Abstract: The adjustable modular staircase includes two stringers for rigid attachment to a building structure in parallel, opposed relationship to each other, a plurality of axially parallel pins protrude out of each of the stringers and are spaced equidistant apart there along, the pins in one stringer are axially aligned with the pins in the other stringer when installed in the building structure, and a plurality of step modules, each including a tread and at least one end wall. The end wall has a top edge for supporting one end of the tread, a bottom edge inclined with respect to the top edge, and a notch in the bottom edge for releasably pivotally engaging one of the pins, whereby the step module can pivot around the pin to allow for horizontal leveling of each of the treads so as to form a rough staircase used for the early stages of the building process. Each step module preferably includes a riser having an end supported by a front edge of the end wall.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant support structure for an existing residential room comprises four corner members anchored to each of the wall surfaces at each of the vertical corners within the room and four straight bars mounted between the corner members for preventing the walls from forcibly breaking apart during an earthquake. The earthquake resistant support structure further comprises a pair of cables extending diagonally between the opposite corner members for protecting occupants of the room from falling ceiling that might be generated during an earthquake. When the earthquake resistant support structure is properly incorporated into every room within a building, the system of support structures add strength to the existing framework of the building, thereby preventing severe cracking or falling or walls and ceilings during an earthquake.

Abstract: A bullnose cladding system is provided which gives an outward appearance of a generally arcuate or semi-circular surface extending from an otherwise planar surface. The bullnose cladding system is constructed using a pair of parallel mounting rails which hold one or more outwardly bowed flexible plastic panels. The longitudinal edges of the plastic panels are folded under to create a hem which releasably secures the panel within the longitudinal rails. Various corner members and expansion joints may be utilized to provide a finished look to the bullnose cladding system.

Abstract: A novel and simple method of making a novel concrete slab structure supported on vertical columns (1) and having high strength against punching shear failure involves: placing stirrup cages (3, 3′) with their open sides downwards directly on top of the bottom reinforcement net (7) in a form; laying, crossed bent bars (8) over the top of the column and running along the bottom reinforcement net (7); laying a top reinforcement net (7′) on top of the stirrup cages (3,3′) and the crossed bent bars (8); pouring concrete into the form to a level above the top reinforcement net (7′).

Abstract: A wall system is disclosed involving wall panels of corrugated sheets as a stay-in-place forming system for concrete for building a shelter for protection from severe weather conditions, e.g., tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. The corrugated sheets are joined together, both in adjacent and opposing positions, forming a crevasse between the corrugated sheets into which concrete is poured. Each corrugated sheet has a horizontal reinforcement member rigidly attached to the internal side of the corrugated sheet wherein a horizontal reinforcement member is an L-shaped angle steel having a plurality of connecting holes on its horizontal element. A plurality of uniting rods are used to connect two opposing wall panels by inserting each end of the uniting rod into the connecting holes of opposing horizontal reinforcement members. A connecting bar assembly is used to more securely connect two adjacent wall panels.

Abstract: A form tie for joining a pair of form sidewalls includes first and second vertical struts presenting planar nailing surfaces for embedding in the first and second sidewalls. A web obliquely extends between the struts and across the cavity between the laterally spaced-apart sidewalls. The web includes a top strut which slopes between the vertical struts and across the cavity. The form ties are alternately placed in alternate 180° orientations along the sidewalls such that the web extends in alternate directions across the cavity which enhances the form rigidity. Concurrently, the top web strut slopes in opposed direction to form a V-type seat for placement of a horizontal rebar within the cavity.

Abstract: A support structure for a collapsible shelter, includes legs and upper beams hinged together. Each upper beam is composed of two component rods connected with each other by a freely swinging hinge. Each leg has a sliding part thereon. There is provided an upper or upward stay bar between the sliding part on each leg and the component rods of the upper beam respectively. Both end connections of the top stay bar are freely swinging hinges. The leg has also a stop means thereon to limit motion of the sliding part in outspread state. The support structure does not need to be assembled and dismantled each time when it is to be used and can be easily and quickly spread out and collapsed, saving both time and manpower.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing floor boards, the apparatus comprising a first plate including a first edge gripping device for gripping an edge of a first floor board, and a compression biasing device such as a coil spring or bungee cord mounted on the first plate. A second plate includes a second edge gripping device for gripping an edge of a second floor board, and a strap clamp. A compression strap is joined at its proximal end with the biasing device and extends, in parallel juxtaposition to the first and second floor boards, for terminating, and removably engaging the strap clamp, such that the biasing device causes the first and second plates to draw the first and second floor boards, as well as any intermediate boards, into compression.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for field erection of structures, particularly residential buildings, adapted to utilization of locally available labor and having a significant content of locally available materials. A rectangular floor covering sheet serves both as a waterproof sub-floor and as a layout template for erection of the building framework and the tools used serve as the measuring means required for all dimensions to be determined on-site. Temporary horizontal side beams and permanently installed roof beams are positioned and braced by diagonal and horizontal wire members, while vertically folded, expanded metal mesh reinforcing members provide lath surfaces for application of hardening filler material for walls, so as to provide a substantially monolithic steel-reinforced basic building structure.

Abstract: A utility pole crossarm assembly includes a crossarm comprising a plastic base material with fiber reinforced plastic fill material and a foaming agent. The crossarm is adapted for bolting on a utility pole and for being supported thereon by a pair of diagonal cross braces.

