Abstract: A method for stabilizing soil so as to inhibit undesirable movement thereof includes placing at least one anchor, such as a self-advancing helical anchor or a rock anchor, in the ground and then attaching a soil bolting device to the anchor. The soil bolting device may then be moved toward the anchor, such as by tightening a fastener which attaches the soil bolting device to the anchor, so as to compact and stabilize soil proximate the soil bolting device.

Abstract: A downpipe connector system is disclosed. The system having a downpipe connector for attachment to a channel in a canale. The connector has a first portion with an upstanding wall and a floor from which the floor extends. A tubular extension projects from the floor and having a flow passage extending therethrough the system has a transverse wall extending across the channel and downstream of the connector and extends upwardly in the channel from the upstanding wall.

Abstract: A bracket and pole assembly for outdoor use on a raised flooring surface includes: (a) a bracket comprising a bracket shaft and a bottom support; the bracket being attachable to a floor joist of the raised flooring surface with the bracket shaft directly below a hole in the raised flooring surface; and (b) a pole assembly comprising a removable hollow pole, an end portion of the pole being removably insertable in the bracket shaft and supportable on the bottom support.

Abstract: At a loading dock for a truck, a compressible bumper seal extends across the front face of a dock bumper to help seal an air gap that may otherwise exist between the bumper face and the rear of the truck. Without the seal, the gap may be created by the truck stopping just short of reaching the bumper or by the truck “bouncing off” the bumper before stopping. If left unsealed, such a gap can create a draft into a building that has the loading dock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof cladding element, which roof cladding element has been manufactured of profiled plate material and which roof cladding elements are adjacently and in succession mountable such that the edges of a roof cladding element will be placed a distance overlapping with the edges of adjacent roof cladding elements. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing roof cladding elements in which method a plate material in strip form is formed into profiled roof cladding element strip with a forming device and in which method a finished formed roof cladding element strip is cut with a cutting device at even intervals into roof cladding elements. Characteristic to a roof cladding element in accordance with the invention is the fact that to at least one corner of a roof cladding element a recess reaching at least partly under the lower surface of the part of the roof cladding element surrounding the corner has been formed.

Abstract: Glass block windows or walls are formed by a frame characterized by perimeter members which may be secured to each other at adjacent corners by chemical or thermal bonding or by mechanical connector members. The perimeter members include inner and outer walls, at least one lateral glass block retaining flange and opposed recesses for receiving releasable retainer members which have a hook part which may be snap fitted into the recesses and retained by reentrant edges of the recesses. Block spacer members are formed by opposed block support wall or body parts and by opposed lateral end parts which receive snap-in block retainer and trim strips.

Abstract: A modular coffer trim kit having a coffer module (4) and an inner trim (3). Each module (4) has a lowered (6) and raised (7) section so as to give a three-dimensional appearance when secured to a ceiling or wall. The modules (4) and trims come in various sizes and shapes so as to give the user a choice in designs. Additionally, the user can attach an outer trim (2) to the module (4) and inner trim (3) to achieve a more sophisticated look. Ornaments (5) can be attached to the inner trim (3) to give a more unique look. The entire kit is made of a lightweight material, preferably pine wood, so as to make one-person installation quick and easy. Additionally, the modules (4) and trims (2) and (3) can be directly secured to a surface, such as a ceiling or wall, by using fasteners such as butterfly bolts.

Abstract: An explosion-resisting window with a window frame and a sash frame, which accommodates a panel and is mounted in hinges on the window frame, so as to be tiltable, the sash frame nesting in the window frame in closed position. In order to obviate the need for an outer front glazing of armored glass while guaranteeing adequate safety against explosion shocks and permit the function of continuous ventilation if necessary in open position of the sash frame, the panel is made of armored glass and the window is provided with at least one tilt-limiting element, by means of which explosion-induced tilting of the sash frame in the hinges beyond a tilt-limit position can be resisted. There is at least one shift-limiting element, by means of which explosion-induced shifting of the sash frame perpendicular to a tilt axis in the hinges can be resisted.

Abstract: A double-pane window, installed at a known azimuth, houses a plurality of solar cells. During available daylight, the solar cells track the apparent motion of the sun to provide electricity, based on the 24-hour time and the known azimuth of the window. When sunlight is not available due to either nighttime or the azimuth of the window, the solar cells are parked. This parked position preferably provides a view to the occupants of the building using these double-pane windows. Alternately, the parked position can block incoming viewing, and thus provide a measure of privacy.

Abstract: Floor tiles have conductors embedded and define male and female sockets to run power and data signals to randomly placed devices designed to interface therewith any where along the conductor(s) path.

