Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for routing water away from contacting a surface. A strip fabricated from a rigid plastic or a light metal includes a horizontally extending member that when engaged, routes water out from a vertical surface to which it is affixed. The longitudinal base of the molding strip is arched or raised in order to conceal fasteners and has axially opposing ends angled to be received and retained within a molding trim holder.

Abstract: A siding support apparatus includes a rigid vertical member having an upper end and a lower end. An anchor block is provided for anchoring the vertical member in parallel spaced relation to a wall to which siding is to be applied. A plurality of supports are positioned at uniform spaced intervals along the vertical member between the lower end and the upper end.

Abstract: A reusable anchor bolt holder includes an anchor bolt engagement section that defines a bore configured to receive an anchor bolt, such as those used in typical commercial or residential construction practices. The anchor bolt holder also includes an attachment section connected with the anchor bolt engagement section. The attachment section includes a first attachment section and a second attachment section, both of which are hingedly connected with the anchor bolt engagement section. Additionally, the anchor bolt holder includes a lock configured to releaseably couple the first attachment section with the second attachment section. Still further, the first attachment section and the second attachment section include at least one fastener bore that is configured to allow for standard mechanical fastening, such as screws for nails, of the anchor bolt holder a supporting structure.

Abstract: A form stake for use in securing wooden forms around an area of concrete to be poured. The stake has a flat body with a T-shaped flange structure protruding from its front face, while the rear face of the stake is flat to slide smoothly against the face of the form as the stake is driven into the ground. The T-shaped flange structure has a central vertical rib terminating at the upper end of the stake in a horizontal driving shelf centered over the vertical rib. The driving shelf has a flat, uniform upper driving surface that forms the uppermost end of the stake. The driving shelf terminates at the flat rear face of the stake so that its upper surface can be driven level with the upper edge of the form using any non-specialized driving tool, at which point the stake tends to level itself with the upper edge of the form without being unintentionally driven below the upper edge of the form.

Abstract: A grid-top floor tile for outdoor use includes a polymer tile having a grid-type top surface with multiple levels, such as a bi-level surface having an upper lattice and a lower lattice oriented generally transverse to the upper lattice. The multiple levels of the surface are preferably integrally formed with one another and provide drainage gaps therethrough. In a bi-level surface configuration, the lower lattice has a top surface below a top surface of the upper lattice, so as to draw residual moisture below the top surface of the upper lattice. The tile further includes a support structure, configured to support the tile on a support surface and provide drainage pathways beneath the top surface. The tile still further comprises various reinforcement members on each of the loop and pin connectors used to interlock the tiles when forming a flooring assembly.

Abstract: A standardized, corrosion-resistant roof curb that can be shipped in a disassembled state, which an installer may assemble, size, locate and configure to provide an appropriate roof slope on any roof without welding, includes a panel and an extrusion configured to receive the panel, wherein the panel is trimmed according to the pitch of the roof. Methods of making and installing the roof curb also are disclosed.

Abstract: A roof opening structure for a roof includes support members supported by the roof and a frame supported by the support members. An uplift kit secures the frame to the roof to prevent lifting of the frame with respect to the roof. While preventing lifting of the frame from the roof, the uplift kit permits horizontal movement of the frame on the roof. The horizontal movement could occur due to temperature expansion/contraction of the roof.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: A glass door includes a pane of glass securely held by upper and lower frames. A clamping device is mounted in an outer groove of each frame and includes an outer clamping member mounted in the outer groove and an inner clamping member mounted in the outer clamping member. Each of two limbs of the inner clamping member includes an inclined outer face abutting against an inwardly facing inclined face of an associated limb of the outer clamping member. A lining member is sandwiched between an associated end of the pane of glass and inner faces of the limbs of the inner clamping member. A bolt extends through the outer clamping member and the inner clamping member. When the bolt is turned, the limbs of the inner clamping member are moved toward each other to tightly clamp the associated end of the pane of glass or away from each other.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a firewall sleeve system for preventing the propagation of fire along a cable, wire, line, pipe, conduit, and the like are disclosed. The firewall sleeve systems comprise a front/male housing with a first flange area and a rear/female housing with a rear/female flange area. Preferably, the rear/female housing and front/male housing are structured and arranged so that their flange areas do not have to be anchored into or cantilevered from a structural element. Moreover, the rear/female housing is frictionally and securely attached to the front/male housing so that the flange areas of each housing are on opposite sides of the structural element and, furthermore, are flush or substantially flush with their corresponding sides of the structural element. Also disclosed are methods of preventing the propagation of fire along cables, wires, lines, pipes, conduits and the like.

