Abstract: A wall is provided comprising an inner wall component, an outer wall component, and a plurality of the moisture control strips described above, disposed between the inner wall component and the outer wall component. The projections on the first wall component contacting face engage one of the inner wall component and the outer wall component. The second wall component contacting face engages the other of the inner wall component and the outer wall component. The moisture control strips are horizontally spaced from each other within the wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for protecting buildings from damage due to seismic waves. The system comprises a bed of sand contained between two layers of polymer membrane, upon this sand bed a rests a first concrete slab, this first concrete slab supports, through a plurality of coil springs and shock absorbers, a second concrete slab. The structure to be protected is attached to the upward facing surface of the second concrete slab. In the event of an earthquake, the sand bed acts to slow the propagation of seismic waves, while the plurality of springs and shock absorbers isolates the structure from ground movements caused by the waves.

Abstract: A method of replacing an existing wood window in the framework of a building in order to retain the original wood window appearance is disclosed. A non-wooden double hung window is inserted into a wood frame, including horizontal and vertical members, and a center member, such that the vertical and horizontal members of the non-wooden double hung window along with the non-wooden elements of the upper and lower sash are substantially hidden when viewed from the exterior of the building, thus preserving the original, wood window appearance. The non-wooden double hung window and wood frame combination is fastened to the wood frame and then attached to existing window casings of the building.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus mounted inside buildings where people currently live and spend their activities and in regions with high seismic potential includes a rescue cabin with a reinforcing frame, covered on an exterior side with corrugated iron and on an interior side with plastic fire-resistant and with low grade of softness material. The cabin has compartments, in which there is a chair with head support, a backrest, a safety harness, and a crash helmet. For damping vertical shocks, under each chair is a damper spring. Access into the cabin is accomplished by two doors with contradiction opening and vertical rotation axles solidly with the two central doors of the furniture part by a lever device and open together therewith. Each door has a locking mechanism driven from inside or outside the cabin. An upper part of the cabin has windows for ventilation, each equipped with a screen filter for dust.

Abstract: A partially prefabricated column. The column has vented support pans and vertical ribs internally. Skin attaches to the vertical ribs. Rods secure to the bottom of the column and a concrete form is removably secured to the rods. Air gaps at the top and bottom of the column allow for air circulation through the column. A top attaches over the upper end of the column. A central tube is secured to the column via the support pans and is telescopically received within a receiver tube concreted into the ground. The column gently descends to the ground as the central tube inserts into the receiver tube. Concrete is then poured into the concrete form and the concrete troweled between a notched plastic angle member on the bottom of the column and the concrete form. The concrete cures, the form is removed and the ends of the rods are plugged.

Abstract: The present invention is a truss system constructed of rigid members and cables. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid members are used drill piping. Two inclined upper members are joined together at an angle to form a truss peak junction. A vertical member connects to and supports the lower end of each inclined upper member. The bottom of each vertical member sits in a collar attached to the top of a foundation member located in the ground. A tensioning member is perpendicularly attached to each inclined upper member near the midpoint of the inclined member. For each inclined upper member, a cable attaches to the inclined upper member near the truss peak, runs through a penetration in the tensioning member, and attaches to the lower end of the inclined member. Finally, a cable with first and second ends has its first and second ends secured so as to apply tension that opposes spreading of the lower ends of the inclined upper members.