Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: A facade assembly for a building contains at least one facade element which can be fastened to a wall or an inter-story ceiling of the building and at least one fire-protection element which can be mounted between the facade element and the wall or the inter-story ceiling. The fire-protection element contains an insulating layer and an intumescent course, which contains an intumescent material and which passes through the insulating layer at least in portions in the cross section along the facade element.

Abstract: A flexible article is provided having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels that are inter-connected to provide an expandable structure upon movement of the panels away from each other. Opposite ends of the core terminate in a pair of end panels whereby the end panels may be moved apart to expand the expandable structure. A passage extends in a direction between the end panels and intersects the panels, At least two tubes connected with a connector are located within the passage, and the connector includes two ends that are respectively friction fitted with ends of the tubes.

Abstract: A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint-sealing tape with an elongated carrier and at least two separate sealing elements of predetermined width, which are disposed on one side of the carrier, spaced apart, side-by-side and running in the longitudinal direction of the carrier, and which each have two oppositely disposed broad sides as well as two narrow sides running transversely relative to the broad sides and connecting them, wherein the sealing elements are disposed with one broad side on the carrier, wherein the sealing elements are each joined firmly to the carrier only via part of their broad side. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sealing arrangement for sealing of building structure joints, especially for sealing against sound and/or smoke and if applicable against fire, with such a sealing tape.

Abstract: What is provided is a method for casting reinforcement alignment feature into concrete wall blocks and precast concrete wall blocks configured for assembly into a wall. Reinforcement alignment features, such as horizontal reinforcement grooves and/or vertical reinforcement grooves, are precast simultaneously with panels, ribs, and other components of the concrete wall blocks in the forms in which the concrete wall blocks are cast. As a result, reinforcing members, such as rebar and welded wire mesh, may be positioned, either horizontally or vertically, in desired and appropriate locations on the concrete wall blocks. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the convenience and ease of wall construction, while greatly reducing the amount of labor that is needed. In addition, the constructed walls have increased stability, strength, and water resistance.

Abstract: Methods for making a gypsum board provided with a latex polymer coating layer having a sufficiently low glass transition temperature, a less dense gypsum core layer, and a relatively denser layer of gypsum between the less dense gypsum core layer and the latex polymer coating layer and a gypsum board made by the method.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a structural system for replacing a standard beam. The standard beam has a weight per unit length, a depth in a load direction, a characteristic cross-sectional shape and a width in a cross direction substantially perpendicular to the load direction. The structural system includes a monolithic beam having the characteristic cross-sectional shape and the depth in the load direction. The monolithic beam may also have the weight per unit length. The monolithic beam includes first and second flanges connected by a transverse section. The first and second flanges extend in the cross direction and have first and second thicknesses, respectively, in the load direction. The flanges are not wider than the width in the cross direction. At least one of the flanges has the width in the cross direction. The thicknesses are different. The flanges and the transverse section are an integrated structure forming the monolithic beam.

Abstract: A truss comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending frame members, which, when secured together, have a substantially rectangular configuration, the truss having vertically and horizontally extending members connecting each other, the connections being mechanical, and a plurality of diagonally extending members.

Abstract: A multi-layer cap shingle for installation along a ridge, hip, or rake of a roof includes a forward exposure area and a rear headlap area. The multi-layer cap shingle includes at least two layers of shingle material, a top layer and a bottom layer each having opposed edges. The layers are bonded together with patches of lamination adhesive adjacent their opposed edges. The bottom layer is configured with a deformation-absorbing mechanism such as a pair of slots extending from a forward edge reawardly inboard of the lamination adhesive patches. When the multi-layer cap shingle is bent over a roof ridge, the slots of the bottom layer of shingle material narrow in width to account for the fact that the bottom layer must bend around an arc of slightly smaller radius than the top layer of shingle material.

Abstract: An eavestrough cover which comprises a substantially planar central portion formed of a woven material and which central portion has a plurality of longitudinally embossments formed therein, first and second longitudinally extending portions on either side of the central portion, the first longitudinally extending portion being arranged to fit within a recess formed adjacent a front wall of the eavestrough, and the second longitudinally extending portion being designed to sit on top of a rear wall of the eavestrough.

Abstract: A rail connector includes a base and an outwardly extending projection rotatably connected with the base. The base has a flat lower portion and an upper portion which contains an opening that is parallel to the base lower portion. The projection includes upper and lower ends, the lower end being arranged in the base opening and the upper end having a threaded outer surface and extending outwardly from the base. The base is connected with a rail and the projection is connected with a baluster. The projection is rotatable relative to the base and allows the baluster to pivot to a desired angle.

