Abstract: A shelter comprises a roof, a floor, and a plurality of side walls secured to the floor and the roof. At least one of the floor, the roof, and the plurality of side walls comprises an exterior panel, an interior panel, and an attachment device secured to the exterior panel and the interior panel for relative movement of the exterior panel and the interior panel between collapsed and expanded positions. An associated method of assembling the shelter is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit for making a device for protecting junction boxes on the outside walls of buildings and/or utility service units near the outside walls of buildings from the effects of weather, etc. To create a kit which can be used very quickly and easily to protect the previously mentioned junction boxes and utility service units from the effects of the weather, etc., where the cost of a kit of this type is very low, the kit consists of a U-shaped frame (4), which can be attached to the outside wall (2), and which carries a seal (6) on the side (5) of (4) facing the outside wall (2). A roof (9), which slants downward from the frame (4), can be mounted on the connecting web (7) between the sidepieces (8) of the frame (4). In the area of the front edge (10) of the roof (9), posts (11) are provided, which can be connected to the roof (9) and which are mounted on ground anchors (13) or the like inserted into the ground.

Abstract: A dome connector including a hub portion and at least one pair of strut portions. The at least one pair of strut portions attached to and extending from the hub portion. Each of the strut portions has an upper end, a lower end and an intermediate region between the upper end and the lower end. The intermediate region has a greater thickness than the upper end and the lower end.

Abstract: A sliding bracket assembly permits adjacent metal roof panels to move relative to one another to accommodate differential thermal expansion. The assembly includes a center element which is bolted across a purlin, and a pair of wing elements, one on either side of the center element. Roof panels are attached to the wing elements on either side. The wing elements can side lengthwise on the center element; thus the wing elements and their attached roof panels can move lengthwise relative to one another as the roof panels differentially expand and contract.

Abstract: Moisture management systems and methods are provided for managing moisture in a vicinity of an opening in a building wall. Such systems comprise a sill pan mountable in the building wall atop a horizontally-extending lower frame member of the opening. The sill pan may include: a base section having an upper surface which slopes downwardly and outwardly from a location interior to a lower flange portion of a window frame to an interstitial space between a sheathing layer of the building wall and an external building wall layer for directing moisture received thereon toward the interstitial space; and a plurality of transversely spaced-apart window-support members having upper surfaces located above the upper surface of the base section and oriented substantially horizontally for receiving a lower portion of the window frame. Such systems also comprise a lower vent mountable in the building wall outwardly of the sill pan.

Abstract: A structural panel has unitary load transfer members with their length subdivided into shorter, stiffer load-transfer portions separated by stabilization zones. These members are in mutually inclined back-to-back relation, and can be flexible or substantially rigid, with plain or profiled section, being of board, metal or plastic to provide an integrated high load-bearing capacity. A concertina assembly of such lightweight struts can replace a number of orthodox studs. The strut members are fastened together, and mutually secured, in back-to-back pairs or stabilized by the adjoining frame and/or the panel face members. Reinforcement by tension elements, strapping and foamed plastic may be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrofitting existing escalator systems in a manner to positively limit relative movement between the escalator and the spaced-apart floors of a building during an earthquake.

Abstract: The grounded modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, a heat spreading layer, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker. The modular heated covers are grounded for safety using the conductive heat spreading layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method and modular assembly for producing a staircase. The modular staircase allows one with little to no skill to quickly and easily order and install a modular staircase at reasonable cost with no specialized technical skill necessary.

Abstract: An impact-resistant window assembly includes a window frame, glazing having opposed major surfaces arranged within the window frame, window film arranged on at least one of the glazing opposed major surfaces, and sealant arranged to secure the window film to the window frame. Methods of making an impact-resistant window assembly and anchoring an applied window film to a window frame are also disclosed.

