Abstract: A door positioning system is provided. The system includes a first member and a second member. The first member is attached to an exterior door at a first end of the first member and to an anchor location at a second end of the first member opposite the first end. The first member includes a locking region. The second member is configured to engage the locking region of the first member if the exterior door is opened a first threshold amount. The second member and locking region are configured to hold the exterior door in an open position if the second member is engaged with the locking region. The second member and locking region are configured to disengage if the exterior door is opened a second threshold amount beyond the first threshold amount. The exterior door is able to close with the force of the door closer if the second member is disengaged from the locking region.

Abstract: A panel-like wall or door element which can be displaced in particular on supporting rollers comprises an all-round frame (10), and the latter comprises interconnected profiles, namely supporting profiles (11) and transverse profiles. The profiles are designed for the purpose of fitting external panels on lateral abutment surfaces (16) by means of adhesive bonding or adhesive tape (17), with stabilizing means, namely one or more stabilizing plates (40) preferably being fitted in the center. These enter into a guide groove (23) of the profiles.

Abstract: A sash window having a prefabricated guide channel for construction equipment is provided, in which a prefabricated guide channel for supporting sash glass is detachably fixed to a sash frame mounted on a cab, and thus, when the sash glass is damaged or replacement of the sash glass is required, the sash glass can be replaced in a state where the sash frame is fixed to the cab. The sash window having a prefabricated guide channel for construction equipment includes a sash frame mounted on a cab, a first seal seated in an inner seat groove of the sash frame to support an edge of a first sash glass, a guide channel located outside the first seal and detachably fixed to the sash frame, and a second seal seated in an engagement groove of the guide channel to support an edge of a second sash glass.

Abstract: A flush-mounted articulated window assembly for use in a vehicle, the window assembly adapted to be mounted in a window opening such that, when closed, it is generally flush with the exterior surface of the vehicle. The window assembly includes a transparent sheet with at least one window-mounting member bonded by two separate adhesives to an inner surface of the sheet. The mounting member includes projections which space the mounting member from the inner sheet surface, and/or perforations which allow air and moisture to reach the space provided between the mounting member and the inner sheet surface. A first adhesive temporarily fixtures the mounting member to the sheet. A second adhesive permanently bonds the mounting member to the inner sheet surface. The bond created is sufficiently strong such that application of a load sufficient to cause a failure results in a failure other than in the adhesion of the adhesive to the mounting member and the panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recycling a water-based wire saw cutting slurry waste fluid comprising abrasive particles and waste solids in a water-based carrier.

Abstract: A method of making polycrystalline CBN compacts, high in CBN content, is provided. The method includes making a powdered composition by subjecting a mixture of CBN, present in an amount of at least 80 volume percent of the mixture, and a powdered binder phase to attrition milling. This powdered mixture is subjected to conditions of elevated temperature and pressure suitable to produce CBN compacts.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example head curtain assembly for a vehicle loading dock includes a retractable curtain stiffened by a resiliently compressible foam panel that is more flexible about a horizontal axis than about a vertical axis. The difference in directional flexibility can be created by sewing the foam panel to a pliable cover using a series of parallel horizontal thread lines. The thread lines create in the foam a series of compressed indentations that run horizontally across the curtain so that the curtain tends to bend more easily along those lines. The relative stiffness in the horizontal direction enables the curtain to exert an appreciable sealing force against two lateral dock seal members, and the vertical flexibility makes the curtain easy to retract to accommodate vehicles of various heights. Touch-and-hold fasteners make many of the individual components of the head curtain readily replaceable.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for locating wind turbine equipment on a foundation within an inner envelope for a wind turbine tower, prior to erecting the wind turbine tower. The fixture includes a mounting section, adapted to mate with guidepoints at predesignated locations on the wind turbine foundation; and a locating section, extending inward from the mounting section, adapted to locate the position for wind turbine equipment on the foundation for the wind turbine tower and within the inner envelope of the wind turbine tower.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a log structure includes logs having pairs of parallel spaced apart longitudinally extending grooves on opposing sides of the logs. Inner edges of the grooves may be tapered inwardly to receive lumber support pieces. A wall is constructed by providing a base log having a pair of parallel spaced-apart longitudinally extending grooves on an upper surface of the log, inserting lower edges of a pair of lumber support pieces into the grooves, and positioning the grooves of a log over upper edges of the lumber support pieces. Further lumber support pieces and logs are attached in like manner until the desired height is reached. A corner piece for forming corners of the structure having vertically extending channels for receiving ends of the lumber support pieces is provided.

