Abstract: A tile formed from a relatively thin sheet is adapted to cooperate with similar tiles to form a tiled surface. When the tile is installed, the central axis thereof coincides with a line defining free water flow down the tile between upper and lower tile portions. The tile has first and second raised ribs extending symmetrically as mirror images of each other on each side of central axis. Each rib has upper and lower rib portions which are interconnected so as to extend continuously between the upper and lower tile portions to increase stiffness of the tile. The upper rib portions are generally complementary to the lower rib portions so that the lower rib portions of an upper tile can fit over upper rib portions of a lower tile. Thus rib axes of upper and lower rib portions are also mirror images of each other about a lateral axis disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The tiles are effectively secured in four places to increase resistance to movement.

Abstract: The present tile is adapted to cooperate with similar tiles to form a tiled surface, and is formed from a relatively thin sheet having a periphery disposed symmetrically about a central axis. When the tile is installed the central axis coincides with a line defining free water flow down the tile between upper and lower tile portions. The tile has first and second raised ribs extending symmetrically as mirror images of each other on each side of the central axis. Each rib has upper and lower rib portions which are interconnected so as to extend continuously between the upper and lower tile portions to increase stiffness of the tile. The stiffened tile is better able to resist weight of a person walking on the roof, and also resists a tendency for the lower portion of the tile to lift when wind blows onto the roof. The upper rib portions are smaller than, and complementary to, the lower rib portions so that the lower rib portions of an upper tile can fit over upper rib portions of a lower tile.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving fasteners, drills, bits, and similar insertable objects into ceilings, trusses, and other remote structures, comprises a drive head mounted on one end of an elongate support. The drive head has a retainer for holding a fastener or bit, and is powered by a rotary drill, impact motor, or the like, which drives the fastener/bit into the object structure. A clamping arm is mounted at the upper end of the support, and is positioned to converge and diverge with the drive head. The drive head motor and clamp arm are controlled from the lower end of the support, whereby during operation, the clamping arm abuts the object structure at a side thereof opposite from the drive head and is converged with the drive head to apply tip pressure to the fastener/bit and resist reaction forces developed therebetween.