Abstract: Methods to reduce sticky and fluff induced rewinder breaks by reducing the adhesive character of adhesive materials, fluff and sticky contaminants in fibers are described. One method involves contacting the fibers with a composition containing at least one of each of a cellulase, a hemicellulase, a ?-glucosidase, a lipase, an esterase, a pectinase, a pectate lyase and a laccase for a sufficient time and in a sufficient amount to control the removal or controlling adhesive materials, fluff and sticky contaminants present in the fibers. Preferably, the fibers are recycled fibers originating from a variety of sources such as old corrugated containers, old newsprint, mixed office waste, and the like. Resulting paper products formed from the processed fibers are also described as well as methods to make them.

Abstract: A track-mounting assembly secures a longitudinally extending rail direction to a substrate and has a frame fixed to the substrate and a track plate fitted in the frame. A vertically throughgoing aperture of the frame has an inner edge formed by a longitudinally extending gauge surface directed transversely toward a field side of the assembly and a transversely oppositely directed and longitudinally extending field surface. The track plate carries the rail and has an outer edge is itself formed by a longitudinally extending field surface spacedly transversely confronting the gauge surface of the aperture and a longitudinally extending gauge surface spacedly transversely confronting the field surface of the aperture. The field surface of the track plate is of substantially greater area than the gauge surface of the aperture. An elastomeric mass fills between the frame and the track plate.

Abstract: A movable mat is formed from a plurality of elongate beams arranged in side-by-side relationship. The mat features a recessed area formed from a pair of adjacent notched beams. An elongate connector passes through both of the adjacent notched beams at the recessed area. A portion of the connector within the notch is surrounded by a rigid sleeve. At least one pocket is formed in an upper surface of one of the beams. A rotatable coupler is situated within the pocket. The mat may be moved by attaching lifting equipment to the connector at one of the recesses or to the coupler. To form a flooring system, a plurality of mats may be arranged adjacent each other on a surface of the ground.

Abstract: A void reducing asphalt membrane composition for asphalt pavements that includes: an asphalt binder; an elastomeric polymer; a wax modifier; and at least one of: i) fumed silica or fumed alumina; and ii) a saponified fatty acid and a resin acid gelling compound. The composition is resistant to flow when applied and migrates into hot mix asphalt in the area of the longitudinal joint to reduce air voids to 7% or less and reduce water permeability. The composition becomes tack-free quickly after application. The composition bonds to asphalt, concrete, brick, stone and metal.

Abstract: An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises plurality of panels, each panel comprising a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of top projections. The top projections form top side water drainage channels. The panels have edges, with the edges of one panel abutting the edges of adjacent panels, thereby forming a drainage path between adjacent panels. The panel edges have vertical support extensions that extend into the drainage paths between adjacent panels. The vertical support extensions have an upper surface for supporting an artificial turf assembly overlying the turf underlayment layer, and the panel edges having one or more complementary indentations corresponding to vertical support extensions of adjacent panels. When the panels move toward each other, thereby closing drainage paths between adjacent panels, the vertical support extensions are received in the corresponding indentations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction damper that has a unique load-displacement hysteresis characteristic such that, when the frictional coefficient between members that generate friction is smaller than the slope of an inclined surface, the friction damper is always returned to the original position thereof in a case where an external force is removed or remains at a level that does not exceed a threshold value. The V-groove friction damper includes: a V-groove member including a concave V-shaped groove; a V-shaped frictional contact member including a V-shaped frictional contact portion; a guide member configured to guide a left/right movement of the V-groove member; and an elastic compression unit installed on the guide member, and configured to elastically compress the V-shaped frictional contact member toward the V-groove member.

