Abstract: A pocketformer apparatus for post-tension construction has an anchor member with an interior passageway, a tubular member extending into the interior passageway, a cup member with an interior opening in which the tubular member extends through the interior opening, and a securement member affixed adjacent the opposite end of the tubular member from the anchor body. The interior passageway has a threaded portion. The tubular member has a first end retained in the threaded portion. The tubular member has the second end extending outwardly of a side of the anchor body opposite the threaded portion. The cup member is interposed between the securement member and the anchor member. A form board is interposed between the cup member and the securement member. The threaded portion is an internal thread formed on an non-tapered portion of the interior passageway.

Abstract: A ridge ventilator for covering an open ridge of a roof while promoting ventilation of a space beneath the roof. The ridge ventilator has a sectional body having a first side and a second side, a number of partitions extending across said body between said sides, as well as a first end and a second end. The vent body has a width between said sides to permit said body to be laid over and cover an open ridge in a roof formed at the peak. The body also includes a recessed middle portion in a top face of the body, the recess being sized and shaped to accommodate roofing cap shingles. The body also includes opposed raised and curved, in side view, air foil side sections; which have a grill to permit air to pass therethrough between a space beneath said roof and the outside, the air foil side sections being sized and shaped to create, in a wind passing over the air foil sections, a low pressure adjacent to the grill to facilitate drawing air out of the space.

Abstract: This invention related to the field of drains and rain gutters typically attached to a house or commercial building. This invention describes gutter inserts that block, or deflect vegetation and other debris from entering rain gutters.

Abstract: This invention relates to a structural cementitious panel (SCP) panel able to resist lateral forces imposed by high wind and earthquake loads in regions where they are required by building codes. These panels may be used for shear walls, flooring or roofing or other locations where shear panels are used in residential or commercial construction. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder reinforced with glass fibers and containing lightweight filler particles. One or more reinforcement members, such as mesh or plate sheets, are bonded to at least one surface of the panel to provide a completed panel that can breathe and has weather resistant characteristics to be capable of sustaining exposure to the elements during construction, without damage.

Abstract: A modular architectural precast cladding system that is completely mortarless, and not subject to the inherent deficiencies of masonry materials and practice. Simple, rapid and uniform installation, with automatic alignment and self leveling features. A multi-purpose mechanical connector that is either cast-in-place at point of manufacture, or alternatively can be anchored later on the jobsite.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system for adjusting the length and tension of a cable that is used to support another structure, such as bay and bow windows and, more particularly, to such a system that is easily micro-adjustable as well as macro-adjustable.

Abstract: An exhibit or display for tradeshows or the like having a plurality of support members and an axial connection assembly. The support members include opposing ends and a body portion, and further include an exterior channel and a central bore, the channel defining a flange portion and the bore being in communication with a retention feature. The axial connection assembly is configured to releasably couple an end of a first support member to an end of a second support member such that the two support members are axially aligned. The axial connection assembly includes a collar releasably coupled in the bore of each member, with each collar including at least one locator portion to interact with the retention feature, and a pin having a mid portion and two ends, the mid portion configured to be rotatably selectively restrained within the collar.

Abstract: A roofing system including horizontal or sloped metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The roofing system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A decking plank (1) comprising a core (2) which acts as a support beam, one or more layers (3,4) bonded to said core without the use of releasable attachment means and one or the layer being an outer slip resistant covering layer with a relief; characterised in that at least one of said layers (3) is relatively soft compared to said core which is relatively hard; whereby the core acts as a support beam and said at least one layer has a cushioning effect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a retrofit roof to be installed above an existing roof made of preformed panels. Elongated support assembly members are positioned along the roof line to provide additional points of attachment for the new roof, while at the same time forming a substantially even plane for new rood panels. Some of the support members fit in the channels between the ridges of the preformed panels, which can be R-panels or standing seam panels. Transverse top members secure the channel-mounted members in place, while strapping members positioned atop the top members form additional lateral support for the new roof.

