Abstract: A survey method may include presenting a participant with a training stimulus through a survey channel, wherein the survey channel is capable of measuring a reactive aspect of the participant's response to stimuli, measuring the reactive aspect of the participant's response to the training stimulus through the survey channel, presenting the participant with a survey stimulus through the survey channel, measuring the reactive aspect of the participant's response to the survey stimulus through the survey channel, and evaluating the reactive aspect of the participant's response to the survey stimulus based on the reactive aspect of the participant's response to the training stimulus.

Abstract: A building panel has a unitary foamed core, and a unitary cover layer of resinous polymeric material covering the core and covering a bottom edge or drip edge and an upper edge of the panel. A system for installation of adjacent panels includes the adjacent panels having vertical clip-receiving grooves slidably receiving narrow edges of a clip. The clip holds adjacent panels in coplanar abutting relationship to minimize movement while installed on a wall of a building.

Abstract: A building panel has a unitary foamed core, and a unitary cover layer of resinous polymeric material covering the core and covering a bottom edge or drip edge and an upper edge of the panel. A system for installation of adjacent panels includes the adjacent panels having vertical clip-receiving grooves slidably receiving narrow edges of a clip. The clip holds adjacent panels in coplanar abutting relationship to minimize movement while installed on a wall of a building.

Abstract: The deflection of decking planks under load is tested using a portable deflection measurement instrument, after installation of the planks over spaced joists. The instrument has a bridge on support legs spaced to rest on the deck at points apart from a span between joists of one or more planks to be tested. The legs can rest on planks laterally adjacent to the plank(s) under test, so the bridge straddles over the plank, or the bridge can be cantilevered or can rest on the tested plank but at points beyond the span to be tested. A contact foot or tup is movably mounted on the bridge and coupled to a platform or similar receptacle by which weight is applied to the plank. The resulting displacement between rest and loaded states is measured using a distance scale, and applied as a function of the span length and loading criteria to assess the deck structure.

Abstract: A guard rail system available in kits ready for assembly is formed of a capped wood composite with the look and feel of wood. The system includes balusters fastened to an upper rail and a bottom rail, each of which are attached to a post or wall. The upper rail is formed of a plurality of pieces that fit together to form a circumferential finished surface and include a longitudinal cavity. Fasteners that couple the balusters to the upper rail and the upper rail to the posts, are not externally visible. The brackets that couple the upper rail to the posts are disposed within the longitudinal cavity.

Abstract: A temperature indicator for a siding panel senses panel temperature and indicates on a graphic scale the corresponding effect of thermal expansion over differences in temperature. The temperature indicator can be various forms of contact thermometer, temperature strip or sensor and can be integral or temporarily affixed during installation or for later assessment for correct panel gapping. The indicator shows how closely the edge of the panel can be placed to an adjacent surface while avoiding interference over a range of thermal expansion temperatures.

Abstract: Foamed polymer-fiber composites, building materials and methods of making such building materials are provided by this invention. The composites include about 35-75 wt. % of a polymeric resin, about 25-65 wt. % fiber and have a specific gravity of less than about 1.25 g/cc. The low density is provided by the introduction of a blowing agent or gas into a molten precursor of the composite during thermo forming, such as in an extrusion operation.

Abstract: An anchor for installing a plank in a deck system includes a base portion, a plank-engaging portion and a fastener aperture. The plank-engaging portion has at least one protrusion. The fastener aperture has a longitudinal axis disposed at an oblique angle from vertical and extends through the base portion and plank-engaging portion. According to another aspect, a decking anchor has a generally key-hole shaped cross-section and a planar bottom surface.

Abstract: An adornment for a post is provided, wherein the adornment is any two of a cap adapted to be disposed at the upper end of a post, a base ring adapted to be disposed around a lower end of a post, and a cap ring adapted for disposition around an upper end of the post below and against the cap, as a modular combination of at least two adornment units.

Abstract: A panel for polypropylene injection molded siding, and for similar materials and/or uses, is mounted in lapped courses with panels attached at butt joints in a direction of elongation. Complementary tabs and slots at the panel ends can be engaged by end-to-end approach of the abutting panels. Additionally, openings for the tabs permit engagement from a position in which the panel ends are already overlapped, which reduces or eliminates the need for endwise assembly space. The slots can be discontinuous on one or both sides, openings permitting lateral insertion of the tabs at gaps, whereupon movement of the tabs along the slots engages the joint. The panels can simulate wood siding and include a step between simulated courses. A gap is provided in the edge of the panel at the step, thus forming an opening for the tab to enter and move along the slot.

Abstract: A temperature indicator for a siding panel senses panel temperature and indicates on a graphic scale the corresponding effect of thermal expansion over differences in temperature. The temperature indicator can be various forms of contact thermometer, temperature strip or sensor and can be integral or temporarily affixed during installation or for later assessment for correct panel gapping. The indicator shows how closely the edge of the panel can be placed to an adjacent surface while avoiding interference over a range of thermal expansion temperatures.