Abstract: A magnetic bird screen for an opening of a steel structure such as a bridge or the like includes a magnetic sheet sized to cover the access opening and at least partially overlap the steel structure at the opening so that the sheet is magnetically secured to the steel structure. The sheet has a plurality of spaced-apart holes sized sufficiently large to permit the passage of air and water therethrough and to be used as finger holes for installation and removal and sized sufficiently small to prevent the passage of pigeons therethrough. The sheet can be folded or rolled upon itself so that the sheet remains secured at one side of the opening or the sheet can be entirely removed when it is desired to have access through the opening.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to anchoring devices, and more specifically to a wall anchoring device and method of installing same requiring no soil excavation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for isolating objects from seismic vibration, isolation flooring systems, vibrational damping devices, and methods for their use are disclosed. The present invention has the advantage of having a minimum of moving parts, and being extraordinarily easy to install and inspect. In preferred embodiments, the invention is drawn to methods of isolating sensitive objects from the full extent of seismic vibrations.

Abstract: In areas with propensity for tornados, for example in the central part of the country, the plain states, the mid-west, and also in Florida, it is customary to have some form of storm shelter in which the occupants of commercial and residential buildings can seek refuge in the event of a tornado. The safest type of storm shelter is a so-called in-ground storm shelter. The embodiments of the In-Ground Storm Shelter are comprised of a bottom, a left side and a right side. The In-Ground Storm Shelter is further comprised of a front side and a back side, and a top side. The top side is further comprised of a removable back door, a sliding door, a top left shoulder and a top right shoulder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building-integrated solar-panel roof element, such as a photovoltaic (BIPV) roof element, adapted to be fitted with a solar panel and integrated in a pitched roof, as well as such a building-integrated roof element fitted with a photovoltaic or solar thermal panel, and an array of these solar energy roof elements mounted on a pitched roof.

Abstract: A solar support structure includes a plurality of sections, each section including a channel member having a flat major wall and opposed side walls extending therefrom. The major wall of each section is covered with a thin film solar laminate and each section further includes an electrical connection box positioned adjacent one end and electrically coupled to the thin film solar laminate. The sections are formed into a roof panel by channel-shaped beams attached to opposed ends of each section and the beams mount the sections in a parallel abutting relationship. Columns are affixed to the beams and mount the roof panel in a desired orientation relative to an underlying surface. Electrical wiring from the boxes is positioned in one of the beams and extends into one of the columns.

Abstract: A solar cell module attachment structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is a solar cell module attachment structure for attaching, face-to-face, edges of two solar cell modules (2) that are disposed adjacent and spaced from each other on a top face (12) of an attachment base (11) disposed along the edges in a front-rear direction, wherein with the use of an upper fixing fitting 3a including a pressing plate 31 and protrusion pieces 32, a lower fixing fitting 4 including an upper plate 40 and a lower plate 50, and a bolt 8, the bolt 8 inserted from above into a pressing plate hole 33 formed in the pressing plate 31 is inserted and fixed in a lower plate connecting hole 51 formed in the lower plate 50 of the lower fixing fitting 4.

Abstract: A securing configuration of a solar cell module includes a plurality of supporting members which are mounted on roof members; a plurality of crosspiece members each of which is inserted between and supported by the supporting pieces of the plurality of supporting members, has first holding portions which hold first fastener members in a slidable manner on both side faces and a second holding portion which holds a second fastener member in a slidable manner on an upper face, and which are arranged at a predetermined interval in the roof lateral direction; and securing members which secure the solar cell module installed on the plurality of crosspiece members such that long sides of the solar cell module are intersected with the plurality of crosspiece members to the crosspiece members through the second fastener members held by the second holding portions.

Abstract: A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.

Abstract: A structural frame member, such as for constructing a window frame, includes a body portion having a first section defining a number of axially extending passages and a second section defining a key passage area. A cap portion is engaged with the key passage area to define an enclosed key passage. The key passage area may be defined by a pair of protrusions that extend from a wall on the body portion, and the cap portion is engaged with the pair of protrusions. The cap portion and the protrusions may include snap-type engagement structure that secures the cap portion to the pair of protrusions. The enclosed key passage may extend across a majority of the depth of the body portion. A frame assembly formed of at least a pair of structural frame members, and a method of assembling a frame member, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for a window opening in which the assembly comprises a casing facing that covers the casing with a J-channel secured to the casing facing and defining an outwardly facing channel to receive bordering edges of siding material, and a casing molding having one longitudinal edge continuous with the casing facing and a second longitudinal edge outwardly and non-planar with the one longitudinal edge and engaging the J-channel. The casing molding of a color contrasting with either or both of the J-channel and casing facing.

