Abstract: Disclosed herein are fuel reformers utilizing dew point plateau process control and methods of using the same. In one embodiment the fuel reformer can comprise a mixing zone capable of receiving a fuel mixture, a reforming zone disposed downstream from the mixing zone, an exhaust zone disposed downstream from the in operable communication with the reforming zone, a temperature sensor, and a system controller connected in operable communication with the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor can be disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust zone and capable of measuring a gas temperature of the gas stream, or in fluid communication with the mixing zone and capable of measuring a mixture temperature of the fuel mixture. The system controller can be capable of adjusting an operating variable of the fuel reformer and determining a dew point plateau temperature.

Abstract: The multipanel sliding door comprises at least two panels which are supported for travel in substantially parallel planes along runners, and is characterised in that a rack and wheelwork arrangement is provided for the movement of the door panels.

Abstract: A stile latch is provided, which includes a bolt adapted to extend at least partially into a slot, which aligns with the bolt in at least one predefined position along a path of travel of a sash within a frame, while the sash is substantially in plane with the frame, said bolt having a ramped facing, which is adapted to engage an edge of the slot, when the bolt moves from the aligned at least one predefined position toward an unaligned position in at least a first direction of substantially in plane travel. The stile latch further includes a tension device coupled to the bolt, which biases the bolt toward an extended position, and extends the bolt into the slot, when the bolt and the slot are aligned in the at least one predefined position.

Abstract: A fixing support assembly comprises a supporting piece and a fixing element (30). The supporting piece comprises a first part (10) and a second part (20) that are essentially planar and parallel. At least one of these parts of said supporting piece comprises at least one retaining member (21) serving to retain an element to be fixed, such as an actuating device of a window lift or of a wing. The fixing element (30) has a nut (31) with a stop (32) serving to ensure the fixing of the support and of the element to be fixed to a wall, for example, in a wing or vehicle body.

Abstract: For supplying energy to users in a sliding door, a sliding door system is proposed which has a sliding door, which can be moved between a closed position and an open position, where at least one energy guide chain is provided, which can be connected on one end to the sliding door and on the other end to a chassis of the vehicle. Lines are guided in the energy guide chain to electrical users which are arranged in the sliding door. A curved region is formed between the ends of the energy guide chain, which wanders with the path of the movement of the sliding door. Depending on the position of the sliding door, the curved region has different radii of curvature.

Abstract: A method for controlling a power slide door having an operable window for a vehicle for preventing an entrapment between the power slide door and a vehicle body by limiting a slidable range of the power slide door by portion of a stopper, which the stopper functions in a condition where the window is opened more than or equal to a certain range, the method comprising steps of judging if the entrapment is generated within a predetermined range in which the power slide door can be stopped by portion of the stopper in a condition where the entrapment with a foreign object is generated during an opening operation of the power slide door, performing a reverse operation of the power slide door in a closing direction by a certain distance in a condition where the entrapment is generated within the predetermined range, and stopping the power slide door.

Abstract: Described herein is a door for a motor vehicle provided with a supporting framework, supporting means for supporting an external rear-view mirror, a lock, and a key assembly, which is operatively connected to the lock and can be selectively actuated via a control key for disabling/enabling opening of said lock from the outside of the motor vehicle. The key assembly is rigidly fixed to the framework, and is covered, towards the outer side of the door, by the means for supporting the rear-view mirror and is accessible from the outside through a seat made in the supporting means themselves.

Abstract: Described is a door module and a motor vehicle door containing the door module. The door module includes a base body for covering openings in a motor vehicle door. Displaceable brackets are provided, preferably in the edge area of the base body, in relation to the base body in order to support the motor vehicle door on the edge area of the opening. The brackets respectively include at least one fixing point which is used to secure the inside door panel. This enables a gap between an inside door covering and an inside door panel in motor vehicle doors to be adjusted in a precise and economical manner.

Abstract: A resin bonding type diamond tool and manufacturing method thereof, in which the diamond tool is fabricated by preparing diamond pellets by sintering diamond powder and metal matrix, loading the diamond pellets into a mold and sintering the diamond pellets together with injected resin or powder resin. This can be applied to all tools of various shapes, in particular, complex tools having difficulty in fabrication, shorten a manufacturing process to save cost, time and molds, and remarkably improve the cutting ability of final products.

