Abstract: The invention comprises connector for a pair of opposed spaced concrete forming panels. The connector comprises an elongate spacer member having flanges formed thereon intermediate a central portion thereof and each opposite end thereof. A portion of at least one end of the spacer member is sized and shaped to selectively engage an elongate panel bracing member. A composite insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a concrete form system that may include a first panel, a first connection assembly, a first retaining member, and a lath. The first panel may include a first plurality of apertures. The first connection assembly may include a first bearing structure on a first side of the first panel and a first plurality of cross members penetrating the first plurality of apertures. The first plurality of cross members may include a first plurality of retaining portions exposed on a second side of the first panel. The first retaining member may extend through the first plurality of retaining portions and the lath may be between the first retaining member and the first bearing structure.

Abstract: A fastening system is provided. In another aspect, a hook fastens a photovoltaic panel assembly to a building roof. Another aspect employs catches that removeably attach an auxiliary component, such as a solar panel frame, to a building in hinge and slide motions for engagement of the catches. A method of installing a fastening system is additionally provided.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching PV panels together and to a roofing clamp includes an electrical insulating provision between the attaching arrangement and the roofing clamp while providing electrical grounded connection between the PV panels, per se.

Abstract: A window insert system that advantageously provides a high strength mounting system for windows to be positioned within an opening is provided. The window insert system for mounting the window into a an opening formed in a door or other structural element includes a mounting channel connected to a door or other structural element, a window rail to overlie the mounting channel and support a window therein, and a window securing member to engage a portion of the window rail to secure the window. The window rail may include an outer surface portion, an inner sidewall, an exterior sidewall, and a window carrying member. The window may be positioned between the window carrying member and the window securing member.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a roofing system on a structure, said system comprising: means for installing a plurality of cementitious roof panels adjacent to one another to produce a roof surface having a plurality of substantially vertical oriented seams; means for placing a cementitious seam insert in each seam and attaching each said seam insert to the adjacent cementitious roof panels; and means for coating said cementitious roof panels and said cementitious seam inserts with a coating.

Abstract: An attenuating element includes a head part, neck part and base part. The neck part is narrower compared to the head part and neck parts of adjacent attenuating elements form a continuous channel. Via the head parts, this channel is connected so that the cross-sectional area of the head parts is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the base parts. In this way, a water-control structure, sound-attenuating wall and the like can be provided. Such attenuating elements can be produced in a very simple manner by dividing them vertically and producing each of the vertical parts from concrete in a mould.

Abstract: A flooring system may comprise a top floor layer, a subfloor, and/or an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer. The top floor layer may include a plurality of luxury vinyl tiles, configured such that respective tile joints may be formed between adjacent luxury vinyl tiles. The underlayment material may comprise a cross-linked, polyolefin foam. The composition of the underlayment material may be such that the tile joints between the adjacent luxury vinyl tiles may bend by less than about 45 degrees over a twelve hour period when 3.1 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure is applied. The underlayment material may have a compressive creep of less than fifty percent of an original thickness associated with the underlayment material at a load of 3.1 psi and/or a compressive strength of more than 15 psi.

Abstract: A sustainable, mobile, expandable, structure is designed for both short and long term deployments for various uses such as emergency or homeless shelters, fire crews, mobile clinics, research or vacation facilities. A body carriage assembly has wheels, has rigid frame assemblies and a fixed floor panel assembly fixed to it. Foldable roof panels contain energy collectors on their exterior surfaces, which are protected by a screen that is retractable into a void of a roof overhang. Foldable roof panels and adjacent foldable floor panels are deployed by a cabling system assembly, set in motion by a simple tool, requiring no motors or hydraulics. Foldable sidewall panels create eave walls when deployed. Foldable end wall panels create a gable end closure when deployed. A collapsible perimeter ballast assembly use, store and recycle water and provides a windscreen and wind forces.

