Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermal bend actuator comprises the steps of: (a) depositing a first layer comprised of silicon nitride onto a sacrificial scaffold; (b) depositing a second layer comprised of silicon dioxide onto the first layer; (c) depositing an active beam layer onto the second layer; (d) etching the active beam layer, the first layer and the second layer to define the thermal bend actuator; and (e) releasing the thermal bend actuator by removing the sacrificial scaffold.

Abstract: An align fixture for aligning an electronic component having a receptacle adapted to receive the electronic component, the receptacle having a first abutting section and a second abutting section, the align fixture further having an elastic unit, one of the first abutting section and the second abutting section is flexibly mounted via the elastic unit, and the other one of the first abutting section and the second abutting section is fixedly mounted; the first abutting section and the second abutting section each form a stiff member and are adapted to engage the electronic component, the elastic unit is adapted to exert two force components on one of the first abutting section and the second abutting section, the force components being angled relatively to one another.

Abstract: A pick-up jig is adapted to be dismountably mounted to an electronic component which has two buckling blocks. The pick-up jig includes a pick-up board and two buckling arms. The pick-up board is against a top of the electronic component. The pick-up board has a flat top surface for the convenience of the pick-up jig being picked up by a SMT machine. The two buckling arms perpendicularly extend downward from two opposite ends of a bottom surface of the pick-up board. An inside of each of the buckling arms protrude inward to form two blocking pillars spaced from each other to define a fastening groove therebetween. A buckling hook is protruded at a bottom of the buckling arm. The buckling blocks slide over the corresponding buckling hooks to be buckled in the corresponding fastening grooves and the buckling hook grappling a bottom of the corresponding buckling block.

Abstract: A method for producing a circuit board layer, in particular for a multilayer circuit board, a ceramic foil upon which a carrier foil is disposed being used, the carrier foil being perforated by laser to form at least one circuit trace, and/or the carrier foil and the ceramic foil being perforated together by laser to form at least one feedthrough, the circuit trace and/or the feedthrough subsequently being created by printing, the carrier foil constituting a printing screen, and the carrier foil subsequently being removed from the ceramic foil.

Abstract: A method for machining a gas turbine rotor which is provided with a cooling air slot which concentrically extends around the axis of the gas turbine rotor and is supplied with compressed cooling air via axial cooling air holes which at the side lead into the slot base of the cooling air slot, and the opening of which is covered by bridges which are arranged in a distributed manner over the circumference and spaced apart from each other by gaps. A crack-resistant slot shape is achieved without intervention into the configuration of the bridges by a material-removing tool, particularly a milling tool, being lowered in the gaps between the bridges one after the other into the cooling air slot and in this way the slot base of the cooling air slot being machined and widened over the entire circumference.

Abstract: A method for repairing a gas turbine engine component includes identifying a distorted feature located in a first portion of the component, identifying a second portion of the component that behaves as at least one of a heat sink or a stiffener, removing the second portion of the component from the first portion, cold working the first portion of the component to repair the distorted feature, heat treating the first portion of the component, and metallurgically joining the first portion of the component to the second portion of the component.

Abstract: A method for producing a honeycomb body having a honeycomb structure disposed in a housing, includes at least forming a honeycomb structure, inserting the honeycomb structure into a housing, carrying out a heat treatment operation on the honeycomb structure having the housing, contacting outer regions with a molding, at least during the inserting step or the heat treatment step, and reproducing a desired outer contour of the housing with contact faces of the molding. A molding and an exhaust gas treatment unit produced with a thin housing in a dimensionally accurate manner, are also provided.

Abstract: A number of flat tubes, flat tube heat exchangers, and methods of manufacturing both are described and illustrated. The flat tubes can be constructed of one, two, or more pieces of sheet material. A profiled insert integral with the flat tube or constructed from another sheet of material can be used to define multiple flow channels through the flat tube. The flat tubes can be constructed of relatively thin material, and can be reinforced with folds of the flat tube material and/or of an insert in areas subject to higher pressure and thermal stresses. Also, the relatively thin flat tube material can have a corrosion layer enabling the material to resist failure due to corrosion. Heat exchangers having such flat tubes connected to collection tubes are also disclosed, as are manners in which such tubes can be provided with fins.

