Abstract: A building construction configuration comprising an assemblage of wood sheathing panels positioned adjacent one another to form a panel assembly having elongated joints between adjacent panels, and reinforcement strips of fiber reinforced polymer material bonded to the panels. The reinforcement strips cover an area that is within the range of from about 5 to about 50 percent of the surface area of the panels. In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a building comprising applying wood sheathing panels to a framework to form a building shell, bonding reinforcement strips of fiber reinforced polymer material to the wood sheathing panels to bond at least some of the wood sheathing panels to each other, and covering the building shell with a finished exterior.

Abstract: Counter pressure methods and apparatus for protecting roofs are described, which ensure that indoor air pressure remains negative, that is lower than ambient outdoor pressure during severe windstorms, thus counteracting and thereby reducing the uplift force on the roof surface of a building. In accordance with different embodiments of the invention, one-way valves are provided in openings in the building envelope, such as window openings, or installed over the vents into the roof space so that indoor air flows freely out of the building to a lee zone through the one-way valves while the high air pressure on the windward sides can cause little inward flow because the one-way valves quickly blow closed under wind pressure. According to a further embodiment a Venturi-tube is mounted vertically through or alongside the roof so that its open top forms its own low pressure suction area to draw air from either or both the indoors or the roof space to the same effect.

Abstract: A barrel has a sector-shaped main board and a polygonal base board. A plurality of periphery plates are disposed on a periphery of the polygonal base board. Each periphery plate has a periphery folding line and a round hole. The sector-shaped main board has a plurality of longitudinal folding lines, a connection plate, a plurality of rectangular plates, and a plurality of decoration plates. Each rectangular plate has a slot. Each decoration plate has a transverse folding line and an insertion protrusion. The connection plate and one of the rectangular plates are fastened together. Each periphery plate and each rectangular plate are fastened together by a bolt and a nut.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a flat panel sound radiator into a tegular ceiling. The tegular ceiling has openings defined by main beams and crossbeams. The main beams are secured through hanger wires to a hard ceiling. The main beams and the crossbeams have flanges with the crossbeams resting on the flanges of the main beams. The mounting apparatus has a tegular frame with reveal edges formed by multiple horizontal and vertical plates. A flat panel radiator is mounted inside a tegular frame with the lower edge of the tegular frame below the flanges of the main beams. The radiator panel can be fabricated from a honeycomb core. A combination of containment elements and isolation elements are used to isolate the radiator panel from the tegular frame both mechanically and acoustically. An acoustic scrim is attached to the bottom of the tegular frame.

Abstract: A window shutter frame for attaching window shutters to a wall comprising an elongate frame base having a first length, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first longitudinal axis, the top surface having a mounting channel with a first width, the mounting channel extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the frame base along the entire first length of the frame base, the mounting channel having a base surface and a first side surface and a second side surface, the base surface of the mounting channel having one or more mounting points through which fasteners may be disposed; and an elongate concealing strip for insertion into the mounting channel having a second width, a second length, and a second longitudinal axis, the second width of the concealing strip being approximately equal to the first width of the mounting channel, the second length of the concealing strip being approximately equal to the first length of the frame base, such that upon insertion of the concealing strip into the mountin

Abstract: A molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. A first set of elongated members lies in one plane, with each of the members having a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces each have central regions that are intermediate the edges. The central regions of the upper and lower surfaces are separated by a distance less than the thickness of the edges such that each of the members have a bowtie shaped cross-section. A second set of elongated members lies in a second plane, with the second set of members intersecting and interconnecting the first set at junction regions. Each of the members in the second set also has a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A shingle mounting system includes a plurality of securing strips for detachably securing shingles to a roof surface. Each securing strip includes a base portion, a folding edge, and plural projecting members attached to the base. Each shingle has a line of perforations formed through an upper edge thereof. Shingles are attached to the securing strip by placing the projecting members through the holes in the shingles, and folding the folding edge of the securing strip over the base portion. A roofing kit according to the invention includes shingles, securing strips, and at least two adjustable spacer tools. Each of the tools includes two channeled pieces that are slidably nested one inside another, and which may be locked in relative position via a locknut assembly. The tool operates to measure spaced placement of the next securing strip, eliminating the need to hand measure spacing of each succeeding shingle row.

Abstract: A subdivision system providing alternating one-way traffic on all subdivision streets, said system comprising, a plurality of traffic circles, each traffic circle having a traffic lane surrounding the traffic circle, a plurality of development circles, each development circle containing one or more buildings, each development circle having an inner parking lane, and an outer traffic lane, surrounding the development circle, the rotational direction of traffic flow around a traffic circle being opposite to the rotational direction of traffic flow around a development circle, wherein certain parts of the traffic lane of each traffic circle overlap certain parts of the traffic lanes of at least two immediately adjacent development circles, and wherein said certain overlapping parts of the traffic lanes of the traffic circles, and the opposite rotational directions of traffic flow around the traffic circles and around the development circles, provide alternating one-way traffic on all subdivision streets

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sleeping berth for space modules that can be expanded from a collapsed position to provide greater passenger comfort in a larger living space. The extension of the berth is accomplished using expandable gas inflated bellows between two hard surface housings. The berth can be retracted into its closed position simply by removing the air pressure from the bellows. The berth's retracted position may still accommodate a passenger and may be used in this position when space is unavailable for the berth's extension.

