Abstract: A system and method for providing a stronger lanai, area or pool enclosure. The system utilizes a beam having an interior channel that provides increased thread receiving surface for receiving one or more fasteners and an interlocking joint for further strengthening the connection between a plurality of beam members that form the beam.

Abstract: A molded support beam (1, 2, 3) that includes an elongated lower portion (11) an elongated upper portion (14) and at least one elongated flange (17, 18) extending upwardly from the elongated upper portion, is described. The elongated lower portion (11) includes at least three separate downwardly extending supports (e.g., 29, 32, 35) which together define at least two open-bottomed transverse openings (e.g., 41, 44), at least one of which being an arched open-bottomed transverse opening (e.g., 219, 234, 249). The elongated upper portion (14) includes a longitudinal passage (68), and a ledge (92) that extends horizontally outward from a second vertical side (56) thereof. An elongated hollow support tube (74) resides within the longitudinal passage (68) of the elongated upper portion (14).

Abstract: A fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire is disclosed. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track and above a centrally located and outwardly protruding lengthwise corrugated groove. The intumescent strip comprises expandable graphite and a fire retardant (C2-C8 alkyl diamine phosphate). When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip expands so to fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap, thereby retarding or preventing the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, poly-styrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural composite hybrid beam having an attached fire-resistant coating material, the structural composite hybrid beam including: a cold-formed steel plate beam, which is formed into a form shape having a space where concrete is placed; a concrete slab installed on the cold-formed steel plate beam and that is integrally connected to the concrete; and a flow preventing member protruding from a pair of side plates of the cold-formed steel plate beam, and preventing the fire-resistant coating material sprayed on each of the pair of side plates from flowing down so that the fire-resistant coating material is firmly attached to the each of the pair of side plates. A thickness of the fire-resistant coating material is reduced as the concrete inside the structural composite hybrid beam absorbs heat, and thus construction expenses are reduced. Accordingly, the structural composite hybrid beam has excellent fire-resistant performance unlike a general steel-frame beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system for tall structures, characterized by prefinished rectangular floor plates or cover plates and pillars or posts which can be disposed and/or attached at the plate corners in each case between one floor plate and one cover plate.

Abstract: A renewable energy system for directly charging electric and hybrid vehicles is shown for areas with modest wind resources and/or solar resources. The invention consists of a composite stanchion for mounting on a base in a parking lot that is both capable of supporting a medium sized wind turbine (or solar array) and serving as a battery storage and charging control station. Significant improvements in blade pitch adjustment and cost reduction for wind turbine blades allow the system to operate at an acceptable cost in areas with modest winds and avoid the need for remotely supplied renewable electricity in areas of high population density. In turn, this will allow for increased electrical grid stability through increased use of distributed generation.

Abstract: A composite beam chord is between first and second reinforcement plates. The beam chord includes a first ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of +? degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the beam chord and a second ply of reinforcing fibers with a fiber orientation of ?? degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. The angle ? is between 2 and 12 degrees for suppression or delay of ply splitting.

Abstract: A kit of parts for a column assembly includes a sleeve having a first end portion, and a second opposed end portion. The kit further includes a collar having a collar aperture therethrough for receiving the first end portion of the sleeve in sliding fit. The kit further includes a skirt having skirt a first end and a skirt second end opposed to the skirt first end. A skirt aperture extends through the skirt for receiving the first end portion of the sleeve in sliding fit to position the skirt second end is adjacent the collar. A base is positionable adjacent the first end portion. The collar is selectively securable to the either the base or the skirt second end, and the skirt first end is selectively securable to the base, such that the column assembly is selectively assemblable with or without the skirt.

Abstract: A support member, such as a fence post, and method for making the same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the support member includes an elongated body having at least one substantially flat side, and at least one longitudinal groove at least partially disposed within the substantially flat side.

