Abstract: A visual management tool for implementing physically handicapped housing into a new or existing home.

Abstract: An wood rot resistant assembly comprises a vertical wooden member having an exposed end grain. At least two buttons extend from the end grain. A sill assembly defines a horizontal base plane. The sill assembly extends perpendicular to the vertical member. The buttons elevate the vertical member end grain above the horizontal base plane.

Abstract: A surround molding module incorporates an invisible division bar assembly. The invisible division bar includes a support or glass encapsulation that does not extend outwardly beyond the plane of the exterior surface of fixed and movable windows of the vehicle. It provides a butt joint between these window edges. The support also carries a guide member that provides tracking with a guide extending outwardly from a glass encapsulation secured to the movable window. A glass run channel is also secured to the support along the rear vertical edge of the movable window. An effective window guide tracking system is provided that has improved wind noise and a flush window appearance with no off-set.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for having a plurality of blocks secured to a flexible mat to form a subassembly. The subassembly is positioned within a rigid frame cover and the frame cover and subassembly are passed through a roll former to create a window frame of any desired curvature. The blocks are of a composite material and are preferably pultruded to provide the insulation and non-condensation advantages associated with wood core window frame, while eliminating the disadvantages associated with mildew, rot, cracking and flammability.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided. A structure has one or more first resonators for absorbing noise having a first frequency substantially the same as a resonant frequency of the one or more first resonators. The resonant frequency of each of the one or more first resonators may be adjusted by adjusting a size of an opening and/or a volume of that first resonator. The size of the opening and/or the volume may be manually adjusted or may be adjusted by a controller in response to a noise monitor. One or more second resonators may also be included for absorbing noise having a second frequency substantially the same as a resonant frequency of the one or more second resonators.

Abstract: A raceway assembly according to the present invention is used in conjunction with a conventional equipment rack to route cables between and otherwise to or from equipment stored in the rack. Guide members project from a trough portion of the raceway and position cables routed through spaces between the guide members. Versions of the guide members have elastic edging providing soft surfaces to reduce cable wear and otherwise protect cables from potential damage and lessening of life span. Some of the edging is formed as a substantial portion of the thickness of the guide member to provide enhanced cushioning of the cables. Versions of the guide members can include a core portion of a rigid or pliable material. Those guide members with a pliable core can be readily bent to provide enhanced support and positioning of cables being held by the guide members.

Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete truss which spans between exterior columns and forms an interior or exterior load bearing wall of a building. The truss includes top and bottom chords interconnected by at least one web member. Prestressed reinforcing members in the top and bottom chords apply a compressive stress in the chords. The top and bottom chords are configured to support concrete planks that form a floor and/or a ceiling of a building in which the truss is used. When used as an interior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one opening that forms, for example, a corridor passage large enough for a person to walk through the opening. When used as an exterior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one window opening.

Abstract: Structural reinforcing members are supplied for use in resisting shear forces within larger construction projects using reinforced concrete, along sites where strengthening ribs or beams between formers are to be created. The members also force the channels apart and maintain the reinforcing therein before curing at predetermined dimensions and spacings. A variant provides reinforcing cages that can be put together on the site for maintaining multiple reinforcing rods. The cages of different beams can intermesh at rib cross-over points. Example cages are eight-bar cages where each bar is made of 1.25 inch diameter reinforcing steel. During assembly the bars are held in place by the members with the assistance of gravity so that relatively little linking together of the reinforcing parts is required.

Abstract: An end cap locking mechanism used to protect attachment means connecting pre-cast concrete structural members from exposure to adverse environmental conditions having an end cap and a connection sleeve, wherein the end cap is inserted into an end of the connection sleeve and engaged therein prohibiting any exposure of the attachment means to precipitation, which if exposed to such, could possibly corrode the attachment means. The position of the end cap is locked when inserted into the end of the connection sleeve by protrusion rings and cooperating recesses within both the end cap and the receiving section of the connection sleeve.

