Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.

Abstract: A wall module for the construction of a housing module comprises two beams, two primary studs, two bracing members, primary reinforcements and a plurality of secondary studs. The two beams are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. The two primary studs are perpendicularly connected between different extremities of the two beams so as to define four wall corners. The two bracing members are connected substantially diagonally between two different opposed wall corners. The primary reinforcements are located at the wall corners and are connect one of the two beams to one of the two primary studs and to one of the bracing members. The secondary studs are attached to the two beams and to at least one of the two bracing members. The wall module may further comprise a sheathing attached to the secondary studs and a finishing sheet attached to the sheathing in between the secondary studs.

Abstract: A concrete wall formwork module comprising a first side wall panel structure including a first grid and a first panel secured to the first grid, a second side wall panel structure including a second grid and a second panel secured to the second grid, and connecting rods having about a same length hingedly interconnecting the first and second side wall panel structures to allow movement thereof between a retracted parallel relationship to a spaced apart parallel relationship. A plurality of such concrete wall formwork modules allow assembling a formwork which is functionally similar to conventional formwork since the facing side wall panel structures are connected in a parallel relationship by the thin spacer connecting rods which allow concrete to freely travel within the formwork. When the first and second side wall panel structures are in the retracted parallel relationship, the concrete wall formwork module is more compact and therefore easier and less costly to transport.

Abstract: A device and method for providing a support for framing an opening. The device comprises generally a first stud, a second stud, and a connector to form a jamb stud connection assembly. Each of the first stud and the second stud comprises a web, a pair of flanges, and a pair of returns. The connector comprises an elevation, a pair of side flanges, and a pair of terminal flanges. The first stud and the second stud are secured together by the connector such that the elevation of the connector is flush with and attached to the web of the first stud, and the terminal flanges of the connector are flush with and attached to the web of the second stud. The jamb stud connection assembly may be vertically installed inside a wall adjacent to the opening.

Abstract: A relocatable concrete armory includes an outer vestibule and an inner vault separated by a dividing wall. A vestibule door provides entry to the concrete vestibule. A steel vault door and a security daygate are mounted to the dividing wall and provide entry to the concrete vault. The interior surface of the armory includes insulation panels embedded in concrete. The armory can be integrally lifted via removable lifting cams attached to concrete side walls. The concrete has a compressive strength of at least 15,000 psi.

Abstract: A cable anchor has ball surfaces that permit misalignment between the cable and a stem of the anchor, and a fitting that permits the introduction of a corrosion inhibitor to the interior of the anchor.

Abstract: A solar panel roof surface effectively uses solar panels supported by an open roof support substructure having a series of parallel hollow support beams. These hollow beams support the solar panels on a top surface and accommodate drainage along the beams. The solar panels are secured to an upper surface of the hollow support beams and in combination therewith define a closed sloped roof surface. The series of solar panels are positioned on the beams to define elongate segments of abutting panels. The abutting panels include a sealing arrangement between panels to allow flow of water along the length of the elongate segments. The hollow support beams include a top surface with a central securing slot positioned between panel segments and panel segment support surfaces either side of said securing slot for supporting edges of the solar panels. Fasteners engage the securing slot and the upper edge of the panels to secure the panels to the upper surface of the support beams.

Abstract: A stud for enabling a construction surface to be raised with respect to the ground, said stud comprising at least a first and second element, said first element comprising a first body mounted on a base intended to be placed on said ground, said second element comprising a second body, each of the bodies being provided with a screw thread for mutually engaging one in the other, thus forming an internal body and an external body, said external body being provided with an orifice giving access to the screw thread of the internal body, said stud also comprising a locking member arranged to lock the movement of the first body with respect to the second body in a plurality of positions, the locking member comprising first and second segments, said first segment being designed to pass through said orifice and be inserted between two successive grooves of the screw thread on the internal body, said second segment being designed to pass through said orifice and be interposed in a space provided in an internal wall of

Abstract: A device for tensioning a dual-skin flexible wall capable of interaction with at least one rigid mount, the device being mounted at the opposite edges of two skins to be retained by the rigid mount. The device includes a cord designed to interact with a groove formed in the rigid mount, and an inflatable bead capable of spacing the two skins away from and parallel to each other. Once inflated, the inflatable bead has a substantially cylindrical shape and remains confined outside the volume occupied by the rigid mount.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of connecting a geogrid to a segmental retaining wall with the use of positive connectors between upper and lower blocks.

