Abstract: A woven wire for use in a paper, cardboard, or tissue manufacturing machine, has a first fabric layer providing a web-contact side and a second fabric layer providing a machine-contact side. The layers have machine-direction threads, cross-direction threads, and binder threads. A first fabric layer has a weaving pattern of interwoven first MD threads, first CD threads and binder threads. The second fabric layer has a weaving pattern of interwoven second MD threads and second CD threads. The first and second fabric layers are interconnected by binder threads. The binder threads are interwoven with MD threads and/or CD threads of the first and of the second fabric layers. The first MD threads, the first CD threads and the binder threads have a circular cross-sectional face. At least some or all second MD threads have a cross-sectional face with a flattened shape different from a circular shape.

Abstract: A machine for producing fiber-containing web material, in particular tissue paper, includes a permeable dewatering belt for transporting fiber-containing source material used for producing web material from a forming section to a suction/pressing section, and a press belt assembly assigned to the suction/pressing section. The source material is received in the suction/pressing section between the press belt assembly and the dewatering belt and the press belt assembly presses the source material and the dewatering belt against a suction assembly of the suction/pressing section. The press belt assembly has a single press belt providing a source material contact surface.

Abstract: AKD cellulosic composition obtainable by flowing a stream of a cellulosic suspension through a shearing device and in which a molten alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) is metered in to the stream of cellulosic suspension in or prior to the shearing device. The AKD cellulosic composition is particularly suitable in the manufacture of sized paper and paperboard.

Abstract: The excavations of side vertical walls for building and underpasses must be shored so that the excavations adjacent to the neighboring properties do not cave in during the constructions. A Soil Nailing system has been used for stabilization of excavations and natural slopes for the last few decades in India and Abroad. Soil Nailing Technique used steel anchor rods inserted directly into the soil mass as a driven nails and when Nails are placed in pre-drilled holes to form grouted nails. In both the cases, it restrained load and the side deformations. In the present study, an innovative technique of ‘Soil Nailing’ has been developed for stepwise vertical de-stabilization and stabilization of compacted collapsible sandy soil for the construction of railway underpasses in live railway loading conditions.

Abstract: A paver for laying down a strip of concrete and inserting therein dowel bars parallel to the strip. A dowel bar inserter orients the bars and places them into the concrete. A pair of transport chains transverse to the travel direction extends across a width of the inserter. Pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups hold the bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the strip. The chains move in a single direction. A dowel bar holding magazine, above the chains, stores bars, and gravitationally moves the bars towards the chains for pick-up by cups as the chains move the cups past a bar loading station. Elastic bands extend about a bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliently bias the bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel.

Abstract: A paving machine for spreading, leveling and finishing concrete having a main frame, center module, bolsters laterally movably, and a crawler track associated with respective aft and forward ends of the bolsters. A bolster swing leg for each crawler track supports an upright jacking column. A worm gear drive permits rotational movements of the crawler track and the jacking column. A hinge bracket is interposed between each swing leg and a surface of the bolsters to enable pivotal movements of the swing leg. A length-adjustable holder engages the pivot pin on the hinge bracket and pivotally engages the swing leg. The holder permits pivotal motions of the swing leg in its length-adjustable configuration and prevents substantially any motion of the swing leg in its fixed-length configuration. A feedback loop cooperates with transducers keeping the crawler tracks position. The paving machine can be reconfigured into a narrowed transport configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milling drum for a ground milling machine, wherein a material guiding device is provided, which diverts the milled material in the direction of stagger of milling devices disposed one behind the other, as regarded in the direction of rotation. For this purpose, in particular, a wear plate is provided, which can be selectively replaced on the material guiding device. A further aspect of the present invention relates to such a material guiding device and also to a wear plate for such a material guiding device.

Abstract: A construction machine apparatus includes a plurality of ground engaging supports, a machine frame supported from the ground engaging supports and a milling drum supported from the machine frame. A milling drum location detection system is configured to determine a drum location in an external reference system. A location indicator system includes a memory configured to store information identifying a location of one or more areas to be avoided in the external reference system, and a controller configured to compare the drum location to the location of the one or more areas to be avoided, and to provide an output corresponding to a proximity of the milling drum to the location of the one or more areas to be avoided.

