Abstract: A system of spaces including a residential apartment unit in a multi-unit building arranged on multiple levels that provides the following attributes to all units in the building: Central corridor access to a middle level of each unit; through-unit feature with exposures at opposite sides of the building; a variety of ceiling heights, each appropriate to the function and formality of its respective space, which nest to conserve building height and bulk; and internal balconies and exposed interior stairs enabling vertically displaced spaces to interlock and communicate visually. The resulting unit is contained within a demising envelope whose shape, when rotated 180 degrees about a central public corridor serving a second such unit, forms a complimentary pair. The combined shape of each such pair of units enables it to be stacked vertically and abutted laterally into a simple rectangular solid that allows vertical continuity for optimum efficiency of structural and mechanical support systems.

Abstract: A multi-perforated metallic base member device (the Backing Plate) that is used to repair stress cracks, or panel abutment joint separations in drywall boarding, thereby restoring and strengthening the repaired areas without the need to replace any affected sections, which is quickly and easily installed to the blind side of the cracked wall from the outside, by temporarily mounting it onto the (so called) locking hooks of its detachable installation member, (The Handle) thereby creating a living hinged assembly. Once mounted the base member may be pivoted over like a jackknife to be inserted into the wall cavity through a pre-cut slit in the crack, where it will spring open within the wall, to be pulled outward by the Handle and held in place against the blind side of the wall, while it is securely fastened to both cracked panel edges through the outside of the wall.

Abstract: A fastener with a head having a stepped configuration in assist in drawing down a composite material about a fastener to reduce flagging.

Abstract: A structural support for supporting equipment on a rooftop, which is connected to a frame and to equipment to be supported, comprises a mechanism connecting a base cap and a base connector of the structural support. One of the base cap and the base connector includes at least one plate and the other of the base cap and the base connector includes a pair of plates that receives the at least one plate allowing for pivoting adjustments of the base connector about the base cap when the at least one plate is received within an opening between the pair of plates to achieve desired positioning of the base connector. In one example, a pair of base cap plates is received by a pair of inwardly biased base connector plates. Once a desired position is achieved, a fastening assembly secures the position of the base connector. The structural mounting may also include, for example, a base support, a base flashing, and a rubber base gasket.

Abstract: A storage assembly structured to be supported on a base is presented, wherein the base includes a plurality of spaced apart beams. At least one embodiment of the storage assembly includes a platform and at least one mounting device attached or otherwise connected to the platform. The mounting device(s) comprises an attachment mechanism which is structured to be removably engaged with the base and/or one or more beams thereof. Further, in at least one embodiment, the mounting device(s) is disposed and structured to removably support the platform in a predetermined spaced relation to said base.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for laying marble tile flooring utilizes a form and method for using the form. The form provides for applying layers of a sealant, mud and thin set to a height determined by the form for laying the first tile in a horizontally level position. Second and subsequent tiles are laid relative to the first laid tile by gauging off the first laid tile and fixing the height of sealant, mud, and thin set such that the second and subsequently laid tiles are level with the first tile and parallel to the edges of the first laid tile. The result is a completely horizontal tiled floor with each tile level to an adjacent tile and parallel and or perpendicular relative to each other tile.

Abstract: A foundation system, such as a frost-protected foundation system, includes an elongated body having a lower base surface, an upper support surface and side surfaces between the lower base surface and the upper support surface. The base surface is adapted to be supported on a ground surface and the upper support surface is adapted to supporting at least a portion of a structure. The body may be made substantially from a polymeric material, such as a high density crush resistant material, an extruded polystyrene insulation, or the like. At least one of said side surfaces is at an acute angle to said base surface. An architectural structure made with the frost-protected foundation system includes a slab supported with the upper support surface.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?) which have a body (30), a lower balancing layer (34) and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6) is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard (1) and extends under an adjoining floorboard (1?). The strip (6) has a locking element (8), which engages a looking groove (14) in the underside of the adjoining floorboard (1?) and forms a horizontal joint. A tongue (38) and a tongue groove (36) form a vertical joint between upper and lower plane-parallel contact surfaces (43, 45) and are designed in such manner that the lower contact surfaces (45) are on a level between the upper side of the locking element (8) and a plane containing the underside (3) of the floorboard. Also, a floorboard having such a locking system, a floor made of such floorboards, as well as a method for making such a locking system.

Abstract: A shear plate for application to the outer end portion of a ferrule to be cast into a concrete component such as a wall panel, the shear plate having an outer portion engageable with the ferrule and, beyond the outer portion, a portion shaped to incline away from the adjacent surface of the concrete component to which the outer end of the ferrule is to be exposed. The shear plate enables the ferrule to be situated close to an edge of the component in a situation in which it will be subjected to shear loading in a direction towards that edge.

Abstract: A prefabricated insulating panel for making outer surfaces of buildings, integrating an auxiliary panel unit, particularly a photovoltaic unit, is equipped with one or more quick-fit retention members of the auxiliary panel unit, each quick-fit retention members including an engaging portion to retain said auxiliary panel unit in a position thereof resting over the insulating panel, which members can be anchored quickly to said insulating panel without the need to make holes in the insulating panel and/or in the structure of said auxiliary panel unit for the engagement of fixing elements such as screws or the like.

