Abstract: A decorative structure is provided that is suspended within a space and includes a flexible panel maintained in a flexed configuration. The decorative structure includes a cable that supports the flexible panel and that is connected to a biasing member. The biasing member cooperates with a portion of the flexible panel to maintain the panel in a flexed configuration. A method of configuring a decorative structure with a flexed panel is also provided.

Abstract: A matting surface having a first flooring member and a second flooring member is disclosed. The first flooring member is substantially parallel to the second flooring member. Both flooring members have an end with an extending tabular member and a grooved end that is structured to slideably receive the extending tabular end of an adjacent flooring member thereby forming a joint between the flooring members and the adjacent flooring members. The first and second flooring members having means of connecting and interlocking the first flooring member to the second flooring member.

Abstract: A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes. The concrete panels are formed vertically in a gang form.

Abstract: Three-dimensional assemblies include substantially planar structural components having various two-dimensional generally polygonal shapes. Each such structural component includes a plurality of magnets positioned substantially at the midpoints of the polygonal sides of the structural component for use in connecting multiple instances of such structural components together, e.g., via the use of interconnecting ferromagnetic balls sized and configured for efficient interaction with such magnets. Such structural components can also include one or more slots extending inward from the peripheral edge surface of the component for use in assembling corresponding structural components together in an interlocking fashion, e.g., to form cruciform.

Abstract: A gap between adjacent floor boards (14) can be sealed using an elongate strip (10) of resiliently flexible material, which is compressed transverse its longitudinal axis and fully inserted into the gap (13) to be sealed by transposing the strip (10) transverse its longitudinal access, and allowing the strip (10) to partially recover its shape, such that the opposite side edges of the strip (10) engage respective opposite side edges of the adjacent floor boards (14). The strip (10) thus provides an effective and inconspicuous seal between adjacent floor boards (14).

Abstract: A waterproof sheet structure for a cool roof includes a waterproof sheet layer and a top reinforce layer placed on one side of the waterproof layer. The top reinforce layer is impregnated in a liquid polymer and then dried, and is treated to have a light color. The liquid polymer has fire retardant property. The top reinforce layer is made of a fiberglass cloth, which includes a plurality of glass fibers woven with one another. The polymer fill gaps between the woven fibers. The polymer is impregnated onto the fiberglass cloth in such a thickness so that there are no glass fibers exposed out of the polymer. The waterproof sheet is made by forming the fiberglass cloth, and then coating asphalt on the fiberglass cloth with a constant thickness.

Abstract: A form for creating a pattern in uncured concrete during a casting process includes a support frame and a perforated reinforcing structure coupled adjacent to at least a portion of the support frame. The perforated reinforcing structure includes a plurality of apertures defined therein. A pliable liner is disposed at least partially within the plurality of apertures and at least partially about the perforated reinforcing structure adjacent the support structure. The pliable liner has a patterned surface formed thereon for creating a corresponding pattern in uncured concrete poured adjacent the form.

Abstract: A building component having first and second high density foam panels and improved bridging members for connecting the panels that extend between and may be molded into the panels. The bridging members include a pair of elongated end plates oriented in a top to bottom direction of the panels, a pair of substantially identical web members joining the end plates and being substantially symmetrically disposed above and below a central horizontal axis of the bridging member, and a pair of strip members oriented in the top to bottom direction of the panels intersecting the web members. The web members have a unique configuration that maximizes load bearing capacity with a minimum amount of material. The strip members may abut against and be substantially flush with respective inner surfaces of the foam panels to assist in positioning and forming the panels during molding. Seating areas for positioning horizontally and/or vertically disposed rebar in predetermined positions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety device for a door adapted to prevent the door from being slammed. The device is installed within a recess provided in the door and comprises a housing adapted to be inserted within the recess, a tongue provided in the housing wherein the tongue is adapted to move between a first position in which it partially protrudes outwardly from the recess and a second position in which it is fully inserted within the recess. The tongue is in the first position when the door is open and is in a second position when the door is closed. When the door is unintentionally slammed into the jamb, the tongue collides in the jamb preventing the door from being fully closed and when the door is intentionally closed, the tongue is withdrawn to within the recess using the door handle so as to allow full closure of the door upon the jamb.

