Abstract: A shower system includes a shower assembly and a mounting system. The shower assembly includes a chamber configured to receive water from a water source and a plurality of outlets configured to pass water from the chamber. The chamber is unpressurized by a supply pressure of the water source. The mounting system is for coupling the shower assembly to a building structure. The mounting system is configured to adjust a position of the shower assembly relative to the building structure. The mounting system includes a post and a fitting. The post is configured to be coupled to the building structure at a fixed position. The fitting is coupled to the shower assembly and adjustably coupled to the post, such that a vertical position of the shower assembly may be adjusted relative to the post and the building structure.

Abstract: An energy storage system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000° C. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. An array of bricks incorporating internal radiation cavities is directly heated by thermal radiation. The cavities facilitate rapid, uniform heating via reradiation. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. Gas flows through structured pathways within the array, delivering heat which may be used for processes including calcination, hydrogen electrolysis, steam generation, and thermal power generation and cogeneration. Groups of thermal storage arrays may be controlled and operated at high temperatures without thermal runaway via deep-discharge sequencing. Forecast-based control enables continuous, year-round heat supply using current and advance information of weather and VRE availability.

Abstract: A finishing shingle includes a sheet having a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface is configured to resemble the shingle installed on a roof with which the finishing shingle will be used. The sheet further includes a central, frangible seam longitudinally extending from one side edge to an opposing side edge that allows a worker to easily separate the sheet into two equal finishing shingles that are substantially half the size of the roof shingle. Nail targets positioned on the top surface provide a template for a worker to nail the finishing shingle to the underlying flashing. Circular sealant patches on the rear surface are aligned with the nail targets to form a watertight seal around the nail and flashing.

Abstract: A method of producing an in-situ molded concrete object includes positioning a form on a substrate. The form can include a leg portion, a face portion, and a frangible portion. The frangible portion can connect the leg portion to the face portion. The method includes coupling the leg portion to the substrate to create a container open on at least one side. The method also includes pouring concrete into the container. The frangible portion can be fractured to separate the face portion from the leg portion.

Abstract: A structural element for forming a ground covering, in particular in an outdoor area, including a rectangular tile. A molded-on portion which is made of a plastic material and runs around the edge of the tile like a frame is preferably injection-molded and/or foamed onto the tile.

Abstract: A double-steel tube concrete beam-column joint with internal FRP bar connectors is provided. The double-steel tube concrete beam-column joint includes double-steel tube columns, I-beams, a joint connector, an internal support member and external ring plates. Each double-steel tube column includes an internal steel tube and an external steel tube. The joint connector includes an internal connecting tube and an external connecting sleeve which are both circular steel tubes. The internal support member is a columnar structure and has two ends regularly formed with bolt holes in a circumferential direction. Each external ring plate comprises a horizontal portion and an annular portion perpendicular to the horizontal portion. Upper and lower double-steel tube columns are connected through the joint connector and the internal support member, the two ends of the internal support member are inserted into an upper internal steel tube and a lower internal steel tube, respectively.

Abstract: A connecting system for wood constructions, having a connecting piece which is a metal plate bent substantially 90°+?5° to form an angle piece, the connecting piece has a row of holes connecting a first wood construction part to a second wood construction part, the two wood construction parts form a substantial right angle, the connecting piece is fastened with a first row of full-thread screws, introduced into the holes at an angle (a) between 60°?85° formed by the screw and the plate in which the holes are arranged, the holes are arranged substantially adjacent the fold with a maximum spacing of 25 mm, the connecting piece is fastened with a second row of nails and/or screws in holes and have a length less than that of the first row of full-thread screws and are introduced substantially perpendicularly into the holes with respect to the corresponding plate.

Abstract: A joining structure includes a first member, a second member of a material different from that of the first member, and a separation mechanism provided between the first member and the second member and that separates the first member and the second member from each other, wherein a resin is filled into the space between the edge of at least one member among the first member and the second member, and the other member.