Abstract: A system and method for fabricating a wind turbine tower is provided. The method includes providing at least one fiber reinforced plastic (“FRP”) strand, embedding a first portion of the FRP strand into a first concrete segment, and embedding a second portion of the FRP strand into a second concrete segment such that a third portion of the FRP strand extends from the first concrete segment to the second concrete segment. The method further includes displacing at least one of the first concrete segment and the second concrete segment relative to the other such that a tension is applied to the third portion of the FRP strand.

Abstract: A removable highly secured high impact wall panel mounting system for mounting at least one wall panel having a front face, a rear face and at least one first attachment portion attached to a portion of the rear face, to a wall in an area of high traffic, comprising at least one second attachment portion and at least one joint closure having an elongated strip. The elongated strip includes a longitudinal axis and a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile including a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls connecting the top wall to the bottom wall. Each pair of flanges is disposed substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the strip. In one embodiment, a bottom support bracket is provided to cooperate with a plurality of hooks disposed on a wall panel. A vacuum lifter is further provided to make removal of the wall panel easier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile partitioning wall with several wall elements suspended at running rails. In order to provide a mobile partitioning wall, which is designed to be simple to manufacture and to mount and to be universally applicable, and offers simple and variable possibilities to be optionally completed with add-on parts, the wall elements are formed without supporting frame, and mounting elements are horizontally and/or vertically disposed at the edge sides of the wall elements.

Abstract: A boxable corner bead for finishing drywall corners that is made from two flanges with a protruding nose section. This bead can be made in regular, bullnose, or flex trim type arrangements. Once the bead is attached to a drywall corner, it can be mudded on both sides of the corner without waiting for the mud on the first side to dry. This is because of the shape of the nose which allows a mud dispensing box to apply mud on one side without getting mud on the nose. The box can then be immediately moved to the other side, where that side can be mudded. The nose itself is prepared to directly receive paint or texture, and hence does not need any mud. A version of the device has a raised trapezoidal, triangular or bull-nose section with a V-groove cut in the back. The bead hinges around the V-groove to match any corner angle. Both sides can be mudded as with the fixed bead. The beads can be used with both interior and exterior corners.

Abstract: An apparatus constituting the walls and frame of a building with a series of interlocking panels, preferably composed of two sheets of metal, bound together by polyurethane foam injected between them. The panels are secured to the floor via metallic columns found at each juncture between two panels. Electric assemblies and setups, as well as plumbing outlets are preinstalled within the panels, facilitating rapid installation. Windows, doors, and A/C vents are also crafted into the panels at their inception, prior to their transport to the construction site. It is the intent of the present invention to provide an avenue for affordable, durable, and efficient housing that may be constructed quickly with minimal effort in the absence of heavy machinery, and without any advanced tools.

Abstract: The Vinyl Siding Outside Corner Mounting Block, made of molded plastic, nailed approximately two feet apart to the outside verticle corner of a structure with one 8d box nail, makes the application of the vinyl siding outside corners simple, fast and accurate.

Abstract: A building comprises foundation; a first stud wall; a second stud wall; the second stud wall is disposed above the second first stud wall; a tie rod operably attached to the foundation and extending within the first and second stud walls; a first nut connecting the tie rod to the second stud wall; a first spring urging the first nut and the tie rod upwardly; a second nut connecting the tie rod to one of the first stud wall and the second stud wall, the second nut being disposed below the first nut; a second spring urging the second nut and the tie rod upwardly; the first spring is configured to carry a load at least substantially equal to the weight of a portion of a length of the tie rod disposed between the first nut and the second nut; and the second spring is configured to carry a load disposed below the second nut, the portion extending to where the tie rod is attached to the foundation.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps with a core and composite sleeves to be coupled to structural members of a foundation, such as an installed radial array of batter angled micropiles. These structural caps with sleeves are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites. Once at the sites, operators may fixedly couple these caps to the micropiles or other structural members to form a foundation for a structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: An access floor panel is disclosed that has a top plate with a plurality of non-directional air passageways intermingled with a plurality of directional air passageways. The directional air passageways are configured to direct airflow through them at an angle to the upper surface of the top plate of other than 90°. The directional air passageways include an opening in the top plate and a tab adjacent to each opening that is at an angle with respect to top surface of the top plate of other than 90°. Due to the intermingling of the non-directional air passageways and the directional air passageways, the composite air flow direction through the non-directional air passageways and the directional air passageways is at an angle with the top plate of other than 90°.