Abstract: A gypsum-based building material containing from 1 to 25% by weight of zeolites.

Abstract: A modular wall assembly structure capable of withstanding adverse external forces such as extreme weather conditions is disclosed. The modular structure is formed from a plurality of substantially parallel framing studs. A wallboard panel is affixed to the framing studs, and a support component is attached to the rear side of the framing studs to provide tensile strength to the wall structure. The modular wall assembly structure can be used to prepare solid wall panels, window panels, door panels, and corner panels. The wall assembly structure is sufficiently strong to withstand hurricane force winds without being destroyed. A method for constructing a modular wall exterior wall structure is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and straightening a framed wall includes a plurality of beams, a mounting plate, a bolt, and a pusher. The mounting plate is secured to the beam and the bolt is threadably secured to the mounting plate. The bolt is received by the pusher. When tightened, the bolt applies pressure to the pusher which in turn applies pressure to the framed wall. Alternatively, a plurality of mounting plates and pushers may be used to apply pressure to a cross beam and thereby efficiently apply pressure to a plurality of framed wall beams. By tightening the bolt, the user can apply pressure to the beam and straighten or retain the wall. As the wall shifts during periods of correction, the bolt may be re-tightened to apply additional pressure to the wall.

Abstract: A roof tile support element that fits between roof tiles and a roofing surface to provide support for the roof tiles, which is compatible with a broad range of roof tiles, is adjustable during installation, and that allows individuals to walk confidently on a tile roof without breaking tiles.

Abstract: A floor panel in particular made of laminate having side edges, which are provided with elements of a panel connection for being connected with further panels. In order to form such a floor panel for the installation into a floor heating, a to fixed arrangement of a heating means is formed on a bottom surface, and a heating connection is formed on at least one of the side edges.

Abstract: Block made of solid wood or pressboard that is used in construction on the same principle as masonry blocks by staggered stacking. It is provided with two flange on its upper portion, two grooves on its lower portion, and its end assembly is produced by using splined tongue and groove joints. Two countersunk holes are on its upper portion and in the two ends in a symmetrical way. These pilot holes allow the passage of a screw or a metal point so as to link the block to the initial support or to the lower block. The assembly of the right-angle quoins makes it necessary to grind flanges over the portion of assembly only. These blocks are used in the field of construction of buildings. They quickly enhance the value of and store accidental products such as fallen trees to improve the value of the scraps from the wood industry.

Abstract: An aperture formed by one or more elements of a truss and utilized to form ductile connections with other reinforcement elements. Said aperture may be formed by the positioning, bending, weaving or sewing of one or more said elements. The trusses may be disposed in parallel or intersecting planes and may be connected by the utilization of said apertures on site or fabricated offsite. They may be assembled into structures or into modular or custom panels with which structures may be built, and embedded in cementations. Insulation and other mechanical systems may be incorporated into said truss and panel systems prior to embedment in cementations. Said aperture-forming trusses may also be used to incorporate prior art into structures with enhanced properties. The resulting interconnected systems of apertures, trusses, insulation and other systems generally are embedded in cementations to produce structures with superior ductility of interconnections and enhanced composite behavior.

Abstract: A metal connector for use in the fabrication of structural I-beams having upper and lower flanges in which each flange includes a pair of timber members, the connector having two spatially separated attachment sections that can be located between the timber members of each flange, wherein at least one of the attachment sections has a plurality of spikes projecting outwardly from opposite sides that are capable of piercing and fastening one pair of timber members to the connector to form one of the flanges of the beam.