Abstract: A movable reconfigurable wall system having at least one module having a front and rear surface, the at least one module having: vertical end frames disposed at least at its side edges, each the vertical end frame having a vertically extending flange directed toward the front surface and a vertically extending flange directed toward the rear surface; a plurality of horizontal stringers affixed between the pair of vertical end frames; and an aesthetic surface affixed to the stringers; and a removable connecting strip, the connecting strip adapted to affix about one of the two flanges on one of the vertical end frames and join the one of the two flanges to a corresponding flange on one of a second module, a wall bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post.

Abstract: A frame system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of frame members each having a connector socket defined therein. The system further includes a connector having an outer profile configured to engage the sockets of two of the frame members so as to connect them in a fixed angular relationship. The connectors are composite bodies including a core member and an exterior body which covers at least a portion of the core member and defines a portion of the outer profile of the connector. Also disclosed are frames which employ the system and methods for manufacturing the frames.

Abstract: The prefabricated universal structural steel panel and panel system includes a generally elongated rectangular panel having an opposed exterior and interior surfaces, an opposed first and second end portions, and an opposed first and second side edge portions. At least two stiffening ribs are integrally formed and embedded in the panel and extend longitudinally between first and second end portions. The first side edge portion is designed and configured with a beveled or tapered side edge portion, which has an elongated male connecting member integrally connected thereof and extending away from the interior surface. An elongated female connecting member is integrally connected to the second side edge portion and extends away from the interior surface. The elongated male connecting member of one panel cooperatively profile to mate with female connecting member of adjacent panel.

Abstract: A boxable corner bead for finishing drywall corners that is made from two flanges with a protruding nose section. This bead can be made in regular, bullnose, or flex trim type arrangements. Once the bead is attached to a drywall corner, it can be mudded on both sides of the corner without waiting for the mud on the first side to dry. This is because of the shape of the nose which allows a mud dispensing box to apply mud on one side without getting mud on the nose. The box can then be immediately moved to the other side, where that side can be mudded. The nose itself is prepared to directly receive paint or texture, and hence does not need any mud. A version of the device has a raised trapezoidal, triangular or bull-nose section with a V-groove cut in the back. The bead hinges around the V-groove to match any corner angle. Both sides can be mudded as with the fixed bead. The beads can be used with both interior and exterior corners.

Abstract: As made from a cellular polymer, a drywall-trimming accessory has two diverging flanges, each of which has two expansive surfaces facing oppositely. A superficial layer is removed from the same part of each expansive surface of each flange, as by milling, so as to reveal open cells of the cellular polymer. Where the superficial layer has been removed, a drywall-finishing compound contacting the same part of each expansive surface of each flange adheres well. As examples, which are not intended as limiting, the drywall-trimming accessory may be an elongate strip, which may be extruded from polyvinyl chloride, or a two-way or three-way corner, which may be molded, as by injection molding, from polystyrene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

Abstract: A lateral force resisting system according to the present disclosure includes a metal lateral force resisting panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The metal lateral force resisting panel may be formed from a single piece of material and may include a plurality of ductility apertures forming lateral force resisting elements to enable the panel to flex without catastrophic failure. In a hybrid configuration, a wooden structural frame may be combined with the metal structural panel. The structural panel may be subdivided into multiple panes using ductility apertures to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin configuration or self-tightening.

Abstract: Concealed anchoring structure interconnecting (a) the base of an elongate, upright, tubular (hollow), structural building-frame column having a long axis, and (b) a generally planar and horizontal podium slab having a body with upper and lower surfaces which collectively define slab depth, with the long axis of the column being substantially normal to the plane of the slab. This anchoring structure includes elongate, nut-and-bolt structure which is disposed substantially on the column's long axis, with upper portions of the nut-and-bolt structure being concealed within the hollow base of the column, above the slab's upper surface, and the lower portions of the nut-and-bolt structure being disposed adjacent the slab's lower surface, whereby the nut-and-bolt structure anchorably interconnects the column and the slab.