Abstract: A panel assembly for decoration glass is disclosed herein, which is to be attached to a side of a pane of transparent glass. The panel assembly includes a panel piece and at least one embedding piece. The panel piece is a thin plate and has at least one through hole. The embedding piece is corresponding to and fitted in the through hole. The embedding pieces are configured as a pattern or a character and have various colors. When the panel assembly is attached to the glass, it gives the glass a vivid appearance. The individual embedding pieces or the whole panel assembly may be replaced with other colors or patterns to make the glass present a diverse appearance.

Abstract: An enclosure includes a base. A frame includes a plurality of frame members. The frame members are coupled together and to the base using clips. Each clip includes a base coupled to a side surface of a first frame member. The clip further includes at least one lip extending from the base. The lip is sufficiently raised from the side surface of the first frame member to accept at least a portion of a second frame member between the lip and the side surface. A plurality of panels is coupled to the frame members. At least one panel is coupled to the base.

Abstract: A modular space dividing system comprising at least one panel comprising two parallel surfaces and at least one cover-plate adapted to be connectable to the at least one panel. The at least one cover-plate is detachably mountable to the at least one panel and spaced apart therefrom by a distance defined by connecting members whereby an interstice is formed providing a raceway for conduits.

Abstract: An assembly and method for anchoring a wall frame to the foundation of a building utilizes an anchor member which can be threaded upon a threaded shank which is connected to and extends upwardly from the foundation, a cable, a first cable vice which is connectable to one end of the cable and being anchorable to a top member of the wall frame which is positioned upon the foundation, a second cable vice which is connectable to the other end of the cable, and a cap member. The second cable vice is anchorable to the cap member, and the cap member is connectable to the anchor member so that when the cable is anchored between the top member of the wall frame and the cap member by way of the first and second cable vices, the cap member can be connected to the anchor member to thereby tension the cable between the top member of the wall frame and the foundation.

Abstract: A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween.

Abstract: An exterior trim system is described. The exterior trim system comprises a pair of J-channel members for mounting to an exterior surface of a building. The exterior trim system includes a number of different corner trim pieces for securing to the J-channel members. The corner trim pieces include an outside corner trim piece, an inside corner trim piece, and a universal corner trim piece capable of being used for both outside and inside corners of a building. The corner trim pieces provide an aesthetically appealing appearance to the corners of the building.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for construction of an elevated foundation slab to support residential, commercial, and/or industrial structures or equipment. The components used to construct the system are modular, so that different foundation slab area sizes and shapes may be assembled with the same size and type components.

Abstract: A system for applying insulation to foundation walls, including a plurality of partitions, each partition defining a longitudinal axis and including a base configured to be fastened to an interior surface of a foundation wall and a baffle extending from the base along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the partition.

Abstract: The invention is a prefabricated rigid wall panel assembly constructed of a plurality of C-shaped studs inserted into kerfs in a foam block. The closed ends of the C-shaped studs and the foam block form substantially planar longitudinal edges of the panel assembly capable of abutting an adjacent panel assembly. Optionally, a header and/or footer plate inserted is into a transverse kerf such that the plate overlaps the ends of the studs, and the header and/or footer plate and the foam block form a substantially planar transverse edge of the panel assembly. Adjacent panel assemblies are preferably secured to one another using a clip, the shape of which depends on the angle at which the panel assemblies abut. Each panel assembly may also have a wire chase.

Abstract: The invention includes a structural panel having a panel core. A truss with a plurality of rebar receiving bends that project beyond a surface of the panel core and a mesh proximate a surface of the panel core can be provided. Rebar can be received within the rebar receiving bends. A mesh can be provided proximate to the panel core, with a portion of the mesh extending beyond a surface of the panel core. The panel core can define a structural member receiving channel, and a structural member can be received with the structural member receiving channel.

