Abstract: A composite structural member with a longitudinally extending structural haunch. The composite structural member comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending girders with molded sections disposed thereon. The molded section comprises a molded deck portion having a plurality of longitudinally extending structural haunches extending downwardly therefrom. Each haunch is disposed on a corresponding girder. The haunches are molded around shear connectors attached to the girders. The resulting structure has greater strength properties than a corresponding prior art structure having no haunch, the same deck thickness and substantially the same overall height and girder weight.

Abstract: A butt-joint connection structure for joining two logs end-to-end in a log wall includes a first log having a first end face and a second log having a second end face for abutting the first end face and forming a seam therebetween, each log having a log height extending between top and bottom surfaces thereof, and a spline slot extending horizontally across the seam between a first closed edge in the first log and a second closed edge in the second log. The spline slot extends vertically through the log height of the first and second logs, and has generally planar, spaced apart inner and outer slot faces extending between the first and second closed edges. A spline is provided in the spline slot, the spline having a width spanning the seam and a first spline face in generally flush engagement with a respective one of the inner and outer slot faces.

Abstract: A floor table (1) of a concrete mould for producing a concrete floor (2), comprising at least one front (18, 19) and one rear holder (23) for fixing at least one front (11) and at least one rear ligament (12) of a crane harness (9), characterized in that when the floor table (1) is in a disengaged and retracted state underneath a recently hardened concrete floor (2), it is possible to have access to the holders (18, 18 23) which are used to fix the ligaments (11, 12). The inventive floor table can be drawn out from the floor and displaced with less danger to the workers and requiring less effort in comparison with conventional floor tables.

Abstract: A modular construction system is made of a plurality of panels having peripheral frame elements defining a top channel, a bottom channel, and side channels. An exterior planar sheet and an interior planar sheet element enclose an inner core region that is filled with an adhesive bonding material that attaches the components together.

Abstract: A dynamically ventilated exterior wall includes a sealed exterior wall assembly and a ventilation assembly fluidly coupled to the exterior wall assembly. The exterior wall assembly includes an interior wall portion and an opposing exterior wall portion, and insulation and a flexible porous grid disposed between the interior and exterior wall portions. The ventilation assembly includes a head end unit coupled to air supply conduit(s) and air return conduit(s), where each of the conduits communicates with the porous grid of the exterior wall assembly. The head and unit is configured to supply conditioned air through the air supply conduit(s) to the exterior wall assembly and remove humidity from the exterior wall assembly through the air return conduit(s).

Abstract: The wall panel system of the present invention includes a flexible sheet interlock to flexibly seal a joint defined by adjacent perimeter framing members and a capillary break to inhibit the entry of water into drainage or weep holes in gutters in the perimeter framing member.

Abstract: A baffled insulation product and a method for insulating and ventilating a space between rafters for supporting a roof includes, an elongated insulation mat having an integral baffle, at least one channel on a roof facing side of the baffle for passage of ventilating air, and at least one vapor permeable membrane covering at least a portion of the insulation mat facing the channel, wherein each vapor permeable membrane transmits water vapor emanating from the insulation mat.

Abstract: A wall system includes a plurality of wall members, the wall members having a first metal panel, a second metal panel, and an insulating core between the first panel and the second panel. At least one of the first panel and the second panel include ridge portions. The insulating core can be a foam, such as a polyurethane foam. The foam can include at least one opacifier to improve the k-factor of the foam.

Abstract: The invention includes a concrete rib panel system. The rib panel is used as a support element, and as a form for pouring concrete. The rib panel is incorporated as part of the finished structural member. The rib panel is small and light so that it can be handled without the use of lifting equipment. The method of use includes using a frame to support a first set of concrete rib panels, with spacers and connectors for a second set of concrete rib panels, forming a space between the rib panels which can be filled with concrete grout. Utilities and reinforcement can be added to the space between the rib panels before the second set of concrete rib panels are attached to produce a large composite structural member utilizing the strength of lightweight rib panels and reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A modular flooring assembly including a flooring component adhered to a tray substrate is described. The modular flooring assembly may be interconnected with additional modular flooring assemblies to form a modular floor suitable for most flooring applications. The flooring component may be tile or wood or other materials commonly used in flooring applications. Convention fill-in grout or a snap-in grout may be used with the modular flooring assemblies. One suitable snap-in grout is a right angle grout member.

