Abstract: A device for sprouting includes an element (1; 101; 201) with opposing first and second openings (2, 7; 102, 7; 202, 7), a water and air-permeable material layer (15; 215), wherein the material layer (15; 215) can be removably mounted on the element (1; 101; 201) so that it covers the first opening (2; 102; 202) of the element (1; 101; 201). The device is characterised in that the element (1; 101; 201) is shell-shaped and extends continuously between the first and second openings (2, 7; 102, 7; 202, 7), and the second opening (7) can be closed.

Abstract: A container having upwardly and outwardly extending walls from a base to a rectangular open top that can be covered by flexible top or lid and with walled shape includes ribbing for strength and for nestable stacking in delivery. The container to form a top section above the platform and a lower section below the plate and providing an air pocket between the plant material and plant growth material in the upper section and the water in the water reservoir in the lower section by providing outlet of water at a level just below the upper section; and maintaining water reservoir with inlets and outlets with restricted communication to the external environment such that mosquito ingress is prevented while providing a self watering gardening system with water overflow.

Abstract: A system and related method for purifying indoor air comprising: a filter bed comprising a growing medium suitable for growing plants rooted therein and configured to be capable of sustaining an airflow therethrough between a top surface thereof and a bottom surface thereof; a micro-irrigation system comprising a plurality of irrigation source outlets for delivering water to the filter bed in a substantially-uniform fashion; an active region of the filter bed comprising that region of the filter bed configured so as to substantially have the airflow flowing therethrough; and micro-irrigation system configured such that water therefrom is capable of being projected so as to reach at least 50% of a top surface area of the active region.

Abstract: Embodiments focus on imparting a horizontally shifting motion to a plant punch element 1 during a part of a plant punch cycle 18 so as to reduce contact of a plant punching surface 38 with the plant during the plant punch. Plant punch elements that are particularly suited for such “shifting” capability may include a gap 41 facilitating lateral movement of the plant punch element to a position around at least part of the plant to be punched. Aspects of the inventive technology also address a sheltering plant punch apparatus that can also reduce injury and stress experienced by the plant while it is punched. Combinations of aspects disclosed herein provide a high degree of protection to the plant during a plant punch, thereby reducing stress experienced by the plant during the punch.

Abstract: A system for producing superior quality synthesis gas (“syngas”) consisting of a series of chambers in which the gasification stages of reaction, homogenization and activation occur. The first stage reaction stage agitates and combines the reactants, consisting primarily of organic matter, oxidizer and steam, to initiate gasification of the organic and volatile fraction and to transport the inorganic residue to continuous removal. In the homogenization chamber, turbulence is induced by injecting gaseous species. The gas mixture emerging from the homogenization chamber is accelerated via a third stage communicating duct and is introduced tangentially into the fourth stage activation chamber inducing a cyclonic motion wherein a high intensity radiant heat source is introduced along the central axis of the gas vortex.

Abstract: A method of operating a gasification facility includes channeling a conveying fluid at a first temperature through at least one first steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a second predetermined temperature. The method also includes channeling the conveying fluid at the second predetermined temperature through a second steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a third predetermined temperature. The method further includes channeling the conveying fluid at the third predetermined temperature to a solids conveyance system. Solids become entrained within the conveying fluid. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the solids to a gasification system.

Abstract: A system for heating and drying a quantity of coal feedstock being channeled to a gasifier includes a first heat exchanger coupled in flow communication with the gasifier for transferring heat from an input stream to an output stream of heat transfer fluid, and a second heat exchanger positioned downstream from the first heat exchanger for receiving the output stream of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger, said second heat exchanger transfers heat from the output stream of heat transfer fluid to a stream of heating gas.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for the removal of particulates from a fluid. Accordingly, a system is provided that includes a particulate removal system. For example, the particulate removal system may include a plasma torch that is configured to remove particulate matter from a fluid downstream from a gasifier.

Abstract: An obstruction detection system using a safety switch with a plurality of sensors is provided. The sensors include a sensing element molded in a casing and separated from an adjacent sensor by one of a plurality of connectors. A clip has a strip portion and a first attachment arm extending at an angle from the strip portion. A second attachment arm extends from the strip portion. A barb leg is disposed at an angle relative to the strip portion. The barb leg has a first leg end and a second leg end opposite the first leg end with the barb leg connected at the first leg end to the second attachment arm and the second leg end is disposed toward and spaced apart from the strip portion.

