Abstract: A siding assembly and method of manufacture are disclosed. Each siding unit is a profile of a composite material which includes a thermoplastic polymer and a cellulosic fiber. The preferred siding unit has a tapered thickness and a convex face. Each siding unit is interconnected to adjacent siding units with a tongue and groove mechanism. The preferred siding profile has a plurality of webs, and the exposed portion of the siding has a capstock layer to improve weatherability. The exposed width of the siding's face may be adjustable. The siding units are interconnected end-to-end by inserts which are positioned by means of an adhesive or thermal welding.

Abstract: The present invention describes a lightweight, flexible, weather resilient, seamless, waterproof, and thermoplastic roof covering layer and a method to prepare such a layer. The method is similar to that used in the preparation of clothing wherein a pattern, which may be out of paper, is prepared according to the measurements of the roof and any protruding or embedded structures thereon. Thermoplastic fabric is cut according to the pattern specifics. The fabric pieces are attached to each other to form a snugly fitting roof covering layer which is then fused and compressed in situ.

Abstract: In an acoustic building structure corresponding to the mass-spring-mass insulation principle, the two masses of the mass-spring-mass system are each formed of at least one rigid element (1,2) and are separated by at least one panel (4) of mineral wool combined with at least one air gap (5). The acoustic structure is such that the rigid elements (1,2) are trays with a U-shaped cross section and are lined on the inside of the U with at least one mineral wool (3).

Abstract: A refrigeration panel system is provided having a first panel and a second panel. Each of the panels has an insulated core and a top and bottom metal skin attached to the insulation core. The first panel includes a groove at an end of the insulation core of the first panel. The second panel includes a tongue formed on the end of the insulation core of the second panel. The groove is adapted to receive and surround the tongue. Interlocking engagement members are disposed inside the groove and along the tongue, and provide a biasing force that pulls and holds the end of the first panel and the end of the second panel together, after the tongue is inserted into the groove and pushed past a predetermined point.

Abstract: Extruded bricks that have two opposite facing sides one with a depending tongue and the one with a groove base surface. These tongue and groove sides are interconnected by adjacent vertically disposed brick sides. A hollow interior core may extend the length of each brick and an extrusion created longitudinal lower edge groove extends along the bottom edge length of each brick opposite the brick's front face. Ties, mortar or other bonding materials may engage these longitudinal edge grooves in two adjacent engaged bricks to hold vertically disposed courses of bricks to an existing vertical supporting stud of a building. A smaller sub groove or indentation within the brick's top groove may be used to apply mortar to provide additional bonding between two layered courses of such bricks.

Abstract: A tool and a method for cutting and installing roofing shingles. The tool includes a base with a work surface and a cutter for cutting shingles placed on the work surface. The work surface include at least one limiting pedestals which includes an edge at a distance from the work surface, so that several shingles stacked over one another and placed over the work surface and slid against the edge of the limiting pedestal to expose different proportions of the shingles to the cutter to produce shingle sections of different sizes. The different sized shingle sections are then used to start the rows of shingles placed on the roof to be covered with shingles.

Abstract: A construction component for improved moisture, decay and insect resistance. The component preferably includes a plurality of members of which certain portions are comprised of materials resistant to moisture, decay and insects. The resistant member(s) are integrally connected to wood portion(s) to provide a single, low cost structure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a ceiling channel, an elongated transom frame member, and an adapter configured to mateably engage both the ceiling channel and the transom frame member. Specifically, the adapter includes an upper end with horizontal and angled flanges shaped to engage mating wall sections on the ceiling channel, in a manner providing stability to the connection and also providing alternative attachment sites for receiving a screw fastener. A lower end of the adapter telescopingly engages a top end of the frame member, and includes a pair of spaced-apart flanges and a spreader screw that can be adjusted to flex the flanges and frictionally bind the flanges against mating wall sections on the transom frame member in a selected telescoped position on the frame member. The ceiling channel has down flanges defining a longitudinally extending recess for receiving an upper edge of a cover panel. Safety clips attached to the upper edge of the cover panel engage the ceiling channel.

Abstract: An enclosure that is fire-resistive for a predetermined period of time including a floor having a structural forging which is covered with a glass wool felt. A platform of wooden plates is affixed to the glass wool felt. Lateral expansion joints are positioned at ends of the wooden plates. A wooden skirting board is positioned over the expansion joints and resides against walls of the enclosure. The walls are formed by plywood boards, incombustible boards, and a wooden board formed by planks. A metallic square bar is affixed to the floor and resides at the bottom of the walls. A ceiling is self-supported at the top of the walls. The door of the enclosure includes a frame having a plurality of wooden parts having a steel plate extending across at least one face thereof. This steel plate is covered with an incombustible board.

Abstract: A fully integrated building complex comprising a body of water, a first housing structured to resemble the Titanic and a generally domed-shaped second housing structured to resemble an iceberg. The first and second housings are each situated within the body of water so that a first portion is disposed within the body of water, resting on the bottom thereof, and a second portion is disposed above the body of water. The interior of the first and second housings are divided into a plurality of levels and may include an entranceway/lobby, guest quarters, restaurants and entertainment facilities, a casino and other hotel amenities, such as health clubs swimming pools, beauty salons, retail shops, etc. Access between the first housing and the shore is provided by a generally tubular-shaped enclosed gangway having at least one conveyor belt-like people mover.

