Abstract: A double door actuation system is provided. The actuation system includes a base frame, a drive motor, first and second guide rails and a pair of rail support arrangements. The drive motor is mounted to the base frame and includes a pinion gear rotatable about an axis of rotation. The guide rails include opposed raceways and a gear rack. The gear rack engages the pinion gear opposite sides such that the pinion gear simultaneously drives the guide rails in opposite directions parallel to a drive axis. The rail support arrangements are mounted to the base frame and support guide rails. The rail support arrangements maintain a substantially constant lateral location of the guide rails in a direction perpendicular to both the drive axis and axis of rotation to maintain a substantially constant mesh between the pinion the gear racks.

Abstract: This invention provides a hatch cover suitable for use with fluid ducts having a wide range of diameters, the hatch cover is formed from a plate of a resilient material and is generally of an elongated shape. The resilient material forming the plate has sufficient elasticity to be able to conform to the curvature of the inner surface of a fluid duct when the cover is in place and is held against the inner surface to cover an opening through the duct wall. A flexible gasket material is secured to at least the entire circumferential edge portion of the outer major surface of the resilient plate. The resilient plate is secured to the duct by a plurality of clamping mechanisms attached to the outer surface of the resilient plate so as to press on the outer surface of the duct when clamped, and thus to cause the outer surface of the hatch cover to press against the inner surface of the duct.

Abstract: An open/close control system for an inspection lid adapted not to open while a vehicle travels. The open/close control system has emergency release means which disables power transmission of drive means for opening and closing a side entrance/exit door of a railway vehicle. The emergency release means is installed in a space inside a wall surface inside the vehicle, and the space can be opened and closed by the inspection lid. The emergency release means has locking devices provided in the space inside the wall surface in order to restrict rotation of the inspection lid, and also has an open/close controller for detecting traveling of the railway vehicle to actuate the locking device.

Abstract: An expandable gate is described which includes a top horizontal guide rod, a bottom horizontal guide rod and vertical bar members extending from the top guide rod to the bottom guide rod. Each of the bar members has a top guide rod slot and a bottom guide bar slot and the top guide rod extends through each of the top guide rod slots and the bottom guide rod extends through each of the bottom guide rod slots. The vertical bar members may slide horizontally on guide rod members between an open expanded position where the bars are spaced further apart from one another and a closed collapsed position where the bars are closer together. The bar members each have spring connection holes at spaced locations between said top guide rod slot and said bottom guide rod slot. Elongated flexible tension bar springs are provided which lie flat when no forces are applied to the springs. Each of the bar spring have a central opening and have an elongated upper end opening and an elongated lower end opening.

Abstract: A glass run attached to a doorframe of a vehicle. The glass run comprises a molded part attached to a corner part of the doorframe, and a fin, formed integrally with the molded part, and covering the corner part of the doorframe. The fin includes a pair of hooks that protrude from a back of a rim of the fin. When the glass run is attached to the corner part of the doorframe, each of the hooks is engaged with a cutout formed in a flange of the doorframe so that the flange holds the rim of the fin.

Abstract: A removable downspout system for use with conventional gutter systems includes a spout mated with a gutter of the gutter system, a box mated with a downspout for the gutter system, and components for removably mating the downspout fitted with the box to the gutter fitted with the spout. The spout and the box mate with one another, as nested structures, to prevent leakage at the junction between the spout and the box. A base is provided for attaching the downspout to the receiving structure, and a clip cooperates with the base for removably retaining the downspout to the base. As an alternative, a support structure is provided for mating the downspout with an underground system of pipe, and is fitted over the entrance to the underground system of pipe. A clamp is also provided for attaching the downspout to the receiving structure, in cooperation with a clip for removably retaining the downspout to the clamp.

Abstract: A wind power plant includes a tower, the tower including at least one tower section provided with at least one flange and forming at least part of the wall of the tower. The power plant further includes an element provided with at least one flange and adapted to be installed adjacent the tower section. The tower section and the element have abutting flanges, the flanges being releasably interconnected by sets of bolts and nuts. At least one surface associated with each set of bolt and nut and facing away from the flanges is provided with a plurality of recesses for receiving projections of a tightening device. A method of joining a tower section and an adjacent element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotatable building structure that comprises: a vertically extending building having one or more floors; a fixed core support for supporting the building, located substantially centrally beneath the building; a rotatable annular drive system for rotating the building, located lower than the building and with its centre substantially aligned with the vertical centreline of the building, the system having an upper surface and a planar lower surface; and a fixed outer support, located beneath the annular drive system, the support having a planar upper surface that contacts the planar lower surface of the annular drive system; wherein at least one of the lower surface of the annular drive system and the upper surface of the fixed outer support is a bearing material, permitting rotation of the annular drive system over the fixed outer support, such that the annular drive system is rotated via a planar to planar bearing system.

Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated service pod comprising: a central framework adapted to accommodate at least one utility means, said utility means being selected from: an electricity supply, a telecommunications/data supply, a water supply, a waste fluid drainage conduit, and a ventilation supply; and at least two sections attached to said framework selected from: a kitchen section, a bathroom section, and a staircase section. The present invention also describes a method of constructing a building using a prefabricated service pod.

Abstract: A beaded soffit panel and related method for buildings and the like includes a plurality of generally flat, imperforate base portions shaped to enclose at least a portion of the soffit when the soffit panel is mounted in a generally horizontal orientation under the eave. A plurality of generally M-shaped, contoured beads extend between the base portions, and have oppositely inclined sidewalls with center walls therebetween to create a decorative appearance on the soffit panel. A plurality of narrow vent slits extend through the exterior faces of the bead sidewalls at a predetermined acute angle to define angled tabs that extend inwardly, whereby when the soffit panel is installed, vision through the vent slits from a position generally underneath the eave is substantially blocked by the angled tabs.

Abstract: An alignment brace for multi-level insulated concrete form walls that utilizes a cured base level wall for anchoring the brace that will be used to brace and align a succeeding wall level comprising, a bracing beam having first and second sections that are pivotally interconnected at a pivot point, an elongated adjustment beam disposed in spaced relation from the bracing beam and co-planar therewith where the adjustment beam is pivotally interconnected to the bracing beam at the pivot point and where the adjustment beam carries at its distal ends a jack screw assembly for expanding or contracting the spacing between the distal ends of the adjustment beam and the bracing beam.

Abstract: A swimming pool brace assembly having a brace and bracket used to attach a concrete form. The bracket positions the concrete form between the concrete footing and the deck of the swimming pool. The swimming pool brace is provided with receptacles that are adapted to receive the brackets, which are used to retain the position of the concrete form. The receptacles of the brace allow the brackets to be attached to either side of the brace. The bracket includes a retention feature that is configured to retain the bracket in position once inserted into the receptacle of the brace. The bracket includes a series of radially spaced inwardly extending protrusions that engage the concrete form. The protrusions are adapted to deflect to adjust for variations in the size of the forms.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and method that generally relate to the capture of wind energy by small wind turbines mounted on buildings with gabled roofs. Wind energy harnessing system for gabled roof buildings having a roof ridge including a low silhouette visually appealing enclosure mounted along the roof ridge of a building and extending down both sides of the roof forming the ridge. The enclosure includes airflow guides defined by columns extending down a length of both sides of the building roof forming sidewalls and a roof formed of pivoting louvers above the columns. A paddle-wheel type wind turbine consists of a multiple-bladed cylindrical shaft that contacts the wind and provides rotational work mounted within the enclosure and a generator connected to the wind turbine for converting the rotational work from the wind turbine to electrical energy. The enclosure for the wind turbine functions to capture wind and directs the airflow via the airflow guides before it reaches the ridge.

Abstract: A power generating system includes a series of interconnected photovoltaic plank units, each made of multiple PV panels secured to a building structure spandrel area. The PV planks are adapted to be readily mounted to reduce installation time and cost. Electrical power can be more advantageously generated from surface areas of building structures such as commercial garages, overpasses and similar concrete facades previously untapped for solar energy harvesting.

Abstract: A door security system serves to substantially improve the reliability of the entire door assembly with sidelights. The system may comprise five or six components generally having an L-shaped cross section. Several doorjamb stanchion shields may be mounted around a door jamb stanchion on the side of the door jamb corresponding to the door slab free swinging edge. Similarly several door jamb stanchion shields may also be mounted on a door jamb stanchion on the hinge side of the door jamb. The shields include sleeves that wraps on two sides around the door jamb stanchion to reinforce and stabilize the door system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to building elements (A) for building of framings of joists or walls. Each building element consists of trapezoid thin sheet here called profile plate (1) completed by wooden bars (2), see FIG. Ia. Alternatively the wooden bars (2) may be replaced by any other corresponding material. In this application the wooden bars (2) or when these have been replaced for the purpose by any other material are called connectors (D). In FIGS. Ib, Ic, 2b, 2c and 4b, 4c the connectors (D) consist of metal bars (2?) respectively metal plates (2?) in stead of wooden bars (2). The object of the building elements (A) is to form support for fastening of layer materials (3) according to FIG. 5b, alternatively bars (4) according to FIG. 5c, alternatively boards (5) according to FIG. 5a or in combination of these (3, 4, 5) e g according to FIG. 5d in order to form a frame for load support perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the profile plates (1), see FIGS.