Abstract: A bi-functional roof drain includes a housing forming a drain manifold and a drain outlet to connect to a drainage system. A vent pipe penetrates the housing and extends through the manifold. The top of the vent pipe is positioned a distance above the housing, which may be variable. With this drain, a method of retrofitting a roof drainage system to provide water drainage and system venting is also presented. This method includes removing an existing uni-functional roof drain from a deck penetration through the roof, and installing a bi-functional roof drain in the same deck penetration. The drain outlet is connected to the drainage system and the vent pipe is connected to the system that requires venting. The height of a top opening of the vent pipe of the bi-functional roof drain may be adjustable in relation to a surface of the roof.

Abstract: A load cell apparatus has a load cell adapted to couple to a first structure. The load cell comprises a load cell body and a sensor. The sensor provides an output signal indicative of an amount of weight applied to the load cell. A stud extends away from the load cell body. The load cell apparatus has a stud receiver including a space in which a portion of the stud is received. A set of rollers are coupled to one of the stud receiver and a second structure and contact the other of the stud receiver and the second structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite panel for application in concrete shuttering which incorporates a core which contains recycled thermoplastic material and triturated recycled rubber, preferably recycled polypropylene in a quantity of 80-20% and recycled rubber in a quantity of 20-80%, or recycled material coming from the automobile industry which contains triturated recycled thermoplastic material and rubber in a quantity of 90-40%, and a quantity of recycled polypropylene of 10-60%. On at least one of the two faces of the core a structural skin is laid with intermediation of a filter which acts as interface and allows a secure bonding of said structural skin to the core. In turn, on one of the faces of the structural skin, a finishing skin is laid which constitutes the contact face with the concrete.

Abstract: A fastening tool with a housing assembly, a magazine assembly and a deflectable finger. The housing assembly includes a nosepiece. The magazine assembly, which is coupled to the housing assembly, is configured hold a plurality of fasteners and sequentially feed the fasteners into the nosepiece. The deflectable finger is coupled to the housing assembly and extends outwardly there from.

Abstract: A fastening tool to releasably engage a peripheral or internal wall of a concrete block defining an internal channel for lifting and placement provides a “U” shaped body with spaced depending legs to fit over the wall of the block. The body supports an “L” shaped external tong arm bracket pivotally carrying a similarly “L” shaped tong arm, with an engaging hook at a depending end and attachment means for a lifting line carried by a lifting mechanism at an opposed horizontal end, to frictionally engage the block wall between the body legs when the tool is lifted by the tong arm attachment means. The body back carries an upstanding “U” shaped handle for manually lifting the body for tool placement and release. A system provides plural fastening tools carried in lateral adjacency on a supporting beam attachable to a lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A loose-fill blowing machine is provided having an input for receiving loose-fill insulation for blowing. The blowing machine includes at lest one magnet disposed proximate to the input for attracting magnetic materials received in the input.

Abstract: The cement masonry unit cover is a substantially flat plate of rigid material attached to a cement masonry block and covering an opening formed therethrough. The rigid material used in the cement masonry unit cover can be metal, plastic or any other suitable material. The cement masonry unit cover is attached over the opening by a friction clip extending from the back of the plate, or in any other suitable manner, such as by fasteners or adhesive. The cement masonry unit cover may be perforated to allow for the passage of drain water while preventing the passage of animals through the cement masonry unit cover. Alternatively, the cement masonry unit cover may be a solid plate imprinted with user-selected indicia.

Abstract: A weather-strip construction includes a frame member and a cover member and a weather-strip. The cover member mates with the frame member and the weather-strip forms a weather seal between the frame member and the cover member. The weather-strip includes a foamed sealing portion. The weather-strip is secured to either the frame member or the cover member. The foamed sealing portion of the weather-strip provides the weather seal and extends continuously along either the frame member or the cover member depending to which one it is attached and extends along any sharp corners continuously without interruption such that a continuous weather seal is formed between the cover member and the frame member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of printing an image on an object, such as a door facing or a door. An object having an exterior surface is provided. A first image component is printed on the exterior surface. A first transparent coat is applied on the exterior surface so as to cover the first image component. A second image component is printed on the first transparent coat. Optionally, a second transparent coat is applied to the first transparent coat and second image component so as to cover the first and second image components. The resulting object, such as a door, having the printed image thereon is also disclosed.