Abstract: The raised access floor structure for networks comprises: a plurality of floor units and a plurality of supporting seats; wherein each of the supporting seats is composed of a crossed member and four pedestals integrally connecting therewith; the crossed member is located lower than the tops of the pedestals, and has between every two neighboring pedestals at least a separating piece; thereby, four floor units separated mutually have their positions limited by the separating pieces after folded flanks of the floor units are received in the crossed member, and the floor units can be clung evenly on the tops of the pedestals. The structure is applied to use for network-line laying out in a house or in an office etc.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards has a locking groove which is formed in the underside of and extends in parallel with the first joint edge at a distance from the joint plane, and a portion projecting from the lower part of the second joint edge and below the first joint edge and integrated with a body of the board. The projecting portion supporting at a distance from the joint plane a locking element cooperating with the locking groove and thus positioned entirely outside the joint plane seen from the side of the second joint edge, the projecting portion having a different composition of materials compared with the body of the board. The projecting portion presents at least two horizontally juxtaposed parts, which differ from each other at least in respect of the parameters material composition and material properties.

Abstract: The invention refers to a spacing device for bridging a gap between a carrier part and a roof body and intended for fastening a roof rack, roof rail, roof strip or the like on a vehicle roof, with a support part and a counter-support part, the support part and the counter-support part being held together by a screw connection and being displaceable relative to one another to allow the adjustment of the bridging length, the support part and/or counter-support part being provided with an internally disposed adjustment tool-gripping seat intended for the manipulation and/or adjustment of the bridging length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for reducing roof membrane damage from hail/fastener impact by locating a fastener, positioning an energy absorbing material over said fastener and affixing said material to said fastener. Further disclosed herein is a roof system with reduced hail/fastener impact damage characteristics. The system comprises a roof substrate having one or more layers of material at least one fastener exposed at a top surface of said substrate and a dedicated energy absorbing material positioned over said at least one fastener. A roof water proofing membrane is placed atop the foregoing elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a door having first and second door facings and an internal doorframe. An interior side of a first facing is coated with quick acting adhesive. A frame is placed on the coated interior side about the periphery of the first facing. The frame is then coated with quick acting adhesive. An interior side of a second facing is placed on the coated frame. The facings and frame assembly are then compressed to form a door. The present invention also provides for an automated system of making the door.

Abstract: An expansion joint for building panels, such as concrete floor slabs, comprises a U-shaped drape of a flexible, fire-resistant, impermeable material such as stainless steel foil. The opposite legs of the U-shaped drape are fastened between respective adjacent slabs and a mat of expandable fire-resistant material inserted within the U-shaped drape between the slabs. The impermeability and flexibility of the drape, coupled with the insulating property of the mat provide an inexpensive, effective fire seal between building panels that can also accommodate seismic displacement.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a three-dimensional metal structure, the method being characterized by the following steps: making longitudinal cuts in a sheet metal strip by causing the strip to pass between two rollers carrying annular knives whose blades are discontinuous and angularly offset from one roller to the other so as to form parallel rectilinear chords that are interconnected at regular intervals by connecting bridges and by linking legs, two adjacent chords being provided either with U-shaped bridges for connection with two legs of the same orientation, or with S-shaped bridges for connection with two legs of opposite orientations, and the U-shaped bridges are oriented in opposite directions from one chord to the next; slicing the strip transversely by sectioning said chords and said bridges at different longitudinal positions; moving every other precut chord into an offset plane by exerting vertical thrust on the chords carrying the U-shaped bridges so as to cause the legs to pivot an

Abstract: A clip assembly secures standing seam skylight or roofing panels to substrates and allows for a full range of movements by the panels while eliminating or reducing frictional noises. The clip assembly may also be used with wall panel systems. The clip assembly includes a first clip member and a second clip member each having an upright member and an upper flange member and a lower flange member extending therefrom. The assembly further includes a gap formed between the upright member of the first clip member and the upright member of the second clip member. In one aspect the clip assembly includes a base which allows the assembly to slide.