Abstract: A veneer panel system is used with a wall or a retaining wall to provide a natural stone appearance and/or to improve the appearance of an existing wall. Panels can be interlocked to form a stable veneer structure. The structure is attached to a wall by various attachment devices.

Abstract: A building including a metal joint is provided with a damping member that is mounted between at least a pair of structures and yields in accordance with relative displacement between the structures. The damping member includes strength-suppression device that suppresses an increase of strength after yield, and exerts a damping effect with rocking or expansion and contraction of at least one of the structures.

Abstract: A cladding and drywall construction system is based on a load-bearing structure (11), large-surface flat constructive elements (1) which have joining pieces including male elements (6), anchoring pieces of the male elements to the load-bearing structure and fixed profiles (20) which are anchored to the load-bearing structure (211) and sliding profiles (14) which are mounted on the fixed profiles (20), which can move along them. The fixed profiles (20) and the sliding profiles (14) have, respectively, opposite holes (7) and openings (5), through which the male elements (6) are inserted for their blocking by the openings (5), through the sliding movement of the sliding profiles (14).

Abstract: A device for mounting an locking a casing to a suspension includes a first portion arranged to engage a first side of the suspension, a second portion effectively connected to the first portion and a locking element arranged on the second portion at a distance from the first portion, wherein the distance is such that the locking element engages a second side of the suspension at least when the first portion disengages the first side of the suspension, wherein the locking element is biased in the direction of the suspension.

Abstract: Producing grid tees with a range of service duty, reflected in the use of various gauge sheet stock, that exhibit an effective uniform thickness at their cross tee slots by locally altering a grid tee in the area of its cross tee receiving slot or slots so that the grid tee has a uniform effective thickness at these area(s) that can be standardized across a manufacturer's range of tee load ratings. Preferably, a grid tee is permanently stamped with an indentation or dimple adjacent the cross tee slot and a cross tee connector has a lead edge area arranged to seat against the bottom of the indentation.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for repairing a hole in a surface with a perforated repair patch. The repair patch, which is affixed to and substantially cover over the hole, is indented inwards by applying cement compound into its perforations and pushing the repair patch into the hole as the cement compound hardens. A layer of drywall compound is then applied over the indented repair patch to smooth it with the rest of the wall. The perforated repair patch may include an additional layer of mesh sheet material to minimize cracking of the drywall compound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.

Abstract: A set of essentially identical floorboards each including a front face and a rear face extending in the horizontal plane, a core, and a surface layer, a mechanical locking system is arranged at least at two opposite edges for connecting a floorboard with an adjacent floorboard in a horizontal and a vertical direction, said mechanical locking system being configured for connecting the floorboard with the adjacent floorboard by vertical folding, wherein one of said opposite edges is provided with a horizontally extending protrusion at an upper edge, and wherein said protrusion is configured to overlap a surface groove at an upper edge of the other of said opposite edges, such that two connected and adjacent floorboards have upper overlapping edges.

Abstract: A building structure is provided that includes a floor structure and a series of studs extending vertically adjacent the floor structure. A clip is provided. The clip is connected to the floor structure and projects outwardly therefrom and includes a stud retainer for engaging and retaining a flange of a stud. The stud retainer includes a channel through which the flange of the stud extends. The stud retainer is connected to the flange of the stud in such a manner that the stud can move vertically in the channel.

Abstract: A beam-column connection structure is formed, after installing a continued beam member to a predetermined position, by connecting and fixing lateral beam members, to side faces of an end portion of the continued beam member using a drift pin while connection grooves are fitted to side face connection metal fittings which are attached to the end portion, connecting an extension beam member to the end portion of the continued beam member using a drift pin while a connection groove formed at an end face of the extension beam member is fitted to the end face connection metal fitting, and connecting and fixing column members, to the upper face and lower face of the end portion of the continued beam member using a drift pin while fitting holes, formed at end faces of the column members, are fitted to the top end side portions of column connection pole-like fittings.

