Abstract: A hurricane protection system, specifically for protection of the window and door openings in a building using transparent plastic panels attached in a manner that accommodates new and old architectural designs. The present system uses old standards and new unique methods, a transparent panel shaped to grow in strength when wind pressure is applied, attached to buildings using standard industry methods with an unique use of a rubber washer that acts as a shock absorber and lock washer on all bolted applications. The system has new and unique extrusions that allow the panels to be mounted away from the wall, to avoid protruding decorative trim and sills, in one-sixteenth inch increments.

Abstract: A lintel is disclosed for supporting a course of blocks with a binder above an opening. The opening is defined between a first supporting surface and a second supporting surface. The course of blocks include a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion. The lintel comprises an elongated base having a first end and a second end for extending between the first supporting surface and the second supporting surface. The elongated base has a top portion and a bottom portion, a first side and a second side. A riser extends from the top portion of the elongated base for increasing the load capacity of the lintel. A first dam extends upwardly from the first side of the elongated base for pooling the binder adjacent to the first dam. A second dam extends upwardly from the second side of the elongated base for pooling the binder adjacent to the second dam.

Abstract: A modular wall panel assembly including at least one wall panel and a plumbing system installed at least partially within the at least one wall panel.

Abstract: A tensioning system for drawing together abutting first and second portions of a closure assembly includes a base member and at least a first deformable member. The base member is attached to the first portion of the closure assembly. The first deformable member has a center portion, a proximal end mechanically coupled to the base member and a distal end attached to the second portion of the closure assembly. Deformation of the center portion generates a first tensioning force on the base member that draws the first portion of the closure assembly toward the second portion.

Abstract: The invention involves a panel element consisting of a number of boards or beams arranged adjacent to each other and edgewise to the surface of the panel element, whereby wooden dowels are provided, which penetrate all of the panel element's for the purpose of connecting the boards or beams. The wooden dowels can be made of a hardwood such as beech. A softwood such as spruce or pitch pine can be used for the boards. To manufacture the panel element the adjacently arranged boards are provided with appropriate bore holes, and the wooden dowels are driven into the pre-bored holes. It is not necessary to use glue. A strong connection is created because when the wooden dowels are driven in, the moisture content is less than the moisture content of the panels when installed. A panel element, according to the invention, can form a load bearing ceiling or wall element.

Abstract: An anchor for a concrete post-tension system. The anchor comprises a bearing plate portion, a barrel portion and a plurality of webs. The barrel portion has an upper annular wall extending from the upper surface of the bearing plate and a lower annular wall depending from the lower surface of the bearing plate. The inner surfaces of the upper annular wall and lower annular wall together define an internal wedge-receiving cavity passing through the bearing plate and having a central axis substantially perpendicular to the bearing plane. The wedge-receiving cavity has a fixed angle of taper with respect to the central axis. The cavity has a diameter at the lower end that is at least as great as the diameter of the sheathing on the tendon to be anchored. The cavity has an overall height that is at least as great as the height of the wedges to be used. The outer surface of the upper annular wall is upwardly tapered. The outer surface of the lower annular wall is downwardly tapered.

Abstract: A glass dish suitable for use in cooking applications is provided. The glass dish comprises a substantially homogenous glass body, a channel formed in a bottom surface of the glass body and a silicone support. The channel has an open end and an inner surface comprised of a substantially planar bottom wall, an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall. The channel has a predetermined depth Do, and an open end of the channel has a predetermined width Wo. The silicone support is comprised of a protruding extent and an interior extent. The interior extent is disposed within the channel and directly contacts a portion of the inner surface and is adhered to the inner surface of the channel by chemical adhesion. The protruding extent protrudes beyond the open end of the channel.

