Abstract: A guardrail crash absorbing assembly including overlapping elongated upstream and downstream rail panels, an impact head for sliding an upstream rail panel relative to a downstream panel when impacted by a vehicle, and a cutting tooth with a cutting tooth portion having a cutting surface and a hook structure for cutting and splitting the downstream rail panel upon vehicle impact on the impact head.

Abstract: A deformation guiding system for a road safety device and a road safety device group, wherein the device has a frame and a deformable longitudinal body with a first end fixed to the frame and a second end. A head is fixable to the second end of the body. A guide rail is reciprocally arranged with respect to the deformable body for identifying a deforming direction thereof which is parallel to the guide rail. Coupling means fixed to the head couple the head to the guide rail for sliding motion along the guide rail. Stabilizing means fixed to the head prevent oscillations of the head about the guide rail. The coupling and stabilizing means are reciprocally arranged and conformed so that, in an impact of a vehicle against the head, the head can slide along the guide rail without oscillating about the guide rail so as to guide the deformation of the deformable body in the deforming direction.

Abstract: An ice removal machine provides crushing and removing ice formed on hard surfaces such as sidewalks or external stair steps in front of houses. A rotating pulley wheel fixed on an electric motor generates an oscillation movement for a nailed hammer system. The nails of the hammer system are forced dropping on the ice layer covered a rigid surface; thereby crush the ice into small pieces. The machine is provided by an attached shovel bucket fixed on front of it in order to collect the residual ice and moves it away from the surface. The machine includes a box cart carrier movable by hand and it is provided by front and back wheels and a handle drive that a user holds. The machine is in small reasonable size for private use at home.

Abstract: Flexible containment tubes form sections of a dike for fluid containment. For example, multiple vinyl-coated polyester tubes with a 19-inch diameter may be filled with water and stacked on top of each other to create a temporary diversion dike. Multiple sections of dike may be abutted together to form longer sections of dike. A vapor barrier or plastic membrane may wrap over dike sections and/or weaved through the flexible containment tubes as they are placed prior to filling. Configurations of the vapor barrier and associated anchoring mechanisms improve the utility of dike sections by reducing hydrostatic pressure of contained fluid on the dike, harnessing the weight of fluid columns, and mitigating seepage through the dike sections.

Abstract: A hydraulic pole tamper handle kit having an extended ergonomic handle including a frame and hose clamps to extend the life of the hose by securing the hoses to the frame and to improve the handle, orientation, safety, and usability of the pole tamper. The pole tamper is used to tamp or compact the dirt around a pole which has been set into a hole in the ground to fixedly secure the pole vertically in the ground.

Abstract: An animal trap (T) has an attached chain (C) and anchor (A). A driver (10) for driving the anchor into the ground has a shaft (12) with upper and lower sections (12A, 12B), the upper section having a smaller diameter than the lower section. The bottom (14) of the shaft is contoured to mate with the anchor. A handle (16) facilitates removal of the shaft from the ground after the anchor is driven into place. The handle has a sleeve (18) slidably fitting over the upper section of the shaft and an arm (22) extending outwardly from the sleeve for grasping by a user of the driver. A cap (24) fits onto the upper end of the shaft and is struck by a tool used to drive the shaft into the ground and set the anchor in place.

Abstract: A caisson is modified to include side tabs thin can be gripped by side-mounted clamps on a vibratory hammer so that the caisson may be lifted into position from a horizontal position, oriented vertically, and driven into the ground without readjustment of the clamping of the vibratory hammer. An end cap installed permanently at the top of the caisson may provide an additional flange for receiving a lower clamp of the vibratory hammer to complete installation of the caisson, driving the caisson further into the earth until the tabs are buried in the ground. The flange may be sized to fit within a tower portion attached to the caisson eliminating the need for a replaceable flange system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a yieldable construction method for early releasing surrounding rock deformation on a weak toppling slope, thereby reducing surrounding rock toppling deformation risk in and after an excavation process and ensuring overall slope stability and safety of a supporting structure. A technical solution of the present invention is as follows: loosing a rock mass through controlled blasting; inducing toppling deformation of the slope by injecting water and softening a blasting relaxation part of the rock mass; determining timing of water injection by monitoring slope surface displacement characteristics of the slope; and performing a normal excavation process of the toppling deformation slope after injecting is completed. The present invention is applicable to design and construction of high slope engineering of a special kind of rocks, i.e., a toppling deformation slope composed of weak rock masses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of building a foundation (1) comprising a steel monopile (2) and a precast concrete part (3) on top of the monopile (2), comprising:—arranging a support structure (12) inside the monopile (2), the support structure (12) having a plurality of rods (16) extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the monopile; —bringing the concrete part (3) above the monopile (2), with supporting columns (13) interposed between the support structure (12) and the concrete part (3), wherein reinforcement bars (14) protruding from a bottom surface (9) of the precast concrete part (3) extend downwardly beyond the support structure (12) by passing between the rods (16) of the support structure (12); —arranging tendons (15) between the support structure (12) and the concrete part (3) and tensioning the tendons (15); and—pouring concrete into an upper part of the monopile (2).