Abstract: A hybrid contoured load-spreading washer is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the washer includes a washer body having a composite layer and a metal layer bonded to the composite layer and a fastener opening extending through the washer body. A floor beam seat track attachment assembly and a method of transmitting a load from a seat track to a floor beam web in a seat track attachment assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an anchor for the attachment to flat building components including two cover plates and an intermediate support core layer wherein the anchor comprises an expansion body and a wedge body which is inserted into the expansion body and includes an opening for inserting a mounting means, the installed anchor is disposed in an opening of the component which extends through the cover plates and the intermediate support core plate. The expansion body has spreadable engagement elements, wherein, with the anchor installed, a cylinder zone is in contact with the bore wall of the first cover plate, and a wedging zone spreads out engagement elements behind the first cover plate. A part of the anchor is additionally disposed in the second cover plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to safety anchors for roof workers and in particular to a gutter ladder anchor, a ridge anchor, a rafter anchor, and a truss anchor. In a one aspect the invention is a gutter ladder anchor formed from a metal plate, and comprising a flat base, having left, right, rear, and front ends; a fold at the front end of the base; one or more legs extending from the fold; a flange at the end of each leg, folded upwards; one or more holes located in each leg for mounting a vertical eye or a ladder location attachment; a first pattern of spaced apart holes through the base for fixing the anchor to a batten or purlin, said first pattern extending from the left end to the right end; and one or more holes through the flange of each leg for fixing the anchor to a gutter.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form structure is provided that includes a structure opening through the structure. The structure opening being defined by form edges and opening forms bonded to a concrete core of the structure. A method is provided that includes erecting a set of spaced apart forms on a base, positioning opening forms in the space between the forms around a form opening through the forms, securing the opening forms around the form opening, and pouring concrete to fill the space between the forms, around the opening forms, to a top portion of the forms, thus creating the concrete core of the structure.

Abstract: A composite reinforcing bar is formed by providing a reinforcing material supply of fiber strands rovings; a resin supply bath, and a puller for pulling the resin-impregnated reinforcing material through the resin bath. The material is wound on a holder, while the resin remains unset, rotated about its axis on a drive system so that the material is wrapped around a plurality of bars at spaced positions around the axis such that the fed length of the body is wrapped from one bar to the next to form bent portions of the body wrapped partly around each bar and straight portions between the bars. Each bar has angularly grooves which are shaped to mold the bent portions to a required bent shape. The holder is indexed along it axis and removed when full for curing the resin on the holder while the body remains wrapped thereon.

Abstract: A safety barrier system for use in constructing multi-storey buildings has elongated safety barrier panels extending upwards from a first floor level a sufficient height to serve as effective safety barriers during the work for the subsequent floor. The panels are supported at their side edges in rails along which the safety barrier panels can slide. The rails are duplexed (siamesed) so as to link the respective safety barrier panels into a continuous peripheral barrier. The respective panels and rails are braced and independently supported, permitting the system elements to be ‘walked’ piecemeal up the face of a structure as required during its erection. Auxiliary barriers supplement the displaced panels, on lower levels, while toe-boards protect the floor-to-panel gap.

Abstract: A panel, in particular floor panel, with a core of wood material or a wood material/plastic mixture, a top side and a bottom side, which panel has on at least two opposite lateral edges a profiling corresponding to one another such that two identically embodied panels can be connected and locked to one another by an essentially vertical joining motion in the horizontal and vertical directions, wherein the locking in the vertical direction can be brought about by at least one tongue element movable in the horizontal direction, which element snaps into place during the joining motion behind a locking edge extending essentially in the horizontal direction, is characterized in that the tongue element is formed in one piece out of the core.

Abstract: Assembly for temporarily attaching a vertical masonry guide to an inner leaf of a cavity wall during laying of the bricks of an outer leaf of a cavity wall, comprising an inner leaf attaching part for attaching the assembly to the inner leaf, a masonry guide attaching part for attaching the assembly to the masonry guide, and a connecting part for mutually connecting the inner leaf attaching part and the masonry guide attaching part.

Abstract: A method for constructing a structure from ice in a low-temperature environment includes providing a plurality of icicles and attaching icicles to each other to form a framework of icicles. Additional ice is grown on the framework, and then the steps of providing icicles, attaching icicles to each other and to the existing framework, and growing additional ice on the framework are repeated as needed until the structure is completed.

