Abstract: A mold is provided for forming a concrete column having at least one recess formed therein, as molded. The mold includes a tubular housing having an inner surface and a recess form having an inner and an outer surface. The recess form is mountable in the housing at a desired location on the inner surface of the mold housing. The recess form is preferably generally a ring The ring's outer surface corresponds to the shape of the housing's inner surface so that, when the ring is mounted in the housing, there are substantially no gaps between the outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the housing. The ring has a slice through it, so that the ring may be expanded and pried out of the groove or recess molded in the column once the cement has set. Preferably, the slice is off-set from a radial line drawn through the ring. The ring is secured in place in the mold using screws.

Abstract: A low-cost, compact room slideout assembly is provided for driving a sliding element, such as a floor, and comprises at least one motor having a motor output pinion rotatable about a first axis, a drive screw operatively connected to the motor output and rotatable about the first axis, and a driving member, such an elongate ram adapted to be attached to the sliding element. The ram travels along the first axis between extended and retracted positions in response to rotation of the motor output shaft. Preferably operatively connected between the motor output shaft and the drive screw is a speed reducing gearbox with an output shaft rotatable about the first axis, and a 90 degree gearbox operatively connected to the drive screw and rotatable about the first axis. The 90 degree gearbox preferably also has a second output member which is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The 90 degree gearbox can comprise a series of bevel gears.

Abstract: A reinforcing grid which advantageously includes fibers of both a first type and a second type is provided. The first type of fibers have a strength sufficient to reinforce the hardenable structural material, such as concrete, after hardening. The first type of fibers also have a higher resistance to degradation in the hardenable material than the second type of fibers. As such, the first type of fibers will continue to reinforce the hardened material in the event the fibers of the second type become corroded in the hardened material. Consequently, a less expensive type of fiber can be used as the second type of fiber and can corrode in the hardenable material without concern for the strength of the hardened structural product. According to one embodiment, the first type of fibers comprises carbon fibers and the second type of fibers comprises glass fibers.

Abstract: An outside edge of a glass pane and a coextensive inside edge of a frame are connected together by a glass-mount assembly having a T-section outer seal strip fixed to an inner face of one of the edges and having an inwardly projecting T-leg and a U-section inner seal strip fixed to the other edge and forming an outwardly open groove snugly receiving the T-leg, and a plurality of screw fasteners each having a part bearing outward on the inner seal strip and a shank engaged in the T-leg of the inner seal strip. The outer strip is provided with a plurality of inwardly open threaded sleeves each receiving a respective one of the shanks. These sleeves can be part of one or more metal reinforcement profiles imbedded in the outer strip. Alternately the screw fasteners are self-tapping screws and the outer seal strip is formed with a plurality of inwardly open blind bores each receiving a respective one of the screws.

Abstract: A one-piece sheet of light transmitting plastics material or polycarbonate is vacuum-formed to produce a skylight glazing or pane, a surrounding curb portion and a surrounding flange or flashing portion projecting outwardly from the curb portion. In one embodiment, the curb portion has a peripheral rim surface and a lower step surface, and an upper pane of glass or plastic has a peripheral portion attached or sealed to the rim surface. In another embodiment, the curb portion is inclined and integrally connects the flashing portion to a top glazing panel. Additional panes of plastic sheets may be attached or sealed to the peripheral portion of the upper pane and/or to the step surface and/or the flashing portion to provide increased thermal insulation. Parallel ribs are formed in the flashing portion, and rigid or aluminum trim members form a decorative frame around the skylight pane and curb portion.

Abstract: A space-dividing wall panel system includes an improved acoustic and tackable cover pad. The cover pad includes an interior molded panel which is compressed about its peripheral edges wherein the compressed edge sections provide the required rigidity for the cover pad. While edge rails are provided in these edge sections, the edge rails are not rigidly connected to each other but instead are adhered to the molded panel. The edge rails are provided for mounting the cover pad to a wall panel frame and provide rigid edge areas to which a cover fabric is adhered. The molded panel is formed of a fiberglass having layers of a scrim material embedded therein for tackability. The molded panel further includes a compressed mounting region which has an increased rigidity to facilitate mounting of receptacle bezels thereto.