Abstract: A portable, extensible, and standalone security delimiter, comprising a multiplicity of portable towers with a multiplicity of links pivotally interconnected, forming a lattice structure that couple the multiplicity of portable towers with one another to enable the security delimiter expand out from a compact collapsed state to a selectably expanded operational state along a reciprocating span axis. The security delimiter further includes a latch mechanism that locks the security delimiter in the selectably expanded operational state at a desired longitudinal span, along the reciprocating span axis.

Abstract: A double door assembly having an active door and a passive door includes an astragal that is formed of a composite of aluminum and wood. The astragal is formed of an aluminum rail with a U-shaped cross section that receives a wooden insert. The astragal is mounted to a passive door such that the U-shaped cross section opens to the active door and the wooden insert presents a mounting surface for hardware.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having a panel or door, which can be brought from a closed position into an open position against the force of gravity using at least one energy storage element and means coupled therewith for influencing the torsional moment provided on the panel or door by the at least one energy storage element, wherein the panel or door is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation, and wherein the torsional moment can be influenced by the means for influencing depending on the opening position of the panel or door.

Abstract: A door opening and closing device for a vehicle that can remove an object attached to operation surface of a door handle with a simpler structure is provided. The device includes a door handle 41. The door handle 41 includes a grip 44 and a deflective portion 47. The grip 44 protrudes outward and defines a space 32 between the outer surface of the door outer panel 3 and the grip 44 to allow gripping by a user. The grip includes an outer surface and an operation surface opposing to the outer surface of the door outer panel 3. The deflective portion is located at an end of the grip 44 and extends from the outer surface of the grip 44 along the outer surface of the door outer panel 13 in a direction crossing front and rear directions of the vehicle to direct air flow flowing along the outer surface of the door outer panel 3 to flow through at least the space 32 of the grip 44 to the operation surface 44a.

Abstract: A window drain for preventing stains on a building wall and damage caused by (frozen) rain water, which is installable and sealable easily without impairing the appearance of a building. The present invention relates to a window drain adaptable to be positioned beneath a sill of a sash window frame having a vertical portion, a sloping portion, a front portion, and a horizontal portion for latching to an upper portion of an external wall. Further, the present invention relates to a window drain, wherein the horizontal portion has notches at both ends thereof. Further, the present invention relates to a window drain, further having upstanding portions at both ends of the window drain to regulate a stream of water so that the water is kept between the upstanding portions.

Abstract: A seal weatherstrip retention assembly is provided that includes a flange having a lanced segment, wherein the lanced segment extends at an angled pitch away from the flange. Also included is a weatherstrip. The weatherstrip includes a substantially U-shaped channel, wherein the U-shaped channel includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a cap wall. The weatherstrip further includes a retaining member that extends away from the first sidewall, wherein the retaining member is angled to engage the lanced segment.

Abstract: A cloth backing for an abrasive article is treated by combining a phenolic resin, a latex and a colloidal silicon oxide composition to prepare a colloidal formulation, which is then applied to the cloth backing and cured. Coated abrasive articles are formed by applying a make coat formulation to the treated cloth backing, applying an abrasive and then curing the make coat formulation.

Abstract: An abrasive article comprising abrasive grains bonded with a binder comprising a matrix polymer and an amphiphilic block copolymer dispersed in the matrix polymer. The abrasive article can be a coated abrasive article, such as an engineered abrasive article, including a backing. The binder can bind the abrasive grains to the backing.

Abstract: A foldable seat for a bleacher seating arrangement includes a seat or seat structure fixedly disposed at a deck portion and a seat back pivotally disposed at a rear portion of the seat portion. The seat back is pivotable between an upright position, where a person may sit at the seat structure and may lean back against the seat back, and a folded down position, where the seat back may lay generally on top of or at least partially over the seat structure. The seat back may be pivotally mounted relative to the deck portion and may be substantially freely pivotable between the upright and folded down positions. The bleacher seating arrangement may include a plurality of deck portions that may be retracted to a nested position when the seat backs are in their folded down position.

