Abstract: A ventilating component for a building, particularly a ventilating soffit, provides a high ratio of ventilation flow area to component coverage area. A sheet in a plane of coverage has a spaced-channel configuration, or alternatively a terraced configuration. Ventilation openings are placed in the connecting webs between the upper and lower levels, especially in sidewalls of elongated channels that open as slots on the exposed side of the soffit. These connecting webs are oriented at an acute angle relative to the coverage plane. In a channel arrangement the webs can be shaped to block direct view of the side walls. The acute angle precludes, or at least foreshortens, a view of the webs that contain the ventilation openings. The ventilation aspects are concealed while permitting a high ratio of flow area to coverage area.

Abstract: A storage assembly structured to be supported on a base is presented, wherein the base includes a plurality of spaced apart beams. At least one embodiment of the storage assembly includes a platform and at least one mounting device attached or otherwise connected to the platform. The mounting device(s) comprises an attachment mechanism which is structured to be removably engaged with the base and/or one or more beams thereof. Further, in at least one embodiment, the mounting device(s) is disposed and structured to removably support the platform in a predetermined spaced relation to said base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire alarm 1 that includes a base 1.5 and a fire alarm insert which can be connected to base 1.5. A covering cap 3 and a sheet 2, 2.1 located between the covering cap 3 and the fire alarm insert 1.1 are provided to cover fire alarm insert 1.1.

Abstract: An interlocking, modular floor tile that comprises a planar member defined by a perimeter having four sides and a top surface, a plurality of downwardly projecting support legs of common length dispersed pattern-wise inside the perimeter of the planar member and coupled with the top surface, and at least one female interlocking connector element that extends outside the perimeter of the planar member for receiving a support leg of a like tile and thereby forming an interlock with the like tile.

Abstract: A floor structure (1) of the type having “crossed reinforcement rods” is described comprising: a) a plurality of composite construction elements (2) arranged side by side and comprising: a1) an elongated body (3) made of expanded plastic material provided with an upper face (3a); a2) at least one reinforcing section bar (4) longitudinally extending in the elongated body (3) and having an upper portion (4c) protruding from the upper face (3a) of the body (3); b) a substantially reticular reinforcement metal structure (10) of a concrete casting (9), supported by the upper portion (4c) of the aforementioned at least one reinforcing section bar (4) at a predetermined distance from the upper face (3a) of the elongated body (3) made of expanded plastic material. Advantageously, the floor structure (1) exhibits lightness and self-supporting characteristics and allows to achieve a substantial reduction of the labor and costs for its manufacture.

Abstract: A self-supporting module contains first and second rectangular, generally closed longitudinal frames, which are detachably interconnected by crossmembers and to which external wall elements are detachably fixed. The module is characterized in that the external wall elements have dimensions corresponding generally to the height and the width or length of the module and that the outer edges of the elements run flush with the outer edges of the longitudinal frames and crossmembers in such a way that in the corner region of the module, the end faces of adjoining external wall elements define a recess in the form of re-entrant corner. Corner elements are detachably fixed in the recesses, the elements sealing the interior of the module that is delimited by the external wall elements in relation to the exterior.

Abstract: A building includes a tile roof including a plurality of courses of tiles and a roof-cover above which the tiles are positioned, a ceiling below the roof, and a skylight apparatus. Each tile engages adjacent tiles according to a repeating engagement structure. The skylight apparatus includes a main body in place of one or more of the tiles of the tile roof and engages adjacent tiles substantially according to the repeating engagement structure, at least one window, a tubular body below the main body and extending through an aperture in the roof-cover, a light conduit extending downward from below the tubular body and defining an inner passage, and a bottom translucent member at an opening in the ceiling and below a bottom end of the light conduit. Light is able to shine through the window, the inner passage, and the bottom translucent member into a room below the ceiling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stiffening element for stiffening a step-like substructure, in particular in an aircraft or spacecraft, having a foot section which is composed of a fiber composite material and is shaped in the form of a step such that it essentially fills the substructure. A method is also provided for production of a stiffening element for stiffening of a step-like substructure in an aircraft or spacecraft, according to which a profile part with a foot section which is composed of a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic is provided, at least one layer of a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic is laminated onto the foot section, and the glass-fiber-reinforced plastic is milled corresponding to a step-like shape which essentially fills the substructure.

Abstract: A pergola system employs tap-lock pin (56) that readily attaches to a beam (82). The beam is encapsulated, preferably by vinyl extrusions, which allow horizontal strips to easily engage opposing end of the tap-lock pin (56). Clips (78) with protruding tap-locks (72) are secured to a substrate, allowing horizontal strips with ledges (96) to be engaged with the protruding tap-locks (72) to provide an easily installed pergola shade structure. A shroud (102) or coupler (62) allows expansion so that a plurality of pergola kits can be assembled together and so that a homeowner or do-it-yourselfer can install, alter, or retrofit the pergola(s) with minimal effort and direction.