Abstract: An interface for coupling a work tool to a stick of a machine includes a plate having an engaging face and a coupling face. The engaging face of the plate is connected to the work tool. The interface also includes a first bracket and a second bracket positioned at a predefined distance from the first bracket. The first bracket and the second bracket extend from the coupling face of the plate and include at least one first hole and at least one second hole, respectively. The interface also includes a first pin received through the at least one first hole and the at least one second hole, and connected to a coupling member. The coupling member is connected to the stick of the machine and is configured to couple the work tool to the stick of the machine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tractor bucket attachment may include an attachment head and a loop of flexible cable. The attachment head may include a mounting bracket and first and second cable attachment mechanisms. The mounting bracket may be configured to secure the attachment head to a tractor bucket, the tractor bucket having a front edge. The loop of flexible cable may have a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to the first cable attachment mechanism and the second end being attached to the second cable attachment mechanism. The loop of flexible cable may be configured to ensnare a bale against the front edge of the tractor bucket.

Abstract: A scraper blade assembly for a vehicle such as a tractor or skid-steer vehicle has a frame having a socket with a pivotable ball for connection to the vehicle. The pivotable ball permits pivoting movement of the frame about a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a vertical axis of the vehicle. Tilt of a scraper blade mounted on the frame is controlled by left and right hydraulic cylinders and angle of the scraper blade is controlled by a third hydraulic cylinder. A control system has a single joystick which is capable actuating the left and right hydraulic cylinders independently or simultaneously. The combination of the pivotable ball mount to permit three degrees of freedom of movement of the frame and the ability of a single joystick to independently or simultaneously control the left and right hydraulic cylinders results in smooth and accurate blade placement for finer control over earth moving operations.

Abstract: A spud system for a dredging vessel with a longitudinal direction includes a spud carrier for mounting a spud therein in a generally vertical stance and a spud carrier cable driving device coupled with the dredging vessel and the spud carrier for driving the spud carrier with respect to the dredging vessel. The spud carrier is moveable with respect to a longitudinal direction of the dredging vessel for advancing the dredging vessel. The spud carrier cable driving device comprises at least an aft cable drive system which extends at an aft side of the spud carrier, and a fore cable drive system separate from the aft cable drive system.

Abstract: A system and a method configured to produce a precisely fitted attachment blade and a corresponding excavator scoop and templates configured to produce a precisely fitted attachment blade and a corresponding excavator scoop. Thus a transportation requirements to a construction site can be significantly reduced. Furthermore attachment blades for particular excavator scoops can be produced quickly for particular excavator scoops and excavator scoops can be configured with tooth holders. Furthermore existing attachment blades and excavator scoops can be regenerated quickly when service is required.

Abstract: A system for uncovering and sealing a narrow trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine, a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched, a saw blade, a vacuum system, a system for placing product, and a resealer. The blade includes rotatable tooth bits, which may be rotated and secured to create a blade for narrower or a wider trench. A removable cover and the blade are easily changeable. A surface engaging member on the frame is manipulated to maintain a seal with changing ground surfaces. Additionally, the vertical location of the blade within the frame is adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench.

Abstract: Provided is a working machine including first and second members, an angle detection device and a connection pin connected to the first and second members to rotate integrally with the second member relative to the first member. The angle detection device has a marker, an angle sensor and a guard member, which has a main guard portion covering the angle sensor and including an inner opposite surface opposed to an end surface of the projecting end portion and a guard-member-side engagement portion. One of the angle sensor and the marker is disposed on the inner opposite surface, the other disposed on the end surface. The first member has a first-member-side engagement portion engaging with the guard-member-side engagement portion to restrain the main guard portion from relative rotation. The guard member can contact with the connection pin to restrain the guard member from relative displacement to the projecting end portion.

