Abstract: A building comprises a side wall defining a storage space within the sidewall confines, a roof supported above the storage space, and a pair of gables above the sidewall and at opposite ends of the roof. At least one truss is disposed between the gables and adapted to support the roof and has at least one tool handle opening. In a part of the building separate from the truss is disposed at least one additional receiver generally across from the tool handle opening. The tool handle opening and the receiver are spaced apart and adapted to each receive the handle of a long handled tool and support the long handled tool above the storage space.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy frame is provided that includes a first truss bar having a surface that defines an opening; a second truss bar having a surface that defines an opening that is aligned with the first truss bar opening; and a connector assembly that pivotally connects the first truss bar to the second truss bar. The connector assembly includes a locking plate at a second end of the connector assembly having a base that defines first and second surfaces with an opening extending therebetween, wherein the first base surface abuts the second truss bar; and a fastener having a main body that extends through each of the first and second truss bar openings and the locking plate base opening. The fastener also includes spaced apart first and second arms each having a shoulder that laterally extends from the main body to abut the second base surface of the locking plate to pivotally connect the first truss bar to the second truss bar.

Abstract: A damping brace having an axial force member for providing bearing forces against tensile or compressive forces, a constraining member for constraining the axial force member, and a stiffening part for supplementing the stiffness of the axial force member. An adhesion preventive coating is provided for preventing adhesion between the constraining member and the stiffening part. A length of the stiffening part extending along the axial direction and the gap between the stiffening part and the constraining member are defined in such a way as to prevent an end of the axial force member from rotating in the axial direction beyond a specific angle when the compressive force is applied to the force member.

Abstract: A mailbox or wooden post protector made of a unitary, resistantly-flexible plastic material, having four walls and an opening within one of the walls for installation around the base of the wooden post. A pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to one or both edges at the opening to secure closed the opening after installation.

Abstract: A wind directional vent and skylight combination including: (a) a throat which may be in the form of a hood (60) rotatably mounted to a structure such as a building and in communication with a cavity to be exhausted such as a room of the building; (b) wind directional means associated with the hood (60), the wind directional means optionally being inherent in the shape and configuration of the hood (60), the wind directional means causing the hood (60) to rotate in response to changes in wind direction, wherein the hood (60) is made from material adapted to permit the passage of light therethrough.

Abstract: A valve for selectively blocking the light passageway of a skylight includes a cylindrical shroud and first and second semicircular butterfly valve elements that pivot on respective axles within the shroud to selectively block the skylight. The axles can ride on a common motor-driven cam between a horizontal orientation to block the skylight and a vertical orientation to allow light to pass. The motor can be powered by a universal power supply that can operate at anywhere from below 100 volts to above 270 volts.

Abstract: A structural element system for the construction industry has post sections, framed flat elements, holding sections, and seals, wherein, for thermal insulation of the post sections and the framed flat elements, the holding sections are attached on the post sections, wherein the framed flat elements are attached to the holding sections, and wherein the seals together with the post sections form chambers. In the mounted state of the structural element system, the holding sections are enclosed in the chambers. The post section is a box section having at least one rectangular box for securing the holding sections, respectively, wherein the rectangular box has on two parallel outer sides at least two holding lips for securing the holding sections or a connecting member. The system can be used to erect curtain facades, facade linings, transparent roofs, sunrooms, soundproofing walls, fair buildings, carports and the like.

Abstract: An insulated wall for a mobile platform is formed from at least two layers. A first layer includes an insulation material. A second layer includes a flexible material having an outer face with a decorative pattern and an inner face attached to the first layer. The wall is mounted in the mobile platform with the outer face of the second layer having the decorative pattern forming a mobile platform innermost facing surface. By attaching a flexible material layer to the insulation material, the insulated wall can be formed into rolls and rolled out during installation in a single step. In another embodiment, fasteners are preinstalled in the wall for fastening the wall to the mobile platform. In yet another embodiment, a method for insulating a compartment of a mobile platform is provided.

