Abstract: A solar cell array includes solar cell modules arranged in a first-direction, and a mounting member for securing adjacent ones of the solar cell modules. The mounting member comprises a first supporting member extending in the first-direction, a second supporting member provided on the first supporting member and extending in a second-direction, a first restraint provided on one side of the second supporting member in the first-direction and configured to restrain the second supporting member from moving in the second-direction and in a height direction, and a second restraint provided on another side of the second supporting member in the first-direction and configured to restrain the second supporting member from moving in the height direction. The first restraint is movable together with the second supporting member in the first-direction on the first supporting member. The second restraint restrains the second supporting member from moving in the first-direction.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example dock apparatus disclosed herein includes a first weather barrier and a second weather barrier. The first and second weather barriers are positioned laterally of a doorway of a loading dock and compressible by a vehicle. The lateral weather barriers include inner surfaces that are to bulge toward each other in response to the vehicle compressing the lateral weather barriers. A head curtain is at least partially positioned between the lateral weather barriers and being engagable by the vehicle, the head curtain having a lateral stiffness such that in response to the vehicle engaging the head curtain and compressing the lateral weather barriers, the head curtain becomes pinched between the bulging inner surfaces to restrict a vertical movement of the curtain.

Abstract: System and methods for waterproofing a below-grade wall of a structure. The system comprises a waterproof membrane mounted directly or indirectly to an excavation wall within which the wall of the structure is to be constructed. A plurality of elongate waterstops are affixed to the waterproof membrane and arranged to form a plurality of compartments. A plurality of distribution tubes having apertures are affixed to the waterproof membrane to allow an injectable sealing grout to be injected through the distribution tubes and out of the apertures into a corresponding compartment. A plurality of supply tubes are installed in fluid communication with the plurality of distribution tubes with each of the supply tubes extending to a location on the interior of the wall to be constructed.

Abstract: A blast door (12; 14) comprises a panel (12a; 14a) and a frame provided around the perimeter of the panel. The frame comprises a plurality of frame members (12b, 12c, 12d; 14b, 14c, 14d). Each frame member has a cross section that includes a cavity (36, 40) in which the panel perimeter is received. This ensures that the frame encloses a perimeter portion of the panel on either side thereof. Securing means (47) are provided within the cavity of the frame, to secure the panel therein. A method of fabricating the blast door comprises providing the panel and the frame comprising the plurality of frame members, and securing the panel within the frame using securing means located within the cavity of the frame.

Abstract: Structural panel unit (10) comprising a first plate (11) and continuous web members (13, 14) extending along intersecting directions so as to support the plate (11), the web members (13, 14) being each slotted (141, 131) partway through at their intersections so that they fit into one another, the web members comprising first web members (13) and second web members (14), wherein the first web members (13) are so disposed as to have slots (131) open towards the first plate (11) in which slots (131) fit the second web members (14), wherein the first web members (13) are united to the first plate (11) thereby interlocking the second web members (14), and wherein the second web members (14) are linked to the first plate (11) by no other means than by interlocking with the first members (13).

Abstract: A window assembly is used in a vehicle. The window assembly comprises a transparent pane having an inner surface and an outer surface spaced from the inner surface. The window assembly also comprises a ceramic frit disposed on a portion of the transparent pane. A primer is disposed on at least one of the transparent pane and the ceramic frit for providing a bonding surface. An encapsulation is coupled to the primer.

Abstract: An erectable portable housing structure is disclosed herein which has a plurality of panels that can be pivoted outward to form a two-story portable housing structure for the purpose of providing shelter for people or storage area. The portable housing structure may have an external envelope that can be transported through standard intermodal transportation systems. When the portable housing structure has been transported to a particular site, the panels within the portable housing structure may be pivoted outward to erect the two-story portable housing structure.

Abstract: A gutter guard device is provided for preventing material from entering a gutter to which the gutter guard device is mounted. The device includes a stand alone filtration element configured to be mounted to the gutter. The filtration element has a substantially planar surface formed from a plurality of threads, the substantially planar surface having a longitudinal edge configured to be positioned substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the gutter; and a downward extending channel having a longitudinal direction that is obliquely oriented relative to the longitudinal edge of the substantially planar surface.

Abstract: A roof mounting system is mounted to roofing tile. The roof mounting system includes a first bracket portion having a first elongate portion, a first hook portion and a first leg. The first hook portion engages a first side of the roofing tile. The roof mounting system also includes a second bracket portion having a second elongate portion, a second hook portion and a second leg. The second hook portion engages a second side of the roofing tile. The roof mounting system further includes a slotted plate that connects the first and the second bracket portions by engaging the first and the second legs. The roof mounting system further includes a standoff connected to either the first bracket portion or the slotted plate. The standoff supports one or more components on the roof.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array, including: (a) supports laid out on a surface in rows and columns; (b) photovoltaic modules positioned on top of the supports; and (c) fasteners connecting the photovoltaic modules to the supports, wherein the supports have an upper pedestal surface and a lower pedestal surface such that the photovoltaic modules are positioned at a non-horizontal angle when edges of the photovoltaic modules are positioned on top of the upper and lower pedestal surfaces, and wherein a portion of the fasteners rotate to lock the photovoltaic modules onto the supports.

