Abstract: Methods for recovery of concentrates of lubricating compounds and biologically active compounds from vegetable and animal oils, fats and greases that allow separation of triglycerides, from components with higher lubricity or biological activity or enrichment protocols that increase the concentration of high lubricity or biologically active compounds in the triglyceride. The triglycerides are transesterified with a lower alcohol to produce alkyl esters. Following the conversion process the esters are separated from high molecular weight high lubricity compounds and biologically active compounds by distillation. The esters have some lubricity and may be sold as pollution reducing fuel components.

Abstract: A retractable protective shield (20) includes a first stake member (22), a second stake member (24) and a sheet member (26) having a first end attached to the first stake member and a second end attached to the second stake member. The shield can further include a cylinder (30) enclosing a substantial portion of at least the first stake member. The sheet member can retract within the cylinder using a crank member (28) or can be self-retracting within the cylinder. For smooth extraction or retraction operation of the sheet member, the shield can include a bearing (32 or 33). The bearing can include a lock mechanism or the lock mechanism can be implemented similar to lock mechanisms used in window shades. Optionally, the 20 can include pocket or sleeve portions (34) within the sheet member to enable insertion of rigid insert members (36) that can optionally serve as additional stakes.

Abstract: BETTER GROWING PLANTS AND TREES

Abstract: A floating habitat designed to be renewably buoyant, self-sustaining and optionally specialized for waterfowl nesting. The first embodiment comprises one or more flotation units, a source of compressed air, and a means for connecting the source of compressed air to the flotation units. Each flotation unit comprises an individual supply hose, an inflatable bladder, a relief valve, a diffusing manifold, bottom mesh, top mesh, and buoyant growth medium. An alternative embodiment comprises a self-compensating buoyancy system. In the waterfowl nesting embodiment, the floating habitat includes one or more waterfowl nesting structures and construction material selected to optimize the nesting habitat. The floating habitat can be comprised of scrap pieces or layers of polyester mesh material. The floating habitats can be combined to provide safe habitat for juvenile waterfowl, encourage colony nesting, or allow a variety of waterfowl or shore bird species to enjoy suitable habitat on the same floating habitat.

Abstract: A detachable handle for lifting and carrying a plant flat. The handle includes a central carrying portion and a securing portion located at each end of the handle. In construction, each securing portion is divided longitudinally into two subsections, which are separated from each other and capable of being releasably connected to slotted apertures that are found on the top portion of the plant flat.

Abstract: A system for producing synthesis gas includes a regeneration zone. The regeneration zone includes a first fluidized bed configured to receive an oxidant for producing a regenerated oxygen transfer material. The system further includes a mixed reforming zone comprising a second fluidized bed configured to receive a first fuel and the regenerated oxygen transfer material to produce a first reformate stream and a steam reforming zone comprising a third fluidized bed configured to receive the first reformate stream, a second fuel and steam to produce the synthesis gas. The regeneration zone, mixed reforming zone and steam-reforming zone are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable barrier which is intended to control the passage of traffic on a travel path. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a rail (100) which is made from a composite material.

Abstract: A door wrap including two piece door surface cover connected by a middle jointing section for attachment to a door to protect both sides or top edge of the door on which it is mounted. The door wrap not only protects the door, but also allows the door to be fully functional, such as to be opened, closed or locked. The two-piece door surface covers of the door wrap may be constructed from a piece or pieces of cardboard material while the middle joining section may be made of plastic material. The door wrap may be custom made for uniquely mounted or sized doors, or assembled in standard sizes to fit most doors.

Abstract: A dual rack and pinion system is provided for a window lift mechanism. The window lift mechanism includes improved window brackets for simple mounting to a window. A modular frame design is provided to improve assembly of the window lift mechanism into the door of a vehicle. An improved assembly method is provided for the dual rack and pinion system. The system is also provided with a smart motor and incorporates resilient shock absorbers in the dual rack and pinion gear train to allow more time for the smart motor to detect and react to an obstruction in the window. The window lift mechanism includes a support bracket mounted to the window and a motor supported on a support bracket, wherein the support bracket permits axial and rotational movement of the window relative to the support bracket.

Abstract: Because a wire of a moving wiring system is not exposed, damage to the wire can be prevented. In addition, noise can be reduced by an operation of a wire guide assembly when the moving wiring system operates.

Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for a side-by-side or French style door on a refrigerator in which the sealing gasket is supported on a gasket carrier and pivotably coupled to a base member adapted to be secured along the medial vertical edge of a refrigerator door. A set of magnets are supported by the gasket carrier opposite the gasket. These magnets are arranged such that similar poles are adjacent one another when the doors are in the closed position. The magnets provide a repelling force which operates to rotate the gaskets into sealing engagement with one another.

Abstract: An automobile door comprises an outer module having a car body shell and forms an outer design surface of said automobile door, in addition to a unit carrier that is arranged on the side of the outer module facing the interior of the motor vehicle and that is connected to said outer module forming an interface. A sealing extends along the interface between the unit carrier and the outer module, said sealing covering the interface at least partly.

Abstract: An upper reveal molding is provided for a motor vehicle door frame having a flange and a through-hole. The upper reveal molding includes a molding strip adapted to be coupled to the flange. The upper reveal molding also includes a reveal insert fixedly secured to the molding strip. The reveal insert includes a plurality of retention fingers selectively received within the through-hole and lockingly engageable with the motor vehicle door frame in order to locate the upper reveal molding therealong.

Abstract: A rain gutter cleaning system of the invention comprises a generally planar panel, or two generally planar panels, movably secured to the bottom of the gutter. The rain gutter cleaning system includes a hinge securing one end of the generally planar panel to the gutter. One generally planar panel is normally disposed in a first position. In this first position, the generally planar panel is adjacent to, and generally parallel to, the gutter. The generally planar panel may be moved to second position. In this second position, the generally planar panel is pivotally spaced apart from the gutter.

Abstract: A gutter assembly (1) including a longitudinally extending channel (5) having an opening (10) and downwardly converging side surfaces (15) terminating at a bottom surface (20) to receive and disperse therealong water runoff from a roof (25) of a building (30). At the opening (10) the side surfaces (15) have a longitudinal edge portion (35) remote from the building (30) and a longitudinal edge portion (40) adjacent the building. Fastening means (50) secure the assembly (1) to the building. The side surfaces (15) are angularly offset relative to each other so that in use the center of gravity of the assembly (1) is adjacent the building (30) to thereby urge the assembly (1) towards the building when the assembly (1) is under load.

Abstract: A multi-function construction apparatus for support of roof loads to prevent slippage, shifting or sliding thereof along and/or from a roof surface. A pair, or more, of multi-function construction apparatuses can be combined with a platform placed thereon for stationing of workpieces and/or equipment. In an alternate embodiment, a pair, or more, of additional stands with a platform thereacross are placed down-roof from a pair, or more, of multi-function construction apparatuses with a platform thereon. The resulting construct provides a standing area for a worker on the lower platform with a work area on the upper platform, while simultaneously supporting the roof load up-roof from the multi-function construction apparatuses.

Abstract: A modular patient room includes a plurality of modular wall panels or units having various configurations. In some embodiments, the modular wall units have water dispensers. Headwall units having water dispensers are also disclosed. The water dispensers are configured to filter water or to sterilize water.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying merchandise is suspended from overhead ceiling structures. The display apparatus includes a suspension strand supported by a support hook which attaches to the ceiling support grid members of a drop-style ceiling. The support hook is locked into place on the support grid member by the ceiling tile. Promotional graphic displays and/or merchandise may be supported on the hook structures secured to the suspension strand.

Abstract: A sound absorbing panel comprising a generally rectangular mat of sound absorbing material, a plastic non woven covering at the frontal mat surface facing towards the sound insulated space and a sheet metal plate covering at the rear. The sheet metal plate covering extends outwardly perimetrically around the mat and forms uniformly sized flange extensions bent inwardly by 180° to form lip portions and corresponding recessions between the flange extensions and associated lip portions. Four Z section edge members are employed, one for each of the four lateral sides of the mat, each Z section edge member comprising a base portion abutting the lateral side of the mat and two spaced apart flange portions projecting in opposite directions from the base portion, one of these flange portions entering within the abovementioned recessions of the sheet metal plate covering wherein it is being pressed to form a compact frame structure perimetrically around the sound absorbing panel.

