Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.

Abstract: A staircase structure, representatively at least partially curved, is constructed from longitudinal modules each having tread, riser and stringer portions. In one embodiment of the construction technique, stringer portions of the modules are longitudinally telescoped with one another and then intersecured so that the interfitted modules form successive longitudinal portions of the assembled staircase structure. In another embodiment of the construction technique, stringer portions of the modules are vertically stacked and then intersecured. Illustratively, the riser and stringer portions of each module are of a laminated wooden construction shaped in situ on the underside of module tread portion by a CNC milling machine.

Abstract: An arrangement (1) for cladding a stair (2) comprises at least one profiled rail (5, 7) which can be fixed to a stair (2). The profiled rail (5, 7) comprises at least one connecting part (17) to make it easier to mount the stair cladding. This connecting part (17) is provided with an undercut groove (18) or tongue. A cladding element (9) can be securely clicked into this groove (18) or tongue by positioning it at an acute angle and then pressing it in.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system consisting of aluminum profiles (1, 11) in which threaded sliding blocks (14) inserted in the profiles are used, in particular, for fastening to solar modules and roof supports. The mounting system comprises at least two spaced apart profiled mounting rails (1) respectively with a support (2) limiting the profile height (7) and a connection (3) below the support (2) for the roof mounting. Threaded sliding blocks (14) are inserted in a form-fitting manner in each profiled mounting rail (1) for fastening the connection with the solar modules and the roof mounts. The profiled mounting rail has additional connecting profiles (4, 5, 6), arranged on the side or on the side and bottom, for engagement with complementary connecting profiles (8, 9, 10) of a profiled connecting rail (11). The profiled mounting rail (1) can be extended by sliding shaped pieces (13) with the profile of the profiled mounting rail (1) onto the profiled connecting rail (1 1).

Abstract: A vehicle glazing panel having an electrically heatable radiationreflective coating layer, at least two bus bars adapted to relay electrical power to the coating layer and at least a window, in the coating layer, permeable to electromagnetic radiations, which, when submitted to a power of 1000 W/m2 during 4 minutes, presents in a portion of the glazing panel delimited by the bus bars and not including the bus bars tips and their close periphery, a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature, such that the difference between the maximum temperature of the glazing panel with the window and the maximum temperature of the same glazing panel without window does not exceed 25° C. This may be used to minimise perturbations to the heating of the glazing caused by the presence of the window permeable to electromagnetic radiations and/or provide more even heating over the entire windscreen.

Abstract: A window conversion unit that replaces an existing window panel in an existing window panel frame or sash. The window conversion unit has at least one panel. The panel or panels are supported within the existing panel frame or sash by a replacement frame configured to support the panels. The replacement frame includes a conversion portion configured to engage the existing window panel frame.

Abstract: A leak resistant clad window has a sill, spaced vertical jambs, and a header. A barrier pan is installed over and clads the sill of the window and includes upwardly extending end walls that extend partially up the vertical jambs. Jamb liners are installed on the inside faces of the jambs and the bottom portions of the jamb liners overlie the upwardly extending end walls of the barrier pan. An inside edge wall projects upwardly along an inside edge of the barrier pan and extends between the end walls. The barrier pan preferably is made of a unitary piece of molded plastic. Water that may seep into joints, particularly at the bottom corners of the window, are captured in the barrier pan and directed outwardly to be shed away from the window.

Abstract: Frames can be fashioned from metal bent at right angles to accommodate standard window or door. For example, an 8-¾? flat strip metal, having at least three right angle breaks, forms a buck. Alternatively, a slip-over buck has a first pair of walls substantially parallel to one another which are used to affix the buck to the structure. A second pair of walls substantially parallel to the first two walls rises above the first pair of walls. The second pair of walls is joined at the tops with a perpendicular wall. This perpendicular wall is used as the frame mount. The window or door is attached to the buck as per the manufacturer's specifications. The buck provides the builder with the ability to frame an exact margin for a window or door, improves finishing interior and exterior facades, and provides a better seal against water infiltration and drafts.