Abstract: Simulated stone, masonry, and brick textured products such as siding having a foam backing or with the hollow parts injected with foam or molded with foam in one or more steps, obtained when specially selected materials are properly admixed and formed via molding techniques. The foam backing is applied to the product in either a one or two step process. The foam backing may be used on panels, wall structures, and other products that may have contoured and textured surfaces and may simulate the appearance of conventional building and construction materials including, but not limited to, stone, brick, masonry, concrete, stucco, wood, other conventional building materials, and combinations of any of these materials are disclosed. The foam backing provides improves thermal insulation, improved sound reduction, improved rigidity, and improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: A forming system is provided for retaining a conformable material. The conformable material is, in one embodiment, concrete. The forming system includes one or more forming members, some comprising at least two panels connected in spaced relation so as to define a substantially linear passageway adapted to retain a first supply of concrete. In other embodiments, the forming member may comprise one or more panels forming various configurations so as to define substantially non-linear passageways or an end forming member to retain a conformable or settable material such as concrete which hardens in place. Each of at least two panels of the forming member further preferably comprises at least one interconnectable end defining an interconnectable element. The at least one interconnectable end, in some embodiments, forms an interengageable slot with the interconnectable element adapted to be interconnectable with at least one other structure.

Abstract: A concrete load-bearing wall with compound heat-insulating layer includes wall body (1) and connecting beam (2). Two layers of prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall bodies (11a, 11b) are set in the wall body (1) of external wall, said prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall body (11a, 11b) is a concrete plate (5) whose external surface is covered with a heat-insulating material layer (4), every layer of the prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall body is composed of several trough-type or L-shaped prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall body units (13). A concrete wall body vertical rib (12) is cast in situ between two adjacent prefabricated heat-insulating concrete wall body units (13) in same layer and connects them into integrity. The upper and lower ends of the rib (12) connect together with the beam of the floor, and the external side of the connecting beam (2) is covered with the heat-insulating material layer (4).

Abstract: A thermal barrier includes a thermal insulating block, a layer of ultra-high performance fibered concrete integrated with the block, reinforcements embedded in the layer of ultra-high performance fibered concrete, the reinforcements protruding from the ultra-high performance fibered concrete on either side of the block. Embodiments of the invention further provides a building that includes the barrier, a process of manufacturing the barrier and a manufacturing process of the building.

Abstract: A foam suitable for use in roofing systems is provided. Roofing membranes comprising the foam have superior flowing properties at high temperatures without sacrificing low temperature performance. A particular useful roofing membrane comprises an upper surface layer, a reinforcement layer, and optionally a lower self-adhesive layer, wherein expanded microspheres are provided in one or more of said layers in an amount of between 0.01 and 10% based on the total weight of the roofing membrane. Moreover a method of making roofing membranes is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for waterproofing interior surfaces of parapet walls disposed on a roof, wherein the parapet walls include an interior surface counter flashing and a surface cap. The system includes at least one waterproofing membrane configured to allow moisture to escape from a space between the at least one waterproofing membrane and the interior surfaces of the parapet walls, wherein the at least one waterproofing membrane is disposed to extend at least a portion of a distance along the interior surfaces from the surface cap to the roof from which the parapet walls extend. The system also includes a flap valve defined by the at least one waterproofing membrane, the flap valve being positioned between the surface cap and the roof.

Abstract: A cavity wall spacer, building structure, and method are disclosed. The cavity wall spacer determines a separation of building elements of two leaves of a wall. The cavity wall spacer comprises: a support body; and a plurality of spaced projections upstanding from the support body and operable to extend across a cavity between the leaves, each projection having a recessed channel operable to inhibit transfer of moisture from one end of each projection to another. The recessed channel prevents the passage of moisture along the length of the projection to prevent moisture from traveling between the two leaves of the wall, and reduces the amount of moisture which drips into the cavity. The recessed channel has no external obstructions and thus allows significantly improved stacking density. The projections are less prone to any damage since there are no external protrusions.