Abstract: A system for forming a safe room including a plurality of preformed concrete wall panels and a roof panel. Each panel includes an extension portion and a top beam which together define a shelf. The wall panels are interconnected to define a generally continuous perimeter shelf. The roof panel is positioned within the room perimeter and is set upon and secured to the generally continuous shelf.

Abstract: A container for a prefabricated building is disclosed. The container is formed from components of the prefabricated building. The container is built to substantially conform to standard shipping container sizes. Additional storage for some building components is preferably provided by attaching channel members to the top of the container. Supports and a covering for the additional storage space may be included. The additional storage space is preferably dimensioned to allow the container to substantially conform to standard shipping container sizes.

Abstract: A flood prevention assembly uses a flexible plastic sheeting for positioning across the entryway of a building. A pair of plates are permanently attached on vertical door frame members, each plate defining a channel for receiving a hollow insert herein. The insert has a central opening for receiving an elongated bar of a shield assembly. The shield assembly has plastic sheeting stretched between the two elongated bars and secured to the bars by attachment panels. A plurality of tabs are secured along to the top edge of the shield; the tabs are folded over and secured to an elevated cross bar that is engaged with the bars of the shield assembly. An upper portion of the shield is attached to the elongated bars and the lower portion remains unsecured. The lower portion flares outwardly for positioning in front of the entryway. A primary water weight is filled with water and placed across the doorway, on the lower part of the shield.

Abstract: A pole that is reinforced by a hardening compound applied to its surface, preferably in vertical strips, and an apparatus and method of anchoring the pole or another upright object. In a first preferred embodiment, the pole is welded to a base plate, with hollow metal cylinders welded to an opposite surface of the plate. In a second preferred embodiment, the base plate is polygonal, with studs extending from vertices. The studs are bent downward at right angles from the plate. In a third preferred embodiment, a sleeve is retained on the base plate, and the pole or a channel is retained in the sleeve. In the fourth preferred embodiment, studs extend downward from the bottom of the pole or channel. In all the preferred embodiments, holes are formed in a concrete surface, adhesive is inserted into the holes, and the metal cylinders or studs are inserted into the holes.

Abstract: A construction component for improved moisture, decay and insect resistance. The component preferably includes a plurality of members of which certain portions are comprised of materials resistant to moisture, decay and insects. The resistant member(s) are integrally connected to wood portion(s) to provide a single, low cost structure.

Abstract: A hinge type post adapter, as part of a panel and post wall system, with circular loops or nuckles in horizontally extended sections, which fit snugly around the post, with a “U” shaped slot extending outwardly from the opposite side from top to bottom, with slots slightly wider than the loops or nuckles in the loop section, to allow an identical part to be inserted around the post upside down. It should be noted that the post adapters, when installed on the post will allow an extension of the wall in any desired direction around the post from 90 to 180 degrees from the proceeding wall section and will prohibit the transmittal of water or air thru the wall assembly.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a tool and a method for using a tool that is particularly useful to individuals engaged in the roofing and roof removal trades. The tool is configured in such a way as to make removal of a shingled roof much easier and with much less strain and effort on the part of the roof remover. The device provides for easy insertion of elongated arms under the shingles in the gap between the boards in the roof base and for a vertical engagement of shingle layers, which makes both inserting the device under the material to be removed and lifting of the layers much easier. After insertion of the device, the shingles are lifted until they are detached from the roof base or the handle of the device may be rotated to lift and disengage the roofing material from the roof base.

Abstract: The suspended ceiling frame having a combination clip for connecting a first perimeter member to a suspended frame and for a connecting a second perimeter member to the suspended frame. In a first orientation a first tang of the combination clip locks between upper and lower grooves of the first perimeter member and an extension of the combination clip attaches to the suspended frame. In a second orientation the first tang is locked between the upper and lower grooves of the second perimeter member, while a second tang of the combination clip is attached to the suspended frame.

Abstract: To provide a housing panel, a method for manufacturing the housing panel and a house using the housing panel that is high in quality with satisfactory heat insulating effect and low in manufacture cost, a housing panel for fitting with and closing a space surrounded by frame members such as columns, bases, lintels, tie beams, struts and rafters of a house. Outer members provided with grooves for fitting with a flat plate are arranged at least on both sides of the flat plate, and heat insulating material is provided in a space portion defined by the flat plate and the outer members.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an insulated door and a method for manufacturing such have a glazing or window section installed therein. The frame of the window section is installed during manufacture and is flush with both faces of the door. The flush glazed door comprises a rigid wooden frame having an opening for mounting an insulated window therein, a metal sheathing secured on each side of the frame, a window frame unit mounted within the wooden frame within the opening and an insulated window positioned within the window frame unit. The window is retained within the frame in air-tight and weatherproof manner.

Abstract: A formwork system is provided for prefabricated concrete parts, wherein a magnetic body can be set with its underside on a base plate and over which formwork parts can be fixed in their respective position. The formwork part has a lift-off stirrup engaging over the magnetic body, and between the lift-off stirrup and the cover side of the magnetic body facing away from the base plate there is a slot into which the magnetic body is retractable with a lifting element. This formwork system is characterized by a retaining elements which are releasably coupled on the magnetic body when it is retracted into the slot. This has the advantage that, by the couplable retaining elements, the magnetic body is securely fixed in the lift-off stirrup in its retracted state. Preferably, the coupling elements are constructed as magnetic and adhesion surfaces, which are arranged in the region of the slot between the magnetic body and lift-off stirrup.