Abstract: A guard rail system for use with a machine is provided. The guard rail system comprises a handrail member, a support member that defines a longitudinal axis and an open channel that extends along the longitudinal axis and a snap receiving aperture that is in communication with the channel, and an insert that includes a snap feature that is configured to fit within the channel and the snap feature is configured to be disposed in the snap receiving aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boom for an earth-moving machine, in particular an excavator, with at least two bearing plates for supporting a cylinder unit, which at least for the most part extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the boom, wherein the bearing plates have an end-side curvature extending outwardly to the lateral edge of the boom.

Abstract: A wheel loader comprises a console box and a support component. The console box is disposed on the side of an operator's seat and is able to rotate in the forward and backward direction. The support component has a rotary shaft disposed in the left and right direction under the console box, and rotatably supports the console box around the rotary shaft between an operation position in which the console box is disposed horizontally and a retracted position in which the console box is rotated rearward from the operation position and is disposed at an angle. The location of the center of gravity of the console box is disposed more to the front than the rotary shaft at the operation position, and more to the rear than the rotary shaft at the retracted position.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine is a load sensing (LS) system and includes a first hydraulic actuator and a first control valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from a pump to the first hydraulic actuator and for draining hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic actuator, respectively, and a second hydraulic actuator and a second control valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the second hydraulic actuator and for draining hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic actuator, respectively. The hydraulic system further includes a first hydraulic circuit for providing an LS pressure for the first actuator and a second hydraulic circuit for providing an LS pressure for the second actuator. At least one of the first and second hydraulic circuits includes an offset valve for changing the LS pressure before providing the LS pressure to the pump.

Abstract: To provide a work machine capable of efficiently regenerating the energy owned by hydraulic fluid during a swing deceleration.

Abstract: When a work implement is actuated in such a manner that a work point is located at each of a plurality of positions on a datum line, a first work point position computing section calculates a position of the work point at each of the plurality of positions. A calibration value computing section calculates calibration values of angle conversion parameters (?bm, ?bm, ?am, ?am, ?bk, ?bk), dimension parameters (Lbm, Lam, Lbk), and line parameters (tilt tan ?, intercept Zline) using the fact that the positions of the work point at each of the plurality of positions calculated by the first work point position computing section can satisfy a linear equation indicating a datum line. A parameter update section reflects the calibration values calculated by the calibration value computing section in computation by a corresponding computing section that is one of the angle computing section and the first work point position computing section.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus including a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation and a support mount secured to the drum. The apparatus includes a support mount defining first and second fastener openings and first and second anchor openings. A replaceable holding block mounts to the support mount and the replaceable holding block has a front face and a rear face. The replaceable holding block defines a first fastener opening, a second fastener opening, and a tooth opening that extend through the replaceable holding block from the front face to the rear face. The first and second fastener openings of the replaceable holding block align with the first and second fastener openings of the support mount when the replaceable housing block is mounted to the block mounting surface. A tooth is secured to the replaceable holding block at the tooth opening.

Abstract: A bucket or blade including a main body having one or more wear indicators. The one or more wear indicators can be inspected and monitored to determine the extent or degree of wear of one or more wear surfaces of the main body of the bucket or blade. Also, a liner having one or more wear indicators configured for use with a bucket, blade, dump truck, or chute of a rock crusher. Also, one or more wear indicators configured for use with a chute of a rock crusher.

Abstract: In order to front mount the faucet assembly on the sink, the connectors that are secured to the inlet ports are passed through enlarged openings in the splash board and the body of the faucet assembly is secured to the splash board via the brackets After positioning gaskets in place, the housing is moved over the body and dropped into place with the externally threaded ends of the cylindrical chambers and outlet port protruding through three circular openings.

