Abstract: A multipurpose hall equipped with a set of beams supporting seats (1) bearing independent load-bearing units (3) equipped with a group of seats (4) which can be arranged in a stepped configuration or a flat configuration, characterized in that it comprises means for tilting the groups of seats (4) which for each of the load-bearing units (3) comprises at least one pantograph mechanism (9) comprising a fixed support (10) of one piece with the load-bearing beam (1) and a movable support (11) of one piece with the load-bearing unit (3) and the group of seats, as well as a control linkage whereby the group of seats (4) can be moved between a deployed position and a retracted position by rotation around the fixed support (10).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, inter alia, devices and methods for precision installation of elevator wall panels and intervening reveal strips in an elevator cab shell. Various embodiments comprise corner stays and intermediate stays with pre-installed clips thereon and with locating means installed thereon to facilitate accurate locating of adjacent stay(s) in order to greatly reduce the labor and time required to install the wall panels accurately. Further, various embodiments comprise pre-installed reveal strips on the stay(s) and that are interposed between each installed wall panel. Pre-installing the reveal strips further reduces the labor and time required at the installation site.

Abstract: A panelized complex polyhedron structure can be constructed quickly and inexpensively from a plurality panels. The structure includes the plurality of panels and connecting features permitting an upper panel of the plurality of panels to overhang an adjacent lower panel of the plurality of panels. The upper panel overhangs to the adjacent lower panel.

Abstract: In a ceiling grid framework, at least one of a main beam and front and rear cross beams is configured to have a beam module which includes a lighting element therein. Thus, the ceiling grid framework can be used for supporting ceiling panels and for illumination.

Abstract: A cover is provided in modular form for covering support structures, including columns supporting overpasses on roadways. The cover is formed of cover segments that are connected together laterally and vertically. The cover segments are provided with multiple techniques for vertical and horizontal connection, air channels, stand offs, worker viewing areas, and drainage spaces. The cover is made of a lightweight material and allows for tolerance for expansion of the support structure material.

Abstract: Periodic material-based seismic isolation systems and methods are a new and innovative means to mitigate the potential damage to structures due to earthquakes or the like. The periodic materials are arranged in a periodic way in one, two and three directions, which are defined as one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) periodic materials. With this periodic material, the pattern of the earthquake event energy can be completely obstructed or changed when it reaches the periodic foundation of the structural system. This may result in a total isolation of the foundation from the earthquake wave energy.

Abstract: Surface covering tiles made using synthetic materials employ junction strips which enable the tiles to be connected to one another. The connections can be made with or without adhesive. When the tiles are connected, a space is left between adjacent decorative surfaces to permit the application of grout or simulated grout therein. When the tiles are used as floor covering they can be used to make floating floors. As wall coverings, the tiles are adhered to the walls using conventional means.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly and method adapted to secure a screw fastener at a pre-drilled hole in a concrete, brick or masonry building material with an elongated engagement cavity between the screw and the pre-drilled hole radially offset to one side of and extending axially along the depth of the hole, an elongated anchor strip axially adjacent the screw including an elongated malleable and non-resilient anchor member adapted to frictionally engage both the helical threads and the building material and to frictionally engage the threads to the building material radially opposite to the engagement cavity, the malleable anchor member having at least one transverse dimension which is substantially greater than the transverse radial dimension of the axial engagement cavity.

Abstract: A spin chuck for holding semiconductor wafers includes one or more damping mechanisms to limit the force with which chuck pins impact the wafer edge following wafer shift. The damping mechanism may be a linear or rotary dashpot. The dashpot or dashpots are mounted on a surface of the chuck body and include a control arm that contacts a common gear ring that in turn drives the chuck pins during radially inward and outward movement.

