Abstract: A dynamic acoustic system for use in connection with an indoor environment includes a plurality of elongated acoustic bars and a controller operably to each of the elongated acoustic bars. Each of the bars is operably coupled to a ceiling member of the indoor environment and includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper and lower portions, an interior region at least partially defined by the upper portion, the lower portion, and the plurality of side surfaces, and at least one movable element movable between first and second positions. The controller selectively controls operation of the at least one movable element of a desired number of the plurality of elongated acoustic bars to alter an environmental characteristic of the indoor environment.

Abstract: A gap finishing tape for use with drywall applications includes a trim strip body extending along a central body axis, a hot melt adhesive extending along the central body axis, and a backing paper. The trim strip body includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, and is at least partially constructed from a metallic material. The backing paper is at least partially secured to the second surface of the trim strip body. The trim strip body is at least partially embedded in the hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: A non-swelling joint tape for use with drywall applications includes a tapered trim strip body extending along a central body axis and a non-swelling backing paper. The tapered trim strip body includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, and is at least partially constructed from a first dimensionally stable material. The non-swelling backing paper is at least partially secured to the second surface of the tapered trim strip body and is at least partially constructed from a second dimensionally stable material. The tapered trim strip body is dimensioned such that a first thickness between the first surface and the second surface at the central body axis is greater than a second thickness between the first surface and the second surface at the first side and the second side.

Abstract: A dynamic acoustic system for use in connection with an indoor environment includes a plurality of elongated acoustic bars and a controller operably to each of the elongated acoustic bars. Each of the bars is operably coupled to a ceiling member of the indoor environment and includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a plurality of side surfaces extending between the upper and lower portions, an interior region at least partially defined by the upper portion, the lower portion, and the plurality of side surfaces, and at least one movable element movable between first and second positions. The controller selectively controls operation of the at least one movable element of a desired number of the plurality of elongated acoustic bars to alter an environmental characteristic of the indoor environment.

Abstract: A continuous ready mix joint or texture compound manufacturing system and a method for continuously manufacturing a ready mix joint or texture compound includes a continuous mixer having an inlet and an outlet, a pump disposed at the outlet of the continuous mixer, and a disperger having an inlet and an outlet. The continuous mixer is adapted to receive at least one dry ingredient and at least one wet ingredient at the inlet and continuously mix the at least one dry ingredient and the at least one wet ingredient to form a mixed composition. The pump is adapted to pump the mixed composition from the outlet of the continuous mixer to the inlet of the disperger. The disperger is adapted to receive the mixed composition and apply a shear force to the mixed composition to form a homogenized, disperged composition.

Abstract: A non-swelling joint tape for use with drywall applications includes a tapered trim strip body extending along a central body axis and a non-swelling backing paper. The tapered trim strip body includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, and is at least partially constructed from a first dimensionally stable material. The non-swelling backing paper is at least partially secured to the second surface of the tapered trim strip body and is at least partially constructed from a second dimensionally stable material. The tapered trim strip body is dimensioned such that a first thickness between the first surface and the second surface at the central body axis is greater than a second thickness between the first surface and the second surface at the first side and the second side.

Abstract: A gap finishing tape for use with drywall applications includes a trim strip body extending along a central body axis, a hot melt adhesive extending along the central body axis, and a backing paper. The trim strip body includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, and is at least partially constructed from a metallic material. The backing paper is at least partially secured to the second surface of the trim strip body. The trim strip body is at least partially embedded in the hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: Provided are building panels comprising at least one magnet receptive element, methods for making such panels, and kits and methods for attaching objects to a panel without nails or screws.

Abstract: A continuous ready mix joint or texture compound manufacturing system and a method for continuously manufacturing a ready mix joint or texture compound includes a continuous mixer having an inlet and an outlet, a pump disposed at the outlet of the continuous mixer, and a disperger having an inlet and an outlet. The continuous mixer is adapted to receive at least one dry ingredient and at least one wet ingredient at the inlet and continuously mix the at least one dry ingredient and the at least one wet ingredient to form a mixed composition. The pump is adapted to pump the mixed composition from the outlet of the continuous mixer to the inlet of the disperger. The disperger is adapted to receive the mixed composition and apply a shear force to the mixed composition to form a homogenized, disperged composition.