Abstract: The invention provides a structural building element formed from cold-rolled lightweight sheet steel. The building element may be used as a structural upright or as a beam, and is based generally on building elements with a known C-shaped profile. The profile of the building element of the invention is however based on a continuous curve. Each of a pair of front wall portions extends in a wholly or substantially smooth arc from a central slot opening onto the corresponding lateral side. The rear portion is sinusoidal, comprising a pair of convex wall portions each extending in a wholly or substantially smooth arc from a concave arcuate or substantially arcuate rear central wall portion onto a respective one of the lateral sides.

Abstract: A fastener adapted to be set in a body of concrete to facilitate the later attachment of utilities such as pipes, brackets, ducts and the like. The fastener is adapted to be temporarily secured to formwork prior to a concrete pour and once concrete is cured, the formwork can be readily released from the fastener.

Abstract: An anchor for use with structural joints including a body having a substantially uniform cross section, a first end and a second end, the body having at least one aperture formed between the first end and the second end and at least one opening formed adjacent the second end. The body has an embedding portion including the at least one aperture and a protruding portion including the at least one opening. Each aperture receives a first reinforcing member and each opening receives a second reinforcing member. The embedding portion is embedded in a first structural component, the protruding portion protruding exterior of the first structural component. The protruding portion and second reinforcing member are embedded in a second structural component adjacent the first structural component that forms a joint between the first and second structural components.

Abstract: An anchor for a rectangular tube employs a wedge assembly, whereby rotation of an adjustment bolt of the wedge assembly moves an upper and lower wedge member together, and the wedge engagement with a central wedge member causes said central wedge member to move toward engagement with the tube, thereby securing the tube within a base body. Clevis pins and corresponding key hole slots mount the wedge assembly to a base, while allowing easy removal of the wedge when desired.

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: The present invention is related to spacers that can create fluid flow space at a variety of structural interfaces, particularly in building construction. The spacers of the present invention include unique hinges that can physically couple one panel of the spacer to another panel of the spacer in a manner that substantially distortionally separates the two panels. Preferred embodiments include a folded hinge having at least two folds. The spacers of the present invention also include unique panel dimples that help control the rigidity of the panel. In preferred embodiments, elongated dimples are used to help control rigidity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method that allows the installation of construction materials, such as drywall, by a single person. The device comprises an extension (or hoist) section coupled at one end to a support which can receive and support a piece of drywall during installation. The extension section is further coupled to a base portion at the end opposite to the support. The base portion includes a pivot feature that serves to lift the drywall once it has been positioned on the support. The extension is adjustable to install drywall on a stud wall at various heights. Advantageously, the device is lightweight, easily transportable and easy to use. The device's convenient design enables its utilization immediately upon reaching a construction site.

Abstract: A hand tool that allows a user to properly align a wall stud relative to a top or bottom plate and, without requiring assistance from another person, to retain the stud in alignment while nailing the stud to the respective plate. The tool is compact and can easily be carried in a tool pouch for instant retrieval when needed. An additional feature allows the tool to be employed as an aid to move the finished wall frame to its proper location.

Abstract: A reinforcing structure for a building and a reinforcing member used for the structure, where the structure has excellent anti-vibration characteristics and quake resistance. The reinforcing structure and member for a building are capable of reducing the deformation of structural members of the building caused by vibration and removing the deformation so that the original form is restored. A reinforcing member (1) is provided and fixed at a corner portion where structural members (11, 12) of a building intersect. The reinforcing member (1) is formed such that a first spring member (third leaf 33) and a second spring member (layered leaf (5)) are combined, and a damper (4) and a synthetic resin foam body (2a) are arranged in a space between the first and second spring members. A synthetic resin foam body (2b) is filled in a space surrounded by the structural members (11, 12) and the reinforcing member (1).

