Abstract: An about ? inch to ¾ inch thick low weight, low density gypsum panel with fire resistance capabilities sufficient to provide a Thermal Insulation Index of at least 17.0 minutes which when subjected to U419 test procedures will not fail for at least 30 minutes and, in selected embodiments, also has outstanding water resistance properties.

Abstract: A wall stud which includes opposed mounting surfaces for receiving wall panels, a web is disposed between the opposed mounting surfaces, and the stud has first and second ends. The first end is provided on a first stud member and the second end is provided on a second stud member. The first and second stud members are moveable with respect to one another to provide for adjustment of the effective length of the wall stud.

Abstract: Column/beam forming apparatus including an initial channel-forming station forming received strips of sheet metal alternately into intermediate upwardly and intermediate downwardly opening channel. A final channel-forming station positioned to receive intermediate upwardly and intermediate downwardly opening channels and complete bending the received intermediate channels into upwardly opening and downwardly opening C-shaped channels. Each downwardly opening C-shaped channel being positioned in an aligned overlying relationship to a mating upwardly opening C-shaped channel upon exiting the final channel-forming station. A channel-welding station positioned to weld the upwardly opening C-shaped channel and downwardly opening C-shaped channel in the aligned overlying position along an interface between adjacent surfaces of the upwardly opening C-shaped channel and downwardly opening C-shaped channel.

Abstract: A structural member having a longitudinal axis comprises: an exterior shell member defining an elongated channel with an inner surface; an interior shell member having an outer surface and defining an inner channel, inserted in the elongated channel of the exterior shell member and extending longitudinally therein and defining an inter-shell spacing therebetween; and concrete filling the inter-shell spacing and including at least one reinforcement bar having a longitudinally extending section extending in the inter-shell spacing and being disconnected from the inner surface of the exterior shell member and from the outer surface of the interior shell member.

Abstract: In a column end joint structure for joining an end of a column made of flat wooden material having a rectangular cross-section to a joining member, splitting generation at the end of the column is controlled. An expansion of crack is controlled when splitting generated. A cutout portion is provided in each of ends in a longitudinal direction of a column end face, and a joint fitting is coupled inside the cutout portion by a joint bolt. The joint fitting is coupled to a foundation by an anchor bolt. Joint fittings are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the end face inside each cutout portion. One joint fitting is located contacting or close to a surface of the column inside the cutout portion such that the joint fitting side face and the surface of the column inside the cutout portion restrain a displacement orthogonal to the column axis.

Abstract: A method for installing a truss-wall stud unit includes coupling a set of bottom plates with a foundation, coupling a set of hinge brackets with the set of bottom plates, coupling a first partial truss with a second partial truss to form a truss-wall stud unit, coupling the truss-wall stud unit with the bottom plates and hinge brackets, and hoisting the truss-wall stud unit into a substantially vertical position. A system includes truss-wall stud units which are connected to bottom plates using hinge brackets. Once connected to the hinge brackets and bottom plates, the truss-wall stud units are hoisted upright into a substantially vertical position using a cable system with a cable support system. Temporary interlocking spacer bars are used to brace the truss-wall stud units at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: An attachment device attaches adjacent first and second concrete pieces to one another along corresponding first and second interfacing side surfaces thereof, thereby forming a concrete piece attachment arrangement. The device includes an elongate base member having opposed first and second portions, and first and second lateral members securing to and respectively extending substantially perpendicularly from first and second ends of the base member. The first and second portions of the base member extend within first and second recesses respectively formed into the concrete pieces, in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second interfacing side surfaces. The first and second lateral member respectively extend through bore holes extending through the first and second concrete pieces and connecting with the respective first and second recesses. A method for attaching the concrete pieces to one another with an attachment piece is also described.