Abstract: A portable platform-support system provides an external platform comer for supporting a platform surface structure; the system having a rigid comer-support apparatus having a non-integrating outer-facing portion with opposing outer edges, an inner portion, and a recessed pocket; a channel member having an elongated shape, a slot aligning with the recessed pocket, and an upper surface to provide support to the platform surface structure; and a reinforcement member securely coupled to and extending from the inner portion with the reinforcement member to securely support the channel member.

Abstract: A very lightweight long-range extending member formed from assembled tapes. The strength of an extended structure can be greatly increased by forming a composite structure from individual single tapes. This invention describes various composite structures and the means for forming them.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of attaching storm panels over window and door openings with end fastenable H tracks. Each of the tracks can have H cross-sectional shapes with elongated opposite facing C shaped channels back to back along the elongated tracks. At the upper and lower ends of the tracks can be outwardly protruding tabs having through-holes for allowing the tracks to mounted into frame edges about the window and door openings. Rectangular shutter panels such as plywood, metal and plastic sheeting can have side edges that slidably fit into the C channel openings of the H tracks so that the only fasteners to attach the panels over the building openings are through the track tabs. Stop flanges can prevent the panels from sliding out of the channels. The track, brackets can be mounted horizontal and parallel to one another as well as be mounted vertically and parallel to one another.

Abstract: A panel for connection with other panels, comprising a rectilinear base member having outer edges, a first rectilinear side member extending from one edge of the base member, the first side member having a first lip extending from an outward edge of the first side member and away from the base member, the first side member further having a second lip extending from an outward edge of the first lip and toward the base member and at an angle between about zero and 90 degrees with respect to the first lip, and a second rectilinear side member extending in substantially the same direction as the first side member, from an opposite edge of the base member, the second side member having a third lip extending toward the base member. Related structural members, enclosures, posts, spray booths and methods for assembling the same which include similar features are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel, with a tongue on a longitudinal and a transverse edge, projecting beyond said longitudinal or transverse edge, with essentially parallel tongue surfaces and a groove on the opposing longitudinal or transverse edge, enclosed by lateral panel sections, corresponding to the tongue of an adjacent panel with essentially parallel groove edges. In order to lock two adjacent panels such as to run into each other, a projecting locking element is provided on at least one tongue surface at least in parts and in each region of (a) panel section(s) corresponding to said locking element(s) for connected panels a recess(es) is provided, whereby the region (B) of the tongue with the locking element and/or at least one of the regions of the tongue and the panel sections which are in contact on introducing the tongue into the groove, before the locking element clips into the recess, have an elastic embodiment such that said elasticity is greater than the elasticity of the locking element.

Abstract: A UL compliant power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade, and are adapted to be UL compliant.

Abstract: A power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or facade of a building structure. The system components—energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and operated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the facade including both in vision and spandrel areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling at least one wellbore from an offsite location is provided. Each wellbore is located at a wellsite having a drilling rig with a downhole drilling tool suspended therefrom. The downhole drilling tool is selectively advanced into the earth to form the wellbore. The downhole drilling tool is operated according to a wellsite setup. Wellsite parameters are collected from a plurality of sensors positioned about the wellsite. The wellsite parameters are transmitted to an offsite control center. The offsite control center performs an analysis of the wellsite parameters and automatically adjusts the wellsite setup from the offsite control center based on the analysis.

Abstract: A sound and/or moisture barrier underlayment suited for use on a roof or floor surface to provide a substantially flat and level surface, comprises at least first and second strips of insulation membranes (10) laid down one next to the other in a coplanar relationship. The first and second strips (24, 26) have a thickness W1. An overlap joint (28) is provided between the first and second strips (24, 26). The overlap joint (28) has a thickness W2 substantially equal to or less than W1 to provide a free-bump transition between the first and second strips (24, 26) while preventing straight-through infiltration.

Abstract: The present invention provides wind flow bodies for use with a structure for decreasing the carrier wing effect on the structure by the formation of turbulence or reducing the dynamic pressure by deflecting the wind flow. The invention further provides a method for securing the composition of a structure against the onslaught of heavy winds, whereby zones, which are suitable for the formation of a critical carrier wing effect during heavy wind flow are identified on the structure, and the position of a wind flow body for generating turbulence for dampening the carrier wing effect, is then determined. Further zones are identified which are suitable for the formation of the dynamic pressure, and the operating position of a wind flow body is then determined for deflecting the corresponding wind flow for reducing the dynamic pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a welded profile for fitting a digger with a hoe bucket or loading shovel, such as a boom or stanchion, comprising upper and lower webs and sidewalls cooperating therewith, whereby the sidewalls are provided with upper and lower profile reinforced end regions which form the corner regions for the upper and lower webs arranged between the end regions.