Abstract: A pre-fabrication of a modular reinforcement cage for high-rise concrete construction is provided. The primary vertical bars, often referred to as the longitudinal bars, are held in formation by a set of templates that are manufactured to the design of the construction. These templates ensure accurate placement of the vertical bars and provides great rigidity for the module when being placed in the field. The main vertical bars can have thread-like deformations along the length of the bar, and are locked in place by use of compatible hardware against the templates. Multiple modules can then be stacked and coupled by use of mechanical couplings as construction continues.

Abstract: The invention is a formwork system and a method of using the formwork to construct rammed earth walls. The formwork comprises end panels which can be quickly assembled and disassembled to provide end stops to support side panels without the need for through-ties. The end panels comprise integral handholds for access to the full height of the formwork. The end panels are stackable, rotatable and interchangeable, such that one set of formwork may be used to create several different wall configurations. The finished wall contains an internal support structure and insulating core, without through-holes.

Abstract: A pre-fabrication of a modular reinforcement cage for high-rise concrete construction is provided. The primary vertical bars, often referred to as the longitudinal bars, are held in formation by a set of templates that are manufactured to the design of the construction. These templates ensure accurate placement of the vertical bars and provides great rigidity for the module when being placed in the field. The main vertical bars can have thread-like deformations along the length of the bar, and are locked in place by use of compatible hardware against the templates. Multiple modules can then be stacked and coupled by use of mechanical couplings as construction continues.

Abstract: A clamping device includes two springs, a first barrel, and a second barrel. Each of the two springs includes a first end and a second end. The first barrel is attached to the first ends of the springs, and includes a number of first clamping portions, a number of first slots, and a first receiving space. The first clamping portions and the first slots are alternately arranged around the first receiving space. The second barrel is attached to the second ends of the springs and received in the first receiving space. The second barrel includes a number of second clamping portions, a number of second slots, and a second receiving space. The second clamping portions and the second slots are alternately arranged around the second receiving space. The second barrel is rotatable relative to the first barrel in the first receiving space between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a substrate with a first surface and a second surface includes a supporting plate and a number of clamping units. The supporting plate includes a base portion and an engaging portion. The base portion includes a base surface. The engaging portion protrudes from the base surface of the base portion and includes an engaging surface facing away from the base surface. The supporting plate defines a through hole in the engaging surface. The supporting plate is configured for supporting the substrate on the engaging surface of the engaging portion. The clamping units are configured for clamping the substrate on the supporting plate such that the engaging surface of the engaging portion engaging surface is substantially coplanar with the first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A table which supports work pieces includes a base with a first part and a second part hinged together so that the second part may be swung up and away from the standing surface for storage and be swung down to engage the standing surface. A support column is secured to the base and coupled to a brace member which is foldable between a first state when the second part is in contact with the standing surface and a second state when the second part is not in contact with the standing surface. The table includes a work platform that is coupled to the central support column and rotatable between a horizontal orientation parallel to the standing surface and a non-horizontal orientation. The work platform is configured to have work stations which receive and mount work pieces so that the work pieces are secured to the work platform in both the horizontal and non-horizontal orientations.

Abstract: A roll-formed grid runner comprising a sheet metal strip folded into an upper hollow single wall reinforcing bulb, a double wall web below the bulb, a channel extending laterally from both sides of a lower end of the web to a bend and upwardly from the bend to a panel supporting elevation, the bend on each side of the web existing at a longitudinally extending score line where a thickness of the strip is locally reduced.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: A structure to protect occupants from storm debris comprising components that are pre-fabricated and assembled on site. Upon assembly, the void cavities in the floor, walls and ceilings are pumped with concrete to increase the unit strength and stability.

Abstract: A top down trap lock shingle system that includes a plurality of identical shingles, each shingle having a bottom layer and a top layer permanently attached to said top edge of said bottom layer forming an extended area along the top of the shingle that includes strips of adhesive and said bottom layer having an enlarged nailing or stapling zone that extends beyond the bottom edge of the top layer. The shingles are trapped locked together by inserting the top tab portion of the top area in a top down manner onto an above shingle row staggered to protect the seams and fastening the bottom edge of the shingle to the plywood roof thus trap locking each of the shingle rows in place. The laminated shingle system is especially durable and provides protection against high winds preventing wind damage and water intrusion.

