Abstract: A hydraulic expandable connector for taking up a slack in a tie rod in a hold-down system includes an inner cylindrical body disposed within an outer cylindrical body; a first actuation spring operably attached to the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body to urge relative motion between the inner cylindrical body and the outer cylindrical body such that the connector expands axially to take up the slack; a first chamber and a second chamber disposed between an outer wall surface of the inner cylindrical body and an inner wall surface of the outer cylindrical body; a first passageway communicating between the first chamber and the second chamber; and a valve operably disposed in the first passageway in an open position when the connector expands and a closed position when the connector is subjected to an axial load.

Abstract: A nacelle of a wind turbine, the nacelle comprising a rear frame structure (1) comprising a plurality of truss members (2), and a plurality of pivot joints (3). Each pivot joint (3) interconnects ends of at least two truss members (2), thereby forming a truss structure with the pivot joints (3) arranged in node points of the truss structure. At least some of the pivot joints (3) are adjustable in such a manner that an angle between two truss members (2) being interconnected via a pivot joint (3) is adjustable by means of the pivot joint (3). Nacelles of varying dimensions can be provided using a limited number of basis components in the form of truss members (2) and pivot joints (3). The pivot joints (3) are moment neutral, and therefore bending moments are not introduced into the truss members (2).

Abstract: A veneer tie for use in a wall to join a veneer wall to an inner wall. The veneer tie includes an attachment portion and an insertion portion. The attachment portion has a loop defining an opening configured to receive a fastener to secure the attachment portion to the inner wythe. The attachment portion is compressively reduced in a direction that is generally normal to the opening. The insertion portion is fixed to the attachment portion and extends in a direction transverse of the attachment portion. The insertion portion is configured for attachment to the veneer wall.

Abstract: A sheet metal connector is provided for connecting a brick wall to a second structural member, the connector is received in the mortar joint of the brick wall and is connected to second structural member. The connector is provided with zones of controlled bending and controlled stiffness to allow for controlled bending of the connector in the field.

Abstract: An acoustic tile, methods of forming and installing the same, and a frame for such are provided. The acoustic tile includes a substantially planar board, where the board can include fiberglass. A frame, which can include a plurality of frame segments, is disposed about a portion of a periphery of the substantially planar board. The frame is coupled to the board where an edge of the board is disposed within a channel of the frame. The frame imparts a majority of the dimensional stability of the acoustic tile, where the frame can include one of extruded metal, extruded plastic, and pultruded fiberglass. The acoustic tile includes a mounting point on the frame configured for coupling the frame to the building surface. A wrapping can be included that substantially covers a face of the board. The acoustic tile can function to absorb, block, or diffuse sound energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fire protection device for hung back-ventilated facades, comprising a closure element which is designed to close a gap in a hung back-ventilated facade in the event of a fire, and which can be moved between an open position and a closed position, wherein a tension element is provided which impinges the closure element into the closed position and which can be moved between a pretensioned position and a closing position, wherein the closure element is retained in the pretensioned position by means of a securing element, wherein the securing element is designed in such a way that it releases the closure element when a temperature threshold value is exceeded.

Abstract: A fire protective fastening system connects a non-load bearing wall to a truss. A fire protective interface is disposed between a top plate structure and a load bearing member. Fasteners connect between the load bearing member and a non-load bearing member to form a floating connection between the non-load bearing member and the load bearing member. The fire protective medium may take a number of forms including a batt of mineral wool, an intumescent tape and an elongated barrier formed of light gauge metal or spring steel.

Abstract: Environmentally responsible insulating construction blocks and structures constructed primarily of recycled materials are disclosed. The environmentally friendly construction blocks and structures comprise shredded rubber tire pieces coated with silica fume, slag cement and cement, which are then mixed with water and formed in a mold. A layer of grout or a fireproof material may be disposed on one side of the environmentally responsible insulating construction block. The environmentally responsible insulating construction blocks provide high insulation as well as strength for applications such as green roofing, wall construction and green roofing decks. Environmentally friendly structures can be built by pouring the coated shredded rubber tire pieces into molds to form walls, and then to pour a layer of the coated shredded rubber tire pieces as a roof deck, thereby creating a self-supporting structure in a monolithic pour.

