Abstract: A roof system which includes a shear tie for the ridge beam is provided. This system is for use in connection with tile roofing systems in which a ridge vent for ventilation is also provided, but can be used with other roof systems. Sheathing is located on the rafters and a gap or slot is provided between the top edge of the sheathing and the ridge beam that extends along a majority of the ridge beam in order to provide an air flow path for building ventilation. A shear tie strap is connected to the ridge beam and to the sheathing on either side of the ridge beam. A shear tie strap is also provided.

Abstract: The portable structure will generally have a pod from which a suite frame and suite may be deployed. The suite will allow personnel to administer to many critical demands and activities. The portable structure may be deployed upon any terrain, whether level or uneven, rigid or soft, and both the pod and the suite may be leveled independently. Additionally, the portable structure may incorporate at least one cocoon section wherein the cocoon section comprises at least one interior layer contacting a mesh covering placed over the suite frame, at least one thermal layer affixed to the interior layer, wherein the thermal layer includes heat adding and heat removal members capable of removing or adding heat to the mesh covering or a substance adjacent the at least one thermal layer and at least one exterior layer affixed to the thermal layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for erecting a structure 0 comprising at least two prefabricated concrete elements 1, 2, the method comprising: installing a first concrete element 1; placing a second concrete element 2 with at least one spacer 4 maintaining a gap between respective end faces 104, 203 of the first element and second element; tensioning at least one bar 105, 3 held on the first and second elements and passing through the gap maintained by the spacer, and introducing a hardenable interface product 5 into said gap. The method thus makes it possible to move off the critical path relating to the erection the need to wait, between two assembly operations, for the joints between the assembled pieces to have hardened. Incidentally, a significant reduction in the time taken for erecting such a structure is obtained.

Abstract: A flashing for concrete board siding includes a substantially rigid panel, a guide protrusion, an interior protrusion and at least one strip of adhesive double-sided tape. The guide protrusion and interior protrusion are integrally formed with the panel at opposing ends. The at least one strip of adhesive double-sided tape is on an exterior face of the panel. In an embodiment, a channel separates two or more strips. Some embodiments include at least one groove disposed between two or more strips. Further, a method of installing concrete board siding to a structure includes fastening a first piece of cement board siding to the structure, providing an embodiment of the flashing disclosed herein, positioning the interior protrusion on the top edge, adhering a second piece of cement board siding to the least one strip of adhesive double-sided tape and fastening the second piece of cement board siding to the structure.

Abstract: An expansion joint design for supporting transfer loads. The system includes an elongated core and at least one longitudinal load-transfer member which are bonded together.

Abstract: The subject apparatus is designed to facilitate the installation of blown insulation during construction of building assemblies. In a typical embodiment, there is provide a length or strip of friction clip configured to provide a tight grip along the outer surface of a framing member such as a stud, thereby maintaining tension on a masking film or web thereby affixed to an array of studs. The masking film arrayed in such manner thereby defines a plurality of voids or cavities which may thereafter be filled with blown insulation and then finished with wall paneling. The friction clips are designed to complement conventional framing members. Thus, one embodiment described below is suitable for a solid stud such as lumber or polymer; other embodiments are designed to be affixed to steel light framing members such as C-studs and similar profiles.

Abstract: A clip for attaching and supporting wall panels to a building (such as for an exterior building envelope), a wall panel system, and systems and methods for supporting wall panels is provided. The clip includes a main body portion, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a face portion. The clip is used with a system of interlocking vapor barrier wall panels to support the wall panels and affix them to a building frame without compromising the vapor barrier. Exterior façade panels can also be affixed to the clip and building frame without compromising the vapor barrier.

Abstract: A tile system for use on a grid of a suspended ceiling comprises a plurality of tiles, each said tile having a main body having an exposed side and a concealed side, the exposed side defining a main surface, the concealed side defining a rear plane, and four side surfaces between the exposed side and the concealed side of the main body, wherein two of the four side surfaces have at least one tongue in the rear plane, and two other of the four side surfaces have at least one groove open to the rear plane. Fasteners, such as clips, are configured for attaching the tongues of one of the tiles to upside-down T channels of the grid, such that the rear plane of the tile is against a downwardly facing surface of the T channels of the grid.

