Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a sliding door that is slidingly mounted to a top track via one or more top guide assemblies. The sliding door is also slidingly mounted to a bottom track. Each top guide assembly includes a top guide wheel that rotationally mounts to the top guide assembly and engages the top track to guide the sliding door. The guide wheel rotates relative to the top guide assembly about an axis that extends horizontally in a direction perpendicular to a direction of travel of the sliding door. The guide wheel also movably mounts to the top guide assembly so that the guide wheel moves upwardly and downwardly relative to the top guide assembly and sliding door to correct for any variation in the gap between the top and bottom tracks.

Abstract: A weather strip includes a trim body having a generally U-shaped cross section, a hollow seal portion that protrudes from an outside surface of the trim body, and a holding lip formed on the trim body so as to extend from an inside surface of the trim body toward the inside of the trim body. The weather strip is mounted on the vehicle body such that the trim body is held by a flange provided at a periphery of a door opening of a motor vehicle. The weather strip is formed by extrusion molding such that the length of the holding lip is changed in a plurality of steps in accordance with the thickness of the flange.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle shelter including an inflatable bladder configured for nested engagement with a vehicle for covering exterior surfaces thereof (excepting the underside) . Interior of the bladder is a compressed gas supply with valve means for rapid inflation of the bladder upon actuation of exteriorly accessible actuation lanyard or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for flexing a web is disclosed. The web passes over two co-rotating members, such as rollers or belts, which are separated by a small adjustable gap. The web travels around the first rotating member, is peeled off in the vicinity of the gap, bent back on itself in a small radius and reattached on the second co-rotating member. The location of the small radius is fixed with a closed loop control system sensing the radius location and controlling the relative velocity of the two members. Strain in the web is adjusted with the size of the small radius, which is controlled by the adjustable gap and radius location.

Abstract: A method for creating a stage scene with at least one stage element that can move on the stage, wherein the at least one stage element is actively driven.

Abstract: A debris-filtering downspout and other water runoff conduits and receptacles are disclosed, and include a screen mounted within a conduit, a culvert, a storm water conveyance or secured to a water collection basin. The screen provides high water throughput and is self-cleaning while effectively filtering debris contained in an incoming water stream. Optionally, media pads may be included to further scrubbed the water before it exits the downspout assembly.

Abstract: An enclosed structure, such as a patio enclosure, sunroom, or solarium, is attachable to the exterior wall of a building, has a high proportion of windows and a roof, and constructed from a framework of composite members and insulating wall panels, the panels and wall members being extruded from material having improved thermal characteristics and stability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Component modular summer outdoor kitchen assembly, which is a housing for a Bar-B-Q grill, with cut-outs for such additions as a refrigerator, doors, grills and miscellaneous inserts. It is consisting of five basic panels, or two modular units, arranges into different configurations, made solely of cementations materials and bonded with a waterproof mastic. No nails or screws are used in the panel construction. Panels are approximately one and one quarter inch thick, with a height of approximately thirty-six inches. The interior framework of the panels are three-quarter by two inches, and three quarter by four inches, for structural purposes. The assembly of the modular units would consist of stainless steel clips and pins in corners, acting as the only necessary assembly, giving the component modular summer outdoor kitchen a minimal set-up and break-down time, approximately five minute per unit.

Abstract: A building uses three or more triangular facades arranged in a serial array formed by one triangular facade jutting from side face boundaries of each of the abutted and side-by-side triangular facades. The triangular facades configured similarly are in a dispersed serial arrangement about an elongated central axis. One triangular façade is the larger of triangular facades and all facades have a triangularly shaped outer facing wall bounded by an endless succession of perimeter walls in a right triangle relation. The arrangement permits multiple triangular façades configured to harmonize with level or undulating terrain.

