Abstract: A walkway assembly (10) for attachment to a support structure such as a roof of a building includes a primary support (13) for on-site attachment to the support structure, a plurality of tread modules (41) each attached relative to the primary support and moveable between a first position and a second position at which a part of each tread module is spaced further from the primary support than when at the first position, and at least one riser unit (48) for supporting the tread modules relative to the primary support in at least the second of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.

Abstract: Embodiments of a structural stud and panel for use in building a tilt-wall building are disclosed. Devices and methods for forming structural studs and panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-weight load-bearing structure, reinforced by core elements (2) of a strong material constituting one or more compression or tension zones in the structure to be cast, which core (2) is surrounded by or adjacent to a material of less strength compared to the core (2), where the core (2) is constructed from segments (1) of core elements (2) assembled by means of one or more prestressing elements (4). The invention further relates to a method of casting of light-weight load-bearing structures, reinforced by core elements (2) of a strong material constituting one or more compression or tension zones in the structure to be cast, which core (2) is surrounded by or adjacent to a material of less strength compared to the core (2), where the core (2) is constructed from segments (1) of core elements (2) assembled and hold together by means of one or more prestressing elements (4).

Abstract: A construction system for joist girders, includes a pair of opposing bi-planar sheets of structural material, each bi-planar sheet having two alternating series of vertical segments, each segment of the series, in horizontal cross-section, defining a planar base parallel to a base of a successive vertical segment of the alternating series of vertical segments, the bases of each segment of the series integrally connected to each other by sidewalls. Respectively upper and lower horizontal track members define in transverse cross-section, a substantially U-shaped geometry, each track member open-ended for horizontally enclosing and securing an upper edge of each bi-planar sheet of the pair of bi-planar sheets. Several vertical tubular members define, in transverse cross-section, a geometry of a rectangle, said tubular members disposed between the pair of bi-planar sheets and nested within corrugated thereof.

Abstract: A frame element (10; 10?) for use in an aircraft component assembly system (46) is attachable to an aircraft structure (36) and comprises at least one fastening device for fastening at least one aircraft interior component (34) or at least one insulation pack (52) to the frame element (10; 10?). An aircraft component assembly system (46) comprises a plurality of such frame elements (10; 10?). In a method of fitting a component (34, 52) in an aircraft, a frame element (10; 10?) is provided. At least one interior component (34) or at least one insulation pack (52) is fastened to the frame element (10; 10?). Then the frame element (10; 10?) having the at least one interior component (34) or the at least one insulation pack (52) fastened thereto is attached to an aircraft structure (36).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a column for a post frame building. The method including providing a plurality of elongate members arranged side by side. Each elongate member having first and second ends, and first, second, third and fourth faces. The plurality of elongate members may include a first side member, one or more center members, and a second side member. The method further including providing a spacer formed by a first spacer portion, a second spacer portion and a third spacer portion, the second spacer portion being at about a 90 degree angle to the first and third spacer portions. Inserting the first spacer portion between the second face of the first side member and the first face of one of the one or more center members. Inserting the third spacer portion between the second face of the one of the one or more center members and the first face of the second side member, and joining the first side member, the one or more center members, the second side member and the spacer together.

Abstract: Floorboards with a mechanical locking system that allows movement between the floorboards when they are joined to form a floating floor.

Abstract: A shelter for protecting occupants from the effects of high velocity winds and explosive blasts includes a steel framework mountable on a foundation. The steel framework includes a floor structure and a roof structure spaced apart by vertical columns. Each of the floor structure and the wall structure includes panels mounted on joists wherein each panel includes a sheet of non-combustible material laminated to a metallic sheet. Each panel is mounted to the joists with the metallic sheet adjacent to the joists. The shelter further includes walls that include vertical studs secured to the floor structure and the roof structure. Outer wall panels are secured to outer surfaces of the studs. Each outer wall panel includes a sheet of non-combustible material laminated to a metallic sheet. Each outer wall panel is mounted with the metallic sheet adjacent to the vertical stud.