Abstract: Disclosed are frame members and mullions for a window frame that comprise a reinforcing member that is surrounded by an outer plastic layer. The outer plastic layer is held securely to the reinforcing member as a result of a waist banding effect that comprises an inward force created by the outer plastic layer as it cools and contracts around the reinforcing member. In addition, lobes are formed in the reinforcing member that assist in holding the outer plastic layer to the reinforcing member. Window inserts can be removed and replaced using adapters and removable brackets. Frame members and mullions can be built sufficiently strong to provide structural support. The frame can also be used to hold photovoltaic cells and protective coverings for photovoltaic cells. Structural members are also disclosed that have reinforcing members with apertures, debossing, scarification and/or indentations that secure the thermoplastic layer to the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A gutter protection device includes an elongated frame having opposite first and second edge portions, opposite first and second end portions, an elongated recessed portion in a medial portion thereof, and one or more insert panels removably secured within the recessed portion. The recessed portion extends from the frame first end portion to the frame second end portion, and includes a plurality of gutter access openings arranged longitudinally in end-to-end spaced-apart relationship. Each insert panel is removably secured within the frame recessed portion, and includes opposite first and second edge portions, opposite end portions, and opposite upper and lower surfaces. Each panel includes a plurality of spaced-apart openings formed therethrough that permit water to flow into a rain gutter. A filtering screen is secured to the insert panel lower surface and covers the insert panel openings. The filtering screen is configured to prevent the passage of debris therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower foundation system (30) comprising a foundation (32) for a bottom section (36) of a tower, which bottom section (36) is to be connected to the upper part of the foundation (32), wherein the bottom section (36) is cast into the foundation (32) with an ultra high performance grout (42).

Abstract: A fire resistive joint cover system operable to span a gap between two surfaces. The system generally may include first and second base members, a covering member, and an intumescent sheet. Each base member is operable to couple with one of the surfaces and the covering member is operable to couple with the base members to at least partially span the gap. In some embodiments, the covering member may be configured as a floating covering member and/or as a flexible elastomer seal.

Abstract: An architectural panel system including a plurality of architectural panels, a first mounting extrusion attached to a first architectural panel, and a second mounting extrusion attached to a second architectural panel, as well as a first anchor clip including a first attachment configuration that enables the first mounting extrusion to be slidably attached thereto, and a second anchor clip including a second attachment configuration that enables the second mounting extrusion to be slidably attached thereto. The system also includes a panel joint filler strip. The first mounting extrusion includes a first pocket portion, and the second mounting extrusion includes a second pocket portion that is shallower than the first pocket portion. The first and second pocket portions cooperate with each other to seat the panel joint filler strip. Also disclosed are methods of installing the panel system and of replacing a damaged panel of an installed array of panels.

Abstract: The present invention is a wall panel assembly for securing a protective and/or decorative panel to a wall, such as the exterior wall of a building. The panel includes a rail and channel arrangement along each edge of the panel designed to slideably engage panel clips having a cooperative guide rail and channel. The clips are used to secure the panel to a wall using common fasteners, such as screws.

Abstract: A beaded soffit panel and related method for buildings and the like includes a plurality of generally flat, imperforate base portions shaped to enclose at least a portion of the soffit when the soffit panel is mounted in a generally horizontal orientation under the eave. A plurality of generally M-shaped, contoured beads extend between the base portions, and have oppositely inclined sidewalls with center walls therebetween to create a decorative appearance on the soffit panel. A plurality of narrow vent slits extend through the exterior faces of the bead sidewalls at a predetermined acute angle to define angled tabs that extend inwardly, whereby when the soffit panel is installed, vision through the vent slits from a position generally underneath the eave is substantially blocked by the angled tabs.

Abstract: An adjustable height backsplash for an appliance such as a cooking range is disclosed. The backsplash includes an upper wall mount mountable to a wall; a lower wall mount mountable to the wall at a selectable distance from the upper wall mount; an upper faceplate mountable to the upper wall mount and including an upper front panel; and a lower faceplate mountable to the lower wall mount and including a lower front panel. After installation, the upper front panel and the lower front panel together substantially cover a continuous portion of the wall.

Abstract: A solar roofing system is described that is adapted for managing the flow of water down a roof. The system includes at least one roofing panel adapted for supporting photovoltaic material and at least one splice plate for interconnecting adjacent roofing panels. The roofing panels have a trough adapted for receiving water flowing down the roof and redistributing the water away from the splice plate. Anchoring clips secure roofing panels to the roof and space roofing panels from the roof for improved air circulation beneath the panels. Closure assemblies are used at edges of roofing panels to conceal electrical wiring from photovoltaic material sheets and to close off edge gaps formed by a terraced roofing system.