Abstract: A slab protector is provided in the form of a sheet of material configured to overlap an edge of a newly poured slab to protect that slab while an adjacent slab is poured and surface finished. The sheet of material extends along the entire length of the edge impacted by the adjacent pour and is configured to have an overhang portion that extends down over the exposed side of the slab. The sheet also includes a primary portion that overlays a significant portion of the surface of the poured slab. The slab protector sheet is preferably formed of a plastic material and includes an adhesive strip on its underside that removably and temporarily adheres the slab protector to the underlying concrete slab to resist dislodgement.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious panel/tile is provided with increased bending stiffness and less weight than conventional construction panels. The cementitious panel is constructed of a cementitious surface (which may be reinforced with wood fiber or other materials) supported by an integrated stiffener grid on the underside to absorb stresses and loads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building element for erecting internal walls, outer walls and or ceilings or roofs, preferably flat or slightly slanted roofs of a building, consisting of an insulating layer forming an insulating core made of mineral fibers bound by a binding agent, especially rock wool fibers and/or glass wool fibers bound with a synthetic resin, and at least one preferably metal covering layer which is disposed on a large surface of the insulating layer. An adhesive layer is placed between the covering layer and the insulating layer and used to glue the covering layer to the insulating layer.

Abstract: A support device (8) for a rib (14) between a floor (18) and a roof (16). The device includes an expansion means (10) and a pair of resilient members (12a, 12b). Each of the resilient members (12a, 12b) have a proximal end (27a, 27b) adapted for connection to the expansion mean (10) and a distal end (28a, 28b) curved away from the expansion means (10) and adapted for engagement with the floor (18) and roof (16) respectively. When the device (8) is positioned towards or against the rib (16) and the expansion means (10) is activated to drive the members (12a, 12b) apart, the member's distal ends (28a, 28b) are driven substantially vertically into engagement with the floor (18) and the roof (16) and a portion of the device (8) is driven substantially laterally (32) into abutment against the rib (14).

Abstract: A light steel ceiling rack formed of first frame bars and second frame bars, each second frame bar having respective second horizontal top flanges terminating in beveled end edges for engaging into respective notches in the first frame bars and respective first horizontal top flanges provided with end projections for stopping below respective first horizontal top flanges of the first frame bars upon insertion of end plug strips of the second frame bars into respective mounting holes of the first frame bars to enhance the connection and to prevent formation of a gap in the connection area between each first frame bar and each second frame bar.

Abstract: A decorative snow guard assembly attachable to raised portions of a building surface such as a standing seam roof. The assembly includes a decorative snow brake plate integral with a base, means spanning between adjacent bases, and means connecting said spanning means to said bases.

Abstract: A framing member for use in a bleed sign construction assembly, the construction assembly including a projecting mounting surface and at least one construction light fixture arrayed proximate to the projecting mounting surface which is encased within a light permeable covering material. A substantially elongate and joinable member includes a body with a selected width and height in cross section and a longitudinally extending channel which reveals an interior cavity of the body. A first flange extends longitudinally from along a first side of the body and secures to the mounting surface to arrange the body at a spaced distance therefrom. A second flange extends longitudinally from along a second and opposite side of the body terminates along a remote extending edge. A plurality of the framing members are connected in end to end fashion to form a closed perimeter and the covering material is anchored within the interconnected channels and drawn across the framing members.

Abstract: A breathable waterproof structure, made from a waterproof layer, mounted on an exterior wall side, that is a composite of a spun bonded non-woven sheet material with a resin layer on an interior surface of the sheet material; and a vent layer-forming member that is a corrugated spun bonded non-woven sheet material that is integrally attached to the waterproof layer by being multiply spot-adhered via the valleys of the corrugations and thereby generating the vent layer with a designated gap with the waterproof layer.

Abstract: A sound attenuation panel includes a resistive layer with a reinforced structural component, comprising at least a honeycomb structure (1) flanked, on one side, with a resistive layer (2) consisting of at least a porous layer (2b) and of at least a perforated structural layer (2a), and, on the other side, with a layer forming a total reflector (3). The structural layer (2a) is perforated with non-circular holes (4) having each its largest dimension and its smallest dimension along respectively two perpendicular axes. The panel is particularly applicable to pods for aeroplane jet engines.