Abstract: A joint-sealing tape can be used for sealing a joint between a first building part and a second building part with an elongated carrier and at least two separate sealing strips, which have a round cross section and are disposed on the carrier, spaced apart, side-by-side and running in the longitudinal direction of the carrier.

Abstract: A connecting structure, which is located between a first object and a second object, includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member located between the first engaging member and the first object. The first engaging member is located between the second engaging member and the second object. The second engaging member has a thickness. When a distance between the first engaging member and the first object is less than or equal to said thickness, the first engaging member and the second engaging member are not movable relative to each other. When said distance is greater than said thickness, the first engaging member and the second engaging member can be moved in a direction relative to each other, moving the first object and the second object relative to each other as well. A covering device for an opening of a building is also disclosed, which includes said connecting structure.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system that may be locked with a vertical displacement of a first panel against a second panel. The locking system includes a flexible strip that during locking bends upwardly or downwardly. The locking system includes a first and a second joint edge section with different locking functions. One section provides a horizontal locking and another section provides a vertical locking.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically. A panel system including a plurality of rectangular panels with long and short edges which are mechanically connectable to each other along at least one pair of adjacent edges, said panels each being provided with a tongue and groove formed in one piece with the panels for mechanically locking together said adjacent edges at right angles to the principal plane of the panels, thereby forming a vertical mechanical connection between the panels, said panels being provided with a first locking element at one first edge formed in one piece with the panel and a locking groove at an opposite second edge, the locking groove being open towards a rear side or a front side of the panel.

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. A molding assembly includes a V-shaped bracket dimensioned to be received in the tapered edge surfaces of adjacent wall boards and a molding secured to the bracket in a snap-fit engagement to conceal the tapered edge surfaces.

Abstract: A trim piece for sealing a work surface including a body having a first side, a second side, and a span disposed between the first side and the second side, wherein the first side and the second side are joined at a junction defining an angle between the first side and the second side of between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, a topcap is affixed to the span of the body, wherein the topcap includes a left side having a first wing and a right side having a second wing, an adhesive is bonded to the first side of the body and an aperture is disposed within the body.

Abstract: A lap siding product with a central face cut, allowing an installer or user to break the lap siding product in half manually, without tools, resulting in two pieces of lap siding. The central face cut extends for the length of the product, and its depth is a substantial portion of the thickness of the lap siding product. A central back cut opposite to the central face cut may be provided, as well as a pair of back spacing cuts along the edges of the back face of the product. A pair of machined nail lines on the face of the product assist in determining locations for nailing the post-break pieces of lap siding during installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a levelling device comprising a first substantially flat body (1), provided with an appendage (11), in the top part, which has, on a first end, close to the first body (1), a first fracture zone (12) for the separation thereof from the first body (1) and, on a second end, at a distance from the first body (1), a hook (13) for attaching an actuating tool and a second fracture zone (15) with a lower fracture resistance than that of the first fracture zone (12); and a second, upper body (2) containing a passage (21) for mounting said body on the appendage (11) such that it can move into an operative position in which it presses the covering parts (P) against the first body (1).

Abstract: Improvements in a dual platform for a composite power pole is disclosed. The platform. The stepup is a two-tiered aerial working platform that be attached to an upright member such as an electrical power pole, it can be mounted at any put the lineman or worker in the best possible working position and allows a lineman to step up or down in a manner that they are accustomed. The dual platform wraps partially around the pole so a worker can safely step around pole without fear of a misstep. The platforms exist at a neutral angle to increase standing comfort. The platforms are nestable whereby platforms can be strapped to opposite sides of pole. This allows a worker to install multiple platforms to make a ladder to climb the pole or to create a platform around the circumference of the pole or a circumferential staircase.

Abstract: A method utilizing an assembly of a sling detachably attached to an adjustment device for suspending one structure relative to another structure. The adjustment device comprises a pair of elongate spaced apart plates which are attached to each other and to a hook, for attachment to one of the structures, at the first end portion. Each plate has a plurality of pairs of longitudinally spaced aligned holes for receiving a pin for connecting one end of a sling to the adjustment device at a selected incremental one of the plurality of pairs of holes. The other end of the sling is connected to the other structure to adjust the distance over which the one structure is suspended relative to the other structure. To allow greater adjustability, two or more of the adjustment devices are joined end-to-end.