Abstract: A baffle apparatus mountable in a hollow structural member includes first and second sealed containers, each containing a separate reactive component. The first and second containers are formed of complementary melting point materials so as to melt and allow the reactive components to mix and react when the thermal energy is applied to the structural member. The reactive components form an expanded volume foam mass substantially filling, sealing, and/or reinforcing the cross section of the structural member.

Abstract: A highly fire-resistant and environmentally-friendly panel of 2 mm to 28 mm may be manufactured by a blending of magnesium compounds, sodium silicate, kaolin, fillers, and additives to form the core materials, reinforced by 4 layers of fire-resistant glass fiber meshes and fabrics. Using a proprietary ITC process that accelerates the chemical reactions of the ingredients to generate sufficient heat without external supply of energy, the panels may be completely cured within 24 hours instead of 10 days. The use of waste materials, energy-saving curing system and no gas emission manufacturing process combined to make this panel an eco-friendly product which offers the world's highest-rated fire resistance of 5 hours, high flexural strength, low density, durability and effective water-resistance.

Abstract: Constructional element intended for cogged joining having side walls of a single wooden or wood-like element; preferably both side walls are made of solid wood. Each element is preferably furnished with longitudinal grooves on its inside, curved across its longitudinal axis and on its inner side coated with a layer of plastic material, preferably thermoplastic material, which may also partially or completely surround ribs that hold the curved side walls in a stable position. The invention also concerns a method for the manufacture of the constructional element as well as a method for the manufacture of structural elements that constitute complete side walls of such a constructional element.

Abstract: There is provided cladding apparatus comprising a body portion (108) having an inner surface (110) and an outer surface (112) extending longitudinally between a leading edge (114) and a trailing edge (116) and transversely between opposed side edges (118). The leading edge (114) is provided with a formation (124) which inter-engages with complementary formation (126) provided on an adjacent body portion thereby permitting the body portions to inter-engage when laid in a longitudinal sequence. The body portion (108) is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending elongate mounting portions (128) on the inner surface (110) thereof. A longitudinal mounting batten (144) is attached to the fascia panel (106) adjacent to the exposed edge of the tiles (104), and into which the elongate mounting portions (128) may slide.

Abstract: A stick-on drywall-corner cover for covering predetermined drywall-corner configurations has a stick-on first cover-attachment panel (2) and a stick-on second cover-attachment panel (3) with undetectably thin panel edges (7) on opposite sides of a corner portion (4) that is predeterminedly rigid. The thin panel edges can be paper layers (19) or thinly tapered edges (18) of rigid material (21) for stick-on covering of foreseeable drywall-corner configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is a hardwood flooring board including a middle layer formed from a non-hardwood flooring material and a hardwood material upper layer which is secured to an upper surface of the middle layer that is thick enough to include decorative designs. The middle layer forms between 45% and 75% of the overall material of the board and enables the board to be manufactured to be more dimensionally stable, i.e., wider and longer, than conventional hardwood flooring boards such that the boards can be more uniformly constructed. Also the use of the non-hardwood material in the middle layer greatly increases the dimensional stability and long term performance of the flooring boards, while providing a genuine hardwood appearance to the floor. The board also includes a lower layer that can be formed from either a hardwood material or a non-hardwood material to function as a base for the board.

Abstract: A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A wall block includes two finished wall material layers attached to a frame where the tops of the wall blocks are configured to support other wall blocks. Exterior wall blocks for constructing exterior walls include an interior wall material layer and an exterior wall material layer. Interior wall blocks include interior wall material layers on both vertical sides of the frame. Walls are formed by stacking and gluing the prefabricated wall blocks and vertically aligning the wall blocks in an offset or in a vertical configuration to form a stack bond, running bond, or offset running bond wall configuration. The interior wall material layers and exterior wall material layers do not require further finishing after a wall is assembled thereby greatly reducing labor costs.

Abstract: A wall block includes two finished wall material layers attached to a frame where the tops of the wall blocks are configured to support other wall blocks. Exterior wall blocks for constructing exterior walls include an interior wall material layer and an exterior wall material layer. Interior wall blocks include interior wall material layers on both vertical sides of the frame. Walls are formed by stacking and gluing the prefabricated wall blocks and vertically aligning the wall blocks in an offset or in a vertical configuration to form a stack bond, running bond, or offset running bond wall configuration. The interior wall material layers and exterior wall material layers do not require further finishing after a wall is assembled thereby greatly reducing labor costs.