Abstract: A flush to grade utilities vault is disclosed. The vault comprises a concrete box with a lockable, hinged fiberglass lid. The box has an appendage housing the locking mechanism external to the box. The lid is designed to achieve an ASTM A-16 load rating and has a domed skid resistant surface for use flush with a sidewalk. A floor platform lies above the bottom of the box such that utilities cables enter the box below the floor. A hinged utilities wiring frame is mounted inside opposite the lid hinge such that the frame hinges down in the box when the vault is closed and into a vertical position for making connections. A safety barrier is formed by the lid, the wiring frame, and barrier arms which hinge between them. A venting system provides egress for gasses and equalization of pressure between the interior and exterior of the vault.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A fitting is provided for use in retaining a plurality of accessory members to a vertical modular structural unit of a telecommunications tower or electricity pylon. The unit has a plurality of vertical sides wherein each side has at least one side aperture. The fitting has a body; a body plate attached to the body and so-shaped as to be cooperable with a side of the unit and receivable in intimate engagement within the side aperture; attachments by which the fitting is attachable to the structure and the body plate is retained thereto receivable within the side aperture by retaining bolts; the body having at least one accessory, such as a guy rope, insulator, dish and platform-receiving aperture for retaining the accessory to the body. The shape of the apertures in each unit side which is complimentary with the body plate, provides a lighter, stronger and more efficacious modular unit and tower.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for protecting pipe ends that project upwardly during building construction and for reducing the safety hazard posed by such pipe ends. The devices include a rigid body suitable for positioning on a base on which concrete will be poured, having two opposed end walls, two opposed side walls, a recess therebetween, a top end, a bottom end, and a lateral tab extending from at least one end wall. A shield is securable to at least one side wall for protecting the pipe ends during later construction. In two embodiments, a plate positioned at the bottom end has an opening dimensionally and spatially configured to correspond to each pipe end requiring protection.

Abstract: Pneumatic hurricane shutters are designed to temporarily cover a window or door in a building or other structure. The shutters have a lightweight rigid frame for surrounding the openings and mounting on fasteners attached to the building. Elongated pneumatic tubes are connected to frame rails and span the space between the rails to protect the opening. The frames can be locked in place to prevent inadvertent removal once in place. The frames and deflated tubes can be stored until the approach of a storm at which time the frames may be attached to the building and the tubes inflated to protect the openings.

Abstract: A modular folding shelter for use in seismic or weather disturbances is disclosed including a first force transferring member having a first plurality of lateral supports, the first plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a second force transferring member having a second plurality of lateral supports, the second plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a top member for receiving the at least one upper articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one upper articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports, and a foldable base member for receiving the at least one lower articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one lower articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports.

Abstract: A floor system includes a pair of joist rim assemblies each having a web defining a first surface. The web also includes a mounting portion defining a second surface offset from the first surface. The joist rim may also include a prong defining a slot along with the web. A joist connector bracket is received within the slot and is connectable to the mounting portion of the web. A joist extends between the pair of joist rim assemblies and is connected to the joist connector bracket of each joist rim assembly.

Abstract: A window unit includes a window frame defining a frame perimeter and a window located within the frame perimeter. The window includes a display surface adapted to receive a display image. A display image source is disposed in the window frame and a speaker element is disposed in the window. The window can transform from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image on the display surface.

Abstract: A modular ballistic abatement barrier system (10) includes a first corrugated panel (12) having at least one aperture (13), a second corrugated panel (16) having at least one aperture (17), and a ballistic cloth (14) placed between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel. The ballistic cloth can also include at least one aperture (15). The first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel are coupled using at least one among a mechanical bond and a chemical bond. For example, the ballistic cloth can be laminated between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel to form a multi-layered panel. Alternatively, the first corrugated panel, the ballistic cloth, and the second corrugated panel can be coupled together using a fastener that compresses the ballistic cloth between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel.

Abstract: Internally colored glass and glass-like blocks (10) and the method for making them. No means for coating the internal cavities (26) of clear glass and glass-like hollow blocks has been available. Color coating provides aesthetically pleasing structures. Internally colored glass and glass-like blocks may be used in building internal room dividers, providing colorful building designs and for providing color relief in heretofore otherwise drab structures.

Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.