Abstract: A construction module comprises a plurality of shaped plates connected to each other at selected angles and orientations to form the constructions module. The plates have two or more different shapes, and may be arranged with respect to each other so as form a three dimensional construction module whereby external forces acting on the module are balanced by internal tensile and compressive stresses in symmetrical plates acting in opposite directions. Also provided is a frameless structural system comprising a plurality of such construction modules, the plurality of construction modules being fastened to each other to form the structural system.

Abstract: Arrangement for a roof or a façade of a building, including a counter-batten system made up of a plurality of counter-battens and provided with a thermal insulation layer, where the thermal insulation layer includes at least one composite sheet laid from a roll, and the composite sheet is formed in at least two layers with an underlay sheet and an insulating material sheet connected to the underlay sheet.

Abstract: According to the invention, a building with an endwall overhang is disclosed. The building may include a wall and a roof frame. The wall may have an inside facing inward to the structure and an outside facing outward from the structure, each of the inside and the outside having an upper region, and the roof frame may include a plurality of roof members. The building may also include at least one support member on the upper region of the outside of the wall, protruding outward from the structure. The building may further include an overhang assembly with at least one roof piece, a trim piece and a lengthwise member, the lengthwise member having at least two orthogonal surfaces. The roof and trim pieces may be coupled with the surfaces of the lengthwise member. The overhang assembly may be coupled with the structure by coupling the roof piece with the support member.

Abstract: A landscape edging block can include a shaped structure having a first and a second end. The first end can include a surface that is concave simultaneously along a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. On the contrary, the second end can include a surface that is convex simultaneously along a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. The shaped structure can include a top and sides configured to resemble decorative stone. Additionally, first end of the block can be configured to engage a second end of a second block in order to form a landscaping border.

Abstract: A modular free standing structure and an adjustable footing configured to support the modular free standing structure are described. The structural footing comprises a support member having a support surface configured to provide vertical support to one or more modular platform structures, a base member, and an adjustable leveling mechanism disposed between the support member and the base member, and configured to level adjoining modular platform structures by adjusting a height of the support member relative to the base member about a vertical axis of the structural footing.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilising element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.

Abstract: To provide a friction damper with simple construction having characteristics that there is little difference in resistance forces between at initial shock and after slide, and it is difficult to deform slide member under large fastening force, and large frictional force can stably be generated. The friction damper 1 comprising: a cylinder box 2; a cylinder member 6 axially fixed in the cylinder box; a slide bearing 7 press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of the cylinder member; and a shaft 3 made of metal, the shaft being axially slidably press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of the slide bearing; wherein when the cylinder box and the shaft move axially in relation to each other, an outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the slide bearing frictionally slide in relation to each other to absorb vibration energy.

Abstract: An insulating glass element for the at least partial delimitation of a combustion chamber, having at least two viewing panes, which have at least some areas a transparent glass or ceramic-glass material and are arranged spaced apart from each other while leaving an air chamber, and wherein a viewing area is created at least in parts of the air chamber. The two viewing panes are connected with each other by a temperature-resistant adhesive, and the adhesive encloses a viewing area of the viewing panes all around, or a spacing element, which runs around them at least partially, is connected with the two viewing panes in a material-to-material manner, preferably by a glued connection.