Abstract: Diamond fine particles having porous structure known in a high thermal resistance and low dielectric constant film has a high thermal conductivity and is expected as an insulating film for multiplayer wirings of a semiconductor integrated circuit device. A liquid composition of diamond fine particles, which are raw material of the film, is unstable as colloid, resulting in low reproducibility and yield in the production of films. It becomes possible to impart a very low viscosity and improved stability to the colloid liquid composition of diamond fine particles by containing a small amount of amine. If necessary, a thickener may be used to adjust the viscosity appropriately, so that various kinds of application systems can be used. A low dielectric constant film having a relative dielectric constant of about 2.5 can be thus obtained. Further, the liquid composition may be utilized as an abrasive for finishing.

Abstract: Method of preparing cerium carbonate powder by mixing a cerium precursor solution with a carbonate precursor solution and subjecting the mixture solution to a precipitation reaction, wherein the concentration of cerium in the cerium precursor solution ranges from 1M to 10M, the molar concentration ratio of the cerium precursor to the carbonate precursor ranges from 1:1 to 1:7, and the cerium precursor solution contains at least one additive selected from the group consisting of carbonate compounds, acrylic compounds, and sulfate ion-containing compounds. The cerium carbonate powder has an orthorhombic crystal structure, a particle size of 0.05 to 1 ?m, and an aspect ratio of 1 to 5. Moreover, disclosed are cerium oxide powder prepared from said cerium carbonate powder as a precursor, a preparation method thereof, and a CMP slurry containing said cerium oxide powder as an abrasive.

Abstract: A pair of counter-wound spring-like members are placed in a gutter above an opening communicating with a downspout. A cord joined to the spring-like members extends through said downspout and out of an opening in the downspout. The cord is pulled and released to contract and expand the spring-like members to grind and/or crush debris collected in the gutter.

Abstract: A fascia and soffit system having a fascia component, a soffit component and a soffit support structure, the fascia component comprising first and second members which are adjustable with respect to each other to permit different heights, the soffit having a plurality of apertures formed therein to permit air passage, the soffit support structure comprising first and second members which are retained in position by an interlocking system.

Abstract: A side expandable shelter system having a transport mode in which a side expandable section(s) is completely nested within an (ISO-style) main shelter section, and a deployment mode in which the side expandable section is completely protracted from the main shelter section. The side expandable shelter system comprises a flooring structure for the side expandable section provided by a hinged flooring panel assembly consisting of at least two floor panels hinged together so that they can be stacked compactly in a vertical direction when the side expandable section is retracted within the main shelter section, in a nested manner, so as to be completed contained therewithin its transport mode, and extended in horizontal direction when the side expandable section is projected from the main shelter section during the deployment mode. Both single and double side expandable shelter systems are provided.

Abstract: A multiple-level bicycle storing system includes a framework having a vertical support and a horizontal mounting frame. The framework defines a lower storing space with a lower receiver, a middle storing space with an upper receiver attached to the mounting frame with a pivot mechanism, and an upper storing space. The upper storing space includes an upper track having a horizontal rail, a shuttle movably engaging the rail, an electric shuttle motor attached to the rail and the shuttle and a power source, a cable winch incorporated into the shuttle, an electric winch motor attached to the cable winch and the power source, a control box attached between the winch motor, the shuttle motor and the power source, and a bicycle support attached to the cable winch. The pivot mechanism includes a pluraility of rollers, rails, a lever and a gas spring to enable extension of the upper receiver.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filtering screen having a top surface and a bottom surface. A skeletal structure is attached to the filtering screen and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the filtering screen contacts the top surface of the skeletal structure. The skeletal structure forms a plurality of downward extending channels.