Abstract: Provided are a spherical bearing in which a ball portion (10) of an inside member (1) can be sealed inside an outside member (2) without employment of casting, and the outside member (2) and the inside member (1) are coupled to each other with high strength, and which can be downsized, and a manufacturing method for the same. The spherical bearing includes: an inside member (1) having a metal ball portion (10); a resin liner (3) covering the ball portion (10) of the inside member (1) and held in sliding contact with the ball portion (10); and an outside member (2) molded outside the resin liner (3) by a forging process and held in close contact with an entire of an outer peripheral surface of the resin liner (3) without being brought into contact with the inside member (1), for undetachably enclosing and holding the resin liner (3).

Abstract: A shaving blade unit includes a housing having a front edge, a rear edge and side edges extending between the front and rear edges. The housing has an aperture located between the front and rear edges. One or more shaving blades are positioned between the front edge and the rear edge and the one or more blades have cutting edges arranged to define a first cutting region. A clip is arranged to retain the one or more shaving blades on the housing. The clip has a leg received by the aperture, the leg having a bent portion defining a curvature to secure the clip to the housing.

Abstract: A tube cutter having first and second arms pivotally connected. Each arm includes a handle segment and a head portion. The head portion of one arm includes a v-block and the head portion of the other arm has a cutting portion. At least each handle portion has a black oxide coating or chrome plating. A second tube cutter may include a pair of bumpers, one on each handle and each of the bumpers may include a gusset connecting the bumper to the terminal end of the handle.

Abstract: A powered rotary knife includes a handle, a blade housing, an annular blade, and a blade bushing for rotatably mounting the blade within the housing. The blade housing includes an inner groove that is operable to receive the blade bushing therein. The blade housing and blade bushing are split in order to expand and receive the blade. The blade includes an outer groove that is also operable to receive the blade bushing. Thus, the blade bushing is spaced between the blade housing and blade and rotatably secures the blade within the blade housing.

Abstract: A surgical blade adapted to be typically used in medical procedures is disclosed. The blade is provided with markings located near the cutting edge. The markings are configured to be indicative of the depth of the blade and/or of the cutting edge during the incision of an organic tissue. The markings are configured to substantially follow the shape of the cutting edge such as to indicate the depth of the blade substantially independently of the orientation thereof.

Abstract: A two-dimension layout system identifies points and their coordinates, and transfers identified points on a solid surface to other surfaces in a vertical direction. Two leveling laser light transmitters are used with a remote unit to control certain functions. The laser transmitters rotate about the azimuth, and emit vertical (plumb) laser planes. After being set up using benchmark points, the projected lines of the laser planes will intersect on the floor of a jobsite at any point of interest in a virtual floor plan, under control of a user with the remote unit. The laser light planes also project lines that will intersect along the ceiling at a point that is truly plumb above the crossing point on the floor. The laser planes also provide an “implied” plumb line that is projected in space, which is visible along a solid vertical surface to between the intersecting floor and ceiling points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-function electrician level. In one embodiment, the body has a first face enabling the tool to level either a switch or a dual three-prong outlet. A second face can be used to level a rectangular outlet, such as a GFCI outlet. In this regard, the second face can have depressions providing clearance to reset buttons. Both faces have walls that mate with the respective type of outlet. The tool can also be used as a traditional level. Levels are provided on two perpendicular surfaces, and are observable through both faces. A laser projector can be provided for fanning a leveling line outward from the tool. A light such as a LED light can also be provided for use as a flashlight. The light can also illuminate the levels.

Abstract: A lamp holder 20 for use mounted on a lamp housing 4a surface having a flat shape to hold a plurality of tubular lamps 5 while arranging the lamps in parallel on the lamp housing surface providing a predetermined interval between the lamps includes a holder board 21, and three lamp-clamping pins 22a, 22b and 22c that are provided in a protruding manner at each end portion of the holder board, the lamp-clamping pins at each end portion of the holder board being disposed to have a positional relation such that they are capable of clamping the lamp that passes through them, and the lamp holder being arranged to provide, by being mounted at a variable rotation angle on the lamp housing surface, an interval of a desired size between the lamps.

Abstract: Disclosed are an evaporator, an evaporation method, and a substrate processing apparatus, which can increase the concentration of generated vapor of an organic solvent and efficiently heat the organic solvent. The evaporator includes a fluid tube, a liquid organic solvent supply device for supplying the organic solvent liquid to one end of the fluid tube, and heating units for heating the fluid tube. The fluid tube has a cross section that increases from the one end to the other end. When the organic solvent liquid supplied to one end of the fluid tube is heated, the organic solvent vapor is discharged from the other end of the fluid tube. The substrate processing apparatus includes the above-described evaporator.