Abstract: A faucet includes a faucet pipe, a branch pipe, a fountain valve, and a fountain nozzle with a pressure compensating flow regulator wherein the faucet pipe having a proximal end to release a water stream in a downward direction through a lower channel and a branch pipe disposed within the faucet pipe to release the water stream in an upward direction through the fountain nozzle with the fountain valve configured within the proximal end of the faucet pipe to redirect the water stream to the branch pipe by gradually blocking and unblocking the upper channel of the branch pipe and wherein the pressure compensating flow regulator is disposed with the fountain opening to compensate the pressure of the water stream released from the fountain opening and control trajectory of the water stream discharged from the fountain opening.

Abstract: A device and method that delivers a soapy water liquid concentrate solution to a sink as the sink is filled by a stream of water from a spout. The device includes a container having a sidewall and a top wall forming an interior. The top wall includes an inlet aperture therein. The container includes at least one outlet opening. The container has within the interior a predetermined quantity of water soluble, detergent. A handle is secured to the container forming a loop above the top wall. An attachment assembly is operably securable to the spout. The attachment assembly has a first stop for retaining the handle and suspending the container therefrom. The first stop positions the container in a dispensing position wherein the inlet aperture is disposed below the spout and in the stream of water. The attachment assembly has a second stop for retaining the container in a non-dispensing position wherein the inlet aperture is not within the stream of water.

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 clamping device for mounting a sink to a counter includes a clamp having a clamp body and a binding spring of a flat-profile, bending type (“bending spring”), a binding lip for insertion through a first slot in the bottom surface of the countertop adjacent to the sink, the clamp and binding lip connected to the clamp body and extending away therefrom at least partially over an edge of the sink, and a clamp screw for insertion through a first opening in the clamp body and against a flange of the sink. The clamp screw may be covered by a screw cap, and a solid portion of the binding spring may be disposed between the clamp screw and the sink flange, or an opening in the binding spring may permit the clamp screw to press directly against the sink flange.

Abstract: A toilet dispenser and light is disclosed. Upon detection and activation from sensors, a light may be used to illuminate a toilet bowl, and a treatment substance may be dispensed into the toilet bowl. The dispenser correspondingly configures to operate with the rim of a toilet bowl. Portions of the dispenser may be replaceable, such as a power source and a propellant container used to house a treatment substance. A system of multiple dispensers operable, respectively, to treat multiple toilets is also provided.

Abstract: A flush toilet having a bowl portion including a waste receiving surface, a rim portion, a shelf portion, and a concave portion; a discharge passage for discharging waste; a first spout port for spouting flush water on a shelf portion of the bowl portion to form a circulating flow; a second spout port for spouting flush water in the same direction as the circulating direction of flush water spouted from a first spout port and toward the rear of the bowl portion; a first water conduit for supplying flush water to the first spout port; and a second water conduit for supplying flush water to the second spout port. The first and second water conduits are formed so that the flow rate of flush water spouted from the second spout port is greater than the flow rate of flush water spouted from the first spout port.

Abstract: An adjustable floor drain apparatus includes a housing configured for positioning adjacent a drain pipe, manhole riser, or other feature, a leveling frame configured to be positioned at least partially above the housing, a grate configured to be positioned at least partially above the leveling frame and secured to the leveling frame, and a leveling member. The leveling member can be configured such that actuating the leveling member adjusts the position of the grate relative to the housing while the leveling member remains fixed relative to the housing. The leveling member can be configured such that actuating the leveling member moves the leveling member relative to the grate and adjusts the position of the grate relative to the housing.

Abstract: A method is provided for jointing a concrete column and an iron beam. A structure joint portion is provided between a column-beam junction and an end of the iron beam, which is mourned on a coning provided to the column. Prestressing tendons are arranged in plural rows to horizontally penetrate the column-beam junction, Tension-introduction forces are applied to the prestressing tendons to tensionally anchor an anchor plate, and thereby to integrally joint the column and the beam.

Abstract: A rotary joint includes a socket rod having a socket rod flange with a basically spheroid concave bearing surface at a first end, a housing nut encircling the socket rod and having a threaded wrenching head, and a ball rod having a basically spheroid convex bearing surface and threaded side walls around the bearing surface. A diameter of the threaded side walls of the ball rod corresponds to a diameter of the threaded wrenching head of the housing nut. First guiding tracks are on the concave bearing surface oriented into a first swivelling direction, the socket rod being swivable to the ball rod along the first guiding tracks into the first swivelling direction. Second guiding tracks are on the convex bearing surface and oriented into a second swivelling direction, the socket rod being swivellable to the ball rod along the second guiding tracks into the second swivelling direction.