Abstract: An acoustical absorbing membrane that may be used in removable panel finishing systems is provided. The acoustic membrane may be formed of any sound transmission loss material that possesses sound-absorbing or sound-deadening qualities. Examples of suitable materials include foil, a foil-faced asphalt material, elastomeric materials, composite laminates, a polymer film, a composite material formed of an organic bonding material and one or more types of reinforcement fibers, a cement board, a gypsum board, a gypsum/WUCS board, a dense WUCS mat, a film formed of a fiberglass reinforced resin, and/or any dense polymeric material. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the acoustic membrane may be a film formed of a loaded polymer or copolymer, such as a copolymer of ethylene-vinyl acetate loaded with barium or CaCO3. The acoustic membrane may have a density of approximately 1 lb/ft2-3 lbs/ft2 and preferably has a thickness from about 1/16-? of an inch.

Abstract: A piece of furniture comprising a first part including a first outer surface, a second part including a second outer surface, a seam formed at an interface of the first part and the second part, and a polymer coating adhered to the first outer surface and to the second outer surface and extending over the seam. A piece of furniture comprising a work surface including an upper surface and an underside and defining a plane, the work surface supportable at a work level forming a space at the underside of the work surface and a panel positionable in the space at the underside of the work surface, the panel including a curved outer surface and a wall selected to be resistant to passage therethough of flying debris and a substructure to support the wall. A piece of furniture comprising a work surface including an upper surface and an item securing system including a retainer engaged to the work surface to releasably secure an office object thereto.

Abstract: A wall has a framed opening primarily for a window. A window unit is installed in the framed opening. A decorative unit is formed or preassembled from moldings and jambs and is thereafter installed into the opening to finish the opening and provide structure to receive coverings like a blind or a shutter. The decorative unit has a recess formed along the interior of the moldings which is sized to receive window blinds, shutters or window shades. Springs or sealing members are positioned between the molding and the perimeter of the installed window or door unit to seal and spring load the jambs between the unit and the molding. Clips and brackets may be used to facilitate preassembly and installation. The molding may be in two pieces with a finish piece that snaps onto or over brackets to secure the molding without need for more permanent means to affix in place.

Abstract: An assembly device for at least two laminated glazing elements each including plural individual glazing elements that are rigid and assembled to one another at the surface by bonding layers, which succeed one another in a direction of extension, partially overlapping in contiguous edge regions in perpendicular projection on faces of the glazing elements, and are assembled to one another in this limited overlap region on the edge side. Only one portion of the rigid glazing elements, at least one individual glazing element of each laminated glazing element, extends into the overlap region. This allows a smooth continuous transition from one laminated glazing element to the next with a visual effect of an extremely transparent glazing.

Abstract: An article hanging system capable of easily changing an exhibit position and an exhibit height of an article such as a goods exhibited in a shop, a hanger and a display shelf comprises a ceiling rail assembly, a wire holder slidably retained to the ceiling rail assembly, a wire hanging down from the wire holder, a gripper fixably attachable at a desired position along the wire, a wire holder attached to a lower end of the wire and a floor rail assembly to which the wire holder is slidably retained. Each of the rail assemblies comprises longitudinal rails extending in a longitudinal direction (the Y-direction) and lateral rails slidable with respect to the longitudinal rail as being spanned between the longitudinal rails. Each of the wire holders are slidable along the lateral rail.

Abstract: An upright space-dividing wall panel with a rigid interior frame, and a cover attached to the frame for covering the interior thereof. The frame includes a first pair of horizontal rails defining top and bottom sides, and a second pair of upright rails defining right and left sides. Corner members are disposed at the frame corners, with each corner member being rigidly joined between adjacent ends of the horizontal and upright rails. The corner member is a one-piece L-shaped member having a box-shaped corner block and horizontal and vertical leg parts cantilevered outwardly from respective transverse side faces of the corner block. Each side face defines a shoulder which surrounds the respective leg part. The leg parts are each telescoped into one end of a respective rail with a fixed engagement so that the rail abuts the respective shoulder.

Abstract: A thin, prestressed concrete panel, having a thickness of about one and one-half inch thickness or less, and apparatus for making the same is disclosed. Pairs of prestressed tendons extend between the side and end portions of the panel. The tendons of each pair are positioned on each side of the mid-plane of the panel and spaced from such mid-plane so as to increase panel strength and prevent warping of the panel. A molding apparatus for casting the panel comprises a bottom plate, a pair of opposite side portions, and a pair of opposite end portions. Slots are defined in the side and end portions through which tendons are inserted prior to pouring concrete in the mold. Tensioning means are provided for prestressing the tendons in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the panel.

