Abstract: Apparatus for modular steps to retrofit existing staircases are provided. The sections of steps may be connected to each other to fit existing staircases of varying lengths. The sections of steps have shorter treads and risers than the staircases on which they are retrofit, allowing smaller pets and pets for whom mobility is a challenge, to more easily traverse a staircase, and without mechanical or human assistance. The sections of steps may be attached to the framing or finish of the existing staircase.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall for a prefabricated building includes a concrete body and a rigid framework arranged inside the poured concrete body, the rigid framework comprises n longitudinally extending vertical rebars, with n being an integer greater than or equal to three; an upper end face and a lower end face of the prefabricated wall are formed with m mechanical connection portions at positions sharing the same axes as the vertical rebars, with m being an integer less than or equal to 2n; and the mechanical connection portions are all formed at end portions of the vertical rebars. An assembly structure for a prefabricated building is further provided. The assembly structure is formed by filling an assembly gap with an on-site poured layer after rebars are firmly connected at an overhead region between an upper-layer wall, a lower-layer wall and a floor slab by means of fastening components.

Abstract: A system for supporting a non-structural building component beneath a soffit of a building. The system has a plurality of suspension assemblies that each have a first elongate non-rigid member, and at least one second elongate non-rigid member. The first elongate non-rigid member is secured at an upper end to a structural portion of the building at a first location, and at a lower end to one of: the non-structural building component, or a support member to which the non-structural building component is secured. The second elongate non-rigid member that is secured at a lower end to one of: the non-structural building component, or the support member to which the non-structural building component is secured, and at an upper end to a structural portion of the building at a second location. The first elongate non-rigid member is oriented substantially vertically. The second location is horizontally spaced from the first location, such that the second elongate non-rigid member is inclined to vertical.

Abstract: A building facade system which comprises a frame to support a building facade panel, a unified vertical shear blade anchor, a vertical mullion and an angled anchor member. The unified vertical shear blade anchor has a body portion and a flange extending horizontally therefrom. The flange has top and bottom surfaces with the bottom surface having serrations. The vertical mullion is secured by a shear connection to the vertical shear blade anchor. The shear connection between the vertical mullion and the vertical shear blade anchor is formed by a fastener which extends through side portions of the body portion and vertical mullion. The angle member has first and second flanges each having proximal ends joined together and opposing terminal ends. The second flange has a top surface with upwardly projecting serrations. The upwardly projecting serrations are configured for engagement with the downwardly projecting serrations of the vertical shear blade anchor.

Abstract: A system for providing electronic features in a doorframe include a body structure having a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. The walls define an interior space of the body structure. A plurality of ports are formed in the top wall and a plurality of ports are formed in the bottom wall with each port opening into the interior space. One or more of the top wall ports is longitudinally aligned with a respective bottom wall port to form a port pair. A diverter is positioned in the interior space and extends in the interior space from one side wall and toward an opposing side wall. The diverter spans between the port pair. The diverter has a diverter surface that is configured for directing an element that extends through a port of the port pair toward an area in the body structure.

Abstract: A system and methods for the storage, and preservation of mechanical assets, including collectable automobiles, small airplanes and watercraft in a storage unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of asset modules. The volume of each asset module is variable. The atmosphere of each asset module may be controlled by a control system. Control of the atmosphere of each asset module includes control of parameters including the type of gas each atmosphere is composed of and the temperature, the pressure and relative humidity of each atmosphere. These parameters may be monitored and controlled from a remote location.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a rig floor, first and second support structures, a mast, a lower drilling machine, a continuous drilling unit, an upper drilling machine, and an upper mast assembly. The rig floor includes a V-door defining a V-door axis extending perpendicularly from the side of the rig floor that includes the V-door. The first and second support structures define a traverse corridor having a traverse corridor axis, wherein the traverse corridor axis is perpendicular to the V-door axis. The drilling rig may be used for continuous drilling of a wellbore.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method of applying loose-fill insulation within a cavity is provided. The method includes blowing loose-fill insulation particles into a cavity of a structure to install the loose-fill insulation within the cavity and thereby insulate the structure. The method also includes applying water (e.g., water mist) to the loose-fill insulation particles so that a moisture content of the installed loose-fill insulation is between about 2% and 20%. The water aids in retaining the loose-fill insulation particles within the cavity without requiring the use of an enclosure member that encloses the cavity and the loose-fill insulation is substantially free of a water soluble adhesive material that adheres the loose-fill insulation particles together within the cavity.

Abstract: Modular building methods and systems using lightweight modular panels, and specially configured transition panels for transitioning from wall to floor, or from wall to roof. Identically configured standard panels are used for constructing the walls, floor, and roof, with transitions from one structure to the next (e.g., wall to floor, or wall to roof). Each of the variously configured panel types includes channels (e.g., 2 pair of channels) formed through the length of the foam body, where the channels are configured to receive splines (e.g., flanges of an I-beam) therein. In the standard panel, the channels may include pairs of top and bottom channels, with the channels offset towards the respective panel major faces. In the transition panels, the channels may be similarly configured, but positioned differently to make the appropriate transition. The splines are connected to a frame, which acts as a template and transfers loads to a foundation.

Abstract: The invention provides a veneer panel for use on a surface of a building. The veneer panel can be fabricated with a mounting system that includes a frame and/or a backing for efficient installation on a building surface, as well as a mounting strip or mating connector that can be installed on a building surface to further support the veneer panel.