Abstract: A rectangular ceiling tile proportioned for use in a standard rectangular ceiling grid module formed by grid tees, the tile having a pair of conductors arranged to feed low voltage electrical power from the grid elements to an electric or electronic device carried on the tile, the conductors each extending to an edge or edges of the tile and adapted to make physical contact with a conductor carried on a grid element when supported on such grid element.

Abstract: A rail (27) for a false partition with a tensioned fabric (2), of the type including one or more zones (15) for fixing to a partition (12), and being intended to be connected to the fabric (2) by one or more laces (3), is characterized in that the rail (27) includes a runner (16) accepting elements (17) for receiving laces (3), each element (17) for receiving laces (3) being, via a support (18), firstly slidably mounted and secondly able to be immobilized with respect to the runner (16).

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components for use in building construction. The invention provides wall components and systems which have fire-retardant characteristics, as well as wall components which allow for needed ventilation in a building throughout times when no fire is present. Embodiments include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving intumescent material. When the intumescent material becomes hot, it expands rapidly and fills its surrounding area, blocking fire, heat, and smoke from traveling to other areas of a building.

Abstract: An end wall panel for an arch-style steel building is disclosed. The end wall panel is fabricated from metal sheet and consists of a plurality of upper flanges spaced apart from one another. The upper flanges are connected to lower flanges by a web section extending at an angle from the upper flange. Flange stiffeners also extend at an angle from the outermost upper flanges. The end wall panel provides increased strength in an arch-style steel building and can withstand critical wind loads without additional stiffeners. The end wall panel is also inexpensive to manufacture and install into an arch-style steel building.

Abstract: A Solar Wall Tube, including a tube and one or more glass blocks, that integrates with masonry construction and guides natural light into a building is described. The tube structure provides a much cleaner aesthetic over previous glass block installation methods while guiding more natural light to the building interior. The Solar Wall Tube also offers advantages of significantly improved thermal insulation and structural integrity over a single glass block and longevity of an enclosed building material.

Abstract: The disclosure includes warm resistant wooden beams and methods of manufacturing. In one embodiment, wooden beams having opposing major surfaces covered by hydrophobic polymeric films exhibit dry surface friction values of about 3.0-20 lbs. and blocking values of about 0-150 lbs. Specific hydrophobic polymeric films include polyethylene and polypropylene films.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring flange termination system including a spring flange member of a resilient material, the member including an anchoring portion and a biasing portion, a first roof component anchored to the anchoring portion, a second roof component proximate the first component, and moveable in relation to the first component, and a roofing membrane including a first membrane portion and second membrane portion, the first membrane portion being anchored to the first component and the second membrane portion being loose laid over the first component or the second component, wherein the first membrane portion is disposed between the member and the first component such that the anchoring portion of the member anchors the first membrane portion to the first component, and wherein the biasing portion is configured to create a bias on second membrane portion towards at least one of the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like.

Abstract: The invention comprises a completely recessed wall-wash lighting fixture capable of being installed within a ceiling. The lighting fixture comprises a housing, which contains a lamp. The invention may comprise a lighting fixture further comprises a reflector disposed within the housing and adjacent to the first end of the housing. The invention may also comprise a flared lamp shield attached to the housing, which is capable of protecting the lighting fixture from damage. The lamp shield extends below the ceiling when the lighting fixture is installed.

Abstract: A panel unit (2) for constructional purposes has at least two joining flanges (10, 12) on opposite surfaces (4, 4) located at, or adjacent to, a common edge of the panel unit, and projecting in mutually opposite directions. Two such panel units (2) may be juxtaposed end to end and secured by a two-part connector (17) having a base portion (18) that is adapted for attaching to a fixed structural element (20) and for anchoring to the flanges (12) on a first surface (4) of the panel units 2, and a cap (19) adapted for anchoring to the flanges (10) on an opposite surface (4) of the panel units (2) and for anchoring to the base portion.