Abstract: A self-propelled warning device used for road safety includes a bracket, a warning sign mounted to an upper side of the bracket, and at least one driving mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a supporting leg, a driving unit, and a wheel. The supporting leg includes a receiving portion, the receiving portion defines an accommodating space. The driving unit is accommodated in the accommodating space. The wheel is mounted on the receiving portion and is drivingly connected to the driving unit. The wheel is driven by friction of the driving unit. The driving mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle distance advise system includes a first housing section including a first reflective strip and a first warning device connected to the first reflective strip, and a second housing section removably connected to the first housing section. The distance advise system may be connected to a vehicle and then set-up to alert other vehicle drivers of the presence of an immobilized vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Retractable Banner Adaptable device, meant to be assembled into a queue cartridge or post, and to deploy its retractable banner by coupling the male element thereof to the female of another cartridge or post. The retractable banner adaptable device comprises an adaptability system that can be adjusted into the shape of any post model and the girth of any given post infrastructure, thereby preventing the cartridge from being loose and from moving when the banner retractable system is activated. The utility model solves several problems, beginning with the topic of adaptability to any given post model, post contour and post girth thereto fixed. By being adaptable to any post model, one may use already existing infrastructures to assemble the cartridge with retractable mechanism. Another problem solved is the vulnerability of cartridges. By means of their safety mechanism, it is prevented that unauthorized individuals manipulate or destroy the internal mechanism.

Abstract: An exemplary vehicle gate assembly includes a base having a width extending laterally to provide a vehicle passage and a depth extending perpendicular to the width from a front edge to a back edge, the base configured to be positioned on top of a ground surface; a hinge post extending vertically from the base on a first lateral side of the vehicle passage; a latch post assembly extending vertically from the base on a second lateral side of the vehicle passage, wherein the latch post assembly includes first and second latch posts each having an inner face, the first and second latch posts spaced apart to form a latch post gap between the inner faces extending parallel with the width; and a barrier beam having a first end pivotally connected to the hinge post and a second end, wherein the barrier beam is movable between an open position to allow vehicles to cross the base through the vehicle passage and a closed position blocking the vehicle passage, wherein the second end of the barrier beam is disposed in the

Abstract: A barrier system is provided including a plurality of barrier members arranged in an end to end manner to form an elongate barrier structure. A first end barrier member is located at a first end of the elongate barrier structure and a second end barrier member is located at a second end of the elongate barrier structure. Each of the first and second end barrier members have base anchor means provided or associated with at least an outermost end thereof to anchor a base of the first and second end barrier members to a surface on which the barrier system is to be located in use. A pair of barrier members consisting of two adjacent barrier members, which are not the first and second end barrier members but which are adjacent to each of the same, are provided with channel means located on, at or adjacent at a top thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to make ski runs comprising a support structure; a first tiller; at least one tracksetting device; and a connection structure that couples the tracksetting device to the first tiller; the connection structure being configured to allow the free rotation about an axis, such as transverse to the advancing direction, of the tracksetting device with respect to the tiller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for removing fog using a hybrid-type anion generating device, the device including: a support body (100) configured to protect individual devices from external pressure; a solar panel (200) configured to charge electricity into a rechargeable battery; a fog sensor module (300) configured to analyze whether the fog in question is thick fog or thin fog; a hybrid-type anion generating device (400) configured to generate anions by means of a hybrid method; the smart control unit (500) configured to control the overall operation of the individual devices, and to perform control so that input fog data and system normality or abnormality data are transmitted to a firefighting control center; and a charge control module (600) configured to perform control so that any one of electricity generated by the solar panel and electricity supplied from a commercial power is selected and charged into the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A dredging tube system includes a tube unit and a plurality of spaced-apart sediment-trapping units. The tube unit includes a tube structure that has an inner surrounding surface surrounding a longitudinal axis. The sediment-trapping units are mounted fixedly on the inner surrounding surface and are arranged along the longitudinal axis. Each of the sediment-trapping units includes a plurality of sediment-trapping members that cooperatively form an annular ring structure. Each of the sediment-trapping members has an abutment portion that has a curved outer surface entirely abutting against the inner surrounding surface of the tube structure, and a projecting portion that extends radially and inwardly from the abutment portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a block structure for preventing sand erosion, more specifically to a block structure for preventing sand erosion, which is positioned in the sea, collects sand pushed into sea according to flow of low tide and pushes the collected sand toward coast or coastal side at high tide in coast or s-a near coast according to flow of wave.

Abstract: An apparatus intended for incorporation as a module within ground improvement pokers such as those already patented (U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,543 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,419,316) in order to enhance the field performance of those hydrodynamic compactors by either improving their ground penetration capability, and/or, maintaining or recovering the permeability of their outer seepage filtration element; involving a method which can be activated remotely at the operator's discretion, while those parent devices are at depth within the earth. This apparatus and method may have application in water well installations and reviving flow in oil wells.