Abstract: A firestopping apparatus for providing a fire barrier in a construction barrier. The apparatus is comprised of a sleeve within which there are located intumescent pads that are oriented to form a confinement area therebetween to accommodate various penetrating members such as cables, conduits and the like that need to pass through the barrier. Upon sensing the heat from a fire, the intumescent pads seal around the penetrating members to prevent the fire from passing through the barrier. One or both of the intumescent pads is movable toward or away from the other so that the confinement area can be adjusted in size, that is, the confinement area can be increased in size to accommodate a large number of penetrating members of decreased to accommodate a lesser number. One or both of the intumescent pads may be biased in the direction toward decreasing the size of the confinement area.

Abstract: A support bracket for supporting a horizontal mullion during the construction of a curtain wall, the support bracket having a first horizontal leg and a second vertical leg in 90 degree relationship to each other, the horizontal leg defined by a support member engagable with the vertical mullion, the horizontal leg defined by a support member engagable with the horizontal mullion, there being a bracing member angularly secured between the vertical leg and the horizontal leg, the vertical and horizontal legs snap fitting or clamped to the respective horizontal mullion and vertical mullion to maintain the horizontal mullion in non-sagging relationship until it can be secured at its second end.

Abstract: A trim molding system including trim pieces having a tab and corresponding keyway system. The tab fits into the keyway. Trim boards having keyways are configured to be joined to a corner cap having tabs to provide a trim system that is suitable for use with bullnose corner bead. Trim boards having are configured to be spliced using a splice tab that both joins and aligns the trim boards. Trim boards having keyways are configured to be joined at a corner using an angled corner tab that both joins and aligns the trim boards, and conforms to a corner angle of a surface such as a wall.

Abstract: Skirting board, more particularly a skirting board with a laminated surface on one or more sides, characterized in that it is composed of short pieces (59), more particularly with a length of less than two meters, which can be mounted successively one after the other in longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The current invention is a concrete post anchor and method of using comprising two substantially vertical side brackets, side brackets operatively connected opposite one another and spaced apart with a base bracket and a back bracket forming a U-shaped bracket. A pair of front brackets is removably attached to the side brackets. An anchor and a portion of the side brackets extend below the base bracket forming an anchor tab and a side bracket tab. A pair of anchor rods is operatively connected to each side bracket tab. The anchor can be embedded in a concrete pier and then a post can be secured within the concrete post anchor with the front brackets and fastened to the anchor. The concrete post anchor withstands increased loads and forces associated with post built-type buildings without permitting the wood post to directly contact the soil, thereby creating substantially stronger and longer-lasting post buildings.

Abstract: The mounting clip is different from other tabs and brackets because it clips right on to the opening cut out, top and bottom in seconds without any drilling for screws to hold the clip in place, making the lock installation faster and secure.

Abstract: A method for using serpentine panels to construct an object comprising gathering said serpentine panels, forming said serpentine panels as needed, assembling said serpentine panels to shape said object, assembling said forms around said serpentine panels; and pouring concrete to create said object.

Abstract: Fastener joints induce static pre-stresses into a fastener that clamps the joint in a magnitude equal and direction opposite from bending stresses induced in the fastener by application loading. Such joints include angling the bolts seats of a connecting rod bearing cap inwardly, creating a relief at the bolted interface between the cap and the rod adjacent to the main bore of the connecting rod or skewing the threaded holes in the rod body inwardly as they extend from the bolted joint faces.

Abstract: A metal stud arrangement has a top track with a support rail fixed to the track-web and extending between track flanges into the trough of the track. The support rail has an enlarged hanger portion with a maximum width. A metal stud of the arrangement has an opening near the top end of the stud web for receiving the support rail, the opening having an entry passage with a width that is smaller than the maximum width of the hanger portion and the passage being adapted to receive the support rail. The opening includes an enlarged portion that is larger than the maximum width so that with the hanger portion in the enlarged portion of the opening, the stud hangs from the top track.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inside corner framing element for supporting wallboard at the intersection of two adjoining walls made from sheet metal framing members. The inside corner framing element may be characterized as either: (1) an elongated sheet metal strip bent lengthwise two times to define a truncated W-shaped cross-sectional profile with at least one linear receiving slot positioned at an end of the elongated sheet metal strip; or (2) an elongated sheet metal strip bent lengthwise three times to define a W-shaped cross-sectional profile with at least one linear receiving slot positioned at an end of the elongated sheet metal strip.