Abstract: A bollard covering formed from a body, a body connector, a first center, a second center, a bottom, and a top is disclosed. The body connector and bottom further comprise post guide surfaces. In order to secure the bollard covering to the post, one or more holes are provided within the bottom, threaded to accommodate a set screw, or the like. Bollard covering elements are joined by welding, bonding, or mechanical fastening. Bollard coverings may be formed from standard inventory elements in order to create a standard inventory or a customized bollard covering product that may be economically configured on an individual bollard covering basis, or on small or large scale runs, with as much variation in optional components, features, and conveniences as may be required by the marketplace.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses, methods, and systems to clear a road surface of debris, water, or other contaminants. A system for clearing a road surface is provided including an air knife with an elongate orifice extending along a line, a frame configured to support the air knife in a position substantially parallel to a plane defined by the road surface, and a tow bar coupled to the frame, where the tow bar is pivotable relative to the frame along an axis orthogonal to the plane defined by the road surface. The system may include a mounting plate connected to the tow bar, where the mounting plate is pivotably mounted to the frame. The air knife may be supplied with pressurized air to clear the road surface of debris. A guide wheel may be attached to the frame, where the guide wheel is configured to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the plane defined by the road surface.

Abstract: A device for collecting and disposing of pet waste includes a housing containing a vacuum source. The housing is configured to receive a disposable liner bag. When closed, the housing holds the liner bag securely therein. The mouth of the bag is fed through the access port of the device such that the access port is insulated from contact with the waste being picked up. A bail holds the bag in place. A filtered bag is presented for use in the device.

Abstract: A foldable shovel structured for scooping/pushing is provided. The disclosed foldable shovel includes two arcuate members that are hinged together at one end. In the folded configuration the two arcuate members are nested. Further, the coupling device includes a locking disk assembly structured to allow the arcuate members to be configured in different positions relative to each other. Thus, the foldable shovel may be optimally configured as either a scooping device or a pushing device.

Abstract: A snow plow-blower operates as a snow plow, snow blower, or as a snow plow-blower combination. The device includes a plow head blade optionally having retractable/pivotal scoop wings and a cavity with an aperture with blower doors and a blower unit. The snow blower unit includes an auger and impeller to move snow into the unit and force it out of a discharge chute. Blower doors are provided over the snow blower unit cavity to prevent snow from entering into the cavity when the blower is off. Optionally, the blower doors move along a track and rest flush against the plow head to open and close off access to the cavity. Alternatively, the blower doors are hingedly mounted to pivot to open and closed positions. The blower doors may be constructed to operate as blower blades to direct snow into the blower unit; alternatively, separate blower blades are provided to optimize snow removal and mitigate jamming/clogging.

Abstract: In an auger snow plow, right and left forward rotating augers and right and left backward rotating augers are disposed on a same axis and aligned in a width direction of an auger housing. A blower housing is disposed at a rear portion of the auger housing and also positioned at a widthwise center of the auger housing. A blower is disposed inside the blower housing. The right and left forward rotating augers are positioned at least in an entire range of a width of the blower housing. The right and left backward rotating augers are separately positioned on both sides of the right and left forward rotating augers and positioned only at a more outer side than the width of the blower housing in the width direction.

Abstract: An auger snow-removing machine includes left and right forward rotation augers rotatable in a first direction during snow removal and left and right reverse rotation augers rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction during the snow removal. The forward and reverse rotation augers are coaxially disposed in alignment in a width direction of an auger housing within the housing. Distal ends of the left forward rotation auger and the right reverse rotation auger have phases set to substantially simultaneously reach a lowermost location when the forward and reverse rotation augers rotate. Distal ends of the right forward rotation auger and the left reverse rotation auger have phases set to substantially simultaneously reach the lowermost location when the forward and reverse rotation augers rotate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an environmentally-friendly safety weir with both a waterway and a fishway. The safety weir includes a waterway pipe (100), a fishway pipe (200), and a control unit (300). The waterway pipe includes: a horizontal waterway pipe (110) that is provided on an embankment; a vertical waterway pipe (120) that extends from each of opposite ends of the horizontal waterway pipe downward; a bottom waterway pipe (130) that horizontally extends from the vertical waterway pipe outward; and a water entering-and-exiting pipe (140) that extends from the bottom waterway pipe upward. The fishway pipe is provided on the waterway pipe and is configured such that the level of water in the fishway pipe is controlled by adjusting the amount of air in the fishway pipe. The control unit includes: a first air supply pipe that is connected to the waterway pipe; and a second air supply pipe that communicates with the fishway pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick coupling for pipe pile, comprising an upper end plate, a lower end plate and a screw hook made of spring steel for coupling the upper and lower end plate, a plurality of tapped holes are uniformly provided on the upper end plate, a plurality of holes corresponding to the tapped holes are provided on the lower end plate, a lock hole is positioned at the lower portion of the hole, while the cross-section area of the lock hole is bigger than the cross-section area of the hole. One end of the screw hook is provided with a screw end mating with the tapped hole on the upper end plate, while the other end is provided with a hook end mating with the lock hole on the lower end plate, whereby the upper and lower end plate can be coupled firmly.