Abstract: The present invention is a guide for delivering drywall at a construction site. The device comprises a weight bearing base with a plurality of vertically disposed guide rollers. Both the guide rollers and the base are composed of a material that has a low coefficient of friction, thereby limiting damage to the construction material. Preferably, the guide rollers are 4 to 12 inches apart depending on the thickness and amount of drywall passing through the rollers at any given time. The device is further comprised of an attachment plate and a plurality of support legs that secure the device to the wood framing or siding on a construction site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the earthquake-resistant mounting of a partition between a floor (2) and a ceiling (4) According to the invention, the partition consists of: a frame comprising (i) a lower runner (8) and an upper runner (10) which are essentially horizontal, and (ii) essentially-vertical studs which connect the upper and lower runners; and a coating (6) which is fixed to the frame. The inventive device comprises: a contoured slide (18) which is intended to be solidly connected to the upper runner (10) and which has an essentially-U-shaped cross-section, and a top rail (30) which is intended to be fixed to the ceiling (4) and partially housed in the slide (18) between the arms of the U-shaped section thereof. The slide (18) and the top rail (30) are mounted such that they can move vertically in relation to one another. In addition, reversible detent means are also provided between the slide (18) and the top rail (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to kit for a cupola assembly. The cupola assembly utilizes injection molded plastic panels having integrally formed connectors. The cupola is capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed into a secure cupola.

Abstract: A window protection structure for a building including novel structure for affixing a sheet of protection material over the window opening. The sheet material is cut to the size of the window opening in the building, and holes are formed therein. U-shaped clips are slid onto an upper edge of the sheet material, and a plurality of brackets are provided with a pair of holes formed therein. Cords loops are secured through the holes in the brackets. The brackets are adapted for receipt by the interior of the window and the cords are threaded to the exterior of the window. The cord loops are threaded through the holes in the sheet material. A bungee cord is then used for securing the ends of the cord loops, whereby the sheet material is held firmly against the window.

Abstract: The panel attachment system includes opposite upper and lower tracks attached to the edges of an opening in a building structure, and one or more panels that secure removably to the tracks to protect the opening from extreme weather, such as hurricane force winds. The upper track has a generally “h” shaped cross section and secures the upper edge of the panel therein. The lower track has a generally “F” shaped cross section, and holds the heads of a series of threaded fasteners in the channel of the track. The threaded shanks of the fasteners protrude outwardly normal to the building structure, pass through holes formed in the lower edge of the panel, and are secured by corresponding nuts. Two or more panels may be joined to cover a wider opening. The panels may be formed of corrugated plastic material.

Abstract: A panel mounting system to secure a protective panel to a building including a portal or window having a frame including an inner surface formed about the periphery thereof to receive and secure the panel mounting system thereto so that the protective panel covers the portal or window when the panel mounting system is secured in place, the panel mounting system comprising an elongated cross-bar including end portions formed on opposite ends thereof having a first securing assembly including a first panel attachment device formed thereon telescopingly coupled to one end portion of the elongated cross-bar by a first positioning assembly movable between a retracted position and an extended position and a second securing assembly including a second panel attachment device formed thereon telescopingly coupled to the other end portion of the elongated cross-bar by a second positioning assembly movable between an extended position and a retracted position such that the first securing assembly and the second securing

Abstract: A unitary frame carries a primary window and a secondary window. The view area of the primary window is substantially the same as the view area of the secondary window. Two windows can be installed, to close an opening, at the same time using the frame. A frame, a secondary window and a casing can be installed as a unitary structure over an existing primary window.

Abstract: A window includes at least one multiple pane unit (1, 2) mounted in an opening for sliding movement between an open position and a closed position. The multiple pane unit (1, 2) includes at least two panes (34, 38) in spaced disposition, and has a seal (30) disposed there between to form a sealed chamber between the two panes. At least one of the panes (38) extends beyond the seal (30). In an alternative aspect of the invention, there may be two such multiple pane units (1, 2) in a sliding or other type of window. In the closed positions of the window, portions of the seal (30) of the multiple pane units are aligned and one of the multiple pane units (1) has at least one of its panes (38) extending beyond the seal (30).

Abstract: Disclosed is a framing system devised to fit around cables and conduits entering into a concrete structure via an opening through which one wants to pour concrete. The system includes angle-bars, modules fitting into each other and panels. In practice, one incorporates the anchor sleeves in the concrete structure on two opposite sides of the opening where the cables or conduits extend. The angle-bars are then connected to these anchor sleeves. The modules which have recesses adapted to the geometry and size of the cables or conduits, are subsequently attached to the angle-bars. After the cables or conduits are covered with plastic tubes, the panels may be installed outside the structure to complete the framing and concrete may be injected through the opening.

