Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chemical mechanical planarization pad and a method of making and using a chemical mechanical planarization pad. The chemical mechanical planarization pad may include a first component including a water soluble composition and water insoluble composition exhibiting a solubility in water of less than that of the water soluble composition, wherein at least one of the water soluble and water insoluble compositions of the first component is formed of fibers. The chemical mechanical planarization pad may also include a second component, wherein the first component is present as a discrete phase in a continuous of the second component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polishing film with which, even when water containing impurity ions is used as a polishing liquid, the abrasive particles comprising SiO2 are less apt to adhere to the polished surface, e.g., the polished surface of an end of an optical fiber itself, and which is less apt to cause the optical loss attributable to scratches or edge chips in the polished surface. The polishing film hence renders good finish-polishing quality possible. This polishing film is characterized by comprising a substrate and an abrasive layer which has been disposed on a surface of the substrate and which comprises abrasive particles comprising SiO2, a binder resin, and an adhesion inhibitor containing a phosphorus compound.

Abstract: A method of producing a free standing PCD comprises forming a mass of combined diamond particles and precursor compound(s) for the metals of the metallic network by suspending the diamond particles in a liquid, and crystallising and/or precipitating the precursor compounds in the liquid. The mass is then removed from suspension by sedimentation and/or evaporation to form a dry powder of combined diamond particles and precursor compound(s). The powder is subjected to a heat treatment to dissociate and reduce the precursor compound(s) to form metal particles smaller in size than the diamond particles to provide a homogeneous mass. This is then consolidated using isostatic compaction to form a homogeneous cohesive green body of a pre-selected size and 3-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A mixed-class service multiple-tier theater that allows different patrons attending the same movie to experience differing levels of service depending on how much they wish to pay. There are two tiers for seating. The upper tier would be for regular, stadium style seating, while the lower tier would be for VIP seating with fully reclining seats. The lower and upper tiers are completely separated, each offering its own ingress/egress access, with a balcony overhang from the upper tier cantilevered over the lower tier.

Abstract: Gutter devices for keeping debris out of a gutter are disclosed.

Abstract: A cover assembly for a utility chamber, comprising a frame with side walls defining a chamber opening and a seating interface, and a cover that closes the opening and seats with the seating interface, a portion of the cover sidewalls profiled to engage with complimentary profiled portions in the frame sidewalls to position and stabilise the cover relative to the frame. The assembly also preferably has a retainer or retainers which engage to secure the cover to the frame. A subsurface utility chamber, comprising a main housing with a base and walls, a frame having a central aperture for chamber access, a cover to close the aperture, and an extension section located between the main housing and the frame, the frame, extension section, and housing releasably and adjustably connected together so as to allow a gap to be established between at least part of the frame and the extension section.

Abstract: A loss prevention device, method and system for a structure subject to aerodynamic lift upon exposure to a wind event is disclosed having at least one tensioner coupled to the structure, at least one anchor attached to a fixed surface, and at least one barrier semipermeable to airflow connected between the at least one anchor and the at least one tensioner and exposed to said wind event. A fraction of a wind energy of said wind event is divided between the structure and the barrier, such that a lift force induced in the structure by the wind energy is at least partially counteracted by a strain induced in the barrier by the wind energy.

Abstract: A monitor support assembly comprising a base designed to rest on an ambient floor surface, the base having a rear end, an upright frame structure mounted to and extending vertically upward from the base spaced forward of the rear end, the frame structure including first and second vertical members and at least a top frame member that extends horizontally between the first and second vertical members, a shroud assembly mounted to the upright frame structure including at least a first central wall member and first and second additional wall members, the first and second additional wall members extending from the first and second lateral edges in the same direction, the first central wall member and the additional wall members forming a receiving space, and a mounting plate mountable to the rear surface of a displays screen and releasably supported by the upright frame structure within the receiving space wherein a depth dimension of the receiving space is sufficient to accommodate a display screen mounted there

