Abstract: A block wall system includes a plurality of T-shaped blocks having a head defining projecting load shoulders and a shaft having a first end attached to the head and a second end. There is also provided a plurality of complementary blocks having a first end and a second end. Each of the complementary blocks is shaped to fit securely between a pair of adjacent T-shaped blocks with the first end of each complementary block abutting the load shoulders of the T-shaped blocks to limit relative movement in a first axial direction. The preferred form to have the shaft of the T-shaped blocks wedge shaped and for the complementary blocks is to be wedge blocks. The wedge engagement between the wedge shaped shaft and the wedge blocks limits movement in a second axial direction.

Abstract: A method for creating an interior wall panel, such as for a residential structure, is described. The method includes providing an electronic template for an interior wall. The template may define at least one interior wall opening. At least one feature for all or part of the wall is selected. The feature may be such a color, design and/or pattern. The feature is imaged on a first substrate when the interior wall opening is imaged. A second substrate may be similarly imaged. The imaged substrates are located adjacent one another on an interior wall of a residential structure. The interior wall opening is removed to accommodate a feature on the interior wall.

Abstract: A frame the joint connector comprises a first head, a second head and a neck interconnecting the first head and the second head. The first head forms a first shoulder adjacent the neck facing the second head. The second head forms a second shoulder adjacent the neck facing the first head.

Abstract: A mounting adapter for attaching an object to a flat surface includes an anchor plate having a plurality of first apertures extending therethrough. Each first aperture is configured to receive a first elongated fastener having a length sufficient to fasten to a support structure located beneath the surface for attaching the anchor plate thereto. A plurality of threaded apertures is formed in the anchor plate. A cover plate is positioned over the anchor plate and has a plurality of third apertures that align with the plurality of threaded apertures in the anchor plate. A threaded fastener extends through each third aperture and is threadedly engaged with the second threaded apertures of the anchor plate for securely attaching the cover plate to the anchor plate. One or more fourth apertures are formed in the cover plate and configured to receive a third fastener for attaching the object to the mounting adapter.

Abstract: A method comprises a) attaching a first skin to a first surface of an open cell foam to form a precursor for a door, window or panel; and b) attaching a second skin to the precursor in a separate step from step a). A precursor for a door, window, or panel, comprises a skin attached to one face of an open cell foam, but not to an opposing face of the open cell foam.

Abstract: A starter block and a shingle are utilized to form courses that may be positioned in overlapping fashion on a roof to form a roofing covering system. The particular design of the starter block and shingle result in a roofing product that provides increased durability over previous designs. The starter block may be formed with top and bottom surfaces, opposite side surfaces with tapering heights, and a front surface having a greater height than a back surface of the starter block. When the starter block is coupled to a roof deck, a semi-rigid shingle having a generally planar bottom surface may be placed upon the starter block so that a portion of the shingle extends off of the starter block over the back surface thereof and onto the roof deck to facilitate contact between the shingle and the roof deck at a location more proximal to the starter block back surface than if the same back surface had the same height as the front surface.

Abstract: A flush actuator assembly for use with a flush valve having a relief post is disclosed. The flush actuator assembly includes a valve actuator having a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending therebetween. The aperture is adapted to surround at least a portion of the relief valve post. Movement of the valve actuator in a first direction engages the relief valve post at a first location on the post and displaces the relief valve post by a first separation distance. Movement of the valve actuator in a second direction engages the relief valve post at a second location on the post and displaces the relief valve post by a second separation distance. The first separation distance and the second separation distance are different.

Abstract: A rupture panel of three layers employs a lower layer (e.g. foam) that is adhesive, a middle layer (e.g. metallic) and a hold down layer. The middle layer has a weakened portion (scoring, openings, for example) that defines the panel burst pressure. A part of the lower layer does not connect to the middle layer. That part that does not connect to the middle layer adheres to the hold down layer. The hold down layer can be in the form of a ring with an open center, the weakened portion of the middle layer occupying a position within the open center of the hold down layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a toilet flapper and associated methods. In one representative embodiment, a flapper is provided having an upper side and a sealing side, the sealing side including a sealing surface. A dome protrudes from the sealing side at a middle of the sealing surface. Also, an opening of the dome is positioned in the upper side of the flapper. A float is employed with the flapper.

