Abstract: A masonry tie is provided for engaging a masonry veneer to an underlying support wall. The tie includes a rod and a stud engagement member engageable to the rod. The stud engagement member comprises first and second clamp members that clampingly engage a face plate of the stud. A sealing member may be engaged to the rod to sealingly engage the sheathing of the building wall. The sealing member may include a resilient sleeve encircling the rod that expands radially when compressed axially to grip the hole within the sheathing. A further aspect of the invention includes a tool for the installation of the stud engagement member. The invention further includes a method for installing a tie rod as described above in a retrofit application. The method requires the steps of drilling first, second and third coaxial holes through the brick veneer, sheathing and stud face plate, respectively.

Abstract: An engraved image identification card has a translucent planar base member with a multiplicity of engraved scores extending into one of its surfaces with an opaque layer positioned adjacent either the engraved side of the translucent member or the non-engraved side of the translucent member opposite the engraved side to provide enhancement of the contrast between the engraved and non-engraved regions in the translucent member.

Abstract: A latent image identification card has a translucent base with a multiplicity of engraved scores extending through a generally opaque top layer into the base layer whereby a "negative" image appears when the background light is below a determinable value and a latent, "positive" image appears when the background light passing through the translucent base is above the determinable value.

Abstract: A double engraved identification card has a first planar member with a first engraved image in one of its major planar surfaces and a second planar member with a second engraved image in one of its major planar surfaces. The first and second engraved images are aligned in coincidence and the first and second planar members affixed to one another so as to form a single composite image. A slot is provided between the first and second planar members between the first and second engraved images. The slot has an edge access opening to selectively receive an opaque card through the edge opening into the slot region and prevent simultaneous observation of both the first and second engraved images.

Abstract: A novel metallic reinforcing strip as described for use in cementitious construction elements. The reinforcing strip in one form comprises an elongated unitary strip having a substantially flat central web portion, with the side edges of the web merging by way of rounded corners of small radius into flange portions extending away from the central web. At least the free longitudinal edges of the flanges are inclined inwardly and these longitudinal flange edges have longitudinally spaced rounded depressions of small radius pressed downwardly therein. These depressions cause associated deformation of the flanges less than the full depth of the flanges, leaving substantially undeformed longitudinal portions of the flanges adjacent the central web and outwardly bowed portions of the flange edges between the rounded depressions. These contours provide a double curvature providing maximum membrane resistance within the reinforcing strip with minimum bending or flexing stresses.

Abstract: A steel joist formwork and a composite steel and concrete floor structure provided with a top chord, a bottom chord and a web joining the top and bottom chords with the top chord being serpentine shaped like and S or Z and including top and bottom, generally horizontal portions and an intermediate portion integrally connecting opposite edges of the top and bottom portions with the top and intermediate portions substantially being adapted to be embedded in the concrete floor to cause the floor and steel joists to act structurally as a composite beam. Either the web or a leg depends vertically from the free end of the bottom portion of the top chord, and the web joining the top and bottom chords is substantially slid or is, an open web formed of a zig-zag bar member. There is also disclosed a building system and erecting method utilizing steel joists spaced apart by spanner bars which also support rigid panels which act as formwork for the pouring of concrete.

Abstract: A steel joist formwork and a composite steel and concrete floor structure provided with a top chord, a bottom chord and a web joining the top and bottom chords with the top chord being serpentine shaped like an S or Z and including top and bottom, generally horizontal portions and an intermediate portion integrally connecting opposite edges of the top and bottom portions with the top and intermediate portions substantially being adapted to be embedded in the concrete floor to cause the floor and steel joists to act structurally as a composite beam. Either the web or a leg depends vertically from the free end of the bottom portion of the top chord, and the web joining the top and bottom chords is substantially solid or is, an open web formed of a zigzag bar member. There is also disclosed a building system and erecting method utilizing steel joists spaced apart by spanner bars which also support rigid panels which act as formwork for the pouring of concrete.