Abstract: A gutter screen includes an elongated body configured to engage a portion of a gutter. The body defines a front side and a rear side and includes a rear gutter engaging member configured to engage a rear wall of the gutter and a front gutter engaging member configured to engage a front wall of the gutter. A plurality of perforated sections is disposed between the rear and front gutter engaging members. Each perforated section slopes downwardly from a rear end thereof to a front end thereof. A plurality of lipped portions connects the perforated sections. Each lipped portion attaches a front side of one perforated section to a rear side of another perforated section such that each front side is offset below the rear side connected thereto by the lipped portion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell support assembly (10) comprises a first surface (32) provided with a plurality of recesses (14) configured to receive respective hooks (16) to facilitate hanging of the assembly (10) to a wall (18) to which the hooks (16) are attached. The assembly (10) is also provided with a second surface (13) configured to mechanically and electrically couple with one or more photovoltaic cells (24) and an electric circuit (22) supported by the assembly (10). The electrical circuit (22) is provided with a plurality of terminals (60) that extend through the second surface (13) to provide the mechanical and electrical coupling of the photovoltaic cells (24). The electric circuit (22) is configured to electrically connect the or each photovoltaic cell (24) coupled to the second surface together and to electrically connect the assembly (10) to a second like assembly (10).

Abstract: A wall panel for placement within a removable or permanent wall structure. The wall panel is adapted to receive a miniature computing device. The wall panel provides wired and/or wireless ports to which peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, monitors, etc. may be connected to the miniature computing device, thus enabling a user to interact and operate the miniature computing device.

Abstract: An enclosed structure (1) that includes a base perimeter structure (11), an exterior wall structure (17) and a roof structure (23), is described. The base perimeter structure (11) includes a plurality of base plates (14) that each include a base (29), an interior flange (32) and an exterior flange (35) each extending upwardly from the base (29) and together defining a channel (41). Base (29) of each base plate (14) includes an exterior base portion (56) having an upper exterior surface (59) that slopes downwardly and outwardly from the exterior flange (35). The base plates are arranged such that the channels (41) thereof are aligned and together define a base perimeter channel (74). The exterior wall structure (17) includes a plurality of sidewall panels (20) that each includes first and second sidewall tabs (179, 182) extending outwardly from sidewall edges thereof (167, 170).

Abstract: A volumetric module that can have all of its exterior claddings, windows, doors, interior finishes, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and roofing installed and completed in the factory minimizing work to be completed in the field, and a method to protect the fully finished building module during transport with a series of demountable transport panels. The finished and protected building module is transported to a site utilizing the intermodal shipping network or by different modes of shipping and transportation. At the building site, the finished building module is placed on a foundation or other form of support, the transport panels are removed from the module revealing a fully finished building module suitable for use as a habitable building both in it singular use as well as the creation of a larger habitable building by joining finished building modules at the building site.

Abstract: A double-layer cable-strut roof system includes a central structure and an edge structure, a plurality of sets of first diagonal struts and a plurality of sets of second diagonal struts provided between the two structures, each set of first diagonal struts being arranged alternately with one set of second diagonal struts. Or a plurality of sets of diagonal struts are provided between the two structures, each of which including a plurality of first diagonal struts and second diagonal struts joined together node to node, each first diagonal strut being arranged alternately with one second diagonal strut The roof structure may cover the underlying building space in its entirety or, alternatively, may cover a perimeter portion of the building space leaving the center area uncovered, or may be constituted by a plurality of structural units, which is adapted for spanning large areas devised for a wide range of building shapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first part to a fibre cement lining board for use as a replacement to building wrap which can be used to form a sub wall on the outer surface of a wall frame, and to building wall structures and methods of constructing buildings using these particular lining boards. The invention also relates to a new method of constructing framed dual skin walls using the lining boards, particularly brick or masonry veneer walls, and to the wall structures formed by that method.

Abstract: An interface apparatus between a tower and platform includes a tower support assembly with opposed angle brackets and a first tower support assembly coupler/decoupler which is repeatably moveable between coupled and decoupled conditions with the tower support assembly. In the coupled condition, the coupler/decoupler is capable of coupling to the tower support assembly at a plurality of predetermined positions along the opposed angle brackets. The interface apparatus includes a second tower support assembly coupler/decoupler which allows the tower to pivot relative to the tower support assembly and rotate relative to the platform.

