Abstract: In one embodiment of a tile and support structure, the tile and support structure may be configured to engage a tile such that the tile is oriented in a generally vertical plane. The support structure may include a riser tile engaged with both an upper riser support structure and a lower riser support structure.

Abstract: A tiered mounting system includes a base plate including a mounting guide rail having a plurality of mounting grooves that extend along opposing sides of the guide rail. The system also includes an object mount connector having a plurality of mounting ridges. The object mount connector is configured to: slidingly engage the mounting guide rail via insertion of one or more of the plurality of mounting ridges within a corresponding one or more of the plurality of mounting grooves, and lock in place along the mounting guide rail via a bolt placed through the object mount connector and secured tightly to an inner track of the mounting guide rail.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to “leg carriage” type trusses, which rely for shipping on elevation by a pair of U-shaped wheeled temporary supports, each having two legs connected by a low horizontal member. The upper ends of the legs are inserted in receiving sleeves installed in the four corners of the truss structure. The clearance between the outer dimensions of the leg and the inner dimensions of the sleeve impact the ease with which legs can be inserted and removed, as well as the lateral “play” in the connection between the leg and truss, which impacts its stability in handling and therefore safety. The disclosure addresses the previous conflict between the two objects by the use of asymmetrical clearances. A relatively relaxed tolerance in the elongated axis of the truss eases insertion and removal. A lesser relative tolerance across the axis of the truss width has no significant impact on leg insertion and removal yet improves stability.

Abstract: A lifting system utilizing a lifting apparatus for lifting a floor (e.g., a concrete slab) using the lifting apparatus to support a floor from under the floor during lifting. The lifting apparatus may have a first portion (e.g., an extension member and saddle) installed under a slab. Piers are driven into the ground through the first portion of the lifting apparatus. Thereafter, a second portion of the lifting apparatus is operatively coupled to the to the first portion and the uppermost pier. A lifting device (e.g., hydraulic ram) is operatively coupled to the lifting apparatus and/or the pier and is used to lift the slab.

Abstract: The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an interlocking, interchangeable wall system allowing for the formation of a plurality of form structures. Each parallel sidewall is embedded with stones or other materials into a composition base on one side. On the opposite side, the sidewalls are embedded with metal lathing and hardware to connect to bracing which connects to the opposing sidewall to form a plurality of structures, including an interlocking block system. Each sidewall interlocks with the panel or block next to it. When connected, the resulting interlocking composite blocks may be used in the construction of walls or other structures. The resulting sidewalls may be used in the decoration of existing construction or other structures. The present invention provides a significant improvement in labor and customization of structures.

Abstract: A balcony (10) for attachment to a building wall to provide privacy and views, and comfortable outdoor living space for apartment dwellers. The balcony has a floor (16) having a first edge (18) for abutment to the building wall, a perimeter wall (14) having a first end (22) and a second end (24), the first end and the second end being spaced apart and adjacent to the floor first edge (18). The floor extends between the perimeter wall and the floor first edge. The perimeter wall has a top edge (26) that is higher at the first end (22) than at the second end (24). Connectors (36, 38) are provided proximate to the floor first edge and proximate to the perimeter wall upper edge for attaching the balcony to the building wall.

Abstract: A door panel includes an outer panel having a generally planar body portion with inner and outer surfaces and a sidewall with a front edge. An inner panel includes a generally planar body portion with inner and outer surfaces and a sidewall with a front edge. A trim breaker interconnects the outer panel and the inner panel to form a vacuum cavity therebetween. The trim breaker includes first and second upright members interconnected by upper and lower cross members. The trim breaker further includes an inner channel and an outer channel spaced-apart from one another around the trim breaker. The outer channel is outwardly disposed around the inner channel. The front edge of the inner panel is received in the inner channel of the trim breaker, and the front edge of the outer panel is received in the outer channel of the trim breaker.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for assisting in assembling, aligning, and leveling the wall panels of an inground swimming pool, the apparatus comprising an adjustment member having an externally threaded shaft section, an internally threaded fastener which is rigidly attached in a hole in a bottom flange of a wall panel, and a cleat member which is adjustably connected under the bottom flange such that the wall panel can be supported on the cleat member, whereby the wall panel can be raised or lowered as needed during assembly, alignment, and leveling of the pool wall by rotatably adjusting the position of the adjustment member, whereby the tensile strength of the threaded shaft is less than that of the threaded aperture in the cleat member such that an area of the threads on the threaded shaft section spaced from the end of the shaft section are intentionally fractured or damaged, preventing prevent the cleat member becoming disengaged from the panel.

Abstract: An architectural wall panel comprising a panel body including a generally rectangular face plate having an upper end and a lower end. An upper flange generally extends in a rearward direction the upper end and includes a first projection projecting laterally relative to the rearward direction. A lower flange generally extends in a rearward direction from the lower end of the face plate and terminates in a clip. The clip includes a first portion extending toward the upper flange and a second portion extending away from the upper flange and is configured to clamp therebetween a first projection of a second architectural wall panel positioned below the architectural wall panel.