Abstract: A modular wall paneling system and installation method for wainscoting and other wall covering applications includes a plurality of rectangular wall panels each having a decorative front surface and a convex rear surface which provides line contact with the wall. A plurality of elongate upper and lower mounting rails are respectively affixed horizontally along the wall end-to-end at chair rail height and directly above the base board. Respective bottom edges of the wall panels fit into an upwardly open channel formed by the lower mounting rails and a top edge thereof snap-fits to the upper mounting rails. A plurality of elongate wall trim pieces snap-fit over the upper mounting rails to provide a finished look. The upper and lower mounting rails retain the top and bottom edges of the wall panels against the wall with a slight amount of interference which slightly warps the wall panels to provide a snug rattle-free against the wall along the contact line.

Abstract: A bearing is provided for use in connection with expansion joint systems. The structure of the bearing permits improved motion of, and provides improved support for, the components of the expansion joint system that are supported on or engaged with the bearing. The bearing is particularly useful for expansion joint systems in roadway constructions, bridge constructions, and architectural structures.

Abstract: A versatile tapeless drywall system comprising a drywall board panel having a generally rectangular shape formed of paper-wrapped core material and having front and back faces spaced apart to define a thickness of the panel and having long and short edges, said edges being characterized by one of the long edges being tapered on the front face marginal portions thereof enabling pairs of boards of such construction to be secured with the front faces exposed and with one long edge of each being abutted together to form a recess along the joint line of the abutted edges suitable for receiving finishing material therein and with the opposite long edge having a flap extending from the front face and beyond the edge and along the length of the long edge whereby the flap can be rotated about the axis of the front edge of the panel from a position against the face of the panel, for stacking and shipping the panel, through an arc of about 270° so that when the panels are in abutting relationship, the flap can be rotate

Abstract: Vertically joined flooring material comprising floor elements (1) with a mainly triangular, square, rectangular, rhomboidal or polygonal shape, as seen from above. The floor elements (1) are provided with edges (2) which are provided with joining members (20), a lower side (5) and a decorative top surface (3). The flooring material comprises a combination of at least two types of floor elements (1), which types comprises female floor elements (1?) and male floor elements (1?). The female floor element (1?) is provided with a female joining member (21) on at least half of the number of its edges (2) and a male joining member (22) on less than half of the number of its edges (2). The male floor element (1?) is provided with a male joining member (22) on at least two thirds of the number of its edges (2) and a female joining member (21) on less than one third of the number of its edges (2.

Abstract: Floorboards (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system consisting of a separately machined locking strip (6) which is mechanically joined with the floorboard (1), the locking strip (6) being designed for mechanical fixing to the floorboard (1) by means of a joint, which is operable by snapping-in and/or inward angling, and the locking strip (6) being designed to connect the floorboard (1) with the essentially identical floorboard (1?) by at least inward angling. Moreover, a locking strip, a strip blank, a set of parts for making a floorboard and methods for manufacturing a floorboard and a locking strip, respectively, are shown.

Abstract: A sidewall plank (14) for constructing trailers and an associated sidewall construction (10). The sidewall plank (14) has an body (15) defining a first edge portion (17) and has a second edge portion (19) for engaging the first edge portion (17) of another plank (14). The first edge portion (17) of the sidewall plank (14) defines a tongue (18) and the second edge portion (19) defines a primary groove (20) for receiving the tongue (18) of another sidewall plank (14). The first edge portion (17) also includes a second groove (24) for receiving an adhesive/sealant material and the second edge portion (19) is provided with a third groove (26) for receiving an adhesive/sealant material and for registering with the second groove (24) of another plank (14). The associated sidewall construction (10) includes a plurality of sidewall planks (14), and a roof support member (30).

Abstract: The fire block module includes a number of rectangular plate strips, arranged vertically and parallel to each other to form a grid layer. The grid layer is arranged horizontally in respect of the vertical direction of flame propagation occurring in the event of a fire, thus achieving good heat energy dissipation and preventing flame propagation.

Abstract: A spacer for use in constructing masonry walls of brick, block or cut stone and the like has two parallel rows of flexible beads that are connected to one another by filaments. The beads are spaced apart from one another so that when one course of bricks or the like has been laid, the spacer can be placed on top of that course so that there are four beads on top of each brick and the like, two beads in each row. The beads have a height that is slightly less than a level of fresh mortar to be placed and the spacer remains in the wall when construction is completed.