Abstract: A post guard includes a first upright portion and a second upright portion. A first edge of the first upright portion is hingedly connected to a first edge of a second upright portion. A first section of a locking mechanism is on a second edge of the left portion (the second edge of the left portion distal from the first edge of the left portion) and a second section of the locking mechanism is on a second edge of the right portion, the second edge of the right portion distal from the first edge of the right portion. The locking mechanism secures the post guard to a post and once the locking mechanism is locked, the post guard remains on the post until the post guard is broken. The post guard has a size and a shape to conform and fit closely around the fence post.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a universal strut for doors and window elements. More particularly, the invention encompasses a universal strut that mates with a first formed member, and a second formed member, and which assembly is used as windows, doors, window frames, and door frames. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive universal strut for applications that require different widths and lengths for a production or customized window, door, window frame, or door frame. The universal strut can also be used as a thermal barrier between the first formed member, and the second formed member. Preferably, the universal strut is made from a non-metallic or thermal barrier material, while the first formed substrate, and the second formed substrate are preferably made from a metallic material. The universal strut allows for the formation of various configurations for the shapes of window and/or door elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for constructing concrete foundations are provided which allow for rapid and high-precision placement and alignment of anchor bolts across large distances. A frame system is constructed outside of an excavation and then suspended, using supports, over an excavation. The frame system can include a frame having one or more templates for anchor bolts, a form suspended from the frame, and a mat and cage assembly tied to the frame. The frame system can be aligned in proper position and the anchor bolts placed in the frame system before the concrete is placed. In this way, the anchor bolts can be cast in place as the footing is placed.

Abstract: A walkable skylight lighting system, installed to a roofing structure, including a skylight having a pane and framing members that surround and support the pane, and including a paving surface, the paving surface having a plurality of pavers that extend immediately adjacent to the skylight. The pane is an insulating glass unit (IGU) having structural glass panels and a thermal panel that are separated and sealed by a spacer, and separately supported so that they do not crush the spacer. The framing members include an upper framing member that has a lighting channel containing an LED lighting strip that edge lights the structural glass panels in the pane.

Abstract: A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any suitable direction(s).

Abstract: A waterproof expansion joint comprises a ballast protection plate and at least one locating device configured to retain the ballast protection plate over a deck joint. A flexible sealing member located below the ballast protection plate can include at least one flange portion and at least one expansion feature. Each expansion feature can include a shape preformed into the flexible sealing member extending downward into the deck joint and configured to deflect, enabling variation in the width of the flexible sealing member to match the width of the deck joint.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting assembly for securing a solar panel to a structure with the assembly comprising a mounting block having mounting block partitions forming a cross-shaped pattern that abut the solar panel, a threaded male member extending out of the mounting block, and a mounting plate and fastener cap for securing the solar panel to the mounting block.

Abstract: A fuse and a method of using the fuse to removably couple a structure to an anchor preferably partially embedded in concrete. The fuse is configured to be removably coupled to the anchor so that the fuse is positioned in a load path between the anchor and the structure. The fuse is configured to deform in a ductile manner when the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes a stress in the fuse which exceeds an elastic limit of the fuse. The fuse may be decoupled from the anchor without altering the concrete, the anchor, and the structure. If the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes the fuse to deform in a ductile manner, the fuse may be decoupled from the anchor and replaced with another fuse.

Abstract: A free-standing, hollow, prefabricated concrete form for forming a lost form, pre-finished concrete wall having an insulating layer on at least one major surface, typically an outer, earth facing surface thereof. The inside of the form has a rough finished surface. The form provides metal studs, typically on conventional sixteen inch centers, thereby enhancing the strength of the wall. The form allows placement of conduits for wiring, either electrical power or so-called low voltage circuits (e.g., telephone, TV cable, network wiring, audio cables, etc.) within the wall. Water supply and drain lines may also be placed within the wall prior to filling the forms with concrete. Multiple prefabricated sections may be joined to one another end-to-end to fabricate longer walls.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, method, and components for assembling and disassembling boardwalks, decks, and platforms. The invention has a number of extruded and interlocking components. It is installed by driving piles, preferably helical piles, into a ground surface. The invention provides a comprehensive set of assembly members, including and not limited to brackets that attach to the piles, headers, joists, cross braces, decking, and decking fasteners for holding the decking in place. In particular, a multiple-way adjustable bracket connects the piles to the rest of the structure.

Abstract: A shingle blank comprises an asphalt coated mat having a cut line formed in the asphalt coated mat. The cut line includes a continuous cut portion and a perforated portion. The perforated portion is structured and configured to facilitate separation of the shingle blank into discrete portions.

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

Abstract: A prefabricated wall module may include framing members and one or more insulations members. The insulation member may have pre-incisions, as made by a hot-wire, defining service fitting accommodations. The service fitting accommodations are accessible on the inside face of the insulation. The service fitting accommodations may be either or both of vertically or laterally extending, and are located in the same places in each module, the vertical locations being next to the studs, to which service fittings may typically be mounted, the lateral accommodations being at heights typical of switches and wall outlets. The insulation members may be supplied with tabs filling the accommodations. The tabs may be snapped out as required. The insulation members may have stud channels that are shallower than the studs, such that an air gap is established between the insulation and the internal gypsum board covering.

