Abstract: A connector comprises a first coupling part having a flat surface with a shaft projecting therefrom; and a second coupling part having a corresponding flat surface and a hole, such that the flat surfaces may be in abutment when the shaft is inserted into the hole and the first coupling part is positioned transverse to the second coupling part. The first coupling part is movable relative to the second coupling part from a position in which the shaft is inserted into the hole to a position in which the coupling parts are held so as to be inseparable by the shaft being captured inside the hole. The first coupling part is rotatable relative to the second coupling part about the shaft when the first coupling part is in the position in which the coupling parts are held so as to be inseparable.

Abstract: A novel system and related methods for sequentially deploying, in automated or semi-automated fashion, a strip of a plurality of truss bays with integral solar panels from a moving carrier onto a surface being traversed, resulting in a long, contiguous truss structure laid upon on the surface. The solar panels are angled at a predetermined orientation for solar operation at the deployment location. The carrier is easily and quickly reloaded with another set of truss bays for repeated deployment of a series of strips of solar truss structures in a solar array. The solar array thus is constructed in substantially less time and with substantially less labor that conventional support racking in the filed using prior art piece-wise assembly operations.

Abstract: A cover apparatus (1), comprising cover plates (2) continuing in a position of use in a common plane and in at least one row, is formed in a mutual edge-side contact region (3) through overlapping and in a rainproof manner, such that edges (5) running parallel to each other and spaced apart on each cover plate (2) are designed differently (6), and the top side (7) of the cover plate (2), a continuing web (8) and a rain gutter (9) under said web (8) are arranged on a first edge (5), wherein said rain gutter belongs to the same first edge (5). If necessary, penetrating rain water (12) can be caught in the rain gutter (9) by overlapping edge-side webs (8) in the position of use.

Abstract: A module patio assembly includes a groundsheet formed of landscape fabric, parallel wooden sleepers connected to and extending transversely of the groundsheet, and parallel row of prefabricated deck tiles mounted on the sleepers. Cooperating hook and eye fasteners are provided on the top surfaces of the sleepers and on the bottom surfaces of the deck tiles for securing the deck tiles to the sleepers.

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 wall segment is stood upon a surface by first positioning a curved wall segment upon the surface. The wall segment has a lower ground contacting surface, an upper surface opposite the lower ground contacting surface, left and a right side surfaces each extending from the lower surface to the upper surface, one or more panels, and a curved frame including at least one frame segment sized and dimensioned to retain a panel, the frame defining a curved outer periphery where the segment contacts the surface. A vessel is positioned proximate the curved frame, the vessel being shaped to conform and nest into the curvature of the outer periphery of the frame where the segment contacts the surface. The vessel is attached to the frame, and weight is added to the vessel.

Abstract: An electrical machine (12) comprising a fastening flange (10), wherein the fastening flange (10) has a rim (46), so that the fastening flange (10) is arranged on a housing part (14) of the electrical machine (12) in such a way that the fastening flange (10) surrounds the housing part (14) at least in sections in the circumferential direction (16) of the housing part (14) at least by way of the rim (46), wherein the fastening flange (10) has at least one radially directed raised portion (18) which is integrally formed from the fastening flange (10) and bears against the housing part (14), wherein at least one recess (47) is formed within the rim (46), wherein the recess (47) influences the rigidity of the fastening flange (10).

Abstract: A post fastening device for mounting a post to a construction surface, the device comprising a base having a planar top surface and a threaded rod extending from the top surface, a tubular member for insertion into a longitudinal axial bore on the bottom end of the post, the tubular member having an upper end and a lower end with internal threads complementary to the threads of the rod, and a dowel rod for insertion into a transverse bore extending through a portion of the post and the tubular member when the tubular member is in the longitudinal bore, the dowel rod being sized to pass through the tubular member and a portion of the post on both sides of the tubular member.

Abstract: A tension compression structural unit and method of assembling structures that comprises endwise interlapping configuration of at least three elongate members into a tension compression structural unit whereby tensegrity is maintained by tensioning a first end of each elongate member against respective first ends of each other elongate member, in interlapped array, and then anchoring each second end of each elongate member—either onto a ground surface or by interlapped configuration with additional elongate members. A stable, domic structure is thus erectable without the need of additional tensioning elements such as wires or cables, for example.

Abstract: A balloon and floral arch adapted for receiving balloons and floral arrangements thereon. The arch is made up of a plurality of light weight, clear plastic, outer tubes, typically in 5 feet sections. The outer tubes are joined together end to end and formed into an arch. The arch can be 25 feet, 35 feet and greater. The outer tubes are used to receive a light weight, clear plastic inner tube with a string of LED lights. Opposite ends of the arch are attached to a pair of heavy, metal base plates for holding the arch upright on a floor surface. The string of lights can be powered by a 12 volt DC battery or a 110 AC electrical outlet. The arch can also include a remote control switch box for turning the lights on and off and starting blinking lights, fast or slow.