Abstract: A wall panel joint apparatus and a system using same is disclosed. The wall panel joint includes a perimeter joint body having a predetermined size and shape. The perimeter joint body floatably attaches to at least two wall panels. Embodiments include where the wall panel joint includes zero, one, two, three or more compartments. Also, some embodiments include a rainscreen clip that forms an additional compartment. The system includes at least two wall panel joints that attach the wall panels to an architectural wall. At the point of intersection of the joints, the joints are mitered. The system also includes a wall attachment device and a means for attaching the joint to the wall attachment device. The system is a liquid water impermeable, air permeable and water vapor permeable system, providing a ventilated, waterproof wall panel attachment joints for use in same.

Abstract: A method of producing a finished building from a skeletal building structure made up of a plurality of vertically spaced floor slabs, each having an upper surface, is disclosed. A wall supporting structure is secured to the floor slabs, and exterior wall panels are secured to the wall supporting structure to define a plurality of enclosed regions bounded by an upper slab, a lower slab and a surrounding wall comprising a plurality of the exterior wall panels. Each enclosed region has an interior that is isolated from wind and precipitation relative to the environment surrounding the skeletal building structure. From positions on the upper surfaces of the floor slabs and within the enclosed regions, interior wall components are installed on at least one of an interior side of the external wall and the wall supporting structure.

Abstract: A stand for aiding in the transfer of drywall sheets from a delivery vehicle through the entranceway of a building or house. The stand has four individually adjustable legs. A platform is positioned at the top of the stand for providing support for the drywall sheets. A pad is removably disposed on the upper face of the platform. The pad provides a surface having a low coefficient of friction so that drywall sheets may easily slide thereover.

Abstract: A masonry wall includes a masonry foundation, a flashing unit disposed on the masonry foundation, a masonry weep structure, a mortar bed and at least one layer of masonry units disposed upon the mortar bed. A gap defined between the back surface of the masonry unit and the back edge is sufficient to allow water that has seeped through a plurality of masonry units to downwardly toward the platform. A mesh masonry weep structure is disposed on the platform of the flashing unit to allow drainage of water that has seeped behind the wall. A modular flashing unit and template system facilitates building a masonry foundation and quick application of flashing.

Abstract: A vented insulator for use in nail based construction. A sheet insulator includes a base having integrally formed thereon a plurality of upwardly extending nodes of uniform size. The nodes are uniformly distributed across the length and width of the base forming a plurality of air ventilation channels. The insulation is attached to and positioned between an internally located structural deck, such as a ceiling, and an outwardly located construction, such as a roof.

Abstract: A covered low-slope or flat roof comprising (a) a roof deck, (b) an optional insulation board including a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate cellular structure having a density that is less than 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, (c) a coverboard including a polyurethane or polyisocyanurate cellular structure having a density greater than about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, and (d) a membrane.

Abstract: A composite beam is disclosed. The beam includes a beam (5), a solid slab or a composite slab (29) positioned on and supported by the beam, the solid slab and the composite slab including a slab section and a plurality of concrete ribs (21) extending from the slab section. The beam also includes at least one shear connector (15) positioned in at least one of the concrete ribs and connecting the solid slab or the composite slab to the beam. The beam also includes a reinforcing component (19) embedded in at least one concrete rib that includes an embedded shear connector or connectors. The reinforcing component is in the form of a mesh that includes line wires (41) and cross wires (43) that are connected together at the intersections of the wires.

Abstract: A plastic floor brick includes a plastic layer having a patterned first side and a second side. An absorbing layer is disposed on the second side of the plastic layer. The absorbing layer is made of foam rubber such that the absorbing layer provides a buffer effect. An adhering layer is disposed on the absorbing layer opposite to the plastic layer. The adhering layer is thin and made of thermoplastic glue such that the plastic floor brick can be repeatedly adhered. The thermoplastic glue contains petroleum oil, petroleum resin, thermoplastic rubber and antioxidant.

Abstract: A flooring system having a top floor layer, a sub-floor, and an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer is disclosed. The underlayment material may include a cross-linked, polyolefin foam having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 3.0 lb/1000 ft2/24 hr, and an average sound pressure level of less than about 15 dB over a range of about 300 Hz to about 1000 Hz. The foam may have a compressive strength of at least about 0.85 kg/cm2. Foam density, gel fraction, and resin blend may combine to provide an underlayment material having such reflective sound and moisture vapor barrier properties.