Abstract: A method of producing a frangible post characterised by the step of forming a region of weakness by compressing a portion of at least one surface and/or edge of the post.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine frame (1) for a packaging machine being constructed in such a way that its manufacture is simple and flexible for the various widths and lengths of foil packaging material without having the need for an expensive and labor intensive intercoupling. This machine frame is also robust and interiorly good cleanable, so that hygienic risks may be substantially decreased. This machine-building element comprises a profile element (2) made of strong sheet material, like e.g. metal or plastic material, comprising a mainly straight horizontal part (2c) that tapers off on both sides over an angle of approximately 90° to two downwardly directed vertical parts (2a, 2b). These parts are longitudinally interconnected completely to a compact unit by means of a plurality of hollow functional sockets (7).

Abstract: A structural building system includes a plurality of pultruded fiberglass reinforced structure components configured to be used as a structural frame member of a building and a plurality of connectors.

Abstract: An adjustable stairway system provides access between a first elevation level and a second elevation level. The system includes a pair of expandable and retractable scissor stringers and multiple spaced apart treads joining the pair of stringers. The system further includes a first mounting assembly structured to allow a top portion of the stairway to be relatively permanently secured to a landing or other man-made structure, and second, different mounting assembly that allows a bottom portion of the stairway to be removably secured to natural terrain such as a beach. The system sometimes includes a control assembly to assist in expanding or retracting of the stairway.

Abstract: A slotted upper track (10) has double-thick sidewalls (34, 36 and 40, 42) through which the slots (54, 50 and 52, 56) extend. The sidewalls (34, 36 and 40, 42) and an interconnecting web (38) form a central channel in which upper end portions of the studs (12) are received. The upper track or header (10) includes secondary channels outwardly of the central channel that are formed by the flanges of the central channel (34, 36 and 40, 42) and auxiliary flanges (30, 46) and auxiliary webs (32, 44). The header or upper track (10) is of a one-piece construction, making it relatively economically to construct. Upper end portions of wallboard panels (WP) are positioned outwardly of the sidewalls (34, 36 and 40, 42) of the central channel. Trim panels (TP) of wallboard are connected to the auxiliary flanges (30, 46) and are positioned laterally outwardly of the upper end portions of the main wallboard panels (WP).

Abstract: A structural support system includes one or more generally vertically extending columns of curable material wherein each column defines an outer column periphery. A base of curable material is preferably monolithically formed with the column on its lower portion. In one embodiment, the base may have an outer periphery that increases or varies along the base and wherein a foundation of curable material is formed over at least a portion of the base whereby the column, the base, and the foundation are mechanically locked together to resist lateral, torsional, and/or upwardly directed vertical forces.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating a wind turbine tower is provided. The method includes providing at least one fiber reinforced plastic (“FRP”) strand, embedding a first portion of the FRP strand into a first concrete segment, and embedding a second portion of the FRP strand into a second concrete segment such that a third portion of the FRP strand extends from the first concrete segment to the second concrete segment. The method further includes displacing at least one of the first concrete segment and the second concrete segment relative to the other such that a tension is applied to the third portion of the FRP strand.

Abstract: A wooden beam for a supporting framework has at least two supporting members at least partially made of wood and defining together a continuous hollow cavity, and at least one shear connector located in the hollow cavity and characterized by a plurality of connection options, with the shear connector having its outside end set back with respect to an adjacent and face of the beam by a length corresponding to a forward wood length defined by a load applied to the beam.

Abstract: The disclosure includes warm resistant wooden beams and methods of manufacturing. In one embodiment, wooden beams having opposing major surfaces covered by hydrophobic polymeric films exhibit dry surface friction values of about 3.0-20 lbs. and blocking values of about 0-150 lbs. Specific hydrophobic polymeric films include polyethylene and polypropylene films.

Abstract: A composite structural element and a method for making same are provided. The element includes a polymer foam core and at least one fibrous layer adhered to the polymer foam core by epoxy. Nano-particles are suspended in the epoxy prior to curing; preferably they are mixed with the hardener before it is mixed with the resin. The polymer foam core is preferably an exothermic foam such as polyurethane, and heat generated by the exothermic foam cures the epoxy, thereby causing the fibrous layer to adhere to the foam core. The nano-particles may be made from at least one of carbon, a ceramic, tungsten, a carbide, titanium, zircon, aluminum, silver, or boron. When carbon nano-particles are used, the strength of the composite is greatly increased, and the curing time of the heat-curable epoxy is significantly reduced. Ceramic nano-particles can be used to increase penetration resistance and provide increased ballistic protection.