Abstract: Embodiments of a deck assembly module for a steel framed building include a modular concrete deck platform. The platform includes a concrete slab having a top major surface and a bottom major surface and a structural grid pattern of reinforcing bar within the concrete slab. The concrete slab further includes a shear connector opening on a side surface of a side of the concrete slab. The shear connector opening is a recess on the side surface of the concrete slab. The platform further includes an integrated attachment assembly within the shear connector opening on the side of the concrete slab. The integrated attachment assembly includes a shear connector rebar including an extension of continuous reinforcing bar extending out of the shear connector opening and back into the shear connector opening. The shear connector rebar and the shear connector opening form a closed loop.

Abstract: Building panels 1, 1? provided with a mechanical locking system including a tongue 30, at an edge of a first panel 1, cooperating with a tongue groove 20, at an edge of an adjacent second panel 1?, for vertical locking of the building panels. The edge of the first panel is provided with a displacement groove 60, which is downwardly open, and includes an inner wall 61, an outer wall 62, and an upper wall 67. The tongue 30 is formed out of the edge of the first panel. A resilient and displaceable and part 66 of the tongue 30 is displaceable into the displacement groove 60.

Abstract: A building facade consisting of a building wall, an insulating layer comprising insulating elements, having a surface and disposed on the building wall, a facade cladding which is disposed at a distance from the building wall and from the insulating layer to form a rearventilation gap between insulating layer and facade cladding and a lock element provided for fire protection, which is disposed between neighbouring insulating elements of the insulating layer. In order to further develop a building facade in such a manner that it can be manufactured simply and therefore cost-effectively without additional structural elements being provided, the invention proposes a generic building facade where the lock element is formed in one piece from fibre material, extends over the surface of the insulating layer in the direction of the facade cladding and exhibits a compressibility and/or flexibility aligned at least predominantly between building wall and facade cladding.

Abstract: The end of a transversely extending beam is joined to a wall structure by a self-releasing structural assembly. It has a first portion anchored to the wall. A second, fireproof and non-thermally degradable portion of the assembly sticks out from the wall. The assembly has a thermally degradable member mated to the second portion of the structural assembly. Both portions have slots for accepting beam fasteners. The beam fasteners squeeze the end of the beam, the support bracket seat, and the consumable, thermally degradable member in compression. When exposed to heat or flame the consumable, thermally degradable member softens, releasing the tension in the beam end fasteners, and releasing the compression in the structural sandwich of parts. The end of the beam is then able to translate away from the wall structure. The consumable member can be inspected without removing the beam end from the seat.

Abstract: A cable end anchorage for fastening at least one cable at a supporting structure includes at least one first connecting element for connection with the supporting structure, at least one second connecting element for connection with the cable and at least one coupling element for connection of the two connecting elements in a force-transmitting manner. In the region of the coupling element, an overload device designed as a predetermined breaking point of the coupling element is provided for unfastening the connection between the two connecting elements when a critical load has been exceeded. A stop device is provided for limiting the relative motion of the connecting elements after unfastening of the connection when a critical load has been exceeded.

Abstract: A wall lining of industrial ovens for protecting from corrosion, in particular, a heat-resistant wall made of concrete, steel, sheet metal, or the like. The lining of the wall is made of at least two layers, wherein a layer is pressurized as a blocking layer.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an adjustable bird slope are described. A height of the face of the bird slope can be altered as necessary so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area.

Abstract: A building system for skyscrapers includes a plurality of first building stories, a second building story located above the first building stories, and a plurality of third building stories located above the second building story. The second building story has a plurality of horizontal steel beams, a plurality of first vertical steel columns and a plurality of second vertical steel columns. The first vertical steel columns are located at a remote end of a lateral side of the building system, while the second vertical steel columns are located at a near end thereof. The fire resistance of the first vertical steel columns is superior to that of the second vertical steel column. Thus, while the building system is in a fire, the second vertical steel column would be affected more by the fire to reduce the vertical support thereupon than the first vertical steel column does.

Abstract: A modular construction block comprises a masonry block shell including first and second opposing side walls, and an intermediate cross-web formed between the side walls. Each of the first and second side walls comprises first and second opposing end edges, a relatively thin wall section extending from the cross-web to the first end edge, and a relatively thick wall section extending from the cross-web to the second end edge. The relatively thick wall section of each side wall tapers from the cross-web toward the second end edge of the side wall.