Abstract: A composite wall, ceiling or floor panel (10), system and method, including a sheet (14) having a first face (18) including at least one first mounting portion (16), and at least one formwork member (20) with at least one second mounting portion (30) arranged to engage with the first mounting portion of the sheet to retain the sheet and said at least one formwork member together. Structural support comes from piers (for a wall) or beams (ceiling or floor) formed in the spacing between adjacent formwork members. The formwork members act as the core of a wall, ceiling or floor panel. An external coating (123) is applied to the formwork members, such as spray shotcrete or render. Channels (28) formed by the formwork members defines integrated ducting for services to be run.

Abstract: A column (1) for supporting a covering, comprising a core profiled section (2) having a plurality of fitting grooves in its periphery and a plurality of insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5) which are each interchangeably fittable into each fitting groove, in such a way that the column (1) has a substantially rectangular cross section, each inserted insertion profiled section (3, 4, 5) in each fitting groove forms a corner (10) of the rectangular cross section of the column (1) and each side wall of the column (1) between the insertion profiled sections (3, 4, 5) is formed by the core profiled section (2). The present invention also relates to a screen construction comprising such a column (1).

Abstract: A self-confining structural article includes a ceramic matrix with a reinforcement member disposed within the ceramic matrix. The reinforcement member is continuous, and has a mesh with holes not exceeding 4 mm in size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a panel having a profile. The panel includes a first longitudinal edge including in succession a first longitudinal rib, a flange, and a second longitudinal rib. Each longitudinal rib includes an upper central part and two lateral wings. The panel also includes a central part and a second longitudinal edge including in succession a first lateral portion, a protruding part, and a second lateral portion. The lateral portions have a configuration permitting them to at least partially overlap the upper central parts of the first and second longitudinal ribs. The protruding part is capable of receiving a fastener. The present invention also provides an assembly of panels marginally overlapping, a roofing and a kit for fabrication of roofing.

Abstract: One or more specific versions disclosed herein includes a method for assembling a roof including: covering a first portion of a roof ridge with a first ridge cap having a first groove disposed therein; covering a second portion of the roof ridge with a second ridge cap having a second groove disposed therein, wherein the first groove and the second groove are combined to form a third groove; and sliding a rafter cover having a finger with a beveled edge along a rafter in the direction of the ridge caps, wherein the beveled edge passes through the third groove.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a retractable awning comprises a slotted track; a webbing disposed in the slotted track; a cover attached to the webbing and disposed on the slotted track; a first roller disposed at a first end of the slotted track and connected to a first end of the webbing; a second roller disposed at a second opposite end of the slotted track and connected to a second end of the webbing; and a bracket, the bracket disposed over the first roller and comprising a guide roller which contacts the cover when the retractable awing is in a deployed position between the first roller and the first end of the slotted track.

Abstract: Floor covering hard panels having at least on two opposite edges, coupling elements made in one piece with the panels, so that several ones of such panels can be mutually coupled, whereby these coupling elements provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges and parallel to the plane of the panels, and whereby these coupling elements are made such that the panels can be rotated into and/or out of one another at least along the above-mentioned edges. The panels are provided, at least on the above-mentioned edges, near the top side, with a part from which has been removed an amount of material such as by a bevel.

Abstract: Building panels provided with a mechanical locking system including a tongue, at first edge of a first building panel, cooperating with a tongue groove, at a second edge of an adjacent second building panel, for vertical locking of the building panels and a method for producing such building panels. The method includes the step of forming the tongue of material of the first edge. The insertion groove may have a sidewall at a third edge, which is adjacent the first edge, and may be open at a fourth edge, which is opposite the third edge.