Abstract: Fireblock devices, wall assemblies and related methods useful for retarding the spread of smoke and fire through dynamic head-of-wall construction joints and gaps are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the fireblock device is characterized by an elongated angled channel member having an elongated intumescent material strip, wherein the angled channel member is defined by an elongated top flange member connected to an elongated side flange member along a lengthwise edge, and wherein the top and side flange members define a right angle and a lengthwise interior corner region, and wherein the top and side flange members each have inner flange member surfaces that face inwardly with respect to the interior corner region, and outer flange member surfaces that face outwardly with respect to the interior corner region, and wherein the intumescent material strip is affixed on the outer flange member surface of the side flange member.

Abstract: An expanding panel fastener assembly for affixing a honeycomb panel structure to a support structure is disclosing having an insert member that attaches to a hole drilled within the honeycomb panel. A flexible sleeve and retainer assembly includes a molded flexible sleeve, an expander member and a retainer member. A sleeve spacer can further be attached to the flexible sleeve to assist in retaining it within the insert member. By providing a fastener for engagement with the retainer member, the expander member can further prevent withdrawal of the retainer member and can further assist in expanding the flexible sleeve to provide a sealing configuration with any support structure.

Abstract: A container for storing a fluid incorporates an overflow region. The overflow region is located above the desired fill line of the container and preferably terminates in the same plane as the opening of the fill spout. In this manner, the amount of fluid filled in the container can be maximized while still providing the desired air space for shipping purposes. Incorporating structural features into the body of the blow-molded container eliminate the use of external cases.

Abstract: By loading both upright and flat tissue clips into their respective cartons by pushing on one end of the clip along the clip's longitudinal axis, a simple flexible carton loading apparatus is possible. To load flat tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip while sliding the clip from the bucket into the carton. To load upright tissue clips, the buckets of the carton loading apparatus are configured to hold the clip such that a pusher head contacts one end of the clip, while the opposing end of the clip is moved either up or down such that the leading half of the clip is folded backwards about a transverse fold axis by a folding plate attached to the pusher head as the clip is advanced through the bucket towards the carton. Upon entering the carton, the clip is folded in a backwards C-shape.

Abstract: Methods for filling and sealing containers having one or more flexible sides. Non-standard containers for holding fluid are releasably supported during the filling and sealing process. Both the interior and exterior of the filled container are subjected to an environment of reduced pressure to minimize the headspace and sealed.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a package include: a package-joining belt forming step for forming a package-joining belt (PC) in which packages (P) each containing a material filled in between superposed films and each sealed by joint portions (PA) and a side edge portion (PF) are joined with each other by the joint portions (PA), the package-joining belt forming step including: a superposing process of forming superposed films; a joint portion forming process of forming band-shaped joint portions (PA); a side edge portion forming process of forming band-shaped side edge portion (PF); and a filling process of filling the material; and a scar forming step for forming plural elongate scars (100) each extending adjacent and substantially perpendicularly to the side edge in the side edge portion (PF), wherein the package-joining belt forming step and the scar forming step are carried out, while the package-joining belt is drawn.

Abstract: Once opening of a plastic bag with an article stored therein is placed between a cover and a vacuum assembly of a pocket sealing machine, moving a rib to a second slot will extend the suction head into the opening. Pressing the cover will enable an electric heater to start heat sealing the opening, and moving the machine across the opening until the suction head is wrapped. In a suction releasing the cover will disable the electric heater, pressing a switch will activate a motor for disabling the heat sealing and enabling the suction head to make a vacuum in the bag, and releasing the switch will deactivate the motor. In a final sealing moving the rib back to a first slot will retract the suction head, moving the machine to cover the opening, and pressing the cover toward the vacuum assembly will enable the electric heater to seal the opening.

Abstract: An improved handgrip and stirrup support device for bareback horse riding. The device comprises a handgrip having opposing arms to which are attached at an angle side members having openings therein. The handgrip is improved by being made generally straight and elongated and by having ridges formed into the handgrip. The handgrip is further improved by having opposing arms to increase the elevation of the handgrip over the side members. The side members are improved by having a greater surface area. The openings in the side members are improved so that a hand can enter the openings to adjust a girth and so that a breastplate can be attached to the device. The improvements enable the device to be used with any horse and increase the security and comfort of the device for both the horse and the rider.