Abstract: A reinforcing system and/or means for reinforcing guyed structures or guyed construction techniques by supplementing or retrofitting the current anchoring system with a revised anchoring system which attaches or adapts to the current anchoring system.

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: Disclosed is a wind turbine generator foundation with pressure-dispersive pre-stressed anchor rods or anchor ropes. The foundation comprises a pile cap, a plurality of foundation piles arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the pile cap at uniform spacing, and a wind turbine generator tower connected to an upper part of the pile cap.

Abstract: A shovel including a power storage device; and an electrically driven part driven by discharge electric power from the power storage device. The power storage device includes a lower housing having a bottom panel and side panels; at least two power storage modules arranged at a distance from each other in a first direction on the bottom panel and configured to charge and discharge electrical energy; a first rib formed on the bottom panel of the lower housing, arranged between the two power storage modules, and configured to extend in a second direction intersecting in the first direction; and a second rib formed on the bottom panel of the lower housing, configured to extend in the first direction, and formed continuously with the first rib.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid construction machine includes: a turning motor provided in a turning circuit; a pressure detector for detecting a turning pressure of the turning motor; a variable displacement type of fluid pressure motor for regeneration which is rotated by means of pressurized fluid guided from the turning motor; a motor generator adapted to be rotated integrally with the fluid pressure motor; and a controller adapted to predict a turning regeneration flow from the turning motor on the basis of the turning pressure detected by pressure detector to control a tilt angle of the fluid pressure motor on the basis of the predicted turning regeneration flow.

Abstract: A multipiece wear assembly including an adapter and a wear part. The adapter has a nose portion with a first predetermined configuration. The wear part is assembled onto the adapter nose portion by relative longitudinal movement and defines a blind cavity opening to a rear thereof. The blind cavity of the wear part has a second predetermined configuration. In one form, the second predetermined configuration defined by the blind cavity is greater than the first predetermined configuration defined by the adapter nose portion such that a relief is provided between the adapter nose portion and the blind cavity when the adapter and wear part are arranged in operable combination relative to each other. Lock structure is provided on one of the adapter nose portion and wear part for maintaining the wear part and adapter nose portion in operable combination.

Abstract: An edge protection segment for an edge protection system of a ground engaging implement is disclosed. The edge protection segment includes a first side, a second side, a width, a wedge portion, an exterior leg, and an interior leg. The second side is oppositely disposed and lateral to the first side. The width is up to 6 centimeters and is the distance between the first side and the second side. The exterior leg and the interior leg each extend from the wedge portion. The wedge portion, the exterior leg and the interior leg each extend between the first side and the second side.

Abstract: A tunnel design used to convey combined or sanitary sewage during wet weather events is disclosed. The design comprises an over chamber and an under chamber in releasable coordination with each other. The over chamber comprises an open canal and the under chamber comprises a box culvert.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting having a fitting housing with an electrical control unit for controlling the water flow through at least one water line which sanitary fitting can be maintained or repaired with particularly little effort particularly in applications involving vandalism. This is achieved by having a fitting housing that can be firmly fixed at the installation site with an assembly cover, which can be released from the fitting main body and which covers electrical control unit, turbine and hydraulic control elements within the fitting housing main body and which provides direct access for maintenance and servicing purposes.

