Abstract: The embodiment of this invention is disclosed, which describes a storm shutter system, which allows easy installation and removal by the homeowner. This invention does not add anything to the window and does not require the homeowner to change the window or drill holes into the home in order to install this device. The device is installed in a temporary fashion using the existing screen track of the existing window. One side of the device used a bar, which remains, in a fixed position and the other side uses a bar with slots to allow lateral movement to insure custom fit of the device.

Abstract: An interlocking rectangular sheet of simulated shakes for lock-up assembly upon a structure in an upwardly directed fashion having a thermo-formed base sheet with an exposure surface and a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface terminates in a cross-sectionally “U” shaped, clipping member. The top surface has a plurality of punched key portions, certain of which having apertured, flanged, assemblies thereon. All of the key portions allow for receiving securing members for attachment of the sheet to the structure, including the flanged portions. The apertured, flanged assemblies and the clipping members cooperate positively to interconnect in the upwardly directed fashion to provide, when secured to the structure by the securing members, a substantial inability to be removed or displaced by weather conditions. The flanged assemblies have an extended “S” shaped configuration.

Abstract: A sinusoidal structural member having a dual component flange is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the flange (both upper and lower) is comprised of at least two components. These two components can be produced by dividing the flange lengthwise; where the division plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the web, when observing a standard flange-web relationship; and the geometry of the division border substantially matches the sinusoidal geometry of the web. The two resulting flange components substantially complement one another; wherein the sine peak of one component fits within the sine valley of its corresponding component, leaving a gap sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the web to be interposed. The sinusoidal web, substantially matching the division pattern of the flange components, is compressively sandwiched between the flange components, with sufficient compression to bring the sinusoidal web within dimensional compliance.

Abstract: The invention provides energy-saving housing wherein the indoor temperature condition can be made comfortable throughout the year by a small amount of energy by suppressing loads on cooling and heating devices, and high airtightness and high heat insulation performance can be maintained for a long period of time so that durability is excellent. The energy-saving housing includes wall parts provided with inner walling made from an inorganic material and heat insulators made from an organic foamed material, a ceiling part provided with inner walling made from an inorganic material, heat insulators made from an organic foamed material at the ceiling part or roof part, and a floor heating device provided at least at the floor part of the lower floor, and has an equivalent clearance area of from 0.3 cm2/m2 to 0.6 cm2/m2.

Abstract: A structure that can be partially assembled at one location, transported to a site in modules, and then fully assembled into a structure suitable for housing a therapeutic radiation source is disclosed. The modules include reinforced walls that are filled with radiation shielding fill material to form a barrier around a central treatment area. Additional modules are placed over the first set of modules and form a barrier above the treatment room. A door with a selectively retractable threshold provides access to the treatment room. The module including the radiation equipment is included in removable portions so that the radiation equipment can be removed and replaced. The modules also form a patient waiting room and control area separated from the treatment by the barrier.

Abstract: A container for a domestic appliance, comprising: guides for lateral movement of the container with respect to a domestic appliance; a device for one or more of vertically adjusting and inclining of the container, including supporting members associated with the container; supporting brackets connected to and extending upwards from the guides and supporting the container; and index stops on one of the supporting members an supporting brackets and index notches on one of the supporting members and supporting brackets, the index stops cooperating with the index notches to one or more of vertically adjust and incline the container.

Abstract: A windowpane is supported in a gasket by a support member so that a space for allowing the windowpane to shift therein is ensured between an end surface of the windowpane and a surface in a channel of the gasket facing the end surface, the gasket having the channel for receiving a peripheral edge of the windowpane, and the support member being removable from the gasket. The windowpane can be easily removed from a body panel by removing the support member and shifting the windowpane into the space.

Abstract: A mullion assembly that is removably positioned within an opening. The invention includes a tube having telescoping members that fit together and are adjustable between a variety of lengths. The ends of the tube mount to first and second edges of the opening. A biasing mechanism positioned within the tube provides for adjusting the overall length of the tube. In one embodiment, a locking mechanism is located within the tube to prevent the telescoping members from moving relative to each other thus preventing the tube from being reduced in length and removed from first and second mounting assemblies and removed from the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is related to inflatable devices, and, more specifically, to inflatable devices in combination with rigid surfaces and a method for deflating an inflatable device. According to one embodiment of the present invention an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and an outlet in the bladder. The inflatable device also includes a first substantially rigid surface in contact with a first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder and a second substantially rigid surface in contact with the first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder. In this embodiment, the first and second substantially rigid surfaces collectively are in contact with more than half of the first surface of the fluid impermeable barrier. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of deflating an inflatable device is provided.