Abstract: A clip is formed from sheet stock and has first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion forms a tab for attaching the clip to an overhead. The second end portion forms a U-bend channel for carrying a wire on the clip. The tab extends transversely away from a first upper end of the U-bend channel. The clip has a first prong and a second prong. The first prong partly blocks a first lateral end of the U-bend channel and is spaced apart from the first lateral end of the U-bend channel adequately to permit passage of a wire element between the first prong and the first lateral end of the U-bend channel. The second prong partly blocks a second lateral end of the U-bend channel. The second prong is spaced apart from the second lateral end of the U-bend channel adequately to permit passage of a wire element between the second prong and the second lateral end of the U-bend channel.

Abstract: The Vinyl Siding Outside Corner Mounting Block, made of molded plastic, nailed approximately two feet apart to the outside verticle corner of a structure with one 8d box nail, makes the application of the vinyl siding outside corners simple, fast and accurate.

Abstract: A support for installations in the field of housing technology and industry includes first and second chords (12; 62 and 16; 66) each formed of two parallel elongate profiles (13, 17; 63, 67) spaced by a distance (A, B; C, E) from each other and being connected by connection profiles, with a longitudinal extent of the connection profiles (14, 18; 64) intersecting a longitudinal extent of the elongate profiles (13, 17; 63) of the chords (12, 16; 62) and being greater than the distance (A, B; C) between the elongate profiles (13, 17; 63), the support further including two longitudinally extending wave-shaped bars (21; 71) for connecting the first and second chords (12, 16; 62, 66) and having turnover regions (22; 72, 74) connected with the elongate profiles (13, 16; 63, 67) of the first and second chords, respectively.

Abstract: A column/beam, beam/beam interconnection in a building frame method. The interconnection of the method of the invention features (a) a pair of parallel-spaced, upright, planar plate components operatively associated with either a side of a column or a side of a beam, (b) an elongate, generally horizontal beam including a generally upright, planar central web with an end which, with respect to a pair of such plate components, extends into the space which exists between those components, and (c) a structural relationship in such a building frame associated with the plate components in a pair, which relationship accommodates (a) vertical-motion placement of a web end between components, with (b) the automatic establishment thereby of a correct relative, spatial, three-dimensional relationship and disposition of the plate components in the frame, and of the specific, associated column/beam and/or beam/beam elements so interconnected.

Abstract: A structural assembly comprising profile members imparting axial strength to the assembly. The profile members extend along a length. Ribbon holds the profile members together along their length. The ribbon imparts lateral strength to the assembly by being braced to the profile members. A method for manufacturing the structural assembly comprises winding the ribbon about a support structure to form a bracing lattice, positioning the profile members in a predetermined position on the support structure; and bonding the profile members to the bracing lattice to form a structural assembly.

Abstract: Multiple node junctions have at least two nodes sharing an axis. Each node includes a node adaptor-mounting-surface at an angle ? relative to the axis. An adaptor mounted to each node at the angle ? relative to the axis uses an adaptor node-mounting-surface and at least one adaptor beam-mounting-surface. A beam having one or more adaptor-mounting-surfaces is mounted to the adaptors using beam adaptor-mounting-surfaces so that the beam is mounted at the angle ? relative to the axis. The length of each adaptor corresponds to the spacing between each adaptor node-mounting-surface and its matching adaptor beam-mounting-surface. The lengths of the first and second adaptors are selected to accommodate the angle ?. A framework, for example a free form glass wall or the like, can be created using a plurality of multiple node junctions according to embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joint fitting between members of a simple structure with few parts and able to transmit stress of both compressive force and tensile force and a joint structure and method of joining using that joint fitting, that is, a joint fitting 1 between members connecting an upper floor vertical frame members 11 and lower floor vertical frame members 11 and transmitting compressive force and tensile force, the joint fitting 1 between members provided with a metal connection member body having a length enabling it to be arranged bridging the upper floor vertical frame member 11 and lower floor vertical frame member 11 in a vertical orientation and joint parts 3 for directly joining with these vertical frame members at its two ends, the joint parts 3 of the joint fitting 1 arranged at the upper and lower floors being brought into contact with the vertical side surfaces of the different floor vertical frame members 11 and fastened by drill screws 24 screwed in bridging the joint parts 3 an