Abstract: A container is provided having a periphery and a base, which enclose a cavity. The periphery and the base are connected together, the periphery upwardly extending from the base. The periphery has a first slot and a substantially opposing second slot. Each of the first and second slots is sized to permit a first end of a tape located on a roll to be slid through it. A tape holder may be connected to the container so that the tape holder lies outside of the cavity of the container. The roll of tape can be placed on the tape holder so when the tape is pulled through the “mud box”, the tape is thereby unwound. As the tape is manually pulled through the “mud box”, joint compound is thinly applied to one side of the tape. As this is done, the joint compound begins to “adhere” to the tape, conditioning the tape for excellent wall adhesion.

Abstract: A combinable floor plate includes a first connection part formed on a first side face of the floor plate and a second connection part formed on a second side face of the floor plate opposite to the first side face. The first connection part has a tongue and the second connection part is provided with a first extension and a second extension to be respectively received in an upper cutout and a lower cutout in the first connection part. A securing device is to secure engagement between two adjacent floor plates.

Abstract: A panel system for forming poured concrete walls. The system includes at least two panels which are arranged in a spaced apart position relative to each other and form a cavity therebetween adapted to receive poured concrete. At least one attachment boss is removably mounted to at least one of the panels so that the attachment boss is positioned in the cavity and so that, following a concrete pour, the attachment boss is embedded in the concrete. A fastener is attached to the attachment boss after the concrete has set and a firring strip is thereafter attached to the fastener.

Abstract: A moulding apparatus is used to form building blocks. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertical formboards in a pair of opposed rows, each formboard being connected to an adjacent formboard by clamps and spaced apart from opposed formboard by one of a plurality of partitions, each partition being attached to both the opposed rows thereby spacing the opposed rows apart and forming a mould between a pair of adjacent partitions and a pair of opposed formboards. The partitioning apparatus is useable to cast blocks in a course by filling the moulds with a hardenable material, the partitioning apparatus being positionable above the previously moulded course of blocks, with the lower edges of the formboards overhanging the previously moulded course of blocks, wherein apparatus further includes an insulation insert which is adapted to be formed into said blocks in a course such that a wall formed by the multiple courses of blocks is continuous.

Abstract: A panel and a system of panels having improved dimensions are provided. The panel may be a plywood panel, oriented strand board panel, or the like. The panel has a length of about 144 inches and a width of about 32 inches. The system of panels may have similar dimensions and may include, for example, edge profiles which are complimentary, such as a tongue and groove arrangement. The dimensions of the panel may allow, for example, more convenient cutting, handling, carrying, and support spacing options. Edge profiling along the panel may allow a system of panels to be assembled conveniently while offering optimal structural properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective structure for machines or apparatus, in particular an apparatus for the handling of containers, which has a barrier to limit noise emissions to the external environment. In particular, the invention relates to a protective structure 1 for an apparatus for the handling of containers comprising a frame 2, panels 9 for insulating it from the external environment, fastened to said frame 2 by fastening means 10 which create a gap between said frame 2 and said panels 9, and gasket means arranged in said gap, characterized in that said gasket means comprise gasket walls 11 which can be expanded by blowing in fluids under pressure.

Abstract: What is described is an extruded ceramic facade panel (20) for a ventilated curtain-type facade structure, comprising at least one preferably rear head rebate (25) and one preferably rear foot rebate (26) and also at least one core running in the direction of extrusion, in which panel the wall between the core hole (24) and the rear of the facade panel has at least one elevation (22e) and the thickness of the wall between the highest point of the elevation (22e) and the rear of the facade panel is identical to the thickness of the head rebate (25) and/or to the thickness of the foot rebate (26). A method of producing such a facade panel is also described.