Abstract: A method of installing a wind-resistant roof underlayment is disclosed that includes providing a wind-resistant roof underlayment having a lower surface including an adhesive medium. The wind-resistant roof underlayment includes an upper surface having a first non-release liner portion with a width of at least three inches. A second release liner portion is provided having a width of at least eight inches. The second release liner portion is disposed in an overlapping relationship with an upper surface adhesive medium coupled to the upper surface. The method includes coupling the lower surface to a roof deck, with a portion of the second release liner portion at a position substantially adjacent to an eave of the roof deck, removing the second release liner portion, thereby exposing an adhesive strip of the upper surface adhesive medium, and coupling a plurality of shingles to the strip of the upper surface adhesive medium.

Abstract: An operating room ceiling system includes an air diffuser assembly, a raceway assembly, and a light assembly. The raceway assembly is positioned along an outer perimeter of the air diffuser assembly. The light assembly is positioned along an outer perimeter of the raceway assembly. The raceway assembly provides a raceway to facilitate cable routing.

Abstract: An artificial stone building tile and method. Disclosed is an artificial stone building tile and a method of making the building tile. The building tile has a low density and significant flexibility, and is nailable without cracking. It is made by layers of cement formulations separated by layers of metal mesh. Color batches of cement are prepared and placed in the bottom of a mold, with the color batches becoming the visible face of the building tile.

Abstract: A floor panel includes a substrate and a top layer provided on the substrate. The top layer is composed of a print and a transparent thermoplastic layer having a thickness of 0.5 mm or less and being situated above said print. The floor panel, at least on two opposite edges, is provided with a straight or curved chamfer extending to below the global level of the print.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flooring material including: a plasticizer; fibers comprising at least one type of inorganic fibers or at least one type of organic fibers; and a thermoplastic resin. The fibers have an alignment. In addition, a method for manufacturing a flooring material is also disclosed. The method includes preparing a first mixture by mixing a liquid plasticizer with fibers comprising at least one type of inorganic fibers or at least one type of organic fibers; preparing a second mixture in which the fibers are dispersed in the liquid plasticizer by agitating the first mixture; preparing a third mixture by mixing the second mixture with a thermoplastic resin; and forming a floor material through thermo-compression of the third mixture.

Abstract: A fully integrated system of accessible architectural molding which eliminates the need to tape and finish drywall. The system of components relies on a mechanical friction fit assembly that allow for easy installation and removal for future renovations or access to the chase areas of a wall.

Abstract: Brackets for securing vertical strongbacks to horizontal walers secured to a face of a concrete wall form. Each bracket has a flange adapted to be mounted to an upper surface of the waler, a standoff connected to the flange and extending perpendicular to and beyond the waler to a distal end for defining a strongback-receiving pocket between the waler and the distal end for receiving the strongback. A wedge is operatively coupled to the distal end for pinching the strongback between the wedge and the waler for securing the strongback to the waler.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a deck with a slidable platform such as for use in construction.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for making a deck for use in construction.

Abstract: A reinforcement system includes a structural member such as a concrete wall including a pair of holes formed therein. A fiber reinforcement strip is adhered to the structural member between the pair of holes. A U-shaped bracket includes a pair of legs being secured in the pair of holes and a bridge portion that overlaps an the fiber reinforcement strip, a secondary reinforcement strip can be used to distribute forces from the bridge portion of the bracket along a length of the fiber reinforcement strip.

Abstract: The present apparatus and method relates in general to sealing a hole in a floor with a precast plug. A precast plug is created by pouring a wet aggregate mix into a form mold and thereafter inserting a pre formed rod into the uncured mixture, positioning it such that the center of the rod rests in the center of the form mold and the ends of the rod extend outward near the top of the form mold. The mix is then cured. The precast plug may then be transported to the hole that it is destined to fix. Grooves may be carved on either side of the hole to accommodate the rod's ends. The interior of the hole and the exterior of the plug may then be covered with a sealant, after which the plug may be inserted into the hole. Once the sealant cures, the hole is fully repaired.