Abstract: A flood barrier system for temporarily sealing an opening in a wall structure against the inflow of flood waters. The system comprises a plurality of elongated, horizontally disposed barrier elements of a length somewhat greater than the width of the opening. The barrier elements are stacked vertically, one upon the other against the outer face of the wall structure. End clamps engage opposite ends of the individual barrier elements to press them snugly against the outer surface of the wall, providing seals along the opposite vertical side edges of the opening. The barrier elements incorporate a unique interlocking configuration that simplifies and expedites assembly of a flood barrier and strengthens the integrity of the assembled structure. Improved and simplified arrangements are provided for clamping the ends of the barrier elements and for applying downward pressure to the assembled barrier.

Abstract: A hub joint includes a metal rod and pin for joining tubular members in three-dimensional space for assembling a frame structure. The hub joint enables rapid assembly, rapid reconfiguration, and rapid disassembly without using any specialized tools. Multiple hub joints may be used to form geodesic domes, freestanding trusses, space frame slabs, tetrahedrons, and pentahedrons. The hub joints allow different frame configurations that are lightweight, strong, durable, scalable, expandable, and portable.

Abstract: A new configuration damper, for interconnecting two elements of a structure that undergo relative movements and deformations, that increase the level of damping when the overall structure is subjected to a loading condition is disclosed. The new configuration damper aides in controlling displacements, velocities and accelerations under dynamic loading in structural systems.

Abstract: A groutless tile system including: a plurality of groutless tiles, wherein each groutless tile includes: a durable surface disposed on a substrate; and a first coupling member disposed on an edge of the substrate; wherein at least a portion of the substrate extends beyond the durable surface, wherein the first coupling member and a second coupling member of an adjacent tile are operable for coupling adjacent groutless tiles, and wherein the substrate prevents the durable surfaces of adjacent groutless tiles from contacting one another.

Abstract: An upper left protruding section 63a, an upper right protruding section 63b, a lower left protruding section 64a, and a lower right protruding section 64b are provided at vertically extending bridge frames 60, and an upper left screw-fixation section 65a, an upper right screw-fixation section 65b, a lower left screw-fixation section 66a, and a lower right screw-fixation section 66b are formed by causing the respective protruding sections to be bent, so that it is possible to cause the vertically extending bridge frames 60 to be screw-fastened directly to a back face of a PDP module 30. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, save the labor of assembling work, reduce the mounting defects, and cut costs.

Abstract: A venting device and system for subterranean basement structure walls to provide interior wall flow-through ventilation. Multiple venting devices are positioned strategically in the wall at intervals there along in an inter-dependent pattern allowing for convection intake and outflow of ambient interior air through the walls. The venting devices define a continuous insertable conduit with size specific restriction exposed end access fixtures. The strategic placement of the venting devices facilitates thermal exchange and creates a homeostatic static temperature and dew point between communicating spaces by means of pressure differential, air density and temperatures.

Abstract: A foldably constructed force-resisting structure comprises a top member and a bottom member foldably constructed and assembled from one or more blanks of sheet material, preferably corrugated paperboard, initially in a flat condition. The top member includes a base panel and at least one side portion folded downwardly from the base panel. The bottom member includes a base panel and at least one side portion folded upwardly from the base panel. The top and bottom members are assembled in nested relation to define an interior of the force-resisting structure between the base panels, which are at least substantially parallel to one another. The force-resisting structure includes a vertical support rib structure in the interior defining an X-shaped or cross-shaped configuration. The support rib structure is foldably constructed from the top member base panel and/or the bottom member base panel and provides vertical support for a load disposed on the base panel of the top member.

Abstract: A building includes a tile roof including a plurality of courses of tiles and a roof-cover above which the tiles are positioned, a ceiling below the roof, and a skylight apparatus. Each tile engages adjacent tiles according to a repeating engagement structure. The skylight apparatus includes a main body in place of one or more of the tiles of the tile roof and engages adjacent tiles substantially according to the repeating engagement structure, at least one window, a tubular body below the main body and extending through an aperture in the roof-cover, a light conduit extending downward from below the tubular body and defining an inner passage, and a bottom translucent member at an opening in the ceiling and below a bottom end of the light conduit. Light is able to shine through the window, the inner passage, and the bottom translucent member into a room below the ceiling.

Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.

Abstract: A cover for a utility trench includes upper and lower surfaces enclosing a hollow cavity, which is subdivided by multiple, transverse channels recessed into an extending transversely across the lower surface. The channels form fused engagements or “kiss offs” with the upper surface, which increase the transverse rigidity of the cover for enhanced load-bearing capacity spanning across the opening formed by the trench. The hollow construction of the cover, which can comprise a suitable plastic, tends to minimize its weight A pair of flanges extend along respective sides of the cover and are bolted to the trench sidewall top edges in overlying relation. A pair of shoulders are formed inside the flanges and are adapted to extend into the trench with the cover positioned thereover. A method of manufacturing a utility trench cover includes rotary molding a hollow cover with kiss offs.