Abstract: A method of treatment of foundation soil beneath a structure, comprising treating the foundation soil with an ionic treatment agent, and treating the foundation soil with a soil stabiliser to stabilise the foundation soil.

Abstract: Methods of lifting structures such as a wall of a building. A fluid that is under pressure is injected beneath the base of the wall. The pressure of the injected fluid acts against the base of the wall to lift the wall vertically. In some embodiments, a supplemental lifting force mechanism can be attached to the wall to apply a supplemental lifting force to the wall that acts together with the lifting force applied by the injected fluid. The supplemental lifting force “lightens” the wall, reducing the amount of lifting force required to be applied to the wall by the injected fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses to measure a concrete foundation from within the concrete in order to maintain the foundation in a controlled flat condition over time we disclosed. A method, for example, may include placing a conduit network inside forms of a concrete foundation, documenting the conduit network in X and Y coordinate system, pouring the concrete foundation with the conduit network inside the concrete in generally the same position, passing an elevation measuring sensor through the conduit network to record a baseline elevation of the conduit and using this baseline for relative comparisons in the future. An embodiment of a method also may include using the relative change in the conduit elevation to predict the relative risk of a repair and financial losses and using the relative change in the conduit elevation to assist in the proper repair and maintenance of the foundation.

Abstract: Methods of lifting structures such as a wall of a building. A fluid that is under pressure is injected beneath the base of the wall. The pressure of the injected fluid acts against the base of the wall to lift the wall vertically. In some embodiments, a supplemental lifting force mechanism can be attached to the wall to apply a supplemental lifting force to the wall that acts together with the lifting force applied by the injected fluid. The supplemental lifting force “lightens” the wall, reducing the amount of lifting force required to be applied to the wall by the injected fluid.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a bucket which can perform a tilting operation with a hydraulic oil, a valve adjusting a flow rate of the hydraulic oil having the bucket perform the tilting operation, an electromagnetic proportional control valve generating a pilot pressure guided to the valve, a controller outputting a current to the electromagnetic proportional control valve, and a first sensor for detecting the tilting operation. The controller detects a horizontal state of the bucket based on an output from the first sensor. The controller adjusts a value for the current output to the electromagnetic proportional control valve after the horizontal state of the bucket is detected, and starts calibration of data for predicting an operation speed of the bucket in the tilting operation.

Abstract: A shovel may include a lower travelling body, an upper swinging body mounted on the lower travelling body, an excavation attachment attached to the upper swinging body, an orientation detecting device configured to detect an orientation of the excavation attachment, and a controller. The controller may have a ground surface shape information obtaining part that obtains information relating to a current shape of an excavation target ground surface based on a transition of the orientation of the excavation attachment detected by the orientation detecting device, and an excavation controlling part that controls the excavation attachment based on the information relating to the current shape of the excavation target ground surface obtained by the ground surface shape information obtaining part.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for construction machinery, includes an accumulator to accumulate a high-pressure hydraulic oil discharged from a boom cylinder for driving a boom of the construction machinery, a hydraulic pump connected to the accumulator and driven by the high-pressure hydraulic oil, a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of the accumulator, and a control unit connected to the accumulator and the hydraulic motor and configured to control operations of the accumulator and the hydraulic motor, and having a determiner that receives a pressure value of the accumulator and number of revolution of the hydraulic motor to determine whether or not the hydraulic motor fails when the hydraulic oil accumulated in the accumulator is supplied to the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A working machine includes a vehicle body configured to be coupled to a working device, a prime mover disposed on the vehicle body and configured to change a maximum output, and a control device configured to control the prime mover, the control device having a change obtaining part configured to obtain a change command to change the maximum output of the prime mover. The control device is configured to change the maximum output when the change obtaining part obtains the change command.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a work implement; a cab having a front pillar located at the work implement side; a display unit provided along the front pillar, the display unit being configured to display work assistance information to be overlaid on an actual view of a work site; a display unit provided along the front pillar at a position different from the display unit, the display unit being configured to display work assistance information to be overlaid on the actual view of the work site; and a display controller configured to control displaying on the display units.