Abstract: The present apparatus and method relates in general to sealing a hole in a floor with a precast plug. A precast plug is created by pouring a wet aggregate mix into a form mold and thereafter inserting a pre formed rod into the uncured mixture, positioning it such that the center of the rod rests in the center of the form mold and the ends of the rod extend outward near the top of the form mold. The mix is then cured. The precast plug may then be transported to the hole that it is destined to fix. Grooves may be carved on either side of the hole to accommodate the rod' s ends. The interior of the hole and the exterior of the plug may then be covered with a sealant, after which the plug may be inserted into the hole. Once the sealant cures, the hole is fully repaired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breakage-resistant composite composed of several superposed layers, particularly as planking for a stud wall, roof or ceiling structure, wherein the composite comprises at least one first gypsum board panel in the form of a paperbound gypsum board panel, at least one metal sheet arranged on the first gypsum board panel, and at least one second gypsum board panel in the form of a gypsum fiberboard panel arranged on the metal sheet.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing a connection mounting a transmission pole arm to a transmission pole includes at least one substantially L-shaped brace comprising two legs. The at least one brace is configured to reinforce an arm bracket of the transmission pole arm. A leg of the at least one brace comprises a cut-out section substantially corresponding to an exterior shape of the transmission pole arm.

Abstract: A transportable unit has a skid with a pivot connector to pivotally attach to a first mast leg of a drill rig mast. The skid also has a support connector to attach to a second mast leg support of the drill rig mast and a substructure connector to attach to a substructure of a drill rig.

Abstract: A portable ice shelter comprises a base, a rigid frame member, a multi-panel skin and a first set of flexible poles. The base comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall that forms an outer perimeter. The rigid frame member is pivotably mounted to the base at first and second locations, and is moveable between a stored position against the base and a deployed position. angled from the base. The multi-panel skin is coupled to the rigid frame member, the multi-panel skin defining an enclosure when expanded. The first set of flexible poles extend from the rigid frame member, and each of the flexible poles in the first set is connected in an expandable fashion so as to expand at least a portion of the multi-panel skin when the rigid frame member is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A portable shelter with low emissivity is provided for sheltering materials or human occupants at a remote location. The shelter has a flexible, multi-layer cover, including a vinyl material, reflective material located inside and immediately adjacent to the vinyl material, and insulation material located inside the reflective material. The low-? vinyl cover is lightweight and thermally efficient. The shelter may be adapted for use with interior-climate control equipment at the remote location.

Abstract: Ephemeral architecture device constituted by a dome-shaped receptacle (1) of high strength fabric and a single layer consisting of a multitude of fabric panels (2) artistically sewn together in alternating colors, which in turn comprises sections of independent segments (4) also integrated through sewing. The dome in turn includes: one or more air inflation ports (8) located at the ground level, in which there is coupled in each case one air blowing device such as a fan (9); and a perimeter skirt (6) located along its lower edge and bent inwardly, positioned parallel to the ground on which it is installed, over which a multitude of counterweights (7) are strategically placed along the perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tent having a retractable roof. A plurality of poles extend substantially perpendicular to the ground. A roof frame is fastened to the plurality of poles and a tarpaulin is attached on the roof frame. At least one of the plurality of poles is divided into an upper pole and a lower pole, and a connection mechanism detachably connects the upper pole and the lower pole.

Abstract: A barrier includes at least one support panel having a first face and a second face and a first bend intermediate the first face and the second face is provided. The support panel is deployable from a folded and packed condition to a freestanding condition, and is re-foldable to a packed condition. In the freestanding condition at least one expandable wire coil is operatively attached to the support panel to form the barrier. The expandable wire coil may be made of barbed wire, razor wire, or concertina wire. The support panel includes a diagonal brace and may include a generally horizontal brace. Retention cable may be strung through the wire coil to retain the wire coil to the support panel. The barrier may be provided as a deployment kit including the barrier materials in a packed condition. A method of deploying the barrier is provided.

Abstract: An architectural mesh panel includes a plurality of spaced rods and a plurality of adjacent rows of pickets, each of the rows of pickets including at least a plurality of first links, a plurality of second links and a plurality of third links, the plurality of first links have a first spacing, the plurality of second links have a second spacing, and the plurality of third links have a third spacing, wherein each of the rows of pickets includes at least two adjacent first links defining a closely spaced link area, wherein each of the rows of pickets includes at least one second link disposed adjacent the closely spaced link area on each side thereof, wherein the closely spaced link area creates a simulated moiré appearance of a moving stripe to an observer whose viewpoint is continuously changing from one side of the architectural mesh panel towards the other.