Abstract: An improved agricultural spray boom having a primary section, a secondary section and a break away section is provided. The primary section has a top extrusion having a web and two tubes, each tube having a heat sink and a wing. No welds are located above the centerline of the tubes where stress would be the greatest. The secondary section is pivotally attached to the primary section. Weight of the second section and break away section cause a twisting force to be applied to the primary section. The primary section has specially oriented side braces which act in compression to resist the twisting force. The primary section further has a steel connector connected to the underside of the extrusions (and not welded to top of extrusions). The secondary section also has a top extrusion with a web and two tubes.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is provided with enhanced fatigue resistance. The pressure relief device may include, inter alia, rupture disks assemblies and explosion panel assemblies. The explosion panel assemblies include a first explosion panel, a second explosion panel, and a non-rigid buffering layer that may be selected for its thermal insulation properties. The buffering layer is interposed between the first and second explosion panels and may be configured to oppose inward flexing of these panels. The buffering layer may force surfaces of the first and second explosion panels to extend outwardly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the anchoring in rigid ground such as decks or floors made of concrete, asphalt, rock etc., for support posts for safety barriers and parapets, by means of bolts partly embedded in the ground and fixed to same by chemical or mechanical means, whose emergent part successively traverses the anchor plate of the post of the barrier, one or more washers and closure nuts which are what fix the bolt to the anchor plate. The washers present the capacity to behave as fusible elements which, in the event of a vertical load due to traction greater than a defined value, are deformed and traversed by the closure nut which, once released from the washer, traverses the corresponding hole of the anchor plate, which is of a size greater than that of the closure nut, with the union between the plate and bolt thus becoming decoupled.

Abstract: Synthetic polymer based roofing elements of the shingle or tile type are provided whereby adjacent roofing elements have projecting tabs or nibs that are adapted to engage against side edges of adjacent shingles or tiles when laid up in courses on a roof, and wherein there are relatively flexible stress relief zones in the shingle or tile adjacent the tab or nib projections, adapted to be deformed within their elastic limit when the shingles or tiles are subjected to stresses due to thermal expansion and contraction, with the stress relief zones also being adapted to return to their original non-deformed condition when such thermal expansion and contraction forces are relieved.

Abstract: An exemplary stair nosing assembly comprises an elongated base, a plate adhered to the base, and a cover temporarily covering the base and the plate. The base has at least one anchor portion extending downwardly from the upper portion for attaching to a lip of a tread pan and/or embedding in a concrete tread. The plate can have various features to enhance traction and visibility. The cover has front and rear lips that engage with front and rear edges of the base, and a weakened region adjacent the rear lip. When the assembly is embedded in a concrete tread, the cover is configured to fracture at the weakened region when the front lip of the cover is lifted upward from the base, leaving the rear lip remaining embedded in the concrete and allowing the rest of the cover to be removed to expose upper surfaces of the base and plate.

Abstract: A device (100) for securing a support structure such as solar module-carrier (12) to a flat roof (16) which is provided with a non-bearing insulation layer (24) covered by a sealing strip (22). The device (100) has an upper connection element (150) for the support structure and a spacer member (120) which can be guided through an opening (26) in the insulation layer (24) in order to support the connection element (150) on a roof substructure (17). The spacer member (120) is anchored by a plurality of anchoring parts (28) on the roof substructure (17). The connection element (150) comprises an upper and a lower connection flange (152, 154) between which the sealing strip (22) is clamped. The spacer member (120) is designed as a profile or hollow-profile part which can be cut to length as required and is produced as an extrusion part from a thermal insulation material.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling for joining a generally vertical pole structure to a supporting foundation is provided. The breakaway coupling is provided with a multi-sided, elongated body, which may be square-shaped, hexagonal, or generally polygonal in shape. The multi-sided, elongated body is provided with an upper end and a lower end, an outer surface, and is machined to have an internally threaded bore that extends between the upper end and the lower end of the multi-sided, elongated body. The outer surface of the multi-sided, elongated body of the breakaway coupling is provided with at least one horizontally disposed, circumferential groove extending partially into the multi-sided, elongated body toward the internally threaded bore and also extending to a critical notch depth.

Abstract: The invention consists of an improved heat exchange conduit formed between pre-fabricated building panels and a daylighting section integral within pre-fabricated, structural panels. The daylighting section has the capability to take ceiling air (or air below free-standing arrays) and either return it to the building during heating months, reject the heat, or shunt it for other uses after being warmed through a dual pane glazing assembly with infrared rejection. During summer days, this allows for dramatic reduction in building cooling demand. Heat exchange surfaces within the conduit are thermally tied to the exterior components of the panels to allow heating by solar insolation or cooling to night sky or air. An advanced insulation system adds to thermal performance and sealed insulation cavities prevent moisture degradation of R-Values. Passage through the heat exchange conduit allows for active whole roof solar collection in spring/fall and night cooling capability during summer night operation.