Abstract: A structurally rigid inside corner bracket constructed of plastic or other durable material used to quickly and effectively accept a predetermined sized insert “patch” of drywall or other board-type material in order to repair a damaged section of same material. The bracket shall be placed in the inside corners [either quantity of 2 or 4] of a square or rectangular hole cut to a suitable size in a damaged area of drywall for the purpose of repairing the area by inserting a second cut square or rectangular “patch” to fit into the first hole. The bracket is inserted along the inside corner edge and face of the predetermined cut hole and are situated such that they are placed opposite of each other and held in place by the flange portion of the device exerting pressure on the front and rear face of the wallboard to be repaired. The device derives its structural rigidity through a front and rear flange area coupled perpendicular to an integral spine.

Abstract: A sealing cover for a fastening device (26) for a spaced attachment of an object (5) to a constructional component includes a base plate (12) having a through-opening (13) for an anchoring element (27) of the fastening device (26) and at least one inlet opening (17), and a first circumferential web (14) projecting from the base plate (12) and forming therewith a receiving space (16) for receiving, at least partially, a spacing element (28) of the fastening device.

Abstract: The segment for a tower of a wind energy turbine comprises a tubular section having a longitudinal axis and inner and outer sides, and at least one group of supporting elements arranged at the inner side of the tubular section. The segment further comprises at least one platform supportable by the supporting elements of the at least one group of supporting elements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a roll formed sheet metal tee for grid type suspended ceilings with the face of its flange integral with the stem and the layers of the stem fixed together for improved torsional strength. An upper region of the stem can have one or more of its layers folded to increase suspension wire breakout strength. A stiffening bulb is below suspension wire receiving holes so that a loop of the suspension wire through the tee has a narrow profile and thereby avoids interference with ceiling panels during their installation or removal. Other embodiments of a tee share the feature of a narrow, suspension wire receiving upper stem portion.

Abstract: A corner stud (40) has a four-sided post portion (42) that sits into a corner region of a framing wall. The post portion includes a pair of flanges (92, 96) which form a right angle inside corner at the inside corner of the framing wall. Edge portions of wallboard panels (108, 110) connect to the flanges (92, 96). A post portion 112 of an intersection stud (110) fits within the tracks at a location between the corners. Inside corners are formed by flanges (148, 160) and (154, 166) against which edge portions (180, 182) of wallboard panels (184, 186) and (188, 190) are connected. The edge portions (180, 182, 188, 190) of the wallboard are connected to and backed up by the flanges (148, 160, 154, 166).

Abstract: An extrusion cross-section for a straight edge clamping device including (a) an elongated hollow base having a constant cross-section; (b) a first stop fixed at one end of the base; (c) a second stop movably provided along the base; and (d) a clamp for holding the workpieces together, includes a) a flat base portion having top and bottom surfaces, and two edges; b) two L-cross-sectioned portions having horizontal and vertical parts, facing each other, integrated with the flat base on the top surface of the flat base forming a top groove; c) two hollow portions, facing each other, integrated with the flat base on the bottom surface of the flat base forming a bottom groove; and d) two flanges having a horizontal part, vertical parts, facing each other, integrally connected to the corresponding hollow portion, wherein the cross-section has a right-left symmetry with a vertical center line as symmetry axis.

Abstract: A wallboard system composed of panels having weldable joint areas is disclosed. The panels are joined together by a connector that can also be utilized to align adjacent panels. Each panel has a reinforcement grid either embedded therein or attached thereto. Preferably, the reinforcement grid is made of a network of horizontal and perpendicular conduits that extend across the panel. The connector is interposed between the sidewalls of adjacent panels and the end portions of the conduits from each panel are configured to mate with respective areas of the connector, thereby forming a flush joint between adjacent panels. The connectors may include a generally L-shaped corner bead that fills the joint areas between panels forming inside or outside corners.