Abstract: A fastening member 10 produced from a single steel sheet that is capable of stably supporting an exterior wall board and ensuring ventilation between the board and a building frame. The fastening member 10 comprises a left-side support portion 12L and a right-side support portion 12R on either side thereof that abut on the back surface of a board when fastened. In the intermediate region between the left-side and right-side support portions 12L and 12R, there are provided, from top to bottom, a substrate portion 11 that functions as a mount portion to be fixed to the building frame, a central support portion 12C to be abutted against the back surface of a board when fastened, a locking portion 21 to be locked on the upper and lower edges of boards when fastened, and a lower support portion 12U to be abutted against the back surface of a board when fastened.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying reference or grid markings to wallboard during the manufacturing process is disclosed. Reference or grid markings are applied to one sheet of cover paper at a location between the originating cover paper rolls and the cover paper creaser or creasers. This is accomplished by locating and aligning multiple print heads across the width of the continuously passing cover paper, such that markings are ejected onto the cover paper in a specific and coordinated fashion. In addition to using any suitable commercially-available computer equipment to coordinate printer head activity, this function is accomplished by attaching each print head to a common horizontal support element and provide individual adjustments that are perpendicular to, and with the directional flow of the passing cover paper.

Abstract: A panel for polypropylene injection molded siding, and for similar materials and/or uses, is mounted in lapped courses with panels attached at butt joints in a direction of elongation. Complementary tabs and slots at the panel ends can be engaged by end-to-end approach of the abutting panels. Additionally, openings for the tabs permit engagement from a position in which the panel ends are already overlapped, which reduces or eliminates the need for endwise assembly space. The slots can be discontinuous on one or both sides, openings permitting lateral insertion of the tabs at gaps, whereupon movement of the tabs along the slots engages the joint. The panels can simulate wood siding and include a step between simulated courses. A gap is provided in the edge of the panel at the step, thus forming an opening for the tab to enter and move along the slot.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are photovoltaic building materials and related methods of manufacturing and installing such materials. In one embodiment, a modular roofing structure comprises a photovoltaic shingle panel having a planar lower surface and an upper surface, and a rigid back member having a length the same as or greater than the length of the shingle panel and attached to the planar lower surface of the shingle panel. The roofing structure also includes at least one electrical contact pad on a lower surface of the back member, and at least one electrical conductor electrically coupled to the shingle panel via the lower surface and passing through the back member and out the lower surface. In such embodiments, the electrical conductor is electrically coupled to the at least one contact pad and extends past a front end of the back member sufficient to electrically contact a contact pad on another back member of a separate modular roofing structure couplable to the first.

Abstract: A panel attachment system (10) comprising a plurality of covering panels (12), a plurality of retaining members (16) to hold the panels (12), and a plurality of mounting structures (18) to secure the retaining members (16) to a surface (20). The panels (12) are held to the retaining members (16) through the use of protruding locking members (32) formed on the panels (12) which interlock with a slot (48) formed on the retaining member (16). The panels (12) may be coupled to the retaining members (16) without the need for precise alignment, thereby expediting the installation of the surface (20). The retaining members (16) additionally contain a drainage channel (50) to carry water and other debris away from the surface (20).

Abstract: Single masonry units mate with like units to build straight walls, inside curves, outside curves and most any angle corners and maintains finish on all exposed surfaces. The interlocking fastening system provides simple construction and automatic wall alignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining wall block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment it is placed into. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is lightweight and is configured to accept and retain any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such blocks.

Abstract: A multi-level chair for supporting a concrete reinforcement cable at a fixed height from the bottom of a concrete form is provided. The multi-level chair comprises a body having a plurality of receptacles at different heights. Each of the receptacles is adapted to retain a concrete post-tension reinforcement cable. In one embodiment, the body of the chair assumes an inverted V-shape including a pair of legs extending downwardly from an apex. Each of said legs has multiple receptacles to support a cable at a predetermined height from the bottom of the concrete form.

Abstract: A plurality of studs (14) are spaced apart relative to each other. Upper end portions (32) of the studs fit into an upper channel space (22) and lower end portions (34) fit into a lower channel space (30). The lower channel space (30) is defined in part by a pair of spaced apart sidewalls (24, 26). Screw fasteners (52) extend through the sidewalls (24, 26) and connect them to the lower end portion (34) of the stud (14). The studs (14) have upper ends that are spaced from a web (20) forming the upper boundary of the upper channel space (22). Vertical elongated slots (48, 50) are provided in the sidewalls (38, 40) of the studs (14). Screw fasteners extend through the sidewalls (16, 18) of the upper channel member (10) and then extend into and through the slots (48, 50). The heads of the screw fasteners (52) bear against the sidewalls (16, 18) when the screw fasteners (52) are tightened.

Abstract: A door frame for a vehicle includes a lower frame for guiding an up/down movement of a window glass, a main frame connected to the lower frame for determining a top dead center of the window glass, and a bracket for attaching a door mirror secured to the lower frame and the main frame, the bracket having a bottom portion and a pair of opposing side wall portions extended from both sides of the bottom portion, and each having a thickness thicker than that of the bottom portion.