Abstract: A deck clip comprises a generally vertically extending leg; and a pair of arms extending from an upper edge of the leg. Each arm is configured for insertion into a slot of a deck board and presents an enlarged lobe. When the deck clip is screwed to a deck joist, the lobes grip the deck boards and hold them tight against the joist. The shape of the lobes increases the gripping force between the lobes and the deck boards as adjacent boards are hammered or otherwise pushed together. The lobes facilitate the gripping of the boards and help maintain the desired gap between adjacent boards for the life of the deck.

Abstract: An improved wood cooking or baking plank having pre-installed crack or split closure hardware. The cooking plank has permanently embedded nuts so connecting split closing screws can easily turn while sealing closed a crack or split in the wood grain. Operating the plank's split closing hardware requires no special tools foreign to many kitchens. A common table knife will turn the screw easily into the embedded nut subsequently closing the crack or split.

Abstract: A block comprising two halves, each half being barrel shaped defining a hole therethrough comprising a tubular extension that extends from the first end and a second end configured to receive a tubular extension from another block. The blocks can be made from a variety of different materials and may be connected to one another to create a variety of different structures.

Abstract: Methods and structures involving the use of a double-sided adhesive membrane assembly having one adhesive surface with low initial tackiness to permit a substrate to be re-positionable even if pressed into contact against the adhesive. The method allows wood deck components, flooring planks, roofing tiles, and other building material components to be fastened together conveniently while securing a waterproofing and/or sound-deadening effect.

Abstract: A paneling system for a home media center having prefabricated wall panel sections, prefabricated columns positioned at the joints between adjacent wall panel sections, and adjustable baseboard trim pieces. The wall panel sections can be positioned behind the columns at the joints in order to accommodate various room length dimensions. Cutout section profiles on the columns precisely match trim profiles of the wall panel sections when the wall panels are positioned behind the columns. The baseboard trim on the wall panel sections and on the columns is vertically adjustable by means of a screw and slot arrangement to accommodate height variations.

Abstract: A concrete reinforcing system includes a reinforcing member that is adapted to be adhered to a structure through the use of an adhesive. The reinforcing member includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is adapted to penetratingly engage the structure or a surface of the structure. The second leg is adapted to adhere to another surface of the structure. The second leg angularly extends from the first leg.

Abstract: A method is provided for repairing a defect in a noise suppression panel. The method may be used to repair defects in a panel that may occur during the manufacture of or normal use of the panel. The method includes the steps of removing the defect from the noise suppression panel to create a cavity therein, forming material comprised of a material having acoustic damping properties into an insert configured to mate with the cavity, and placing the insert into the cavity.

Abstract: A wall patch repair system for a hole comprising of at least one backing member that is mounted to patch member, a securing means applied to the backing member to secure the backing member and patch member in the hole, a positioning means for positioning the patch member and the backing member in the hole and adding additional pressure to the wall patch system while the securing means is activated.

Abstract: A wall covering for a pair of wall surfaces that form a corner. The wall covering includes (1) plurality of wall panels each having a plurality of horizontal tiers of simulated building elements and (2) a plurality of corner moldings each having a single tier of building elements. The corner moldings each have mounting flanges and an interlock and alignment pin that facilitate adjustable positioning of the corner molding with a selected tier of building elements of an adjacent wall panel. The corner molding mounting flanges and building elements further define relatively deep wall panel receiving pockets for positively retaining the side of an adjacent wall panel and forming a water barrier.