Abstract: A window assembly comprising a frame which holds a window pane, which window assembly comprises at least one cleaning device for cleaning a surface of the window pane and drive means for moving the cleaning device in a direction of movement over the window pane surface, wherein the cleaning device has a dimension which at least substantially corresponds to the dimension of the window pane in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of movement, wherein the cleaning device comprises at least one rotary body, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the transverse direction, to which rotary body at least one lip and at least one cleaning element are connected, so that the lip and the cleaning element are alternately brought into contact with the window pane upon rotation of the rotary body.

Abstract: An extensible band consisting of at least two layers for external protection of building structures with irregular surfaces comprises a supporting layer (1) and a covering layer (2) which are connected to each other and in which there is a plurality of micro-folds (3) extending transversally to the direction of elongation, the supporting layer (1) comprising a film (11) made of organic material and the covering layer (2) comprising a film (21) made of ductile metal.

Abstract: A modular unit (1) of customizable color for creating load-bearing structures, photovoltaic houses, for use as a construction and/or a support for photovoltaic carpets (7). Namely, this support or modular base unit, made of extruded plastic, can act as a floor, roof, and/or lateral panel/support; furthermore, this module may be also used as a support for a photovoltaic carpet mounted thereto; thus, the photovoltaic carpet can be mounted to a plastic support instead of the usual metal support or bitumen sheets, as is typically used. This allows one-time application of the photovoltaic carpet (7), even without a thermoplastic load-bearing or containing support, by simply laying it to existing rigid surfaces over the desired areas (B8), and ensuring chemical bonding at the lateral ends, with water tightness guaranteed over time.

Abstract: A Photovoltaic Utility Building is a structure that is portable to site, permanent power generating system. Multiple adjustable photovoltaic panels including extending panel or panels allow for the additional collection of solar energy on a base. The Photovoltaic Utility Building structure, completely wire with inverter, an A/C disconnect and out put receptacle plug is ready use as it is UL electric certified.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a solar cell module having a uniform configuration, presenting stable output characteristics, and having a size enabling easy wiring in arrangement and a solar cell array presenting stable output characteristics by employment of said solar cell modules. A solar cell module 10 has a solar cell panel 12 having a length of its longer edges of 900 to 1100 mm. The solar cell panel 12 is constituted by a number of unit solar cells 100 connected in series and has an open-circuit voltage of 100 to 180 volts. The unit solar cell 100 is of a strip-like shape with a length of its shorter edges of 7 to 12 mm and arranged in a longer-edge direction of the panel 12 so that its longer edges extend in a shorter-edge direction of the panel 12 and its shorter edges extend in the longer-edge direction of the panel 12.

Abstract: A stair component has foundation member including a nose end. Upon attachment of the component to a stair, the nose end projects outwardly from an upper forward edge of the stair. The nose end has a substantially uniform cross-sectional configuration along substantially its entire width. A nose cover having an ornamental exterior surface overlies and covers substantially the entire nose end. The nose cover comprises a thin continuous sheet of preformed plastic having first and second substantially parallel planar portions joined by a curved portion. The foundation member, which may be constructed on site or formed off-site, is adapted to be positioned (a) directly next to a riser portion of the stair so that a vertical support element of the foundation member abuts the riser portion or (b) indirectly so that the vertical support element abuts a secondary vertical member disposed between the foundation member and the riser portion.

Abstract: An adjustable stair stringer and railing construction assembly. The assembly is adapted to use a pair of parallel stringer arms for each stair side, a riser/tread support bracket for each stair, and alignment and spacing elements for spacing the support brackets along the stringers. The brackets include formations for spacing the stringers apart and for spacing adjacent brackets along the stringers. The brackets are initially pivotally attached to each of the stringers so as to be rotatably movable about their pivotal attachment as the stringers are moved axially. Axial movement of the stringers with respect to each other establishes the angle of rise. Treads and risers are attached to the brackets to form stairs, and railings are attachable to the stringer and bracket assembly. The parallel stringers, brackets and spacers are also used in the preparation of formwork for pouring aggregate stairs, with the stringers, brackets and spacers being reusable.