Abstract: [Problem] To enable fixation between members by fitting and provide a member for timber product in which joining with more flexibility is achieved. [Means for Resolution] In a sort of square timber having a predetermined shape and a given length, a groove 12 in the longitudinal direction and having a substantially concave shape in lateral cross section is provided and the width of the groove 12 and the thickness of the member in the direction of the depth of the groove 12 are a constant value A, so that fixation and fixing are achieved by fitting a member 11 to the groove 12 on the other member 11.

Abstract: A plurality of wooden roof trusses for constructing a roof includes first and second wooden roof trusses. Each of the first and second wooden roof trusses includes a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord. A first web is provided to the first wooden roof truss and a second web is provided to the second wooden roof truss. Each of the first and second webs has a tapered web end shape set without regard to a shape of a first and second joint, respectively, into which said tapered web end shapes of the first and second webs fit. The first and second webs are substantially identical in length and web end shape. The first and second webs are located at different positions in their respective first and second wooden roof trusses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device for creating a hinged connection between adjacent panels of a sectional door leaf, comprising a connecting element that is fixed to the adjacent panels and a support element holding a guiding element which interacts with a guide rail. Said support element is fixed, preferably in a detachable manner, to the connecting element once said connecting element has been fastened to the panels.

Abstract: A connector for holding an internal muntin assembly away from a perimeter spacer of an insulating glass assembly until the assembler is ready to affix the muntin bar to the perimeter bar using an attachment device. The connector includes a positioning tab for holding the muntin bar away from the perimeter spacer to allow positioning of the muntin bar assembly until the positioning tab is moved relative to a baseplate so that the attachment device, such as thick double stick tape, is pressed to the perimeter spacer.

Abstract: A system is provided for mounting on a standing seam of a roof and supporting a snow fence rail. A first surface of the bracket is oriented toward the standing seam and includes a first plurality of protrusions that are abutted against the standing seam. An opening configured to receive a snow fence rail is located in the bracket above the first plurality of protrusions. A second surface of the bracket is oriented opposite the first surface of the bracket, and a fastener is configured to secure the bracket to the roof by pressing the plurality of protrusions into the standing seam roof.

Abstract: A corner molding for a solid wall covering includes a base section and a cap section. The cap section is attached to the base section, and together with the base section, defines a first channel and a second channel, the channels configured to accept the solid wall covering. The cap section is configured to project over an edge of the solid wall covering.

Abstract: The split column reassembly system invention allows a split column, capitol or base to return to its intended position during its installation around a load bearing structural device. It is done through forming the pieces of the seams in order that they fit back together accurately after separation and during installation.

Abstract: A prepackaged arrangement of shims for correcting for misalignment of building structural parts, for example, wall studs used in building construction, comprising a plurality of shims provided together in a package, wherein the shims have a length, width and thickness, the shims including at least one shim of a uniform thickness from end to end and at least one shim having a thickness varying from a first thickness at one end to a second thickness at a second end. A method of correcting for the building structural part misalignment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A timber block for construction of load bearing walls has horizontal upper and lower timber members connected by vertical timber components spaced apart lengthwise of the block. The upper and lower timber members are provided with calibration markings between the timber components for cutting the block to size without cutting through the timber components. A panel of sheet material attached to the timber components on at least one side of the block is provided with incisions aligned with the calibration markings to assist cutting through the block.

Abstract: A window shutter incorporates a lightweight composite frame that is particularly resistant to temperature and humidity changes. Members forming the frame are laminations of plastic shell members on one or more face surfaces of an elongate wood-based core. This invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a shutter frame stock, and the finished product. The method is to first prepare a body, and a shell member; the body is elongated, and is made of a wood based material. The shell member is made of plastic and glue is used to affix the shell member onto the face surface of the body, in order to form basic frame stock; the basic frame stock is then further processed to form the profile desired, and to generate the required frame stock.

Abstract: Provided a method of sealing air gaps between floor joists and a band joist using an elastomeric paint sprayed under pressure to fill the air gaps.

Abstract: A device for correcting misalignment of building structural parts such as studs of building structure walls comprising a bracket adapted to be at least partly coextensive with a stud of a building wall, the bracket having a front face and a side face, the side face being attachable to a stud of a building structure whereby misalignment of the stud from a desired orientation can be compensated.

Abstract: A block set for assembling solid creations uses at least two types of cylindrical blocks. The cylindrical blocks are a thin cylindrical block and a thick cylindrical block. The thick cylindrical block may include a hole on a side face thereof for receiving the thin cylindrical block. A fabricating apparatus for fabricating the thin and thick cylindrical blocks has at least two types of rollers for rolling up paper, and a paper thickness notifying apparatus for notifying the user of the diameter of the cylindrical paper roll on a cylindrical paper roll up core.