Abstract: Stay-in-place forms and methods and equipment for installing thereof. A concrete form includes a vertical component and a horizontal component, the vertical component located substantially perpendicular to the horizontal component. Also, the form includes an interior surface, at least a portion of the interior surface providing a form for supporting uncured concrete; wherein the uncured concrete forms a concrete structural portion upon curing of the uncured concrete; and wherein the interior surface remains attached to the concrete structural portion after curing. The form may include inserts and compatible form attachments. Also, forms including recesses may be utilized to reduce the weight thereof. Lifting equipment and accessories may be utilized to lift the form from a form holder and set same in place. Forms contain the work area as soon as it is installed to minimize fall hazards and the time, costs, and downtime associated with installation of safety measures.

Abstract: The Masonry Spacer and Aligner allows the brick, block or stone mason to quickly, economically and accurately position and to properly align similar masonry structural elements (for example, but not limited to: bricks, blocks, or stones) in 6-dimensions—and to do this with no lasting, visible indication that a spacing and aligning device was used. The Masonry Spacer and Aligner also creates a stronger, but more flexible, masonry structure. When a sufficient number of Masonry Spacer and Aligners are used together, they properly, rapidly, neatly, and precisely position masonry structural elements vertically and horizontally in the x, y, and z axes; and, simultaneously, also properly and precisely align the masonry structural elements rotationally about the x, y and z axes.

Abstract: A protector for a sliding door frame includes an inverted U-shaped sill riser cover and a sill plate cover and means for snapping the two covers together to form a rigid unitary unit for protecting the sliding door frame during construction.

Abstract: A pole-clamping system including an upper-tubular-body, a lower-tubular-body, a locking-mechanism, an upper-foot, a lower-foot, and a pole-hook-mechanism. The pole-clamp system constructed with a net-positive-buoyancy such that the pole-clamp system floats in water. The pole-clamp system structured and arranged to be removably and adjustably insertable within a skimmer-inlet of a pool to hold a pool-accessory via the pole of the pool-accessory. The upper-tubular-circumference of the upper-tubular-body may be smaller in dimension than the lower-tubular-circumference of the lower-tubular-body such that the upper-tubular-body may be slideably insertable within the lower-tubular-body to allow for a variable-length of the pole-clamp system. The locking-mechanism selectively and securely locks the upper-tubular-body within the lower-tubular-body to maintain the variable-length of the pole-clamp system during use with the pole-hook-mechanism.

Abstract: A seismic base isolation support apparatus 1 includes: a laminated body 4 in which elastic layers 2 and rigid layers 3 are alternately laminated; a circularly columnar body 7 which is disposed in a hollow portion 6 of the laminated body 4; an outer peripheral protective layer 9 covering an outer peripheral surface 8 of the laminated body 4; an upper mounting plate 11 and a lower mounting plate 12 which are respectively connected to an uppermost rigid layer 3 of the rigid layers 3 and a lowermost rigid layer 3 of the rigid layers 3 by means of bolts 10; a shear key 15 which is fittingly secured in a recess 13 of the uppermost rigid layer 3 and a recess 14 of the upper mounting plate 11; and a shear key 18 which is fittingly secured in a recess 16 of the lowermost rigid layer 3 and a recess 17 of the lower mounting plate 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower access panel, which panel is removably fixable at a service aperture in a tower wall to thereby close said aperture; said access panel being generally planar and extending radially about an axis normal thereto, said access panel comprising a set of two or more fixing elements configured to securely fix said access panel in place at a said aperture; wherein each said fixing element comprises an axial clamp, said clamp comprising an anchor fixed to said access panel, a clamping force adjuster and a clamp head having a clamping surface; said clamp head comprising a relatively deformable resilient material which deforms under an applied clamping load of said clamp thereby applying a clamping force to said tower wall.

Abstract: A cantilevered umbrella comprising a mast having an elongated configuration, a cantilevered arm extending from the mast, a canopy extending from the cantilevered arm, a carriage connected to the cantilevered arm, and at least one of a constant force spring or a gas spring connected to the mast. The carriage is vertically moveable along the mast to move the canopy between an open position, wherein the canopy is extended, and a collapsed position, wherein the canopy is col lapsed. The at least one of the constant force spring or the gas spring is operable with the carriage to assist with moving the canopy between the open position and the collapsed position and to counterbalance the weight of the cantilevered arm and the canopy.

Abstract: A joint structure has a first main body, a positioning pin, a second main body, and a controlling button. The first main body forms with an annular wall and a limiting groove, and the annular wall forms an engaging passage. The positioning pin is mounted in the first main body. The second main body has a limiting protrusion and is rotatably mounted on the first main body; the limiting protrusion is mounted on the limiting groove. The controlling button is mounted on the second main body and forms a positioning groove and an engaging block corresponding to the engaging passage. The positioning pin can abut the positioning groove. With the cooperation of the positioning groove and the positioning pin, the joint structure can be folded or unfolded easily.