Abstract: A skylight shaft substrate is rendered internally reflected in several ways. To limit the formation of focal points that can lead to hot spots as light travels down the shaft, the shaft substrate is formed with dimples or longitudinal corrugations.

Abstract: A three-way corner cap having three legs joined to a central corner region. Each leg includes an arcuate region extending along the length of the leg and a planar gusset projecting outwardly from and connecting each side edge of the arcuate region, with at least one leg also including a recessed area integral with the gusset along each side edge.

Abstract: A high strength, lightweight building structure comprising a high-strength connection to a foundation, high-strength eaves, and high-strength structural panels. The fiber reinforced, high-strength structural panels form the walls, ceiling, roof, soffit, and eave of the structure. The panels comprise a rigid foam core having outer membrane layer, panel spacers, and sheeting. The high-strength foundation connection comprises a continuous seam plate with bonding agents, mechanical fasteners, and a metal bearing cap having continuously spaced, angle-shaped anchor studs welded to the metal bearing cap. The high-strength eave structure, comprise of a soffit panel connected to an inclined eave panel, a connection bracket and a rigid wedge continuously bonded between the ceiling panel and roof panel, thus forming a sealed, non-vented attic space.

Abstract: Insulated panels and methods of forming insulated panels are provided. According to the method, mold bulkhead and a sealing strip including a first anchor extension, a second anchor extension, and a panel cap are provided. The method also includes removably attaching the exterior face of the sealing strip to the interior mold surface on at least one of the plurality of mold sides, wherein the first anchor extension and the second anchor extension project into the interior mold volume, and wherein the sealing strip defines a sealed insulation zone. A curable building material is introduced into the interior mold volume to form a first slab. The first slab at least partially surrounds the first anchor extension. The method also includes inserting an insulation material layer into the interior mold volume, wherein the insulation material layer is at least partially within the sealed insulation zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to click structure plywood flooring, which has both of the advantages of reinforced floorboards and the advantages of plywood floorboards and the present invention provides plywood flooring of which the plywood is heat-compressive treated and click-shaped.

Abstract: A brick having a peripheral shoulder defining a flange allowing fasteners to be inserted therein when two adjacent bricks have facing indentations is described herein. The peripheral shoulder of the bricks allows mortar to be inserted therein to create a conventional brick look and to hide the fasteners. The shoulder is optionally provided with indentations allowing fasteners therethrough. Also described herein is a machine to manufacture such bricks.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a tile and strut construction system for a geodesic dome. The tile has a generally triangular shape, with the corners cut out to accommodate hubs which retain supporting struts in position. The tile has a faceted 3-dimensional upper surface, integrally molded reinforcing ribs, and a recess in the lower surface at each of its 3 edges.

Abstract: An improved cellular building block including a middle beam and two legs. The cellular building block having the first leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and a second leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and spaced apart from the first leg, the first leg and the second leg having an inside edge and an outside edge. Having at least one barb located on the inside edge of the first leg and on the inside edge of the second leg and further configured to lock into a recess. The cellular building blocks connect in a two dimensional or three dimensional pattern and a produce a structured material that holds itself together and exhibits beneficial characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering consisting of a plurality of panel elements (1) that can be laid in combination with each other. On the front sides (2, 3) and longitudinal sides (4, 5), the panel elements (1) have locking strips (6, 7) that engage with each other in the assembled position in a covering in which panel elements (1) adjoin each other. The front sides (2, 3) of the panel elements (1) have grooves (19, 20). The grooves (19, 20) of two abutting front sides (2, 3) are aligned and form a locking channel (21) for accommodating a front spring (22) that is pre-assembled in one of the grooves (20). The front spring (22) projects from an end of the groove (20) that faces the longitudinal side (5) of the panel element (1) and can be moved in part from one groove (20) into the corresponding groove (19) of the adjoining panel element (1) by sliding the projecting end (24) of the front spring (22) into the groove (20).

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor covering consisting of a plurality of panel elements (1) that can be laid in combination with each other. On the front sides (2, 3) and longitudinal sides (4, 5), the panel elements have locking strips (6, 7) that engage with each other in the assembled position in a covering in which panel elements (1) adjoin each other. The front sides (2, 3) of the panel elements (1) have grooves (19, 20). The grooves (19, 20) of two abutting front sides (2, 3) are aligned and form a locking channel (21) for accommodating a front spring (22) that is pre-assembled in one of the grooves (20). The front spring (22) projects from an end of the groove (20) that faces the longitudinal side (5) of the panel element (1) and can be moved in part from one groove (20) into the corresponding groove (19) of the adjoining panel element (1) by sliding the projecting end (24) of the front spring (22) into the groove (20).