Abstract: A roll-up door assembly including a flexible curtain made of synthetic rubber or fabric, a curtain winding mechanism and two guide members which extend vertically on opposite sides of the doorway. Side edge sections of the curtain are movable in respective guide members. Each guide has inner and outer wall sections with each wall section having an inwardly projecting, longitudinal rib. The two ribs of each guide form an elongate slot that receives a side edge section of the curtain. Spaced-apart pairs of curtain lock members are mounted on and distributed along each side edge section of the curtain. The lock members of each pair are positioned opposite one another on front and rear surfaces of the curtain respectively. The combined thickness of each pair of lock members and the curtain exceeds the width of the elongate slot.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a tensing element connected at one end thereof to a supporting structure and at another end thereof to a cover, wherein movement of the cover imparts a force on the tensing element, an actuator adapted to move the tensing element, and a sensing device adapted to sense an equilibrium force position of the tensing element, wherein if the force changes the equilibrium force position the sensing device instructs the actuator to change a tension imparted by the tensing element on the cover.

Abstract: A pedestal adapted to support a floor panel comprising a base, support means for supporting said floor panel above said base, displaceable means operable between said base and said support means for selectively displacing said support means and said floor panel relative said base so as to level said floor panel while said floor panel is supported by said support means.

Abstract: Venting through the walls of an interior room of a building to an external environment is facilitated by apparatus and techniques for mounting an in-wall unit for interfacing with the exhaust ports of equipment, such as dryers, using flexible pipe. The in-wall unit connects with venting pipe, such as stovepipe, for connecting to the external environment through an exterior surface, such as a roof. If a roof exhaust is desired, a vent assembly is provided that contains a flap that automatically closes when the exhaust flow terminates, but opens when venting is underway. The flap is removable so that cleanout of path between the in-wall unit and the room exhaust can easily occur.

Abstract: A wall system comprising a flexible frame and modular tile assemblies. The flexible frame includes a plurality of spaced apart, generally parallel vertical posts and a plurality of spaced apart, generally parallel support members mounted with the vertical posts and pivotally connected to each other. The modular tile assemblies are removably mounted with the frame along the vertical posts and the support members.

Abstract: To obtain a covering on a supporting structure that has a visual appearance that varies with the angle of light from a light source impinging on the covering, there are provided parquet blocks having reference edges and top surfaces with geometric forms in parallel relationship extending to a higher elevation than the block's adjacent surface portions and extending at angles relative to the reference edges that varies from that of other blocks. The parquet blocks in plan view may be of varying shapes such as rectangular, triangular, etc. while the geometric forms may be, for example, any one of parallel ridges, lands between parallel slots, rows of selected shapes in linearly spaced, linear alignment, etc. Indicia may be provided on the blocks together with a chart having markings facilitating selecting and adhering the blocks to the supporting structure to obtain the desired pattern.

Abstract: A drip edge and fascia system according to the invention comprises a drip edge adapted to be nailed to the roof, and a fascia cover mounting bracket adapted to be nailed to an adjacent fascia board. A fascia cover is snap fit to the fascia cover mounting bracket, but remains slidable relative to the fascia cover mounting bracket so that it will not buckle with temperature changes. All components can be formed of the same material as conventional siding, e.g., extruded vinyl with matching color.

Abstract: A joint structure for a liquid or semi-liquid sealant is provided to facilitate the sealing engagement of plural structural members without having sealant protruding from the joint in a visible area. The joint structure comprises a first structural member having a channel with a first wall, a second wall generally opposite the first wall and a third wall connecting the first and second walls. The third wall is disposed at an acute angle to the first wall and at an obtuse angle to the second wall. A second structural member has a tongue portion for matably engaging the channel of the first structural member. The tongue portion has a first wall, a second wall generally opposite the first wall, and a third wall connecting the first and second walls. The third wall is disposed at an obtuse angle to the first wall and at an acute angle to the second wall.

Abstract: A seismic/expansion joint seal and cover comprising a cover plate, a central spine extending downwardly from the cover plate, and at least one layer of a resilient compressible foam sealant on each side of the spine.