Abstract: Ceramic floors and methods of making thereof such that the ceramic tiles are quickly and easily removable from the floor substrate and replaceable at a future date. A ceramic tile floor is laid by releasably adhering a sheet to a floor substrate and bonding at least one ceramic tile to the sheet. A plurality of pre-fabricated articles each comprising a sheet and one or more ceramic tiles bonded to the sheet are laid onto the floor substrate with sheet edges abutting, and the sheets are releasably adhered to the floor substrate. The tile edges are set inwardly from the sheet edges so that a tile of one article is spaced from a tile of another article when the articles are laid. A non-Portland cement grout, preferably urethane grout, is provided between adjacent tiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new tension link drill floor level connection system for use on a drilling rig, as may be used in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a tension link assembly for resisting separating forces incurred between sections of the substructure. In particular, the tension link assembly may be located at the drill floor level for resisting the separating forces imparted by “splayed” or wide leg mast structures that tend to separate substructure side boxes from the substructure center section. The present invention may be comprised of a first link element and a second link element with a tension link being connectable over the first and second link elements to resist separation between sections of the substructure. A latch mechanism may be utilized to prevent upward movement of the tension side boxes or center section relative to the drill floor or to one another.

Abstract: A method for fastening cementitious components together or for fastening a cementitious component to a non-cementitious component to form a structure. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a screw having a hollow shaft from which threads protrude and a tip comprising a plurality of drilling teeth or a plurality of thread members that surround said central space, each of said thread members forming a two-dimensional spiral. In use, the invention is operated by screwing it into the cementitious components and then injecting an adhesive into the void created by the screwing step.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for glass balustrades for balconies, terraces and steps has a U-shaped receiving profile (1), between the two limbs (3, 5) of which a safety glass plate (39) is inserted. Dovetail grooves or T grooves (13) are embedded on the limbs (3, 5) of the receiving profile (1) and interact with corresponding dovetail grooves or T grooves on a fastening element (27). The fastening element (27) is first of all pushed into the grooves (13) on the receiving profile (1) and the fastening elements (27) are subsequently tightened at the destination. Any dimensional inaccuracy in the placing of the fastening elements (27) can be compensated for by moving the latter into other grooves in the receiving profile (1).

Abstract: A sump system for use in basement waterproofing systems. A sump liner may be generally rectangular in geometry, and may include two side elements with apertures to exchange groundwater while blocking debris. An adjustable inlet may be provided in another side element to fluidly connect other elements of a basement waterproofing system to the sump liner. The sump liner may further include a base configured to provide a built-in stand for a sump pump. The pump stand may contain a lip with notches to allow debris to fall and collect in a trough around a periphery of the base. The base may further provide an underside cavity for accommodating an obstruction in the floor of a sump hole. A removable lid may facilitate access to the sump liner interior, and may contain a break-away feature to accommodate discharge piping, as well as a groove to lodge a pump power cord. The sump liner may be strategically oriented within the sump hole to protect the basement foundation from erosion.

Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for reinforcing adjacent parallel spaced apart wooden structural members wherein each of the structural members has opposed first and second edges. The apparatus comprises a rigid member being sized to extend between the first edge of a first structural member and the second edge of an adjacent second structural member. The apparatus further comprising first and second sockets connected to first and second ends of the rigid member each sized to receive and edge of one of the structural members therein. The method comprises engaging the first socket around the first edge of the first structural member and locating a second structural member with the second edge of the second structural member within a second socket. The method may also comprise rotating the rigid member between the first and second structural members until the first and second sockets are engaged around diagonally opposed edges the structural members.

Abstract: A composite structural panel is provided. The panel comprises a top reinforced fiber layer, a top infusion medium layer, a core, a bottom infusion medium layer, and a bottom reinforced fiber layer. The composite structural panel is infused with a potting material, preferably an epoxy resin, that extends throughout the composite structural panel to provide composite action. The wood core comprises wood beam elements aligned in the longitudinal direction relative to the steel beams or girders of a supporting frame. Mechanical and chemical means are utilized to connect the composite structural panel to the supporting frame.

Abstract: An arrangement for closing an opening in a vehicle and method for producing such an arrangement. In an arrangement for closing an opening in a vehicle, comprising a pane and an anti-shatter film attached to the pane, in the border region of the pane, the pane and the anti-shatter file are provided with a foam encapsulation. The foam encapsulation is arranged at least particularly spaced apart from an edge of the anti-shatter film, which edge is formed on the pane.

Abstract: A wall entry tunnel for use with a pet door. The wall entry tunnel extends through a structural feature and forms an enclosed passageway connecting the interior and exterior frames of a pet door. The length of the wall entry tunnel adjusts to fit structural features of various thicknesses. The wall entry tunnel includes modular components that facilitate compact packaging and are readily assembled to construct the enclosed passageway with a perimeter sized to match the size of the pet door opening.