Abstract: A light-transmitting roof panel assembly, having the same shape as adjoining metal roof panels in a standing seam metal roof, includes an outer transparent panel made of a polymeric material and an inner reinforcing panel made of perforated metal. The inner and outer panels nest together and lie flush with the roof. Crimpable side corrugation pieces are attached to the reinforcing panel so that the assembly can be connected to neighboring roof panels by seaming.

Abstract: A sliding bracket assembly permits adjacent metal roof panels to move relative to one another to accommodate differential thermal expansion. The assembly includes a center element which is bolted across a purlin, and a pair of wing elements, one on either side of the center element. Roof panels are attached to the wing elements on either side. The wing elements can side lengthwise on the center element; thus the wing elements and their attached roof panels can move lengthwise relative to one another as the roof panels differentially expand and contract.

Abstract: Connection plates for constructing buildings are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a connection plate includes a generally planar insert member and a support member. Insert member has a first side configured for receipt in a slot defined by a structural member and a second side configured for receipt in a slot defined by another structural member. First and second sides collectively define inner and outer edges. Support member is coupled to first and second sides is generally perpendicular to insert member in two directions. Either (1) a portion of inner edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of inner edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to inner edge; or (2) a portion of outer edge corresponding to first side is angled relative to a portion of outer edge corresponding to second side and support member is coupled to outer edge.

Abstract: A purlin bracing system for metal building roof includes braces which have pairs of tabs extending from one end. A brace is arranged perpendicular to a purlins, and its tabs are inserted through slots in the central web of the purlin. Another brace is then applied on the opposite side of the purlin, and headed pin is dropped through aligned holes in the tabs to secure them on opposite side of the purlin's central web. No tools or special fasteners are required.

Abstract: A roof curb is shipped in a disassembled state to an installer who assembles, sizes, locates and configures the curb to accommodate slope on any roof without welding or metal cutting. The curb includes an aluminum walls, each having a channel for receiving the bottom edge of a board, which may be taper cut according to the pitch of the roof to provide a level surface for supporting an appliance. Methods of making and installing the roof curb also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for transporting materials that traverses seams and stepped sections of a standing-seam type roof includes two trolleys, the lower one of which has ridges on its top simulating roof seams and upon which the wheels of the upper trolley can be placed. When a step in the roof is encountered, the upper trolley can be rolled off the lower trolley onto the upper section of the roof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curtain wall assembly used for building exteriors. The curtain wall system includes a first vertical mullion operable to attach to a first sill member and a second vertical mullion operable to interlock with the first vertical mullion. A mullion cap may be attached to a bottom surface of at least one of the vertical mullions. The mullion cap includes a substantially planar bottom plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge, and a back edge. The mullion cap further includes an attachment face located on the upper surface of the substantially planar bottom plate. The attachment face is operable to attach to the vertical mullion.

Abstract: Trolley for transporting materials that traverses seams and stepped sections of a roof includes a bed mounted on aligned frames that house wheels. Once positioned on the roof seams, roofing materials are hoisted onto the trolley for positioning where the materials are needed. The trolley may include a brake.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for curtain wall assembly utilizing a sill subassembly which is adapted for direct structural interconnection with oppositely disposed portions of vertical mullions. The oppositely disposed mullions and underlying sill subassembly are configured for direct mounting upon a pre-installed flashing secured to a structural mounting surface of a building. In this manner, threaded fasteners may be utilized to directly interconnect the vertical mullion to the sill subassembly and the mounting of panels, such as glass, to the sill subassembly is facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a roof seaming machine on a roof has a frame formed by a pair of spaced support members. Each support member includes an arm having a slotted transverse channel member affixed to one end thereof, and a vertical column is connected to the opposite end of the arm. A platform for supporting the seaming machine is connected to the frame by a pair of hinge knuckles which allow the platform to be folded upward when the machine is not resting on it. The frame is secured to the roof by applying clamps to roof seams where the seams protrude through slots in the channel members, thus enabling the platform to support the machine beyond the edge of the roof.

Abstract: A roof curb installation tool has a pair of sliding hinged hooks for lifting the edge of a metal roof panel, and a pair of clamping tangs which can be secured to a vertical roof seam while a curb is being installed at a hole in the roof.

Abstract: A roofing system designed to protect roof construction workers from falls includes a strong nonmetallic mesh placed over an array of purlins, and secured to the periphery of the roof by a series of metal straps which plastically deform individually under large loads to absorb energy.

Abstract: Notches are cut in a “Z”-section closure to be installed across seams on a standing seam metal roof by means of a tool which punches holes in the central web of the closure. The lower flange of the closure is subsequently cut manually to finish the notch. The tool's die surfaces correspond in shape to that of the closure, and the punch and die are aligned so that the elongate hole they make in the central web extends to the bottom of the web.

Abstract: A drain pan is provided for removing copper ions from condensate water produced by a heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. The pan defines a volume having two closed ends and an open top so that water can evaporate from the pan. At least one copper removing agent is placed in the pan, and a baffle is provided between the ends of the pan, for routing water entering the pan at one end through the removing agent en route to an outlet at the other end. The removing agent may include mossy zinc and/or activated charcoal.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the ability of a "double-door" door assembly to withstand stresses caused by high winds and flying debris associated therewith. The door assembly includes first and second doors. The first door has a first pivot stile for pivotally coupling with the first door jamb, and a first meeting stile. The second door has a second pivot stile for pivotally coupling with the second door jamb, and a second meeting stile. The first meeting stile has a greater depth, measured in a plane normal to the plane of the first door, than the remainder of the first door. Similarly, the second meeting stile has a greater depth, measured in a plane normal to the plane of the second door, than the remainder of the second door.

Abstract: A rectangular curb unit is installed on a sloping standing seam metal roof at an angle to the dip direction, so that water does not accumulate on the upslope side of the curb unit. The curb unit has four side walls, and inserts shaped to conform to the seam geometry are welded to the walls at the seam locations, typically at opposite corners.

Abstract: A grain bin structure for storing, conditioning, and drying grain having a floor, side walls, and a roof. The side walls are formed with a plurality of horizontal and vertical corrugations formed integrally therein and within a common circumferential plane. The vertical corrugations function as stiffeners and as vertical air conduits to dispense pressurized air about the periphery of the bin. Optionally, conduit tubes may be located within the vertically disposed corrugations to further channel air flow. These conduits are formed with an inner wall substantially flush with the interior of the horizontal corrugation, thereby maintaining a low silhouette while maximizing a cross-sectional area within each conduit to avoid undue restriction of air flow.

Abstract: A roof panel attachment clip includes a bracket having an upper flange, and a sliding member which supports one or more tabs. The sliding member and the bracket have alignable openings such as slots above a hole for receiving a bolt which connects the bracket to a purlin. The openings are sized to receive the shaft of an installation tool, such as a socket wrench, and must be aligned in order to get the wrench properly on the fastener. The installer is thus assisted in centering the tabs in the slots as he connects the bracket to the purlin. Once the tool is withdrawn, it is possible to slide the tabs out of position, but a biasing force between the sliding member and the bracket resists such movement.

Abstract: A mid-roof anchoring system includes a series of anchoring channels secured to the roof structure along a line midway between the eave and the ridge of the roof. Metal roof panels installed over tile substructure are permitted to float laterally on the roof, except where they are attached to the anchoring channels. As a result, the roof panels expand or contract in both directions away from the midway line. This approach minimizes thermally induced movement the upper and lower edges of the roof, and minimizes reaction forces at the anchor.