Abstract: Side seal member for a loading dock seal are disclosed. An example truck loading dock seal comprising a resiliently compressible side pad supported by a relatively rigid backer and encased within a pliable cover includes at least one flexible lip protruding from the cover to seal a gap that might exist between the backer and the wall to which the backer is mounted. In some cases, the lip is part of the cover and is located where a rear vertical edge of the side pad meets the wall. The flexibility of the lip enables the lip to sealingly conform to a wall having an irregular surface. For additional sealing, a back sheet of the pliable cover includes a touch-and-hold fastener and/or overlapping layers of material that can provide a compressible seal between the wall and the backer.

Abstract: A solar panel roof mounting system, including: a first elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein; and a second elongated member having a U-shaped or C-shaped channel therein, wherein the second elongated member is received into the first elongated member such that the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the second elongated member is elevated with respect to the U-shaped or C-shaped channel in the first elongated member.

Abstract: A system of spaces including a residential apartment unit in a multi-unit building arranged on multiple levels that provides the following attributes to all units in the building: Central corridor access to a middle level of each unit; through-unit feature with exposures at opposite sides of the building; a variety of ceiling heights, each appropriate to the function and formality of its respective space, which nest to conserve building height and bulk; and internal balconies and exposed interior stairs enabling vertically displaced spaces to interlock and communicate visually. The resulting unit is contained within a demising envelope whose shape, when rotated 180 degrees about a central public corridor serving a second such unit, forms a complimentary pair. The combined shape of each such pair of units enables it to be stacked vertically and abutted laterally into a simple rectangular solid that allows vertical continuity for optimum efficiency of structural and mechanical support systems.

Abstract: The invention is a boltless metal stair step system that provides a simple way to install an indoor/outdoor metal staircase. The result is a structurally sound, lightweight, fire retardant staircase that can ultimately be finished with various materials such as stone, brick, wood, etc. Ordinarily a staircase is constructed using wood, concrete, etc., and in most cases a skilled person is needed to repair or install a new staircase. This invention comes ready to assemble and no staircase building experience is necessary; and because of the unique interlocking or “snap in” connections and the minimal use of parts and screws, it eliminates the need for intricate measuring, cutting and special tools. Also, the specially designed “snap in” connections and the method of installing the steps makes the replacement of staircase parts simple and convenient.

Abstract: A building includes a tile roof including a plurality of courses of tiles and a roof-cover above which the tiles are positioned, a ceiling below the roof, and a skylight apparatus. Each tile engages adjacent tiles according to a repeating engagement structure. The skylight apparatus includes a main body in place of one or more of the tiles of the tile roof and engages adjacent tiles substantially according to the repeating engagement structure, at least one window, a tubular body below the main body and extending through an aperture in the roof-cover, a light conduit extending downward from below the tubular body and defining an inner passage, and a bottom translucent member at an opening in the ceiling and below a bottom end of the light conduit. Light is able to shine through the window, the inner passage, and the bottom translucent member into a room below the ceiling.

Abstract: A window includes a window frame adapted to be secured to a building, a window sash, and a plurality of sash clips disposed around the sash and fixedly securing the sash to the frame. Each of the sash clips preferably includes a base secured in fixed position to the window frame and a head received in the window sash. The window frame and the sash preferably have peripheral rails of extruded aluminum, plastic or fiber-reinforced resin construction, and the base and head of the sash clips are received in corresponding channels on the window frame and the window sash. The base and/or the head of the sash of each sash clip may include opposed flexible resilient spring legs received in a channel in the corresponding rail. The sash clips may be of plastic construction.

Abstract: A beam assembly for subdividing a floor plan area comprises a horizontally-extending beam member including an interiorly-facing surface, a bottom wall having at least one aperture extending therethrough, and at least one horizontally-extending lower frame member located below the beam member. The beam assembly further comprises at least one vertical frame member extending between and coupled with the beam member and the at least one lower frame member, wherein the at least one vertical frame member extends through the at least one aperture and the bottom wall of the beam member and interferingly engages the interior-facing surface of the beam member.