Abstract: An implement assembly includes an implement having a forward edge and an edge protection system. The edge protection system includes at least one edge shroud having a lower leg that includes a lower end and a lower end inner surface, an upper leg, and a wedge portion, the upper leg including an upper end portion and a connecting portion. The upper end portion has an upper end inner portion that may be angled to the lower end inner surface and/or a horizontal plane extending between the upper leg and the lower leg. The system also includes a boss assembly structured to couple the edge shroud to the implement, and including a pry boss. The angle of the upper end inner surface may be such that a clearance is formed between the upper end inner surface and the pry boss when moving the edge shroud forward in a disengaging direction relative to the implement. The clearance reduces frictional force opposing movement of the edge shroud in the disengaging direction.

Abstract: An implement assembly includes an implement having a forward edge and an edge protection system. The edge protection system includes at least one edge shroud having a lower leg that includes a lower end and a lower end inner surface, an upper leg, and a wedge portion, the upper leg including an upper end portion and a connecting portion. The upper end portion has an upper end inner portion that may be angled to the lower end inner surface and/or a horizontal plane extending between the upper leg and the lower leg. The system also includes a boss assembly structured to couple the edge shroud to the implement, and including a pry boss. The angle of the upper end inner surface may be such that a clearance is formed between the upper end inner surface and the pry boss when moving the edge shroud forward in a disengaging direction relative to the implement. The clearance reduces frictional force opposing movement of the edge shroud in the disengaging direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device to collect rain water, and during favorable conditions, condense humidity out from the air during night time by using a foldable membrane and a hose to bring the water out to a transport container. To obtain mobility the supporting walls of the equipment are inflatable and may be temporarily connected to the ground but also to a boat or similar when floating.

Abstract: An atmospheric water generation system with high efficiency is based on a counter flowing heat exchanger including multiple cold channels, each cold channel surrounded by multiple hot channels. The hot and warm gases flow in opposite directions, allowing the cool dry air to contribute to cooling the warm humid air to the dew point. Thermoelectric or passive cooling of the warm humid air, and hydrophobic surfaces in a cyclone structure also contribute in increasing the efficiency of the water generation system.

Abstract: Device for collecting water vapor from air as liquid water. Included is a refrigerant compressor circulating refrigerant through a controlled dimensioned condenser into a tubing loop. A portion of the tubing loop functions as a condenser. This tube conveys the pressurized refrigerant through an expansion valve. The refrigerant pressure and temperature decreases. Ambient water vapor collects on the exterior surface of the cooled section of tube now functioning as an evaporator. The water drops from the tube surface into a reservoir for use. The tube loop extends through a multiport control valve. The control valve can direct the refrigerant pumped from the compressor into alternate ends of the tubing loop. The device can include a power supply and microprocessor controlling the generator and valves. The device may utilize a switch that detects water or ice deposits on the tube. The device can comprise a moveable frame supporting all above components.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant aerator including an aerator cartridge, an insert defining at least one removal slot, and a locking ring defining at least one removal slot at least partially disposed within a housing is disclosed. The locking ring rotates with respect to the housing to allow alignment of the removal slot of the locking ring with the removal slot of the insert. Alignment of the slots form a continuous passageway through the locking ring and into the insert. Alternatively, a plurality of removal slots may be provided. A mating engagement between the locking ring and the housing secures the locking ring within the housing while still allowing it to rotate with respect to the housing. An aerator system is also provided comprising an aerator as described above and a tool adapted to be received in the continuous passageway formed by the alignment of the slots and engage the insert.

Abstract: A device used to conceal at least a portion of a wastewater strainer associated with a bathtub. More specifically, a plate having an opening therethrough is used to overlap a flange of the wastewater strainer wherein the opening in the plate generally coincides with an opening in the wastewater strainer so that the bathtub drain is unobstructed. The plate may include a downwardly extending lip to help facilitate orientation onto the flange of the wastewater strainer. The plate conceals the wastewater strainer, thereby facilitating reconfiguration of a bathtub as the existing wastewater strainer need not be removed and the plumbing system retested.