Abstract: A mobile surface drying apparatus includes a vacuum and blower assembly. The vacuum and blower assembly includes a vacuum head and a blower head. The vacuum head suctions moisture through an inlet of the vacuum and blower assembly, and the blower head communicates airflow through an outlet of the vacuum and blower assembly.

Abstract: A drying container insert that manages the evaporation rate of liquid solutions when subjected to blow-down gas flows. Certain gas flow separator baffles or framed inserts with vanes may be especially effective to enhance evaporation when combined with aggressive blow-down flow rates and centrifugal force. The centrifugal force applied to the evaporating liquid protects sample integrity by preventing the solution(s) from splashing out of the drying container. Such splashing, when high blow-down gas flow rates are directed into the sample containers, affects yield and purity.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable and waterproof sole for shoes, including at least one first load-bearing component, including at least one vapor-permeable or perforated portion, including a vapor-permeable or perforated filler, at least one second component, predominantly arranged below the first component with a tread provided thereon. The second component includes through perforations at the vapor-permeable or perforated portion of the first component. Below the vapor-permeable or perforated portion and above the tread a membrane water impermeable and of water vapor permeable material is provided. The first component is constituted by a plastic midsole. The midsole is rigidly coupled to the membrane and to the filler by molding before providing the tread. A single peripheral seal is provided on the membrane formed by the molding of the midsole; the midsole surrounds peripherally the membrane.

Abstract: Shoe upper having a lower end of the upper, an outer material with a lower end (19) of the outer material, a waterproof functional layer (16), which has a lower end region of the functional layer with a functional layer zone (20) not covered by outer material, and a connecting band (17), which extends in the direction of the periphery of the upper, has a upper longitudinal side (23) of the connecting band, joined to the end (19) of the outer material, and a lower longitudinal side (25) of the connecting band, at least partially overlaps the functional layer zone (20) and consists of liquefiable sealing material or of material through which liquid sealing material (37; 41) can flow, the connecting band (17) having at points of curvature of the lower end (19) of the outer material an arcuate shape corresponding to the local radius of curvature, with different degrees of curvature of the two longitudinal sides (23, 25) of the connecting band, in such a way that, for an arc sector lying in the respective curvatur

Abstract: A multi-position heel assembly is structured and arranged to be integrally formed with or mechanically connected to a shoe. The assembly includes: a chassis; a heel connected to the chassis and rotatable relative to the chassis about an axis; and a locking mechanism including an actuator that is axially translatable along the axis. The locking mechanism selectively allows rotation of the heel relative to the chassis.

Abstract: An inner sole for an insole has a body made of flexible material and adapted to be laid on an insole of a shoe. Liquid containing spaces are formed in the body of the inner sole for sealingly and flowably containing liquid. Dam portions divide the liquid containing spaces into a toe region, a heel region and a middle region between the two. Orifices communicate the liquid between mutually adjacent regions. The orifice formed by the dam portions that divides the liquid containing spaces into the heel region and the middle region opens toward one side edge portion to cause an eddy of liquid, flowing from the heel region into the middle region, that substantially fills the whole middle region.

Abstract: A wear part for a bucket to a loading or digging machine, which bucket has at least one front edge plate with a forwardly directed engagement edge, and the wear part has a forward direction and a rearward direction and is provided with a hook portion for fixing of the wear part to the bucket, and the fastening portion has a spanning surface portion for co-operating in a contact surface area with a clamping surface portion on a fastening unit which is positionable through a hole in the front edge plate. The spanning surface portion extends at an angle against the forward direction such that, in use, when tightening the fastening unit, a force effecting the wear part in the rearward direction will occur. A fastening unit for the wear part and a wear part system, a bucket and a loading or digging machine are also provided.

Abstract: A tool coupler assembly for a machine. The tool coupler assembly may have a coupler frame, a first latch, a second latch, and a hydraulic actuator connected to move the second latch relative to the first latch and the coupler frame. The hydraulic actuator may have a first chamber, a second chamber, and a pressure valve with a check element movable to allow a flow of fluid into the first chamber based on a pressure of fluid in the first chamber, and a pressure regulating element movable to allow a flow of fluid out of the first chamber based on a pressure of fluid in the second chamber. The tool coupler assembly may additionally have a first pilot passage configured to communicate fluid from the second chamber with the pressure-regulating element, and a second pilot passage configured to communicate fluid from the first chamber with the pressure-regulating element.