Abstract: A space dividing or partitioning system includes a series of panels adapted to be knocked down and reconfigured. Each panel includes a panel frame constructed from a pair of vertical posts interconnected by one or more horizontal support members. Each vertical post includes a series of receptacles aligned vertically along each face surface of the vertical post. The receptacles on the vertical posts receive attachment members contained on each end of the horizontal support member. The horizontal support member can be attached between a pair of the vertical posts without requiring the vertical posts to be separated. A tile retaining hook is received within a hook opening formed in the vertical post. The tile retaining hook includes a hook portion that is received in a hook channel of a decorative tile, such that the decorative tile can be hung on the panel frame through the use of the tile retaining hooks.

Abstract: A joint device of present invention provides a covering apparatus for a floor joint whereat building portions are joined and includes an end joint plate which is biased to project outwardly by a bias device allowing movement following oscillation movements of the building portion such that gaps at end portions of the joint do not open even when the building portions are oscillated due to an earthquake.

Abstract: A structural member of the kind including a strip of metal sheet folded over onto itself at its lateral edges so that the member has respective boxed edge formations (20, 21) which extend between a pair of notional substantially parallel planes and are linked by a web (30). At least one of the boxed edge formations defines a longitudinally extending ridge (40) at one of the planes and, behind the other plane; an outwardly open longitudinally extending groove (34) complementary to the ridge, whereby the structural member may be stacked on another similar member and the stack be laterally stabilized by co-operation of the groove (34) on one member and the ridge (40) on the other.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an assembling element of multi-colored solid wood combination for decorative/furniture purposes, particularly to a multi-colored assembling unit that is composed of solid wood of different, natural colors and grains, that can be assembled to form interior stairs, armrest, railing, a piece of furniture, or other decorative panel or display articles in various beautiful configurations, that is composed of at least two or more different solid wood materials which are respectively processed and styled to become partial sections for an assembling element, the sections are then penetrated and fastened by a joining element to configure an assembling element, so various assembling elements of different colors can be assembled to become stair steps, armrests, railings, furniture or other decorative panel (post) for interior decorative and furnishing purposes.

Abstract: A multi-sheet glazing unit includes a closed spacer frame, the spacer frame has one side having a pair of legs joined to a base to provide the spacer frame with a U-shaped cross-section. An inner sheet has an edge mounted in an edge receiving member mounted between the legs of the U-shaped side of the spacer frame. The remaining edges of the inner sheet are within the interior of the closed spacer frame and spaced from the spacer frame. The inner sheet is held within the spacer frame by sheet retaining members mounted to the spacer frame. A sheet e.g. glass sheet is secured by a moisture-impervious adhesive to outer surface of each of the legs of the spacer frame. One type of sheet retaining members has a horizontal member and a vertical member, and a locking member. The locking member is mounted on the horizontal member spaced from the vertical member to form a groove to hold the inner sheet within the closed interior of the spacer frame.

Abstract: An expansion joint cover apparatus (10) includes a cover plate (38) in covering relationship with the gap (12) between building sections(14,16). One edge (46) of the plate (38) is coupled to one building section (14) and the opposed edge (48) is slidably received in a recess (30) defined in the second building section (16) adjacent the gap (12). The second building section (16) includes a recess wall (34) between the recess (30) and the adjacent support surface (28). The apparatus (10) further includes a transition insert (44) mounted in the recess (30) against the recess wall (34). The insert (44) presents an insert wall (66) to provide a beveled transition between the recess area (30) and the support surface (28) in order to guide the plate edge (48) therebetween during relative movement between the building sections (14,16) and to protect the recess wall (34) from impact by the second edge (48) of the plate (38) during such movement.

Abstract: A drainage system for a roof gutter and downspout wherein the water and debris from the gutter are directed into a housing divided into two chambers by a perforated wall which permits water to flow therethrough which the debris prevented to travel therethrough.

Abstract: A monocoque concrete structure includes a core structure comprised of foam panels presenting opposite sides and arranged in a desired shape of the monocoque concrete structure. A layer of concrete is applied to each of the opposite sides of the core structure to form a double monocoque concrete structure having a load bearing concrete shell on each of the opposite sides of the core structure.

Abstract: A conservatory roof construction with a ridge member, glazing bars or rafters and two hip bars. Each hip bar has a track extending therealong. A connector plate connects to the track and is both slidable along the length thereof and is hingable with respect to a respective hip, glazing bars (or track rafters) which connect with the hip bars being configured to permit the connection of the connector plate thereto.

Abstract: A damping device is provided for damping relative displacements between first and second structural elements. The device includes a cylinder which is stationary relative to the first structural element and defines two chambers separated by a wall. A fluid is contained within the chambers. A passage is provided to interconnect the two chambers and at least one both-way valve is provided which shuts off the passage. When the pressure in one of the chambers increases due to movement of the structural elements, the passage is opened to enable the fluid to flow from one chamber to the other.