Abstract: A modular brick or block outdoor structure includes an outdoor structure that is constructed in modular sections. Each modular section is fabricated from a plurality of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks that match the brick or block used to construct the patio. The bricks or blocks are preferably assembled to each other with adhesive. Each modular section includes means for transporting thereof with some type of equipment, if necessary. It is preferable that each modular section include channels to receive lifting forks of an end loader or other suitable transport device, if necessary. However, other methods of transporting the modular section may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a unique system and method for providing adaptable ball delivery and tracking, including appropriate sensor hardware, interactive gameplay user interfaces and point of sales systems. The system and method of the present invention are especially relevant to baseball and softball as, among other components, the system comprises a vertical, ground-up soft toss ball delivery mechanism, automated player and ball-tracking devices, and ball-collection and transport systems. The ball collection and return components eliminate the need for “fielders” and enable the creation of the first “batting range”. The vertical, ground-up soft-toss pitch machine further enables the first multi-story batting facility with player batting bays that open onto a sports field. Further, certain embodiments of the present invention integrate hitting screens, augmented reality display and simultaneous coordination of gameplay and communication between players, regardless of the players' physical location.

Abstract: A modular infill panel system for attaching to vertical structural members of a building frame and adjacent modular infill panel units. The modular infill panel system is capable of creating piecewise curves in the vertical plane as well as complex piecewise three-dimensional curves in a combination of horizontal and vertical planes. The modular infill panel system can include vertically stacked modular infill panel units. The modular infill panel units can be vertically aligned and attached to the building's structural columns by bracket assemblies mounted along one or more outside edges of the top frame member of the structural frame of the modular infill panel units. The bracket assemblies can secure the modular infill panel unit to the vertical structure of the building and alignment pins projecting upward from the bracket assemblies can align vertically adjacent modular infill panel units.

Abstract: The present Cellular Concrete Filled Structural Steel Wall Frames are interconnected in three dimensions with other modular construction elements to enable the rapid construction of multi-story buildings with improved quality of construction over that found in traditional multi-story building construction techniques. These Cellular Concrete Structural Steel Wall Frames typically have a Thin Concrete Wall Panel affixed to the exterior of the structural steel, and also electrical and plumbing rough utility components installed in the Wall Frames.

Abstract: A bracket holds a rigid or flexible tube during the pouring of a concrete slab. The bracket has a base and a housing connected to the base. The tube curves around a first tube support on the housing before passing through an opening in the bottom of the housing. The tube and any members inside the tube are cut off so they end inside the housing and are then covered by a housing cap. The base is fastened to a form for the concrete slab. The height of the housing relative to the base is adjusted to place the cap at the planned surface of the concrete slab. After the concrete slab is formed the cap is removed and the cut members inside the housing are connected to other members or devices.

Abstract: Floor covering material, wherein this floor covering material comprises at least a foamed layer, a printed decor provided thereon, and preferably a transparent wear layer, wherein the printed decor represents a plurality of panel-shaped or tile-shaped elements, wherein at the edges of said represented elements, lowered edge regions are formed, which form at least a portion of the circumference of the respective element, wherein said lowered edge regions, seen in cross-section, are realized with at least two different geometries. The invention further also relates to a method for manufacturing such floor covering material.

Abstract: Provided is a pre-distancing collapsible system particularly for the elements of a structural frame of a building such as a wall frame. An embodiment includes at least three components of a structural frame and at least two spacers. The spacers are not structural elements of the frame and may be fastened to heads of the structural components of the frame. The spacers may be foldable. A manufacturing method for assembling the wall frame components for shipping is provided. A method for forming a wall frame from the shipped, packed-together components is also provided.

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 wall panel installation method, assembly, system and kit are provided. The wall panel is installed and held to an existing building structure with the combination of a support plate secured to the building wall, fastening elements adhered to the wall panel and corresponding fastening elements adhered to respective support plates. When the wall panel is in position, the fastening elements are brought into contact to engage each other and hold the wall panel in position relative to the building structure/wall.

Abstract: A bracket holds a rigid or flexible tube during the pouring of a concrete slab. The bracket has a base and a housing connected to the base. The tube curves around a first tube support on the housing before passing through an opening in the bottom of the housing. The tube and any members inside the tube are cut off so they end inside the housing and are then covered by a housing cap. The base is fastened to a form for the concrete slab. The height of the housing relative to the base is adjusted to place the cap at the planned surface of the concrete slab. After the concrete slab is formed the cap is removed and the cut members inside the housing are connected to other members or devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially animal-proof barrier that includes (a) two or more supports laterally spaced apart to define a substantially vertical plane between each support, (b) fencing material that is attached to each of the supports and spans the plane between each support to form a simple barrier, wherein the simple barrier divides a domain into a first area and second area, (c) a hood having a first section originating from a top edge of the simple barrier that forms an angle of about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees with the simple barrier, and a second section extending from a lower end of the first section in a direction towards the simple barrier, and optionally (d) a hood corner assembly to provide a hood at a corner formed by the simple barrier, that includes an upper corner section, a lower corner section, and a pair of brackets.

