Abstract: An insulated concrete wall assembly having an embedded anchor plate which enables reliable mounting of fixtures, such as curtain rod brackets and the like, to an exposed surface of an interior wall of a building. The anchor plate is preferably an expanded metal plate having securement apertures of a size to receive and positively engage a fastener extending through wallboard and the anchor plate thereby permitting the fixture to be drawn into tight engagement with the wallboard by positive engagement of the fixture mounting fastener with the anchor plate. In addition, the anchor plate preferably has integrally formed securement projections, or spikes, which enable the anchor plate to be pressed into engagement with the rigid foam insulation before wallboard, such as drywall, is applied over the insulation. The invention also relates to a method of assembling an insulated concrete wall.

Abstract: A scoop for removing semi-fluid materials such as joint compound from a bucket includes a handle for manipulating a receptacle. The receptacle has an open top and an open side face which conforms in shape to the arcuate sidewall of the bucket. Thus, when the receptacle is manipulated into scraping engagement with the bottom of the bucket until it engages the sidewall of the bucket, it can readily scoop up the last remaining quantity of material located within the bucket.

Abstract: A washer, for use with a fastener for attaching a slab of insulation and a covering mesh to a substrate, has fingers which automatically partially block its entry aperture when the fastener is tightened so that a finish applied over the washer does not fill the cavity of the washer. This reduces the conduction of heat through the insulation by way of the finish material and the fastener. It also provides an undercut surface for improved adhesion of the finish material to the washer.

Abstract: A hand-held groover for forming grooves, bevels, etc. in architectural insulation board comprises a resistive cutting blade, a 25 KHz. oscillator, operated by full-wave rectified line current and connected to the cutting blade through a light-weight transformer. The oscillator delivers to the heating element a sequence of electrical pulses synchronized with the line current frequency, each having a duration of 1/120 second. Each pulse consists of plural oscillations at 25 KHz., so that the heating current in the blade is essentially an amplitude-modulated 25 KHz. current. The modulating pulses are selected from the continuous train of 120 Hz. pulses by an adjustable triggering circuit, to adjust the time interval between pulses and thereby control the temperature of the heating element.