Abstract: A two-stage coaxial shower head that allows conventional water flow through the shower head or a mixture of product and water through a product low flow nozzle. The product may be such liquids as soap, moisturizer, shampoo, or hair conditioner. Products are contained within product pressure reservoirs each with a product section and a piston. During a shower, a user rotates a selector dial at the multi-ported spool valve to select a product or conventional water flow for rinsing. When a product is selected water flow through a water supply tube from the multi-ported spool valve to the shower head will cease and pressure to force water down to the lower part of a product reservoir to raise the piston in the product pressure reservoir to reject product that is transported to a shower head section. A version using electronics instead of hydraulics is also presented.

Abstract: An air-gap device integrated within a faucet base of a faucet fixture for use with a dishwashing device is disposable on a counter surface and includes: a base forming flow channels adapted to provide a fluid-tight seal at the surface; a fixed block wall extending from the base, the fixed block wall separating a first pair of flow channels from a second pair of flow channels and providing a fluid-tight seal for the first pair of the flow channels; and a removable block cover selectively attachable to the fixed block wall to fluidicly couple the second pair of flow channels, the block cover further forming an air-gap channel in fluidic communication with ambient. Modular design permits removal of the faucet and valve portion to access the air-gap device for maintenance, without the need to disconnect any fluid supply or waste lines.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for draining liquid generally include a liquid inlet, a p-trap, an additive reservoir, a fluid outlet, a float switch, a valve, and a fitting, wherein the liquid inlet allows for introduction of liquid, the p-trap allows for maintenance of a liquid level whereby contact is provided between the liquid and an additive contained in the additive reservoir, the fluid outlet is configured to maintain the liquid level above an additive reservoir bottom interior surface, the float switch provides indication of high liquid level, the valve allows for blockage of fluid flow between the p-trap and the liquid inlet, and the fitting allows for introduction of high-pressure fluid into the apparatus. Embodiments of a method for clearing a liquid draining apparatus generally include ceasing flow of liquid there into, operating a valve to substantially prevent reverse flow of liquid therefrom, and providing high-pressure fluid into the apparatus.

Abstract: A plumbing trap flushing device for use in association with one of a drain in a sink, an overflow drain in a basin, a drain in a bathtub, an overflow drain in a bathtub and the like is disclosed. The plumbing trap flushing device includes a connector, a conduit and a nozzle. The connector is releasably attachable to a tap. The conduit is in flow communication with the connector and has an outside diameter and an inside diameter. The outside diameter is dimensioned to fit into the drain, whereby when the conduit is in the drain air and water freely flows around the conduit into the drain. The nozzle is in flow communication with the distal end of the conduit. The nozzle has a nozzle inside diameter less than the inside diameter of the conduit whereby the water exits the nozzle in a stream.

Abstract: A toilet flush valve that has a moveable buoyant float therein, wherein the float has an open bottom end to trap air therein and wherein the housing includes controls to selectively release air to allow the float to move upwardly therein to permit flushing. By timing when one or two air vents on the housing are open, the duration and volume of the flush can be controlled, with the buoyancy provided by the water lifting the float to open the flush valve. This provides a flushing system with minimal activation energy.

Abstract: A flush toilet which including a bowl portion having a waste-receiving surface, a rim and a recess; a water spouting portion for spouting the flush water forwardly; and a drainage conduit. The recess of the bowl portion has a bottom below a pooled water level, and a wall surface connecting between the bottom and a lower edge of the waste-receiving surface, wherein the bottom of the recess has a front bottom surface and a rear bottom surface. The bowl portion is configured to allow flush water to form a major stream which is directed to flow from an front end of the bowl portion toward the inlet of the drainage conduit, and the rear bottom surface of the bottom is configured to allow a part of the major stream to collide therewith, and then guide the collided major stream to a front region inside the drainage conduit.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is used to fix a toilet on a toilet flange and contains two L-shaped brackets fixed on the toilet flange and each having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion has an internally raised portion, an externally raised portion, and a locating groove. The internally raised portion is retained in each arcuate slot of the toilet flange, and the locating groove is horizontally formed on the peripheral fence. The horizontal portion further has a recess for inserting an extension of the second bolt, so that the extension screws with a nut. The vertical portion has a plurality of openings defined thereon, so that the first bolt inserts into the through hole of each longitudinal fence to screw with one of the plurality of openings, such that the toilet is positioned on the toilet flange by ways of the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A water purification and storage system comprises a water storage container, a covering plate and an impermeable wall. The water storage container is formed by a plurality of tangentially connected polygonal water-filtering wells (1). Well walls of the water-filtering wells (1) are of a water-permeable structure, and an impermeable layer (4) is arranged at the bottom of the well, wherein at least one of the water-filtering wells (1) is a water output well (14). The covering plate (2) is arranged at the upper portion of the water storage container, and comprises an impermeable covering plate (21) arranged at the upper portion of the water output well (14) and a water-permeable covering plates (22) arranged at the upper portions of the remaining water-filtering wells. The impermeable wall (3) is arranged around the water storage container. The water purification and storage system is suitable for the collection and purification of rain water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed that allows for the efficient installation and connection of steel beams to a concrete foundation. A steel beam support embed according to the present disclosure can be readily set in place during the forming of the concrete foundation via detachable anchors, thus allowing the installer to avoid rebar or other foundation components that would otherwise need to be moved or adjusted for proper placement of the embed. A steel beam support embed as disclosed herein also, after its installation in the concrete foundation, provides for adjustable connection to a steel beam without the need for field welding.