Abstract: A three-dimensional illuminated greeting card which combines a unique card construction having a 3D pop-out structure with one or more lights contained therein. The 3D pop-out structure forms an internal cavity in which illumination means and other electronic components are contained. One or more sides of the 3D structure are made of translucent or semi-translucent material, creating a screen that can be illuminated from behind by one or more miniature lights, such as LED lights. The light or lights may be connected to an integrated circuit chip that can be programmed with various lighting effects. The greeting card may optionally include other electronic components which are configured to play sound or music or perform other electronic effects.

Abstract: A reversible license plate holder attachable to a prepared rear panel of a vehicle. A rectangular perimeter frame has an obverse and a reverse side and an open central area, the frame having an L-shaped cross-section defining a flange sized to be aligned with and receive a license plate positionable thereagainst. The frame also has spaced mounting holes which are alignable with mounting holes in the license plate and with threaded holes in the rear panel for attaching the holder against the rear panel. When the holder is attached to the rear panel so that the reverse side faces outwardly in a temporary use mode by a car dealer, an upper retaining tab forming a first U-shaped channel with the frame trappingly receives an upper edge of the license plate and a lower retaining tab forming a second U-shaped channel trappingly receives a lower edge of the license plate when a lower edge of the flange is resiliently flexed downwardly, then released.

Abstract: A nautical navigation aid comprising a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities used to enhance the safety of nautical travelers on waterways in conditions where visibility is limited. The navigation aid sign has a first rigid sheet member having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge, a second rigid sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface extending outward from the peripheral edge of the first rigid sheet member at a predetermined angle to a predetermined length, thereby defining an angled collar of the first rigid sheet member sized and configured to redirect light waves emanating from a light source, and a luminescent layer. It is envisioned that an embodiment of the present invention might also include a means for retrofitting existing nautical navigation aids with a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a decorative illumination signboard capable of effectively downwardly emitting light while suppressing an upward emission of light with a simple configuration and a plastic sheet used in the decorative illumination signboard. The object can be accomplished by a plastic sheet having optical transparency which includes an exit surface and an incident surface on which a plurality of prism lines having a flat and smooth surface are arranged to be aligned. A shape of the prism in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the prism line is formed by a side A on a lower side at an angle of ? degrees to a normal line of the exit surface and a side B on an upper side at an angle of ? degrees to the normal line of the exit surface and ?<?, and 40 degrees???80 degrees.

Abstract: A stand secures a loaded firearm in an inoperable condition for quick release to an authorized user in the event of an emergency. A housing serves as a base for the stand. A mechanism fixed to the housing prevents the firearm from firing. For example, a rod fixed to the housing is inserted through the muzzle and into the bore until it extends into an empty chamber of a revolver or into the receiver of an automatic pistol. Another mechanism mounted on the housing is operable between a first position in which it permits engagement of the firearm on and disengagement of the firearm from the rod and a second position in which it prevents disengagement of the firearm from the rod. The operating mechanism may be actuated manually by a key or electronically by a key pad, a fingerprint recognition pad or the like.

Abstract: A system is provided for simultaneously carrying two firearms is provided wherein said system has a first firearm; a receiving bracket attached to said first firearm; a second firearm having a trigger; a holster housing said second firearm, said holster having a mounting bracket acting in concert with said receiving bracket such that said mounting bracket is releasably attached to said receiving bracket, and wherein said holster restricts access to said trigger of said second firearm housed within said holster.

Abstract: A fishing rod, and a method of manufacturing a tubular structure such as a fishing rod. The fishing rod extends within a plane (210). At least a portion of the rod (202) has a flexural rigidity in a first direction (B) within the plane different from the flexural rigidity in the opposite direction (A) within the plane. The difference in flexural rigidity between said directions is at least 5% of the value of the flexural rigidity in the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a method and apparatus for an organic insect extermination lamp, which continuously kills mosquitoes and other biting insects without the use of hazardous chemicals, pesticides or electrocution. The organic insect extermination lamp includes a housing; a fixture including a power source and an LED light source for attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects without emitting substantial heat; at least one covered reservoir having a closable cap for holding a natural exterminating substance; and a natural exterminating substance, wherein the natural exterminating substance decomposes to produce natural exterminating fumes for killing mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the growth and biomass of algae and algae lipids by growing the algae in the presence of a polycationic substance such as soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of harvesting algae from an aqueous environment by growing the algae in aggregated clumps and/or mats (formed by the inclusion of soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin or other polycationic or cationic substances) that can be easily removed from the aqueous environment either by filtration, surface skimming, and/or growing in a porous containment device, such as a natural or synthetic fabric, and removing the fabric from the aqueous environment containing the aggregated algae. The methods disclosed have direct applications in biofuel and energy production, agricultural feedstock production, nutrient production, greenhouse gas reduction, removal of microconstituents from water, and water reclamation.