Abstract: A landscaping block having a block body with at least a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface and a fourth side surface, and opposed and substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer projection extending outwardly from each of the at least first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The patio block having at least one spacer locator positioned along each one of the first, second, third and fourth side surfaces. The at least one spacer locator positioned along each side surface has a retaining surface shaped to receive a spacer projection, at least a portion of the retaining surface extending outwardly from the side surface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a plate for a support pedestal used to support a building surface component above a fixed surface includes forming one or more ribs into a sheet of material adjacent a periphery of the sheet so that the rib extends substantially continuously about a central axis of the sheet that is perpendicular to first and second opposite surfaces of the sheet and creating a series of spacer tabs out of the sheet between the central axis and the rib that are configured to space adjacent building surface components placed over the sheet.

Abstract: An elevated flooring surface assembly including surface tiles disposed on respective support plates, the corners of which in turn rest on support pedestals disposed upon a fixed surface with a predetermined spacing therebetween to provide for increased degrees of support of the surface tiles above the fixed surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing laminate floorboards having edges following the natural curvature of veneer planks cut from timber planks with natural curvature. With the method laminate floorboards are obtained, each floorboard comprising a veneer plank glued onto a substrate, the contour of the substrate and the veneer corresponding with each other.

Abstract: A system is presented for covering a plurality of line sets with respective sizes. The system includes a first portion defining a plurality of slots formed along a sidewall of the first portion. The system also includes a second portion including a latch to extend from a sidewall of the second portion. The latch selectively engages one of the plurality of slots to secure the first and second portions with an opening therebetween of an adjustable size. The slot engaged by the latch is selected such the adjustable size of the opening corresponds to the respective size of the line set of the plurality of line sets to be covered by the system. A method is also presented for covering the plurality of line sets with respective sizes.

Abstract: In an installation adjustment device for an auto-return arrangement which comprises a support rod with a front stop surface and an adjustable slide which is slideably supported on the support rod so as to be stepwise position-adjustable, the slide is provided with an adjustment surface which extends parallel to the stop surface and the normal vectors pointing to the stop surface and the adjustment surface have the same direction, whereby the adjustment of an auto-return arrangement is facilitated.

Abstract: A drywall mud dispenser closure system includes a drywall mud applicator having an access opening therein. A closure assembly is removably positioned over the access opening and closes the access opening to inhibit air from entering the access opening.

Abstract: A device for maintaining recommended spacing during siding installation contains a main body, an extended body, an extruding body, a first channel, and a second channel. The first channel and the second channel are used to receiving a siding panel. When the siding panel is received, a first stop and a second stop of the extruding body is used to rest the device against a previously installed siding panel. Since the siding panel is stationary against the previously installed siding panel, a constant space can be maintained between the two siding panels. In addition to installing the siding panel, the device can also be used when installing siding butt-joints. In order to do so, a first receiving channel and a second receiving channel are provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for depositing building materials comprising a motor vehicle, a container comprising a material depositing system and at least one device for removing the container from the motor vehicle. The device can comprise one or more outriggers which are adapted to remove the container from the motor vehicle and which can be used to deposit the container on a job site. In addition there is a system which includes a hydraulically controlled crane and silo doors for allowing material to be automatically added to containers for mixing building materials.

Abstract: A foldable, frameless emergency shelter is constructed from a radial array of bendable yet rigid panels such as of a foamed plastic. Panels have adjoining edges with matching convexly curved profiles. The edges are always held to each other with a flexible fastener such as an adhesive tape. During erection, a flat panel inherently deforms into a curved cylindrical tapered shape enclosing a space. A door and an optional floor are provided. The shelter has a rigid conical cap including holes for guy ropes, a door and an optional window.

Abstract: A top-bottom pool cleaner is provided including a top housing and a nose attached to the top housing. The top housing including an exterior surface and a top surface having a filter. The nose defines a chamber for receiving and retaining water within the nose. The chamber of the nose receives water through the filter when the cleaner is submerged and retains water within the chamber when the cleaner reaches a top surface of the water from under the water surface, the retention of the water within the nose preventing the pool cleaner from oscillating above and below the top surface of the water.