Abstract: This disclosure provides interlocking blocks that can be connected on any side to form a structure, wall, foundation, floor, building, flotation device, gardening structure, or toy. The interlocking blocks typically comprise center openings and connecting openings on each side and can be connected with hardware through the connecting openings. The center openings allow for materials such as pipes, wires, conduit, and rebar to pass through interlocked blocks. Connected blocks can also be filled with fortifying material to strengthen the structure. Sides of connected blocks can be covered with faceplates to direct flow of fortifying material and aid in the creation of desired configurations. Also provided are connectors for connecting sides of the interlocking blocks.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods for use in constructing new structures, including post frame structures. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods for replacing traditional wood and/or precast concrete columns utilized in building a new construction foundation, with a height adjustable foundation column assembly constructed from a corrosion resistant material. The present disclosure also relates to reinforcement devices, systems and methods useful for reinforcing existing post frame structures, particularly those with framing elements requiring repair.

Abstract: An extrusion structure including a central body extending along a longitudinal axis; a first arm body secured to the central body and extending along the longitudinal axis; a second arm body secured to the central body and extending along the longitudinal axis; a first head body secured to the first arm body and extending along the longitudinal axis; and a second head body secured to the second arm body along the longitudinal axis; and wherein the first and second head bodies projecting one towards the other and being spaced apart by a gap, the first head body having a first internal face facing the central body, the second head body having a second internal face facing the central body, and the first and second internal faces being either straight and coplanar or inwardly inclined towards the central body.

Abstract: An RC lattice beam is provided that can greatly dampen the transfer of vibrations in particular. As the concrete included in the RC lattice beam is polymer concrete that contains a polymer, fine-scale vibrations that may otherwise affect exposure apparatuses may be effectively dampened, while the depth of the conventional lattice beam may be kept the same. Thus, a high-damping RC lattice beam is provided that is capable of maximizing the performance of a precision exposure apparatus by reducing the defect rate and improving productivity.

Abstract: A cementitious composite includes a structure layer, a cementitious material, a water-impermeable sealing layer, and a containment layer. The structure layer has a first side and an opposing second side. The structure layer defines a plurality of open spaces. The cementitious material includes a plurality of cementitious particles disposed within the plurality of open spaces of the structure layer. The water-impermeable sealing layer is disposed along the first side of the structure layer. The containment layer is disposed along the opposing second side of the structure layer. The containment layer is positioned to prevent the plurality of cementitious particles from migrating out of the structure layer through the containment layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus to reduce the amount of time required to assemble an array of construction reinforcing bars wherein a consistent gap is present between the reinforcing bars and the height of the exposed end of the reinforcing bars is substantially identical while simultaneously covering the exposed ends of the reinforcing bars to prevent injuries to nearby individuals that may come into contact with the exposed ends of the reinforcing bars.

Abstract: An improved roof ridge cover. The roof ridge cover is formed to give the visual appearance of multiple shingles. The edges of the roof ridge cover wrap around existing roof shingles. The cover is stone coated to provide similar appearance to the adjacent roof shingle surfaces. Optional venting material may be used under the cover to allow air to vent from the attic thereby allowing the attic to breathe, although the vent material is sufficiently dense to prevent insects and bugs from passing through the vent material.

Abstract: The present application provides a roofing assembly (300). The roofing assembly (300) comprises: a support frame (310, 320); a window panel (350) supported on the support frame; a roof covering (319, 364) having an inner surface facing the support frame (310, 320) and extending over the support frame (310, 320) to a boundary of the window panel (350); and a sealing adaptor (360) comprising a sealing portion (430) having a sealing surface (432) for forming a seal against the window panel (350), and a retaining portion (410) defining a retaining recess (420) formed to retain an end of the roof covering (319, 364) therein. The retaining portion (410) comprises a lip region (422) for contacting the inner surface of the roof covering (319, 364) when the end of the roof covering (319, 364) is received in the retaining recess (420). The retaining recess (420) is provided between the lip region (422) and the sealing surface (432).

Abstract: A downspout cord or the like conveyance device and method, comprised of a sufficiently heavy and at least partially rolling mass, preferably that rotates around an axle which is connected to a harness and to which a cord or the like may be attached and pulled down a bent downspout largely by the force of gravity.

Abstract: An Internet-based system for helping building management team members in significant ways: (i) predicting and forecasting when excessive snow load conditions present serious risks to a building's structure; (ii) receiving automatic notifications when snow load conditions are developing at specific regions on a building rooftop to warrant intervention and automated mitigation through the use of VR-guided snow removing robot systems; (iii) collecting various forms of intelligence about conditions developing on and about a building rooftop and storing such information with annotations for use in supporting intelligent decision making processes; (iv) quickly, efficiently and safely removing dangerous risk-presenting snow load conditions on a building rooftop while minimizing risk to human workers and increasing building operating efficiency; and (v) automatically removing excessive snow load conditions at specified regions on a building's rooftop.