Abstract: A grid simulating muntins is retained or secured by clips within a spacer frame between glass sheets. The clips include a spacer-engaging member having a platform, and upright walls bendable toward one another, and a grid-engaging member. The grid-engaging member is mounted on the platform, extends upward between and spaced from the upright walls, and is received into one of the ends of the elongated members of the grid. The platform and portions of the upright walls of the spacer-engaging member are positioned within the spacer frame such that the ends of the elongated members of the grid are below the sight line of the unit. The spacer-engaging member and the grid-engaging member can be a monolithic piece, or the grid-engaging member can be detachably secured to the platform of the spacer-engaging member.

Abstract: A grid simulating muntins for a multi-sheet unit includes a plurality of interconnected vertical and horizontal elongated members. The ends of the elongated members are shaped to engage interior surface of a spacer frame to position the grid within the spacer frame. Shaping the ends of the elongated members eliminates the need for muntin clips.

Abstract: The exterior-wall structure comprises two or more kinds of exterior panels. The two or more kinds of exterior panels have the same outline shape, the same dimensions, and the same surface texture, and, the two or more kinds of exterior panels have respectively a different number, including zero, of grooves on each surface. Each groove runs an entire length of each exterior panel continuously in a longitudinal direction of the exterior panel. The two or more kinds of exterior panels are arranged side by side to form an exterior-wall surface.

Abstract: An expansible anchor is adapted for inserting into a hole formed with a structure. The anchor includes a load cable and a center chock attached to an end of the load cable. At least one side chock resides adjacent to the center chock, and is adapted for movement between an anchor-contracting position and an anchor-expanding position. In the anchor-contracting position, the anchor is readily inserted into and removed from the hole of the structure. In the anchor-expanding position, the anchor is locked inside the hole of the structure. A chock-release column bears against the center chock or may bear against the at least one side chock. The chock release column is in a fixed relation to the center chock via a fastener and has an enlarged head adapted for locating outside of the hole. The enlarged head defines a striking surface adapted for receiving a sudden force.

Abstract: A concealed connection mechanism for connecting a pair of stair stringers to the front face of a rim joist.

Abstract: The invention provides an anchoring device for anchoring an elongate guide element of an architectural covering. The anchoring device includes a body having a rear surface. The body is suitable for attachment to a support structure with the rear surface in close contact with the support structure. The body includes a receiving cavity for receiving the elongate guide element, a first entrance to the receiving cavity and a second entrance to the receiving cavity. The receiving cavity can receive the elongate guide element selectively either through the first entrance, with the rear surface having a first orientation with respect to the elongate guide element, or through the second entrance, with the rear surface having a second orientation with respect to the elongate guide element, and wherein the second orientation is substantially different from the first orientation.

Abstract: A custom patio fabricated by constructing, at a first location, a patio customized for a second location, and cutting the patio into sections. The patio preferably is customized for the second location in one or more of size, shape, color, and surface pattern. Preferably, the patio is constructed at the first location under controlled conditions. The conditions can be controlled by constructing the patio indoors, for example for temperature, humidity, or temperature and humidity, or can be controlled by constructing the patio outdoors but only under certain weather conditions. The conditions also can include controlling a grade of a base on which the patio is constructed to be level, as well as other conditions.

Abstract: A method for obtaining glass panels for curtain walls, which comprises the following steps: positioning a first pane on spacers associated with a table which can move longitudinally and is provided with a vertical support; resting the lower perimetric edge of the first pane on the vertical support; temporarily locking the first pane fixing a spacer profile at a chosen distance from the perimetric edge of the first pane; moving the support away from the lower perimetric edge of the first pane; treating the surfaces of the mutually contiguous regions of the first pane, of the spacer profile and of the frame by means of a plasma torch; positioning said second pane so that it rests against the spacer profile, so as to be arranged approximately parallel to the first pane, and applying a chosen pressure to the second pane toward the first pane; applying a structural sealant in a cavity formed between the spacer profile, the first pane, the second pane and the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bulkheads and brackets for use a part of a bulkhead. The bulkhead includes an upstanding portion including a bracket-mounting end, a mitering portion including a bracket-engaging end, and a bracket including a seat cavity adapted to receive the bracket-engaging end of the mitering portion. The bracket is configured to orient the mitering portion at an acute angle with respect to the upstanding portion with the bracket-engaging end of the mitering portion adjacent the bracket-mounting end of the upstanding portion. Methods are also provided that comprise the steps of arranging a plurality of upstanding portions to define a casting area, pouring uncured precast material into the casting area, and curing the precast material to provide a panel with a mitered corner.