Abstract: A mortar less masonry structure comprising a plurality of regular masonry blocks and/or bricks connected to each other by a plurality of metal bars and a plurality of standard metal threaded fasteners thereby forming a post tensioned structure. Preferably, the blocks are operatively connected to each other as a structure by simple mechanical tools. Each interconnection results in a unitized post tensioned member that, when interconnected to the adjacent members, forms a comparatively higher strength structure than systems made of mortar and reinforced mortar. The method used to create this structure is a simple, waterless, mortar less interconnection process that is completed by a series of simple individual steps of fastening the blocks and bars into a strong and durable structure. Once connected the structure is strong and durable. If desired, the structure may be disassembled and the components be re-used.

Abstract: A method for producing hollow-core slabs substantially with a horizontal slipforming process, the concrete mix to be cast being fed in said method through a limited cross section to form a product with a desired form, whereby the areal weight of the hollow-core slab to be cast is changed by changing the width of the hollow core of the hollow-core slab and/or by casting a part of the hollow-cores to be solid.

Abstract: A modular furniture component such as an electrified relatively thin panel has electrical wiring in a raceway near a downwardly depending adjustable leveler leg and a pluggable multiconductor cable for connecting the raceway electrical wiring with another modular furniture component. The components may each comprise a relatively thin upstanding generally rectangular modular office wall panel having an electrical wiring containing raceway near a bottom edge. Adjacent panels have the raceways generally horizontally aligned with one another. In one form, apparatus and method is disclosed for routing the power and data cables/conductors out of the bottom of the panels next to threaded leveler legs and back up into the adjacent panel. The cable is located closely adjacent a thinnest portion of the adjustable leveler leg and has a portion thereof displaced vertically below each raceway.

Abstract: A corner bead for joining adjacent pieces of wallboard including an arched center section having a pair of wing sections attached thereto. The arched center section extends outwardly above planes defined by the wing sections, and the wings and arched center section define an interior surface which is placed adjacent the wallboard and an exterior surface which is placed opposite the wallboard. A reinforcing member is disposed adjacent the interior surface of the arched center section and attached thereto to provide rigidity to the arched center section.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying tape and joint compound to a drywall. The apparatus comprises a pan member having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material for holding a drywall joint compound. A holder means that is engageable with the pan member is designed for holding a roll of drywall tape and there is a slot disposed at a predetermined location on each end of the pan member for permitting the tape to enter a first end of the pan member and exit a second end of the pan member wherein the tape exiting the second end of the pan member is covered on substantially an upper side with such joint compound.

Abstract: A hold-down connector for attaching metal studs forming wall assembly to a support structure. One embodiment of the hold-down connector has a base plate, a back plate and at least one gusset plate. The gusset plate(s) extend between the base plate and the back plate and may be integrally formed with the back plate or the gusset plate(s) may be welded or otherwise attached to the back plate. The base plate has a fastener opening therethrough for receiving a fastener for attaching the base plate to the support structure. One or more slots are provided through the back plate to facilitate welding of the back plate to the web of a corresponding metal stud. One or more of the slots may have opposing side portions that are not parallel to each other.

Abstract: To enable realization of accurate positioning of an anchor bolt to a foundation with a simple procedure using a member of an extremely simple structure without using a temporary reference construction. An anchor bolt 6 is accurately positioned and installed on leveling concrete 2 by fixedly installing a base seat 1a of a mounting member 1 so as to be aligned with a center mark for the anchor bolt positioned and indicated thereon, disposing the anchor bolt 6 upright on a hollow bolt 1b via a hinge member 4 and a turn buckle member 5, then casting concrete for a base portion and a rising portion of the foundation simultaneously, adjusting the anchor bolt 6 which is inclined at the hinge member 4 being bent due to the casting pressure into a vertical state while measuring with a plummet instrument before the concrete is hardened, and maintaining the anchor bolt 6 in the vertical state by a verticality holder until the concrete is hardened.