Abstract: The anchor bolt spacer of the present invention includes a central panel that has an end and a side. An end panel is connected with the central panel at the central panel's end. The end panel includes an outer edge opposite the central panel. An anchor bolt bore is defined through the end panel. A central tab is connected with the central panel along the central panel's side. Further, an end panel tab is connected with the end panel, opposite the end panel's outer edge. When formed, the central tab and the end panel tab are arranged to extend into the concrete foundation to rigidly hold the anchor bolt spacer in position. As such, when formed, the central tab and the end panel tab lie in substantially perpendicular planes. Additionally, the present invention is especially useful as it provides supplemental reinforcement to help drag shear loading from an anchor bolt into the concrete where short end distances are required.

Abstract: Strengthening reinforced concrete columns by using Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites can be an effective method of retrofitting existing columns. FRP composites have a number of advantages over steel, including their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent durability. The confinement effectiveness of FRP materials for rectangular sections can be improved by performing shape modification such that a rectangular column section is modified into a shape that does not have 90 degree comers such as an elliptical, oval or circular column. An expansive concrete can be advantageously used between the FRP material and the existing concrete in order to post-tension the FRP material circumferentially and improve confinement of the concrete. A finite element analytical model is also disclosed which model describes the stress-strain relationship for the FRP-confined columns after shape modification.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve the load-bearing capacity of formwork supports during shock-type stress that is effective especially perpendicular to or at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the support. Said aim is achieved by a formwork support which is made essentially of wood and is provided with a top chord, a bottom chord, and a web that connects the two chords. The web and/or at least one of the chords comprises at least one recess in at least one final area of the support said recess being filled with a filling material that has shock-absorbing properties. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a formwork support.

Abstract: A hybrid metal/composite material beam is suitable for withstanding bending stresses. The hybrid beam is a combination of dissimilar materials that are geometrically optimized in a structure to provide benefits beyond the characteristics of the materials separately. Also a stanchion assembly incorporates the hybrid beam.

Abstract: A unitized fibrous construct for providing reinforcement to castable structures, such as cementitious structures is claimed. The construct includes a bundle of reinforcing fibers or filaments that are held in place prior to addition to the cementitious mixture by a retaining element. The retaining element is of such a composition that upon release into the cementitious mixture it provides reinforcing capability to the cement structure. As such, the construct adds additional reinforcing capability and diminishes the likelihood of detrimental side-effects attributed to retaining elements that otherwise dissolve or disperse in the cementitious mixture.

Abstract: Curtain wall comprising a reticular supporting structure, provided with uprights and cross-pieces, and covering elements attached to the supporting structure. The uprights and the crosspieces include first attachment members for closure profiles positioned between two adjacent covering elements and provided with mating second attachment members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing weight on corrugated clay tile roof utilizing a thick piece of sculpted foam attached to a strong stiff material. Used in pairs the roof walker permits a person to travel across a clay tile roof without breaking the fragile tiles.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a through-hole in a building structure includes an elongated member defined by a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is defined by a penetrating point configured to form the through-hole in the building structure. The second end is defined by a receptacle device defining the second end. The receptacle device is configured to releasably retain a wire extending from the second end while the penetrating point penetrates the building structure.

Abstract: Reinforced structural assemblies and methods for forming such assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ribbed portion includes rib segments having a vertical height that extend laterally between junctions to form a network coupled to a supporting substrate. The rib segments include a plurality of flanged portions coupled to a lateral edge of the rib segments. In another embodiment, the ribbed portion includes rib segments having flanged portions on opposing lateral edges that receive opposing substrates. Similarly, a method includes forming a ribbed portion having a plurality of rib segments extending laterally between junctions. The rib segments include a plurality of flanged portions on at least one of the first and second lateral edges. First and second substrates are coupled to opposing sides of the ribbed portion.

Abstract: A support mat, such as a mat suitable for supporting heavy construction equipment, includes a plurality of beams fastened together, each of the beams being made of a plurality of individual wood laminations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an impact resistant door facing. The facing includes a rectangular sheet of molded hardened polymeric material having first and second opposing major surfaces. A mat having a continuous structure is integrally molded into the sheet. The mat is sufficiently porous to allow the polymeric material to permeate the mat prior to the polymeric material having hardened. The mat is disposed within the sheet so that at least one of the major surfaces is unbroken. The present invention also relates to a method of forming the disclosed door facing, and a door formed therewith.