Abstract: A device for supporting equipment on a wall panel having protruding ribs. Channels are mounted perpendicular to the ribs. The channel has a base wall, and a pair of side walls extending outward from the base wall. The channel also has an outward wall portion communicating with the side walls at a distance from the base wall. Several apertures are defined in each channel. The apertures have a pair of side wall portions and a base wall portion. When the channel is positioned on the wall panel, the apertures receive the protruding ribs. A fastening structure is located on the base wall of the channel for mounting the channel to the wall panel. A fastening plate is also located on the outward wall portion of the channel for mounting the equipment to the channel.

Abstract: Laminated hip and ridge asphalt shingle having a first, a second and a third layer laminated together by a lamination adhesive. The first layer is of two L-shaped configurations, each having a horizontal head portion and a vertical butt portion. The horizontal head portions are superimposed on each other, while the vertical butt portions are placed adjacent to each other and form a gap which allows bending of the first layer thereby preventing stress and breaking. The second layer overlaps the firs layer. The third layer only overlaps the head portion of the second layer. The top surface of the shingle is coated with mineral granules, while portions of the undersurface of the shingle are coated with a self-seal adhesive to secure the shingle to the hip or ridge of a roof.

Abstract: A construction block for use in the construction of elemental structures, including a body having a bottom surface, a top surface, end surfaces, an outer surface which forms part of an outer surface of a structure and an inner face. At least one formation on or in at least the inner face and/or at least one of the end faces receives and retains at least one insulating element. The insulating element provides thermal insulation for the structure formed from such construction blocks.

Abstract: A vandal proof system and method for securing stone faceplates to supporting structures in columbariums or similar environments in which a non-standard torx screwdriver which penetrates the exposed face of the faceplate activates a fastening assembly having a rivet nut to secure the rivet nut to a supporting structure, the tightening pressure of the rivet nut screw forcing the prongs of a slotted spacer sleeve into jamming engagement with a hole in the rear of the faceplate.

Abstract: There is provided a flooring system for hardwood floors comprised of a plurality of elongated slats wherein the slats are held in position by a plurality of connectors, each connector having a base secured to a substrate, a vertical portion extending upwardly from the base, and a generally horizontal portion extending into a groove formed in a sidewall of the elongated slat. The system permits the slats to be installed with a minimum of labor and also permits removal of the slats and their later re-use.

Abstract: Rectangular floor panels, a fastening system for joining the panels, and a method for laying and interlocking the panels are disclosed. The panels are provided complementary, form-fitting retaining profiles extending over the length of the sides. The complementary edges of the panels allow two adjacent panels to be positively joined such that displacement of the panels away from one another is prevented, while enabling articulation of the panels with respect to one another at the joint location. The method of installation provides for installing a new panel to a first row and a panel in a second row by first joining the new panel to the panel of the second row at its short side, followed by pivoting the new panel upwards out of the plane of the laid panels along its long side, along with at least the adjacent end of the first panel in the second row, into an inclined position, and sliding the new panel into the retaining profile of the panels in the first row.

Abstract: An elongated poster support arrangement comprising an elongated extrusion having an uppermost wall and a tapered sidewall which extends angularly from the uppermost wall. A central support wall is arranged between the tapered sidewall to define an elongated longitudinally disposed chamber between the tapered sidewall and the central support wall. The longitudinal chamber has a slot which is arranged to receive a lift tool to permit the poster support to be lifted to and removed from a ceiling rail. The tapered sidewall has a distal edge flange arranged to facilitate sliding engagement of a blade of the lift tool. The blade of the lift tool has a tapered lock member thereon for wedging between the flange and the support wall.

Abstract: Bracing apparatus and methods for structural framing made of light gauge steel or wood, as may be needed when the framing is subject to dynamic loads. The bracing, generally provided by two bracing clips and a diagonal tension strut of adjustable length, may be installed in framing bays of varying heights and widths. Head clips and sill clips are provided. The sill clip may be anchored through the sill to a concrete foundation to provide uplift resistance. A stud support clip is provided for supporting two vertically aligned studs, and allows a diagonal tension strut to pass between the studs.

