Abstract: A flat roof support structure includes a plurality of vertical columns, an elongated generally horizontally oriented beam associated with and positioned atop each vertical column, and attachment structure fixing the upper end of each vertical column to a mounting area of the associated elongated beam. The attachment structure includes U-shaped attachment members affixed to opposed sides of the vertical columns at the upper end of each column with the attachment members opening in an outwardly directed orientation parallel to the associated elongated beam. A pair of attachment plates is fixed to opposed sides of each elongated beam in the mounting area. The attachment plates extend downwardly below a lower surface of the elongated beam a distance equal to a portion of the U-shaped attachment members so as to overlap the portion. Attachment devices fix the attachment plates to the U-shaped attachment members and are assembled on-site.

Abstract: A pre-stressed concrete storage apparatus includes a plurality of panels secured together to form a hollow interior space for storing items. An outer door panel is selectively movable for restricting access to the interior of the apparatus. A secondary metal door and cage assembly is located behind the primary outer door panel for further restricting access to the interior of the storage apparatus. A pulley system is provided for mechanically lifting and lowering the outer door panel.

Abstract: A space truss system for use in foundations, floors, walls, and roofs is provided. The space truss system comprises structural rods with each structural rod having a first portion having a first end and a second end, a middle portion having a first end and a second end, and a second end portion having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion is joined to the first end of the middle portion at a first predetermined angle and the second end of the middle portion is joined to the second end of the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The first portions of a portion of the structural rods are grouped together forming a first pyramid structure with the first ends of the middle portions forming an apex and the second ends of the middle portions forming a base.

Abstract: Wood-based flooring systems with click-type interlocking joint systems include a protective film system covering the contact surfaces of the click system. The protective film system includes one or more sheets of a material with low moisture transmissivity and a low coefficient of friction. In this way, the contact surfaces of the click system are protected against undue humidity absorption and frictional rubbing to thereby avoid squeaking after installation. In some embodiments there are four film sheets covering the entirety of all four click surfaces, in others there is one film sheet covering the entirety of all four click surfaces, in others there is film covering the entirety of only the two longitudinal click surfaces, in others there is film covering the entirety of only the two tongue click surfaces, and in others there is film covering only the contact surfaces of the click surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A universal framing connector, used to connect backing, blocking, bracing, and bridging to the framing system, framing members, and to adjacent surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method of tilt-up or tiltwall concrete building construction using concrete spandrels cast on-site together with permanent steel columns that are integrally attached to unite the spandrels into a lightweight and versatile tilt-up assembly that is strong and durable and that can be safely and efficiently made and maneuvered into final position for cost-effective building construction, the resulting assembly also allowing for continuous horizontal spans of ribbon-like window glass with minimal obstruction, thereby maximizing visibility and natural lighting and enabling easy accommodations for architectural requirements.

Abstract: Improvements in the design and construction of solar collector modules. Aspects of the invention include improvements in the layout of a frame for a solar collector module, and in the joining of structural members of the frame at nodes. In one example, a module of a solar collector includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The frame is made up of substantially rigid elongate frame members interconnected at nodes. Improved node connection components include hubs or frame members having tabs for receiving frame member connections. A tab may have a width that is substantial in relation to its height. The frame may incorporate asymmetry in its layout, in the size or presence of frame members, or in the positioning of the nodes.

Abstract: This application relates to a track assembly for supporting wall studs. The assembly includes an upper track and a lower track each having a base and opposed first and second sidewalls. A plurality of tabs are formed in the track sidewalls at spaced longitudinal intervals. Each tab defines a slot between the tab and an adjacent portion of the sidewall for slidably receiving a wall panel of a stud. The track assembly allows wall studs to be quickly and removably coupled to the tracks without the need for ladders, fasteners or special tools. In one embodiment the assembly is a slip track system permitting deflection of the upper track relative to the lower track after installation of the wall studs.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A cross runner connector receivable in a through runner hole that locks with an identical opposed connector and locks with the through runner hole with increased tensile strength, both locks being releasable without tools by manipulation of the associated cross runner.

Abstract: A first extruded molding and a second extruded molding combined to form an extruded molding set, the moldings joined in a mechanical interlocking manner, the first extruding molding having a release flange and the second extruded molding having a recessed portion that together define a release channel, whereby the first and second molding may be disconnected by inserting a pry tool into the release channel to release the mechanical interlock.

Abstract: A tongue (1) is shown with edge sections (3) that are used to glue the tongue into a groove (2) of panel.

Abstract: A panel assembly for mounting to the façade of a building which includes a panel member having a longitudinal axis, at least one opening through the panel member for receiving a fitting which is operatively engaged to a connection assembly, and an anchoring assembly receiving the connection assembly and securing the same to the façade.

Abstract: A cushion material fastening structure includes: an interior trim part, made of synthetic resin, that is provided with an opening and an elastic deformation portion at least part of which projects inward in the opening; and a cushion material, having a sheet shape, that is caught by the elastic deformation portion by being plunged into the opening while elastically deforming the elastic deformation portion, whereby the cushion material is fastened to the interior trim part.

Abstract: A telescoping frame system comprising a non-telescoping frame with a longitudinal side, first and second attachment arms; a main arm that is parallel to the longitudinal side of the non-telescoping frame; a first pivot arm with a top surface that acts as a rail for a first roller wheel; a second pivot arm with a top surface that acts as a rail for a second roller wheel; and first and second brace arms that maintain each pivot arm at a ninety-degree angle to the longitudinal side of the non-telescoping frame when the first pivot arm is fully extended. The first and second pivot arms are pivotally attached to the first and second attachment arms, respectively. The first roller wheel is pivotally attached to a first end of the main arm, and the second roller wheel is pivotally attached to a second end of the main arm.

Abstract: An example of the disclosed seating system includes a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another, and at least one of the seating risers is a powered seating riser configured to deploy and retract the seating risers. Further included is a control pendant. The powered seating riser is drivable in response to said control pendant.

Abstract: A bar-type supporting framework having nodes (10, 12, 14) and bars (16, 18, 20) held between the nodes in a form-fitting manner at least in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the bar by engagement elements (34), such that at least one bar (20) and/or at least two nodes (14) connected by a bar are formed of a plurality of parts (24, 26; 30, 32) that are form-fittingly held together by relative rotation of the engagement elements (34) of the bars and the nodes about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the bars.

Abstract: A domed roof structure may include a plurality of generally rectangular roof members each including an upper surface; a lower surface; a pair of first opposed side surfaces and a pair of second opposed side surfaces, each diverging from the upper surface to the lower surface; a first passage from one to the other of the pair of the first side surfaces; and a second passage from one to the other of the pair of the second side surfaces. A first cable may pass through the first passages in adjacent said roof members; and a second cable may pass through the second passages in adjacent said roof members. Applying tension to the cables may drive the end faces of adjacent said roof members towards each other thereby increasing the angle between adjacent said roof members so as to form a domed roof structure.

Abstract: Provided is a structure that may include a structural tube having at least one slot extending from an end thereof, an end plate attached to the end of the structural tube, and at least one cross member extending through the at least one slot, the at least one cross member including a first region outside of the structural tube and a second region inside the structural tube.