Abstract: An aggregrate log used with other such logs to form a wall of a house, or building, or a retaining wall, having a plurality of first openings oriented vertically when in situ in the wall, a plurality of second openings aligned along a horizontal axis and forming a conduit channel open from one end of the log to another and alignment means for aligning the log with an underlying log when in situ in said wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking-up slack in a building hold-down system. The apparatus may include a base having a tubular shape, a slide having a tubular shape and a threadless interior surface, a locking member, and a biasing member. The slide may be sized and positioned to translate within the base. The locking member may be positioned between the base and the slide to permit translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause expansion and resist translation of the base with respect to the slide to cause contraction. The biasing member may urge translation of the base with respect to the slide in the direction causing expansion.

Abstract: A multistory apartment building complex may comprise vertically stacked modules and includes one or more vehicle parking levels grade and one or more dwelling unit levels vertically stacked above the vehicle parking levels. At least one of the parking levels includes private garages for at least selected ones of the dwelling units and occupants of the selected dwelling units may move between their own garage and their dwelling unit via an elevator extending directly to the individual dwelling units on each level. The elevators may also serve plural dwelling units on each dwelling unit level. A service corridor is provided on selected dwelling unit levels which may be accessed by a service elevator or spaced apart stairways to provide secondary access between each dwelling unit on each dwelling unit level and street level. Each dwelling unit may include a small service room having a lockable door between the service room and the dwelling unit and a door opening to the service corridor.

Abstract: A retractable partition screen mounting post, which includes an elongated main post member, which is formed of a relatively longer upper part and a relatively shorter lower part and has an inner receiving chamber extending through the length and corrugated outer coupling portions for the mounting of a partition screen, a supplementary inner post member, which is inserted into the inner receiving chamber of the main post member and longitudinally movable relative to the main post member, and blocking members coupled to the main post member to keep the supplementary inner post member in the inner receiving chamber.

Abstract: A concrete slab corner support is a unitary corner support and reinforcement element for a concrete slab or the like. The corner support element is placed inside the corner of a form prior to pouring concrete therein to form a concrete slab. A corner support is placed in each corner of the form and affixed to the form with nails, or screws through break-away flanges extending outward from the upper end of the support. The corner support is an angle element forming two walls defined by a center angle bend and the outer edges thereof. A series of rod-like or finger-like anchors extend from the inner sides of the walls inwardly toward the middle of the form. These anchors help the corner support to remain attached to the pad or foundation when the process is complete. Once the concrete has set, the forms and bread-away flanges are removed.

Abstract: A facade and/or light roof including a device for drainage, especially of inclined and roof glazing in post and beam construction, and including a seepage water gutter or seepage water groove within the beam section and post section, and at least one condensation gutter or condensation groove on the beam section, is characterized in that the condensation gutter or condensation groove of the beam section (2) is guided directly into the seepage water groove of the post section (1), and in that this region is sealed by a filling piece (25, 1025, 1250).

Abstract: A structural element includes the following elements: a carrier element, a reinforcing element, and a sheathing element. At least a portion of the reinforcing element is enveloped by the sheathing element and the reinforcing element is embedded in the carrier element. Materials of the elements are selected to inhibit crack initiation or propagation in the elements and/or from one element to another. An intermediate layer of a different material may be added between elements to further inhibit crack initiation and propagation and to inhibit corrosion, such as galvanic corrosion.

Abstract: A removable interior building surface-covering section member such as a floor tile, sheet, or plank is provided that can be laid without the use of adhesives and which can be removed and relayed repeatedly. The removable floor section member has multiple layers including an upper wear layer, an intermediate cushion layer and a lower adhesive layer. The lower adhesive layer may have alternating raised and lowered channels to increase adhesion moisture conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an installation method of panel comprising a step of assembling panels by fitting projection parts 2, 3 of one panel 1 to insertion grooves 5, 6 of another panel 1, and a step of elastically attaching panels by applying an elastic force between assembled part of panels. Also, the present invention is related to a rail type fixing apparatus for installing panels comprising a rail 20 having a guide groove 21 formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a plurality of attaching plates which are guided to the guide groove 21 and are provided movably in the longitudinal direction of the rail 20 and in which a hook projections 32 are provided, and an elastic member which is provided between adjacent attaching plates and applies elasticity between hook projections of the attaching plates.