Abstract: A dust collector is disposed between an intake port and an exhaust port in a vacuum cleaner. Air flows from the intake port into the exhaust port along an airflow path in the dust collector. The dust collector includes a dust-collecting net disposed in the path, and a dust-brushing unit. When air flows from the intake port into the exhaust port, a plurality of dust brushes of the dust-brushing unit rotate to brush the net so as to remove dust from the net. Therefore, air can flow unimpeded through the net.

Abstract: Provided is a cyclonic dust collection unit for conveniently removing a foreign object filtered therein. The cyclonic dust collection unit includes: a first filtering chamber for filtering a first foreign object having a first size using a cyclone airflow; a second filtering chamber for filtering a second foreign object having a second size smaller than the first size of the first foreign object, the second foreign object being contained in the air passed through the first filtering chamber; a foreign object storing chamber for storing the first and/or second foreign object(s) separated through the first and second filtering chambers; a filter disposed in the first filtering chamber, for separating the first foreign object on an outer surface thereof; and a cutaway hole formed in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: A dust collection unit for a vacuum cleaner includes a first cylindrical filtering chamber for filtering foreign objects contained in air using a cyclone airflow, a plurality of second filtering chamber formed along an outer circumference of the first cylindrical filtering chamber to receive the air passed through the first cylindrical filtering chamber, a first storing chamber formed under the first filtering chamber to store the foreign objects filtered in the first filtering chamber, a second storing chamber for storing the foreign objects filtered in the second filtering chambers, and a connection plate interconnecting opposite ends of the second storing chamber to define the first filtering chamber, the connection plate having a lower end located to be higher than a lower end of the second storing chamber.

Abstract: A dust collection assembly of a vacuum cleaner is provided. The dust collection assembly includes a dust collecting box, a filter, a flow guide unit, an exhaust guider, and an upper cover. The dust collecting box and the flow guide unit are integrally formed in a single body. The dust collecting box includes a first and second dust collecting spaces for collecting foreign objects. The filter is disposed in the inside of the dust collecting space to primarily filter foreign objects during operation of a cyclone. The flow guide unit guides airflow and has small cyclones integrally formed therein, for secondarily filtering the foreign objects in air. The exhaust guider guides airflow and has a plurality of discharge holes through which air filtered by the small cyclone flows. The upper cover is disposed on the upper side of the exhaust guider.

Abstract: Provided is a dust collection unit for a vacuum cleaner that can provide an improved collection efficiency, a reduced reduce, and a good outer appearance. The dust collection unit includes: a first filtering chamber for filtering first foreign objects; a plurality of second filtering chambers formed along an outer circumference of the first filtering chamber to receive air passed through the first filtering chamber and filter second foreign objects by using cyclone airflow, the second foreign objects being smaller than the first foreign objects; an air intake hole through which air is introduced into the second filtering chambers; at least one air introduction guide extended outward from the air intake hole to guide a flow of air introduced into the second filtering chamber; and a storing chamber formed under the filtering chamber.

Abstract: A dust collection unit for a vacuum cleaner includes a first filtering chamber filtering relatively large foreign objects, a second filtering chamber filtering relatively small foreign objects when air exhausted from the first filtering chamber is introduced into the second filtering chamber, an exhaust member disposed above the filtering chambers to guide airflow, a storing chamber disposed under the filtering chambers to store the foreign objects filtered in the filtering chambers, a sealing member sealing bottoms of the filtering chambers, and a rectifying unit formed on an exhaust side of the second filtering chamber to rectify airflow, thereby reducing noise generated by the airflow.

Abstract: A dust collecting unit of a vacuum cleaner is provided. The dust collecting unit includes: a plurality of storing chambers and a plurality of filtering chambers provided in the inside of a multi-cyclone dust collecting unit. To improve reliability of the product, the storing chambers and the filtering chambers are integrally formed as one body.