Abstract: A roof access system mounted on a roof having a roof support member, said device being adapted for use with an internal component and an external component. The device includes an enclosure and an access panel providing resealable access to a central aperture located through said enclosure, a channel extending from said aperture to the underlying roof support member and being adapted for receiving tubing extending from said internal component to said connection point. A second tubing section extends from the external component to said connection point, said internal component being in communication with said external component.

Abstract: This invention teaches inter alia a one-piece layered monolithic modulus of composite thermally-insulated concrete walls comprising a foundation; a concrete wall; a plurality of reinforcing steel plates; a pair of wall form panels; a slab; and optionally a plurality of slab-supporting bars; wherein the wall form panels having a plurality of steel plates distributed in uniform spacing and embedded vertically therein are made of polystyrene foam plastic; a plurality of teeth are vertically arranged on the two peripheral edges of the steel plate; a cavity is formed on each tooth; the teeth and the cavities protrude out of the inner surface of said wall form panels; a pair of channel-shaped steels with slots facing upwards are affixed horizontally on the foundation; the bottom surfaces of the wall form panels are affixed respectively into the slots of the channel-shaped steels; a plurality of welded steel fabrics are embedded in the spaces between the wall form panels; at least two wall form panels are interconne

Abstract: There is provided at least one molding segment in a modular molding kit or system. The molding segment comprises a rearward attachment and an alignment surface that define an angle there between. Placing the rearward attachment side against a wall and placing the alignment surface proximate to a ceiling thereby forms an alignment gap between the alignment surface and the ceiling. The molding segment optionally includes an alignment wedge, and possibly a compressible lip, to cover the alignment gap to adapt to non-planar surfaces and thereby produce the appearance of a unitary molding piece that is mounted flush to both the wall and the adjacent ceiling. One embodiment further includes an integrated covering segment extending from and conjoined to a side edge of a forward decorative surface. The integrated covering segment is adapted to cover a seam formed between the forward decorative surface and a second molding piece mounted adjacent to the forward decorative surface.

Abstract: An insertion member fixing structure includes an insertion member which is inserted into a support hole formed in a support member; and outer and inner adhesive-pouring recesses formed on an inner peripheral surface of the support hole at one end thereof and on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion member, respectively, in a manner so as to face each other and be communicatively connected to each other in a state where the insertion member is inserted into the support hole. The insertion member is fixed to the support member by pouring an adhesive into the outer and inner adhesive-pouring recesses so that the adhesive spreads into the outer and inner adhesive-pouring recess.

Abstract: A thin decorative thermosetting laminate of postforming quality is glued to a longitudinal carrier to form a floor strip. The laminate has a thermosetting resin as well as hard particles impregnated therein to increase the abrasion resistance of the laminate. The carrier generally has a cross section of a dilatation, transition or a finishing profile, depending on the intended use of the floor strip. The floor strip has a tab portion on a surface that engages a channel on a floor tile or a reducer. The tab portion locks the floor strip into place and prevents movement of the floor tile or the reducer with respect to the floor strip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building panel including a face of fibre reinforced cement material, an integrally formed flange of fibre reinforced cement material extending rearwardly from the face and around at least the edge thereof, and a reinforcing member or frame, at least a portion of which passes through the flange.

Abstract: An insulation sheet for concrete sandwich wall panels comprising a sheet base composed substantially of expanded cellular foam and having opposed base surfaces. Protrusions on rigid plastic inserts molded into the sheet base extend from each of the base surfaces. Each of the protrusions has a narrow waist into which concrete flows to anchor the concrete onto the sheet. Narrow ducts extend through the insulation sheet.

Abstract: A building cladding has a cladding material (6) which is fusible and which attached to fastening (7) by fusing. The fastening penetrating the building substrate (4). By fusion to itself the cladding material forms a generally continuous membrane over the substrate. Preferably polyurethane is used as the cladding material fusible surface.

Abstract: A joint connector for connecting abutting edges of tapered drywall is provided that includes a base, a column projecting forward from said base, and mud legs extending generally perpendicular to said column forming pockets for receipt of tapered edges of said drywall.

Abstract: Wainscot wall panels made at a manufacturing plant through either the cut and assembly of the various components that make up the panel, through routing of a lumber, plywood, or other material, then assembled into a prefabricated wainscot, for later shipment and installation at the home or jobsite during construction or renovation. The panels have three piece construction with a center panel, rails above and below the center panel, and half and full stiles flanking the center panel and perpendicular to the rails. Alternatively, the raised panel, rails, and stiles can be routed or pressed from a single piece of wooden material.