Abstract: A sound insulating wall construction for improving acoustics in commercial buildings, theaters and the like having a multi-layer construction formed from at least three compressed strawboard panels in adjacent and generally parallel planar alignment and defining spaces in between which can be hollow or filled with insulating medium. Each panel is held in place by opposed edge bracket assemblies positioned to clasp the ends of each panel. The bracket assemblies include a resilient material acting to isolate or decouple each panel. The strawboard panels are positioned so that horizontal panel to panel joints in each layer are offset to eliminate easy burn through areas. Edge brackets are generally mounted to vertical I-beams and can be adapted for use with a variety of beam types.

Abstract: An improved wall and/or ceiling construction and method suitable for both interior and exterior application comprised of compressed straw or other such construction panels wherein the finished wall contains no exterior surface penetrations through the panels, thus providing a substantially seamless outer surface. The improved construction is comprised of spaced and aligned flanged beams, each beam having both interior and exterior flanges. Exterior panels are attached to the exterior flanges so as to provide a continuous exterior wall or roof surface with all attachments made through the exterior flanges and penetrating only the inside surface of the panels. Interior panels are attached to the interior flanges by means of a connecting clip along a first edge and a plurality of disc connectors along a second edge so as to provide a continuous interior wall or ceiling surface with no penetrations therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for attaching at least one acoustic panel (1) to a wall (P) characterized by having first attaching means (10) associated with wall (P) and second attaching means (20) associated with said acoustic panel(s) (1), said first (10) and second (20) attaching means being connected to each other by elastic connecting means (30). By adjusting the elasticity of the connecting means, the frequency of each acoustic panel can be individually tuned to treat the various sound frequency ranges. In addition, the device according to the invention enables the acoustic panels to be disconnected from the wall on which they are mounted, thus increasing the insulation of the room.

Abstract: An improved interior wall and/or ceiling construction and method comprised of compressed straw or other such construction panels wherein the finished wall contains no exterior surface penetrations through the panels, thus providing a substantially seamless outer surface. The improved construction is adapted for use with conventional wall constructions comprised of spaced studs or beams and a finished exterior facing. Interior panels are attached by means of a plurality of disc connectors along a first edge and by means of a specially adapted bracket located near a second edge. Attaching the interior panels in a sequence provides a continuous interior wall or ceiling surface with no penetrations therethrough. The construction and method may be adapted for use with a variety of conventional wall constructions.

Abstract: This invention provides a siding boards attachment structure excellent in external appearance, weather resistance and construction efficiency in which a plurality of siding boards or external wall members are secured to a structural body of a building with securing members in a rabbet joint manner. The securing member is secured to the structural body in a state in which an upper side lower-ledge formed at an upper edge of the external wall member to be disposed at an internal side is engaged with a lower side upper-ledge formed at a lower edge of the external wall member to be disposed at an external side. A cut end portion is secured to the structural body with an end portion securing member.

Abstract: An adaptable ceiling tile structure and a suspended ceiling system utilizing such ceiling tiles is disclosed. The basic ceiling tiles include a peripheral frame surrounding a single primary opening. A cover layer, such as a fabric or scrim may be stretched across the opening and attached to the frame with a support surface defining the primary plane of the cover layer and an offset portion defining a peripheral recess. The ceiling tile may be customized with premanufactured trim pieces that include end portions configured for insertion into the peripheral recess and an intermediate portion that can be attached to the cover layer. Once the trim piece is in place, a portion of the peripheral frame and the cover layer can be removed, typically by cutting, to complete the customized ceiling tile.

Abstract: Siding panels having indicia indicating a zone into which fasteners should be placed, and methods for manufacturing and installing the panels are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the siding includes a panel of siding material having a first edge extending along a first dimension, a second edge spaced apart from the first edge a first distance, and a first side with indicia. The indicia define a zone into which at least one fastener should be placed to install the panel. The zone extends along the first dimension and has a width of approximately 0.2 inch to approximately 0.3 inch. The zone has a center line spaced apart from the first edge a second distance of approximately 7 percent to approximately 22 percent of the first distance. The siding material is composed of a continuous, single fiber-cement compound including cement, silica, and cellulose fiber.