Abstract: A flooring member 10 comprises a metallic base layer 12, a metallic intermediary layer 14, a wooden upper layer 16 and a core 18 disposed between the base later 12 and the intermediary layer 14. The core 18 is made from spaced plywood members 34 extending longitudinally through the flooring member between the base layer 12 and the intermediary layer 14. Connection means 20, 22 are disposed on the edges of the flooring member 10 enabling a plurality of flooring members to assembled to make a floor.

Abstract: A floor beam assembly, system, and method for supporting floor beams within a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, a floor beam assembly for installing a floor beam within a structure is provided. The assembly includes at least one floor beam, wherein at least a portion of each floor beam comprises a composite material. The assembly also includes at least one support bracket attached to a structure, wherein each support bracket is configured to support at least a portion of a floor beam thereon. In addition, the assembly includes at least one conductive element extending from the at least one support bracket and configured for electrically communicating with the at least one support bracket.

Abstract: A hollow section, in particular for a lattice tower, including a first section part and a second section part, wherein the cross-section of the hollow section is formed such that the first section part includes two legs and the second section part is arranged between the legs of the first section part such that, in order to form a closed hollow cross-section, one of the end edges of the second section part is connected to one of the legs and the other end edge of the second section part is connected to the other leg of the first section part such that a partial segment of the particular leg of the first section part projects beyond the connection site.

Abstract: A connector for a wall structure wherein the connector connects to and reinforces a stud within the wall structure, or in some cases, the connector actually functions as a stud. The connector includes an elongated web and a pair of flanges that project from the web. About the lower portion of the connector there is provided a series of tabs that extend from the web and the two flanges and are turned so as to overlap and form a transfer structure that extends between the flanges about the lower end of the connector. In use, the connector can be connected to respective studs in a wall structure and at the same time anchor to an underlying structure such as a floor. In other cases, the connector itself can be utilized in the wall structure as a stud.

Abstract: An elongated grid tee for supplying low voltage power on a suspended ceiling comprising at least two electrically conductive paths electrically insulated from each other, extending lengthwise of the tee, and accessible for receiving or supplying electrical power at numerous locations along the length of the tee.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling elongate grid tee having a lower flange, a vertical web, and an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, at least some of the flange, web and bulb elements, having relatively flat exposed or accessible surfaces, and a plurality of pairs of conductors attached to said flat surfaces and extending along substantially the full length of the tee whereby grid tee is capable of carrying at least two fully independent DC circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall framing system (1), comprising a channel member (2 and a stud member (6) for interconnection with said channel member (2), the stud member (6) being insertable between side walls (4, 5) of the channel member (2), and comprising locking means or members (10) for fixating the stud member (6) to the channel member (2), where said locking members (10) are arranged to exert a force on inner surfaces (11, 12) of the side walls (8, 9) of the stud member (6) such that, when the locking means (10) are engaged with the stud member (6), outer surfaces (13, 14) of the side walls (8, 9) of the stud member (6) are pressed against inner surfaces (15, 16) of the side walls (4, 5) of the channel member (2) thereby achieving a frictional engagement between the contacting surfaces of the stud member (6) and the channel member (2). The invention also relates to a stud member (6) for use in a wall framing system (1) as described above.

Abstract: A roof clip (205, 305) for roof tiles (1, 2) is disclosed in which a fastener (4) having a shank (24) which passes into a timber batten (3), or timber deck (51) is used to anchor the clip. The fastener is preferably preassembled with the clip to form an assembly able to be handled by the tile installer. The shank 24 passes through a base (206) the length of which pre-sets the distance between the batten and hook (107, 207). The distance between the hook and base is adjustable by means of a ratchet mechanism (229, 329). Consequently one clip can be used with a wide range of tiles. Tilers walking on rooves are less likely to break tiles held with such clips because the ratchet mechanism gives under the weight of the tiler so the clip does not form a rigid point about which the tile breaks.

Abstract: This invention refers to a variety of mechanical joints-nodes used to interconnect between them straight parts tubes, rods, beams to construct trusses. In all cases of truss constructions the main question is how to interconnect the straight parts and the usual up to now practices have limited possibilities for mass production of standardized joints-nodes or straight sections that can secure uniform-fixed mechanical strength at the point of interconnection and flexibility in the architectural design.

Abstract: The invention comprises a completely recessed wall-wash lighting fixture capable of being installed within a ceiling. The lighting fixture comprises a housing, which contains a lamp. The invention may comprise a lighting fixture further comprises a reflector disposed within the housing and adjacent to the first end of the housing. The invention may also comprise a flared lamp shield attached to the housing, which is capable of protecting the lighting fixture from damage. The lamp shield extends below the ceiling when the lighting fixture is installed.