Abstract: A toilet bowl pressure flushing system with shock wave flushing is a compact rigid unit made by a fixed connection of: a rigid body of a pressure module containing at least one gas hydraulic accumulator and one downstream flow tank connected by at least one connection opening; an overflow pipe; an automatic hydraulic valve module comprising a core, an inlet and outlet elements of the automatic hydraulic valve, where the inlet element of the automatic hydraulic valve is connected to the outlet of the flow tank and where the outlet element of the automatic hydraulic valve feeds into the overflow pipe. At the same time it comprises an inlet from the pressure water supply that feeds into the rigid body of the pressure module or into the automatic hydraulic valve module.

Abstract: A robotic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a dirty object includes a cleaning head and an articulated body. The articulated body is coupled to the cleaning head and mountable to the dirty object. The body has one or more actuators that collectively move the cleaning head into contact with surfaces of the dirty object. The one or more actuators, when activated, collectively rotate the cleaning head relative to the dirty object about first and second axes, and translate the cleaning head relative to the dirty object along an extension axis. A method of robotically cleaning is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid collection and retention system is provided. In some embodiments, the system is integrated with and comprises a retaining wall structure, and the retaining wall structure forms at least a portion of an enclosed volume of a module for collecting and storing fluid. Various features of a fluid retention module and related supporting structures are also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a threshold drain 31 is disclosed. The drain 31 extends alongside an exterior wall 4 of a building and is formed in an exterior surface 36. The building has an interior floor 21 with the exterior surface 36 and the interior floor 21 being substantially flush to permit traymobile, wheelchair and invalid access. In a single concrete pour, the drain gutter 31, exterior surface 36, interior floor 21 and a gutter 40 are all formed. The gutter has an exterior side wall 39 which supports a plurality of triangular cantilever arms 43. A support frame 42 having two longitudinally extending rims 51,52 is supported by the arms 43 and releasably receives a grate 32 between the rims 51, 52. The inner rim 51 is spaced from the wall 24 of the building, preferably by 10-12 mm (?-½ inch), so as to provide a barrier to moisture in accordance with the Building Code of New Zealand standard set out in Clause E2 External Moisture. The drain 31 is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drain pipe end cap comprising a fitting, for connection to the end of a drain pipe, and at least one gate, for allowing water and debris flow but deterring animal incursions.

Abstract: A modular unit for forming a multiple member joint includes: an elongate body; a bracket attached adjacent an end of the elongate body, the bracket located around a longitudinal axis of the modular unit; a plurality of connectors associated with the bracket with a position retention mechanism, the plurality of connectors extending from the end of the elongate body parallel to a longitudinal axis of the modular unit; and one or more connector joints attached at a distal end of the plurality of connectors, wherein the one or more connector joints are adapted to join with one or more connector joints of connectors extending from connectors of an adjoining modular unit.

Abstract: A connection device for supporting a plurality of beams comprising a plate, a first side support and a second side support, with each side support including a top portion extending from the plate in a first direction and a bottom portion extending from the plate in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. Included are a first guide and a second guide with each guide attaching to the plate and each side support. Each guide includes a top portion extending from the plate in the first direction and a bottom portion extending from the plate in the second direction. The plate, the top portion of each side support, and the top portion of each guide define a top cavity shaped to accept one of the beams. Further, the plate, the bottom portion of each side support, and the bottom portion of each guide define a bottom cavity shaped to accept one of the beams.

Abstract: Structural frame for supporting at least one slanted section of a high-rise building, the slanted section comprising a perimeter and plurality of floors, wherein the structural frame is arranged at the perimeter of the slanted section; the structural frame closes the perimeter of the slanted section; and at least 85% of the loads of the floors in the slanted section are transferred to the structural frame at the perimeter of the slanted section. A high-rise building comprising at least one slanted section and a support frame for supporting the at least one slanted section is also provided.

Abstract: A joist hanger includes a joist retention member, one or more flanges disposed at a top portion of the joist retention member, and a bracket having at least one arm thereof coupled to at least one or more flanges. A system for constructing a structure having a defined fire-rating along a wall that has a top plate and at least one vertical support member can include a joist hanger and fire resistant construction material. The joist hanger can include a joist retention member, a flange coupled to the joist retention member, and a bracket coupled to the flange. The flange is selectively attached to the top plate of the wall. The bracket at least partially defines a space between the vertical support member and the joist retention member, the fire resistant construction material being disposed within the space. The bracket is selectively attached to one or more of the vertical support member or the fire resistant construction material by an attachment mechanism.

