Abstract: A method and system are described for manufacture of an artificial stone veneer having a lighter weight relative to artificial stones and artificial stone veneers presently known in the art. More specifically, a system and method is described for manufacture of an artificial stone or artificial stone veneer from a cement based compound that includes a portion of crumb rubber. An exemplary compound mixture that may be leveraged by embodiments of the invention comprises: a portion of about 376 pounds of Portland cement, a portion of about 352 pounds of crumb rubber, a portion of reinforcement fibers (cellulose based fiber), a portion of about 192 oz. of accelerator to speed cure time, and a portion of about 32 gallons of water.

Abstract: A method and system are described for manufacture of an artificial stone veneer having a lighter weight relative to artificial stones and artificial stone veneers presently known in the art. More specifically, a system and method is described for manufacture of an artificial stone or artificial stone veneer from a cement based compound that includes a portion of crumb rubber. An exemplary compound mixture that may be leveraged by embodiments of the invention comprises: 376 pounds of Portland cement, 352 pounds of crumb rubber, 1 bag of reinforcement fibers (cellulose based fiber), 192 oz. accelerator to speed cure time, and 32 gallons of water.

Abstract: A series of spaced-apart light gauge cold formed steel studs underlie an elongated light gauge cold formed steel channel or box. A series of joist supports are connected to the channel and a series of joists, formed of a light gauge cold formed steel, are connected to the joist supports and extend outwardly from the box. Decking is supported on the joist. Concrete is poured into the channel to form a reinforced header or beam, and concrete is also poured onto the decking to form a concrete floor. Together, the concrete floor and header form a monolithic concrete structure that enables the joist to be misaligned with studs.

Abstract: A corner drift connector for preventing damage to exterior walls of buildings during wind, earthquake, or other building-deforming events is described. The corner drift connector is slidably attached to each of two angled walls which form a corner of a building. Slots in flanges of the corner drift connector facilitate utilizing connectors to attach the corner drift connector to the walls while allowing relative motion between the walls and the connector. A cover placed outside the corner drift connector conceals the connector and its intersections with the walls.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a building structure is provided. The connector assembly includes an elongated track that is mounted to a first member of a building frame structure. A connecting member is connected to the elongated track and retained within a pair of opposed channels that form a part of the track. Connected to the connecting member is a second member of the building frame structure. Formed in the connecting member is at least one elongated slot that permits the connecting member to be connected to the second member and for there to be relative movement between the connecting member and the second member. Further, the connecting member is slidable back and forth within the elongated track. Thus, it is appreciated that bidirectional movement between the first and second members can be accommodated by the connecting member sliding back and forth along the track on one hand and by there being relative movement about the connection between the connecting member and the second member.

Abstract: A pet impact protector is disclosed. This device is directed to a cleanable, removable device for a vehicle car seat comprising a contiguous pliable material having a pet seating area and a pet capture area. This device is directed to the reduction of injury to a pet riding in a vehicle when a sudden stop or accident occurs.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting two building members together. The connector, in one embodiment, includes first and second plates secured together. Each plate includes one or more elongated slots wherein the elongated slots of one plate are oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the slots formed in the other plate. Fasteners extend through the slots in the plates and connect the plates of the connector to two building members such as a horizontal building member and a vertical building member. Once connected, one of the building members is free to move with respect to the other building member while the connector is connected to the two building members. In another embodiment, the connector is slidable within a track. In this embodiment, a portion of the connector extends from the track and connects to one of the building members while the track connects to the other one of the building members.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electronic communication according to various aspects of the present invention comprise a transaction processing system. The transaction processing system may include one or more translating components for translating transactions into a selected transaction format. The transaction processing system may also include a transaction manager for managing the processing and communication of transactions.

Abstract: A wall structure adapted to be fabricated in sections or modules and comprises an upper member, a lower member, a plurality of studs interconnected between the upper and lower members with respective studs including openings therein, and at least one diagonal brace member or strap extending diagonally across the wall structure. In one embodiment the strap is extended to opposed corner areas where opposed end portions of the strap are fastened to a portion of the upper or lower member and to a portion of an adjacent column or stud.