Abstract: A method of processing wood into a predetermined shape through compression includes compressing a first wooden piece and a second wooden piece separately; placing the compressed second wooden piece on the compressed first wooden piece; and compressing together the compressed first wooden piece and the compressed second wooden piece which are placed one on another.

Abstract: Specially configured synthetic boards are provided for use with conventional carpentry tools and techniques to form flat, water-tight surfaces such as decks, roofs, walls, boat decks, hulls, and the like. The boards are formed to their desired shape and scale by extruding mixtures of wood particles and thermoplastic materials through appropriate converging dies. In one configuration, the edges of the boards have complementary configured outwardly facing recesses that permit them to be joined to form the watertight surfaces, and in another configuration the boards have features that interact with separate plastic structures to provide water tightness.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling includes at least one canvas (4) which is tightened at the periphery thereof to support elements (1) that are fixed to the ceiling and/or walls of a room. The inventive suspended ceiling is characterized by the fact that it also includes ceiling tiles (5) which are held by the support elements with the aid of holding members that allow the tiles (5) to be dismounted without first having to fully or partially dismount the canvas (4).

Abstract: A multi-layered panel comprises a first layer made of concrete, a second layer made of foam and an edge perimeter region. The first layer is a thin concrete layer of near uniform thickness that is cast onto the second layer. The exterior surface of the concrete layer simulates an exterior surface of a building. The front of the foam layer has dimensions designed to accommodate the application of the concrete layer. The back of the foam layer has features that assist in mounting the panel on an exterior surface of a building. The edge perimeter region includes a system for interconnecting adjacent multi-layered panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an outer surrounding body such as a roof, wall or the like which has good waterproofing and water-tightness in the connection locations between construction sheets and the mounting locations of trough members, and which shows an extremely good finish and working conditions, and an apparatus for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to locking elements that are designed in such a manner that they can adopt an initial position into which the boards are brought by especially lowering them in an exclusively vertical manner. A terminal position is achieved by especially subsequently displacing the panels along the common joint. In this position, the two panels can be interlocked in a manner perpendicular to the panel surface and parallel to the panel surface and at the same time perpendicular to the common connecting joint.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for joining and connecting two panels in substantially planar or substantially perpendicular arrangement when panels are in near-abutted proximity. The improved apparatus and method comprises a fitted recess positioned in the edge of a first panel and a corresponding fitted recess positioned in either the edge or face of a second panel such that both fitted recesses are in alignment when first and second panel are placed in aligned abutted position. The present invention further comprises a semicircular disc-shaped connector fully placed within one of the fitted recesses prior to first and second panels being placed in abutted alignment. A key provides a means for rotating said connector approximately 90 degrees after first and second panels are placed in abutted alignment causing said connector to be partially contained within each of the two aligned fitted recesses, thus providing a connection between the panels.

Abstract: Floor panel, more particularly a laminate floor panel, which, at least at two opposite edges (2-3-4-5), is provided with coupling parts (6-7-8-9), whereby this floor panel (1), at its decorative side, forms an imitation of wood, from which, by means of a tool, wood portions have been removed from the surface, more particularly forms an imitation of so-called scraped wood, and whereby this floor panel (1) comprises a decor (10) representing a wood pattern (18), a top layer (11) on the basis of synthetic material (12), and an underlying substrate (13), whether or not composed of several layers or parts, characterized in that the floor panel (1), in the surface over which the decor (10) extends, is provided with embossed portions (19 and/or 20) continuing up into the aforementioned substrate (13), whereby these embossed portions (19 and/or 20) are at least applied in order to imitate the aforementioned removed wood portions.