Abstract: Drywall made with a pre-formed facer layer, pre-formed to have a well-defined depression along the side edge portion of the drywall. When the pre-formed paper is applied to the drywall core, the resulting sheet of drywall has a well-defined depressed edge portion for receiving mud and drywall tape. The facer layer is pre-formed by passing the semi-solid paper slurry beneath an embossing roller which includes a raised circumferential rib on each side of the roller, and preferably at least one raised crossbar. As the semi-solid paper slurry passes beneath embossing roller, a depressed side edge is formed along each side edge portion of the paper, and preferably a wider lateral depression is formed across the width of the paper every 8, 10 or 12 feet along the length of paper as it is pressed by roller.

Abstract: A framing system includes a corner bracket having a first planar portion and a second planar portion. The first planar portion and the second planar portion are configured to at least partially receive a corner post therebetween. The corner bracket also includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion is attachable to a first joist of a deck. The second attachment portion is attachable to a second joist of the deck. The framing system also includes a corner profile attachable to the corner bracket and the corner post. The framing system further includes at least one horizontal profile attachable to the corner profile. The framing system also includes at least one panel attachable to the corner profile.

Abstract: A method for installing repurposed bottle caps in the form of a tile construction sheet to a prepared support surface such as a kitchen, “wet bar”, or bar, backsplash. In addition these sheets can be made to accommodate installation in various other applications including bartops and table tops. Each sheet will exhibit a number of evenly spaced bottle caps affixed to a mesh woven substrate layer that is made to accept these bottle caps in a perpetual stationary state and which allows for installation to a fixed surface in a timely manner using industry standard materials and practices.

Abstract: A vertical joint system for substrates is formed with joints and which engaged by relative motion in a direction perpendicular to major surfaces and of the substrate. The joints are configured to enable relative rotation of up to 3 degrees while maintaining engagement of the joints. The joints and are further configured to form two locking planes one on each of the inner and outer most sides of the joint. Engagement about the locking planes is provided by transverse outward extending surfaces. At least one surface in each pair of engaging surfaces is smoothly curved. The joints and can be further arranged to provide a third locking plane parallel to and between the locking planes. The joints are disengaged by combination of a downward rotation of one joint relative the other then application of a downward force.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system comprising tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other and configured such that the protrusions can obtain a vertically unlocked position where they match the cavities and a vertically locked position where the protrusions overlap each other.

Abstract: A grid plate for laying mosaic tile preferably includes a grid plate member and detachable tile trowels and/or depth tools. The grid plate member includes a plurality of transverse strips, a plurality of lengthwise strips, and a plurality of retention elements. The plurality of transverse and lengthwise cross strips form a grid pattern. It is preferable that a top of the plurality of transverse and lengthwise strips be brought to an edge to facilitate the distribution of thinset. The plurality of retention elements are integrally molded into the grid pattern to secure the grid plate to a tile cavity.

Abstract: A resilient fixing element (1) for releasingly connecting a skirting board with a floor covering, the fixing element (1) comprising a first arm (2) to be located under the floor covering, a second arm (3) to be located over the floor covering and to be engaged with the skirting board, and a connecting face (4) connecting the first arm (2) with the second arm (3), the fixing element (1) further comprising at least one resilient abutment element (6, 6?) located in an internal space between the arms (2, 3), characterized in that the at least one resilient abutment element (6, 6?) may take a first position in which it is constrained and blocked lying along the connecting face (4) and a second position in which it is extended into said internal space, wherein the fixing element (1) is CM provided with at least one engagement means (7) enabling to block the abutment element (6, 6?) in its first position and to release the abutment element (6, 6?) into its second position.

Abstract: A machine for distributing unbonded loosefill insulation material through a hose connected thereto is disclosed. The machine includes a fluidizer having one or more air knives for conditioning the loosefill material as it is being applied.

Abstract: This is a leveling device that is capable to bring to the same level two or more tiles with which the leveling device is placed in contact.

Abstract: A method of constructing a structure in which an item is to be installed at an elevated height on the structure. Hoists are hung from the structure. A platform is moved from ground level and positioned at a first elevated position between ground level and the hoists. The platform is attached to the hoists at the first elevated position. After the platform has been attached to the hoists, the item is moved onto the platform. The item is lifted on the platform to a second elevated position for installation at the elevated height on the structure and the item is installed at the elevated height.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a load bearing ledger fitting, a modular header beam, a perimeter safety deck, a multi-purpose bearing plate, and a mega-shore bearing plate of an integrated construction system.

