Abstract: The invention generally relates to a fireplace surround for attachment to a fireplace. The surround may include first and second side members formed from a molded material, and a top member formed from the molded material that extends between the first and second side members. The top member defines a cavity that is in fluid communication with a vent of the fireplace to collect heated air from the fireplace. An opening formed in the top member facilitates movement of heated air collected in the cavity to pass through the cavity. The surround may also include a shield member that direct the heated air from the fireplace vent to the exhaust opening in the top member, and an insulating member that dissipates heat in the top member.

Abstract: A device for aligning conduit. The device is positioned within a corrugated deck layer configured under a roof structure wherein the device comprises a box having a top, a front, a back and opposing sidewalls. The top includes bevel portions downwardly extending from the top to the sidewalls while the sidewalls vertically extend from the bevel portions to be positioned perpendicular with the top. The bevel portions are sized and shaped to nest within the corrugated deck layer. A pair of flanges is disposed in a common plane relative to one another and at right angles to the sidewalls below the bevel portions to extend outwardly from the bevel portions and the sidewalls wherein the flanges are sized and shaped to fasten the box to the corrugated deck layer. The invention further comprises a method of installing conduit free of offsets into the box.

Abstract: A housing structure includes a first plurality of wall panels which form a lower course and a second plurality of wall panels which form an upper course. Each of the wall portions is generally rectangular and includes integrally formed interlocking portions which facilitate attachment of adjacent lateral edges of the wall portions of the first plurality to each other. Integrally formed interlocking portions facilitate attachment of the panels in the lower course to the panels in the upper course. In addition, rectangular roof panels are provided to enclose the housing structure. The interlocking portions enable the panels to slide into an interlocked engagement configuration thereby forming a rigid structure without the need for tools.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vibration control apparatus using a water tank, which is installed at the uppermost floor of a tall building, the water tank being formed at the inner wall surface thereof with horizontal protrusions. In order to improve a vibration attenuation rate in a horizontal direction within the water tank, the water tank is installed with vertical wire meshes therein, and the horizontal protrusions serve to improve a vibration attenuation rate in a vertical direction. According to the present invention, it is possible to improve serviceability of a tall building, and to reduce maintenance and installation costs thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a prop-type damping deice which effectively consumes energy of up-and-down vibration on a main girder of a bridge caused by earthquakes, winds, passing vehicles or the like to prolong a life of the bridge and improve comfort for bridge users with a simple constitution. The prop-type damping device comprises: an inclined prop member having a higher end thereof connected to a lower part of a main girder of a bridge to be horizontally movable relative to the same, and a lower end thereof connected to a position below a main girder supporting point of a pier or abutment for supporting the main girder to permit up-and-down movement of the higher end; and a damper connected to the higher end of the prop member and the main girder lower part to brake relative horizontal movements therebetween.

Abstract: A photovoltaic attachment system for mounting photovoltaic panels on top of a building's roof is disclosed. The attachment system does not require drilling of holes into the roof and does not affect the integrity of the roof. The photovoltaic attachment system comprises of a grid of photovoltaic panels mounted on top of beams that are attached to the walls around the roof. The roof structure is not affected. No holes are drilled into or through the roof and no leakage of water through the roof will result from the mounting of the photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: A safety device for a motor vehicle having a door window defined by a retractable transparent panel which is guided into a receiving frame, the safety apparatus comprising a window insert formed of a sheet of material; a window frame including a transparent panel, the window frame having inside and outside surfaces; a lower mounting bracket for receiving the sheet, with an edge defined to be releasably inserted in the frame; an upper mounting bracket for receiving the sheet, the upper mounting bracket attached to the inside surface of the window frame.

Abstract: A trigonometric measuring device and method for obtaining measurements of palladium or arched windows, particularly in difficult positions, such as high places while standing upon a ladder, and for creating a template suitable for design and installation of window treatments.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing, slim profile window frame assembly that is capable of retaining a shutter. Specifically, the window frame assembly of the present invention comprises a core substrate coupled to a flange. Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a core substrate having a thickness less than {fraction (5/16)} inch and having, by volume, an elastic modulus greater than wood. A flange comprises a depth sufficient to retain a hinge attached to a window covering, such as a shutter. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a decorative covering to be coupled to the core substrate and/or flange such that a portion of the window frame assembly is thereby concealed. The improved strength per volume of the present invention facilitates shutter installation by a “do-it-yourself” homeowner or handyman as well as by a skilled carpenter.