Abstract: Distance piece, preferably for the manufacture of hollow or laminated walls, with at least three rods that are connected to each other, and where each rod comprises at least one supporting section, and the supporting sections of the three rods are spaced apart from each other to thus form a supporting plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stringer for an aircraft wing and a method of reinforcing such a stringer in which the stringer is formed with a substantially lambda shaped section.

Abstract: A variety of a damage-tolerant monolithic structures are disclosed, such structures having a substantially-planar element integral with or welded to one or more stiffening elements. Each stiffening element can includes a first stiffening flange having a generally rail-like structure running along the length of the planar element and one or more webbings connected to the planar element and extending away from the planar element to the stiffening flange, wherein each webbing includes a row of integral holes running along the length of the webbing, the holes being in a shape designed to hinder the propagation of a crack in the monolithic structure.

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site.

Abstract: A building construction frame element consists of a wooden core of a single piece of wooden material provided with a thermal break formed of an insulating material extending across the heat conductance path of the element, which may be in the form of stud for a wall or ceiling. A method for producing the frame element is also disclosed.

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: A rib post (10) has a hollow substantially triangular cross-section comprising composite material. The rib post (10) can form a structural member to join two adjacently placed components together, for example a spar and internal rib in a wing of an aircraft. The rib post (10) can be formed from first (12), second (14) and third (16) walls. The first wall (12) can abut a surface of one component and the second wall (14) can abut a surface of a second component. The first and second walls (12, 14) can be attached to the respective components, such as a rib and spar, to join them together. The third wall (16) joins together the first and second walls (12, 14) to form the hollow triangular section.

Abstract: A beam for a measuring machine is constituted by a plurality of extruded beam elements, which are set alongside one another and welded together so that each forms a portion of the cross section of the beam itself; the beam elements and the beam have a hollow section shaped like an equilateral triangle.

Abstract: A metal stud for use in a metal building wherein the studs are secured to horizontally extending and vertically spaced-apart girts which are either C-shaped or Z-shaped. A metal stud is generally C-shaped and includes a base wall portion and opposite side wall portions with upper and lower ends. The lower ends of the side wall portions each have slot formed therein wherein which are adapted to receive a wall portion and flange of a girt. The upper end of the stud has a tab which extends upwardly therefrom to enable the tab to be secured to a girt. The stud may also be used in the roof system of the building.

Abstract: Structural support systems and methods are provided to reinforce lintel support systems. According to some embodiments, a reinforcement system to reinforce an elongated load bearing member having opposing ends and supporting a load can comprise an elongated reinforcing member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be disposed beneath the load bearing member between the opposing ends of the load supporting member and have a length substantially equal to the length of the load bearing member. The second portion can have length greater than the first portion. Also, the second portion can extend in a substantially normal direction from the first portion and be spaced apart from the load bearing member. The second portion can be securedly fixed in a substantially static position to support the first portion disposed beneath the load bearing member. In one configuration, the second portion can be fixed to a header associated with a lintel support system.

Abstract: A bed frame comprising T-shaped side rails provides support for a box spring and mattress. The T-shaped side rails provide more resistance to twisting and bowing and enables the overall bed frame to support more weight with less deflection than the convention L-shaped side rails. The T-shaped side rails may be two L-shaped angle irons affixed together or a unitary T-shaped member that can also be used for other structural components of the bed frame such as a center beam. The vertical flange of the T-shape can be non-linear. In a further embodiment, the side rails are comprised of a metal skin enclosing a hollow area with a horizontal, flat shelf for supporting the box spring and a contiguous vertical surface generally at a right angle to the horizontal shelf to retain the box spring in it desired position.