Abstract: A window design that includes a thin semi-transparent reflective surface that is intentionally distorted, so as to disrupt and confuse reflected images without significantly impairing transmitted viewing, thereby providing energy-efficient properties while reducing inadvertent collisions, particularly from birds. The surface can be a layer of material suspended or supported between two panes of a window or sliding glass door, or can be a coating on a pane.

Abstract: A product packaging system for receiving a series of products from one or more product transport lines. The products are loaded into a series of carriers and transported through a downstream inserter unit. Inserter assemblies moving in timed relation with the movement of the carriers through the inserter unit engage and urge the products out carriers and into a carton for packaging.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.

Abstract: A wicketed bag fabrication and packaging process includes forming a continuous series of wicketed bags by feeding a continuous web and attaching articles to the web. A continuous series of pre-packaged articles or individual pre-formed articles are provided and attached to the web to form wicketed bags having one or more of the pre-packaged articles or pre-formed articles attached thereto.

Abstract: A system and method of vertically loading a product into a carton includes a bucket assembly and a funnel forming a lower portion of the bucket assembly. An open carton having a scoreline between a machine-side flap and the opening is positioned underneath the bucket assembly and a gate of the bucket assembly is moved from a closed position to an open position away from the scoreline of the carton.

Abstract: Device and method for filling a carton with flexible articles. Individual articles are grouped to a vertical stack and entered in a cassette in which the stack is tightly received. The cassette is closed on all sides and after removing of the opening the stack of bags will gently drop in a carton being positioned below. According to a further aspect of the invention the device is arranged to provide both horizontal and vertical stacking of bags in cartons by replacing the cassette by a carton which is subsequently tilted.

Abstract: Packets of cigarettes are conveyed from a packer to a cellophaner by a unit utilizing a first pocket conveyor connected to the infeed of the cellophaner, and a second pocket conveyor by which packets are directed onto the first conveyor at a transfer point; the unit is also equipped with a sensor that will check whether or not each pocket of the second conveyor is occupied by a packet, and a placement mechanism, interlocked to the sensor, of which the function is to fill any empty pockets of the first conveyor with packets recycled from the cellophaner.

Abstract: A pattern former for assembling wrapped bakery products into predetermined patterns comprises a perforated vacuum turntable. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum turntable while bakery products are loaded thereon and positioned in a predetermined pattern. Once the bakery products are positioned on the turntable in the predetermined pattern, an air assist is applied to the vacuum turntable while the bakery products are unloaded therefrom. The air assist eliminates contact between the wrappers of the wrapped bakery product and the upper surface of the turntable thereby eliminating disorientation of the bakery products within the wrappers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device in a riding saddle for fixing stirrup leathers (5) belonging to the saddle. The device comprises a safety element (1) on each side of the saddle, these being designed as a mirror image of one another and fitted to the saddle. Each safety element comprises an arm (1a), which at its remote end has a pivoted locking pin (1b). The arm (1a) when riding is directed essentially horizontally backwards with the locking pin (1b) pointing upwards in order in normal riding to prevent a stirrup leather, running over the arm (1a), from leaving this. Under increased stress as a result of abnormal circumstances the locking pin (1b) is bent backwards, thereby allowing the stirrup leather (5) to be released. The device further comprises a sleeve (4) that can be threaded on the arm (1a) and having a cut-out (4a), in which the stirrup leather (5) can be connected. The sleeve (4) at its end facing the remote end of the arm (1a) has a projection (4b).

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment filter has a pre-stressed layer bonded to the filter body at the outer periphery and compressively axially pre-stressed in an opposite axial direction to separational axial tensile stress to counteract the latter during regenerative heating, to minimize separational fracture and cracking.

Abstract: An inner portion of a filter cleaning portion 300 arranged at an inner portion of an interior unit is respectively arranged with cleaning units 300A, 300B constituted by arranging upper brushes 344a, 344b brought into contact with one face of an air filter and lower brushes 322a, 322b brought into contact with other face of the air filter 5 opposedly to each other at filter inlet/outlet 350a, 350b of the filter cleaning portion 300. Further, a longitudinal frame 54 and a transverse frame 55 of an air filter 5 having a filter sheet 51 in a shape of a meshed sheet for catching dust and a frame 52 for supporting the filter sheet 51 are formed on a rear face side (side of heat exchanger 3) of the filter sheet 51.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for removing matter from a filtering device includes a gas pressurization assembly. An element of the assembly is removably attachable to a first orifice of the filtering device. The system also includes a vacuum source fluidly connected to a second orifice of the filtering device.