall (22) with said flange (19), said enlarged base (28) defining with a first projection (29), which extends from a first end thereof towards said first base wall (25), a first longitudinal channel (20b) delimited by said flange (19), said first base wall (25), said enlarged base (28) and said first projection (29), wherein said first base wall (25) extends in the direction orthogonal to said flange (19) at least over a section equivalent to the distance between said flange (19) and said first p

Abstract: A concrete exterior wall system for residential and commercial construction incorporates interior wood, metal or composite framing members. The wall system solves the problem of erecting heavy, hard to manage solid wall segments as well as time-consuming, complicated multi-piece wall segments. Further, the wall system eliminates the need to frame interior walls for utility access, insulation and interior finishes. Moreover, the wall system eliminates exterior maintenance and structural damage from weather, insects and the like. The wall system incorporates wood, metal or composite material interior framing with a concrete exterior that has a permanent exterior finish. Interior studs allow easy utility installation and finish applications. The shape of the wall units are designed for less weight per linear foot than conventional systems.

Abstract: A prefabricated shearwall including a central diaphragm having a height generally defined by top and bottom edges, and a width generally defined by a pair of end sections. The diaphragm further includes at least one corrugation extending in the height direction at least partially between the top and bottom edges. The corrugation increases the ductility and ability of the shearwall to withstand lateral forces such as those generated in earthquakes, high winds, floods and snow loads.

Abstract: A support frame of glass brick wall has multiple horizontal beams, multiple vertical beams and multiple side bars. Each of the horizontal beams and the vertical beams has a body, two side wings respectively and longitudinally formed on and protruding from two edges of the body, and two lamp slots respectively and longitudinally formed on and recessed from two sides of the body. Each of the vertical beams is securely mounted between two adjacent glass bricks in a corresponding row of glass bricks with adhesive. Each of the horizontal beams is securely mounted on a top of a corresponding row of glass bricks with adhesive. Two of the side bars are securely mounted on two edge sides of the glass brick wall. Each of the side bars has openings to replace light strips mounted in the lamp slots. Accordingly, the support frame provides a clean and easy lamp replacement solution.

Abstract: A paneling system for use as a wing and/or return panel for dividing large open office areas into smaller work stations. The paneling system includes a frame having top and bottom surfaces, and side surfaces. Attachment assemblies are used for removably attaching one or more paneling system to one or more of a spine wall, post, wing panel, return panel, and work surfaces.

Abstract: A prefabricated shearwall including a central diaphragm having a height generally defined by top and bottom edges, and a width generally defined by a pair of end sections. The diaphragm further includes at least one corrugation extending in the height direction at least partially between the top and bottom edges. The corrugation increases the ductility and ability of the shearwall to withstand lateral forces such as those generated in earthquakes, high winds, floods and snow loads.

Abstract: A storage building for the storage of corrosive materials. The storage building comprises a floor, a plurality of columns extending from the floor, a plurality of crossbeams with each beam connecting at least two of the columns, a plurality of substantially vertically oriented supports extending from the crossbeams, a plurality of rafters attached to the supports and at least one roof panel spanning between two of the rafters.

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: An insulation roof or floor panel for construction of a composite insulated concrete roof or floor includes two elongated studs, each having a web section and upper and lower flanges, a plurality of deformation resistant elements protruding from the upper flange of the studs and spaced apart along the upper flange of each stud, and an insulation board secured between the two elongated studs. The insulation board has a thickness less than the width of the web section of the studs, with the lower surface of the insulation board against the upper flanges of the studs, thereby establishing a distance between the upper surface of the insulation board and the upper flanges of the studs. Further provided are a composite insulated concrete roof or floor system with enhanced resistance to deformation, constructed using the insulation roof or floor panel, and the method of construction.

Abstract: A building facade including an exterior envelope including facade elements, a rain barrier, profiled holding and supporting elements fixed vertically to floor edges, a thermal insulation system including a first insulating element in front of floor edges and a second insulating element on the inside, between floors, a vapor barrier, and an interior lining. The first insulating element is basically continuous across the surface of the facade, or is essentially free of air pockets, two adjacent breadths of the first insulating element being separated by a flat surface of the profiled elements projecting forwards of the floor edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to insulating panels. In particular, the present invention relates to an insulating panel comprising heat-exchanging and ventilation means for use in buildings. We describe an insulating and ventilating system for a roof or a wall comprising such an insulating panel having at least one internal longitudinal flue divided by a heat-transfer element; and an insulating panel and its use in a roof structure or wall cavity.

Abstract: A wall panel structure which is easily assembled and disassembled and is constructed from a plurality of frame assemblies, each frame assembly comprising a first frame component having a first wall and an adjacent second wall, the first wall having an externally accessible abutment surface; and a second frame component having an angled cross section defined by first and second arms, the first arm having an inwardly extending flange configured to engage said abutment surface of the first frame component, and the second arm configured to engage the second wall of the first frame component.

Abstract: A building barrier system wherein a portion of the building barrier system can transition between an erect position and a substantially flat position thereby allowing access to the interior of the structure without having to disassemble the building barrier system and associated method.