Abstract: A joining device (100) for precast reinforced concrete elements with a dry joint comprising a first group of joining reinforcements (10?) arranged on a first plane and in parallel with one another, each one of said joining reinforcements (10) comprising one reinforcement (1) and two threaded ends (2). The device comprises first coupling means (30) for coupling to the columns (200) arranged between the joining reinforcements (10) and perpendicular to the first plane defined by the joining reinforcements (10) and a plurality of anchoring plates (20) arranged so as to define a closed frame inside of which the joining reinforcements (10) are arranged, and where the inner space defined by the anchoring plates (20) is filled with a structural filler material (concrete, resin, composite, etc.) (50). The anchoring plates (20) comprise a plurality of holes (21), at least one for each threaded end (2), in a position that matches up with the latter, and through which the threaded ends (2) remain accessible.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses, methods and systems operable to provide transformable living spaces. The system includes a chassis and a configurable unit movably coupled to the chassis for at least one of translation and rotation with respect to the chassis. The system also includes at least one drivetrain assembly movably coupling the configurable unit to the chassis. The system includes at least one actuator coupled to the configurable unit by the at least one drivetrain assembly. The system also includes at least one robotic controller communicatively coupled to the at least one actuator.

Abstract: A collapsible modular building is constructed from at least two building modules that are joined together to form the building. Each building module is constructed to be configured in either a collapsed or erect position. In the collapsed position, each module is individually transported to a site by trailer. Once offloaded, the modules are joined together to form the building, this joining together of the modules can be done while the modules are in the collapsed position or in the erect position.

Abstract: A panel for skirting of a mobile home comprises an extrusion of a polymer material having a thickness of between 0.040 inches and 0.048 inches. The panel has an exterior face comprising a plurality of panel portions separated by grooves formed in the face. Each of the grooves is defined by spaced apart sidewalls arranged generally perpendicular to adjoining panel portions and a groove base extending between the spaced apart side walls. The groove base has vents. On the exterior face, the side wall transitions to the adjoining panel portion with a radius of between about 5/32 inches and about 7/32 inches. On the exterior face, the distance between the groove sidewalls is between about ¼ inches and about 9/32 inches. The exterior face has an embossed stucco finish. The panel is resistant to damage from grass cutting string trimmers having string diameter of less than 0.105 inches.

Abstract: A method for forming an insulation product based on a composite of mineral wool and another first material comprising the steps of: (1) forming mineral wool fibers using at least one fiberizing device; (2) introducing the first material to the formed mineral wool fibers at a location proximate the fiberizing device to form a first mixture; (3) drawing the first mixture into a collector to form a structure having a predetermined thickness; and (4) subsequently processing the first mixture to form the insulation product, wherein the first material is disposed throughout the insulation product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system 100 for constructing an insulated thermal mass concrete structure comprising four or more walls 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d. The system 100 comprises interconnected frame members 30, 30?, 30?, 30??, 30*, cross-ties 40 and corner members 33, 33?, which reduces the need for props or stays to support the walls 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d during curing of a concrete core poured between inner and outer layers, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25 attached to the frame members 30, 30?, 30?, 30??, 30*.

Abstract: The invention comprises a two-part support member for curtain walls capable of withstanding the extreme loads required for extra-large walls with minimal deformation comprising two independently extrudable components, each of which may be produced on standard extruders and attachment means that holds the extrudable components together. The sections fit together in such a way that inevitable deformations that occur during production are taken into account and corrected for. Due to the hitherto unattainable stiffness values that this combination of components may reach, extra-large curtain walls mounting and supporting is achieved that was otherwise unattainable. The cross sectional area of the sections is relatively small allowing for lightweight members to be extruded that use a minimum of material.

Abstract: A ribband for a stretched fabric three-dimensional structure comprising at least one light source incorporated in the ribband, wherein the ribband comprises two adjacent recesses separated by a tongue designed to receive the fastening elements of the stretched fabrics, wherein each recess comprises a bottom, an inner side wall forming the tongue and an outer side wall, wherein each outer side wall defines a peripheral wing of the ribband.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise fabricating a substantially concrete free tower. The tower can comprise a plurality of sandwich panels. The tower can comprise a plurality of segmented sections. The plurality of segmented sections can comprise the plurality of sandwich panels. The tower can be assembled by coupling the plurality of segmented sections.