Abstract: An adjustable lally column apparatus is described which includes a column, a cap plate and an adjustment mechanism. The cap plate is connected to the column and fasteners are connected to an external beam. The integrated cap plate and column assembly are connected to the fasteners in the beam and the column is suspended from the fasteners. The adjustment mechanism is connected to the column and adjusted to provide a load bearing interface between a floor and the column. A method of adjusting a column includes employing a single person to connect the cap plate and adjustment mechanism, elevating the column to the vertical and using a lever to lift the integrated column and cap plate and connecting the assembled column and cap plate to the beam. The adjustable column is secured to the beam using the fasteners. The adjustment mechanism is connected to a floor and adjusted to place the adjustable column in a load bearing position between the beam and the floor.

Abstract: A light weight beam, a truck frame utilizing a light weight beam, and a method of assembling a truck frame, each include a composite box beam.

Abstract: A method, and the resultant apparatus, for designing a fire resistant structural beam, such as a computer-aided design of a fabricated steel beam having an intumescent coating material, by obtaining a number of values for a number of physical parameters of the structural beam, including reading temperature information that comprise empirical information derived from heating a structural beam and a number of temperatures at a number of locations.

Abstract: A joist comprised of at least one cold-formed steel elongated chord member; a cold-formed steel web having a plurality of web members and means for securing said web to said chord member. A plurality of joists are generally for use in a support system for a platform or a deck in the construction of floors and roofs. The support system is of particular use in a composite floor and roof systems.

Abstract: A window cladding assembly that fits on the inside of an awning or casement type window unit to cover from view the frame of the window unit and the perimeter of the window unit sash

Abstract: This invention relates to a floor construction method and system, and more particularly to a method for producing shallow and ultra shallow steel floor systems.

Abstract: A cementitious material beam for use in the building construction industry and a method of fabricating such beam.

Abstract: A post assembly for fencing comprises a telescopic post (11, 12) on a ground anchor plate (10) and a telescopic bracing stay.

Abstract: A wooden building member includes an elongated structural portion having a rectangular cross section and capable of receiving load applied thereto, a coating portion coating an entire length of at least three sides of the cross section of the structural portion, and an insulating portion interposed therebetween in a laminated manner and prevents load from transmitting to the coating portion. Since load is received by the structural portion, structural strength designing is facilitated, and even if the coating portion is completely burned down, the structural portion coated with the insulating portion is not easily burned down. Thus, fireproof capability of the wooden building member can be improved. Further, since a surface of the wooden building member is coated with the coating portion, the insulating portion is not exposed to the exterior thereby improving its appearance.

Abstract: An improved method for constructing a steel stud frame wall (10) or other sheet metal joining applications using self-punching rivet fasteners (26). The steel stud frame wall includes discrete members to be joined, such as studs (12) connected to a bottom (or top) track (14). A rivet (26) is driven from the outside and staked on the inner, blind side of the overlapping regions of sheet metal. A leading tip (32) of the rivet (26) punches a chad (54) and is then deformed in a die cavity (40) of a setting tool to lock the formed steel pieces in position. The head (28) of the rivet (26) is pressed into the sheet metal during the setting operation so that a pocket (42) is formed out of the surrounding sheet metal, the pocket (42) having at least two distinct contours (56, 58) formed around the rivet head (28). The pocket (42) allows the rivet head (28) to seat into the outer surface of the sheet metal, thus facilitating a subsequent covering operation with wallboard (98) or the like.

Abstract: In an assembly of structural elements such as beams, columns, walls and floors, one selects materials such as wood which is resistant to compression. Beams placed side by side, or one on top of the other are retained by a network of steel bands installed between and through the beams. Bands with an array of teeth on both sides or winches applying tension to the steel bands, counterbalance the tensile and shear forces created in the assembly through loading and they behave in the same way as steel rods in reinforced concrete. The strategic positioning of the network of bands in the apparatus serves in grouping and reinforcing the structural elements.