Abstract: Deployment shelter systems and methods of articulation thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a portable building able to transition between a collapsed transport condition and an assembled condition, the portable building including a rear wall; a pair of side walls attached to the rear wall, the side wall including a hinged wall section, an end section, a side folding mechanism intermediate the hinged wall section and the end section for folding the hinged wall section along the end section; a front wall comprising a pair of outer doors; a pair of front folding mechanisms intermediate the outer doors and the respective side walls for folding each outer door along the respective side wall; a plurality of sliding roof trusses slidably engaged with the pair of side walls such that the plurality of sliding roof trusses can slide from a dispersed state along the pair of side walls to a collapsed state; and a roof mounted over at least a portion of the plurality of sliding roof trusses.

Abstract: A folding shed including a roof with a first roof section pivotally connected to a first sidewall and a second roof section pivotally connected to a second sidewall. The folding shed may further include foldable first and second end walls, each pivotally connected to the first and second sidewalls. The folding shed may be transformed from an operation to a storage configuration by outwardly pivoting the first and second roof sections until the exterior surface of each roof section approximately abuts the exterior surface of the sidewall to which it is connected and inwardly moving foldable end walls until the interior surfaces of the sidewalls approximately abut the interior surfaces of the end walls.

Abstract: A rooftop photovoltaic solar system is disclosed. The solar system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules forming a rooftop array, the rooftop array having at least one edge and a wind deflector positioned along the edge of the rooftop array, the wind deflector constrained in a first configuration by a fuse. In the first configuration the wind deflector comprises a deflecting portion adapted to deflect wind blowing on the rooftop above the rooftop array and a ventilation portion having a plurality of openings, the openings positioned to permit airflow under the rooftop array. The wind deflector assumes a second configuration upon release of the fuse. In the second configuration, the deflecting portion is elevated from the first configuration and the ventilation portion is positioned to permit less airflow through the plurality of openings than in the first configuration.

Abstract: A parapet protector is disclosed which generally discourages birds, small mammals, and other nuisance animals from the rooftops of buildings. The parapet protector includes a first insulator detachably attached to a surface of a building; a first suspension eye coupled to the first insulator, the first suspension eye extending outwardly from the first insulator in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane defined by the surface of the building; a first spring that is detachably attached to a distal end of the first suspension eye; a wire that that connects the first spring to a second spring located on a second suspension eye coupled to a second insulator; and an electrical input that is configured to electrify the wire.

Abstract: A grave marker assembly that can be removably mounted and secured to a support surface such as a lawn crypt lid. The grave marker assembly has a fastening system that is not exposed to view and yet allows the grave marker to be easily installed and removed. The fastening system includes a channel and interior opening formed on a base member that is adapted to receive a fastener. The fastener in turn is adapted to be inserted into an opening formed on the crypt lid or other support surface. The assembly further includes a multi-function frame disposed along the outer periphery of the memorial marker that can serve as a decorative feature and draining functions.

Abstract: A telescoping mast for deploying, retracting and securing a payload of equipment. The mast is formulated using advantaged geometry and comprises interlocking support legs and relatively lightweight skins mounted between the support legs as its base structure. In addition, some embodiments of the disclosed apparatus provide a secure channel through the mast for cables necessary for the operation of equipment mounted in a payload. Still further, some embodiments of the disclosed apparatus provide a wire rope and pulley system to raise and lower the mast and include structural flexibility to enable the telescoping mast to be used at various intermediate heights in between full extension and fully retracted.

Abstract: The precast concrete floating structure for supporting a wind turbine comprises a precast SPAR-type monolithic platform made of concrete prestressed by means of active reinforcement bars. The structure is formed by a cylindrical section (13) finished at its lower end by a hemispheric cap (23) which acts as a flotation element and another cylindrical and/or frustoconical upper section (12), located above sea level, which acts as a support for the wind turbine. The structure is moored to the seabed by means of cable lines 20, through heavy ballasting elements or suction piles (16) capable of counteracting the vertical and horizontal components induced by the cables.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system having high initial stiffness and including yield links capable of effectively dissipating stresses generated within the lateral bracing system under lateral loads.