Abstract: A block (10) for construction capable of constructing a flat structure by arranging the plurality of blocks in a flat state with four outer peripheral surfaces thereof, that are, an upper surface (10a), a lower surface (10b), a left side surface (10c), and a right side surface (10d) brought into contact with each other. In the block (10) for construction, a plurality of through holes (11) for inserting bar-like stretching members therein are formed parallel with the front surface (10f) and the rear surface (10e) thereof, and recessed parts (12) are formed in the upper surface (10a) and lower surface (10b) forming outer peripheral surfaces crossing the axial direction of the through holes (11) to dispose the other stretching members in a direction three-dimensionally crossing the stretching members inserted into the through holes (11).

Abstract: A retaining wall is formed of a series of courses of blocks, each of which includes a core. Engagement members are interposed between the blocks in adjacent courses for preventing relative forward movement between the blocks in adjacent courses. Each engagement member is mountable to the rear web of a lower block, and includes an upstanding projecting portion that engages the rear web of an upper block for preventing forward movement of the upper blocks relative to the lower blocks. The upstanding projecting portion engages the rear web of the upper block so that the front face of the upper block is located rearwardly of the front web of the lower block, to expose an upwardly open forward portion of the core of the lower block. The exposed portion of the lower block core may receive planting media, to enable plants to be planted in the exposed core of the lower block.

Abstract: This invention expands Nelson's Sub-Rigid Fast-Form Barrier System that it was originally a part of. The system disclosed herein is simple to manufacture and simple to use and promises wide commercial application as the labor costs for concrete construction become increasingly prohibitive. The extraordinary absence of nails, screws, bolts, welds or any other fastening device allows these barriers to compete with many conventional barrier systems and any concrete form system on the market today. The invention addresses eccentric beam loading where barriers must be economically fabricated to withstand liquid concrete pressure in a sub-rigid manner.

Abstract: A building frame including a load-bearing portion which is defined by a pattern of interconnected, elongate, upright columns and laterally extending beams, with each column taking the form of an assembly of hollow, tubular column components, at least some of which each possesses a nominally open, upper-end utility region, or port, extending upwardly beyond the top of the frame's load-bearing portion. Each such port, which is useable in different ways during and after initial building construction, accommodates, under different circumstances, the selective reception of a construction-extension instrumentality drawn from the list consisting of (a) an installable/removable crane structure, (b) a column-like element provided for the addition of selected building superstructure, and (c) additional building infrastructure which is feedable downwardly through the port toward a selected elevation in a “completed” building.

Abstract: A parallel chord truss includes elongate lateral chord members of which at least one chord member is continuous along the length of the parallel chord truss in a fixed engagement with a penetrable separating member or web. Lateral chord members are cross-braced for permitting access to a penetrable separating member for allowing cabling, and the like, to pass through apertures in the penetrable separating member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural connection system for modular constructions such as shelving, workstation surfaces, partition panels and supporting panels in a modular office environment. Specifically, the invention comprises a connection system characterized by a set of three interconnecting members, whose primary function is to fasten, support and/or hold up different surfaces for modular office construction. The purpose of the invention is to provide a simple and efficient system of connecting members for the construction of modular offices having constructive features which are adequate in providing ease in assembly and disassembly as well as a structural efficiency sufficiently adequate in supporting loads.

Abstract: An attachment device has a first member and a second member. The first member connects to a wall or another structure and the second member connects to a component, such as a piece of molding or decking, to be mounted to the wall or the other structure. The first and second members can be joined, such as by a snap fit.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention is an alignment-affixing device having at least two portions, for affixing a projecting member, such as an anchor bolt, through an opening in a support structure, such as a concrete masonry unit, substantially at a right angle. The alignment-affixing device includes a locking collar substantially disposed on an interior side of the concrete masonry unit, and an alignment cap substantially disposed on an exterior side obverse to the interior side. When the anchor bolt is placed through said locking collar and said alignment cap, and when said locking collar and said alignment cap are interlocked, the anchor bolt is affixed substantially at a right angle to the concrete masonry unit.