Abstract: A prestressed structural concrete system is disclosed that includes a prestressed concrete structural member and a cover configured to securely engage a cavity of the member to substantially seal the cavity from an outside environment. The cover includes a surface configured to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal with the concrete member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a log cabin structure using logs with multi-beveled interlocking notches located at the end of each log. The interlocking notches serve to form a tight locking connection at the cornering of the structure where the logs overlap one another. The interlocking notches are composed substantially of heartwood, which serves to reduce settlement and maintain a tight connection over time. The measurements for the interlocking notches are a function of the dimensions of the logs used. The log cabin structure may further employ anti-settling blocks which are disposed between the logs of the structure. In the preferred embodiment, the anti-settling blocks are positioned in aligned recesses which are present in the logs that compose the structure. Accordingly, the presence of the interlocking-notch cornering system and the anti-settling blocks combine to minimize the negative effects of settling on the structure while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: Non-architectural posts and beams of the kind used as cubicle backbone structures are now used to support open racks as skeletons for hanging diverse user-selected panels. The open racks have upright standards joined by spaced-apart transverse rails. A pair of brackets join an open rack to a beam. Each bracket has a beam gripping face and a rack gripping face. The rack gripping face has clefts that engage spaced-apart rails and have mass relief for light weight. Panels are freely hung on the rails and may be selected from whiteboards, bulletin boards, shelving, book cases and window panels for user personalization.

Abstract: A moulding assembly comprising a retainer coupled with a trim member. The retainer may be fastened to a mounting surface, such as a wall or ceiling surface. The trim member may be removably coupled with the retainer to hide the retainer, and provide a decorative outer surface. The trim member need not be fastened directly to the wall or ceiling surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for anchoring a modular or manufactured building. The system includes at least one concrete pad formed in at least one hole in the ground. The building is coupled to and supported on the ground by the at least one concrete pad. Additionally, the system includes at least one ground anchor buried in the at least one hole below the at least one concrete pad. The system further includes a connector having a first end affixed to the ground anchor and a second end embedded within the concrete pad, for resisting an upward force to the building by high winds.

Abstract: A vent for an exterior brick wall. The vent includes a first enclosure which is installed in the brick wall in place of an entire brick. The enclosure defines a flow path from ambient conditions to the air in between the brick wall and an interior wall. The vent includes a shield for protecting the flow path of the enclosure from being obstructed by falling debris. Some embodiments includes a vertical section of vents which is also protected from falling debris such as trash mortar.

Abstract: A juncture system for structural insulated panels includes magnesium oxide moldings and/or components made of cementitious materials that are shaped to join structural insulated panels (SIPs) with inorganic faces. The various components employ “standard” shapes to make for a minimum of parts and made of materials for adequate strength. For example, connecting shapes are made of magnesium oxide reinforced with the fiberglass. Thickness of the shapes approximate the same thickness as the outside face used on the magnesium oxide SIP, thus simplifying construction.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel (SIP), such as 8 foot×24 foot, is made with a foam plastic core, oriented strand board on each face, and structural paper on either side of that, all bonded together. The oriented strand board capped with structural paper provides a particularly strong wall structure. Also, the structural paper provides a finished surface as manufactured. SIP-to-SIP joints are created using an insert sandwiched between end portions of in-line-joined SIP panels.

Abstract: A load-transfer device for a structure comprises a top member, a bottom member and at least one web member. The top member comprises a bottom surface adapted to receive a top surface of the structure. The bottom member comprises a top surface adapted to receive a bottom surface of the structure. Each web member comprises at least one aperture extending through the web member between the bottom surface of the top member and the top surface of the bottom member. Each aperture is capable of receiving a bolt member that is capable of fastening at least one of the top member, the bottom member or combinations thereof to the web member.

Abstract: A decking/flooring system includes a substrate, a layer of sealing material applied over and in contact with a surface of the substrate, a texture layer applied over and in contact with the sealing material layer, an adhesive layer applied over and in contact with the texture layer, and a finish layer. A method for installing the decking/flooring system is also described.

