Abstract: A device for forming flashing, and a method for forming the same for adaptation to freeze boards. The present invention is a device for forming flashing comprising a plate with at least one groove cut through the plate. The groove in the plate has at least one angle changing the groove from a first direction to a second direction on the plate. The grooves may be organized in V-shape or Z-shape arrangements. Flashing is inserted into the groove, bending the sheet metal to take on the form of a similar shape to the groove. The flashing is then pulled through the device, creating a uniform bend along the length.

Abstract: A tie-down strap frame connector (10) for use in a stabilizing foundation system for a manufactured home which comprises a frame including at least one flanged support beam. The tie-down strap frame connector comprises a clamp assembly (26) that includes a base plate (30) and at least one wedge plate (45), and a swivel plate (28) that includes a tie-down strap slot (54). The wedge plate, base plate, and swivel plate each can be pivotally connected to each other with a coupling member (52) such that the swivel plate can pivot about the base plate to avoid the creation of undue torsional stress concentrations within the tie-down strap.

Abstract: In a method for forming a block having a core, the core is formed in a vertical orientation, providing for increased control of wall thickness. The block has a projection on one surface and a groove on an opposing surface. The block core is disposed parallel to the projection and the groove. The block may be used in a step assembly, a ramp assembly, or a wall. Assemblies made from the block are easy to construct and can be assembled with or without adhesive.

Abstract: A modular construction system and method of use for creating a concrete wall system which has a wall system which complies with a modular construction system. The system uses wall form panels having connectors and structural tie plates. The wall form panels have interlocking protrusions around the edges such that the panel is reversibly symmetric. The panels are specific lengths to minimize the number of panels required to achieve a set length. The structural tie plates have connectors to tie in with the wall form panels and in addition carry and position reinforcement bars with the wall. The modular wall system ensures ease and integrity of alignment of the wall form panels by the self-aligning structural tie elements. In a preferred embodiment, a footing is continuously integral with the wall. A heat retention cap form allows for a more uniform cure temperature in adverse temperatures.

Abstract: A system and method is described by which the structural integrity of a building or other structure can be increased and made more resistant to earthquake damage. A structural member may be incorporated into a building structure. At least a portion of the structural member is made of a material that undergoes a shape or phase transformation in response to energy applied. This member can alter the natural frequency of the building structure from a first natural frequency to a second natural frequency when the material undergoes the transformation to make destructive resonance less likely to occur.

Abstract: A multi-panel hollow door has a core made of corrugated paperboard. The core is formed from a stack of plies in which adjacent plies are adhered to one another in accordance with a predetermined pattern of adherence (e.g., a gluing pattern). The stack is expanded in a direction perpendicular to the plies to form an elongated series of cells disposed longitudinally between transversely spaced panel indentations of a door skin, at a central region of the door. Each cell has a pair of transversely spaced vertices, and juxtaposed end portions of vertex-forming plies form tabs. Each tab is preferably oriented to overlap an adjacent portion of a vertex-forming ply, the desired orientation being obtained by partial slitting of a single vertex-forming ply. Unexpanded end portions of a stack of plies may be broken off to form pads between corresponding portions of the skins.

Abstract: A grid structure capable of withstanding a compressive force comprises a peripheral frame, a plurality of first grid members connected to and extending within the peripheral frame and a plurality of second grid members connected to and extending within the peripheral frame. The second grid members intersect the first grid members. The first and second grid members form a grid of small frames disposed within the peripheral frame. The grid has an upper surface and a lower surface wherein a first group of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second grid members have flanges on the upper surface, the flanges being generally perpendicular to the first and second grid members and a second group of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second grid members have flanges on the lower surface, the flanges being generally perpendicular to the first and second grid members. A process of making the grid structure is also disclosed, as is an assembly of such grid structures.

Abstract: The present invention is a prestressing system for wood elements and structures and a method from prestressing wood beams. In its most basic form, the system for prestressing structures comprises a plurality of members arranged in a predetermined configuration, at least one non-metallic prestressing tendon, having a material stiffness less than that of steel, disposed in such a manner as to fasten together the members, and stressing means attached to at least one end of the prestressing tendon to exert a tensile force on the tendon and an equal and opposite compressive force drawing the members together. In the preferred embodiment, the tendons are manufactured from fiber reinforced plastic and the members are arranged in side by side relation to form a deck. The deck includes a series of aligned holes through the members, through which the prestressing tendons pass and are secured and prestressed.

Abstract: A flange of a panel is inserted into an extrusion port of an extrusion molding die through an insertion slit, which opens laterally of the extrusion port, to thereby form a molding space that corresponds to a trim member between the extrusion port and the flange. A material for forming the trim member is extruded forwardly of the extrusion port through the molding space. The die and the flange are moved relative to each other while adjusting the insertion depth of the flange into the extrusion port so that the distance between a reference on the panel and the trim member is maintained at a desired distance. Thus, a trim member is extrusion molded on the edge of the flange of the panel and is mounted thereon simultaneously, thereby accurately mounting the trim member on the in a desired outer shape.