Abstract: A tower structure for a wind energy turbine, wind power, renewable energy, and other uses made of cement, steel-reinforced cement or other materials, and a method of manufacture thereof are described. The structure includes several pre-fabricated tower lengths, each tower length having at least three pre-fabricated wedges, such that a central protruding edge of each wedge approaches or lies at a center line of the tower structure when assembled. Tower lengths higher in the tower may be narrower and may be made up of fewer wedges than lower tower lengths. Each tower length may also include several apertures or channels adapted to accommodate a cable joining all the tower lengths of the tower. Also, tower lengths may have a circular or polygonal outer ring made up of bracing elements, each bracing element arranged when assembled to brace one or more wedges.

Abstract: A hanger for connecting two adjacent members, such as I-Joists used in the construction industry. The hanger locates the members at approximately 90 degrees to each other and comprises a mounting means in the form of a plate for connection to a first member and support means connected to the mounting means to support a second member perpendicular to the first member. Embodiments are disclosed including features of stiffening ribs, tapered edges, and support feet to increase the load bearing capacity of the hanger.

Abstract: “IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCED TO CONDITIONING PACKING FOR TRANSPORTING BLOCKED FLAT GLASS PLATE” comprised by a main body formed from a frame made of “U” shape transverse profile ducts, which are formed by multiple paper shets layers and internally and externally coated with impermeable paper, being the upper duct provided, on its bottom, with horizontal fastening bungs and internally the said duct comprises EVA wedges, whereas the lower duct receives, on its bottom, spacing feet and internally EVA wedges, being the side ducts, on the bottom, in the lower section provided with reinforcement plates which on the upper section holds cambar{acute over (a )} fastening brackets which receive upwardly steel or polyester tapes, which are fastened to the inner internal ends of side ducts, provoking a tensioning of the lower duct against the side ducts whose upper ends are closed by upper pins plates which have round inner edges, whereas the lower ends of said side ducts are closed by lower pins plates and receive a reinforc

Abstract: A building frame (100) is designed as multiple assemblages (104), (200) and (300), which are built and then collapsed for shipment in one or more shipping containers (400), transported to a building site, and removed from the corresponding shipping containers (400). the assemblages (104), (200) and (300) are constructed as a building frame (100) at the permanent building site, or, alternatively, are assembled into subassemblies at a temporary building site, and are transferred to the permanent building site.

Abstract: A floor installation tool and method for using same to preserve old cove base has an elongated rigid handle having at one end a rigid, essentially flat member, having a first essentially planar face, and an opposing face, and having a first curvilinear edge, a second edge essentially straight, and a point between the two as a converge point, an edge having diminishing thickness between the two faces as the edge approaches the converge point.

Abstract: Mounting assembly for adjustably mounting a frame part, such as for example a reveal part of a door frame or window frame or the like, onto a wall or onto a reveal wall of a wall opening. The mounting assembly comprises a holder element having attachment means on which the frame part can be attached and adjustment means for adjusting the orientation of the holder element with respect to the reveal wall, and a fixing element for fixing the holder element onto the reveal wall. The mounting assembly comprises a single fixing element which is provided for fixing the holder element on a single location to the reveal wall. The fixing element comprises a pivot which enables the holder element to pivot with respect to the reveal wall.

Abstract: A portable lift assembly includes a rigid outer frame including a plurality of integrally mated support members configured to define a generally rectangular shape. A rigid inner frame including a plurality of integrally mated support members and having an outer perimeter is spaced inwardly from an inner perimeter of the outer frame. The assembly includes a mechanism for selectively elevating the inner frame along a vertical plane. The assembly further includes a mechanism for supporting at least one drywall panel on top of the inner frame wherein the drywall panel can be effectively elevated between alternate heights during operating conditions while the operator's hands remain freely disengaged from the drywall panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming acrylic sheet for use in manufacturing a structural member wherein the acrylic sheet forms the outer surface of the structural member and a composite material is formed within the formed sheet to provide a decorative appearance, utilizes a movable linear heating element positioned adjacent the sheet to heat a region of the sheet and a bending tool to bend the sheet along the heated portion such that a the acrylic is permanently deformed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for permitting a substantially continuous flow of drywall compound to a wallboard joint. The apparatus includes a delivery tube for delivering drywall compound completely therethrough. The delivery tube has a first end connected to a drywall compound supply assembly fed directly by a source of pressurized drywall compound. The delivery tube also has a second end opposite the first end in communication with a drywall compound dispensing head. A normally closed, pressure sensitive valve arrangement is interposed between the second end of the delivery tube and the dispensing head for controlling the starting and stopping of drywall compound flow between the delivery tube and the dispensing head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool, especially in a packaging machine, for closing cavities in packaging and/or sealing and cutting packaging. Said tool is raised and lowered by means of a lifting device. The invention also relates to a packaging machine comprising said tool and to a method for automatically adjusting the parameters of a packaging machine.