Abstract: A specialized angle valence junction fitting forms a joint for connecting two lengths of valence molding. The fitting has a pair of openings angled apart and has an internal shape matching an external shape of the molding utilized. The specialized angle joint may have a color to match or accent two lengths of molding and has an external dimension which is only about 1.5 millimeters greater than the dimension of the molding which it surrounds. Valence junction fitting can have an end edge which is straight, or beveled to imply a more stabilized or substantial relationship to the molding.

Abstract: A non-welded deck used to support insulation from the roof of a low temperature or cryogenic storage tank is disclosed. The deck may be comprised of a plurality of spaced apart bars with metal sheets covering the spaces between the bars. The edge of the metal sheets may be clamped to the bars to form the deck. The edges of adjacent metal sheets may overlap and be clamped together in such a way as to deform the sheets creating a metal-to-metal vapor and dust proof seal. The plurality of clamping bars and support bars may secure the metal sheets with sufficient strength to allow the entire deck to support loadings as a stressed membrane. The tank may be constructed with hardware that remains secure even after being subjected to repeated thermal cycling of over 200° Celsius (360° Fahrenheit).

Abstract: A wind protection system, a roof ballast module, and a method for protecting a building from high winds are described. The wind protection system includes a plurality of roof ballast modules disposed across a rigid roof. The roof ballast modules may include several elongate liquid impermeable bladders. A valve permits filling the bladder with a liquid, such as water. Also, a method of protecting a building from high wind includes placing several water impermeable bladder panels on a rigid roof to ballast the roof.

Abstract: Taught herein is inter alia a concrete wall modulus comprising a concrete-steel wall having one or more steel mesh plates; at least two form panels being physically connected to the concrete-steel wall; a plurality of steel plates; and a plurality of jointing pieces; wherein the form panels are made in part of polystyrene foam; at least two form panels are arranged in parallel to one another; and at least two the form panels are interconnected by a plurality of the jointing pieces by means of the steel plates.

Abstract: Variable length polypropylene ties are used to form an insulated concrete wall by holding sheet materials in a fixed distance part so concrete can be cast between the two sheet materials.

Abstract: A joint profile (1) intended to be arranged between panels (2 and 3 respectively). The joint profile (1) comprises a first edge portion (10) and a second edge portion (11). The first edge portion (10) comprises a main body portion (101), a bridge portion (102) being at one end connected to the main body portion (101) said bridge portion (102) further being provided with a distal edge (103) and a connector means (104) arranged close to the distal edge (103). The second edge portion (11) is provided with a second main body portion (111) comprising a connector receiving means (114). The main body portion (101) is provided with an edge portion (105) having a geometry adapted for joining with a selected edge (2I, 2II, 3Iand 3II respectively) of the panels (2 and 3 respectively). The second main body portion (111) is provided with an edge member (115) having a geometry adapted for joining with a selected edge (2I, 2II, 3I and 3II respectively) of the panels (2 and 3 respectively).

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

Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield according to one embodiment generally includes a frame and a cover. The frame includes peripheral walls each having at least one folded portion forming an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall. The cover includes a lid portion and a plurality of edge portions extending downwardly from the lid portion. The shield includes at least one dimple configured to be engagingly received in at least one opening for releasably retaining the cover to the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wood based flooring material having an upper surface and a backing surface, the wood based flooring material comprising one or more layers, wherein the backing surface has a coating of a thermoplastic composition, wherein the thermoplastic composition has a ratio elastic modulus G? to viscous modulus G?, G?/G?, of less than or equal to about 5 at 0.001 Hz and 25° C. The invention also relates to a method of producing the flooring material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system which includes injection molded floor panels having integrated connectors which combine to form a family of variously sized floor assemblies for utility enclosures. The floor panels are formed of injection molded plastic to create light-weight panels having integrally formed ribs and gussets for strength and integrity. The injection molding also facilitates integrally formed connectors so that the panels interlock with one another without the need for separate connectors. The outer ends of the floor panels have integrally formed apertures constructed for interlocking cooperative engagement with a plurality of wall bosses to rigidly connect the wall panels together with the floor assembly in a perpendicular relationship.