Abstract: Various implementations include methods and apparatuses for connecting concrete structural elements, such as pre-cast concrete structural elements. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a first concrete structural element into which a first duct is pre-cast, a second concrete structural element into which a second duct is pre-cast, and a duct coupler that couples the first duct in fluid communication with the second duct and prevents adhesive from flowing into the first or second duct when the first and second concrete structural elements are coupled together. In another implementation, a method of forming a concrete structural element includes disposing at least a portion of a duct within a form for receiving poured concrete, disposing a duct holder through an opening in the form and coupling the duct holder with the duct to hold the duct in position within the form during pouring, and removing the duct holder after the concrete hardens.

Abstract: An anchor rod support comprises a support having a floor and legs extending downwardly from the floor with openings between the legs; and the support including threads for attaching thereto an anchor rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems for providing a durable water-resistant and fire-resistant foam-based seal in the joint between adjacent panels. A fire-resistant and water-resistant expansion joint seal is provided which includes one more foam members and a plurality of intumescent members interspersed within the foam member or members to provide a spring recovery force and fire resistance.

Abstract: A fire-rated angle piece and wall assemblies or other assemblies that incorporate the fire-rated angle piece, in which the angle piece can include an intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The angle can be attached adjacent to a corner of a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed between the framing member and a wall board member at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. A fire spray material can be applied over a portion of the angle piece.

Abstract: A securing clip for installation of flooring elements on a supporting element having a guiding groove for engagement with the securing clip, the securing clip having a cross section of a double-flange T type with an upper flange, a web and a lower flange, the upper flange being adapted to be engaged on its both sides with neighboring flooring elements, wherein the upper flange (2, 2?) comprises at least two parts (2a, 2b; 2a?, 2b?) located on the opposite sides of the web (3, 3?) and the lower flange (4, 4?) comprises lips (5, 5?) extending beyond each end the web (3, 3?) in the direction along the web (5, 5?), the lips (5, 5?) being adapted to be blocked in the guiding groove (6), and in that at least the upper flange (2, 2?) is made of elastic material. A system for installation of flooring elements, the system comprising at least one securing clip (1, 1?) according to the invention and at least one supporting element (7).

Abstract: An acoustic ceiling tile and a dynamic acoustic ceiling system that includes multiple ceiling tiles that can be quickly and easily installed onto ceiling structures utilizing attached or embedded magnetic assemblies to provide an aesthetically pleasing image, such as an fluctuating image, along with a reduction in unwanted noise or room acoustics, wherein the attached or embedded magnetic assemblies are configured to be removed from the ceiling tile, and then configured to be easily placed or located onto a different location on the ceiling tile as needed, to allow for optimal installation of the ceiling tile onto the ceiling structure.

Abstract: A component is a building block having a pair of parallel load-bearing concrete side walls separated by a gap and joined by crossed metal ties which bridge the gap. The outer faces of the side walls can be covered with a decorative finish such as stone. The blocks have an added end wall which enables pillars to be built. The method of casting the blocks utilizes a collapsible metal mold which permits the side walls to be stepped.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include structural decking systems with at least a four-layered seam and methods for manufacturing and assembling structural decking systems with at least four-layered seams. The decking panels may be provided with an edge having an exposed “male lip” with two layers, and an opposite edge having a “female lip” with two layers. Individual panels may be coupled together by placing the female lip of a first panel over the male lip of an adjacent panel, thus creating an unjoined seam. In order to couple the panels together, the panels may be secured through various couplings configurations. The couplings may be formed by deforming, cutting, and/or welding the seam. Not only do the couplings help prevent vertical separation between adjacent panels, the couplings minimize lateral shifting along the seam, and ensure a desired level of shear strength in the seam and across the structural decking system.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing wall structures having high racking strength are described in this specification. The methods include spray applying a foam-forming composition into a cavity of a wall structure, wherein the wall structure is disposed in a climate-controlled spray application station and allowing the foam-forming material to expand within at least a portion of the cavity to form a foam layer deposited in the cavity. In the methods, the foam layer is formed in-situ during the manufacturing method, and the density of the foam layer is selected and the relative humidity and dew point of the air in the climate-controlled spray application station throughout the spray applying is selected so that the wall structure has a racking strength of at least 500 pounds per linear foot.