Abstract: This invention concerns a beach umbrella to which some modifications are applied and which are the object of this claim. This invention facilitates the task of placing the umbrella pole securely to the ground, with the minimum effort and the minimal waste of time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fencing system and method for assembling a fence panel. The fencing system comprises pickets, braces and rails which can be assembled into a fence panel. The fence panel can be assembled by inserting the pickets through the slots of the brace and the opening of the rails when the brace is in the unlocked position. The assembled fence panel can be locked into place by longitudinally driving the braces relative to their respective rails from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Abstract: A modular system for protecting a critical asset includes a plurality of vertical members extending vertically upwardly from a ground surface, and inner and outer stacks of spaced-apart horizontal members connected between adjacent pairs of the vertical members defining a vertical wall. The spaced-apart horizontal members have cross sections and spacings such that no line can be drawn through the wall without intersecting with one or both of the inner and outer stacks. The cross sections of the horizontal members in both stacks include elongated angled surfaces such that projectile on a trajectory toward the critical asset is deflected upwardly or downwardly and away from the critical asset. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal members are angle irons. In a more preferred embodiment the horizontal members are 1/2? 90-degree steel angle irons oriented sideways, such that the elongated plates making up the angle irons are 45 degrees off horizontal.

Abstract: Described herein is locking apparatus, method for making a locking apparatus, and method for mounting a locking apparatus to the door of a personal storage container. The locking apparatus may include a threaded portion having deformed threads and a lock body shape to fit a restrictive mounting hole.

Abstract: A spring cartridge for a mortise lock for engaging first and second spindle hubs rotatable by a handle to open and close a latchbolt. The spring cartridge comprises a housing adapted to be secured within the mortise lock housing, and first and second members slideable with respect to the spring cartridge housing, the first and second members each having a first end adapted to contact an outer surface of the first and second spindle hubs, wherein the first and second members are independently actuable along a longitudinal axis of the spring cartridge housing in response to rotation of the first or second spindle hub. A spring retained by the spring cartridge housing contacts a second end of the first and second members to bias each of the first and second members against the outer surface of the first and second spindle hubs, respectively. Upon rotation of one of the hubs, the member contacting the hub permits the hub to rotate, while the member contacting the other hub prevents the other hub from rotating.

Abstract: A key or a key blank for a disk cylinder having a plurality of rotatably supported disk tumblers has a key shaft having a shaft cross-section that comprises a first end section, a second end section and a connection section along a longitudinal axis, said connection section connecting the first end section and the second end section to one another. The connection section is narrower than the two end sections and has two longitudinal edges that are aligned in parallel with one another and that extend obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft cross-section between the two end sections.

Abstract: A device for locking a gate includes a body, a pawl, a motor, and a computing device. The body includes an opening configured to receive a latch bar. The pawl has a locked state and an unlocked state. The pawl is disposed in the opening of the body and is pivotally connected to the body. The motor is configured to actuate the pawl between the locked state and the unlocked state. The computing device is configured to control the motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure defines a lever handing apparatus that permits simplified changing of the handing of a lever handle between a left hand and a right hand orientation. The lever handing apparatus includes an assembly with a rotatable spring cage housing and lever spindle that can be selectively rotated within an escutcheon housing to change the handing position of a lever arm. The handing orientation of the lever can be repositioned without removing a back plate or accessing internal components positioned within the escutcheon housing assembly.

Abstract: An adaptable lock mounting device featuring adaptability and flexibility of use is configured to couple with a vehicle frame and includes a mounting base to detachably couple with a coupling base or an assembly base as appropriate, wherein the coupling base is different from the assembly base. A portion of the mounting base is one of a sliding block and a corresponding sliding sleeve to be fitted around the sliding block, while each of a portion of the coupling base and a portion of the assembly base is the other of the sliding block and the corresponding sliding sleeve.

Abstract: A load transfer interface for a vehicle door that comprises an outer skin and at least one beam that is connected to the outer skin, wherein the outer skin and the at least one beam define a vehicle door plane, the load transfer interface comprising at least one door stop fitting that is provided to transfer pressure loads from the vehicle door to an associated vehicle structural frame, the at least one door stop fitting being provided for rotation in an associated rotation plane, wherein the associated rotation plane is at least approximately parallel to the vehicle door plane. The invention is further related to an aircraft cabin door having such a load transfer interface, as well as to an aircraft having such an aircraft cabin door.