Abstract: An all-natural fiber biodegradable generally planar mat for use in the germination, growth enhancement and propagation of plants and trees and the suppression of weed growth is provided. The present invention comprises a generally planer layer of at least one or a combination of natural fibers including, but not limited to, human hair, animal hair, coconut fiber, seaweed, kelp, cotton, corn silk and peat moss, and alternatively may incorporate a plurality of man-made fibers. Such mat may be constructed using needle punching, hydro-entanglement, or aero-entanglement. The generally planar mat in a wide variety of constructions is used in various methodologies of promoting seed germination, root growth, spot growth on existing plantings, landscaping under-laminate, soil additive, and as a weed control and pest deterrent in the horticultural field.

Abstract: A modular wall planting system includes at least a pair of planting units each comprising a mounting structure mountable to a vertical wall surface, and a trough extending outwardly from the mounting structure and including an upwardly opening aperture, the trough defining an interior compartment divided into a first section and a second section at least partially divided from the first section, wherein the first section is adapted to receive plant matter therein, the second section is adapted to receive fluid drained from the first section, and wherein the trough includes at least one weep aperture adapted to allow water to drain from the interior compartment and the second section to an exterior of the trough.

Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame with side members and end members, and in which at least one of the side members is hollow, and a plurality of louvres extending from one side member to the other side member, and being rotatably mounted in the side members, and a control linkage within at least one of the side members, the control linkage having at least one control element, and each louvre having at least one control member engaging the respective control element, the control members being located spaced radially from the rotation axes of the louvres.

Abstract: A sliding door or window (1) comprises: a fixed frame (2); a sash (3) which slides horizontally and which has a perimeter groove (C); a pair of carriages (4, 4a) on which the sash (3) slides and which rest on a track (5); a controlling member (6) mounted on the sash (3), connected to operating means (7) which, when actuated by the controlling member (6), lift the sash (3) from the carriages (4, 4a) so that it can be slid open, and then lower the sash (3) when the sash (3) is returned to the closed position; a first slider (8) slidably fitted in the groove (C) made in an upper horizontal member (9) of the sash (3) and connected to the operating means (7); a first contact element (10) located in the proximity of the first slider (8) and rotatable between a lowered, non-operating position and a raised operating position; drive means (11) acting between the first slider (8) and the first contact element (10) and designed to allow a first position of lifting and stable positioning of the first contact element (10)

Abstract: A hip, ridge or rake shingle comprised of a plurality of panels sandwiched on each panel portion side of a layer of shingle material, such that each panel portion can be folded along a fold line, and wherein tabs are provided for each panel portion, adapted to be bent backwardly upon themselves, sandwiching thickening panels therebetween. The shingles can be laid up on a hip, ridge or rake of a roof, to yield desirable thickened features.

Abstract: A pre-notched drip edge assembly and related method includes a plurality of drip edge sections interconnected end-to-end to form a continuous water barrier along a roof edge. Each drip edge section has a formed one-piece construction with a top flange and a bottom flange having an inverted L-shape with upper and lower legs. The forward edges of the top flange and the upper leg are integrally interconnected along a folded-over nose having a wedge-shape. A pair of notches are formed in the opposite ends of each drip edge section which extend through the upper edge of the lower leg and the forward edges of the upper leg and the top flange to define flat end tab areas that are inserted into the noses of the next adjacent drip edge sections to horizontally and vertically locate the same along the building roof.

Abstract: A multi-layered roofing system and method of construction which replaces standard sloped or flat roof surfaces is herein disclosed. The system comprises a roof surface having a dual layer construction provided by two (2) layers of roof sheathing material which are separated by vented spacing members. A top layer of sheathing material is covered with a top layer of roofing felt, shingles, rolled roofing, or the like. The system utilizes various vented spacing channels, vented drip edge elements, and a vented ridge vent that provide for a ventilating gap within the roof. The ventilating gap runs the entire length of the roof and helps to moderate interior building temperatures, thereby improving energy efficiency.