Abstract: Fenestration frame assemblies and associated methods are disclosed. For example, one embodiment is directed toward a fenestration frame assembly that includes a main frame adapted to support a closure member with respect to a main frame opening. The main frame can include an external periphery and a peripheral gutter that extends along at least a portion of the external periphery of the main frame. The peripheral gutter can be positioned to deter liquid from flowing in at least one direction relative to the external periphery of the main frame.

Abstract: A portable forced door entry training apparatus configurable to simulate a wide variety of locked or barricaded door entry conditions, and which can be utilized in conjunction with a wide variety of convention forced-entry tools for repeated forced entry training purposes. The training apparatus consists of a base plate, upon which is secured a rigid upright door frame structure having a pair of vertical side jambs, coupled at the top by a header. A conventional door is secured within the rigid frame structure by two or more hinge brackets affixed to a side jamb member of the rigid frame structure. One or more holding brackets are affixed to the rigid frame structure on the opposite side jamb member. Each holding bracket is affixed to the rigid frame structure with a replaceable frangible connection, and is positioned to resist opening of the door about the pivot axis of the hinge brackets.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for releasing tension members for use in an anchor method, in which in state that both ends of the tension member are firmly and stably held by anchors, all or some of the wires consisting of several strands are cut, and at least one end of the cut wires is hit to release and draw the tension member.

Abstract: An adjuster for an elevated floor comprises a threaded pipe having an inner thread for connecting with a connecting hole which is on the elevated floor, and the threaded pipe is thread connected therein with a footing seat and a fixing screw mounted above the footing seat. The footing seat has an adjustment hole on its upper end, the fixing screw has a through hole extended from top to bottom, which is larger than the adjustment hole of the footing seat, so that the adjustment tool can be extended through the through hole and inlaid in the adjustment hole for adjusting the displacement of the threaded pipe relative to the footing seat. The adjuster can effectively reduce the gross height of the elevated floor and reduce waste of space. Further, it is suitable for use in new and old buildings.

Abstract: An improved groundwork frame comprises a protruded bar each disposed in the middle of the top of an upper board and a lower board; an embedding groove being disposed in the middle of the bottom of the groundwork frame and corresponsive to the protruded bar; an upper groove and a lower groove respectively disposed on both sides of each floor board to define an embedded assembly; an opening being disposed on each corresponding edge of adjacent boards; an elastic clamp for clipping and securing the groundwork frame, and each floor board having a chamber; a screw hole and an adjusting screw hole being disposed on both sides of the chamber, such that the lower board on the floor being sheathed in the latch and an adjusting screw rod for adjusting the floor to an appropriate height.

Abstract: A cover assembly adapted to be mounted over an in-floor fitting, including a frame having a passage defined therethrough, a lid pivotally secured to the frame and positioned over the passage, an egress door movably secured to the lid, and a sealing membrane bonded to an underside of said lid and said egress door.

Abstract: A roofing element comprises a structural box of concrete and an insulating layer extending inside the structural box.

Abstract: A panel, for installation on a ceiling as a component of a matrix grid of similar panels, with the ceiling panels capable of being installed directly on sheetrock ceilings without the otherwise need for affixing a wooden structure to the sheetrock ceiling before affixing the ceiling panels.

Abstract: A decorative modular masonry unit includes a central web, a cylindrical end portion, and a second end portion providing a plurality of concave or recessed grooves. The cylindrical end portion of one modular masonry unit articulates with a recessed groove of a like-shaped unit to form a modular structure. A series of units may be assembled into patterns of varying size and configuration.

Abstract: A door cladding system has a number of composite panels with a wood grain surface. An attachment system holds the composite panels onto a front surface of a door.

Abstract: A wall system employing channel-reinforced lightweight precast concrete wall panels. The precast wall panels include a concrete slab, a pair of spaced-apart elongated generally parallel metallic side channels, and a plurality of spaced-apart elongated generally parallel metallic attachment channels. The side channels and attachment channels are partially embedded in the slab and extend substantially perpendicular to one another. Each wall panel can be coupled to a support wall by extending self-tapping screws through metallic wall framing members and the attachment channels at locations where the framing members and attachment channels cross.

Abstract: A lattice panel (1) having a simple structure and capable for easy construction of strong and comfortable building, comprising several cross-shaped first skeleton members (7) and the L-shaped second skeleton members (9), to be connected to each other, wherein a panel bodies (3) are formed by connecting the second skeleton members (9) to the outer periphery of the first skeleton members (7), and frame members (11) are attached to the outer periphery of the panel bodies (3, 5).