Abstract: A roof member anti-torsion bracket device includes a base plate that is adapted to sit on a top plate of a wall construction and to receive a truss assembly. At least one transverse planar surface is oriented substantially transverse to the base plate. A locating tab extending longitudinally with respect to the base plate abuts an edge of the top plate, thereby locating the anti-torsion bracket device an offset distance from the edge of the wall construction top plate. The base plate further includes first and second fastening openings oppositely located with respect to the at least one transverse planar surface. The first and second fastening openings define first and second fastening positions in the base plate, thereby providing torsion resistance, compressive load support, and tension lifting resistance for the base plate.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.

Abstract: A door facing is provided. The door facing includes a body portion, and male and female alignment members protruding from a main surface area of the body portion. Also provided are door assemblies including the door facing and methods of making the door facing and the door assembly.

Abstract: A door comprising first and second door skins secured to each other to form a cavity therebetween filled with expended foam. Each of the door skins has an opening therethrough for receiving a glass insert and a flange portion. Distal ends of the flange portions of the first and second door skins engage each other in an overlapping relationship by the expansion pressure of the expanded foam. The door further comprises a glazing rim member having a leg portion snap-locked between the flange portions of the first and second door skins. The method for assembling the door comprises the steps of filling the cavity between the door skins with foam material, then inserting the glass insert through the openings in the door skins and mounting the glazing rim member to the first door skin by snap-locking between the flange portions of the first and second door skins.

Abstract: A floor system for a building includes prefabricated grid sections attached to framing members of the building and a plurality of panels mounted to the grid to form a structurally integrated floor. The panels are removable to provide access to space below the floor that would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor. A subfloor deck below the floor separates one building story from another and encloses the space between the floor and the deck, which can be used for temporary and permanent installations including, for example, pipes for water, laboratory gases, and compressed air, and power, telephone, and data cables; and as a plenum for HVAC. Either or both of the floor and the subfloor deck can be attached to the building frame to function as a diaphragm. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors and raised accessible flooring systems.

Abstract: A gutter protecting apparatus includes a plurality of substantially parallel rods extending in a downward slope from near a roof edge to and beyond the far side of the gutter. The rods extend substantially perpendicular to the gutter's length and to a frame to which the rods connect at the upper edge. Preferably, the lower rod ends are spaced above and slightly beyond the far edge of the gutter to allow debris to pass the gutter without catching. Legs can extend down from some rods to the gutter's far edge to provide support. The apparatus can be pivotably mounted to the roof, the fascia or the gutter, permitting access beneath. The apparatus forms a cage-like covering over the gutter to exclude matter and small creatures, while allowing the liquid to flow past. Sunlight bypassing the rods and movement of air through the gutter make the water exiting the downspout cleaner.

Abstract: A fire barrier for buildings includes a ceramic fiber based material such as ceramic paper. The ceramic prevents the burning of the building in case of a fire. The ceramic material may be mounted to the building on spools prior to use and rapidly deployed therefrom in the event of a fire near the building.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an effective insulation and ventilating assembly that can insulate a structure, usually in roofing or exterior wall applications, from conductive, convective and radiant heat. The insulating and venting assembly is comprised of a rigid foam sheet and a rigid panel such as oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood attached one or both sides of the rigid foam sheet. The rigid foam sheet has air spacer columns and air spaces on one or both faces. Radiant barrier layers can be applied to either faces of the rigid panels and/or can be applied to the air spacer and air space surfaces allowing for radiant heat to be radiating back or radiant heat to not be reradiated by the radiant barrier low emissivity surface. The air spaces in the rigid foam face allows air and moisture to be vented though the insulating and venting assembly.

Abstract: A system for supporting loads from a support structure. The load is supported with threaded rods that are connected from above and below a suspended ceiling of roll-formed sheet metal beams. Clips on the rods connected to the beams pass the load through the suspended ceiling grid without bending or twisting the grid, so that the suspended ceiling remains level, balanced, and intact above the suspended load.

Abstract: Prefabricated wall segments for construction of buildings. The prefabricated wall segments are lightweight and easy to install and enable an improved ability to install electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems as well as insulation in both the vertical and horizontal direction. The prefabricated wall segments can be utilized in new construction as well as in preexisting structures without the need for specialty equipment or tools.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.