Abstract: A prefabricated column assembly includes a hollow tubular column having a longitudinal axis. A gusset plate assembly includes a plurality of gusset plates connected to the column and extending laterally outward from the column in planes generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A first pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a first axis and defines a space for receiving an end portion of a first beam for mounting the first beam on the first pair of gusset plates. A second pair of the gusset plates extends laterally outward from the column along a second axis that is nonparallel and non-coincident with the first axis. The second pair of gusset plates defines a space for receiving an end portion of a second beam for mounting the second beam on the second pair of gusset plates to provide a bi-axial joint connection.

Abstract: Modular building methods and systems using lightweight modular panels, and specially configured transition panels for transitioning from wall to floor, or from wall to roof. Identically configured standard panels are used for constructing the walls, floor, and roof, with transitions from one structure to the next (e.g., wall to floor, or wall to roof). Each of the variously configured panel types includes channels (e.g., 2 pair of channels) formed through the length of the foam body, where the channels are configured to receive splines (e.g., flanges of an I-beam) therein. In the standard panel, the channels may include pairs of top and bottom channels, with the channels offset towards the respective panel major faces. In the transition panels, the channels may be similarly configured, but positioned differently to make the appropriate transition. The splines are connected to a frame, which acts as a template and transfers loads to a foundation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a full-cavity concrete slab structure with high integrity and stability and excellent performance, a cavity structure, and a steel bar framework. The slab type concrete structure is internally provided with a slab type concrete structure unit. An external concrete shell of the slab type concrete structure unit is internally provided with oblique concrete partitions. Both ends of the external concrete shell are sealed. Two side panels of the external concrete shell form enclosed air cavities together with the corresponding oblique concrete partitions and the sealed ends at the both ends. The air cavities are arranged in continuous rows in a staggered manner. The steel bar framework is provided in the external concrete shell and the oblique concrete partitions. The present invention implements high integration of energy saving and environmental protection of structures and buildings.

Abstract: A Drip Edge Configuration (aka Rodent Proof Drip Edge System) is designed for residential use to cover the construction gap above the fascia to prevent rodent entry and to direct water into the gutters. The Drip Edge Configuration also comes with a Roof Return Configuration to seal the gap where the soffit meets the shingles. Finally, The Drip Edge Configuration also has the option for venting in the rare occasion where a house has no soffit or additional venting is required. An improved drip edge which includes holes in the fascia-facing face which allows the drip edge to be screwed from the face using screws with rubber washers for a water proof seal just as used on a metal roof for a rodent proof solution. An improved drip edge which includes also galvanized steel and is flexible enough to cut and bend for proper installation to have rodent proof inside and outside corners. A roof return configuration to seal the construction gap where the soffit meets the shingles.

Abstract: A roof curb supported by an upstanding support curb to support various objects including, but not limited to, screens, architectural screens, catwalks, lighting, speakers, security apparatus, cameras, weather indicators, electronic devices, antennae, sound dampening materials, advertising, and security cages. The roof curb includes a top curb portion and two or more spaced, generally horizontal extending support members which then, in turn, support one or more objects such that no portion of the object(s) comes into contact with the underlying roof.

Abstract: A siding material for a building configured to hold one or more solar panels is disclosed including a siding shell including a first section and/or a second section, wherein each first and/or second section includes an essentially flat face disposed at an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the ground or a perpendicular plane extending from a side of the building. In addition, one or more surfaces of the first section and/or the second section are perforated, and the first section and/or the second section each include a channel configured to hold an electrical cable.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and systems are disclosed for damping the movements of structures undergoing dynamic forces. The disclosed dampers are a new type of steel plate dampers, intended to reduce the cost and improve the performance of structures subject to severe seismic loading. While in these dampers the metal plates undergo plastic deformation as a method of absorbing and dissipating energy, the disclosed designs do not allow the stress and strain in the metal plates to go above a predetermined design value and; therefore, the new dampers have long lives and do not need repair or replacement after a big earthquake or similar events. These dampers may be used for building and non-building structures. In such applications the required damping capacities are relatively high and different scales of sliding force and stroke are required.

Abstract: A building siding panel is provided with an internal channel for weeping away water and the ability to hide the securing flange when the siding panel is installed on a building wall. The siding panel can be customized to have the look of a wooden panel, while retaining the benefits and durability of a non-wooden material, such as metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prefabricated floor panel system used in stay in place formwork for pouring concrete floors. The prefabricated floor panel system includes a top and has walls depending downwardly at an upper lateral edge of the wall from each outermost lateral edge of the top, a lower lateral edge of each wall having a ledge extending outwardly away from the top. A first ledge of one prefabricated floor panel system is capable of overlying another ledge of an adjacent prefabricated floor panel system to allow for the one prefabricated floor panel system to be joined to the adjacent prefabricated floor panel system to form a channel.

Abstract: A side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a left and right substructure including a left and right lower box. The side saddle slingshot drilling rig includes a drill rig floor mechanically and pivotably coupled to the left and right lower boxes such that it is pivotably movable from a lowered position to a raised position. The drill rig floor includes a V-door. The V-door is positioned on the V-door side of the drill rig floor. The V-door side of the drill rig floor is oriented to face the right substructure. A mast coupled to the drill rig floor may include an open side, defining a mast V-door side. The mast V-door side may be oriented to face the right substructure. The mast may pivot into its raised position or may be a bootstrap mast.