Abstract: The present fencing system includes panel modules having a substantially planar central panel with semicolumnar projections extending at either side. The semicolumnar projections each have a longitudinal slot extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, such that two adjacent panel modules overlap to form a column element having an internal cavity. A support column secured to the ground is received within the internal cavity formed by the longitudinal slots of overlapping semicolumnar projections. One or more connection brackets fixed to the panel module engage the support column to hold the panel modules in place.

Abstract: A system and method for deterring animal interaction with woody plants is provided, including a wire mesh cage. The wire mesh cage is formed from one of a sheet of steel wire mesh and a stake cage. The sheet of wire mesh may be formed into a tubular configuration to surround a plant in need of the protection. The stake cage may be formed from a plurality of uprights arranged around a periphery of a plant, and at least one filament wound around the plurality of uprights to form the wire mesh. The wire mesh cage may further include a protective covering, in the form of a cap or coating applied to a top surface of the wire mesh cage. The protective covering militates against damage to a plant surrounded by the wire mesh cage. The protective covering may be formed from a polymeric compound having an animal detracting additive and an ultraviolet inhibitor.

Abstract: A combination lock (10) comprising a body (20), a locking mechanism (80), a locking member (30) that is selectively lockable by the locking mechanism, and a combination display face (50) for displaying a variable combination code; wherein the locking mechanism (80) comprises at least one input selector, the or each input selector comprising a plurality of code component array members (40) that can be interacted with by a user to select for each code component array member (40) thereof a code component from a plurality of possible code component options such that a code combination can be selected and such that the selected code can be displayed at the combination display face (50); and associated methods of operation.

Abstract: Provided are integrated locks, aircraft galley systems using such locks, and aircraft including such galley systems. An integrated lock has a low profile and provides secure locking and visual indication of the lock status to meet various FAA regulations. The visual indication may be provided mechanically (e.g., by moving a two-color indicator between two positions) or electronically (e.g., by triggering a switch connected to a light or an electro-chromic device). Furthermore, a main indicator may be connected to multiple different locks to provide a combined visual indication of the status of all locks. A visual indicator may be disposed on a galley system frame. Each integrated lock may include a handle portion and a locking portion connected to the handle portion and configured to engage the galley system frame when the handle portion is in the locked position and the door is closed.

Abstract: A conversion kit and conversion method employs an electronic module which is installed to the interior side of a door and interacts with a lockset to provide for an electronically controlled lockset. An electromechanical assembly which connects between the electronic module and the mortise lockset has a clutch. The clutch functions to mechanically allow free egress from the secured side of the door in the event that the latch bolt and the deadbolt are disposed in intermediate positions between the fully retracted unlocked positions and the fully projected locked positions due to power failure or other conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for securing a closed position of a closing element (12) arranged movably on a frame, the device comprising at least a bolt (14), which is arranged movably in the direction of action thereof along a bolt axis, and at least one groove (16), and having an actuating means (32) and a closing body (42). The invention proposes that the device (10) comprises an elongate securing element (26) which is arranged on the bolt (14), is movable along the bolt axis relative to the bolt (14) and has a cam (28), wherein the cam (28) at least partially engages in the groove (16). Furthermore, the device (10) according to the invention has a blocking device (48) which engages in the groove (16) in a locking position, as a result of which the freedom of movement of the bolt (14) is blocked.

Abstract: A locking cover for existing subgrade vault openings. The cover is installed with mounting brackets on side walls of construction vaults and secured with locking latch components secured against flange portions of the mounting brackets.

