Abstract: A device that is a handheld circular heating element for use in the construction industry is described. Specifically the device is useful for applying heat uniformly to a two-piece membrane for separation of the outer layer to allow the inner layer to be exposed. The device includes a handle, an electrical supply, an on/off switch and a heating element. The device uses electricity to heat the heat-emitting burner of the heating element, which is then placed next to the membrane. As the membrane is warmed, the two layers of the membrane are able to be separated, which exposes the inner membrane.

Abstract: A laminated structure for use in retrofit building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing characteristics while being optimized for efficient installation. The laminated structure includes a panel with at least one layer of viscoelastic glue, or fire-10 resistant, viscoelastic glue, which functions both as a glue and an energy dissipating layer. In one embodiment, the laminated structure to be attached to an existing wall in some embodiments includes standard paper-faced gypsum board. In another embodiment the to-be-applied laminated structure includes a cement-based board, and in yet another embodiment the to-be-applied laminated 15 structure includes a cellulose-based board. Once the laminated structure is installed on an existing wall or other partition, the resulting structure greatly attenuates transmitted noise and minimizes the labor required for installation and finishing.

Abstract: A device that is a handheld circular heating element for use in the construction industry is described. Specifically the device is useful for applying heat uniformly to a two-piece membrane for separation of the outer layer to allow the inner layer to be exposed. The device includes a handle, an electrical supply, an on/off switch and a heating element. The device uses electricity to heat the heat-emitting burner of the heating element, which is then placed next to the membrane. As the membrane is warmed, the two layers of the membrane are able to be separated, which exposes the inner membrane.

Abstract: A device that is a handheld circular heating element for use in the construction industry is described. Specifically the device is useful for applying heat uniformly to a two-piece membrane for separation of the outer layer to allow the inner layer to be exposed. The device includes a handle, an electrical supply, an on/off switch and a heating element. The device uses electricity to heat the heat-emitting burner of the heating element, which is then placed next to the membrane. As the membrane is warmed, the two layers of the membrane are able to be separated, which exposes the inner membrane.

Abstract: A retaining wall block generally comprises a block body having a front face with a plurality of support legs extending rearward therefrom, opposed first and second side surfaces, and opposed and substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces. A preferred leg spacing of side support legs allows the side legs of each successive course of blocks to rest on the side legs of the prior-laid rows, while allowing the center legs to float freely. The free-floating center leg may allow attachment of additional stabilization means to the center leg without preventing the blocks from resting directly on the course below.

Abstract: A system and method of installation for installing a rolled sheet material on a vertical or near-vertical surface are described. Specifically the system and method of installation are useful in the construction industry where heavy rolls of sheet materials must be precisely installed on walls and other vertical surfaces that can be several stories high. The system includes a rolled material spool holder with mounting hardware to allow mounting of the spool holder to a piece of construction equipment along with a spool director, which is also mounted to the piece of movable construction equipment, such as a scissor lift. The method of installation involves positioning the scissor lift along the wall in the desired start location and the desired starting height.

Abstract: A laminated structure for use in retrofit building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing characteristics while being optimized for efficient installation. The laminated structure includes a panel with at least one layer of viscoelastic glue, or fire-resistant, viscoelastic glue, which functions both as a glue and an energy dissipating layer. In one embodiment, the laminated structure to be attached to an existing wall in some embodiments includes standard paper-faced gypsum board. In another embodiment the to-be-applied laminated structure includes a cement-based board, and in yet another embodiment the to-be-applied laminated structure includes a cellulose-based board. Once the laminated structure is installed on an existing wall or other partition, the resulting structure greatly attenuates transmitted noise and minimizes the labor required for installation and finishing.

Abstract: A material for use in building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing and fracture characteristics optimized for efficient installation. The material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions both as a glue and as an energy dissipating layer; and one or more constraining layers, such as gypsum or cement-based panel products modified for easy fracture. In one embodiment, standard paper-faced wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure with the inner surface of said wallboard being bare with no paper or other material being placed thereon.

Abstract: A material for use in building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing and fracture characteristics optimized for efficient installation. The material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions both as a glue and as an energy dissipating layer; and one or more constraining layers, such as gypsum or cement-based panel products modified for easy fracture. In one embodiment, standard paper-faced wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure with the inner surface of said wallboard being bare with no paper or other material being placed thereon.

Abstract: Laminated structures for use in building construction are fabricated by a manufacturing process such that the laminating steps to not require elevated drying temperatures or an extended dwell time at any point. The process employs stock materials that simultaneously reduce cost and improve performance. This is accomplished using a specially formulated viscoelastic glue and ambient temperature drying apparatus. As a result, the production capacity of the manufacturing facility, cost of goods, and delivered performance are greatly improved over existing methods.

Abstract: A material for use in building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing and fracture characteristics optimized for efficient installation. The material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions both as a glue and as an energy dissipating layer; and one or more constraining layers, such as gypsum or cement-based panel products modified for easy fracture. In one embodiment, standard paper-faced wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure with the inner surface of said wallboard being bare with no paper or other material being placed thereon.

Abstract: A mold core with a plurality of tension springs is placed in a mold box such that the top of the mold core is even with the top of the mold box when the plurality of tension springs have no tension. Block mix including a substantial amount of compressible material is poured into the mold and lightly vibrated. A movable bottom plate then moves downward at the same time as the mold core is moved downward a first distance to stretch the plurality of tension springs. After the mold core is moved downward the first distance, the movement of the mold core stops while the movement of the movable plate continues downward, thereby ejecting the partial block element from the mold. Block elements are cured, then glued together to form a complete block. One or both of the exterior surfaces of the block may have a wooden attachment layer attached.

Abstract: A shingle unit used for covering the hip, ridge and rake portions of an asphalt shingle roof. The shingle unit includes a top cover permanently bonded to a tapered substrate to create the visual effect of tapered thickness. The shingle is preformed to an inverted, V-shape so as to conform to the hip, ridge or rake portions of a roof. Various notches are formed on the perimeter of the top cover to facilitate longitudinal alignment and surface exposure of the shingles at installation. Depressions are formed on bottom surface of the substrate and are filled with an adhesive during manufacture. After installation, solar heat causes the adhesive to flow between the substrate and the subjacent area of the top cover, or roof, to provide wind uplift resistance.