Abstract: An improved radio frequency wave attenuating wall (ceiling or floor) or door material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of a viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue and one or more electrically conducting layers. An electrically conducting material such as tape or a formed metal channel provides an electrical connection between the electrically conducting material and an exposed outer surface of the laminated structure. In one embodiment the electrically conducting material is paint. In one embodiment , standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure and one or more conductive layers are constructed between the gypsum exterior. In one embodiment, the conducting layer material is selected to provide physical security in addition to radio frequency wave attenuation. The construction is such that acoustical attenuation is also achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clamping a panel, such as a glass panel, with no notch or drilled hole. The apparatus includes a base and two opposite opposing clamp halves. The lower edges of the clamp halves have downwardly extending cam surfaces. Inwardly extending arms are formed near the bottom of the clamp halves. A retainer is positionable above the arms and base. A machine screw is turned to pull the retainer to pull the arms towards the base and force the cam surfaces against the base. This causes convergence of the clamp halves by the geometry of the cams.

Abstract: This invention provides a reinforcing construction for a wall opening in a steel house capable of suppressing shearing stress to a low level while keeping, especially, the initial rigidity at a high level. Each side face wall 73 is so arranged as to be clamped between a vertical wall panel 71 and a wainscot panel 72. An opening upper frame member 57 to which a lower end of the vertical panel 71 is fixed and an opening lower frame member 54 to which an upper end of the wainscot panel 72 is fixed are fixed through metal joint 81 to each transverse frame member constituting a side face wall frame member 64 to which the side face wall 73 is fixed.

Abstract: A cross panel for a grid type suspended ceiling comprising a sheet metal body forming a rectangular face adapted to close the space between the flanges of a pair of parallel grid tees. The panel has four connectors each adjacent a respective corner of the panel face and adapted to extend through a slot in the web of the adjacent grid tee for interlocking the panel to the tees in a manner that maintains the parallel spacing and alignment of the tees and affords a simple, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A process is provided to facilitate the repair of damage, such as that sustained by the body or frame of a vehicle during collision. The present invention provides a standardized process for vehicle body repair and offers the technician a standardized and practical toolkit to be implemented into said process. The present invention allows the technician to reduce the costs both in time and equipment required to perform the repair. Further, the possibility of secondary damage arising from inappropriate application of methodologies and tools is significantly reduced with the implementation of the present invention.

Abstract: A shroud and construction methods using the shroud wherein windows are temporarily covered for protection. A shroud subframe comprising resilient, plastic extrusions is custom fitted about the window periphery. Each extrusion has an elongated foot, an offset body portion, and an integral ramp connecting the body and the foot. Each extrusion has a peel-away adhesive strip formed beneath the foot and atop the body. A translucent sheet of plastic is adhesively mounted on the subframe face. A region of overlap occurs between adjacent portions of the shroud subframe, and the pieces are adhesively fixed to one another. During subsequent construction steps, shroud foot portions are permanently sandwiched between dry wall segments and window structure. When construction is completed, the exposed junction between the subframe and adjacent sheet rock is cut and discarded, and the sheet is removed.

Abstract: A simulated shake siding panel having the random appearance of individual shakes is provided. The siding panel comprises a siding panel board, the siding panel board comprising front and rear faces, the front face including at least a bottommost course of a plurality of simulated side-by-side shakes forming an uneven butt line. A nailing strip is disposed proximate to a top edge of the siding panel board. A downwardly open hook is provided on the front face proximate to a top edge of the siding panel for interfitting with an upwardly open hook of a second like siding panel, the siding panel and second siding panel interfitted top to bottom. An upwardly open hook is disposed on the rear face of the siding panel, a top edge of the upwardly open hook being uniformly spaced from the top edge of the siding panel and non-uniformly spaced from the uneven butt line.

Abstract: A system for attaching siding to an exterior wall through use of a fastener rip that is held within or against the nailing hem of a siding panel so as to allow the slide along the guide strip during thermally induced expansion and contraction of the panel.