Abstract: An antitheft device attachable to an article, formed by two parts, one part comprises a means for remote interaction with a terminal detecting passage of the device, a hinge to allow movement between a protection position, and a release position, one of the parts having, at the end opposite to the movable hinge, a needle able to move in a direction perpendicular to the mid-plane of the device, the other part comprising a housing for receiving the needle, the housing comprising lock configured to allow the release of the needle with an opener, wherein the first part has three retractable cages enabling the needle to move between a retracted position where the tip of the needle does not project beyond the internal surface of the first part, and a deployed position in which the needle is engaged in the complementary housing when the device is in the closed position.

Abstract: The application is directed to a motor vehicle lock for a door arrangement, wherein the catch may be brought into holding engagement with a lock striker, wherein the pawl may be brought into an engagement position, wherein the pawl may be deflected into a release position, wherein an actuation lever is provided for deflecting the pawl, wherein a switchable lock arrangement is in an actuation drive train between the actuation lever and the pawl, wherein the switchable lock arrangement may be brought into a functional state, wherein, with the switchable lock arrangement being in the unlocked state, an actuation movement of the actuation lever deflects the pawl and a drive train component of the actuation drive train is decoupled from the pawl for letting the actuation movement of the actuation lever run free or a drive train component is blocked for blocking an actuation movement of the actuation lever.

Abstract: Described is a vehicle lock, wherein a catch and a pawl are provided, wherein the catch may be brought into holding engagement with a lock striker, wherein the pawl may be brought into an engagement position, wherein the pawl is deflected into a release position, wherein an actuation lever is provided for deflecting the pawl into the release position, wherein a switchable lock arrangement is provided in an actuation drive train between the actuation lever and the pawl, wherein an actuation movement of the actuation lever deflects the pawl and, a drive train component of the actuation drive train is decoupled from the pawl for letting the actuation movement of the actuation lever run free without deflecting the pawl or a drive train component is blocked for blocking an actuation movement of the actuation lever, wherein a predetermined crash condition switches the switchable lock arrangement to the locked state.

Abstract: A locking device includes a lever turnably provided relative to a lid member, and switched from an initial state to an operating state against an urging force or self-weight; a lock rod sliding in association with turning of the lever; and a braking device. The locking device locks the lid member in a main member side through the lock rod, and switches the lid member to be unlocked by turning of the lever. The braking device is a rotation damper including a braking shaft with a gear, and placed to approximately conform to a turning center of the lever relative to the lever to damp the lever and the lock rod. The rotation damper includes an operation gear disposed to engage the gear of the rotation damper, associate the gear with sliding of the lock rod, and rotate the gear in a direction opposite to the turning of the lever.

Abstract: Provided is a hinge device in which in a closed state of a lid, a first link (25) includes a first main body portion (25a) that is attached to a body bracket (21) and extends along the body bracket (21) and a first bent portion (25b) that is bent from the first main body portion (25a) toward a lid bracket (23) and is attached to the lid bracket (23), a second link (31) includes a second main body portion (31a) that is attached to the lid bracket (23) and extends along the lid bracket (23) and a second bent portion (31b) that is bent from the second main body portion (31a) toward the body bracket (21) and is attached to the body bracket (21), and a gap (S) is formed between the body bracket (21) and the lid bracket (23).

Abstract: Various adapter brackets for detachably connecting a hinge to a boltless storage rack are presented. Brackets include a first surface having a keyhole-shaped opening and a notch, and a second surface that meets the first surface at a first angle, and having at least one of a rivet and a hole sized and dimensioned to receive a fastener. In some embodiments, at least one of the first opening and the second opening is substantially elongated having a widened area. In some brackets, instead of having a rivet or a hole sized and dimensioned to receive a fastener in the second surface, the brackets have a third surface that meets the second surface at a second angle, and at least one of a rivet and a slot sized and dimensioned to receive a fastener.

Abstract: A guide rail system for a sliding door assembly of the type having at least a first glass panel and a second glass panel spaced apart from the first glass panel, with the glass panels movable relative to one another, the guide rail system. Base rails are configured to be connected to a bottom edge portion of each of said glass panels, the base rails each having an elongated channel. A carriage has a pair of rail ends with a bridge interconnecting the rail ends, one of the rail ends received in the elongated channel of the first glass panel and moving therein, the other of the rail ends received in the elongated channel of the second glass panel and immovable therein. A door stopper(s) is received in the elongated channel of the first glass panel and immovable therein to block the elongated channel, whereby the at least one door stopper delimits the movement of the rail end of the carriage at one end of the elongated channel of the first glass panel.