Abstract: A support tower for heavy loads or large structures such as a wind turbine generators, constructed of a plurality of telescopic tower sections with the outer lower tower section having a lower end supported from a foundation and at least one or more inner upper tower sections telescoped in an initial vertical nested relation within the outer lower tower section. The heavy load is mounted on an upper end of the inner upper tower section while in the initial vertical nested relation. The inner upper tower section or sections are then lifted upwardly to an extended tower height by lift mechanisms and the tower sections are secured in vertically extended position by inter-engaging wedge joint structure with bolt fasteners extending through mating wedge surfaces to retain the telescopic tower sections vertically extended and position the heavy load in a vertically elevated position.

Abstract: A roof framing system includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket attaches a first rafter and a second rafter to a ridge beam. The second bracket attaches a third rafter, through the first bracket, to the ridge beam. The first bracket and/or the second bracket includes one or more projections for interlocking with the other one of the first bracket and the second bracket such that the second bracket can be moved between a fixed position and a released position by moving the second bracket relative to the first bracket to attach the third rafter, through the first bracket, to the ridge beam.

Abstract: A chair for supporting wire mesh while pouring concrete slabs. The chair has a generally tapered, hollow body with a receiving area for fixedly retaining the wire mesh. The receiving area includes walls extending upwardly between notches, with the walls defining passageways for guiding the mesh into the notches. Detents project inwardly from the tops of the walls to fixedly retain the mesh within the passageways. The body has inner and outer surfaces that are substantially complementary to one another to allow a plurality of chairs to be stacked together. One or more foot members are preferably attached to the lower base portion to provide for secure support of the chair on a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: A protective bumper strip assembly for protecting surfaces such as walls, display cases, furniture, and the like, from damage caused by inadvertent impact. The protective bumper strip assembly comprises a base member attachable to a supporting surface to be protected and a bumper that is press-fit or snap-fit to the base member. The press-fit interconnection is formed from male and female interconnecting elements to form a mechanical connection therebetween. The male and female interconnecting elements include a high friction material to prevent slippage therebetween when the bumper is impacted. The interengagement between the base member and the bumper requires no additional interconnecting or attachment members. The base member includes a pair of elongated arcuate male members which receive arcuate complementary female interconnecting elements extending from the bumper. Free end portions of the assembly may include cap elements of flat or spherical shape to enclose the ends of the strip assemblies.

Abstract: A retaining wall structure built of wall-building units such as sand/soil bags or hardenable building units such as clay bricks has interconnecting members placed between adjacent courses of units to attach the adjacent courses to one another. The interconnecting members are plates having projections on both sides which protrude into the wall-building units of the adjacent courses. Sheets of geogrid preferably extend from between some of the courses of wall-building units into the fill retained by the wall-building units. Projections on the interconnecting members protrude through holes in the geogrid sheet, anchoring the wall face to the reinforced soil structure.

Abstract: Moisture and condensation barriers for protecting wood from damage in building structures, particularly wood that is or may be exposed to moisture from internal or external sources, wherein such barriers comprise a non-vulcanized liquid rubberized coating material coated on to one or more portions of wood members of building structures.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a three-dimensional rigid structure by wedging from at least an initial flat panel. A drill runs along and cuts the panel producing one or more rectangular recesses to obtain ladder-type frames provided with cut-out edges and side panels provided with notches. The notches and cut-out edges with rounded bases are designed to co-operate and enable a side panel to be wedged between two parallel ladder-type frames provided with a floor panel, the latter being obtained separately. The floor panel is provided with four notches designed to be wedged in the edge of four vertical posts of two ladder-type frames arranged parallel.

Abstract: In a concrete column supporting an overhead load and having a base and resting on a surface, a process of strengthening the column to increase its ability to withstand atypical physical loading accompanying an earthquake, involving the steps of placing a shell including a thermoplastic sheet around the column, and filling the annular space between the sheet and the column.