Abstract: A traction element for carpeted stair treads or other flooring includes a deformable substrate secured by screws to the tread that is vertically aligned with the top edge of a riser and slightly rearward of the tread leading edge. The substrate is covered with adhesive backed friction tape. The screws extend through respective apertures centered in respective concave tapered annular recesses defined in the substrate. The apertures are in a linear array defining a bend axis along the substrate length and the tread width and about which the substrate deforms as it is being threadedly attached to the tread. When thusly bent the substrate top surface becomes concave such that its forward edge is higher than its rearward edge, thereby establishing a slight forwardly extending incline. The tape strip conforms to the bent substrate and its exposed top surface comprises a high friction or abrasive substance.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is a reflector assembly for a skylight curb and the method of installing same through a safety grid from the roof. The purpose of the disclosed subject matter is to improve the optical performance of skylight curbs. The reflector assembly is manufacture from metallized polymer film, trimmed to match the desired interior curb surface where it will be mounted, and equipped with attachment devices to facilitate installation. The reflector assembly is configured by folding or rolling into a compact shape, passing it through an opening in the safety grid, unfolding it, and securing it in its proper position using the integrated attachment devices.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible barrier that is lightweight and can be easily transported and erected. The barrier includes a base, a top and an enclosed volume such as a diaphragm that can be expanded with a medium such as a gas or liquid to a desired shape. The expanded volume will act as a barrier. When a series of expanded barriers are connected, they will form a wall that can contain bulk materials or liquids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to furniture and devices and a system for forming working areas within open spaces. More specifically, the present invention relates to furniture, devices and systems that can be used to create individual working areas and offices in an open space with the ability to create privacy similar to an enclosed office without constructing permanent walls and partitions. The invention includes a main support frame/structure supported off the floor which receives and connects to component panels also supported off the floor which function like office walls. The configuration of the resulting compartments is adjustable using different sized panels and by positioning panels and opening in different locations. The system has an open top configuration with an upward lighting system integral to the top support member and inside it to provide upward lighting to the space(s).

Abstract: A thermal solar system having a fire rating of at least A. In a specific embodiment, the system includes a thermal solar module having an aperture region and a backside region. The system has a shaped thickness of material having a first side and a second side. In a preferred embodiment, the shaped thickness of material is characterized by a fire rating of at least A. The material has a thickness suitable to be free from penetration of moisture according to one or more embodiments. The thickness of material also has a structural characteristic capable of maintaining a shape and coupling to the backside region of the thermal solar module according to one or more embodiments. The system also has an air plenum provided between the thermal solar module and the thickness shaped thickness of material. In a preferred embodiment, the system further has a frame assembly operably coupled to the shaped thickness of material to support the shaped thickness of material and the thermal solar module.

Abstract: Deck components and related systems and methods for circulating a fluid for thermally cooling and/or heating a deck component. An exemplary embodiment of a deck component has a body that comprises a passageway for receiving a fluid, which is adapted to cool and/or heat the deck component. The passageway may extend partially or completely through the body of the deck component.

Abstract: A rain gutter guard comprises a downward leg for abutting gutter hangers when the guard is urged down into the gutter. A shoulder of the guard accommodates the shoulder of the gutter hangers. A front attachment flap secures the front of the guard to the gutter while the rear is retained by friction fit of an angled segment against the building fascia. An upstanding wall separates the central portion from the attachment flap. The central portion is inclined rearward and the attachment flap inclines to the front.

Abstract: The present document describes a fastening strip for fastening a plurality of siding panels to a surface. The strip is installed on the surface perpendicularly to the length of the panels. The strip has a plurality of braces regularly spaced along the strip and extending outwardly therefrom. Each one of the siding panels fits between two consecutive braces which each have a flexible portion and an engaging portion. The flexible portion for engaging the first edge of one of the siding panels and the engaging portion for engaging the second edge of one of the siding panels thereby fastening the one of the siding panels to the surface in between two braces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a series of removable bulkheads which surround and protect immovable building fixtures such as sprinkler and plumbing lines, heating and ventilation ducts, electrical and telecommunications wiring. A single bulkhead is generally comprised of a vertical panel and a horizontal panel. The bulkheads attach to preexisting ceilings and walls and provide a quick and cost effective method of concealing fixtures and allow easy access to renovate or repair the fixtures.

Abstract: A building frame module comprises first and second parallelogram-collapsible frame sections. Each frame section comprises: a plurality of elongate, rigid first frame members; and a plurality of elongate, rigid second frame members. Each second frame member is single-axis pivotally coupled at spaced apart locations to at least two of the plurality of first frame members and each first frame member is correspondingly coupled to at least two second frame members. The building frame module also comprises a plurality of elongate, rigid cross-link members. Each cross-link member links a second frame member of the first frame section to a second frame member of the second frame section. Each cross-link member is single-axis pivotally coupled to each second frame member that it links for relative pivotal movement therebetween.

Abstract: The cut stone construction and masonry method is a wall construction technique using the Flemish bond pattern and utilizing natural stone cut in blocks. The technique employs only vertically oriented semi-dry mortar layers between the stones. No horizontal mortar layers are used in the construction, except at the foundation level. Use is made of the dry-stacking, horizontal surface bonding techniques developed by the ancient Egyptians.