Abstract: A three part foundation system for supporting a building is described. Three part foundation systems can include a containment vessel, which constrains a buffer medium to an area above the containment vessel, and a construction platform. A building can be built on the construction platform. In a particular embodiment, during operation, the construction platform and structures built on the construction platform can float on the buffer medium. In an earthquake, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium may experience greatly reduced shear forces. In a flood, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium can be configured to rise as water levels rise to limit flood damage.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a solar power unit comprising a frame, configured to be integrated into a building structure, for supporting a solar panel, the solar panel for generating a power signal, and a front cover for securing the solar panel to the frame.

Abstract: An article of furniture includes a base, an intermediate member positioned above the base, a top member positioned above the intermediate member, and an adjustability mechanism that is attached to the base, the intermediate member, and the top member such that the intermediate member and the top member are each moveable relative to the base and such that the intermediate member is moveable relative to the top member and the top member is moveable relative to the intermediate member.

Abstract: A rain deflecting window covering has a main frame with an interior opening to allow air to flow through. A first expander portion telescopically fits between a first side of the frame and a window and a second expander portion telescopically fits on the opposite side to effectively cover the entire open portion of the window. A rain deflecting cover fits on the exterior side of the frame opening and covers the opening except for an inlet opening at the bottom that faces downward. Rain is directed down the rain deflecting cover and away from the window opening. A series of shutters are placed over the opening to allow a user to control the amount of air allowed to pass through.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal framing system for securing cladding to the interior or exterior of a structure. The framing system comprises hat channels, face plates, Z-channels, inside corner trims, outside corner trims, and window trims. The components of the framing system are secured to a wall of a structure, then panels of cladding are secured to the components.

Abstract: A spacer for a multiple-pane insulating glazing unit, at least having a composite composed of a glass-fibre-reinforced, polymeric main body having two pane contact surfaces, which extend parallel to one another, an adhesive surface, a glazing interior surface, and an insulation film on the adhesive surface or the adhesive surface and the connecting surfaces, where the insulation film has at least one polymeric film having a thickness of 10 ?m to 100 ?m, at least one polymeric layer having a thickness of 5 ?m to 80 ?m and also a metal layer having a thickness of 10 nm to 1500 nm or a ceramic layer having a thickness of 10 nm to 1500 nm.

Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize a connection panel having multiple connection types in order to connect supplemental or emergency utility services to a building are provided. The connection panel may be pre-fabricated or engineered to simplify construction and subsequent utility connections. Further, embodiments may dispose standardized utility connections on the connection panel. Upon connecting supplemental sources to the connection panel, embodiments may also include switching systems, such as valves, electrical switches, etc., configured to connect the supplemental sources to infrastructure located in the building.

Abstract: A wind bracing for a wall including an assembled collection of infill panels mounted on a bearing structure, the wind bracing including a glass panel and a mounting mechanism securing the glass panel to the wall. The mounting mechanism includes at least one mounting section piece with a shape that delimits a housing into which the glass panel is engaged and in which the housing is fixed by adhesive bonding. The mounting mechanism also includes adapting and fixing members for fixing the mounting section piece to an upright or to a cross member of the bearing structure.

Abstract: A mounting base (10A) that shortens construction time and reduces cost is formed from a metal foundation (16), a metal cover (17), height-adjusting bolts (18), support bolts (19), and mortar (20). In the base (10A), the first fixed ends (47) of the bolts (19) are inserted into support bolt insertion holes (39) formed in a metal plate (24) and are fixed to the metal plate (24) with nuts (50), and the second fixed ends (48) of the bolts (19) are fixed to a concrete slab (12) with nuts (51). The portion of the first fixed ends (47) of the bolts (19) which extends between the metal plate (24) and the top surface of the concrete slab (12) is integrated with the mortar (29) filled into the space (46), and the metal cover (17) covers the opening (27) at the top of a metal tube (23).