Abstract: A column for use in post-frame construction having a two piece construction in which a first or foundation column portion of the column is set into the earth with a proximal end thereof protruding from the earth. The proximal end of the foundation column includes a column bracket for joining the foundation column to a wooden column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention. The foundation column of the present invention comprises a precast concrete column. The foundation column of the present invention advantageously resists degradation of its mechanical properties due to environmental influences while providing the necessary strength to support a post-frame building, including, e.g., the environmental loads received by the building. The wood column comprising the second portion of the two piece column of the present invention advantageously provides ease of workability to complete construction of a post-frame building.

Abstract: A flashing and weep apparatus allows for simple installation and accurate placement windows and doors in cavity wall construction. In a first embodiment, the flashing and weep apparatus is a two-panel extrusion that has a flashing panel that acts as a non-porous support for the masonry veneer. This embodiment also includes a second panel which is joined at a generally right angle to the first panel to be juxtaposed against the outer face of the inner wall in the cavity wall construction. Weep channels are formed between the two panels and allow for the drainage and dissipation of water and other moisture in the cavity wall system. In a second embodiment, membrane is initially attached to and draped along the lower portion of the inner wall immediately above the sill or lintel. The membrane extends across the cavity spacing between the walls to underlie the masonry components forming the outer veneer.

Abstract: A method of modifying a thermal barrier assembly that includes a channel, the method including exposing a surface of a channel to a plasma that includes metal moieties and depositing the metal moieties on the surface of the channel.

Abstract: An expansion joint cover (10) comprises a first plate (18) hingedly attached to a first surface (14) of an expansion joint (12), a second plate (20) hingedly attached to the first plate (18), and a housing (26) fixedly secured to a second surface (16) of the expansion joint (12). During installation, a front plate (52) of the housing (26) can rotate about a hinge (58) to allow the second plate (20) to be installed within the housing (26). In use, the second plate (20) slides within the housing (26) to accommodate variations in separation distance and vertical offset between the two surfaces (14,16). Two hinges (36,44) accommodate variations in torsion between the two surfaces (14,16). The combination of the second plate (20) sliding within the housing (26) and the two hinges (36,44) accommodates variations in lateral offset between the two surfaces (14,16).

Abstract: The intrusion of insects into a home or similar building is controlled by utilizing insect and/or microorganism controlling plastic materials in the construction of the building. The insect and/or microorganism controlling plastic building materials are manufactured by first blending one or more plastic resins with one or more insect and/or microorganism controlling chemical agents to form a blended plastic resin/insect and/or microorganism controlling chemical agent material. The blended plastic resin/insect and/or microorganism controlling chemical agent material is then utilized to manufacture plastic films, sheets, nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, insulating foams, flooring materials, wall covering materials, and the like utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A heated guard for rain gutters includes a cap which deflects debris from the interior of the gutter. A plurality of mounting brackets are positioned within the interior of the gutter in a laterally spaced apart relationship, and are connected with an associated roof fascia. Each of the mounting brackets has an upper portion supporting the cap, and a forward portion with a horizontal slot. A hat-shaped channel extends between the mounting brackets, has a U-shaped base received in the slot of the mounting brackets, and is attached to the mounting brackets and positioned under the cap. An elongate electric heater element is positioned in the base portion of the channel, and is positively retained therein and covered by the cap. The heater element is connected with a source of electrical power to heat the heater element, the channel and the cap to melt snow and ice thereon.

Abstract: A breakaway signpost connector for attaching a sign support member to an anchor member. The connector includes a shear member having a first end, a second end, and a necked-down section between the first and second ends. A spring surrounds the shear member and supports the necked-down section.

Abstract: A display detecting apparatus for detecting display modules having a display surface, includes a base, at least one flat panel generally horizontally fixed on the base; and a plurality of frames fixed on the flat panel for carrying the display modules, wherein at least two adjacent frames form a first angle less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A deck covering apparatus for selectively covering a portion of a deck from the elements. The deck covering apparatus includes a pair of support assemblies each having a base portion and a rail member. The base portion is designed for coupling to a support structure. The rail member is coupled to the base portion whereby the base portion of each of the support assemblies is designed for supporting the rail member of an associated one of the support assemblies in a spaced relationship above the deck. Each of a plurality of panel assemblies is slidably coupled to the rail member of each of the support assemblies. Each of the panel assemblies is slidably positionable along a length of the rail member of each of the support assemblies whereby each of the panel assemblies are designed for covering a portion of the deck from the elements.

Abstract: A two-plate splice connection assembly for connecting the lower end of an upper tubular pole member to the upper end of a lower tubular member which eliminates the need for having an individual positioned on the outside of the tubular pole member and an individual positioned on the inside of the tubular pole member when the splice plates are secured together.

Abstract: A method for casting hollow core concrete panels includes the use of raft connectors to hold a plurality of spaced foam billets in place during the manufacture to create panel or plank with spaced foam-filled cores. The panels include billets that form longitudinal voids that allows utilities to be run through the lengths of the concrete panels.