Abstract: This invention is related to a device for the proper alignment of falsework structures for concrete walls cast, the device has guide and support elements which facilitate the operator the appropriate installation and fixing on the “layout” which are usually in the underframe templates for walls lifting; it is a body of one piece, made form plastic resine. The configuration of the device of this invention permits that an operator fixes, manually or by using a pneumatic pistol, several devices, in order to align paralley each other, the falsework “walls” being the projected wall thickness, which corresponds to the device lenght, able to be secured in the segment which is between the guide devices. Due to its manufacturing design and material, the device has a appropriate performance with the falsework, the concrete and the steel armature.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 and a method (M) for packaging, displaying, and storing an electronic product having a front portion 10 including a complementary contour 11, a back portion 30 including a complementary contour 31, and an inner portion 20 including a complementary contour 21, the inner portion 20 being disposed between the front portion 10 and the back portion 30. The front portion 10, the back portion 30, and the inner portion 20 being fitted together via their respective complementary contours 11, 31, 21. The front portion 20 includes at least one coincident member 13 distributed along the lip of the periphery 14; and a coincident orifice 15 for facilitating display of the product by hanging. The back portion 30 includes at least one coincident orifice 33 distributed along a periphery 34; and a coincident orifice 35 for facilitating display of the product by hanging.

Abstract: A neck support knife for supporting a bottle during capping includes an arcuate planar surface having a plurality of elongated cleats extending away from the planar surface and arranged in a radial pattern. The cleats have a tooth-like vertical cross-section. An inner arcuate face adjoins the planar surface and engages the bottle neck during operation. On each cleat, the corner nearest the inner arcuate face is shaped to reduce contact with the bottle flange/neck junction. In a preferred embodiment, the cleats are all canted from the radial orientation in the same direction so that the bottle is biased against the inner arcuate face during capping.

Abstract: A system for packaging articles includes a first collection area for receiving and arranging a plurality of articles having a substantially non-uniform geometry. A transport device is included and a consolidation area for constructing an article layer, each article layer constructed from the plurality of arranged articles transported from the first collection area by the transport device. The consolidation area includes a stabilizer providing substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles. A portion of the arranged articles transported by the transport device is oriented differently from the other arranged articles.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the function of the sleeve has been completed. The sleeve has a plurality of folds, some constricted by a constriction element, the folds comprising expansion elements for allowing portions of the base portion to expand, when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of first and second adhesives for the attachment of zipper flanges to reclosable packages. A first adhesive is typically a reactive, cross-linkable hot melt adhesive while the second adhesive is typically non-cross-linkable hot melt adhesive, typically, but not limited to, either EVA-based or polyamide-based. Alternatively, the second adhesive can be a coextrusion layer including a resin that is typically used as a sealant layer in zipper extrusion, such as metallocene type linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: When packing a polycrystalline silicon with a two-layer structured packing body comprising an inner bag (1a) and an outer bag (1b), there are used the inner bag (1a) and the outer bag (1b) having bottom sections (4a, 4b) provided with a pair of tucked sections, the shape of which is substantially a triangle in plan view, formed by inward-folding the portions continued from both of rectangular side face sections (3a, 3b), and when storing the inner bag (1a) that stores the polycrystalline silicon therein into the outer bag (1b), the bottom sections (4a, 4b) are superimposed with the respective tucked sections (6a, 6b) of the inner bag (1a) and the outer bag (1b) displaced from each other by 90° so that they do not overlap on each other.