Abstract: A telescopic mast system includes a telescopic mast comprising a plurality of telescopic mast sections and a drive mechanism for extending and retracting the telescopic mast sections. The drive mechanism includes a rigid chain having one end connected to a last one of the telescopic mast sections to move the telescopic mast sections and a plurality of guide plates cooperating with the telescopic mast sections to prevent buckling of the rigid chain.

Abstract: A large, high density foam glass tile which can be used as a facade on both exterior and interior building walls. The foam glass tile can also be used with other materials to form a panel or a composite. The present invention may be used on the critical surfaces of buildings at high risk for terrorist attacks, in combination with cement, steel or other high strength building materials. The present invention may also be used in surfaces of typical buildings. The present invention has the advantage of absorbing a substantial portion of a shock wave caused by an explosion. The present invention also has the advantage of being more resistant to earthquakes.

Abstract: A flush valve is provided for flushing a toilet bowl. The flush valve includes a center tube having a lug, a flush activation device configured to initially raise the center tube, at least one latching mechanism configured to control movement of the center tube, and at least one rack configured to have movement controlled by the at least one latching mechanism. The at least one latching mechanism controls volume of fluid used during a flush.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members.

Abstract: A header assembly for a movable partition includes an overhead track and a header pan. The header pan is configured to extend from the overhead track to an adjoining structure. The header pan, the overhead track, or a combination of both may form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of the adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. Movable partition systems may include header assemblies. Methods of forming header assemblies include positioning a header pan proximate to an overhead track and extending the header pan between a first wall and a second wall to at least substantially occlude a section of space therebetween. Methods of installing a movable partition include securing an overhead track to an overhead support structure, securing a retainer clip to an adjoining structure, extending a header pan from the overhead track to the retainer clip, and suspending a partition from the track.

Abstract: A partition to be supported by one or more support elements. The partition includes two or more panel modules, each panel module having two or more panel elements. The panel elements in each panel module are positioned relative to each other in a predetermined abutting arrangement selected from the group consisting of a vertical arrangement and a horizontal arrangement. The panel elements in each panel module define a joint intersection therebetween. Each panel module includes one or more fastening elements attached to the panel elements on both sides of the joint intersection to maintain the panel elements in the predetermined abutting arrangement. The fastening element is selected from the group consisting of a fastening element with a stud portion and a fastening element with a keyhole slot, the stud portion and said keyhole slot being adapted to cooperate to secure the panel modules together.

Abstract: A material and method for insulating and providing a drainage path for a foundation wall includes a non-woven thermoplastic board being for insulating and providing a drainage path for a foundation wall. The non-woven thermoplastic board has a thermal resistance of an R-value per inch thickness of at least 1. The non-woven thermoplastic board also has a vertical drainage ability per inch thickness of at least 135 Gallons/Hour/Lineal-Foot/inch at a pressure of 500 pounds per square foot (psf).

Abstract: A process for constructing water receptacles such as swimming pools, fountains and artificial ponds, comprising in one embodiments the following steps: excavating the receptacle; preparing the foundation by laying a layer of sand on the bottom of the excavation; laying of one or more sheets of a non-woven fabric on the internal surface of the excavation and on the foundation layer; laying a waterproofing layer on top of said sheet of non-woven fabric; disposing modular elements for stabilizing the lining to be applied; adding all equipment necessary for a proper functioning of said basin, swimming pool, etc.; lining the internal walls of the receptacle and/or of the bottom of the receptacle and/or of the edge of the receptacle with smoothed natural stones disposed on top of said waterproofing layer; and applying a binding resin on said lining.

Abstract: Floorboards are shown, which consist of a core and a surface layer and are provided with decorative joint edges which are formed by removing the surface layer.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof. The support block is a moulded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.

Abstract: An elongated strip of extruded plastics material includes a vertical rear plane adapted to seat on the rear portion of a gutter-hanging bracket. The rear vertical plane integrally connects to a second forward extending plane that joins, by means of an underlying u-shaped channel, a v-shaped perforated third plane that forces water to pool and drop through the perforations. The third plane joins, by means of an underlying u-shaped channel, a flange that projects outwardly for retaining the strip to a gutter. A filter configuration comprised of a debris repelling membrane, overlying a skeletal structure of ellipsoid rods spaced and resting on vertical planes, serves to break the forward flow of water and to channel water onto and through its integral perforated horizontal plane. The filter configuration is readily inserted into the u-shaped channels existing on the forward and rear edges of the v-shaped perforated third plane. A filter assembly is provided including a filter membrane and a skeletal structure.