Abstract: This invention is mainly used to assemble diverse panels in a simple, efficient and secure manner. These panels can be used to make cabinets such as kitchen cabinets, garage or basement storage cupboards but also for use in commercial applications such as laboratories, offices, workshops and so on. Its main component is a rigid peripheral frame which serves as a base structure onto which are put flat surfacing materials such as glass, metal, wood or any of a variety of composite materials normally used for making cabinetry.

Abstract: The present invention is an insulated concrete wall panel consisting of two layers of concrete with and insulating layer in between the concrete layers. A sinusoidal-shaped, fiber-reinforced composite element connects the two concrete layers. The connector is imbedded in the two layers of concrete and passes through the insulation layer. The connector provides the requisite transmission of forces merely by being consolidated in the concrete layers.

Abstract: An improved wall and partition construction method that is more time and cost efficient to construct than conventional methods, and that includes no exterior attachment means, thus providing a finished wall with a substantially seemless first and second surface. The improved wall is constructed by attaching rigid panels to a series of channel members each having a hat-shaped cross section generally placed in vertical orientation, along the centerline of a wall. Each channel member includes a plurality of openings that provide an interior pathway for routing utility and communication cables, and/or for containing supplemental insulation. Compressed straw panels are attached to the channel members in a slightly offset alternating manner such that each panel can be rigidly connected to a channel member by a plurality of lag screws with each penetrating the panel from the inside such that the finished wall has no exterior penetrations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reinforced panel that includes a face sheet having an interior side and an exterior side, a plurality of integral and intersecting ribs having distal ends and projecting from the interior side of the face sheet to form contiguous cells, and a reinforcing member positioned in a channel and secured thereto for increasing bending resistance of the panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the density of insulation in a cavity of a structure that senses a force of the insulation against the sensor. The force is used to determine the density of the insulation, which, in turn, is used to determine the thermal resistance or R-value of the insulation. The apparatus may include a fixture for supporting the sensor and holding the sensor in the substantially fixed position. A method for determining the density of loose-fill, blown-in-place insulation in a wall cavity by the use of a sensor is that measures a force exerted on the sensor by the insulation. The measured force is used to determine the density of the insulation. The thermal resistance of the insulation is determined from the known cavity depth and insulation density.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping chocolates and similar products (100) with a wrapping material (101), includes an unwinding and cutting group (6) and a feeding group (10), fit for feeding an elevator group (5) respectively with a portion of the wrapping material (101) and a respective product (100). Said associated wrapping material portion (101) and respective product (100), are provided from said elevator group (5) to a wrapping head (2) to mate a folding group (3) wrapping the product before the transfer of the wrapped product to an outlet group (7). The wrapping head (2) has at least eight gripper means (4) for the product (100) associated to the wrapping material portion (101); such gripper means (4) being radially and angularly equidistant. The folding group (3) includes a plurality of folding modules, at least first (31), second (32) and third (33), positioned around the wrapping head (2) and fit to fold the wrapping material portion (101) around the product (100).

Abstract: For the purpose of folding a blank (11) in a U-shaped manner around an article or a folding mandrel, use is made of a folding roller (34) which is mounted at a fixed location, is driven in rotation and is rolled, by way of a lateral portion (35), over the facing surface of the pack (10) or of the folding mandrel (17) with blank (11).

Abstract: An automatic grocery bag opener automatically opens plastic and polyethylene bags with forced air in produce departments and at checkout counters of grocery stores. Bags are held in position from any of several different types of hangers on the front of the enclosure. The outside bag is forced and held open by the forced airstream from the air supply. The bag can then be filled with the grocery items. Once the bag is filled, it is removed from the hangers and the next bag is automatically blown and held open. As long as the motion sensor sees movement, the blower stays on. If no movement is seen by the motion sensor, the motion sensor ends an electric signal, thus turning off the blower. In turn, if the motion sensor sees a motion, an electric signal is sent to the blower and turns the bagger back on.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing apparatus has an inlet portion and an intermediate portion. The inlet portion is adapted to couple to, or insert into, a container to be vacuum sealed. The intermediate portion connects to a vacuum source, such as an in-house vacuum system. When the vacuum source is active, air is drawn in through the inlet portion. The vacuum sealing apparatus may also have a contamination filter disposed therein that substantially impedes contaminants from entering the vacuum source. In another configuration, the vacuum sealing apparatus is self-contained and includes a dedicated vacuum source.