Abstract: Seismic base isolation and energy dissipation device using a plurality of multi-walled swing plate's that are placed on many central walls that are attached to a base support structure. This arrangement creates a strong load bearing multi-walled swing beam that moves in true pendulum fashion. This system is placed between the structural load and its foundation. This seismic wave base isolation system has the purpose of absorbing seismic wave displacement energy in all directions. This unique design can scale up for very large and heavy loads or scale down to protect sensitive cargo and equipment from destructive motion. The multi-walled swing plates inside the multi-walled swing beam will provide support and absorption of motion by moving as a pendulum and therefore redirecting and dissipating seismic energy. This invention is particularly suited to reduce the initial shock of horizontal ground displacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular drilling rig system comprising multiple components, which system is transfigurable between a transport mode and an operational mode, and comprises: a. a drilling rig mast which is positionable in a vertical orientation; b. a base structure adapted to be positioned on a surface near the well center to support the drilling rig mast thereon, wherein the base structure comprises two elongated members that are connected to each other by a cross beam; c. a displacement system to displace the drilling rig with respect to the surface in a horizontal direction; wherein the displacement system is configured to displace the two elongated members of the base structure together in order to displace the drilling rig, and is configured such that the two elongated members can be displaced with respect to each other when the two elongated members are not connected to each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide a transportable shelter that is retractable while not in use (e.g., traveling, storage, and the like), is fully supported by a vehicle while being hauled without the use of tow wheels, and can be supported and transported by any automobile regardless of its make and/or model. Further, the transportable shelter is expandable while in use (e.g., housing a person therein) and provides shelter from external environmental elements (e.g., rain, wind, temperatures, sun, strangers, bugs, animals, pests, and the like).

Abstract: A modular umbrella shading system includes a base module, a core module assembly and a first extension assembly, the first extension assembly connecting the base unit to the core umbrella assembly. A modular umbrella shading system further includes an arm expansion sensor module and a second extension assembly, the second extension assembly detachably connecting the core umbrella assembly to the arm expansion sensor module.

Abstract: The awning and shutter system serves as both a storm shutter when closed and a deck or patio awning when opened, and is designed with a counterweight making for effortless operation. Furthermore, some embodiments of the awning and shutter may feature a third position, substantially reducing the projection of the awning when in the opened position. This unique feature allows the system to sustain high wind conditions while maintaining interior view, shade and daylight.

Abstract: An adjustable-latch system including an adjustable-receiver assembly and an adjustable-striker-bar assembly. The adjustable-receiver assembly includes a receiver sleeve having a pair of oppositely-disposed channels formed therein and a receiver slidably disposed within the pair of oppositely-disposed channels. A first plurality of fastening members mount the receiver sleeve. The adjustable-receiver assembly further includes a receiver-sleeve cap slidably disposed within the receiver sleeve. The adjustable-striker-bar assembly includes a mounting plate having a striker bar extending laterally therefrom, a second plurality of fastening members for mounting the mounting plate, and a striker-bar cap slidably coupled with the mounting plate. A position of the adjustable-receiver assembly may be adjusted relative to the adjustable-striker-bar assembly without removal of the first plurality of fastening members.

Abstract: A cylinder lock 1 for use with a lock assembly 10. More specifically the cylinder lock is of the kind including a cam 5 rotatable from one side by a hand turn means 4, and an opposed side by a key controlled barrel 3. The configuration of the first side of the cam 5 so as to inhibit the interaction with the barrel 3 provides a useful result.

Abstract: A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A safe locking system that provides a means to operate one of two (or more) safe locks of any type to facilitate safe opening of a door. The safe door can be opened by operating either of two locks, regardless of the type or style; e.g., e-locks and mechanical locks. A sliding bar assembly is mounted to the rear face of the safe door for displacing the boltwork into and out of the door frame. Extension of the lock bolts of both locks prevents movement of a main locking bar and attached boltwork, which prevents a user from opening the door. Retraction of either of the lock bolts permits sliding movement of the main locking bar, such that a user can unlock the door from the frame.