Abstract: Methods for installing underlayment systems include the steps of laying at least one piece of a pre-formed board over at least one first portion surface area of a sub-floor. The pre-formed board is preferably fire-resistant gypsum board, which may also be water- and/or moisture-resistant. A second portion surface area of the sub-floor, which is adjacent to each first portion surface area, is designated to receive a poured underlayment after a tub is installed over the laid at least one piece of pre-formed board. In some instances, a sound mat may be laid over each first portion surface area of the sub-floor, prior to laying the at least one piece of the pre-formed board, and, then, another sound mat may be laid over the second portion surface area of the sub-floor, after laying the at least one piece of pre-formed board and prior to pouring the poured underlayment.

Abstract: Structural insulated panel construction systems and techniques permitting simplified construction with pre-field-assembled components.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a fastening element includes drilling a borehole (7) in a constructional component (6) with a percussively-rotationally driven hollow drill (12), while aspirating produced drillings and drilling dust with a vacuum source (26) through a gap between an outer side of the hollow drill (12) and a wall of the borehole (7) during drilling of the borehole (7), immediately after formation of the suction-cleaned borehole (7), filling the borehole (7) with a self-hardenable mortar (41), and inserting the fastening element (46) into the self-hardenable mortar (41).

Abstract: A drywall backing apparatus for metal studding consists of a two-limb backing member, with one limb extending orthogonal to the other to present a generally L-shaped form. The metal studding comprises a plurality of U-shaped studs, the flanges of which have overturned edges for engagement and registration with grooves in the backing member which bridges and is secured by fasteners to successive studs to provide suitable fixing for wall furniture.

Abstract: A cladding apparatus includes a receiving member securing an insulation member, and a forming member having a delivery portion and a base. A cladding surface of the base is spaced from a coatable surface of the insulation member to define a cavity. A conduit of the delivery portion delivers a coating material, through a coating aperture in the base, into the cavity. The cladding surface forms a composite cladded insulation piece, including a coating layer bonded to the coatable surface. An inner coating surface of the coating layer has projections securely encasing the coated surface of the insulation member. A mounting surface of the insulation member is mounted on a building substrate. A wall finish is applied to an outer surface of the coating layer. Corresponding methods of forming and installing the pieces are also provided.

Abstract: A wind turbine installation monitoring device, for detecting relative movement between two adjacent components of a wind turbine installation is provided. The device comprises a deformable member together with a securing device. The securing device is configured to enable the device to be connectable to a wind turbine installation, in use. The deformable member is located across an interface between the adjacent components of a wind turbine installation. Further, a detection device is provided and configured to detect deflection of the deformable member and thereby to detect relative movement between the two components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for closing containers, comprising a closing device (2) which applies closures to the containers, wherein this closing device comprises a movable closing head (22) for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber (4) of the apparatus (1) and can move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed, and wherein at least one wall (12) is provided which delimits the sterile chamber (4), wherein the closing device (2) is arranged on a carrier (6) which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber (4) and partially outside the sterile chamber (4), extends through the wall (12) and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall (12), and wherein arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber (4) is a first sealing element (10) which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber (4) a region (6a) of the outer periphery of the carrier (6).

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.

Abstract: A bag retrieval assembly and bag, which facilitates the covering of a bale of cotton or other fibrous material, are discussed. The bag is configured to be used with the bag retrieval assembly, which is configured to manipulate the bag from a stacked or stored configuration to an open configuration that may be raised and held into a position for further processing.

Abstract: A method for packaging a plurality of particles in a flexible container begins by moving the particles through an opening of the flexible container to at least partially fill the flexible container. An expandable material is then disposed, in an unexpanded state, to at least a portion of the flexible container. Next, at least a portion of the expandable material is activated after the moving step has begun to expand the expandable material and increase the rigidity of the expandable material to stabilize the flexible container.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the apparatus and method are for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.

Abstract: A container assembly is provided which includes a container selectively moveable between an erect condition and a collapsed or substantially flattened condition. A packaging material for support objects is disposed within an object receiving space of the container and secured thereto so that the packaging material remains in the object receiving space of the container when the container is in either the erect condition or the collapsed or substantially flattened condition.

Abstract: A conveying device and a packaging machine for beverage containers are disclosed. The beverage containers are grouped as packs and wrapped with film, comprising a horizontal conveying device including an endlessly circulating conveyor chain whose movable members and/or meshes each have a supporting structure and contact areas for the packs and/or coatings that include significant portions of PTFE plastic.