Abstract: A metal shutter with improved air and light transmission is provided. The shutter comprises a metal top, a metal bottom, and two metal sides, which can be collectively assembled into a frame. The frame can have a metal support column that can be affixed to the top and bottom. A number of metal slats can be affixed between the sides of the shutter, and can either pass through the center column or can be affixed to the center column. A hinge can be affixed to the top of the frame, and can also be affixed to a structure. The top, bottom, sides, support column, slats, hinge, and a lock all comprise the shutter. The hinge allows the shutter to rotate between a first, substantially vertical, position, and a second, non-vertical position. The lock holds the shutter to a structure when the shutter is in the first position.

Abstract: A shutter for use in coverings for architectural openings having non-conventional geometries provides closure in both the room side up and room side down directions.

Abstract: A siding panel for installation in courses, includes features that allow for proper panel to panel engagement, so that the divisions between the individual panels can not be seen. Panels are joined in a friction fit after being brought together by a free panel being moved vertically upward into a frictional engagement with an attached panel. Joining is complete based frictional engagement and frictional locking between portions of each panel.

Abstract: An office work system comprises a first furniture unit having a first laterally-extending channel, and a second furniture unit having a second laterally-extending channel, the second channel being disposed substantially parallel to and at least substantially the same vertical height as the first channel, such that at least a portion of the first and second channels coextend. The office work system further comprises a work accessory and a connector assembly to connect the work accessory to the first and second furniture units along the coextending portions of the channels, the assembly including a pair of engagement members adapted to engage the first and second channels.

Abstract: A longitudinal connection for abutting ends of main grid members of a suspended ceiling system is provided where each, of the main grid members have a vertical web portion and a horizontal flange extending across a bottom of the web portion. The longitudinal connection comprising retaining means on the web portion of each of the main grid members adjacent the abutting ends providing an upper and a lower channel. A plate member having opposite first and second sides is slidable within the upper and lower channels on the ends of each of said main grid members. Moveable pin members are provided on the plate member where the pin members are biased to the web portion of the main grid members. Holes on the retaining means on the web portion of each of the main grid members adjacent the abutting ends providing an upper and a lower channel are positioned to receive the pin members when the abutting ends of main grid members are aligned.

Abstract: A roofing shingle (74) includes an asphalt-coated sheet (18) having a tab portion (78) normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion (76) normally covered-up on a roof. The headlap portion has a lower zone (76A) that extends longitudinally between a first end (74A) and a second end (74B) of the roofing shingle adjacent the tab portion, and an upper zone (76B) adjacent the lower zone. At least a portion of the asphalt-coated sheet has granules adhered thereto. A reinforcement member (19) is adhered to the lower zone of the headlap portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a joining profile in a structural member comprises providing an assembly having a base member, a forming body and a pair of side anvils having profiles formed therewithin. The method further comprises mounting the structural member on the base member, advancing the forming body toward the structural member such that the structural member is clamped to the base member, urging the side anvils toward flanges of the structural member, forming a profile in each of the flanges, and engaging protrusions of the side anvils with the web such that opposing portions of the web are forced upwardly by the protrusions at locations adjacent to each one of the flange profiles in order to accommodate formation of the flange profiles in the structural member. Formation of the joining profiles in the structural members allows for detachable engagement thereof with another member having a corresponding mating profile.

Abstract: A system for connecting modular walls includes a position retention mechanism configured to releasably retain a plurality of wall modules together. In one implementation, the position retention mechanism includes opposing front and back surfaces or walls, and one or more channels formed therebetween. The position retention mechanism is further configured with a plurality of spring tabs positioned within the one or more channels, wherein the spring tabs are configured to lock into a plurality of opposing connector interfaces corresponding to the opposing wall modules, such that the positioning retaining mechanism secures adjacent, opposing wall modules together. The position retention mechanism can further be configured with different surfaces to connect or hold a variety of components of various shapes together.