Abstract: A decklid assembly includes a striker that movably engages a vehicle body structure. The striker includes first and second opposed surfaces that face each other. The decklid assembly includes a decklid having a latch that releasably engages the striker. A cam is rotatably mounted to the body structure. The cam is disposed between the opposed surfaces of the striker, such that rotation of the cam in first and second directions causes the cam to engage the first and second opposed surfaces, respectively, thereby shifting the striker up and down, respectively.

Abstract: A system which can reliably prevent a worker from being caught in a door which is provided on a work machine. The system comprises a work machine which has an operable door, a door drive part which makes the door operate, a door controller which controls the door drive part, a robot which is provided so that at least part can enter and retract from the inside of the work machine when opening the door, and an entry detection part which detects a possibility of a person entering a predetermined zone which includes a range of operation of the robot. The door controller changes a command value to the door drive part which determines the speed of movement of the door when the entry detection part detects that possibility to a second command value which makes the speed of movement decrease.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a vehicle entry power system using structured light detection are described herein. The method may include waking up the vehicle entry power system utilizing keyfob detection, waking up a smart camera, turning on, by the smart camera, a laser diode, wherein the laser diode projects a light pattern on the ground for a predetermined period of time, stepping, by a user, on the light pattern, detecting, by the smart camera, a shape change in the light pattern, and signaling to the vehicle entry power system to activate a lift gate opening.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) comprises a safe enclosure in which ATM modules which require a relatively higher security level are housed. The ATM further comprises a first standard enclosure housing attached to a first side of the ATM, and in which ATM modules which require a relatively lower security level are housed. The ATM also comprises a support plate secured to bottom of the safe enclosure and to bottom of the first standard enclosure housing to structurally support both the safe enclosure and the first standard enclosure housing as a unit when the ATM is lifted and thereby to allow the ATM to be lifted without applying force to the first standard enclosure housing and thereby to prevent damage to the first standard enclosure housing.

Abstract: A storage safe formed from a flexible fabric having a generally rectangular closeable outer shell, at least one longitudinal cable conduit channel and at least one latitudinal cable conduit channels and a plurality of wire cables of predefined length substantially disposed within said cable conduit channels wherein said longitudinal and latitudinal cables traverse the interior surfaces of the outer shell and further wherein said wire cable ends extend beyond said cable conduit channels; adjustable cable locks in operative contact with each wire cable end; at least one storage container disposed within said outer shell, wherein the wire cables are positioned within said wire conduit channels are drawn down upon and tightened on said storage container to form a wire cage and said each adjustable cable lock engages the opposite end of said wire cables end to securely lock the wire cables in place and further comprising a plurality of voids on a lower surface thereof and a separate cable segment and adjustable lo

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a glazing assembly including a first glass substrate. A radiation shield covering, directly or indirectly, at least a part of a peripheral edge area of the first glass substrate. A dual junction solid-state heat flux sensor includes a first junction oriented in the assembly at a first location at which radiation from a radiation source is receivable through the first glass substrate; a second junction oriented in the assembly at a second location that is blocked from the radiation source by the radiation shield; and circuitry configured to generate a signal based on a differential between transduced voltages respectively generated at the first and second junctions. A control module may be configured to receive the signal and selectively generate an action responsive thereto.

Abstract: A high speed parallel manufacturing line for manufacturing insulated glass units, the manufacturing line including a front conveyor system, a back conveyor system, a shuttle mechanism that distributes glass lites to the front conveyor system and the back conveyor system, an insulated glass unit spacer applicator having a spacer dispensing head configured to apply perimeter spacer material to one of the glass lites, the spacer head being proportionally movable relative to the glass lite as the glass lite is conveyed on the front conveyor mechanism to apply the perimeter spacer material to create a spacer applied lite and a gas press. A secondary edge sealing unit has a first secondary edge sealing head and a second secondary edge sealing head, each of the first secondary edge sealing head and the second secondary edge sealing head applying edge sealant to portion of a perimeter of an insulated glass unit.