Abstract: A projected corner structure in which two upright columns 3 and 4 substantially rectangular in cross section are disposed on a diagonal line in a pair of bracket-shaped runners (1, 2) arranged at an angle of about 90° on a floor surface. A corner upright column 5 of a synthetic resin including an outer end portion 5b having an outer surface formed in the form of a circular arc stands upright fitted into a substantially angular clearance C formed on an exterior side between the upright columns. Projecting portions 9 and 10 are formed integrally on lateral portions on both sides of the corner upright column, and are arranged to fit over interior side surfaces of the respective upright columns, and are fastened to the upright columns by countersunk screws 11 and 12. The resulting structure combines simplified construction with increased strength, improved appearance, and decreased cost.

Abstract: A window frame surrounds a window box in a wall having horizontally extending siding elements that are connected along overlapping horizontal seams and unconnected edges that are juxtaposed with the window box. The window box has top, bottom, and opposed side elements connected together to define a rectangle, wherein the top element has a transverse outer edge. The window frame has top, bottom, and opposed side frame elements connected together to define a rectangular frame, each element having front and back faces and inner and outer edges whereby the back faces of the window frame elements cover the unconnected edges of the siding and the inner edges of the frame elements closely surround the elements of the window box. A rigid strip is attached to the inner edge of the top element of the window frame and projects over and is vertically supported by the outer edge of the top element of the window box.

Abstract: The invention provides tie guides for affixing trusses and rafters and other cross members to the supporting walls of a building. The tie guide includes a longitudinal base plate with a horizontal component and a vertical component. Fixing members are transverse to the base plate, and are supported by triangular flanges extending in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A foundation system includes metal framing members that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable cementitious panel. The foundation system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, and termite resistant. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: The invention includes an end cover (32) for disposition over an end of a mantel (20). The end cover (32) presents a front corner (38) extending between an upper wall (34) and a lower wall (36) and is symmetrical rearwardly to a pair of side edges (42) from the front corner (38) whereby the end cover (32) may be disposed over either end of the mantel (20). The upper wall (34) of the end cover (32) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42) and the lower wall (36) extends between the front walls (44) and the side edges (42). The upper wall (34) and the lower wall (36) each has the shape of a square with equal sides. The front walls (44) define interior surfaces complementary to the irregular pattern of the decorative face (24) of the mantel (20) and the end cover (32) overlies the mantel (20) the thickness of each front wall (44).

Abstract: An exterior member mounting unit is used for installing an exterior member to a device, such as a vehicle roof. The mounting unit includes a first part detachably supporting the exterior member so that an upper surface thereof is covered by the exterior member, a second part detachably held by the first part, and a screw for attaching the exterior member to the device while utilizing the second part detachably supported by the first part as a seating plate.

Abstract: A tactical portable solar control system which can be modular, extremely resistant to destruction, capable of being assembled by a person without instructions, and which creates a small footprint when assembled.

Abstract: A translucent wall in accordance with the present invention is configured to provide aesthetic qualities to existing walls using resin-based panels. In one implementation, one or more resin-based panels are mounted to an existing wall using one or more easily assembled frames and one or more standoffs. The panels, frames, and standoffs are configured to mount the resin-based panels away from the wall by a specific distance, thereby allowing light to be transmitted through the resin-based panels. This light transmittance in turn provides a number of decorative advantages in terms of coloring, texturing, and in terms of exhibiting decorative objects embedded in the resin-based panels. The one or more frames used in accordance with the present invention can be easily adapted to any interior or exterior space or finish, such that the disclosed systems can benefit from mass-production techniques.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a device for erecting a tower. The method comprises assembling proximate to the ground a base section, top section, and one or more intermediate sections of the tower into an assembled tower lying in a substantially horizontal first plane, the assembled tower comprising a top end including the top section and a bottom end including the base section. The method also includes orienting the attitude of the assembled tower using a lift initiator to lie in a second plane defining an acute angle to the first plane, so that the top end of the tower is higher in elevation than the bottom end. The method also includes lifting the assembled tower from the second plane to a vertical plane with a primary lift assembly and coupling the assembled tower to the foundation. The primary lift assembly may comprise a pulley having a continuous loop of cable connected to a counter-balanced tackle-block system.