Abstract: A steel-fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite material reinforced concrete column comprises an inner steel pipe arranged in the center, wherein the inner steel pipe is internally provided with an unbonded steel strand; the outside of the inner steel pipe is provided with an outer steel pipe, concrete is poured between the inner steel pipe and the outer steel pipe, a plurality of additional small steel pipes are evenly arranged outside the outer steel pipe, and each of the additional small steel pipes is internally provided with an additional unbonded steel strand. A composite bar cage coaxial with the outer steel pipe and arranged on the outside thereof is also provided, wherein both the outer steel pipe and the composite bar cage are covered by high-ductility concrete, and at a core area, the outside of the high-ductility concrete is wrapped with an anti-spalling layer.

Abstract: A composite sucker rod (12) has a tension rod (16) formed of a carbon fiber reinforced phenolic material and a support sleeve (18) formed of aluminum. The support sleeve (18) extends around the tension rod (16). A compressive preload is applied to the support sleeve (18) and a corresponding tensile preload is applied to the tension rod (16). The tensile preload reduces compressive loads applied to the tension rod (16). The compressive preload and the tensile preload are applied by differences in coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials from which the support sleeve (18) and the tension rod (16) are formed, and exposure to well temperatures.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sealing and/or gripping concrete strengthening tendons. Some embodiments provide a method of forming a seal between an encapsulated anchor and a sheath of a tendon engaging the encapsulated anchor. Other embodiments provide a splice for forming a seal around a discontinuity in the sheath of a concrete tensioning tendon. Some embodiments provide a seal assembly for forming a seal between a tubular extension and a sheath of a tendon to protect an exposed portion of the tendon contained within the tubular extension. Some embodiments also provide a method of forming a fluid tight seal between tubular extension and a sheath of a tendon, while other embodiments provide a method of gripping the sheath of a tendon with a tubular extension to prevent the sheath from moving relative to the extension.

Abstract: A spacer device includes a spacer having a n aperture through a bottom-side that sits against the surface of the form. The aperture is configured for providing a threaded-fixture having internal-threads, the threaded-fixture including a securing assembly insertable into the threaded-fixture. The securing assembly includes external-threads for mating with the internal-threads of the threaded-fixture. The spacer device is useful for providing a novel securing means for securing with reinforcing steel in a spaced relation for in a concrete structure or other such structure.

Abstract: A spiral staircase comprises a mounting column extending along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of tread assemblies each having a tread portion attached to a mounting plate is also provided. The tread assemblies are axially and angularly offset from an adjacent tread assemblies along the mounting column. In this aspect, each mounting plate has a first face that engages a corresponding portion of an outer surface of the mounting column and a second face from which the tread portion extends. Each of the tread assemblies further have attachment hardware that secures the mounting plate to the mounting column. Prior to attachment to the mounting column and in an unstressed state, the mounting plate has a first radius of curvature and the corresponding portion of the outer surface of the mounting column has a second radius of curvature.

Abstract: A panel is configured for attachment to a mounting surface of a building structure. The panel includes a first end surface and a second end surface, spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis; a top edge surface and a bottom edge surface, spaced from each other and offset from the longitudinal axis; and an inner surface and an outer surface, opposed to each other and extending from the first end surface and the second end surface. The inner surface includes a contact portion and a contour portion. The contact portion is disposed on a reference plane. The contour portion is contoured toward the outer surface, away from the reference plane, such that the contour portion defines a channel. The channel extends along at least a portion of a length of the panel, between the first end surface and the second end surface.

Abstract: An insulation system for coupling to a building substrate comprising a plurality of insulation panels, bracket members and splice members. Each insulation panel includes a longitudinal slot. Each bracket member is formed from a polymer and includes an elongated body having a body wall, a first end wall and a second end wall. Upper and lower ribs extend from the body wall and are structurally configured to extend into the longitudinal slot of each of the plurality of insulation panels, and to elastically deform the longitudinal slot so as to effectively seal along a length thereof, defining a vapor barrier. A similar structure is on each splice member. The bracket members are positioned in a spaced apart relationship with insulation panels therebetween. The upper and lower ribs extend into corresponding ones of the longitudinal slots of the insulation panels, with splice members extending between adjacent adjacently abutting insulation panels.