Abstract: A skylight having a frame with a flanged lip about a skylight window unit periphery having water drainage notches formed therein help keep the windows clean. The notches in the frame flange radiates outward from a central light transmissive region of the window unit and have an inboard depth adjacent the window opening approximately equal to the flange thickness. Inclination of the skylight when installed allows water to freely drain from through the notches off the central light transmissive region of the window unit.

Abstract: Methods and vacuum insulated glazing units are provided. The methods include providing a first pane, applying a primary sealant to the first pane adjacent to and along a perimeter of the first pane, positioning support pillars on the first pane, positioning an evacuation tube on the first pane, positioning a second pane on the support pillars, heating the primary sealant with a laser beam sufficient to sinter the primary sealant to form a primary seal joining the first and second pane, evacuating an intermediate space defined between the first and second pane, and the primary seal to produce a low-pressure environment in the intermediate space by drawing gas from the intermediate space through the evacuation tube, and sealing the evacuation tube and thereby hermetically sealing the intermediate space within the first and second pane, the primary seal, and the evacuation tube to maintain the low-pressure environment therein.

Abstract: A deck clip that may be used in the construction of a deck and a method of using the same is provided. The deck clip may include a grip and a spacer. Portions of both the grip and the spacer may be received within the grooves of deck boards used in decks. Thus, the deck clip may be selectively affixed to deck boards. Further, the deck clip may be configured to receive a fastener for anchoring the deck clip to joists. Thus, the deck clip may be used to couple deck boards to joists. Advantageously, the deck clip may be used to construct a deck without exposed fasteners, the geometry of the spacer may assist with creating a consistent gap between adjacent deck boards, and the grip may comprise saw-tooth shaped surfaces for improved retention of the deck boards.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a connection cradle that is assembled for mounting a cellular tower on a billboard having a vertical support column and a horizontal torsion bar supporting the billboard's signage. The cradle includes a bottom flange having tubes extending axially outwards from an annular rim of the bottom flange having components that are bolted to create the annular rim that is affixed to the vertical support column along the outer cross-section using gussets welded to the vertical support column to attach the bottom flange therewith. A top flange having hollow tubes extending axially outwards from the annular rim, where each of the hollow tubes accommodate the tubes of the bottom flange. A housing having annular components, welded together to create a cylindrical housing that circumscribes the assembled cradle. The cellular tower is mounted on the billboard by placing the vertical support column inside the billboard and atop the cradle.

Abstract: Aspects of a storm trim system are disclosed including a lineal base, a first removable lineal cap, and second removable lineal cap. The lineal base having a length, a depth, and a stacked screw boss formed therein running perpendicular to the length and parallel to the depth. The stacked screw boss accessible via an opening extending along the lineal base parallel to the length and perpendicular to the depth. The first removable lineal cap attachable to the lineal base. The first removable lineal cap having two legs configured to press-fit into the opening. Moreover, the second removable lineal cap attachable to the lineal base for further covering the opening over the first removable lineal cap or for covering the opening when the first removable lineal cap is removed. The second removable lineal cap is configured to flex around a portion of the lineal base and grip the lineal base.

Abstract: A ceiling system is provided for use in a building space. The ceiling system has an open cell grid structure and is attached to a support structure of the building via hanging hardware. The open cell grid structure is constructed of a plurality of bottom panels attached to the hanging hardware, a plurality of middle panels attached to the plurality of bottom panels, and a plurality of top panels attached to the plurality of middle panels. The bottom, middle, and top panels are arranged in a plurality of rows and arranged to ensure that the plurality of panels form an interconnected system capable of being extended to any size desired by a user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a leg for frame assembly for use with an orchestra pit filler or a stage extension. Among other benefits, the leg increases the ease of assembling an orchestra pit filler or stage extension.

Abstract: A post protector is disclosed that provides protection for the lower portion of a mailbox post. Protection is provided against string trimmers and edgers and other impacting implements in a landscape environment. A shielded chamber receives latches that allow simple and concealed assembly without the need for fasteners or tools. In one embodiment, the post protector may be stacked for creating a unique visual effect and added protection. In another embodiment, perimeter flanges for pinning to a soil surface are provided. The structure provides an aesthetic complement to downspout protectors having a similar profile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the fabrication and implementation of prefabricated volumetric construction modules that include transitioning members that adjust between vertical support columns and structural trusses via lateral joints. Modification of vertical support columns to trusses enables open space configurations in volumetric construction. Each volumetric module includes a habitation zone and a truss zone. Folding or transitioning a vertical support column at the lateral joint positions a lower region of the support column from the habitation zone into the truss zone. The vertical support columns are transitioned in a specified order where within a given row of vertical support columns. Beginning from a first interior column on an edge-positioned transforming volumetric module, workers fold half of the vertical support columns of the given row into the truss arrangement in a first direction toward the edge-positioned transforming volumetric module.

Abstract: A bollard for floor installation that includes: a base that is installed on the ground; an intermediate outer cylinder that is installed on the top of the base; a connector that is fitted in the base through the internal space of the intermediate outer cylinder; a spring that is fitted on the connector; and an extension outer container that extends a length by being coupled to the intermediate outer cylinder.