Abstract: Termination girts, systems incorporating termination girts, and methods of using termination girts are disclosed. The termination girts are configured to abut adjacent building systems such as windows, doors, interconnected walls and the like with a clearance close to zero, which allows exterior cladding on a structure to be hung in a seamless, smooth design without added gaps or reveals. In some embodiments, the termination girts are used, either with other types of girts or exclusively, to produce a continuous horizontal or vertical rail system on the exterior of a structure to support cladding covering the structure and, optionally, insulation mounted on the exterior of the structure. The termination girts have a high mechanical strength, are easily manufactured, allow for water drainage and air circulation, can be mounted in both horizontal and vertical orientations, and are especially useful near the intersection of perpendicular surfaces.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a support rail configured to attach to a wall and a veneer mounting plate configured to attach to the wall via the support rail. The mounting plate includes a first surface and an opposite second surface that faces the wall when the mounting plate is attached to the wall. The mounting plate includes a support shelf and a retention clip each extending from the first surface and spaced apart such that a channel is formed between them. A veneer object is attached to the mounting plate in the first channel by the retention clip and the support shelf. The retention clip and the support shelf are configured to contact first and second edges, respectively, of the veneer object. The veneer object is retained in position on the mounting plate at least in part by the retention clip and the support shelf.

Abstract: A multi-panel kit defining one or more recesses for a structural joint. The kit including first and second panels for respectively defining first and second faces of the one or more recesses in use. One or more intermediate panels, each defining an intermediate face of at least one, of the one or more recesses in use, and one or more pairs of slots, each comprising a first slot through the first panel and a second slot through the second panel. The one or more recesses are intermediate the first and second panels, and the intermediate faces of each recess extending between the first and second faces of that recess. Each pair of slots is for receiving one of the one or more intermediate panels in use, and each of the one or more intermediate panels includes a first notch and a second notch for receiving an edge of the first slot and an edge of the second slot of a pair of slots respectively in use.

Abstract: A modular safety shelter provides protection from fragment, overpressure, radiation, and toxic hazards through a combination of physical design of modular segments, of joint seals between modular segments, of door assemblies, and of HVAC control systems. The modular shelter is formed of two or more prefabricated concrete modular segments each including a built-in foundation, roof, and side walls, and a prefabricated concrete vestibule segment providing an airlock-like access to the shelter. The prefabricated modular segments and vestibule segment are transported to a site and assembled to each other on-site to provide a fully enclosed space within the modular shelter. A multi-layer joint seal is formed between adjacent modular segments to prevent ingress of toxic, flammable, or thermal hazards. An integrated HVAC controller monitors toxic or flammable hazards outside and inside of the shelter, and controls HVAC systems to minimize spread of contaminants upon detecting a hazard.

Abstract: A continuous length of spring-steel material of a substantially round cross-section formed with a bent section comprising a radius corresponding to an outer diameter of the pipe. A hook section is combined at one end of the continuous length of spring-steel material where the hook is formed to grab one of the wires of the cage to hold the pipe in position. A lateral leg is positioned at the other end of the continuous length of spring-steel material and is formed to grab another one of the wires of the cage to the hold the pipe in position.

Abstract: A fire-rated component for a fire-rated joint, such as a head-of-wall assembly, includes a fire-rated assembly include a fire-rated angle and a gasket profile. The fire-rated angle can be coupled with the gasket profile to form a single unit within the head-of-wall assembly.

Abstract: A composite panel assembly and method of forming the same includes a core, an inner skin coupled to a first side of the core, and an outer skin coupled to a second side of the core. A peripheral edge including portions of the core, the inner skin, and the outer skin, is compressed to close a path into the core.

Abstract: A commercial hopper grain bin shell can be assembled on a concrete pad using jacks to successively support previously coupled side-wall panel rings above the concrete pad. The assembled shell can be supported above the concrete pad with the jacks while coupling a horizontal support beam around a bottom of the assembled commercial hopper grain bin shell. An uppermost ring of vertical support legs can be coupled to the horizontal support beam. An uppermost ring of hopper panels can be coupled to the horizontal support beam. The assembled shell and the vertical support legs previously coupled to the horizontal support beam can be successively supported above the concrete pad with jacks while coupling an additional ring of vertical support legs to the bottom of the previously coupled vertical support legs. An additional ring of hopper panels can be successively coupled to the bottom of the previously coupled hopper panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system, comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles. The invention also relates to a tile covering, in particular floor covering, consisting of mutually coupled tiles according to the invention. The invention further relates to a tile for use in multi-purpose tile system according to the invention.

Abstract: A rebar coupler that includes a plurality of segments having the same shape and radially arranged, the segments being seated on outer surfaces of a pair of reinforcing bars with ends of the reinforcing bars simultaneously accommodated therein, a spacer configured to accommodate the segments therein and support them while spacing the segments at regular intervals, and a pair of sleeves configured to press the outer surfaces of the reinforcing bars against inner peripheral surfaces of the segments by allowing the segments to be close to each other when the sleeves approach each other.

Abstract: A construction method for building a post frame building by first constructing the roof near ground level. The roof assembly can have a removeable safety net system and be coupled to a plurality of support members, such as columns having a hinge connection to the roof assembly. Upon the roof system being lifted, the hinged columns can fold under the roof system and then be coupled to one or more anchor points established in the ground. The roof system can be raised into position at a pre-determined height using a lifting apparatus, such as a hydraulic lift.