Abstract: A system and method for applying tension to a reinforcement member is provided. The system includes a gripping device, a tension device, and a tension application sub-system. The gripping device includes first and second attachments. Each attachment retains a respective end of the reinforcement member with sufficient friction force based on a predetermined tension to be applied to the reinforcement member. The tension device includes first and second tension tubes configured to removably receive and hold the first and second attachments, respectively. The tension application sub-system has first and second tension application apparatuses and first and second coupling devices. The first and second coupling devices couple the first and second tension tubes to the first and second tension application apparatuses, respectively. At least one of the first and second tension application apparatuses creates and controllably adjusts a tension load within the reinforcement member.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing components to attach to a pre-cast pre-stressed concrete structure is provided. The system includes a first attachment part and a second attachment part. The first attachment part has a first body. The first body has a first concrete structure facing side and a first plurality of attachment members extending from the concrete structure facing side. The second attachment part has a second body. The second body has a second concrete structure facing side and a second plurality of attachment members extending from the concrete structure facing side. The first and second attachment parts are spaced apart forming a compressible junction therebetween. The pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete structure is formed from uncured cement, at least of a portion of the first and second attachment members being embedded in the pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete structure.

Abstract: System and method allows a component to attach to a pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete structure. The system includes a first attachment part, a pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete member and first and second reinforcing members. A first body of a first attachment part has a first concrete structure facing side and a first plurality of attachment members. The pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete member is formed from uncured cement. At least a portion of the attachment members are embedded within the pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete member. The first reinforcing member is placed under a first tension load and the second reinforcing member is placed under a second tension load. The pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete member is formed from uncured cement poured about at least a portion of the first and second reinforcing members while the first and second reinforcing members are under stress.

Abstract: A column assembly for use in a building foundation system is described herein. The column assembly includes a height adjustment assembly for use in adjusting an overall length of the column assembly. The height adjustment assembly includes an access tube assembly and a rod assembly. The access tube assembly includes a tube cavity that extends along a longitudinal axis. The rod assembly is rotatably coupled to the access tube assembly and extends outwardly from the access tube assembly along the longitudinal axis. A reinforcement assembly is coupled to the height adjustment assembly. A column connector assembly is coupled to the reinforcement assembly and includes a baseplate that is coupled to the access tube assembly. The baseplate includes an access opening extending therethrough that provides access to the tube cavity through the access opening.

Abstract: A tapered truss is provided. In one embodiment, the truss has a pair of base members configured to be attached to a top surface of a vertical support member. The truss may further have an upper pair of truss members and a lower pair of truss members. Each upper truss member each forms an acute angle with a respective base member and each lower truss member forms an obtuse angle from the respective base member such that the lower truss member is not parallel to the upper truss member. The truss may additionally include a ceiling joist member connected to each of the lower truss members. In one embodiment, the ceiling joist member is substantially parallel to the pair of base members.

Abstract: A sliding door latching and locking system is disclosed which includes a latch assembly, a lift rod assembly, and a retainer assembly, among other things. In some embodiments, the latch assembly includes a support member mounted in a movable body and a latching arm pivotally mounted to the support member having a distal end thereof extending outside of the periphery of the movable body, wherein the distal end includes an engagement facilitating portion with a sloped outer surface for contacting an interlocking member.

Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.

Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.

Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.

Abstract: A form system is provided for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a support system, including a wire support member and an associated base foam ring having an offset center hole corresponding to the centerline of the concrete footing, which is placed at the bottom of the earthen hole. A lower vertical form system, including multiple interlocking pieces, is assembled and joined at one end to an offset disk member. The disk member of the lower vertical form system is then placed onto the base foam ring in abutting engagement. The form system is then plumbed and positioned, e.g., in relation to one or more layout strings. Once the form system is in the correct position, the earthen hole is backfilled, e.g., with dirt or other material, thus holding the properly positioned form system in place. The lower vertical form system is then cut to grade.

Abstract: A height adjustable jack piling assembly has a piling with a top and a bottom. A hinge axis is disposed on the top and a bearing plate is disposed at the bottom. A height adjustment mechanism extends upwardly from the bearing plate and through the piling to raise the piling, and the corresponding hinge axis, by operating the height adjustment mechanism from the top. The method includes placing a jack piling assembly and second lower piling, each having a hinge axis, into the earth and operating the height adjustment mechanism of the jack piling assembly to align the hinge axes.

Abstract: A tool system is provided for aligning and plumbing a poured concrete form (e.g., a lower vertical form portion) for forming a structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like, such as a concrete column or footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The system includes a center line running vertical to the length of the tool and a two-way level system incorporated therein. The tool can be used to line up the lower vertical form portion with a layout string and plumb the lower vertical form portion square. A metering pole that can be locked in place is used to lower and raise the tool into and out of the lower vertical form portion, wherein the tool is completely rotatable about the metering pole. Once the lower vertical form portion is aligned with the tool, the earthen hole is back filled, thus holding the lower vertical form portion in place in the correct position.

Abstract: A height adjustable jack piling assembly has a piling with a top and a bottom. A hinge axis is disposed on the top and a bearing plate is disposed at the bottom. A height adjustment mechanism extends upwardly from the bearing plate and through the piling to raise the piling, and the corresponding hinge axis, by operating the height adjustment mechanism from the top. The method includes placing a jack piling assembly and second lower piling, each having a hinge axis, into the earth and operating the height adjustment mechanism of the jack piling assembly to align the hinge axes.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting various work tools, e.g., a backhoe, to a pair of parallel frame members (28) of a vehicle (20). A pair of parallel main beams (26) extend transversely across the frame members (28) and a telescoping stabilizing leg (24) extends downwardly from each end of each of the main beams (26). Four posts (48) extend from the main beams (26) for connecting the main beams (26) at spaced positions along the pair of parallel frame members (28). Each of the posts (48) is L-shaped in cross section with one flange thereof welded to the associated main beam (26) and the other flange attached to the vehicle (20) frame members (28). A pair of bearing blocks (50) are disposed on a first leg cross-beam (42) for pivotally supporting a and a pair of hydraulic cylinder-pistons (52) are attached to a main cross-beam (40) for pivoting the backhoe about the bearing blocks (50).

Abstract: A piling for use in building construction having an upper and a lower piling connected at a hinge. The hinge has a first and a second axis. The hinged connection allows an entire wall to be framed at ground level leaving one end of each upper piling connected to the lower piling, by a first pin on the first axis, and the upper end of each upper piling tilted onto the ground. A variety of framing pieces are used to connect the upper pilings together to frame a wall. Once framing of a wall is complete, the wall is hoisted into an upright position, about the first pins, bringing the entire hinge together. A second pin is inserted along the second axis in each of the hinges to secure the upper pilings in an upright position.

Abstract: Timber connectors in the form of initially flat plates each having a portion containing a plurality of apertures with at least one tooth or barb or a series of teeth struck from the plate and turned inwardly from the bounding edge of each aperture, and a portion devoid of teeth but containing a row or rows of spaced aligned holes for fastening means in the form of a preferred type of nails or other suitable fastener as desired. The aforesaid aligned holes provide lines of weakness whereby part of the connector can be bent on the job site for engagement with a main supporting timber. The connectors can be supplied on the ends of timbers by a power press at the plant pressing the teeth into a timber, and shipped to the job site in strapped bundles as lumber is usually shipped.