Abstract: A deck clip that may be used in the construction of a deck and a method of using the same is provided. The deck clip may include a grip and a spacer. Portions of both the grip and the spacer may be received within the grooves of deck boards used in decks. Thus, the deck clip may be selectively affixed to deck boards. Further, the deck clip may be configured to receive a fastener for anchoring the deck clip to joists. Thus, the deck clip may be used to couple deck boards to joists. Advantageously, the deck clip may be used to construct a deck without exposed fasteners, the geometry of the spacer may assist with creating a consistent gap between adjacent deck boards, and the grip may comprise saw-tooth shaped surfaces for improved retention of the deck boards.

Abstract: A composite structural element includes a concrete member and a hollow member covering a part of a length of the concrete member. The concrete member has a first end, a second end, and a first elongated body extending between the first and second ends. The first elongated body has a first length between the first and second ends thereof. The hollow member has a first open end, a second open end, and a second elongated body extending between the first and second open ends. The second elongated body has a second length that is shorter than the first length. The hollow member may include a plurality of studs and a stiffener on its interior, in contact with the concrete member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel array on a surface is disclosed. The solar panel array includes a plurality of solar panel modules and a hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly. The hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly includes a component of a rail-based mounting system and a component of a rail-less mounting system. At least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-based mounting system and at least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-less mounting system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel array on a surface is disclosed. The solar panel array includes a plurality of solar panel modules and a hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly. The hybrid solar panel module mounting assembly includes a component of a rail-based mounting system and a component of a rail-less mounting system. At least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-based mounting system and at least one of the plurality of solar panel modules is mounted on the component of the rail-less mounting system.

Abstract: A gutter guard for filtering water that enters a rain gutter on a building includes: a barrier member configured to be positioned above a lowest portion of the rain gutter and having a plurality of openings that are penetrable by water, the barrier member having first members that extend along a first direction; second members that extend along a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction; and a protrusion extending from the barrier member. The protrusion has a first extension that comprises a first end, and a second extension that comprises a second end.

Abstract: A high-capacity beam includes interoperable features conformant with the pretexting modular grid shoring system including conformant interface rails and conformant end caps that removably engage with the conformant interface rails. The truss portion of the high-capacity beam has the same width and a greater height compared to the truss portion of the low-capacity beam. The high-capacity beam may also include a conformant T-slot and beveled end faces on respective opposing sides of the high-capacity truss portion. A nominal 8-foot length of the modular high-capacity beam weighs less than about 50 lbs., while a nominal 6-foot length of the low-capacity beam weighs less than about 40 lbs. A grid shoring assembly utilizing the high-capacity main beams is rated for supporting a nominal 13-inch concrete platform, while a grid shoring assembly utilizing the low-capacity main beams is rated for supporting a nominal 6-inch concrete platform.

Abstract: A reusable modular structural member may replace wooden structures used in concrete forming, transportation, marine, and construction applications. The reusable modular structural member includes a structural profile with first and second sides; a plurality of support beams extending from the first to the second side; at least two fasteners, one at a first end and another at a second end of each of the plurality of ribs; and a groove on a first edge and a tongue on a second edge that are configured to form a dovetail joint that can attach two reusable modular structural members of similar configuration. A reusable modular member can include the modular structural profile and interfacial layers covering the first and second sides. The reusable modular member may be made by extruding the structural profile and molding a recycled plastic polymer to external portions of the structural profile to form the interfacial layers.

Abstract: A method of providing a snow storage with heat-insulation, the method including covering a snow pile made at a snow storage site with heat-insulating materials of which at least some are insulation boards. In the method, the insulation of the snow pile is carried out by using insulation board mats which include several insulation boards, or insulation board groups consisting of several insulation boards attached against each other, side by side and/or one after another, and which are pivotably joined together, alternately at the upper corners and the lower corners of their opposite transversal end edges, the resulting continuous insulation board mat composed of several insulation boards one after another being foldable into an accordion-like insulation board bundle and re-openable into a continuous insulation board mat. The invention also relates to equipment for providing a snow storage with heat-insulation.

Abstract: A steel beam including a base plate, two web plates extending from the base plate, and an end plate of each end of the steel beam, wherein the base plate, the two web plates, the first end plates delimit a space configured to be filled at least partly with hardening material such as concrete. The steel beam includes a fill space at at least one of the ends of the steel beam. The fill space being limited by a fill space housing configured to separate the fill space from the space of the steel beam.

Abstract: A composite structure joining system and method comprises a structural panel, preferably but not necessarily fabricated from structural composite materials, that further comprises a nesting C-joint feature that facilitates assembly of a plurality of panels of the invention to form a planar structure such as a wall. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of the panels of the invention, joined together using the C joint of the invention, captured in a frame. The frame structural elements may comprise metals such as aluminum or steel, or may be hand laid or extruded fiberglass as described in more detail below. The invention further comprises methods of manufacturing a plurality of structural panels of the invention. The method of the invention may be used to fabricate intermodal shipping containers that have superior structural and thermal characteristics, are lightweight, resulting in lower transportation costs and lower container costs.