Abstract: A trim strip assembly is provided for use on a corner formed by at least two sheets of drywall. The trim strip assembly includes a trim strip body extending along a body axis that may extend longitudinally, and the trim strip body may have at least one inside surface 18. The trim strip assembly also includes an adhesive layer formed over at least a portion of the at least one inside surface of the trim strip body, the adhesive layer having a softening point range such that when the adhesive layer is heated to a temperature within the softening point range, the adhesive layer bonds to at least one of the at least two sheets of drywall to secure the trim strip body to the at least one of the at least two sheets of drywall.

Abstract: A formable trim strip for use in connection with drywall applications includes two or more layers, including a trim strip body and a backing paper. The trim strip body extends along a body axis and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The trim strip body comprises a polymer material. The backing paper includes a portion secured to the bottom surface of the trim strip body without an intervening layer of adhesive material. The trim strip body is coated onto the portion of the backing paper when a temperature of the trim strip body is within the melting point range such that the bottom surface of the trim strip body contacts the portion of the backing paper. As the trim strip body cools to a temperature below the melting point range, the portion of the backing paper bonds to the bottom surface of the trim strip body.

Abstract: Provided are building panels comprising at least one magnet receptive element, methods for making such panels, and kits and methods for attaching objects to a panel without nails or screws.

Abstract: A coating for application to the surface of an interior building product comprises: a resin formulation such as a melamine formaldehyde resin characterized by its ability to strengthen the interior building product when applied as a coating to the building product; and an aldehyde scavenger selected from the group consisting of; tetraethylene pentamine, propionamide, caprolactam, ammonium hydroxide, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, ammonium primary phosphate, ammonium secondary phosphate, a combination of ammonium primary phosphate and ammonium secondary phosphate, a combination of ammonium primary phosphate, ammonium secondary phosphate and a sulfite, a polyvinyl alcohol; adipic dihydrazide and a combination of a polyvinyl alcohol and adipic dihydrazide.

Abstract: A drying type joint compound composition is provided, including: at least one binder, a filler and water, the water having a weight percentage in the range of 12-18% of the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A drying type joint compound composition is provided, including: at least one binder, a filler and water, the water having a weight percentage in the range of 12-18% of the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A coating for application to the surface of an interior building product comprises: a resin formulation such as a melamine formaldehyde resin characterized by its ability to strengthen the interior building product when applied as a coating to the building product; and an aldehyde scavenger selected from the group consisting of; tetraethylene pentamine, propionamide, caprolactam, ammonium hydroxide, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, ammonium primary phosphate, ammonium secondary phosphate, a combination of ammonium primary phosphate and ammonium secondary phosphate, a combination of ammonium primary phosphate, ammonium secondary phosphate and a sulfite, a polyvinyl alcohol; adipic dihydrazide and a combination of a polyvinyl alcohol and adipic dihydrazide.

Abstract: A coating for application to the surface of an interior building product comprises: a resin formulation such as a melamine formaldehyde resin characterized by its ability to strengthen the interior building product when applied as a coating to the building product; and an aldehyde scavenger selected from the group consisting of; tetraethylene pentamine, propionamide, caprolactam, ammonium hydroxide, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, ammonium primary phosphate, ammonium secondary phosphate, a combination of ammonium primary phosphate and ammonium secondary phosphate, a combination of ammonium primary phosphate, ammonium secondary phosphate and a sulfite, a polyvinyl alcohol; adipic dihydrazide and a combination of a polyvinyl alcohol and adipic dihydrazide.

Abstract: A method of making and filling a plastic bag includes the steps of providing a bag having a plurality of microperforations; filling the bag with a powdered product; securing the bag; removing at least a portion of entrapped air in the bag through the microperforations; and sealing the microperforations. A product includes a bag configured for being formed from a plastic film into which a plurality of microperforations have been created. The bag contents include less air than that present in the bag when the top and the bottom were secured, at least a portion of the air sealed inside the bag having been expelled through the microperforations. A sealant is used for sealing the microperforations.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing an additive into a fluid to form a settable mixture includes a main fluid passageway having an inlet for receiving a supply of the fluid and an outlet for dispensing the fluid, the passageway having a longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a control valve defining a portion of the main fluid passageway and configured for selectively controlling the flow of fluid in the passageway, an additive injector disposed in the passageway and having an emitter disposed in close relationship with the axis and oriented toward the outlet. A static mixer is disposed between the injector and the outlet for enhancing the uniform mixing of the additive and the fluid. Connection points between the inlet, the valve and the static mixer are configured for smooth transition of fluid and the prevention of at least one of the collection and premature setting of the mixture.