Abstract: A roof sheet membrane system includes a roof sheet membrane with an adhesive bonding surface that is overlaid by a topside release sheet. The roof sheet membrane is secured to a roof substrate by a plurality of fastener assemblies. Each of the fastener assemblies includes a mechanical fastener passing through the topside release sheet and roof sheet membrane and into the roof substrate to secure the roof sheet membrane to the roof substrate and a disk through which the mechanical fastener passes. The disk contacts and overlays a portion of the topside release sheet immediately surrounding the mechanical fastener and causes the portion of the topside release sheet overlaid by the disk to be easily separable from a remainder of the topside release sheet when the topside release sheet is removed from the roof sheet membrane prior to adhering an overlying roofing layer to the roof sheet membrane.

Abstract: A roofing system in a building structure having a ridge vent includes strips of composite material having a base material adapted to form a hermetic seal with the top surface of a roofing section and recesses in a top surface in which an air permeable material can be positioned. A strip is applied to roof sections adjacent to each side of a ridge vent so that a ridge cap can overlay the strips in spaced relation from the underlying roof sections and be sealingly secured to the roof sections. The strip material establishes a barrier between the ridge cap and the roof sections through which air can pass, but through which the passage of rain, insects, and the like is inhibited.

Abstract: Fireblocking device for preventing transfer of fire through ventilating apertures or similar passages, in openings for thermal fire ventilation, in ventilation ducts, in process plants or in vented facade exteriors, in vented fire blankets, vented fire protective curtains or vented protective screens against explosions. The device includes a combination of a heat absorbing and heat storing body, and an element which includes and/or adsorbs and intumescent material.

Abstract: The present invention is a massive body having handles to facilitate maneuvering, and an attached chain. The chain can be attached quickly around burglar bar doors and/or windows and the massive body swung in such fashion as to rapidly carry the burglar bar door and/or window away from its supports. The present invention can then be carried on its return swing into the remaining entry door in much the same way as a conventional battering ram.

Abstract: An interlocking concrete joint form including a metal stake having a flattened end containing a plurality of serrations and an elongated metal form having a generally flat top portion and a pair of parallel planer side portions, wherein one of the side portions contains an inwardly facing inner portion which forms a locking pawl for interacting with the serrations of the metal stake and wherein neither side portion contains a key-joint portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a drilling device and a tube. The drilling device typically has a first end, at which a point is located and a second end which is connected to a first end of the tube. The apparatus also includes an insertion bar having a first end inserted into the tube and a second end at which a latching device is located. The latching device can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set. The apparatus may also include a first pole receiver connected at the second end of the insertion bar. The apparatus may include a handle which can be inserted into the insertion bar for rotating the insertion bar, tube, and drilling device to drill the drilling device into the ground.

Abstract: A support assembly for receiving and maintaining one or more sections of an above-ground structure at a substantially upright position includes a base member having a protrusion connected thereto and extending upwardly therefrom in a substantially vertical direction. The support assembly further includes a plurality of ancillary members having top and bottom end portions defining engaging and receiving portions respectively. One of the ancillary members is positionable onto the base member and receives another ancillary member thereon. The assembly also includes a top member with a top end portion that has a slot formed therein and for receiving a section of an above-ground structure so that same can be maintained at a secure position.

Abstract: The cable bracket mechanism is extendable between a cleat or clamp mounted to a building and a part of a bay or bow window that is remote from the building. The mechanism includes an elongated bracket having a a flange at one end extending about right angles to the main body and a reversely curved hook portion at the other end that is joined to the main body and is extended into a second bracket opening, a cable having one end connected to a building and at its opposite end to a stud extended through an aperture in the flange, the second bracket being mounted to the window, and a fastener threadable on the stud to bear against the flange for adjusting the tension in the cable.

Abstract: A corner and safety transmission assembly for an actuating linkage of a metallic window or door frame with wing and swivel opening, which includes an “L” shaped guiding body able to be fastened on the exterior of an upper corner of the movable frame of the window or door; a first and a second slidable member, mounted slidable on respective branches of the guiding body; a flexible element that interconnects said slidable members; and a safety block including a body in which is mounted a bolt able to slide transversely relative to the direction of motion of the first slidable member and against the action of elastic means. The guiding body has two transverse guides between which is inserted the body of the safety block.