Abstract: A dust collection unit for a vacuum cleaner includes a collection body having a plurality of filtering chambers different from each in a volume and a plurality of storing chambers storing foreign objects filtered in the filtering chambers, a bottom seal member defining a bottom of the collection body, and an exhaust member guiding airflow in the filtering chambers. The exhaust member contacts tops of the filtering chambers as well as an outer circumference of the collection body.

Abstract: A dust collection unit for a vacuum cleaner includes a first filtering chamber filtering foreign objects using a cyclone airflow, a separation plate defining a top surface of the first filtering chamber, a filter having a diameter that is reduced as it goes downward in response to airflow rate variation in the first filtering chamber, and a blocking member provided under the filter to prevent the foreign objects filtered in the first filtering chamber from flying.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a first and second cyclonic cleaning stages in series. The second cyclonic cleaning stage has a plurality of second stage cyclones. A conduit connects the first cyclonic cleaning stage outlet and the second stage cyclone inlets.

Abstract: A device for facilitating removal of a filter from an air circulation system includes a flexible element having a first, low profile position adjacent a surface of the filter and a second, extended position spaced from the surface of the filter. When in the extended position the flexible element provides a graspable or grippable medium for removing the filter from the air circulation system. The device also includes attaching means for securing the flexible element to the filter.

Abstract: A positioning device for the dust-collecting bag of a dust-collecting machine includes a wind-exhausting box having its annular wall bored with an annular engaging groove and plural positioning members. Each positioning member is formed with a combining portion secured on the annular wall at the inner side of the annular engaging groove. The combining portion has one end extending and bent to form a clamping portion having its inner side formed with an arc-shaped projection to be engaged with the annular engaging groove of the annular wall. The clamping portion has its lower end extending outward obliquely and forming a pull member. When a dust-collecting bag is fitted around the annular wall, its opening portion can be elastically clamped by the clamping portions of and closely engaged in the annular engaging groove of the annular wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary machine comprising a rotor (6) bearing a packing (9) in the form of a ring which is at least partially made from a flexible, fluid-permeable material. The inventive machine also comprises variable-speed drive means for rotating the rotor (6) and means which enable the aforementioned packing (9) to be deformed in response to a variation in the rotational speed of the rotor (6). As a result, the machine can produce an air flow, extract material contained in said flow and perform a self-cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A particle separation member is provided for use with a cyclone separator. The particle separation member divides the separator into a cyclone chamber and a particle receiving chamber. The cyclone chamber and the particle receiving chamber communicating via a plurality of apertures in the particle separation member.

Abstract: Powder overspray that is extracted from a spray booth is recovered back to a powder supply that is used to supply powder to the spray guns inside the spray booth. The powder overspray extracted from the booth is separated from the high flow air stream by a separator such as a cyclone separator. The powder falls into a transfer pan and a vacuum is used to convey the powder from the transfer pan to a vacuum receiver. The powder is then discharged to the feed hopper in the feed center. The use of a vacuum to convey powder from the cyclone to the feed center in effect permits substantially all of the powder overspray to be recovered from the spray booth directly to the feed hopper with minimal dwell or residence time within the cyclone or vacuum receiver subsystems during a spraying operation. The receiver can be rotated for easy cleaning, and the vacuum line cleaned by one or more cleaning elements drawn through the vacuum line.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a base plate, a canister, and filtering media contained in the canister for filtering fluid from an inlet port to an outlet port. Notches are formed into an outer periphery of the base plate. An annular bead of the canister side wall is partially formed into the notches to provide a torque locking mechanism between the base plate and the canister. The terminating lip portion of the canister is wrapped around the outer face of the base plate and formed into an annular trough to directly secure the base plate to the canister. The annular trough includes a diverging outer wall that provides a narrow contact interface between the terminating lip portion and the retention corner of the base plate to thereby reduce moment loads induced therebetween as a result of high fluid pressures in the filter.