Abstract: Reinforcing system (10) for reinforcing structures with irregular surfaces, such as shaped columns. Fiber-reinforced plastic sheathing (25) is wrapped around or over the surface to be reinforced and fiber anchors (50) are installed at high stress areas, such as re-entrant corners. Cover strip (30) spreads force among fiber anchors (50) and provides a smooth finish.

Abstract: A tower section for a wind turbine tower structure comprises at least two shell segments defining, in an assembled condition, a substantially hollow structure, and including first connecting means for mutually joining two adjacent shell segments along a joint, which comprise a column of concrete arranged overlapping at least part of the joint between adjacent shell segments. A method for building a tower section for a wind turbine tower structure and a wind turbine comprising a nacelle having rotatable blades and a vertical tower made of at least one of such tower sections are further provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: A vacuum device for removal of air from a flexible package storing a perishable food item includes a motor and fan blade assembly having a first air channel and fan blade housing. The fan blade housing encloses at least a portion of a motor and fan blade forming part of the motor and fan blade assembly. The vacuum device also has a nozzle assembly electrically connected to the motor and fan blade assembly. The nozzle assembly is provided with a second air channel in fluid communication with the first air channel. Air in an external environment flows through the second air channel and into to the first air channel upon actuation of the nozzle assembly to a closed position, which energizes the motor and rotates the fan blade connected to the motor to draw air from the external environment into the device.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets.

Abstract: An automated method for forming a packaged good article includes establishing a continuous path of travel for a mandrel. The mandrel defines an open interior between a package side and a loading side. With the mandrel at a first angle, a packaging material is wrapped about the mandrel at a first station along the path of travel to define a partial package. Product is dispensed into the partial package at a second station. With the mandrel at the second angle, the partial package and the mandrel are separated from one another at a third station. The first angle of the mandrel (at the first station) differs from the second angle of the mandrel (at the third station). The partial package is closed to form a packaged good article. In some embodiments, the mandrel is horizontal at the first station and is vertical at the third station.

Abstract: A suspension system for agricultural implements having at least one floating head using a four-bar linkage and permitting the floating head to accommodate variations in ground surface elevation in a lateral or transverse direction. By permitting the floating head to float, a more consistent cutting height is realized when ground surface elevation varies in a transverse direction. A main frame is provided to which the ground engaging wheels are attached. A sub-frame is connected to the main frame via the four-bar linkage. The sub-frame is pivotally attached to the arms of the four-bar linkage by spherical bearings.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper driven by a drive roller at one end and an idler roller at the other end. The draper is carried on a plurality of support rollers parallel to the first and second rollers for supporting the upper run of the draper at spaced positions therealong. The draper includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided an integral extruded sealing member extending along the cutter bar defining a first stiffer portion attached to the cutter bar and a second flexible blade portion which extends rearwardly from the first portion at the cutter bar to lie over and in contact with a bead along a front edge portion of the draper.

Abstract: Berry, such as grape, harvesting machine includes a plurality of superimposed shakers formed by flexible bars, and attached through their ends to two vertical shafts. At least one shaft is an oscillating actuation shaft controlled by a mechatronic shaking control permitting an oscillating movement. The mechatronic shaking control includes an eccentric system connected to the actuating shaft through a connecting rod, and the rotation axis of the eccentric system is mounted with an orientation adjustable in a plane parallel to the median plane of the machine so that any modification of this orientation permits to modify the amplitude of the oscillating movement of the actuating shaft, and, consequently the amplitude of the shaking movement of the shakers.

Abstract: A windrow merger including three pickup and transfer units, a folding system, and a plurality of float mechanisms. The folding system employs simultaneous rearward, outward, and upward folding motion so as to ensure none of the units interfere with the other units while folding, and likewise while unfolding. The folding system can further fold and unfold each of the three pickup and transfer units at the same time. During merging operations, the plurality of float mechanisms of the windrow merger limits the range of motion of each pickup and transfer unit. The float mechanisms further transfer a portion of the weight of each pickup and transfer unit from the ground to the frame of the merger. The units of the windrow merger can also include a rub rail having a surface that reduces swirling or clumping of material as the material is conveyed toward an end of the windrow merger.