Abstract: A damper element for damping a translational movement of a component and for causing the component to stop at a stop position includes a housing, a carrier displaceably supported in the housing for movement in a translational direction, and a damper part for damping the translational movement. The damper part has a first end connected to the housing and a second end pivotably connected to the carrier, the carrier is pivotable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the translation direction between a first position and a second position, and the damper element further includes at least one spring biasing the carrier toward the first position.

Abstract: A partition door system includes a partition door, a stile, and a closing mechanism coupling the partition door to the stile, such that the closing mechanism provides a force for closing the door relative to the stile. A first magnet is at the partition door proximate the stile, and a second magnet is at the stile proximate the door. A partition door including a magnet, a stile including a magnet and a method of operating the same are also provided.

Abstract: An attic door rope apparatus for retractably storing an attic door rope may comprise a reel rotatably coupled with a rotation mechanism, a stored-energy mechanism having a first end coupled with the reel and a second end coupled with the rotation mechanism, wherein the stored-energy mechanism is configured to impart a torque on the reel about a rotation axis of the reel. Another attic door rope apparatus for retractably storing an attic door rope may comprise a winding mechanism configured to rotate in an unwinding direction and a winding direction, a motor coupled with the winding mechanism configured to turn the winding mechanism in at least the unwinding direction, a sensor configured to detect a user command and send a command signal to the motor, and a power source in electrical communication with the motor and the sensor.

Abstract: Methods for replacing a first garage door controller with a second garage door controller can include electrically decoupling the first garage door controller from a first wire that is electrically coupled to the garage door opener. Methods can include electrically decoupling the first garage door controller from a second wire that is electrically coupled to the garage door opener. Methods can also include electrically coupling the second garage door controller to the first wire and electrically coupling the second garage door controller to the second wire. Methods can even include communicatively coupling the second garage door controller to an Internet router to thereby communicatively couple the second garage door controller to a wireless network.

Abstract: The invention is a bag, suitcase, wallet, money belt, purse or briefcase; a flexible vault of the present invention includes an outer pouch having a multilayer construction. The multilayer construction includes at least an inner layer, an outer layer, a first middle layer, and a second middle layer. In addition to the outer pouch, the flexible vault can also include an inner pouch having an extendable roll up portion which extends through an opening in the outer pouch when the outer pouch and the inner pouch are in an open position. The front panel, back panel, and fold over panel of the outer pouch each include an aperture. When the outer pouch is in a closed position the apertures align, enabling a locking mechanism to be threaded through all the apertures which secures the pouch in the closed position.

Abstract: A kit for framing a doorway, window, or passageway in a wall of a building includes a king stud having a channel formed along its length on one side. A jack stud includes a raised strip that is formed along its length, the raised strip fitting into the channel of the king stud to form a beam. A beam is provided on each side of the doorway, window, or passageway. A header extends across the top of the doorway. The header includes end projections that extend into the channels of the king studs and that rest on top of the jack studs of the beams. Brackets may be provided at the bottom of the beam to connect the beam to a bottom plate of a wall frame. A window sill plate extends between and into the king studs for window openings.

Abstract: Spacers/spacer frame assemblies for use in insulating glass units that include offset seams and methods of using and manufacturing the same are described herein.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window assembly and method for making same is provided in which dimensions of a hole formed in a glass substrate in which a pump-out tube is to be inserted is selected such that it provides sufficient clearance for efficient insertion and accommodates sufficient adhesive material (e.g., frit inclusive paste), while at the same time providing sufficient support to resist substantial tilting or tipping of the pump-out tube when inserted in the hole. In addition, a length of the pump-out tube is selected so that a distance between a top of the pump-out tube (which is later subjected to heat sealing, e.g.