Abstract: A pre-formed molded deck panel is adapted to be secured on a supporting frame structure to create a deck surface. The deck panel comprises a moldable thermoplastic material impregnated with a fibrous stranded material. The panel includes a top surface and four lateral sides extending downward from the top surface. The top surface is formed as a grid having a plurality of openings. A plurality of supporting ribs extend parallel to each other from one of the four lateral sides to an opposite one of the four lateral sides. The upper surface of each supporting rib is adapted to form longitudinal portions of the grid pattern of the top surface. A plurality of tabs extend outward from the lateral sides that are adapted to interlock with a corresponding plurality of tabs extending from a like deck panel so that a plurality of deck panels may be juxtaposed in abutting relationship.

Abstract: Apparatuses for installing a wood floor at a job site. The apparatuses are configured as start courses, finish courses, or border courses for the wood floor. In one embodiment, the courses comprise hardwood tongue and groove strips or hardwood tongue and groove planks fastened together prior to installation in the floor. A preferred embodiment uses adhesive lamination of the tongue and groove of adjacent boards such as strips and planks. A method of installing a hardwood floor includes the step of using at least one start course, at least one finish course, or at least one border course as disclosed in this application. A hardwood floor according to one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one start course, at least one finish course, or at least one border course as disclosed in this application.

Abstract: A heat treatment method is provided for a panel. The panel includes a plastic housing composition, in which semiconductor chips are embedded by their rear sides and edge sides, and the top sides of the semiconductor chips form a coplanar area with the plastic housing composition. The panel is fixed by its underside on a holder, and a temperature gradient (?T) is then generated between top side and the underside of the panel. The temperature gradient (?T) is then maintained for at least one delimited or selected time period. The panel is then cooled to room temperature (TR).

Abstract: The invention provides a sheet metal joint and a method for forming a sheet metal joint. The sheet metal joint includes first and second metal sheets disposed in a parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second metal sheets has a plurality of perforations with a tang extending from each perforation. The tangs of the second sheet and the tangs of the second metal sheet are curled together in opposite rotational directions. The tangs of the first metal sheet space the first and second metal sheets from one another and the tangs of the second metal sheet substantially fixedly engage the first and second metal sheets with respect to one another.

Abstract: A roof curb is shipped in a disassembled state to an installer who assembles, sizes, locates and configures the curb to accommodate slope on any roof without welding or metal cutting. The curb includes an aluminum walls, each having a channel for receiving the bottom edge of a board, which may be taper cut according to the pitch of the roof to provide a level surface for supporting an appliance. Methods of making and installing the roof curb also are disclosed.

Abstract: A connecting element for connecting flooring panels with a core of wooden material, in particular MDF or HDF, which is provided with a tongue on one side edge and with a groove on the opposite side edge, and the tongue corresponds to the groove of the panel and the groove corresponds to the tongue of the panel, whereby two lips lying opposite one another are embodied on the top side projecting beyond the side edges.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: Flooring material comprising sheet-shaped floor elements with a mainly square or rectangular shape. The floor elements are provided with edges, a lower side and an upper decorative layer. The floor elements are intended to be joined by means of joining members. The floor elements are provided with male joining members on a first edge while a second edge of the floor elements are provided with a female joining member. The male joining member is provided with a tongue and a lower side groove while the female joining member is provided with a groove and a cheek, the cheek being provided with a lip. The floor elements are provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge is provided with female vertical assembly joining member. The floor elements are alternatively provided with a male vertical assembly joining member on a third edge while a fourth, opposite, edge also is provided with male vertical assembly joining member.

Abstract: A system of interlocking construction blocks comprising mating interlocking protrusions and openings with interior openings in the blocks creating passageways through assembled arrays of blocks for conduits and wiring to pass.