Abstract: A clip for a siding panel includes a planar sheet of material, a first leg, and a second leg. The first leg extends outwardly from the planar sheet, and bends downwardly and inwardly toward the planar sheet to form a U-shaped flange defining a channel opening toward the planar sheet. The second leg extends outwardly from the sheet at a position below the first leg. The first leg is configured to mate with a channel nailing hem of a siding panel. The second leg is configured to mate with a channel formed in a top lock of the siding panel. In some preferred embodiments, another first leg is spaced apart from the first leg, with the second leg being positioned between the two first legs.

Abstract: Self-aligning shingle members and self-aligning laminated shingle members. The shingle members have at least an alignment strip on the bottom surfaces which mates and nests with the top edge or corresponding alignment strip on the underlying course of shingles. In one embodiment, each of the shingle members has an alignment strip on the bottom surface which nests with the top edge of the underlying course, creating a self-aligning roofing shingle system which is easier to align and install. In another embodiment, alignment strips are provided on both the top and bottom surfaces of the shingle member and the alignment strip on the bottom surface is adopted to mate and nest with the alignment strip on the top surface of shingle members in the underlying course of shingles. This provides a self-aligning shingle system with the appearance of a three-layer laminated shingle structure. The courses of shingle members can also be interlocked together with appropriately shaped interlocking alignment strips.

Abstract: A two-piece mullion reinforcement is provided for use in forming an assembly of windows. A first member is fastenable to a portion of a first window frame, and includes at least one piloting tab that extends along and projects outwardly from a surface of the first member. A second member is likewise fastenable to a portion of a second window frame, and includes at least one pilot receptacle that is formed on a surface of the second member. The pilot tab and pilot receptacle comprise mutually complementary profiles so as to be engagable with one another when the first window frame is assembled to the second window frame. The first member also includes a first portion of at least one latch and the second member includes a second portion of the at least one latch that is complementary to the first portion so that when the first window frame is assembled to the second window frame the first member and the second member cooperate to form at least one latch.

Abstract: A roof batten for use in spacing tiles or similar exterior roofing members from a roof overlayment is provided. In one embodiment, the batten includes at least one layer of a corrugated plastic material with a pair of generally planar plies and a convoluted ply cooperating with the planar plies to define a multiplicity of passages. The passages allow drainage of water infiltrating the tiles and further promote drying.

Abstract: A compression relief section in a beam in a grid for a suspended ceiling that permits controlled collapse of the section during a fire, whereby the ceiling is kept relatively intact. The section has a channel formed from the web portion of the beam, and a crushed bulb with a hump, along with a flange, that fold from compression forces, while resisting such forces. There is no interference between the folding portions and the ceiling panels, or drywall, when the section collapses.

Abstract: A fixed barrier module includes a support post for supporting two adjacent panels each of which are hingeable. A cut-away portion in a base portion of the support post accepts two cable-carrying swivel joints that are utilized as cable conduits through the support post. The swivel joints rotate with the panels, and allow cables to follow the fixed barrier contour. Cable carrier extrusions attach to the swivel joints to extend the cable conduit below a panel section and to an adjacent support post. The swivel joints and hingeable panels allow the fixed barrier to change direction to follow any desired contour using a single-type of a support post.

Abstract: A raised floor system constructed of octagonal panels for use in a semiconductor clean room facility is disclosed. In the raised floor system, a plurality of pedestals each having a top portion and a base portion threadingly engaged together for adjusting a height of the pedestal is first provided. The top portion of the pedestal has a square top surface and four recessed peripheral slots surrounding the top surface. Each of the four recessed peripheral slots being adapted for engaging an octagonal panel. The raised floor system further includes a plurality of octagonal panels each has a flat top surface and a convex bottom surface equipped with a raised peripheral ridge for engaging one of the recessed slots on the top portion of the pedestal such that the flat top surface of the octagonal panel is coplanar with the square top surface of the pedestal when the octagonal panel is mounted to the pedestal.

Abstract: A monopole tower with antennas mounted near the top thereof is configured as either a tree such as a palm, or a pine, or other variety of tree having foliage that emulates that of natural trees so that the tower blends inconspicuously into the local surroundings. In the palm tree embodiment, one or more frond mounting assemblies encircle the monopole tree trunk, and include a plurality of receivers for holding palm fronds that are oriented at different angles relative to the monopole trunk. Individual fronds are made up of frond leaflets that are positioned along a frond spine member to closely emulate the appearance of a natural palm frond.

Abstract: A portable garage apparatus for providing shelter to a vehicle for people who don't have a garage. The portable garage apparatus includes a portable building structure having a floor, a top wall, side walls, an opening in a back end thereof, and an opening in a front end thereof; and also includes a plurality of doors securely attached to the building structure; and further includes a door opening and closing assembly; and also includes an alarm-sounding assembly for unauthorized entry into said portable building structure.

Abstract: A combination solar roof collector and roofing system includes a plurality of discrete small overlapping tempered glass panels of a polygonal shape which do not require exterior molding around individual panels to provide weatherproofing. The overlapping tempered glass panels are applied like ordinary roof shingles to naturally shed water on a roof. Elastomeric moisture proof caulking is provided between the panels. The construction of solar collectors is conformable to any existing roof shape or dimensions by using specially cut perimeter glass panels. The panels are held in place by spacer fastener clips that support the glass panels and hold each panel down to resist uplift forces in strong winds. The glass panels support the weight of a person, do not require any reinforcing of the roof structure, and can be individually removed and replaced to perform any repair or adjustment to the solar panels underneath.