Abstract: An adjustable bird slope has a face that can be extended or contracted so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area.

Abstract: A mechanism including a hinge and movement assembly having a first fastening region, a second fastening region, and a hinge defining an axis of rotation of the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region is provided. The mechanism further comprises an assembly for maintaining a releasable portion of the partition relative to a stationary portion of the partition, the maintenance assembly having at least one frangible connection that can be broken to rotationally free the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region. The hinge and movement assembly includes relative movement means for the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region at least in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A building element is in the form of hollow brick having a plane major face and dovetailed projections on an opposite major face for slotting together with similar building elements for the construction of masonry structures. The building element has internal through cavities for housing of operative connections of distribution systems and the like, arranged according to an array parallel to said plane major face, which is formed with references for identification from outside of each through cavity.

Abstract: A shim set comprising at least two shims of different thickness, the shims of the set being integrally formed as a one-piece plastic moulding, the shims of the set being connected in adjacent relationship by a connection which permits an individual shim to be separated from the set but which is flexible to permit a shim while connected to an adjacent shim to be folded over so that the two shims lie in face-to-face relation and thereby form a shim combination of increased thickness.

Abstract: Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a beveled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue.

Abstract: An adjustable bird slope has a face that can be extended or contracted so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area.

Abstract: A building system is provided with a crash lateral side that is adapted to crash firstly under high-heat temperature. The building system includes a first building structure having a plurality of first horizontal beams and a plurality of first vertical support structures; a first fire-resistant floor erected uprightly on the first building structure; and a second building structure erected uprightly on the first fire-resistant floor, and having a plurality of second horizontal beams and a plurality of second vertical support structures. The second vertical support structures adjacent to the crash lateral side have a relatively low fire-resistant strength when compared to remaining portions of the second vertical support structures away from the crash lateral side such that the second vertical support structures adjacent to the crash lateral side are adapted to collapse toward the crash lateral side under the high-heat temperature.

Abstract: Street lighting is positioned with lamp posts of sheet metal that have a round or polygonal cross-section and one or more longitudinal welded joints (17-20; 24). Posts are used that have one longitudinal welded butt joint with a weld that covers only a part of the sheet metal thickness and the posts are positioned so that this joint is directed towards the traffic.

Abstract: A repair device for sealing a hole in a wall and enabling its repair without the need for numerous tools and processes, the device comprising; a body portion having at least two plate members each having a front face and a rear face; at least one hinging means hingedly connecting the at least two plate members to each other; a biasing means engaging the at least two plate members to bias the plates apart into an open flat position such that the relative front faces of each of the at least two plate members substantially share the same plane; and at least one attachment means mounted on a front face of the at least two plate members; wherein the repair device allows for insertion into the hole in a folded position and release to the open flat position and the attachment means provide attachment to the wall adjacent the hole.

Abstract: Temporary connection and pyrotechnic separation device with a longitudinal axis (X) comprising a pyrotechnic expansion tube (14) mounted in a space (11) formed in a connection zone between a first (2) and second assembly (4) to be separated, the second assembly (4) being formed of a stack of plies (12.1, 12.2) bonded together, the two assemblies (2, 4) being connected to each other by two metal parts (10.1, 10.2), said metal parts being fixed onto the first assembly and bonded onto the outer plies (12.1) of the second assembly (4), the bonding area between said outer ply (12.1) and the adjacent inner ply (12.2) is less than the bonding area between two inner plies (12.2) forming a fuse ply, such that, when the pyrotechnic expansion tube (14) is used, the outer ply (12.1) separates from the adjacent inner ply.

Abstract: Building panels 1, 1? provided with a mechanical locking system including a tongue 30, at an edge of a first panel 1, cooperating with a tongue groove 20, at an edge of an adjacent second panel 1?, for vertical locking of the building panels. The edge of the first panel is provided with a displacement groove 60, which is downwardly open, and includes an inner wall 61, an outer wall 62, and an upper wall 67. The tongue 30 is formed out of the edge of the first panel. A resilient and displaceable and part 66 of the tongue 30 is displaceable into the displacement groove 60.

Abstract: An anchoring rail is disclosed. The anchoring rail includes a rail body that has a holding space extending in the longitudinal direction of the rail body, a filler body that is provided in the holding space of the rail body, and at least one fiber-reinforced tear strip that is arranged between the rail body and the filler body for removing the filler body from the holding space. The tear strip has a matrix of modified natural rubber at least partially surrounding the fibers.