Abstract: A system for forming a concrete porch and steps comprises a reusable metal corner porch form and a plurality of reusable metal straight porch forms, which may have different lengths. Parallel planar abutments of the straight forms are shaped and sized to abut one of the first and second planar abutments of the corner porch form. Each form has fastener-receiving holes through which fasteners are inserted to fasten and immobilize the forms during the concrete pouring and setting. The system includes a plurality of step-forming stringers each having a horizontal member and a pair of spaced-apart polygonal risers affixed to the horizontal member wherein each riser has a plurality of fastener-receiving holes for fastening the stringers during the concrete pouring and setting.

Abstract: A mast arm for a large-scale manipulator is disclosed. The mast arm includes a turntable rotatable about a vertical axis, a two-point lever enclosing at least one cavity, and a plurality of mast arm segments. The plurality of mast arm segments are pivotable at articulated joints about articulation axes relative to an adjacent mast arm segment or the turntable via a respective drive unit. At least one of the respective drive units is fastened to a first mast arm segment and acts via the two-point lever on a second mast arm segment or on the turntable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a climbing shoe for a climbing safety screen, comprising: a support member for engaging a climbing rail of the climbing safety screen; a fork member with a first flange and a second flange; an outer member pivotally connected to the first flange and second flange about a transverse axis; an inner member mounted to the outer member and pivotable about a longitudinal axis with respect to the outer member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a safety screen comprising: a plurality of screen members vertically arranged above one another; two longitudinal carriers pivotally connected to the screen members, wherein in a first operating position, the longitudinal carriers extend vertically and the screen members extend horizontally, and wherein in a second operating position, the longitudinal carriers are inclined sideward from vertical and the screen members extend horizontally, offset from one another horizontally.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: A wave generating system can include a water channel for creating a flow of water to produce a standing wave. A water return passageway can circulate the water back to the inlet of the water channel. One or more pipes can extend under the water channel for circulating the water. A water storage chamber can be positioned below the water channel. Water can be stored in the space between the one or more pipes, and the storage water can be isolated from the water being circulated in the system. The system can produce a hydraulic circuit with hydraulic continuity so that water can be efficiently circulated through the water channel and water return passageway. The system can be modular.

Abstract: A swimming pool assembly, including a swimming pool body defining a pool top edge and an oppositely disposed bottom pool floor member connected by at least one pool wall and having a shallow deck portion and a support structure for providing support to the deck portion operationally connected to the deck portion and extending away from the pool top edge. The support structure further includes a support structure floor member, at least one support structure wall member extending therefrom and connected to the shallow deck portion to define an enclosure, and at least one fluid access aperture formed through the support structure wall member to provide fluidic communication with the enclosure.

Abstract: This patent is directed to a system and method of winterizing pools. A skimmer plug is inserted into a skimmer and a container is attached to the skimmer plug in order to winterize the skimmer.

Abstract: A pool cleaning assembly for cleaning an above ground pool includes a hose that may be fluidly coupled to an intake of a filtration unit of a pool thereby facilitating the filtration unit of the pool to generate suction in the hose. A first tube is selectively and fluidly coupled to the hose to generate suction in the first tube when the hose is fluidly coupled to the intake. A plurality of second tubes is provided and each of the second tubes is selectively and fluidly coupled to the hose to extend a length of the hose. A plurality of cleaning attachments is provided and each of the cleaning attachments is selectively and fluidly coupled to the hose. Each the cleaning attachments is manipulated for cleaning an inside surface of a pool. A holding unit is provided and a pool filter is positioned thereon for cleaning the pool filter.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a first area, a second area, and a first set of one or more perforations positioned on a first side of the flood vent panel in a location in-between the first area and the second area. The perforations are configured to break when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the second area. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The break is configured to completely separate the second area from the first area so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A socket mounted post system including a post with a hollow base portion attached to a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a pillar, the pillar having a finger extending from the hollow base portion. The finger is engageable with a socket that is mountable in a floor. The spring mechanism allows the post to flex angularly relative to a vertical orientation of the post.

Abstract: A support device for supporting at least one person located on it includes a stiff frame, which comprises a plurality of structural elements and a plurality of supporting elements. Securing means are provided for securing the stiff frame to roof bars of a motor vehicle. A plurality of rotatable arms is provided, each of which is hinged in a specific supporting element and is rotatable from a rest position into an operating position, and vice versa. Locking means are provided for locking the rotatable arms in an operating position. A cloth, on which said at least one person can be supported has connecting means by which it is connectable to the rotatable arms. The direction of longitudinal extension of each supporting element is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stiff frame and each rotatable arm is made of two portions inclined with respect to each other.