Abstract: Disclosed is an exterior finish system for building structures that includes a water pervious adhesive for securing an insulation layer to a water resistive barrier applied to a building wall substrate. Also disclosed is a building structure such as a building column or wall that includes the finish system and a method of using the finish system to assemble a building structure such as a column or wall.

Abstract: Insulation spacer devices, methods and related construction techniques are provided. An exemplary device may include a body having a plurality of openings defining an openwork, to allow the passage of air therethrough when placed in contact with insulation material. The device may further include a plurality of spacer struts and/or spacing depressions fixedly attached to the body. The struts may be configured to maintain a predetermined distance between a first side of the insulation material and a building surface. The body and struts act together to define and maintain a space between the first side of the insulation material and the building surface, for example, for ventilation. The building surface can be the bottom face of a roof, an insulated attic floor, wall sheathing or a soundproofed demising wall, for example. The spacer device can be capable of being transported and stored together with, or as a separate item from, the insulation material, and can also be stored in nested layers.

Abstract: A masonry wire reinforcement apparatus and system is disclosed for anchoring a veneer wall to a backup wall of Concrete Masonry Units using a masonry wire reinforcement product embedded into an inner support wall, along with clips and pintle ties, such that the clip is attached to the masonry wire reinforcement product and is configured to receive the pintle tie, which then is attached to the veneer wall.

Abstract: A sealing device is disclosed that discreetly seals openings in a building's siding. The sealing device comprises an elongated insulating component, configured to mate with a profile of an assembled sided wall, and secured within the voids of at least one trim channel component. The elongated insulating component is custom-shaped and cut to the exact size needed, depending on the shape and size of the assembled siding it is to be used with. The trim channel components cover a terminating edge of the assembled sided wall, and the elongated insulating component substantially fills the voids of the trim channel components along an entire longitudinal length of the assembled sided wall to help lock the siding in place, and to keep out moisture, wind, and insects, etc. The elongated insulating components can be secured within the trim channel components before or after installation of siding on the sided wall.

Abstract: A Stucco Composite Building Panel is disclosed, in which a sheet of exterior wall sheathing and a cement board are attached together to form an improved sheet of building material for the construction of exterior stucco walls. This composite building panel reduces the amount of individual layers required to build a conventional stucco wall by providing an exterior wall building panel that is mounted directly to the stud framing that is ready for a finish layer of stucco to be applied.

Abstract: A recoiling energy absorbing system has an outer shell that is exposed to percussive impact. An energy absorbing layer is positioned inside the outer shell. The energy absorbing layer includes one or more thermoformed energy absorbing modules, at least some of the modules being provided with one or more energy absorbing units that extend from an upper basal layer. At least some of the energy absorbing units are provided with a flexible wall that extends from the upper basal layer. The energy absorbing units at least partially absorb energy generated by an impacting object due to the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly and recoiling nondestructively after single or multiple impacts to its undeflected configuration.

Abstract: A recoiling energy absorbing system has an upper impact surface that is exposed to percussive impact. An energy absorbing layer is positioned below or inside the upper impact surface. The energy absorbing layer includes one or more thermoformed energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules are provided with one or more energy absorbing units that extend from an upper platform. Several of the energy absorbing units are provided with a flexible wall that extends from the upper platform. A lateral reinforcement member secures the energy absorbing units to prevent them from splaying. The energy absorbing units at least partially absorb energy generated by an impacting object due to the flexible wall bending inwardly or outwardly and recoiling nondestructively after single or multiple impacts to its un-deflected configuration.

Abstract: An insulation panel (1, 601) is used as exterior wall insulation cladding affixed to the external walls of a building via fitting section or fastening flange (8, 608) of the panel (1, 601) which includes screw slots to allow simple installation. The panel (1, 601) consists of an outer layer or front surface (2, 602) of thermoplastic or other suitable material that provides weatherproofing, is durable with low conductivity and an efficient inner insulation material (7) consisting of a closed cell thermal insulation material in a cavity (6, 606). The panels (1, 601) are aligned and attached together by tessellation. The panel (1, 601) is extruded or injection moulded or formed by any other process suitable for this application. Internal features (15, 615) can include connecting bridges for added rigidity. A rear surface (3, 603) of the panel (1, 601) may feature air and moisture vents to disperse trapped moisture and gas between the wall face and the rear (3, 603) of the panel (1, 601).