Abstract: A roofing shingle includes a shingle overlay sheet, a shingle underlay sheet, and at least one shingle spacer. The underlay sheet and the spacer sheet are secured to the overlay sheet in a manner to prevent humping when the shingles are formed into bundles.

Abstract: A thin panel wall assembly with support members having channels and narrow slot-like openings for receiving spacers and connectors such as brackets. Both the channels and the spacers have T-shaped sectional configurations. Once spacers are inserted at the top of the support members, the connectors are inserted. The connectors are then supported by the spacers and, depending upon the length of the spacers, the vertical distance from a supporting floor to the connectors is also determined. Multiple spacers and connectors may be inserted into the support members. The connectors include widened rear portions which are entrapped by the support members and prevents the connectors from falling out of the support members.

Abstract: In a method of making a tube a sheet metal blank. having opposite longitudinal flanks is placed in a die of a shaping tool. At least one of the longitudinal flanks of the sheet metal is provided with a contact projection suitable for resistance pressure welding. The blank is pressed into a U-shaped cavity of the cavity by a ram to shape the blank into a U-shaped configuration which is then shaped between an upper mold and a lower mold of a molding press into a tubular profile with the longitudinal flanks confronting one another. The upper mold has in an area of the confronting longitudinal flanks oppositely poled electrode strips which are insulated against one another.

Abstract: It is known to assist cooling of a combustion chamber in a gas turbine by fixing an exo-skeleton tile structure to an inner annular combustion liner shell. To improve structural integrity of the exo-skeleton tile structure, each tile is formed with at least one rib extending circumferentially across the outer surface of the tile. An end of each rib projects beyond one edge of the tile, like tiles being linked at overlapping edges by the inter-engagement of a projecting rib of one tile with the rib of an adjacent tile. The inter-engaging ends of the ribs are relatively slideable circumferentially to allow thermal expansion and contraction of the exo-skeleton structure, but sockets are provided where the ribs engage so as to resist relative bending of the adjacent tiles about their linked edges and impart rigidity to the structure.

Abstract: A combination pile wall is formed of beam elements (12), particularly T-beams and double-T-beams (I-beams), and shaped connection strips (16) directly or indirectly connecting the beam elements (12), whereby each shaped connection strip (16) that is coupled directly with one of the beam elements (12) is engaged with one of the locking elements (30) formed on the respective beam element (12). The two mutually-engaged locking elements (24, 26) of the shaped connection strip (16) and of the beam element (12) are configured with a cross section such that the two locking elements (24, 26) may pivot with respect to each other through an angular range of a minimum ±3° to a maximum ±10°.

Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of hard panels, with a laminated structure, whereby at least at the upper surface a printed decorative layer with a wood pattern is present, with thereupon a transparent layer of synthetic material in which impressions are formed, wherein the impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.

Abstract: Floorboards comprising a core and a surface layer with curved edge portions, which are formed by a compression of the core.

Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of hard panels, with a laminated structure, whereby at least at the upper surface a printed decorative layer with a wood pattern is present, with thereupon a transparent layer of synthetic material in which impressions are formed, wherein the impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.

Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of hard panels, with a laminated structure, whereby at least at the upper surface a printed decorative layer with a wood pattern is present, with thereupon a transparent layer of synthetic material in which impressions are formed, wherein the impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.

Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of hard panels, with a laminated structure, whereby at least at the upper surface a printed decorative layer with a wood pattern is present, with thereupon a transparent layer of synthetic material in which impressions are formed, wherein the impressions substantially follow the wood pattern.

Abstract: A system of blocks for building a free standing wall. The system includes at least one size of wall block and a generally rectangular column block. The height and depth of the column block are the same as those of the wall block and the length of the column block is twice its depth. The exposed surfaces of the blocks in the free standing wall are textured to a greater extent than the other surfaces. The blocks are used to form a wall with a rectangular column, where the wall is tied into the column to enhance the stability of the wall.