Abstract: A metal shingle system which is resistant to leakage, even under severe weather conditions. The key attribute of the new system to the design of the side edge of the shingle such that water that seeps between adjacent shingles cannot be blown upward. Briefly, the top edge is overturned and the bottom edge is underturned such that they can be interconnected as is well known in the art. One side edge is folded to form a gutter area into which water that seeps between laterally adjacent shingles is collected and drained onto the lower row of shingles. The top of the gutter area is blocked by the overturned top edge, which extends into the gutter region. Also disclosed is an improved tool for cutting the shingles, such as is needed around obstructions and at the end of the roofline.

Abstract: A roof having slate attached by battens and hangers. The hangers have a short member and a tong member. The tong member has a hook on one end and the remaining end is adjacent to a first outward extending arm. The first outward extending arm is adjacent to a central connecting member. The central connecting member is adjacent a second outward extending arm. The second outward extending arm is adjacent to the short member. The first and second outward extending arms are removeably secured to the battens. The slate roof is installed by positioning and attaching the battens to a roof deck. The hangers are then secured to the battens by squeezing the short member and long member together and inserting the first and second outward extending arms into the adjacent hanger holders on the batten.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a graphic design 1 on a plurality of contiguous covering elements 4 forming the outer surface of a roof of a building or a facade by the well-aimed application of parts of the design 1 to the outer surface of the covering elements 4, wherein the graphic resolution of the design 1 is smaller than the outer surface of said covering element 4, and further to a roof of a building or a facade comprising a plurality of contiguous decorative elements 5 forming the outer surface thereof, obtainable by the above method.

Abstract: A laminated shingle has a rendered shadow design when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more tabs separated by cutouts. The overlay member is also coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to form horizontally-oriented overlay shading areas on the upper and lower edges of the tabs. The underlay member is coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to form vertically and horizontally-oriented underlay shading areas. In one embodiment, one or both vertical edges of each tab are generally parallel to the vertically-oriented longitudinal axis of the vertically-oriented shading area to expose a portion of the shading area.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced floor panel usable in a building comprised of a joist and at least one boot whereby the boot is fixedly connected to an end of the steel joist; a planar section comprised of reinforcing members, whereby a deflection strength of the planar section is higher than a deflection strength of a planar section without the reinforcing members; and a reinforcing material covering whereby the at least one boot and the steel joist are not completely surrounded by the reinforcing material covering.

Abstract: A roof panel is furnished with a flat covering element (1) having a front edge, a rear edge, a first side and a second side, a projecting bent-up side face (2) vertically protruding from the flat covering element (1) near the first side, and a bent-up side face (4) vertically bending off at the second side of the flat covering element (1). An inwardly flanged edge (3) is formed at the projecting bent-up side face (2) bent over toward the inside. An outwardly crimped edge (5) is formed at the bent-up side face (4) bent over toward the outside. A single piece connected attachment edge (7) for screw holes is disposed along the projecting bent-up side face at the outer side of the projecting bent-up side face. An upwardly warped reinforcement bead (8) is extending parallel to the first side and to the second side and subdividing the flat covering element (1).

Abstract: A thin film transistor array panel for a liquid crystal display, a liquid crystal display and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The display panel includes: a substrate; and a first electrode portion disposed on the substrate, the first electrode portion having two pairs of main edges facing each other and a first cutout oblique to the main edges, wherein the main edges include first and second edges, the first electrode portion has an oblique edge substantially parallel to the first cutout, the oblique connecting the first edge and the second edge, the first edge includes a first portion extending from the oblique edge to an end of the first cutout, and the oblique edge is substantially equal to or longer than a half of the first portion of the first edge.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention is a modular construction building block and methodology of use, wherein at least one construction building block has an exterior, which generally defines an interior with a hollow cavity that may receive filler, post-manufacture, through an interior access apparatus. The weight of the filler helps to secure the building block in place in the structure or to a prepared site as well as possibly assist the load-bearing capability of the structure. The exterior of the building block may bear one or more facades. Additional elements of the invention may further include ground securing devices, interlocking devices and the like.