Abstract: The traditional paving systems employed until now, consider the width of pavement slabs equal to a lane width and the long dimension equal to the lane width or 6 meters long. These dimensions make that the vehicles loads, and especially loaded truck, apply the loads at both edges simultaneously, inducing tensile stresses on the slabs surfaces when they are warped. The current invention proposes to built a concrete slab where the maximum width value of slab Dx is being given by the lower measure between the distance D1 of the front wheels of a model loading truck or by de mean, and the distance D2 of a rear running gear of the same truck or the mean; the maximum slab length L is given by the distance between the truck axles or the mean; and the thickness E is given by the concrete resistance value, considering traffic loads, the kind and quality of the base, and the ground type.

Abstract: An invertible retaining wall block comprises a front portion, a rear portion and a neck portion connecting the front portion and rear portion. A projection extends outwardly from the block to interlock with similar blocks in adjacent courses of blocks. One or more notches are provided to the front portion in order to allow the base course of blocks to be placed in an inverted orientation with respect to subsequent courses because the notch provides clearance for the protrusion.

Abstract: Novel wall panel assemblies and shear wall assemblies are disclosed herein. Preferred embodiments include novel corner posts, studs, and sill plates for formed of composite materials and suitable for fabricating wall panels and shear wall assemblies for use in the construction of residential and commercial buildings.

Abstract: A spacer wheel for use in construction using reinforcement rods cast into a compound such as concrete. The spacer wheel is configured to space a reinforcement rod from adjacent surfaces as the as the concrete is cast into a mold. The spacer wheel is of a three part design and has a base section and left and right pivotable sections. The spacer wheel uses an integrally molded hinge to join each pivotable section to the base section. The design also uses a dual rack and paw mechanism to clamp the spacer wheel onto the reinforcement rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structural couplings for forming of a variety of structures such as floor and wall panels for buildings and internal structures such as hand rails. The structural coupling comprises a structural component or components (1) provided with coupling leg formations (2) and locking flanges (F) and a channel section (8) which interconnect one with the other by means of a snap fit engagement (12) of the leg formations (2) of the structural component (1) with the channel section (8). This has considerable advantages over the prior art where nuts and bolts were needed to fasten the components together. The use of a common channel section which can be engaged by snap fit action provides an elegant and non-limited method of joining structural components together rather than in a direct fashion as with prior systems.

Abstract: A concrete anchor float that, in one embodiment, facilitates the placement of anchor bolts that protrude from concrete constructions, such as foundations. The concrete anchor float of the present invention can be used with nearly any conventional anchor bolt to insure the correct placement and alignment of the anchor bolt and to promote a strong bond between the anchor bolt and the concrete. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the concrete anchor float generally comprises a base plate with a hole, and a cap extending from the base plate over the hole. The cap includes a cavity configured to releasably secure the anchor bolt, and a top against which the anchor bolt rests upon insertion. According to an implementation of the present invention, the base plate includes features that minimize voids and air pockets between the anchor bolt and the concrete to promote a strong bond.

Abstract: A trim piece for installing at a corner, either inside or outside, which has a bullnose corner bead. An exemplary embodiment of the trim piece includes a body that wraps over the convexly curved portion of the bullnose corner bead and at least one flange extending parallel to the edges of the flanges of the corner bead. The two flanges are attached to the trim piece at the two edges respectively. The trim piece has an interior surface matching closely the exterior surface of the corner bead and an exterior surface which is both convexly curved to match the convex bullnose corner bead and molded to match the exterior profile of the trim such that a smooth transition from trim board around the corner to the outer trim board results.

Abstract: A molding-furnished glass in which a resin molding is integrally provided to the edge portion of a glass base. A metal molding is attached to the resin molding by connecting the metal molding to the resin molding through the use of a slide piece and a fastener.

Abstract: A wall molding has two grooves formed on opposite sides for receiving wall panels or interchangeable molding attachments. The body of the molding has a rear surface with grooves that engage a track attached to the wall. The molding also has a front surface with a decorative pattern formed thereon. Wall panels may be inserted into the grooves, thereby providing a smooth transition from wall panel surface to the other. In addition, an attachment may be inserted into one of the grooves and a wall panel in the other to provide an elegant transition between two wall surfaces that have different thicknesses.

Abstract: A connector (70) for a roof beam (14) engages a cooperating formation of an eaves and/or ridge beam (72) or a component of a roof system associated with either the ridge or eaves beam in a snap-fit manner.