Abstract: A laminated panel adapted to form a covering for a wall, floor or ceiling has an outer surface and sides which are connected to an adjacent panel. The panel has a recess in the outer surface at the transition to a side, and a moisture-repellent layer on the wall of the recess. When two panels are connected the moisture-repellent layers come together at the recesses, to form a joint which is protected from moisture.

Abstract: A flexibly assembled three-dimensional dynamic structure includes a plurality of rigid elongated elements, a plurality of flexible elongated elements, and at least one coupling device associated with at least two of the plurality of rigid elongated elements. The plurality of flexible elongated elements and the plurality of rigid elongated elements are assembled in an alternating manner. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A framework type building panel having opposed first and second sides is formed of primary and secondary structural members, each primary member having a web and a flange connected to form a T-shaped cross-section, and each secondary member being a flat board having parallel side surfaces. The panel includes a first series of the primary members which are parallel to each other with their flanges defining the first side of the panel, and a second series of the secondary members which extend transversely to the primary members and have outer side surfaces defining the second side of the panel, the primary members having their web outer edges attached to inner overlying surfaces of the secondary members. The panel further includes two additional flat boards forming the opposite ends of said panel and each connected to aligned ends of said primary members.

Abstract: A catchment net (1), especially for rockfall blocking, equipped with a net (2) consisting of elements that engage with each other, and whose two longitudinal sides are each moveably held by a holding rope (3, 4) extending between at least two support bodies (7, 8, 9, 10). The two holding rope (3, 4) are moveably held by the individual support bodies (7, 8, 9, 10) in their longitudinal direction and tensioned at the side. At least one running rope (37, 38, 39, 40; 47, 48, 49, 50) or such like extending alongside the support body on each of the holding ropes (3, 4) preferably within the area of the each support body (7, 8, 9, 10) is affixed with one end on one side and with the other end on the other side to the support body (7, 8, 9, 10). The net (2) is moveably held within the support body area by the running ropes (37, 38, 39, 40; 47, 48, 49, 50). The catchment net (1) therefore guarantees an optimal load distribution as well as a more favourable flow of energy through the net.

Abstract: A Compound Post Frame (28-80) with securing devices (46A). It provides a means to united small post, pipe, rods or tubing (46C) in marriage to form a strong single Compound Post (80). Other items can be attach easily and the post replaces any post of any material.

Abstract: A connector for steel reinforcement having a head for locating over and relative to reinforcement projecting from a wall of a building, the head having a receiving channel which gives the head a hooked shaped appearance, the channel may be hooked over reinforcement projecting from a concrete wall.

Abstract: A pet door weather guard device to limit the effects of wind, snow, rain, sleet, ice and other weather problems on the operational performance of a pet door. The device provides some limit to snow buildup in front of the pet door, so that pets may enter and exit with less restriction. The device is in the form of a protective cover, which is designed to be secured to a flat surface, such as door or wall, around the frame of a commercially available pet door.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a bracket for the proper and fireproof spacing of vertical and horizontal framing members. The bracket is a replacement for traditional wood fireblocks seen in framing. The device has extruded metal flanges for additional support and has nail hole perforations for proper fastening. There are two versions of the units, one spaced 14½ inches for 16 inches on center and 22½ inches for 24 inches on center.

Abstract: A structural mounting connector or spigot for mounting a glazing frame section to a structure. The connector has a mounting section receivable within a void or hollow end of a glazing frame section, which mounting section has an upper flange or surface and a lower flange or surface for accepting vertical fasteners such as screws or pins which attach the connector to the glazing frame section. The connector also has a connecting web between the top and bottom flanges which contain elongated cavities or passageways for receiving other fasteners, such as screws or bolts, by which the mounting spigot section is affixed to a structure. The connecting web has projections which have guide means to guide the vertical screws or pins between the top and bottom flanges portions such that the mounting spigot section is connectable to the glazing frame section and the glazing frame section to the structure, with the mounting spigot section and fasteners being concealed in the glazing frame section.

Abstract: A reinforced cushion beam includes a rigid frame having a plurality of interconnected elements; a plastic body encapsulating and substantially solidly filling the frame, and one or more panel members connected to the plastic body with a plurality of recessed fasteners that extend through the panel(s) and into the plastic body to form a scuff-resistant load-bearing surface. Also disclosed is a method for forming the cushion beam.

Abstract: A meshed (porous) steel pipe/tube which has many holes on its wall can be used as concrete reinforcement. A mass of concrete is poured into the meshed (porous) steel pipe/tube and through the holes on its wall filled into the place between steel pipe and formwork and form the composite meshed (porous) steel pipe/concrete member. The meshed (porous) steel pipe is buried in concrete it works as well as traditional reinforcement which its reinforcement is the longitudinal and transverse steel reinforce bar wired together. Even more, it have some more advantage: easy to ship/install, increase the concrete capacity, reduce the concrete member size, significantly time and labor saving, and good fire proof function.