Abstract: An anchor member for mounting a tarpaulin to a bearing structure includes: a shaft; an obliquely arranged transverse pin located at a first end of the shaft; a rod member protruding from the shaft and having a first hook-shaped protrusion at an end thereof; and a double hook located at a second end of the shaft. The double hook includes two hook arms positioned on opposite sides of the shaft, and each of the hook arms has an opening. One hook arm includes a second hook-shaped protrusion that engages the first hook-shaped protrusion of the rod member to thereby form a spring lock that completely closes the opening of the first hook arm. In use, an elastic band connects the anchor member with a bearing construction, wherein the elastic band, when mounted, is received in the openings of the hook arms of the anchor member.

Abstract: An improved mounting for attaching an outer and inner facing material to a wall. The wall comprises a plurality of interlocking foam blocks with each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks having an inner and an outer block surface for defining an outer and inner wall surface. Each of the plurality of interlocking foam blocks has a vertical aperture for filling with a curable material. A plurality of grooves are defined in the outer and inner block surface of the plurality of interlocking blocks. The plurality of grooves are aligned with the plurality of grooves in an adjacent layer for providing a plurality of continuous wall grooves. A plurality of outer and inner mounting strips are insertable within the plurality of outer and inner continuous wall grooves.

Abstract: An extendible shed which includes a first base panel having a back panel attached thereto, a first plurality of side panels attached to the back panel, a first roof panel connected to the first plurality of side panels and a front panel connected to the first plurality of side panels. The shed is extendible by removing the front panel and connecting a second plurality of side panels to the first plurality of side panels, reconnecting the front panel to the second plurality of side panels, connecting a second roof panel to the second plurality of side panels and the first roof panel and connecting a second based panel to the first base panel.

Abstract: A partition wall system providing for lay-in of cables, includes a plurality of interconnected panel sections. Each panel section has a base surface and a plurality of protrusions extending from the base surface and a plurality of covering skins. At least one of the covering skins is attached to each of the panel sections so that a passage is formed between the covering skin and the base surface of the panel section to allow the cables to travel through each panel section and between interconnected panel sections.

Abstract: A wall for the booth of a coating plant is formed in the conventional manner by a sectional frame (3) composed of at least two vertical, hollow posts (4, 5) and at least two horizontal, hollow crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9). At least one zone (10, 11, 12) which is bounded by two posts (4, 5) and two crosspieces (6, 7, 8, 9) is covered by a plate (34, 35). The corresponding plate (34, 35) is secured over the associated zone (10, 11, 12) of the frame (3) with the aid of “local” blocking devices (15 to 27) separated from one another spatially. Each of these blocking devices (15 to 27) comprises at least one retaining portion (31b, 31c) which can be inserted in a corresponding locating opening (28a, 28b, 29a, 29b) in the associated post (4, 5) or crosspiece (6, 7, 8, 9) such that a contact portion (31a) of the blocking device (15 to 27) lies against the outside of the associated post (4, 5) or crosspiece (6, 7, 8, 9).

Abstract: An adjustable truss (10) for a multi-section manufactured home (70) comprising a left section (71L) and a right section (71R); each section having a beam (72) having a lower end (75) including an inner flange (77) and an outer flange (78) and a upper end (73) supporting a transverse floor joist (80) having an end (84) at a mating seam (95). In a preferred embodiment, truss (10) comprises: a joist connector (30) is disposed under mating seam (95); jacks (20L, 20R) of adjustable length spanning respectively between the lower ends (75L, 75R) of beam (72l, 72R) and joist connector (30); a tie bar assembly (50) including an elongate bar (51) attached to beam lower ends (75); and a center jack (60) of adjustable length spanning between tie bar (51) and mating seam (95).

Abstract: A hollow reinforced structural member has a bulkhead having a layer of thermally expanded resin disposed between opposed side walls. A sleeve is retained within the resin layer and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reinforce structural member. The sleeve is an alignment with bolt holes in opposite sides of the reinforced structure such that a bolt can be inserted there through. A component can then be bolted to the reinforced structural member at the site of the reinforcement. The invention not only increases the strength of the part, but also reduces vibration and noise transmission.