Abstract: In a holding device (1) by means of which one or more panes of glass (2) forming a balustrade (3) is/are supported on a wall (4) or ceiling (5), consisting of a carrier rail (7) holding or supporting the panes of glass (2) and of a holding plate (9) attached to the ceiling (4) or the wall (5), with the carrier rail (7) held in a horizontal direction on the holding plate (9) by means of a U-shaped hook-in pocket (25) projecting from the carrier rail (7), the manufacturing costs for the holding device (1) are to be minimised and the installation complexity for attaching the holding device (1) should be kept as low as possible.

Abstract: A vented panel connector for a decorative panel system includes a front plate, a pair of spaced-apart vent plates carried by the front plate, a pair of spaced-apart panel flanges extending from each of the pair of spaced-apart vent plates and a plurality of vent openings extending through each of the pair of vent plates between the front plate and the pair of spaced-apart panel flanges.

Abstract: A highly protective firewall (13) supported between upstanding columns or beams (15). The firewall is made of an inorganic cementitious material which is preferably inorganic phosphate cement. In one form, the firewall comprises a group of vertically stacked panels (14) made of such material, and the panels are in turn formed by a plurality of elongated and vertically stacked hollow members (21) of the same material.

Abstract: A high impact, moisture resistant, wall panel system and methods for mounting a high impact, moisture resistant wall panel to an existing structure are disclosed herein. A high impact, moisture resistant wall panel includes an inert substrate composed of a high density inorganic material, wherein the substrate is dimensionally stable, a laminate composed of a substantially rigid polymeric material, and an adhesive for engaging the laminate to the substrate.

Abstract: A fixing system including at least one upright, preferably in extruded aluminum, with special orientable brackets suitable for being restrained to the same upright, particularly suitable for the construction of structural facades of the hanging type, whether these provides rotule supports for the holding of perforated slabs or panes of glass or whether they have point-type supports with a ball joint for the holding of non-perforated slabs or panels of glass.

Abstract: A panelized cladding system including a plurality of battens securable to a building structure, each batten having a structure engaging surface and an integrally formed finish ready panel supporting surface and, fibre cement cladding panels are secured to or through the battens such that the finish ready panel supporting surface of each batten forms an external recessed surface of an express joint formed thereon.

Abstract: In a system and a method for erecting a structure, the walls of the structure are securely interconnected with a foundation, such as, a concrete slab or footing. The system includes a laminated shear panel formed by bonding a thin shear layer (e.g., a layer of sheet steel or other suitable high-strength material) to a surface of a non-structural layer. The thin shear layer has one dimension longer than the non-structural sheet so that a tab of the shear layer extends from one edge of the non-structural sheet. The shear panel is mounted on the exterior walls of a structure with the panel secured to the vertical studs of the wall and with the extended tab secured to the foundation. The shear panel binds the walls of the structure to the foundation to inhibit the walls from lifting or shifting during high wind conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceiling structure comprising a number of sheets that span between parallel beams mounted underneath a fixed ceiling, wherein the sheets can, by elastic deformation, be taken from an initial configuration to a desired curved configuration, in which the sheets form the visible ceiling face. The ceiling structure comprising force-transmitting means that provide, in combination with the abutment force of the sheets against the abutment areas, the flexular moment necessary for maintaining the desired curved configuration of the sheets.

Abstract: A system for erecting structures, includes at least one support profile and at least one clamping profile. The clamping profile is attachable to a lateral face of the support profile and has at least one laterally open first groove, which, in the state of the clamping profile attached to the lateral face, extends parallel to the lateral face of the support profile in relation to its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rack apparatus and storage panel assembly for implementing across two or more beams. The storage panel assembly is most typically implemented in attic storage space lacking a flooring surface on which to place and store items. The storage panel assembly comprises at least one rack apparatus 10, two or more railings to be positioned onto a series of rack apparatus 10 and a panel 48 configured to rest on two parallel railings 46, 44. The assembly provides a continuous platform by sitting between the truss 42 creating a planer surface between the top of the panel 48 and the top of the truss 42. The method of assembly allows positioning of the rack apparatuses 10 between the truss connections and allows the railings 46, 44 and panel 48 to slide under any transverse obstructions bearing on top of truss 42.

Abstract: A multi-functional building assembly includes a plurality of elongated studs, each of the studs including a recessed notch defined in axially extending fashion along first and second opposite extending surfaces. A plurality of elongated and planar shaped panels include extending edges which match in configuration that of each of the notches and in order that a selected panel is secured to a selected stud. A plurality of the studs and panels are engaged in end-to-end extending fashion to construct at least one of a wall and a corner detail.

Abstract: An air handling unit (AHU) for housing a number of components used in a heating or cooling system to provide forced air for climate control in a particular structure includes a single raceway construction having both low thermal conductivity and enhanced mechanical properties for use with lifting the AHU; a single insulated panel construction having a minimum number of components as well as enhanced mechanical properties for use as the floor in an AHU compartment; to minimize costs associated with fabrication and installation.

Abstract: A concrete form comprises cross members, plywood, and metal studs. The studs include a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls, the walls arranged to form a generally rectangular cross-section. A pair of inner walls extends between and perpendicular to the pair of side walls. A pair of flanges extends from the side walls. The flanges are aligned with each other and positioned between the front wall and the pair of inner walls. A portion of each stud is adapted for complementary engagement with the cross members. The cross members are attached to at least one of the inner walls and the flanges of the cut portion of the studs, and the plywood is mounted to the rear wall.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.