Abstract: Plies of paperboard are laminated to form a paperboard laminate having a front and a back. An automobile part is placed on the front of the paperboard laminate leaving exposed the front of the paperboard laminate. The automobile part and the exposed paperboard laminate are shrink-wrapped with plastic shrink-wrap material. For automobile window glass, some of the front side plies of the paperboard laminate have been cut out to form a cavity in the configuration of the glass product being packaged. The glass product is disposed in the cavity and a glass product conforming reinforcing block is placed against the backside of the paperboard laminate during the shrink-wrap operation. For automobile fenders, hoods, the paperboard laminate need not be cut out and the sides of the paperboard laminate are folded upwardly to form a carton bottom to which a lid is affixed for shipping.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention is an improved flexible pouch for a product and an improved apparatus and method for manufacturing the pouch. The flexible pouch, apparatus and methodology for a pouch includes an upper edge and side edges extending therefrom. The upper edge includes an elongated spout portion extending therefrom. The elongated spout portion can have shape representative of a bottle cap attached to a top of bottle throat. In addition, the elongated spout portion can have an opening element that affords for tearing off the bottle cap shaped portion and allow access to the product.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling at least one container includes a filling spout in flow communication with a source of filling material. The filling spout is configured to enable the opening of the at least one container to fit about the filling spout. Two sensor assemblies are positioned about the filling spout. The two sensor assemblies are configured to detect whether a container is positioned about the filling spout. A controller operatively coupled to each sensor assembly of the two sensor assemblies is configured to initiate a filling process.

Abstract: A method for filling cells of a heat-formed strip with corresponding articles, the strip being continuously advanced at a predetermined operating speed, comprising: collecting a plurality of articles which are in contact with each other and arranged in parallel rows; adjusting the position occupied by the collected articles in such a way that the articles are arranged in a same spatial arrangement as a same number of empty cells in a longitudinal region of the blister strip to be filled; transferring the articles to a position above the blister strip, the speed of advancement of the articles being gradually synchronized with the speed of advancement of the strip, in a centered position relative to corresponding underlying empty cells of the longitudinal region; releasing the articles into the empty cells of the longitudinal region; repeating these operating stages in order to fill at least a further longitudinal region, which is identical and adjacent to the longitudinal region, in such a way as to complete t

Abstract: A case for holding a DVD or other device may include a flexible clip arm for, e.g., retaining printed information about the DVD, holding the DVD, and/or locking one or more DVDs in place. An apparatus includes a body configured to retain a first disc. The apparatus further includes a retention device coupled to the body and configured to apply pressure to material disposed between the retention device and the body and thereby to assist in retaining the material between the retention device and the body. A method includes inserting a first disc into a container configured to retain the first disc. The method further includes securing material within the container using a retention device coupled to the container and configured to apply pressure to the material and thereby to assist in retaining the material within the container. Other implementations focus on holding or locking a DVD, or other device.

Abstract: Decapping system for opening or closing reagent containers or cartridge systems closed by a lid the which is removed and secured by a rotational movement and method thereof are disclosed. The decapping system has a centering unit that the at its lower end provides a snap-in element which engages the lid, and a plurality of simultaneously driven and vertically movable screwing heads which compensates for variable heights and/or sizes of cartridge systems to be processed.

Abstract: A material spill prevention system with feed location sensing system to reduce the possibility of material spillage relative to the film being utilized for bag formation. The material spill prevention system monitors whether there is a proper film feed situation and, if not, precludes the release of material from the dispenser as in by precluding a flow controller opening and the release of material to the bag intended to receive the release chemical (e.g., a foam packaging bag). The prevention system is applicable to a variety of film feed arrangements as in a C-fold film drawn by a nip roller arrangement from a roll source with the dispenser mechanism positioned intermediate the nip and film source relative to film travel. An embodiment of the spill prevention system also features an absolute position transducer for monitoring position of a flow controller which controls output of material from the dispenser.