Abstract: An impact resistant sash and frame assembly is disclosed including a frame member having a substrate engagement region and a sash engagement region, a sash member operatively engaged to the sash engagement region, the sash member having an exterior portion and a sash member window-supporting region, wherein the exterior portion is curvilinear in a direction away from the sash engagement region.

Abstract: A device for supporting a glass panel (80), the device comprising an anchor member (50) and a mounting member (60) having a first portion (30) and a second portion (62), the first portion (30) being adapted (34) for adjustably mounting the mounting member (60) relative to the anchor member (50), and the second portion (62) being adapted to receive a portion of the glass panel (80), the second portion (62) having a means (14, 24) for locking the glass panel (80) to the mounting member (60).

Abstract: A floor box for providing access to multiple utilities in a floor structure. The floor box includes a housing having a bottom wall and one or more side walls extending from the bottom wall and defining an interior space therebetween. A partition wall attached to the bottom wall and the side walls partially divides the interior space. A flange is attached at the upper edges of the side walls and includes a surface extending outwardly therefrom. A cover assembly includes a frame mounted to the flange. The frame has a cross member overlying the partition wall and cooperating therewith to divide the interior space into first and second compartments. The cover assembly further includes first and second access doors movable relative to the frame between open and closed positions for providing access to the first and second compartments respectively. A gasket seals the first and second compartments.

Abstract: A curtain wall system and method facilitates the installation of exterior and interior curtain walls. Brackets are mounted at equally spaced vertical intervals receive and secure curtain wall members installed from the top of the wall down. A kerf formed in the lower end of each wall member is received on a receiving and retaining member located at the distal end of the supporting member of each bracket. A kerf formed in the upper end of the wall member receives a locating and retaining member having a latch secured thereto. The wall member and the latch are then rotated towards the bracket until the latch engages with a locking member of the bracket, thereby securing the wall member in place.

Abstract: An access floor assembly is provided that comprises a plurality of abutting access floor panels that are attached to a plurality of pedestals. A resilient and flexible gasket is provided between the abutting floor panels to provide an effective seal between the panels. The effective seal allows a pre-determined pressure to be maintained in a plenum located between the access floor panels and a sub-floor. Air under pressure in the plenum may be delivered in a controlled and consistent manner from the plenum to a space above the access floor assembly.

Abstract: A smooth edge strip for engaging a carpet edge at a floor edge adjacent a wall is held in place by a bracket having a bracket body defining a mounting plate for attachment to the wall at the floor edge and a channel portion for receiving the smooth edge strip so as to hold the smooth edge strip flat on the floor. The channel portion includes an upper leg across the top of the strip which connects to the wall plate at the corner with the floor by a downwardly inclined portion. The wall plate is arranged at an angle to provide spring bias tending to hold the channel and the strip held thereby in contact with the floor.

Abstract: A corner guard providing protection for tiles attached proximal of a corner junction formed by an intersection of side walls. The corner guard includes an edge guard bent to cover a portion of the intersection of side walls proximally above the corner junction. The edge guard includes a base end configured to be releasably attached to each side wall proximal to the tiles. A ledge is formed integrally with said edge guard base end with the ledge extended a sufficient width laterally for protective covering of an upper portion of the tiles. A tile cover integrally depends from the ledge and is sized and angled to substantially cover the tiles proximal of the corner junction. The tile cover protectively covers the tiles and deflects impacts directed toward the tiles while the edge guard protects the wall edges above the corner junction from impacts directed toward the wall edges.