Abstract: Method of overlooking at least one strand in an anchoring block by means of a frustoconical jaw which surrounds the strand and which is housed in a frustoconical recess made in the block, the process comprising the following steps: an explosive cartridge device comprising an inertia block intended to be propelled by the explosion of the cartridge is used, a force transmission device is arranged between the inertia block of the explosive cartridge device and the frustoconical jaw, and the explosive cartridge is activated to propel the inertia block against the force transmission device.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an insulating system, comprising at least a vacuum insulating panel (20; 30) in a matrix of homogeneous polymeric foam (602; 707), inside an interspace (101; 703) of a device which must subsequently be subjected, at least at the interspace, to a temperature higher than 100° C., without damaging this system and without causing it to lose its original insulating properties, by providing a flexible protection system of cardboard.

Abstract: A window box is designed to be compatible with a specific mounting bar to provide a very secure, yet versatile installation. When installed, the mounting bar is completely from view. When the window box is not installed, the mounting bar remains flush with the wall it is mounted upon and is nor obtrusive. The window box is attached to the secure mounting bar using bolts and wing nuts, thereby allowing users to easily and quickly install and/or remove the window box. The flush design of the mounting bar and the ability to remove the window box in a timely fashion without the use of tools allows the window box and the mounting system to be compatible with many hurricane shutter systems.

Abstract: The non-combustible natural minerals of fly ash, as a constituent of combustion of coal or other carbonaceous or cellulose fuels, are combined in an aqueous mixture with a man-made binder to form a thin paste which has adhesive qualities in the joining of masonry products such as cementitious blocks, clay bricks, or pozzolanic structural materials. The resultant bonding agent is intended to eliminate the need for visually obvious mortar seams, allow “dry stacking” of the building blocks, and usually will not contain any significant portion of either portland cement or sticky adhesives (as derived from petroleum products exhibiting Volatile Organic Compounds). In use, the material creates a “seamless” look to otherwise-conventional structural masonry walls.

Abstract: A wood recovery and de-leading system is provided for de-leading deconstructed wood into clean, sized, and optionally profiled stock. The system preferably includes a container such as a mobile trailer, having an inlet opening and an outlet opening disposed therein and housing a wood de-leading device. The system is particularly effective in that it can process an inletted woodpiece through to the outlet openings in a single automatic pass, while containing the hazardous waste for safe and efficient disposal. While the system is described for de-leading wood, it can be used to clean, size, and optionally profile any number of materials regardless of coatings thereon.

Abstract: A concrete forming panel system as disclosed having at least two panels wherein each panel has a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. Each panel has at least one opening along each sidewall and the panels are adapted to be positioned in a side-by-side relationship so that one sidewall of each panel abuts against the sidewall of the adjacent side panel and, upon doing so, the opening in one sidewall of the first panel registers with the opening in the abutting sidewall of the adjacent panel. An elongated wall pin is pivotally secured to one end of an arm while the other end of the arm is pivotally mounted to its associated panel. The arm is pivotal between an extended position in which the wall pin extends through registering openings on adjacent panels, and a retracted position in which the wall pin is retracted from the registering opening in the adjacent panel. The wall pin and arm construction is particularly advantageous for confined spaces, such as an inside corner form.

Abstract: The invention teaches a liquid impervious apparatuses for wallboard construction and methods of using the same. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: When packaging a roll product in which a belt-shaped sensitized material has been wound around a core with a light shielding sheet, the packaging apparatus is capable of forming an angle pleated portion of a gather-folded portion which covers a roll end surface with stability, and the package of roll product is capable of retaining the light shielding property and the moisture resistance while making the area of the sheet as small as possible. The gather-folding apparatus forms angle pleated portions on end surface wrapping material by means of both plate-shaped folding members which come into plane contact from outside of the end surface wrapping material and inter support arms which come into line-contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end surface wrapping material. This gather-folding apparatus forms, by means of both the surfaces of the plate-shaped folding members and the line of the inter support arm, two planes of folded planes sandwiching the line concerned.