Abstract: A construction block includes rectangular front and rear panels and at least one web connecting the front and rear panels. Each of the front and rear panels has top, bottom, and right and left edge surfaces. At least one web having top and bottom surfaces co-extensive with the top and bottom of the front and rear panels is provided to define top and bottom surfaces of the block. The top surface of the block has a shallow rectangular ridge along its length, flanked by outer support surfaces. The lower surface of the block has a shallow rectangular channel along its length, flanked by flat outer feet corresponding to the outer support surfaces. The right and left edge surfaces of the front and rear panels are profiled to interfit with one another.

Abstract: A skeleton or frame for building an enclosed structure with a load bearing support system for supporting one or more levels of accessories to provide one or more additional levels of load bearing surfaces. The frame comprises at least two side portions comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced sidewall posts and at least one transverse member connecting the two side frames for mounting various panels (e.g., a roof, floor, wall, door, window, sunroof, refrigerator unit, air conditioner unit, etc.) and accessories (e.g., a shelf, drawer, bin, cabinet, platform, cot, sliding rack, bucket, bench and the like).

Abstract: A method of forming anchors at the ends of rebars includes providing an anchor plate, forming an opening through the anchor plate that is larger than the diameter of the rebar, heating the end of a rebar, inserting it into the anchor plate opening and then forging it to upsize the rebar end into engagement with the wall of the anchor plate opening. Preferably, the wall of the opening through the anchor plate is irregular to enhance the interlock between the upsized rebar end and the anchor plate. The resulting rebar end anchor then finds particular utility in reinforced concrete structure at joint intersections of for example, a beam and column or wall.

Abstract: A structural clip includes two connecting legs extending from a resilient spring means with a securing loop at the end of each leg. The angles defined by the legs and by each leg and the spring means when the securing loops are connected to a bottom support member secure that member and a contacting top support member in any spatial relationship one to the other without auxiliary tools. An embodiment useful over a range of support member diameters for perpendicular or parallel reinforcement member alignment, and a method for using the clip also are disclosed.

Abstract: The angular joint of the invention comprises a slide base portion (1) and a sheet metal mobile portion (2) superimposed thereupon, the sheet metal portion (2) including upwardly extending legs (2e) with indenting edges (2g), a bolt (3) being employed in the tightening process of the joint, wherein after the joint has been inserted into the hollow profile members being brought together for connection, the bolt (3) acts so as to exert an upwardly raising force onto the sheet metal mobile portion (2), whilst maintaining base portion (1) at a fixed position, and subsequently leading the sharp indenting edges (2g) of the sheet metal portion (1) to producing an indentation effect into the walls of the corresponding chambers (13a, 13b) of the hollow profiles being angularly connected with the joint, as the joint is being tightened, thereby resulting in a robust, self aligned connection of the hollow profile members.

Abstract: A roof anchor easily carried to be positioned and re-positioned by persons climbing on pitched roofs and comprising a flat steel bar having a rectangular cross-section, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end and a rear end with the front end bent to form a nose having a front bottom edge protruding below the bottom surface of the flat plate, a connector member projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the flat bar and forming a hole for attachment of a carabiner and tether line.

Abstract: A partially manufactured contiguous metal joist hanger is provided for field fabrication into the likeness and function of a contiguous joist hanger of a desired shape. The contiguous metal joist hanger comprises vertical flanged mounting brackets and a horizontal supporting seat positionable integral flange bracket for securing wood framing members at an intersecting joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect for a bracket for use with insulated forms for concrete walls. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior of the insulated form to provide for a means of attaching the header or rim joist to the bracket. The bracket is provided an anchoring plate extending from the attaching plate for insertion into the interior of the insulated form. The present invention also provides for a method of attaching a header or rim joist to a concrete wall formed using insulated forms. The method involves cutting a vertical slot in the insulated form and inserting a bracket into the slot. The bracket has an attachment plate for overlying the exterior surface of the insulated form and an anchoring plate extending from the attachment plate through the slot into the interior of the insulated form. Concrete is poured into the form and allowed to set, after which the header or rim joist is attached to the brackets.