Abstract: An ornamental modular columnar moulding system having a groove and spline that joins two or more modular moulding pieces together to form a unitary columnar moulding that can be readily attached to a surface of a piece of furniture, cabinet, frame, or the like. Each modular moulding piece includes an end surface that conforms to an end of another modular moulding piece such that the end surfaces align when positioned to make end-to-end contact with each other. Each modular moulding piece has a substantially planar surface and a front surface. When two or more moulding pieces are aligned end-to-end, the planar surfaces align and the touching front surfaces form an ornamental columnar moulding. Each back surface includes a longitudinally positioned groove that also aligns with at least portions of the grooves on other moulding pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a press with dies configured to deform a strip of material by drawing material primarily from a width direction, a slitter set to cut the deformed strip to a uniform desired width dimension, and a roll-former with rolls configured to shape linear portions of the deformed and now uniform-width strip into a continuous beam. The apparatus further includes a welder for welding abutting edges of the sheet together to form a permanent tube, a sweep station for imparting a longitudinal shape to the continuous beam, and a cut-off for cutting the continuous beam into segments useful as vehicle bumper beams. A controller controls timing of various components. The beam segments are optimized in specific regions for local strength and minimized weight, and features can be incorporated into the beam segments such as coplanar mounting surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is a cold formed, steel metal C-shaped structural member having an elongated web member with novel opposing angular intervening web extensions with variable exaggerated bends and extending laterally to opposing perpendicular flange members and extending to opposing end stiffening lips parallel to the center web member at the cross sectional ends.

Abstract: Floor finishes are stripped or deep scrubbed using a floor stripper/cleaner composition containing sparingly water-soluble floor finish solvent; water; sulfonic acid, sulfate acid, phosphonic acid, phosphate acid or aromatic acid coupler in an amount sufficient to provide a homogenous aqueous liquid phase and no or low foaming during shaking; and sufficient organic amine so that the composition pH is about 2 to about 11.

Abstract: A concrete deck insert has an upper portion and a lower portion that are connected by a threaded coupling. The upper and lower portion are drawn together to clamp onto a portion of a perimeter of a hole.

Abstract: The construction of a building structure is described. A construction grid is marked with a building plan. Points are located on the building plan. Master corner locations are located on the building plan. Distances and angles from the master corner locations to the points are measured. Master corner plates are constructed at the master corner locations. The master corner plates marked with the distances and angles. Structure parts are built on the building plan. The master corner plates and the structure parts are transferred to a jobsite. Jobsite master corner locations are located at the jobsite. The master corner plates are placed at the jobsite master corner locations. The structure is assembled at the jobsite by locating positions for the structure parts using the distances and angles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight, portable concrete enclosure and an associated manufacturing method. The manufacturing method employs a structural member made up of two wire mesh grids that are spaced via web wires. The structural member further includes an intermediate layer of insulation positioned along the web wires. A lightweight concrete mix is then sprayed over the external surface of the structural members to yield a lightweight enclosure that can be easily transported.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing, transporting and installing on a building site a prefabricated structure made of reinforced concrete for the replacement of a structure such as a manhole, access chamber, access vault, junction box or other, which is buried in the ground and is part of an underground network such as a sewer, aqueduct, gas, electrical distribution, telecommunications, cable television and the like. In this method, concrete is poured in factory against the external surfaces of an integrated removable handling system, which is used as top part of a mold for manufacturing the prefabricated structure. The handling system is fixed to the prefabricated structure in a removable manner. The handling system remains in place during the subsequent steps of unmoulding, transporting and installing the prefabricated structure to the building site. Finally, once the installation is completed, the handling system is removed from the structure.

Abstract: A method for constructing a tower having a length along a longitudinal axis defined by the tower includes assembling a first tower section including three first legs. Each first leg diverges from the longitudinal axis along a length of the first leg. A second tower section is assembled. The second tower section includes three second legs each extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The three second legs at least partially define a passage through the second tower section. The second tower section is coupled to the first tower section.

Abstract: A decorative snow guard assembly attachable to raised portions of a building surface such as a standing seam roof. The assembly includes a decorative snow brake plate integral with a base, means spanning between adjacent bases, and means connecting said spanning means to said bases.