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 immediately adjacent the polygonal corners of the structural component and in other locations for use in connecting multiple instances of such structural components together, e.g., via the use of interconnecting ferromagnetic balls. Such structural components can also include one or more slots extending peripherally inward from the component edge for use in assembling corresponding structural components together in an interlocking fashion.

Abstract: A mold assembly including a plurality of mold components configured to form a mold cavity having a desired shape, at least one of the mold components having a notch configured to form a set-back flange in a masonry block formed in the mold cavity, the notch having a depth. The mold assembly further includes a moveable flange plate and a drive assembly configured to extend the moveable flange plate into and retract the moveable flange plate from the notch within a desired range of distances so as to adjust the depth of the notch.

Abstract: A retaining wall block engagement system comprises a plurality of wall blocks connected with connectors. Each wall block comprises a top surface and opposing bottom surface, a front surface and opposing rear surface and first and second opposing side surfaces. Each side surface includes a shoulder portion and a pair of recesses extending upwardly from bottom surface. The recesses separated by a web portion. A plurality of generally H-shaped or h-shaped connectors are configured to interlock a block in a given course with a block in an adjacent course of blocks.

Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the Composite Construction Building Panel now present in the prior art, it provides an improved Composite Construction Building Panel. The present invention allows for the Composite Construction Building Panel to be mounted on varying configurations, ranging from vertical, horizontal or overhead securely without requiring any elaborate construction processes. The present invention allows for the Composite Construction Building Panel to be manufactured using simple, relatively inexpensive process equipment that is already available. The present invention allows for the Composite Construction Building Panel to be a complete structural component with the insulating factors for thermal and sound, plus an exterior finished surface that will protect the foam panels and the interior of the building from the elements and also complete the aesthetically pleasing exterior surface so that no other surface need be installed to the exterior of the building.

Abstract: A roof clip (105, 205) for roof tiles (1, 2) is disclosed in which a fastener (4) having a shank (24) which passes into a timber batten (3) is used to anchor the clip. The fastener is preferably preassembled with the clip to form an assembly able to be handled by the tile installer. The shank 24 passes through a base (106, 206) the length of which pre-sets the distance between the batten and hook (107, 207). Preferably the distance between the hook and base is adjustable by means of a ratchet mechanism (219, 229).

Abstract: A swivel hook includes a ring portion defining a hollow inner space and having an external engaging section; a first connecting portion having an upper section rotatably received in the inner space of the ring portion; and a second connecting portion rotatably engaged with the engaging section on the ring portion. The swivel hook is integrally formed by positioning the ring portion in a mold, and then injecting plastic material into the mold to sequentially or simultaneously form the first and the second connecting portion, so that the upper section of the first connecting portion is firmly attached to an inner wall surface of the ring portion, and the second connecting portion is engaged with the engaging section on the ring portion; and then downward pulling the first connecting portion of the initially molded swivel hook to allow it to freely rotate in the inner space of the ring portion.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a retainer clip having a base, a deck spaced from the base and an opening in the base aligned with the deck. A threaded fastener has a head received through the opening in the base and non-rotatably secured to the deck, and an externally threaded body that extends through the opening in the base.

Abstract: A windscreen glass (10) is secured in position adjacent a body panel (12) of a windscreen opening in a motor vehicle body by a bead of suitable adhesive (14), such as extruded material. In order to provide a seal between the edge (10A) of the window glass (10) and the body panel (12), a strip (16) made of suitable resilient flexible material is secured to the surface of the window glass (10) by means of bonding material (20), preferably polyurethane, which is injected or otherwise placed into an open-mouthed channel (18C) in the strip (16) and thus adheres both to the material of the strip (16) and to the adjacent surface of the window glass (10). The strip (16) has a flexible sealing lip (18B). The polyurethane material (20) may be injected from a longitudinal end of the channel (18C). In a modification, the polyurethane material (20) may be injected through an opening through the window glass (10).