Abstract: A cladding system used to secure a cladding material panel to a building structure and including upper and lower bracket members to cooperatively and respectively engage upper and lower ends of adjacent cladding material panels. The upper bracket member includes a first fastener member to engage an interior surface of a first cladding material panel and a second fastener member a spaced apart distance therefrom and also engaging the first cladding material panel. A mount assembly secures the upper bracket member a spaced apart distance from the building structure and facilitates alignment of the cladding material panels. The lower bracket member includes a first lower fastener member to engage a second cladding material panel and a second lower fastener member a spaced apart distance therefrom which also engages the second cladding material.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering mortar to blocks or bricks used for forming a wall. The system includes a pressurized tank which is used for receiving and dispensing the mortar at an elevated pressure. A delivery hose is attached to the tank. The delivery hose serves for carrying the mortar from the pressurized tank to a desired location. A bifurcated nozzle having an inlet and a pair of outlets is used for concurrent delivery of the mortar. The nozzle is attached to the delivery hose. The inlet of the nozzle is in fluid communication with the delivery hose. The mortar is delivered from the pressurized tank through the hose and then discharged as a plurality of streams or beads of mortar from the outlets of the nozzle onto the block used for forming the wall. The streams of mortar are placed on the ends and opposite edges of the side face of the block. Each block is placed end to end next to each other forming a first course of blocks.

Abstract: A roof hatch safety railing for increasing a person's safety as he or she climbs onto a roof or platform of a building from a roof or access hatch is disclosed. The safety railing includes two poles where one pole is attached to the right side of a roof hatch and the other pole is attached to the left side of the hatch. A person may grab the poles as he or she climbs from the roof or access hatch ladder, through the hatch, and onto the roof or platform. The poles are also spaced away from the hatch, thereby allowing enough clearance for a lid of the hatch to close and cover the hatch. The railing may be modified to accommodate various types and sizes of roof or access hatches.

Abstract: A method of assembling window or door frames includes the step of injecting, and partially setting, adhesive (14) in at least one intermediate space (13) between the glass (3) and the frame sections (1) whereby the gears and frame section are adhesively bonded. The frame section (1) has at least one intake channel (1) for adhesive (14) extending through it and connecting the intermediate space (13) for the adhesive (14) to the outside of the frame section, and the adhesive is injected therethrough.

Abstract: A utility pole comprises an inner structure disposed within an envelop formed of a different material than that of the inner structure, thereby enabling the combination of the qualities inherent to both materials in a single utility pole. The utility pole may be of a modular construction for allowing equipment and accessories to be integrated to the utility pole. For instance, a transformer may be added between two adjacent sections of the inner structure of the utility pole.

Abstract: A finished flooring underlayment is disclosed including a flexible membrane which is resistant to water, mold and deterioration under wet or dry conditions, and which has intertwined filaments bonded to the membrane surface that act as mortar reinforcement and as gauges to provide a uniform thickness of application for cementicious mortar. The mortar is provided separately and is mixed to a suitable consistency with either water or latex additive, then poured or placed on the mat, utilizing the gauges provided by the filaments to effect a uniform thickness of application. This mortar hardens to a strong, load bearing surface or slab suitable for application of finished flooring.

Abstract: Exterior finishing panels are provided which contain an elongated, thermoplastic sheet which is supported by a rigid support member disposed along a portion of the length of the sheet. The rigid support member has a flexural modulus which is significantly greater than the modulus of the thermoplastic sheet, so as to support the panel during handling and installation. The panels of this invention will be more kink-resistant, and will ride uneven walls better to present a flatter-looking finished wall surface. These panels are also capable of being worked with ordinary hand tools, such as a standard wood saw made of steel or carbide.

Abstract: A gutter screen for preventing the accumulation of debris within a gutter is disclosed. The gutter screen has a plurality of ribs positioned to run transversely across the gutter. Each rib has a rounded first top section, the first top section having a top surface emanating circumferentially about the first top section, a V-shaped first bottom section, a first end, and a second end. The gutter screen also has a plurality of bars positioned to ran above and generally parallel to the gutter. The bars have a rounded second top section and a V-shaped second bottom section. The second top section of each bar is attached to and interconnects the first bottom sections of each rib, the ribs and the bars defining a plurality of gutter screen apertures. A roof flange for attaching the gutter screen underneath a roof shingle extends from the first end of each rib. The roof flange has a roof flange surface which is flush with the top surface of the rib.

Abstract: A clamp for controlling uplift on a metal roof. The clamp includes a unitary mounting body having a slot extending therethrough. This slot may be positioned over/about a standing seam on a metal roof and be appropriately secured thereto, such as by the use of blunt-nosed screws which engage the seam material.

Abstract: A folding stage includes a spacing linkage that is adjustable. The spacing linkage locks the folding stage at its final use position. The linkage includes an adjustable link member having an adjustment device. The adjustment device provides for changing the length of the link. The adjustment device includes a housing having a block slidably mounted therein. The housing and the block both include transverse openings for receiving a pivot bolt. The end of the housing receives a bolt threadably connected to the sliding block. A nut on the exterior of the housing threadably connects to the bolt and positions the block relative to the end of the housing for adjusting the length of the link and the position of the spacing linkage.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar comprises a support assembly including a first support and a second support. The first support has a ground-engaging portion. The second support is coupled to the first support so that the ground-engaging portion provides subjacent support for the second support. The second support is structured and dimensioned to support a reinforcement bar in a substantially upright position. A support member is coupled to the support assembly. The support member is provided for vertically supporting another reinforcement bar. A method for supporting reinforcement bar comprises the steps of providing a ditch having a bottom surface and apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar. The method next comprises the step of positioning apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar in the ditch with an end of apparatus protruding from the ditch and a ground-penetrating portion driven in the bottom surface of the ditch.