Abstract: A concrete weldment has a central plate with shear force reinforcing members at both ends of the central plate. There is a pair of outstanding arms extending out from each of the ends of the shear reinforcing members. The shear reinforcing members are twisted approximately 45° so that the outstanding arms are rotated substantially 45°. This rotation preserves the vertical and horizontal shear capacity of the weldment as well as to keep the slab reinforcement means well protected with proper concrete coverage. Each of the outstanding arms has a 90 degree bend at the ends for providing increased pull out tensile capacity of the weldment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for insulating a structure. A method for insulating a structure may include providing a frame that comprises a plurality of frame members coupled together. Sheathing panels may be coupled to the frame members such that adjacent sheathing panels abut and directly contact each other at an interface to form a wall having a front surface and a rear surface. A spray insulation material may be applied to the front surface of the wall such that the insulation material forms a substantially continuous insulation layer atop the front surface and such that the insulation material directly contacts the interface between adjacent sheathing panels to restrict passage of air between the adjacent panels to at or below 0.2 L/m2/s at a differential pressure across the wall of 75 Pa. The insulation layer may provide an R value of at least 5, or in some embodiments at least 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ecological construction system for buildings with green walls. The system is based on the provision of an integral wall structure, one of the section of which comprises concrete and steel reinforced formwork as the main supporting structure, while the remaining part of the section comprises hollow cavities and arrangements of punched sections on the front or rear surface thereof, with drip-irrigation pipes and nozzles being provided therein. Plastic containers are housed in, and fixed to the punched arrangements distributed on the front or rear wall, which containers form a means for supporting natural or artificial substrates (soil, mineral fibers or wools) and also for the cultivation of plants, a channel being provided in the lower part of the wall structure for collecting, filtering and conveying water to a container for reincorporating said water into the irrigation system.

Abstract: An improved concrete floor arrangement is formed from a single cast piece or alternatively a plurality smaller cast pieces linked together to form a floor surface. The floor is arranged in the form of a grid.

Abstract: A joint filling strip has a uniform cross-section along its length that defines a top portion and a shaft portion coupled to the top portion. The top portion includes a rectangular section. The shaft portion includes at least one pair of opposing fins spanning a distance that is greater than a width of the rectangular section.

Abstract: A building product and method for manufacturing a building product made from an oriented polymer composition which can be split to provide a surface of the building product with a plurality of visible fibrils to form an aesthetic representative of split wood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-weight load-bearing structure, reinforced by core elements (2) of a strong material constituting one or more compression or tension zones in the structure to be cast, which core (2) is surrounded by or adjacent to a material of less strength compared to the core (2), where the core (2) is constructed from segments (1) of core elements (2) assembled by means of one or more prestressing elements (4). The invention further relates to a method of casting of light-weight load-bearing structures, reinforced by core elements (2) of a strong material constituting one or more compression or tension zones in the structure to be cast, which core (2) is surrounded by or adjacent to a material of less strength compared to the core (2), where the core (2) is constructed from segments (1) of core elements (2) assembled and hold together by means of one or more prestressing elements (4).