Abstract: A skylight assembly, having framing members that define an interior space and rafters that span the interior space between framing members, the framing members having an upper support surface for supporting panes of glass, each pane having at least one structural glass panel and a thermal panel. A structural thermal break connected to each framing member provides a lower support surface. The structural glass panels are fully supported by the upper support surface. The thermal panel is supported by the lower support surface, and is sealed to the upper support surface by a spacer, forming an insulating glass unit therewith. The full support of the structural glass, independent of the support of the thermal panel, allows the skylight to be thermally insulated and walkable.

Abstract: A truss setting bracket and a method relating to setting a truss using the truss setting bracket are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the truss setting bracket includes an elongated body member having a first cradle, a second cradle, an elongated catch guide, and a locking arm. In other embodiments, the truss setting bracket includes an elongated body member having a first cradle, a bracket, an elongated catch guide, and a locking arm. In yet other embodiments, the method of setting the truss may include sliding the truss setting bracket over a member of a first truss, lifting the first truss towards a second truss, and removably locking the truss setting bracket to a member of the second truss.

Abstract: An erection system for one or more elongated elements, such as structural columns, pre-fabricated reinforcing cages or tower-like structures includes one or more longitudinal lifting bars running parallel with the elongated element's longitudinal direction. The lifting bars are installed within or onto the elongated element through apertures in the element's upper and lower support pieces. A rigging system supports the upper portion of the lifting bar. The lifting bar's lower portion includes external threading to receive an internally threaded load bearing nut. The load bearing nut supports the elongated element's weight onto the lifting bar's lower portion. The upper and lower support pieces stabilize the elongated element with lateral restraint. Removing the load bearing nut and raising the lifting bar up through the support piece's apertures extracts the lifting bar from the elongated element.

Abstract: A door frame including an inside steel panel having a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and a C-shaped section with a first portion of the C-shaped section extending parallel to the inner surface of the inside steel panel; an outside steel panel having a second inner surface and a second outer surface, and a U-shaped section with a second portion of the C-shaped section extending perpendicular to the second inner surface of the outside steel panel; a first insulating material interposed between the first portion of the C-shaped section of the inside steel panel and the second inner surface of the outside steel panel to thermally isolate the inside steel panel and the outside steel panel from each other, and said inside steel panel and outside steel panel being secured together to form a thermal break system.

Abstract: A panel 10 is formed with first and second joint systems 20 and 22 to enable engagement of a plurality of panels 10 along their sides 16 and 18. The first joint system 20 has a laterally extending tongue 24a along one longitudinal side 16a and a groove 24b along an opposite longitudinal side 16b. The second joint system 22 is a vertical joint system having mutually engageable male and female parts Jm and Jf respectively. The male part Jm is formed on one transverse the side 18a, while the female part Jf is formed on an opposite transverse side 18b.

Abstract: An aisle containment system is disclosed. The aisle containment system includes a frame defined by wall beams, header frames, and a plurality of posts secured to the wall beams and header frames. The header frames extend the width of the frame and the wall beams extend the length of the frame. A plurality of blanking panels extend from the floor to one of the wall beams. The plurality of blanking panels have a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. Vertical stiffeners are positioned along at least one of the first side and the second side of each blanking panel. The blanking panels overlap adjacent blanking panels along the length of the frame. The blanking panels are laterally adjusted to fill openings in the aisle containment system.

Abstract: Roof-mounted venting devices adapted for use with roof mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels are provided. Venting devices and assemblies can include a replacement flashing that fits over a cut-down roof pipe vent as well as venting assemblies that redirect airflow from a roof pipe vent. Such replacement flashing can include a substantially planar flashing portion having a raised portion for accommodating any residual flashing or roofing debris. Such replacement flashing may further include a hood portion with one or more vent openings to allow airflow into and out from the interior of the hood portion. Venting assemblies can include a coupling portion for mating with a vent-pipe, a section of hose or piping to redirect airflow, and a venting portion disposed outside or between roof-mounted solar panels.

Abstract: A skylight assembly, having framing members that define an interior space and rafters that span the interior space between framing members, for supporting panes of glass, each pane having at least one structural glass panel and a thermal panel. The framing members have an upper support surface and a main gutter. A structural thermal break connected to each framing member provides a lower support surface. The structural glass panels are fully supported by the upper support surface. The thermal panel is supported by the lower support surface, and is sealed to the upper support surface by a spacer, forming an insulating glass unit therewith. The full support of the structural glass, independent of the support of the thermal panel, allows the skylight to be thermally insulated and walkable. Support blocks extending on each rafter have drainage channels that lead to the main gutters in the framing members.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing an upstanding utility/meter pole having a worn top includes an elongated brace adapted to bear against the pole near a top end of the pole. A washer plate is disposed in overlying relation to the elongated brace. A front support is secured to an opposite side of the pole by an elongated bolt that extends diametrically through the pole and is engaged by a nut to secure the brace and front support in sandwiching relation to the pole. Additional embodiments are designed to reinforce cross arms secured to the utility pole.

Abstract: A device for attaching an object on a rail of a support is provided. The device includes a base designed to bear on the rail, and a device for tightening the base on the rail. The tightening device includes a threaded rod and a nut. A first end of the tightening device includes a tightening heel designed to be placed below the rail to tighten the rail between the heel and the base. A second end of the tightening device includes an element for maneuvering by an operator to tighten/loosen the device. The device can further include a detachable non-return device to prevent any involuntary loosening of the device.