Abstract: Object of the invention is a system composed of a special Tile, adequate to cover the whole roof, thermally insulating, ventilated, with no environmental impact, producing solar and photovoltaic energy, adequate for the production of hot water and/or electrical energy. The two functions, thermal and photovoltaic, are meant to be operated in synergy, obtaining the best result, or independently. For instance, the photovoltaic can help the thermal system, in case the covered surfaces are too small for the heating needs of the building, or in non-ideal climates, sending part of the electrical energy to electrical water heaters positioned in the boiler, to complement hot water production during low irradiation seasons.

Abstract: A stackable flat-roof/ground framework (1) for solar panels, comprising a sloping desk-like supporting region (2, 5, 6) for the solar panel, at least said supporting region (2, 5, 6) being implemented as a wire grate, wherein the supporting region of the flat-roof/ground framework has downwardly angled elements on two opposite edges, one element, used as rear wall (3), being designed to be longer and one element, used a front wall (4), being designed to be shorter, and having weightable panel-like base regions (2, 5, 6), said base regions (2, 5, 6) being angled from the rear wall (3) and/or the front wall (4).

Abstract: A modular spiral staircase assembly that involves a handrail formed of one or more sections and a series of slide members each configured to form a link between both a baluster and the handrail of the staircase. The use of such slide members enables initial ease with respect to positioning of the balusters along the extent of the handrail and subsequent secure locking of such balusters in position with respect to the handrail for alignment purposes with corresponding treads of the staircase. Additionally, using such slide members along the extent of the handrail provides the installer ready-made tools for progressively shaping the extent of the handrail so as to align it with the curvature of the staircase.

Abstract: A stairway assembly includes a tread and riser panel attached together by a uniquely designed gusset to form a tread and riser assembly that can be integrally installed on the stringers. In one embodiment, a first portion of the gusset includes a first attachment structure connected to the lower surface of the tread, and a second portion of the gusset has a second attachment structure connected to the lower surface of the riser. The first portion of the gusset extends at an angle from the second portion, with the side edge of the riser overlapping and facing the upper surface of the tread, and said tread side edge faces said gusset. The gusset may include an elongated slot that forms a line of weakening in the gusset. The gusset may be bent about the line of weakening to move the tread and riser into the final position in which the tread is perpendicular to the riser.

Abstract: A spacer assembly is disclosed having a spacer with a cross-section varying in a repeating manner along a longitudinal axis and an adhesive sealant at least partially encapsulating the spacer. Also, a moisture vapor barrier may be provided as well as a desiccated topcoat.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a plurality of wall members together to define a wall. The apparatus includes a base portion having a stud extending upwardly therefrom, the base portion configured to engage a surface of a first wall member. The apparatus also includes a first securing member sized and shaped to engage with a surface of a second wall member stacked above the first wall member. The apparatus also includes a first coupling member configured to extend through a bore in the first and second wall members. The first coupling member has an elongate rod member having an upper end and a lower end, and a coupler on the lower end of the rod member, the coupler being sized and shaped to receive the stud member therein. The upper end of the rod member is configured to be coupled to the first securing member for biasing the first and second wall members together to inhibit the formation of undesired spaces therebetween.

Abstract: A building structure having a plurality of frame assemblies joined together to form an internal frame structure for a building. Each of the frame assemblies includes a truss, a pair of vertical wall members and a floor joist. The truss is attached to respective top ends the vertical wall members at each end of the truss with interlocking joints in which the truss and vertical wall members are in substantially the same plane. Each vertical wall member is attached to the floor joist with interlocking joints. Each interlocking joint has a puzzle-piece configuration. Cross-members interconnect the frame assemblies in a spaced-apart manner. A floor panel is attached to the floor joists and exterior wall panels are attached to an exterior of the internal frame structure.

Abstract: A starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks and stones for building mortarless walls is disclosed. The starter element comprises an horizontally extending strip having a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to a structure, a second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in engagement with the mortise interlock element of the brick and a third portion sloping downwardly from the interlock element to be in at least partial contact with an inside surface of the brick. The starter element can also comprise means adapted to allow the drainage of water and the passage of air behind the wall.

Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.