Abstract: A method of constructing a wall of a building by casting in which formwork is erected and concrete is allowed to exude through perforations in the formwork, embedding the formwork in concrete and obscuring it from view. A panel for carrying out the method, a thin-walled sheet with multiple perforations for the escape of the concrete during casting, has brackets or clips to fasten it to the adjacent formwork creating a casting space between the panel and the supporting formwork. Floating the expressed concrete produces a smooth finish.

Abstract: An improved high rise building drainage system method and apparatus for conducting waste water from plumbing fixtures, such as lavatories and the like, through prefabricated waste-vent stack units extending through intervals and stack boxes for such units optimally located to minimize the footprint through each interval.

Abstract: A dispenser and method for applying self-adhesive tapes to surfaces of construction lumber, such that pieces of lumber can be accurately located to each other. The dispenser includes a frame comprising spaced-apart member and a roll of adhesive tape rotatably mounted between the spaced-apart members so that the tape is dispensed from the roll and travels toward a rearward end of the frame. Guides are pivotably attached to the spaced-apart members of the frame, with each guide attached so that a portion thereof is pivotable to a position below the lower edge of its respective spaced-apart member. A resilient member is disposed between the lower edges of the spaced-apart members and applieds a downward pressure on the tape as it travels beneath the frame. The tape has symbols and numerical information along a length thereof for locating the pieces of lumber relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for releasing the stacking tie-rods that are used for holding deployable structures, in particular solar panels of artificial satellites. The device of the invention is self-releasing in order to enable such deployable structures to be released via the top portion of the stacking column. The invention consists in holding together the members (101) that are to be deployed by means of a tie-rod (102) having a nut (111) screwed onto its free end. The force for holding the stack together is transmitted by modules (106, 107) which are themselves held together by said force. When the stacking tension is reduced, resilient means, such as two flat spring blades (112, 113), cause the modules to move away from the tie-rod, thus enabling the members of the deployable structure to be released.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector holding structure in which a connector is held in a door frame, the connector being mated with a mating connector attached to a fulcrum end of a door handle and pivotally held in the door frame. The connector holding structure according to the present invention allows the connector to be smoothly mated with the mating connector while permitting a change in the orientation of the connector caused by a pivoting motion of the door handle. The connector has two projections arranged on each side in a horizontal direction. A door frame has a guide groove extending along a horizontal direction in association with a direction in which the two projections are arranged, and two grooves extending downward from the guide groove in association with the two projections to permit pivoting motion of the connector.

Abstract: A process for forming an improved tensile strength deformed reinforcing bar splice for use in concrete construction by radially compressing or cold forming the bar end with dies literally to flatten any ribs or deformations on the bar end to cold work a section of the bar end which will extend beyond any threaded section and the mouth of a coupler thereon. The splice formed has superior tensile qualities. The process is inexpensive and may be accomplished at or near a construction site.

Abstract: A set of building components for building structures includes a plurality of building components that are configured to enable a plurality of structures to be built. The physical characteristics of the building components enable the building components to be held together in the form of a structures, such as a multi-pointed star, through frictional forces only and without the need for external fastening means such as adhesive, nails, tape, and so on. A building component may have a pair of sides each including a surface with an untreated coefficient of friction. At least one of the sides of the building component includes a treated portion that has a treated coefficient of friction that is different than the untreated coefficient of friction. The treated coefficient of friction may be greater than the untreated coefficient of friction. A building component may be defined by a length and a thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a honeycomb structure in which a plurality of honeycomb segments each constituted by a cell structure having a plurality of cells divided from each other by partition walls and functioning as a passage for fluid and an outer wall provided at the circumference of the cell structure are bonded to each other at the outer walls by a bonding layer made of a bonding agent and converted into one piece, which honeycomb structure is characterized in that the bonding agent does not contain inorganic particles having diameters (?m) of at least 1.1 times the average surface roughness Ra (?m) of the outer wall, in an amount exceeding 30% by mass relative to the total of the bonding agent. In the honeycomb structure, the honeycomb segments as a constituent are strongly bonded to each other by a bonding agent and converted into one piece.

Abstract: An improved acoustical damping wall (ceiling or floor) or door material comprises a laminar structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue and one or more constraining layers, such as metal, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as plastic, vinyl, plastic or rubber. In one embodiment, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminar structure; and one or more constraining layers are fabricated between the gypsum exterior. The resulting structure improves the attenuation of sound transmitted through the structure.