Abstract: A storage door weather strip assembly having a rubber strip, a plurality of tube holding brackets and a rigid tube. The tube has a horizontally disposed slit traveling its length. The brackets each have a C shaped member attached to a flat plate. The rubber strip includes a round cross section capable of sliding into the tube. The rubber strip also including a horizontally disposed rubber panel which terminates in an L shaped strip. The round cross section rubber portion slides into the tube. The horizontally disposed rubber panel protrudes from the slit in the tube. The tube holding brackets are mounted onto the front portion of the storage door along its bottom edge. The tube snaps into the brackets so that the lowest portion of the L shaped rubber strip touches the ground creating a weather tight seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for mounting a shaft of a screen, such as a window covering, on a surface such as a wall, window frame or a ceiling, wherein the device comprises a mounting bracket and a shaft holder, wherein the mounting bracket is configured for mounting on the surface and the shaft holder is attachable to the mounting bracket, wherein the shaft holder is provided with coupling means for coupling the shaft and the shaft holder in releasably attachable manner to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A motorized system for reeling and unreeling a flexible member on a roller tube between fully open wound and fully closed unwound conditions to minimize sound pressure level has a rotatable roller tube and a flexible member that winds on the tube. A d-c motor drives the tube through a gear reduction. The motor has a motor speed versus torque characteristic extending linearly from high maximum RPM, low minimum torque, to low minimum RPM high maximum torque with peak efficiency at a given RPM. The motor moves the member between the two positions at a motor speed less than the given peak efficiency RPM and less than 50% of high maximum RPM with efficiency less than 25% of peak efficiency, intentionally at a high torque and low efficiency. The motor has two or more modes each moving the member at predetermined different linear speed.

Abstract: A roofing ladder bracket and safety assembly adapted to be secured to a roof of a building comprising a base member and a clamping member configured as a ladder clamping mechanism for firmly securing a ladder to a roof of a building and including a safety mechanism to which a worker's safety equipment or a worker's tethered tool can be attached.

Abstract: A restraining system and method for detachably securing a ladder to a shoring or excavation support structure. The restraining assembly, primarily configured from an elongated flexible restraining material, includes a proximal member, possessing a fastener configured to removably attach onto either side rail of a ladder. The assembly further includes a distal member, possessing a fastener configured to removably attach to a shoring anchor located on the top portion of a shoring wall. The mediate portion of the restraining assembly is configured to concurrently retain both the proximal and distal members, including a tensioning means for the adjustment of the overall functional length of the restraining assembly. In particular embodiments, the restraining system includes a shoring or excavation support structure having at least one shoring wall that includes a multiplicity of shoring anchors attached at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A rotation unit includes a main shaft that is rotated around its longitudinal axis by a rotating motor. The main shaft includes a tubular outer shaft and an inner shaft arranged inside the outer shaft. The outer shaft is supported by a body of the rotation unit and is arranged to transmit axial forces, whereas the inner shaft is arranged to transmit rotation and torque. A rock drilling unit and method for rock drilling is also provided.

Abstract: A method for predicting an amount of axial motion of a drill bit having one or more cutters for drilling formation rock includes: receiving lithology data for the formation rock; receiving drilling parameters; calculating confined compressive strength (CCS) of the rock using the received information; calculating an area of cut into the formation rock by each of the one or more cutters; calculating an effective back rake of each of the one or more cutters; calculating a force applied to each of the one or more cutters using the CCS, the area of cut and the effective back rake of the one or more cutters, and by accounting for an orientation of each cutter with respect to a surface of the rock to be cut; and summing the calculated forces applied to each of the one or more cutters to calculate the weight on bit and torque on bit.