Abstract: A wall is provided comprising an inner wall component, an outer wall component, and a plurality of the moisture control strips described above, disposed between the inner wall component and the outer wall component. The projections on the first wall component contacting face engage one of the inner wall component and the outer wall component. The second wall component contacting face engages the other of the inner wall component and the outer wall component. The moisture control strips are horizontally spaced from each other within the wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector assembly for connecting together a structural component and a concrete body. The connector assembly is capable of resisting shear forces between the structural component and the concrete body. The connector assembly includes a connector adapted to be embedded in concrete and adapted to be attached to the structural component, and a connector element that is adapted to surround the connector and form a barrier that is spaced from the connector and confines concrete around the connector. A clip for interconnecting the connector and connector element is also disclosed. An integrally formed connector element assembly that includes a connector element and a clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a backsplash for protecting a first surface adjacent a work surface. In some embodiments, the backsplash includes a layer of tiles having a front surface exposed and resistant to byproducts of work performed on the work surface. In some embodiments, the layer of tiles are coupled together for installation and removal from the first surface as a single integral unit. Also, in some embodiments the backsplash includes a mount positioned to releasably and removably couple the backsplash to the first surface in at least one location between the backsplash and the first surface. The mount can retain the layer of tiles in a substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to the work surface when the backsplash is in the mounted position upon the first surface. Also, some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of releaseably coupling a backsplash to a first surface adjacent a work surface.

Abstract: An insulated wall system for a basement with foundation concrete walls that are nearly adjacently disposed to masonry block or concrete walls. The insulated wall system has a plurality of vertical metal studs with C or U-shaped cross-sections forming a plurality of cavities nearly adjacent to the interior concrete walls. There is also a plurality of fiberglass insulation sections that are frictionally fit in the plurality of cavities and a plurality of fire retardant sheets or skrims of drywall that are attached to the plurality of vertical metal studs thereby holding the plurality of fiberglass insulation sections within the insulated wall system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one component adhesive for adhering polymeric membranes to roof substrates. The one component adhesives are comprised of the reaction product of an isocyanate and a mixture of a compound having an average of two isocyanate reactive functional groups and a compound having an average of three isocyanate reactive functional groups.

Abstract: A continuous joint between and along the upwardly projecting side walls of a pair of channel-shaped panels each having a central web with first and second side edges. The first side wall of one panel initially comprises first and second vertical legs and a nail strip connected to the bottom of said first vertical leg. The opposing side wall of the other panel is a vertical leg with an upper, inverted U-shaped channel and formed by: a) locating a first panel with said nail strip to overlay a roof support surface, b) driving fasteners through the nail strip into the roof support surface, c) placing the second side wall of a second roof panel into engagement with the first side wall wherein the inverted U-shaped channel is interfitted over the first side wall, and d) deforming the interfitted side walls to form a deformed standing seam.

Abstract: Coating and jointing material systems for wall construction are provided. The coating is applied to drywall elements prior to installation and is compatible with the jointing materials such that a substantially homogeneous surface may be obtained after the drywall elements are assembled with jointing material and the jointing material is dried. Methods for the construction of interior walls and interior construction systems are provided.

Abstract: A prefabricated relief form member for use as an architectural feature on a structure formed alternatively by use of welded wire mesh, double wire welded wire mesh, corner beads fixed together, or woven wire mesh and optionally using corner beads at the corners of the top and sides, and having backing paper.

Abstract: A composite structural reinforcement is realized within the pipe through in situ stratification of at least one band of reinforcement fibers and a resin matrix. The band is arranged according to a helicoidal path along the internal side of the pipe.

Abstract: An arrangement and method of securing siding to a building and a specialized nail for securing siding to a building are disclosed. The nail comprises first and second elongate shanks and a head connected with respect to the shanks and extending transversely thereto with an outer surface for contact with a hammer during installation of the nail. The method involves providing a first siding panel having an edge and a first slot spaced from the edge by a first distance, hammering the first shank into the building, the first shank positioned in the first slot, and hammering the second shank into the building, the second shank positioned outside of the first slot. The arrangement comprises such a panel fixed to a building with such a nail.

Abstract: Single-piece clips for securing objects to surfaces by insertion through a gap or channel in the surface such as, for example, outdoor decking comprised of spaced-apart planks. The clips include a head, legs and feet properly dimensioned to prevent the clip from being pulled out once positioned. The head provides an aperture to which object fasteners/connectors can be attached, while the legs and feet provide three-dimensional stabilization preventing an object so connected from being displaced.