Abstract: A pivoting gutter assembly is disclosed, in which the gutter can be, during summer months, put into the horizontal collecting position to receive rainwater from the roof and to direct it to a down-spout. For the winter months and or maintenance, the gutters are swung-out to downwards vertical position below the roof cornice thus being protected from damage. The gutter system includes hangers attached to the roof, the hangers each having a bearing. A shaft is inserted into the bearing and the gutter is fixed to the shaft. The system provides for special hangers assuring the correct pitch of the gutters. Also, it contains a down-spout for location above a fixed downward collector for rainwater, thus permitting the gutters to be pivoted from horizontal to vertical position without the need to disconnect the down-spout.

Abstract: A seismic energy dissipation system for use with structures such as buildings, bridges and the like. The system includes a gravity frame, at least one reaction frame, and connection apparatus for connecting the gravity frame and the reaction frame. The connection apparatus includes springs for setting a period of response and energy dissipation units for dissipating energy within the structure, thus controlling the response of a structure with respect to internal forces, accelerations and deformations due to external excitations such as wind or earthquake.

Abstract: A method for installing tongue-and-groove material comprises the steps of: a) placing a piece of tongue-and-groove material on an installation surface adjacent to a previously installed piece of tongue-and-groove material and/or a border member; b) pivotably securing a lever having a thrust portion and a lever end to the installation surface so that rotating the lever urges the piece of tongue-and-groove material against the previously installed piece and/or the border member; c) rotating the lever, thereby urging the piece of tongue-and-groove material against the previously installed piece and/or the border member; d) securing the piece of tongue-and-groove material to the previously installed piece, the border member, and/or the installation surface; and e) removing the lever from the installation surface.

Abstract: A portable safety anchor for use in an aperture with side jambs such as a door or window as a tie off for a safety line. The anchor has a pair of clamps mounted on a bar longer than the aperture is wide. The clamps are T-shaped with a stem and a cross arm. The stem is adapted for contact with a first side of the wall and the cross arm has a toe and a heel. The toe is adapted for contact with the side jamb and the heel is adapted to extend beyond the side jamb on the first side of the wall. The heel has an aperture through which the bar passes. Means are provided for securing the clamps on the bar with the toes in frictional contact with the side jamb and the stem in frictional contact with the first side of the wall. A safety line is tied from the toe of one or both of the clamps such that a force applied to the safety line on the second side of the wall is transferred to the first side of the wall by the clamps.

Abstract: An ice skating rink structure comprising a plurality of boards and a plurality of brackets is provided. Each of the brackets has a U-shaped support for holding one or more of the boards and has at least one downward projection for insertion into the ground. The downward projection of the bracket is inserted into the ground and boards are placed within the U-shaped support such that the boards define the shape of an ice skating rink. A liner is placed inside of the ice skating rink and water is poured onto the liner and allowed to freeze and form an ice skating rink. By using boards with different heights, the present invention allows for the quick assembly of an ice skating rink on level or unlevel ground.

Abstract: A wall start panel for knock-down portable partition systems of the type having a plurality of panels, each having standard width posts interconnected by structural members in a spaced-apart relationship to define a standard panel width. The wall start panel includes at least one structural member and a standard width post having a unitary construction and including a connection port. The standard width post also has opposite side faces defining a standard post width therebetween. The wall start panel further includes a wall start post having a connection port and having opposite side faces defining a width therebetween substantially less than the standard post width. The structural member spans between and releasably interconnects the standard width and wall start posts in a spaced-apart relationship. The wall start panel has a substantially standard panel width, such that the wall start post can be secured to an existing wall without use of a trim piece to close off the wall start panel.

Abstract: An outrigger (10) for a manufactured home (90) spans between lower end (76) of main beam (70) and outer end (83) of a transverse floor joist (80) and selectively provides a push (raising force) or pull (lowering force) to joist outer end (83) to level floor (86). Outrigger (10) generally comprises and an elongate portion (20) of adjustable length for spanning between beam lower end (76) and joist outer end (83) for producing an outward force, and a bracket (50) attached to beam lower end (76) and a nut (65) fastening elongate portion (20) to bracket (50) for producing an inward force.