Abstract: A compact package for a garment made from a delicate material includes a container body having a volume of less than 10 in3 (164 cm3), a delicate material garment, a cover member and a cap. The cover member is inserted into the container body atop the garment, followed by the cap. Preferably, a buffer material is arranged between the garment and the cover member within the container body to protect the garment from damage during the packing process. The package is preferably produced by directing the garment and buffer material into a pre-loading tube, followed by shifting of a plunger member to load the container body with the garment, buffer material and the cover member. Subsequently, the cap is snap-fit upon the container body.

Abstract: A longitudinally continuous rolled web of flattened formed coin wrappers with longitudinally spaced, laterally extending lines of perforation on the web between individual wrappers effective for permitting hand separation of wrappers from the web along each line of perforation. Method of making and method of using such a rolled web of flattened formed coin wrappers.

Abstract: A method and unit for packing groups of products, whereby each group is fed, at a loading station, to a respective radial first seat of a first wheel, together with a relative blank, which is first folded into a U and then completely about the relative group to form a packed group, which is transferred, at a transfer station, to a respective radial second seat of a second wheel, together with a relative sheet of overwrapping material, which is first folded into a U and then completely about the relative packed group to form an overwrapped group; the blank and the sheet of overwrapping material both being fed successively to a respective same gripper associated with the relative first seat and fitted to the first wheel, downstream from the first seat.

Abstract: A stirrup includes an elongated footrest as well as a hanger for suspending the stirrup from a saddle. The footrest and the hanger can pivot relative to one another on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the footrest. A shock absorber is provided for the footrest and has spaces for anchoring the shock absorber to the footrest. The footrest, in turn, has anchoring members for the shock absorber.

Abstract: An arrangement for separating a hydrophobic liquid phase from a gaseous stream includes a coalescer filter, a housing, a gas flow direction arrangement, and a liquid collection arrangement. The coalescer filter includes a non-woven media of fibers. The housing includes an interior having a gas flow inlet and a gas flow outlet. The liquid collection arrangement is positioned within the housing construction and is oriented for receiving liquid collected from the coalescer filter and drained therefrom. Methods for conducting the separations are also provided.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a plate-shaped work piece transporting apparatus that has a fan, a dust-removal filter disposed above this fan, and a plate-shape porous member disposed above the dust-removal filter. By forming a chamber in which air can accumulate between the porous member and the dust-removal filter, it is possible to suppress air pulsations. Further, by providing support members on the porous member, the plate-shaped work piece can be supported and damage thereto can be avoided when the plate-shaped work piece, which is supported by air from the fan, drops to below a set height.

Abstract: The device (6) includes a sealed casing (10) provided, in its lower part, with a bowl (22) for collection of a residual liquid, and an assembly (30) for purging the residual liquid which comprises means for evacuation of the liquid collected in the bowl and means for connecting the casing to the open air. The means for evacuation of the liquid include an orifice (36) formed in the wall of the casing substantially at the level of the bottom of the bowl (22). The means for connection to the open air include an orifice (34) formed in the wall of the casing (10) substantially opposite the orifice (36) for evacuation of the liquid.

Abstract: Air cleaner including a filter device for cleaning air introduced from an outside, a heat exchanger for heat exchanging with the air introduced from the outside, and a fan for forcing an air flow, thereby providing cleaned cool air in summer, and cleaned warm air in winter.

Abstract: A user interface and control system for adjusting the reel of a cutting reel unit includes a frame supported by at least one support element that is supported on, and is movable along, the ground. The system also includes a cutting reel, a bedknife, first and second actuators, a controller, and an operator input station, all carried on the frame. The reel and bedknife define a cutting line therebetween. The first actuator is adjustable to set a clearance between the reel and the bedknife. The second actuator is operatively connected between the frame and the bedknife to adjust the elevation of the cutting line to set a height-of-cut of the cutting reel. The controller is signal-connected to the first and second actuators, to adjust the actuators.