Abstract: A modular canopy having standardized side panels, trusses and tracks. The modular canopy includes parallel opposing sidewalls formed from multiple standardized side panels. Each sidewall extends from a front mounting structure to a rear mounting structure and carries a track that typically extends the almost entire length of the sidewall for supporting the carriage of the sootblower within the canopy. Trusses connect adjacent side panels together and extend from one sidewall to the other over the top of the sidewalls. The modular canopy may also include standardized removable or permanently attached covers. The canopy is typically assembled with permanent fasteners, such as lockbolts, that cannot be removed without destroying the fasteners. A sootblower canopy of any desired length can therefore be manufactured or repaired from a common set of component parts with one of the sections, typically an end section, cut to the desired length as needed.

Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support structure for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding structure which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Easy installation with unskilled labor is facilitated by attaching one support joist to a substrate and then unfolding the entire support structure.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for forming a retractable tower or column. The present invention includes pointed hooks wherein the hooks are attached to each section of a section chain, one in a horizontal direction and one in an off-set manner. The section chains are placed on a take up mechanism in an operable position and then raised utilizing a motor. As the section chains are raised, they are guided by a guide tower, rollers, shims, and gear racks into a position whereby hooks from adjacent sections of the section chains form coupled engagements. The coupled engagement of the hooks of the sections of each adjacent section chains thereby form the column.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of making cornice assemblies and other trim members utilizing the process of pultrusion. The cornice assemblies and the other trim members made by the method of the present invention exhibit superior strength to weight ratios, low expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, as well being less labor intensive to install.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards constructed from a body, a rear balancing layer and an upper surface layer. A strip, which is integrally formed with the body of the floorboard and which projects from a joint plane and under an adjoining board has a locking element which engages a locking groove in the rear side of the adjoining board. The joint edge provided with the strip is modified with respect to the balancing layer, for example by means of machining of the balancing layer under the strip, in order to prevent deflection of the strip caused by changes in relative humidity. Also, a floorboard provided with such a locking system, as well as a method for making floorboards with such a locking system.

Abstract: A stud spacer for a metal wall having a series of spaced apart studs with each stud having a pair of flanges and an interconnected web with the web having an opening therein. Connected between each pair of consecutive studs is a stud spacer. Each stud spacer includes a pair of end flanges that are secured to the web of an adjacent stud. In addition, each stud spacer includes a projection that projects through an opening in the adjacent stud and extends into an opening or slot in an adjacent stud spacer such that the respective stud spacers are effectively linked or connected by the projections of the various stud spacers found in the metal wall.

Abstract: A conduit adapter system enables routing of conduit through one or more structural members of width W with minimal weakening of the structural member or members, and includes a first section of conventional round conduit on one side of the structural member or members, and a second piece of round conduit on an opposite side of the structural member or members, and a bridge conduit section of sufficient length to pass through the structural member or members, the bridge conduit section having a symmetrical cross-section with a first dimension significantly less than a second dimension, and an area at least as large as the area of the round conduit sections.

Abstract: A rigid component is formed of a plurality of coupled cylinders. Each cylinder has a circular cross sectional configuration with an axis, a top, a bottom, first and second sides and a slit. The coupled cylinders have parallel axes and include an upper plane with the axes in a common upper plane and a lower plane with the axes in a common lower plane. The slits face downwardly in the upper plane and upwardly in the lower plane. The slits receive a side of each of its adjacent cylinders. The cylinders are secured with respect to each other by the resilience of the cylinders at their slits holding the sides of the cylinders passing through the slits.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable armored unit for use in training exercises. In one aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is provided. The reconfigurable training facility includes a first modular unit. The reconfigurable training facility further includes a second modular unit, wherein each modular unit includes a frame with corner connection members and a grid system, whereby the corner connection members are used to connect the modular units together and whereby the grid system is used to selectively support a plurality of panels. In another aspect, a modular unit for use in a reconfigurable training facility is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a reconfigurable training facility is provided.

Abstract: Fireblock devices, wall assemblies and related methods useful for retarding the spread of smoke and fire through dynamic head-of-wall construction joints and gaps are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the fireblock device is characterized by an elongated angled channel member having an elongated intumescent material strip, wherein the angled channel member is defined by an elongated top flange member connected to an elongated side flange member along a lengthwise edge, and wherein the top and side flange members define a right angle and a lengthwise interior corner region, and wherein the top and side flange members each have inner flange member surfaces that face inwardly with respect to the interior corner region, and outer flange member surfaces that face outwardly with respect to the interior corner region, and wherein the intumescent material strip is affixed on the outer flange member surface of the side flange member.