Abstract: A structural component system which in some embodiments comprises at least one substantially planar component having a corrugated cross-section, a surface with substantially parallel channels, and a length measured substantially parallel to said channels, a first component coupled in layers with a second component to create a primary system assembly, and a primary system assembly coupled in layers with other primary system assemblies and components.

Abstract: A sheet metal fastener and method of use with a low density porous ceiling panel, the fastener comprising a plurality of blades adapted to be manually driven into a backside of a low density fibrous ceiling panel core, each blade being arranged to be pivoted about a horizontal axis in a direction opposite another one of the blades while embedded in the core to fix the fastener to the panel and an upstanding structure attached to said blades adapted to project upwardly from a rear side of the panel and having an aperture for receiving a suspension wire.

Abstract: Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove.

Abstract: A structural element for constructing an auxiliary means for the manufacture of a reinforcement includes at least one coupling point for coupling the structural element to another structural element. The structural element is formed from a basic element. The structural element may further include a holding means for holding a reinforcement rod. A method for constructing an auxiliary means and a method for manufacturing a reinforcement are also provided.

Abstract: Multifunction device for positioning reinforcing materials within poured concrete comprising: an octagon-shaped base, with alternative alignment guides, for supporting the device on a supporting surface, an I-beam, or alternatively back-to-back E-beam, construction post with struts extending to the base, and a multifunction clip comprised of a saddle having a plurality of uprights extending therefrom and defining orthogonally-oriented sockets of differing dimensions adapted for clipping onto and positioning reinforcing materials a pre determined distance above the supporting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing adjacent structural members to each other comprises a ridged member extending between first and second ends and having a length sufficient to extend between two adjacent structural members and a socket at each of the first and second ends of the rigid member. Each socket has a central axis therethrough and is formed of a base panel and first and second side panels. At least one of the sockets is adapted to engage with a socket of an adjacent rigid member so as to interlink successive rigid members across a plurality of structural members wherein the rigid member is connected to the first panels at an end thereof distal to the base panel.

Abstract: A post stabilization apparatus and method of operation for setting a post within a post hole formed in the ground. The post stabilization apparatus includes one or more braces to support the post, each of said braces having a first end adapted for being driven into the ground; each of the one or more braces having a bracket assembly pivotally secured adjacent to a second end of thereof; and each bracket assembly having a magnet to removably attach the bracket assembly to the post.

Abstract: A mesh foundation construction method using hollow blocks is disclosed. The method may include: leveling an upper part of a ground selected for reinforcing; arranging a multiple number of hollow blocks adjacent to one another in a mesh form such that one side touches the upper part of the ground, where a hollow block includes an enclosed sidewall that defines a hollow part, which penetrates from said one side to the other side; and filling the hollow parts with a filler, which includes one or more of gravel and sandy soil. With this method, a ground that does not provide a supporting force sufficient to hold an upper structure can be reinforced to support an upper structure without forming a deep foundation, such as piles, etc.

Abstract: Assembly process of a telescopic tower (100) including at least one prefabricated concrete section, comprising the following steps: providing sections (2,4,6,8,10) in an initial position wherein superimposed sections are disposed coaxially within a base section (10); providing assembly means (14,16,18); providing operator support means (20) on the external surface of said base section (10) essentially vertically in correspondence with the upper edge of said base section (10); lifting the innermost superimposed section (2,4,6,8) radially from those that are in the initial position forming a joint between the lower end portion of said superimposed section (2,4,6,8) which is being lifted and the upper end portion of the radially external and immediately adjacent section (4,6,8,10); providing in said joint anchoring devices for immobilizing at least provisionally the corresponding sections (2,4,6,8,10) between one another.