Abstract: A dry floor assembly is provided. The dry floor assembly is configured to form or be positioned on a floor of an enclosed space. The dry floor assembly includes a grid, a pan, and a wicking layer. The grid has an array of openings configured to allow passage of liquid. The grid has members that extend from a base to an upper surface, with the upper surface configured to be walked upon. The members have a cross-section that tapers from the base to the upper surface. The pan is disposed beneath the grid, and defines a cavity. The wicking layer is interposed between the pan and the grid, and is configured to wick liquid that passes through the openings toward the pan.

Abstract: A reinforcement system for anchoring tendons for structural reinforcing a structure such as a concrete structure, said reinforcement system comprises at least one anchor and at least one tendon, said anchor is adapted to fix said tendon in and/or outside said structure, wherein said reinforcement system comprises a ductility element, which is positioned in structural connection between said tendon and said anchor, said ductility element comprising weakened deformation zones being deformable so that the length of the ductility is increased or decreased in an axial direction along the length of said tendon.

Abstract: The method of connecting a circular concrete-filled steel tubular column to a reinforced concrete footing provides a process for constructing a circular concrete-filled steel tubular column anchored in a reinforced concrete footing. A tubular member is partially embedded in a cavity formed in a block of reinforced concrete, such that a pair of flanges thereof is positioned adjacent to and above a base surface of the cavity. A steel tube is partially inserted into the cavity, such that rotation of the steel tube will cause the pair of flanges to interlock with a pair of slots at the lower end of the steel tube, locking the steel tube in place with respect to the tubular member and the block of reinforced concrete. The cavity is filled with concrete grout to secure the column, and the steel tube is filled with concrete to form the circular concrete-filled steel tubular column.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a support system for raised flooring made with wooden boards and to the relative flooring obtained by this system. The supporting system is used for obtaining a floor with boards made of wood or similar material wherein the floor is elevated with respect to the reference ground. The supporting system includes a trampling plate and at least three supporting feet fixed to the plate in order to support the plate with respect to the reference ground.

Abstract: A clipping apparatus for holding rebar is disclosed. The clipping apparatus includes having a first base portion and a second base portion. Extensions and clips are positioned in the base portions to hold one or more rebar rods or wires in a stable orientation. Platforms are positioned to give a user a plane upon which to apply an engaging force to clip the rebar into the clipping apparatus. A chair arrangement is positioned to provide spacing between adjacent planes of rebar. A fluid-stop section is positioned about the first base portion and the second base portion. The fluid-stop section also includes a raised rim. Together with the base, platforms, and chair, the fluid-stop section to help prevent flow of liquid through the clipping apparatus.

Abstract: An indirect light cove system including an edge piece, a ceiling beam connector, a ceiling beam with a web and flanges, and a lighting module. The edge piece includes an end bar, upper and lower lateral arms attached to the end bar, beam connection hooks between the upper and lower lateral arms, and one or more key protrusions on an upper face of the upper lateral arm. The ceiling beam connector includes a rectangular channel portion having top and bottom surfaces in contact with the beam connection hooks, and a beam portion joined to the channel portion. The ceiling beam is joined to the beam portion of the ceiling beam connector by fastening elements inserted through screw holes in the beam portion and the web. The flanges rest on the lower lateral arm of the edge piece. The lighting module includes a key recess which conforms to the key protrusions.

Abstract: A cement form includes a unitary body portion having a first surface arranged vertically and configured to support a volume of cement, a second surface arranged horizontally and configured to contact a ground support surface, a foam material, and a detachable portion. The cement form may include a connector groove formed in the weight bearing surface and extending along at least a portion of a length of the body portion. The connector groove is configured to receive a connecting member that extends between adjacent positioned cement forms. The detachable portion may be positioned adjacent to the connector groove.

Abstract: A heat dissipation retaining structure for a heat production device, an installation method thereof, and a wind turbine generator set. The heat dissipation retaining structure includes a retaining structure body for defining a middle space, and a thermal radiation absorption coating, a heat insulating material, or an infrared low-emissivity and high-reflectivity material is at least partially applied to an inner wall of the retaining structure body. The air temperature of the environment in the retaining structure is actively decreased by the foregoing structure under the conditions that noise is avoided, environmental friendliness is achieved, external power is omitted, and energy consumption is zero, thereby decreasing the temperature of the heat production device, and ensuring that the heat production device works at the allowable normal temperature for a long time.

Abstract: A wall (or roof) system includes: an exterior sheathing covers a frame, a plurality of spaced apart battens are affixed on the sheathing, and a siding in contact with the battens. Each batten includes: a backweb having two sides and a length, a plurality of elongated piers upstanding on each side of the backweb, each pier running the length of the backweb, and each pier having a distal surface, and a first air flow channel defined between adjacent piers and a horizontal pier cutting through adjacent piers. Air flows between airspaces created between the exterior sheathing and the siding by the batten. Air also flows through the first air flow channel and this air flow may reduce moisture entrapment between the batten and the siding or the exterior sheathing. The batten may also have a second air flow channel at an angle to the first air flow channel.