Abstract: A stackable foundation spacer is adapted for automated distribution. The foundation spacer includes a lower bearing surface adapted to be placed on a foundation support surface for the concrete, a first support surface adapted to support the reinforcement grid in a plurality of support points, and an outer circumferential side wall connecting the lower bearing surface with the first support surface. The outer circumferential side wall is inclined outwards from the lower bearing surface to the first support surface with an angle ?, and the shape of the first support surface is larger than a mesh in the reinforcement grid that is to be supported. Distribution of foundation spacers can be automated by using a hand-held or automatic feeder device. Further, a reinforcement grid can be supported by a foundation spacer regardless of the position of the spacer.

Abstract: A high speed granule delivery system and method is disclosed for dispensing granules in intermittent patterns onto a moving asphalt coated strip in the manufacture of roofing shingles. The system includes a granule hopper and a rotationally indexable pocket wheel in the bottom of the hopper. A series of pockets are formed in the circumference of the wheel and the pockets are separated by raised lands. A seal on the bottom of the hopper seals against the raised lands as the wheel is indexed. In use, the pockets of the pocket wheel drive through and are filled with granules in the bottom of the hopper. As each pocket is indexed beyond the seal, it is exposed to the moving asphalt coated strip below and its granules fall onto the strip to be embedded in the hot tacky asphalt. Well defined patterns of granules are possible at high production rates.

Abstract: A roof product has a thermal heat storage layer, a vent layer with channels for transferring excess heat through a length of the roof product, and a flame retardant to suppress fire through the vent layer. These three materials form a unitary structure. The roof product may have a radiant layer, the thermal heat storage layer and the vent layer to form the unitary structure. The roof products are assembled in an abutting configuration on the roof of a building. The vent layer vents excess heat from an eave of the roof up to a ridge of the roof and out to atmosphere. The roof products manage thermal energy in the roof by storing thermal heat with the unitary roof product during a heating cycle; venting excess heat through the unitary product; and releasing the stored thermal heat from the unitary product into or out of the building during a cooling cycle.

Abstract: A Z-closure member for raised seam roofs is formed through bending techniques into a shape having a ventilated central vertical member, an upper mounting flange terminating in an upper tab member, and a lower flange member extending in an opposing direction from the upper mounting flange member and terminating in a flexible locking tab. The lower flange is secured to a raised seam roofing panel with fasteners, while the vent cap formed with a return lip is engaged with the upper flange by capturing the upper flange within the return lip. A fastener can be inserted through the vent cap return lip and the upper flange to secure the vent cap to the Z-closure member. A mesh filter is trapped against the vertical member by the upper tab member and the lower flexible locking tab. A seal can be added to the lower flange to seal against the roofing panel.

Abstract: An adjustable window awning/light shelf includes a canopy attached to supports on both sides of the window. The supports are engaged with vertical drive screws providing for the possibility of moving the canopy up and down. Each drive screw is connected with a common drive shaft. During the cooling season, the canopy is disposed at the top of the window, shading the window from the sun. During the heating season, the canopy is brought down to the bottom of the window by rotating the drive shaft, which in turn rotates the drive screws and moves the supports with the canopy down. Canopy's angle relative to the window increases. When in the bottom position, the awning performs as a light shelf, reflecting sunlight into the window and increasing the amount of sunlight and solar heat entering the building through the window.

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 system for mounting wall panels to an existing wall structure, includes wall panels, each formed by a main wall panel section and at least two bent end sections; fastening extrusions, each including a base section adapted to be secured to the existing wall structure and a rigid wall extending at an angle therefrom; and a latch arrangement for securing the wall panels to the rigid wall, the latch arrangement including a latch housing, a movable latch member mounted in the latch housing for either engaging within through openings of respective ones of the rigid wall and the bent end sections, or applying a force on each bent end section positioned against a respective rigid wall, and a force application member for moving the movable latch member into a position to cause locking of respective ones of the rigid wall and the bent end sections.

Abstract: A removable wall panel mounting system for mounting a wall panel to a wall, the wall panel having a front face, a rear face and a first attachment portion attached to a portion of the rear face thereof, including a second attachment portion, a bottom support bracket, a hook, a rail configured for attachment to the wall and a securing plate having a front surface and a rear adaptor configured to be removably and slideably attachable to the rail, the second attachment portion disposed on the securing plate. The first attachment portion is configured to be removably attachable to the second attachment portion by a pushing force applied substantially normal to the wall on the front face of the wall panel. The hook is configured to be coupled with the bottom support bracket such that a portion of the weight of the wall panel is supported via the hook.