Abstract: A hood latch system for a motor vehicle includes a vehicle hood latch assembly configured in operable communication with a gearshift member. The vehicle hood latch assembly is prevented from unintended release of a vehicle hood striker, fixed to a hood of the motor vehicle, from a ratchet of the latch assembly when the gearshift member is shifted into a non-parked mode. When the gear shift member is selectively actuated in a park mode, the vehicle hood latch assembly is actuated to release the striker from the ratchet, thereby allowing the hood to be opened.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed having a door that is attached to the motor vehicle by a hinge mechanism providing both full swing opening of the door and full scissor opening of the door. The motor vehicle includes an apparatus to assist with the selection of a preferred mode of door opening based upon an assessment of the surroundings in which the motor vehicle 1 rests. The assessment of the surroundings and selection of the preferred mode of door opening is carried out by an electronic controller based upon information received from a sensing apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustable support structure including two parallel layers of flexible material separated by a coupling that maintains separation between the parallel layers such that the layers may easily displace in a parallel direction but not in a perpendicular direction. The adjustable support structure may also include a displacement brake to selectively resist or maintain parallel displacement of the layers.

Abstract: A door hinge assembly is provided which can prevent the phenomenon of closure of an open door by performing a self-stay function, and can improve a worker's or user's convenience and implement a cost saving effect by simplifying the configuration compared to the prior art in which a hinge and a stay are separately provided.

Abstract: A window balance has a channel with two ends. A top guide is disposed at one end of the channel and a bottom guide is disposed at the other end of the channel. One end of a spring is fixed within the channel. A movable block is secured to the other end of the spring. Rollers are rotatably mounted in the movable block. A single roller is rotatably mounted to a fixed block which is secured to the channel. A cord exit roller is disposed proximate the bottom guide. The first end of a cord is fixed relative to the channel. The middle portion of the cord is routed about the rollers mounted in the movable block and mounted to the fixed block. A second end of the cord is routed around the cord exit roller and is attachable to a window jamb.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weight compensation device for a drive of a lifting door, for the position-dependent compensation of the weight force of a door leaf of the lifting door, with a force transmission unit which can be coupled to the drive in order to carry out an opening movement which raises the door leaf and a closing movement which lowers the door leaf, wherein at least one compression spring is provided which is arranged in such a way that it supports the opening movement. The invention also relates to a lifting door, in particular an industrial lifting door, which has a door leaf, with a drive, such as a motor, and with a weight compensation device according to the invention.

Abstract: A leaf unit of a scissor mechanism of a fitting for a leaf of a window or of a door, insertable into a C-shaped leaf groove in the rebate of a leaf profile of the leaf is provided. The leaf unit includes a scissor guide fastenable on the leaf and a scissor rod moveable relative to the scissor guide in the operating state. The scissor rod is movable between a closed position and a tilt position relative to the scissor guide in the operating state. The scissor guide and the scissor rod are pre-fixed for insertion into the leaf groove in a pre-installation position which is between the closed position and the tilt position.

Abstract: A hydraulic door closer is disclosed. The hydraulic door closer may include a top cap surrounded by an O-ring that is located at the top of the hydraulic door closer housing opposite a spindle to seal the hydraulic fluid within the housing. In addition to or in lieu of the top cap design, the door closer may include a locking washer to secure the valves to the housing; epoxy and an O-ring at the interface between the top cap and the housing of the door closer; use of a dual-walled rubber seal around the spindle; use of dual O-rings on each valve stems; use of caps that are made of the same material as the housing instead of aluminum and use of epoxy on the end caps; and/or use of backcheck with an adjustable spring.

Abstract: A bus includes a vehicle body, a plurality of capacitive sensors mounted along a perimeter of the vehicle body, wherein one of the capacitive sensors capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the portion of the vehicle body such that the capacitance of the one of the capacitive sensors changes, and a controller coupled to the capacitive sensors, the controller being configured to alert an operator of the bus when the object is coupled to the at least one capacitive sensor.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a drive arrangement for a closure element of a motor vehicle which has an electrical motor vehicle on-board power system, wherein an electric drive for motorized adjustment of the closure element is provided, wherein the drive is assigned a coupling arrangement by which the drive can be actuated electrically. It is proposed that at least one cableless transmission path, in particular to an on-board-power-system-side coupling arrangement, via which the drive can be actuated, can be generated by the drive-side coupling arrangement.