Abstract: Exterior building siding for aesthetic and protection of the building against wind, rain and solar energy that includes attaching each horizontal plank from the top of the wall downwardly that includes a starting strip where each plank is interlocked to the plank above it. Each of the horizontal planks includes a top wall portion that fits snuggly into an “L-shaped” groove above it so that the panels can be firmly locked together vertically in a downwardly fashion to prevent any wind uplift against the siding or moisture intrusion.

Abstract: A roof truss is provided comprising a bottom chord, a first top chord, and a second top chord forming a triangle with an apex at a distance A above the bottom chord. At least a web member is disposed between the top chords and the bottom chord such that, in a first state of operation, the at least a web member is capable of transmitting at least one of a tension force and a compression force between the top chords and the bottom chord. The roof truss further comprises at least an expandable interface for expandable interfacing at least one of the at least a web member with one of the chords for enabling, in a second state of operation, expansion of the distance A to an extent that uplift of the bottom chord is substantially reduced.

Abstract: The present invention regards an innovative sectional element for door and window frames for the residential and industrial building sector, which is substantially made up of two structural elements rigidly fixed to one another: a first structural element preferably made of aluminium and having a preferably open cross section, and a second structural element made of laminated plastic having preferably also a decorative function.

Abstract: A post anchoring method for fence, deck, balcony and railing applications comprising providing an apparatus comprising a base member adapted to being attached to a surface and a tubular member that defines an inside surface, an outside surface and has a base end and a terminal end, and is at least twice as long as it is wide, wherein the base end is connected to the base member, and the terminal end defines an edge capable of piercing into the post; and carrying out the following steps in any order: attaching the base member to the surface; and aligning the post with the tubular member, abutting an end of the post to the terminal end and forcing the tubular member into the post to substantially impale the post such that the outside and inside surfaces frictionally engage the material of the post to secure the tubular member to the post.

Abstract: A fencing system for confining climbing animals. The fencing system uses a plurality of vertical posts that are set in place along a fence line. Arch support brackets are provided that attach to the vertical posts. Each arch support bracket has an ascending section that climbs to an apex point and a descending section that descends from that apex point. Flexible plastic netting is suspended between the rigid supports that are created by the vertical posts and the arch support brackets. Flexible plastic netting is supported vertically by the vertical posts. Above the vertical posts, the flexible plastic netting is supported in an ascending” angle to an apex point by each ascending section of “the arch support brackets. From the apex point, the flexible plastic netting is supported in a descending angle to the free end of the arch support bracket.

Abstract: A wind protection shelter that may be installed over a bed in a home. The shelter includes side walls anchored at the bottom to an immovable object, such as a concrete slab, and one or more access doors hinged to the top of the shelter and covering a portion of the top and a portion of at least one side of the shelter. The access doors may be rotated from their horizontal closed position to a vertical open position enabling the bed in the shelter to be used in a regular manner during normal weather conditions. Side walls and side portions of access doors of the shelter are equipped with escape hatches.

Abstract: A method for making a sound-insulating load-bearing floor, includes the following steps: providing a load-bearing floor; applying a sound-insulating material onto the load-bearing floor so as to form a substantially continuous coating layer; allowing the substantially continuous coating layer to dry; wherein the sound-insulating material includes: 40% by weight to 95% by weight, preferably 60% by weight to 90% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one rubber in a subdivided form; 5% by weight to 60% by weight, preferably 10% by weight to 40% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one binding agent including at least one water-dispersible polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of ?50° C. to +50° C., preferably of ?40° C. to +10° C.

Abstract: A nozzle for applying filler material within a groove is provided that includes a plate member, an orifice through the plate member, a guide member for engaging the groove, and a pliable attachment. The orifice is in communication with a supply of the filler material. The guide member protrudes from the plate member and has a width less than the groove. The pliable attachment has a channel with an angled portion for directing the filler material into the groove. The nozzle may also be used independent from the attachment.