Abstract: A rectangular composite wood board includes along each of its long edges an alternating tongue and groove construction, the tongue being insertable into a similarly shaped groove. In one embodiment, each of the short edges of the board is in contact with a groove at one end and a tongue end at the other, and each of the long edges includes an equal number of tongues and grooves. In another embodiment, each of the long edges has a groove at each of its ends and the grooves are equal to or longer than the longitudinal length of a tongue.

Abstract: A roof flashing strip (10) is formed by extruding or injection molding a suitable material of either plastic or metal. The roof flashing strip (10) is formed as an elongated member (16) which then can be cut to any suitable length. The roof flashing strip (10) includes a backing plate (14) having a plurality of legs (18, 18?, 18?) projecting laterally outwardly therefrom and normal thereto. The legs (18) are inclined with respect to a horizontal plane (17) and vertically axially displaced such that there is a gap (24) therebetween, with portions of adjacent legs overlying and/or underlying one another. The gap enables the emplacement of a shingle (30) thereinto.

Abstract: Interlocking cladding panels for floors, walls, ceilings, or the like, having a top surface and a bottom surface and terminating with at least a receiving edge and an engaging edge. The receiving edge has a head tooth, a leveling tooth recess, an intermediate tooth, a locking tooth recess, and a foot tooth. The engaging edge has a head tooth recess to cooperate with the head tooth, a leveling tooth to cooperate with the leveling tooth recess, an intermediate tooth recess to cooperate with the intermediate tooth, a locking tooth to cooperate with the locking tooth recess, and a foot tooth recess to cooperate with the. foot tooth. The receiving edge is complementary in shape to the engaging edge so that when the engaging edge is placed on the foot tooth of an adjacent panel it is guided into position permitting the installer to snap the panels into a locked position.

Abstract: A building block having the dual capabilities of transferring genetic information and functional entity precursor to a recipient reactive group is disclosed. The building block may be used in the generation of a single complex or libraries of different complexes, wherein the complex comprises an encoded molecule linked to an encoding element. Libraries of complexes are useful in the quest for pharmaceutically active compounds.

Abstract: A concrete building block containing Portland cement, a filler, water, and a quantity of particularly sized plastic particles, such as spent abrasive particles of a thermoset plastic. The associated method of producing such blocks eliminates the need of curing the blocks in a heated humidity controlled environment in order for the blocks to attain the required water content for hydration of the cement.

Abstract: A product of a method is disclosed, the method being for construction of non-seamed stone corners for use on outside edges formed by joining thin stone walls at right angles. Thin stone is used to lay the field of the walls. In the method, two cuts are made in a building stone, removing a residual piece and leaving a corner stone with sides ½ inch to 3 inch thick to match the thickness of the thin stone on the field of the walls. These corner stones are the product of the method and are laid on the corner formed by the right angle joint between the walls, giving the illusion of a thick building stone wall with nearly the low cost and easy laying of thin stone. Where the residual piece is large enough, it is used to cut a second corner stone in the same manner.

Abstract: A modular folding shelter for use in seismic or weather disturbances is disclosed including a first force transferring member having a first plurality of lateral supports, the first plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a second force transferring member having a second plurality of lateral supports, the second plurality of lateral supports including crossmembers, at least one upper articulation point, and at least one lower articulation point, a top member for receiving the at least one upper articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one upper articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports, and a foldable base member for receiving the at least one lower articulation point of the first plurality of lateral supports and the at least one lower articulation point of the second plurality of lateral supports.