Abstract: A method of building an engineered lumber stud and a method of using such studs to form a modular wall panel for use in the construction of buildings. The invented studs having a first skin, a foam core, and a second skin. The engineered lumber stud can be created by taking a standard stressed skin paneling/structural insulating panels/insulating foam core panel and cutting said panel into a plurality of “studs.

Abstract: A system, and associated components and methodology, that provides for automatic determination and supply of an amount of dunnage to fill the void left in a container in which one or more objects have been placed. The system comprises a dunnage dispenser which is operable to dispense a controlled amount of a dunnage, a container scanner, and a logic device. The container scanner includes a height sensor for sensing a height characteristic of a container, a width sensor for sensing a width characteristic of the container, and a contour sensor for sensing a contour characteristic of the objects in the container. The logic device can (1) process sensed characteristic information from the height sensor, width sensor and contour sensor, (2) determine the amount of dunnage needed to fill the void not occupied by the objects, and (3) command the dunnage dispenser to dispense the determined amount of dunnage.

Abstract: A method of filling and sealing a gas capsule having (i) a hollow body portion and (ii) an elongate hollow neck portion having a free open distal end extending from the body portion is disclosed. The method is accomplished by applying a filling cap to the open end of the neck portion while evacuating the capsule and refilling with helium. Two crimping steps while pressure is maintained finishes the filling and sealing method.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: There is described a method for wrapping an article using a web of packaging film having at least one tar line thereon in the MD, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming at regular intervals in the MD a tab on the film, the tab having a free end connected by free sides to an opposite end of the tab attached to the film, the tab being positioned on the film so the axis of at least one tear line in the MD passes through both ends of the tab; (b) severing the film web to form sheets by cutting substantially along an axis across the TD of the web, the axis passing across the tab between its ends, where the tab along said axis is not substantially severed there through so the tab protrudes from the leading edge of the sheet; (c) wrapping a sheet formed from step (b) around an article to form a tube with the cut sides of the sheet overlapping, where the free end of the tab lies on the top of the overlap on the outside of the tube and where the cut sides of the sheet overlap at least to the extent that the t

Abstract: A method of forming, filling and sealing a reclosable package with a slider activated zipper wherein a base film moves longitudinally to a filling station and, in a moving direction, away from said filling station. At the filling station a product is fed onto the base film. As the base film carrying product is moved from the filling station, a zipper with a slider attached is fed onto the moving film in the moving direction of the base film. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile, each of which has an attached web extending away from the slider. A top film is applied over the base film and the first profile web is sealed to the base film and the second profile web is sealed to the top film. The package is completed by transversely cross-sealing the base film and the top film together on opposite sides of the product. The base and top films may be formed from the same sheet folded over or may be formed from separate sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to closures, and more particularly to an apparatus for sealing bags. In one embodiment, the invention includes an elongated sealing member and an elongated receiver portion to receive the sealing member. The receiver portion includes at least one engagement aperture to receive the sealing member and an opening extending along a length of the receiver portion. The opening further includes lugs that project generally outwardly from the receiver portion and proximate to the opening. In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for sealing a bag, including positioning a portion of a resealable bag proximate to the engagement aperture and positioning the sealing member proximate to the portion of the resealable bag and the engagement aperture. The sealing member is then pressed into the engagement aperture with the portion of the resealable bag interposed between the sealing member and the receiver portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is a method for storing fluids in a bag that has an inner lining that is essentially sterilized and essentially free of pyrogen. The method comprises heating the bag that is comprised of a polymeric film to at least approximately 253° Celsius. The polymeric film includes a polymer selected from the group of poly(oxy-1,4-phenylene-oxy-1,4-phenylene-carbonyl-1,4-phenylene) (PEEK); polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); a perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) polymer; poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether) (MFA); polyperfluoro(ethylene-co-propylene) (FEP); poly(ethylene-alt-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (ECTFE); poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE); poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PDVF); tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride terpolymer (THV); ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE); (poly(bisphenol A-co-4-nitrophthalic anhydride-co-1,3-phenylenediamine) (PEI); poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP); and suitable mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An appliance for storing articles within flexible and non-flexible containers under vacuum. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the appliance. The trough is slidably removable from the base of the appliance. The appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated. The appliance includes a thermal sealing mechanism for sealing a flexible container as well as a cutting mechanism for cutting the flexible container to a desired size. The appliance includes a control panel for selectively operating the vacuuming and sealing processes.