Abstract: A foldable vehicle roof tent, comprising a base, a top portion support rack and a middle portion support rack. The middle portion support rack comprises a connecting frame, middle supporting rods and top supporting rods. One end of the connecting frame is hingedly connected to a front end of the base, and the other end is hingedly connected to a rear end of the top portion support rack. A rear end middle portion of the base is provided with a connecting base, one end of each middle supporting rod is rotatably arranged on the connecting base, and the other ends of the middle supporting rods are symmetrically matched on two sides of the end of the connecting frame connected to the top portion support rack. The top supporting rods are symmetrically arranged on two sides of the connecting frame.

Abstract: An awning arm assembly is provided that includes inner and outer arms. A joint is provided that has an axle, e.g., any structure about which rotation can be provided coupled with one of the inner arm and the outer arm and a hollow body disposed about the axle. The hollow-body is coupled with the other of the inner arm and the outer arm. The hollow body is coupled with the axle such that when the outer arm moves relative to the inner arm the angle between the hollow body and the axle (and thereby the inner and outer arms) is adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-use cover. More particularly, the present invention relates to a covering system that is easy to deploy and does not require tie downs. The covering system uses an expandable hose attached to a covering material. To deploy the cover over an object to be protected, the expandable hose is filled with a filling material such as air or water, and once the cover is over the entire object to be protected, the filling material is removed from the hose, causing the cover to contract snugly over the object to be protected. To remove the cover, the hose is once again filled with filling material until it can be removed from the object. For efficient storage of the cover, the filling material can be completely removed from the hose.

Abstract: A tent system including a first tent section having a first transition border. The first transition border is configured to receive a first support member at a first transition height. The first transition border has a first transition width. A first transition section is defined by the first transition border and a second transition border. The second transition border is configured to receive a second support member at a second transition height. The second transition border has a second transition width that is less than the first transition width. A flexible roof is configured to cover the first tent section and the first transition section. The flexible roof is configured to be supported by at least the first support member and second support member. The flexible roof is configured to cover the tent system.

Abstract: A device for attaching flexible, flat fabrics includes at least one keder rail having a keder channel in which a keder core attached to the fabric is inserted. The device includes at least one receiving profile in or on which the at least one keder rail is arranged relocatable at an adjustable height.

Abstract: The corner fence post support consists of cylindrically shaped main ratchet that sits on top of a corner fence post, typically a T-post. A second component, a ratchet socket is attached to support legs. The bottom of the legs can be fitted with specialized foot structures or simply driven into the ground. The legs are usually placed inside the fence line where they provide outward support to the corner post to counter the inward force of the fence line. The main ratchet and ratchet socket can easily engage and lock together at multiple vertical positions, so that the optimal fit can be readily obtained under a variety of local conditions and a variety of grades, whether level, uphill or down-hill.

Abstract: An outdoor lattice system comprises at least two posts and a plurality of modular lattice systems configured to be disposed between and supported by the at least two posts. The posts have an elongate body comprising multiple support openings arranged along the elongate body. Each of the modular lattice sections comprise a body, a first edge and a second edge, each edge being a longitudinal edge of the body, the second edge opposite to the first edge, each of the first edge and the second edge comprising a support element extending outwardly therefrom. The support element is configured to couple mechanically with a support opening from the plurality of support openings of the first post, and the at least one support element on the second edge of the first modular lattice section configured to couple mechanically with a support opening from the plurality of support openings of the second post.

Abstract: A plug device may be for a swimming pool fence system that includes spaced apart vertical fence posts to be inserted into corresponding fence post openings in a pool deck, and a fencing material coupled between adjacent spaced apart vertical fence posts. The plug device may include a cylindrical body having opposing first and second ends. The first end may be adjacent a distal end of a respective fence post opening in the pool deck upon insertion therein. The plug device may include a magnet carried by the second end of the cylindrical body. The plug device may also include a cylindrical pool deck cap carried by the magnet. The cylindrical pool deck cap may be adjacent a proximal end of the respective fence post opening in the pool deck upon insertion therein.

Abstract: A handle assembly for sheet metal lids is provided, comprising a handle member having an upper plate and a grip, and a base member having a pair of brackets formed to engage a corner of the sheet metal lid, and wherein the brackets include an upwardly open groove and a mounting plate. The grooves engage an underside of the lid, wherein the upper plate of the handle member is removably attached to the mounting plates of the base member by a plurality of fasteners.