Abstract: Blocks for wall constructions described herein are in the form of casted one-piece concrete hollow bodies. The blocks include front and back walls which are generally parallel to a first axis and have top and bottom ends and two inner walls integral to both front and back walls therebetween that are generally parallel to a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. One of the end side faces of the two inner walls includes male connector portions that are offset from a first distance from the front wall. The other end side face includes female connector portions that are registered along the first axis with the male connector portions and are offset from the first distance from the back wall. The male connector portion is for insertion in the female connector portion of another block when the other block is mounted thereon so as to yield a straight or a shifted retaining wall portion.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a unitized overhead glazing system of the present invention includes an array of assembled structural framing cassettes each having at least five photovoltaic modules. In an embodiment, each cassette forms one electrical string and is pre-wired, tested, and shipped ready to install for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, parking canopies, covered walkways and specialty awnings. The unitized overhead glazing system can be utilized to generate electricity, provide shade, collect water, reduce heat island effect, provide more controlled lighting and support infrastructure for plug-in vehicles. The unitized overhead glazing system is designed to be installed and maintained from below, eliminating safety concerns associated with conventional canopies where work must be performed while on top of the canopy. The unitized overhead glazing system incorporates sealing methods and components to manage water, limit debris build up, and maximize energy yield.

Abstract: The invention falls within the field of the securing of protective strips covering the ridge or hip regions of a metal roof with standing seams. More specifically, the invention relates to a double tab metal fastener for securing a ridge strap or hip strap on a metal roof covering of the type with a standing seam, comprising:—a first tab (1) forming at one of its ends a hook (2) intended to be secured to the standing seam;—a second tab (3) forming at one of its ends a hook (4) intended to accept an edge of the ridge or hip strap; the two tabs being articulated about an axis (5) allowing their respective rotation in a plane intended to lie substantially parallel to the plane of the roof. This double tab represents a retaining system that can be used for ridging and hipping, which is easy to fit, without any through-fasteners, thus guaranteeing perfect sealing.

Abstract: A clip for joining reinforcing members, which includes a first pair of legs, each of the legs of the first pair of legs having a portion having a curvature thereto and adapted to wrap around a lower surface of a first reinforcing member; a second pair of legs, each of the legs of the second pair of legs having an inner surface adapted to exert a force against at least a portion of a side surface of a second reinforcing member, and a mid-portion, which connects the first pair of legs to the second pair of legs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a block building system for building a wall structure that includes a plurality of pre-formed blocks configured to be stacked vertically upon one another to form the wall structure. Each block has at least one frustum-shaped protrusion on a top surface of the block, a horizontal channel formed in a bottom surface of the block, and at least one aperture extending vertically through an interior of the block. The system also has at least one base track, a plurality of T-shaped reinforcement members configured to engage with and extend upwardly from the track, a plurality of extension members that interlock with and extend T-shaped reinforcement members, and securing members. One or more courses of blocks can be vertically stacked over the base track by passing the T-shaped reinforcement members and/or extension members through the apertures formed in the blocks, thereby forming the wall structure.

Abstract: A unitary steel joist includes a generally vertical web, a generally horizontal bottom flange, a generally horizontal top flange, a bottom wing, a bottom web portion, a top wing and a top web portion. The generally horizontal bottom flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The bottom flange is made of two pieces of steel. The generally horizontal top flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The top flange is made of two pieces of steel. The bottom wing extends outwardly from the web. The bottom web portion extends between the bottom flange and bottom wing. The top wing extends outwardly from the web. The top web portion extends between the top flange and the top wing. The unitary steel joist is made from a unitary piece of steel.

Abstract: A hollow flange channel beam has a planar web with a pair of narrow rectangular cross-section flanges extending along opposite sides of said web and extending perpendicular to a face of said web in the same direction. The section capacity is optimized when Wf=(0.3)Db, Wf=(3.0)Df and WF=(30)t.