Abstract: A decorative or structural element including a ribbon of material having a body portion and two ends forming a plurality of peaks and troughs in a generally sinusoidal waveform. The body portion defines two major surfaces and two minor perimeter surfaces, wherein the ribbon defines a longitudinal axis. The waveform may have constant or variable amplitudes and/or wavelengths, in various combinations. Moreover, the ribbon may have an overall convex or concave form as well as hybrid convex-concave or concave-convex forms. A flange may be secured to a major surface or a perimeter surface, thereby increasing the structural integrity of the element. In such embodiments, the ribbon may be continuous or discontinuous. In addition, the ribbon may be formed to include longitudinal twists with or without the presence of at least one flange.

Abstract: The present invention is a truss system constructed of rigid members and cables. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid members are used drill piping. Two inclined upper members are joined together at an angle to form a truss peak junction. A vertical member connects to and supports the lower end of each inclined upper member. The bottom of each vertical member sits in a collar attached to the top of a foundation member located in the ground. A tensioning member is perpendicularly attached to each inclined upper member near the midpoint of the inclined member. For each inclined upper member, a cable attaches to the inclined upper member near the truss peak, runs through a penetration in the tensioning member, and attaches to the lower end of the inclined member. Finally, a cable with first and second ends has its first and second ends secured so as to apply tension that opposes spreading of the lower ends of the inclined upper members.

Abstract: A steel-framed building 1 using section steels for a column 10 and a beam 20, wherein section steels having the same cross sections are used for the column 10 and the beam 20. The steel-framed building 1 has a beam-side joint A for joining an end of the column 10 to the beam 20, and a column-side joint B for joining an end of the beam 20 to the column 10. The same members are used as both a reinforcing member 30 provided in the cross section of the beam 20 constituting the beam-side joint A and a reinforcing member 30 provided in the cross section of the column 10 constituting the column-side joint B.

Abstract: A scaffold apparatus for operations comprises either a single post or a plurality of posts (16) put up inside a tower structure (1), from a bottom section thereof toward a top section, and a height adjustable operations platform (8) that is attached in a manner that enables free up or down movement along the posts (16), and during operation, if the posts (16) are assembled inside the tower structure (1) and the height adjustable operations platform (8) is then attached to the posts, then subsequent adjustments of the operating height is performed easily and quickly by moving the height adjustable operations platform (8) up or down along the posts (16), and compared with a case in which, for example, a level adjustment operation such as adding to the scaffold framework is required inside the tower structure every time the operating height is altered, the operability of inner wall surface operations improves markedly, and because level adjustment operations need not be conducted at great heights, the safety of

Abstract: A trim unit for a hose faucet includes a base unit which attached to the wall of a building and surrounds the water pipe to which the faucet is attached. A trim ring then attaches to the base unit. In order to reduce air infiltration and freezing of the pipe during the winter, an insulated cover is adapted to attach to the trim unit.

Abstract: a stake marker, with a nail-able head insert (4) for the purpose of permanently attaching other marker items (provided by user) and a tube body (2), for locating points on the ground. The tube (2) can be steel, galvanized steel, or stainless steel approximately ½ inch in diameter and varies in length to approximately 2 feet. The nail-able head insert (4) can be waterproofed wood, plastic or metal. Crimping (3) the tube (2) onto the wood insert (4) secures the insert to the tubing. Various means of securing the insert to the tube such as adhesive (5) and by using a pin (6). A metal or plastic insert (7), that lips the top edge of the tube, the insert having a pilot hole (9) for receiving a nail or screw, and having an expanding body, as the nail or screw is inserted, to expand the insert body against the tube. The head of the tube and insert is coated with paint or vinyl (1) for visibility and durability.

Abstract: A drywall repair patch comprises: a mesh sheet which carries a dry, pressure sensitive adhesive layer on at least one side thereof, and at least one layer of a dry, water hardenable cement product carried on a side of the mesh sheet. The mesh sheet is free of any rigid supporting plate. Further by this invention, water is applied to the water hardenable cement, typically after placement on the wall, followed by pushing a portion of the cement layer and mesh sheet into the hole being covered, without substantially breaking the adherence to the wall, to form a concave portion of the patch in the hole. After hardening, a second portion of water hardenable cement material is applied to form a smooth wall surface over the hole and drywall patch.