Abstract: A mold-concrete composite crossbeam includes a H-steel composed of upper and lower flanges and a web connecting them; a concrete member formed in a length direction of the H-steel to expose the upper flange out but bury the lower flange and the web partially; deck plate supports installed to both upper side edges of the concrete member to support a deck plate placed thereon; a reinforcing steel bar installed around the H-steel; a mold including a bottom detachably coupled to a lower end surface of the concrete member, and sidewalls formed in parallel to both sides of the bottom and detachably coupled to both end sides of the concrete member; a lateral reinforcing member coupled across both sidewalls; a side reinforcing member installed to an outer side of the sidewalls in a length direction; and bottom reinforcing members installed across a lower surface of the bottom.

Abstract: An affordable, sustainable building, comprising substantially entirely mass-produced, prefabricated constituent parts manufactured off-site, the prefabricated constituent parts comprising a foundation, a frame module comprising a plurality of frames, wherein the frame module is secured to the foundation, a reversible connector to connect the plurality of frames to form the frame module, a wall panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, a floor panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, and a ceiling panel configured to be mounted on to the frame module. Each constituent part forms part of a library of parts from which the constituent parts are selected. The constituent parts are preferably made in standardized sizes to facilitate efficient mass production. The constituent parts are predominantly made of recyclable material so as to be environmentally friendly.

Abstract: Roof panels and roof panel assemblies, comprising roof panels and ridge beams, assemblies are disclosed for use in building construction. The roof panels and ridge beams comprise components formed of composite materials, and certain aspects of the invention include designs that provide for the absorption of solar heat and the promotion of hot air flow within the roof to heat the interior building or generate electricity, among other attributes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting buildings or installations from external influences by means of wire cables that are stretched around at least part of the building or installation. According to the invention, the wire cables are subjected to a tractive force, and the ends thereof or the extensions thereof are arranged in a clamping body comprising a guide that is embodied in such a way that, when the tractive force increases, the resistance force (reaction) opposed by the clamping body grows in an essentially proportional manner.

Abstract: A molded support beam (1, 2, 3) that includes an elongated lower portion (11) an elongated upper portion (14) and at least one elongated flange (17, 18) extending upwardly from the elongated upper portion, is described. The elongated lower portion (11) includes at least three separate downwardly extending supports (e.g., 29, 32, 35) which together define at least two open-bottomed transverse openings (e.g., 41, 44), at least one of which being an arched open-bottomed transverse opening (e.g., 219, 234, 249). The elongated upper portion (14) includes a longitudinal passage (68), and a ledge (92) that extends horizontally outward from a second vertical side (56) thereof. An elongated hollow support tube (74) resides within the longitudinal passage (68) of the elongated upper portion (14).

Abstract: Structural support systems and methods are provided to reinforce lintel support systems. According to some embodiments, a reinforcement system to reinforce an elongated load bearing member having opposing ends and supporting a load can comprise an elongated reinforcing member having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be disposed beneath the load bearing member between the opposing ends of the load supporting member and have a length substantially equal to the length of the load bearing member. The second portion can have length greater than the first portion. Also, the second portion can extend in a substantially normal direction from the first portion and be spaced apart from the load bearing member. The second portion can be securedly fixed in a substantially static position to support the first portion disposed beneath the load bearing member. In one configuration, the second portion can be fixed to a header associated with a lintel support system.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete column (110) includes a plurality of axially oriented reinforcing steel bars (112) within a surface of the concrete column (110). A first spiral wire (114) within the surface of the concrete column (110), the first spiral wire (114) being around an outer circumference of the plurality of axial reinforcing (112) and a second spiral wire (116), the second spiral wire (116) also being within the surface of the concrete column (110). The second spiral wire (116) is around a circumference of the plurality of axial reinforcing bars and the second spiral wire (116) is opposed to the first spiral wire (114).

Abstract: A frame for doors, windows, and the like of buildings includes upper and lower portions that are both made of wood. The upper portion of the frame is made of a conventional wood, and at least a portion of the lower portion of the frame is made of a wood that is naturally resistant to weathering, decay, rot, insects, or the like. According to other aspects of the present invention, other building components such as doors, trim, and the like may also be constructed utilizing different wood species for different parts of the component to provide different levels of rot and/or decay resistance for different parts of the component.