Abstract: In order to provide a bag-manufacturing and packaging system that can smoothly convey a bag in a conveyance section disposed downstream of the bag-manufacturing and packaging machine, the bag-manufacturing and packaging system (1) of the present invention includes a rotating brush mechanism (20) disposed between a transverse sealing mechanism (17) and a chute conveyor (21). The rotating brush mechanism (20) sandwiches, between two rotating brushes (201a and 201b), a bag (B) dropped from the transverse sealing mechanism (17), and conveys the bag (B) to the chute conveyor (21).

Abstract: A sheet package producing system includes at least a cutter module and a packaging module. The cutter module has a cutter blade, for producing X-ray films by cutting a continuous sheet material. The packaging module has packaging robots, for producing a sheet package by packaging the X-ray films stacked on one another. In the sheet package producing system, a first module control unit is incorporated in the cutter module, for controlling the cutter blade. A second module control unit is incorporated in the packaging module, for controlling the packaging robots. A CPU is connected with the first and second module control units removably by a component network, for controlling the cutter module and the packaging module in synchronism.

Abstract: For the disposal of material webs, such as spent support films (13) of embossing objects (19) obtained from an embossing device (11), the material web (film) is introduced via a slip drive into a storage chamber, where it forms freely hanging or spontaneously deposited loops. The latter form a reservoir for a discontinuous or alternating operation of the embossing device. The loops (43) or packages can be individually cut off in the disposal device or at the storage chamber outlet can be rolled up so as to form rolls. The fill level in the storage device is at least sufficiently large that a retraction of the webs from the storage device is possible without influencing the web tension in the utilization area.

Abstract: A facility for the packaging of tyres includes a pre-packaging station where a given number of tyres constituting a unitary batch are arranged within an overall size in horizontal layers, a compression station at which the batch is compressed vertically in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of the layers, and a packing unit at which there are laid around the batch, under tension, straps of given width by wrapping a first strap about a first horizontal axis, and by helical winding a second strap about a second horizontal axis oriented perpendicular to the first axis. During the winding of straps, the batch is kept vertically compressed between two packing conveyors.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an arrangement of plates for receiving food is disclosed. The arrangement of plates comprises a plurality of nestable plates, wherein the plates within the plurality of nestable plates have an animal theme. Each of the plates having an animal theme include a main compartment depicting a primary attribute of an animal corresponding to the animal theme, and at least two independent wells adjacent to the main compartment. Each of the wells are shaped to depict a secondary attribute of the animal corresponding to the animal theme. The plurality of plates include a first plate depicting a first animal and a second plate depicting a second animal that is different from the first animal. The secondary attribute within the wells of said first plate is a first physical feature of the first animal and the secondary attribute within the wells of the second plate is a second physical feature of the second animal.

Abstract: A method for making a vertical stand up package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag that can stand upright having an internal compartment from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A different product can be placed into the compartment. The compartment can also be used as a dipping well. In one aspect a multi-compartment package can be made.

Abstract: Machine for inflating and sealing a preconfigured cushioning material which is wound in a roll on a hollow cylindrical core and has superposed layers of plastic film sealed together to form rows of interconnected, inflatable cells, a longitudinally extending inflation channel near one edge of the material and inlet passageways interconnecting the inflation channel and the rows of cells.