Abstract: A building structure includes a framework of: (a) metal studs having walls that define an interior channel; (b) a cellular backing material extending lengthwise within the interior channel of at least a portion of the metal studs; (c) a thermally insulating layer extending over multiple metal studs; (d) fasteners extending through the thermally insulating layer, through a wall of a metal stud and into the cellular backing material within the interior channel of the metal stud; and (e) a cladding attached to the framework of metal studs by means of the fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for attaching installations above a ceiling for ceiling panels between substantially inverted T-shaped ceiling beams, the ceiling beams (20) being arranged in a substantially rectangular/square pattern to form T-beam crossings and defining ceiling panel (22) supporting areas. The apparatus includes a fixation base having connection points for the installation with at least three legs (2) extending from the fixation base (1) for connecting the fixation base (1) to the ceiling beams (20) in a beam crossing and for attaching the fixation base (1) at a distance from said beam crossing, as well as an attachment portion (3) for fastening the legs (2) to the beams (20). Also described is a method for attaching installations above a ceiling for ceiling panels (22).

Abstract: Floor panels which are provided with a mechanical locking system comprising tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other.

Abstract: A staircase and method for producing the same. The staircase is produced by double routing channels for sub-treads and sub-risers and capping risers and capping treads. These sub-treads and sub-risers are assembled into staircase stringers that have pre-routed channels that are sufficient to install sub-treads and sub-risers having a particular thickness and having room for subsequent placement or installation of capping treads and risers by sliding them laterally into the channels created by the double routing of the stringers. This creates a more finished look to be (the) staircase while avoiding damages to the capping treads and risers that might occur during building construction.

Abstract: A method of removing accumulated frozen rain/ice/snow from a metal roof. The method comprising the steps of inducing vibration into the metal roof, via at least one vibration imparting member attached to the metal roof, to break up the frozen rain/ice/snow accumulated on the metal roof and separate the frozen rain/ice/snow from the metal roof; and allowing the frozen rain/ice/snow to slide off the metal roof under an effect of gravity.

Abstract: A transportable, transformable structure utilizing a tower shuttle apparatus for converting the structure from a closed, transportable unit to an open, stationary unit. The tower shuttle includes a connection post, including a socket joint, connected to a shuttle cart on casters. The socket joint is capable of receiving a ball connection at the base of a structural tower affixed to the transformable structure. This connection allows a single operator to fully assemble a mobile performance stage or other transportable, transformable structure with ease and with no damage to the stage deck. The tower shuttle allows the towers to be moved into position no matter the required direction.

Abstract: A modular shelter assembly is presented. In particular, the shelter assembly comprises a mounting member structured to be secured to a predetermined support, a support beam outwardly spaced from the mounting member and the predetermined support, a plurality of track beams each disposed in interconnecting, supported relation to the mounting member and the support beam, the mounting member, the support beam and the plurality of track beams collectively comprising a modular construction, and the modular construction at least partially defined by an at least initially adjustable interconnecting relation of the plurality of track beams to both the mounting member and the support beam.

Abstract: A wind mitigation system is disclosed, including a panel engageable with a drain channel of a roof, the panel dimensioned to extend above a top edge defined by the drain channel, wherein the panel defines a plurality of openings; and a structural support member coupled to the panel, the structural support member providing increased rigidity of the panel.

Abstract: A portable mobile recycling center having a drop deck semi-trailer with an enclosed storefront section for office and storage with a bulk recycling section comprising an articulated boom mounted thereto providing means for handling and weighing recyclables and a roll-off recyclables receptacle at the rear of the trailer providing for bulk storage of recyclables. The mobile unit provides recycling opportunities for residential areas that have no means of recycling their large and small unwanted materials.

Abstract: A door assembly that includes a single glass unit having at least first, second and third panels, a front surface, a rear surface, and an outside edge. At least one of the first, second or third panels is a transparent LCD panel on which media can be displayed. The single glass unit also includes a frame that at least partially surrounds the outside edge of the single glass unit, and electronic components in electrical communication with the LCD panel.

Abstract: A take-up fastener is disclosed for fastening a level in a frame construction to the level below so as to resist upward forces generated by wind and other sources on the framed construction. The take-up fastener in general includes a take-up plate, or washer, fastened to a portion of the upper level and a take-up screw fit through the take-up plate and fastened to the adjacent level below. Once the take-up fastener is fully assembled, the take-up plate includes a pair of tabs which are capable of engaging threads on a take-up screw in a way that allows one-way motion of the take-up screw relative to the take-up plate. In particular, the take-up plate can move downward relative to the take-up screw, for example on constricting of the wooden members to which the take-up plate is affixed. However, the engagement between the take-up plate and take-up screw prevents movement of the take-up plate upward with respect to the take-up screw, for example upon an upward load due to wind or other external force.