Abstract: A method for producing a panel sandwich (2, 17, 40) for use as a wall, ceiling or floor panel (1, 16) comprising at least the following steps: providing a base panel (7, 20, 31) made of wood-based material, arranging a sound-insulating layer (9, 18) above the base panel (7, 20, 31), arranging a cover panel (11, 22, 38) above the base panel (7, 20, 31), pressing the sandwich, wherein an elastic plastic material is used to produce the sound-insulating layer (9, 18), wherein according to a first alternative of the invention, a closed-cell foam (9a) is arranged as the elastic plastic material, wherein the plastic material before being introduced into the sandwich panel has an elasticity modulus under pressure of 0.25 MPa to 1.5 MPa, according to a second alternative of the invention, the elastic plastic material applied is a self-adhesive plastic material (18c) which connects the base panel (20) to the cover panel (22), is elastic when set, has an elasticity modulus under pressure of 0.25 MPa to 1.

Abstract: A mounting device (100) for installation on a hollow rib of a panel is disclosed. The mounting device (100) includes a mounting body (102), an insert (160), and at least one clamping fastener (180). The mounting body (102) includes an upper section or base (104), along with a first leg (112) and a second leg (122) that each extend downwardly from the base (104) in at least generally diverging relation to one another. The first leg (112) includes a first projection (116) positionable in a recess on one sidewall of a rib, while the insert (160) includes a second projection (164) positionable in a recess on the opposite sidewall of this same rib. The clamping fastener(s) (180) extends through the second leg (122) of the mounting body (102) and forces the insert (160) in the direction of the first leg (112) of the mounting body (102).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing powder, comprising at least one storage tank (1) provided with a cap (2) comprising a flow orifice (3) for the powder.

Abstract: The capping industry has many variations in each cap that is placed on containers. It is very critical that a capping chuck have the ability to adapt quickly and easily to each and every cap that is available. The present invention uses the flexibility in its construction to grasp all variations to the caps without the need for expensive and time consuming shut downs. The present capping chuck meets these ever expanding changes within the industry.

Abstract: A rotatable gripper serves to grip and turn a container cap. The gripper has a rotatably mounted collet clamp. In a locked operating position, the cap can be clamped and turned in the collet clamp, and in an unlocked operating position, the cap can be released from the collet clamp. The collet clamp is of an elongate configuration with a first and a second end, the first end comprising a substantially rigid section and the second end comprising a gripper section. The gripper section contains a substantially cylindrical recess that serves to hold the cap, wherein the recess is designed to expand in width when the operating position is changed from locked to unlocked. A clamping section is arranged between the gripper section and the rigid section of the collet clamp. The gripper section and the clamping section have an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein the outside surface of the clamping section has the shape of a cone whose width increases towards the gripper section).

Abstract: A packaging system for the selection, grouping and loading of varying size and/or configuration product packs into cartons as provided. The packaging system includes a selection area having a primary selector for forming an initial product pack configuration, and a secondary selector adapted to select and direct an additional grouping of products into a nested arrangement against the initial product pack so as to form a nested product pack. The nested product packs thereafter can be engaged by loader arms of a pair of opposed loading assemblies, which move the nested product packs into a series of cartons moving through the packaging machine. Thereafter, the ends of the cartons can be closed and sealed to complete the packaging of the product packs therein.

Abstract: A strap corner protector multifunctional installation tool may include a plate having a front side, a rear side, a top end and a bottom end. The plate may be bent into a J-shape with a curved section ending in front of the front side of the plate. At least two upper posts may be attached to the top end of the plate. At least one lower post may be attached to the bottom end of the plate. At least two back posts may be attached to the rear side of the plate. A threaded protrusion may be attached to the bottom end of the plate. A pole may be connected to the strap corner protector multifunctional installation tool. Various accessories for securing cargo may be installed and positioned through the use of the strap corner protector multifunctional installation tool.