Abstract: A method for fabricating emulated wood with pores and fibers, comprising: immersing a plurality of synthetic fibers configured parallel in a plane into a resin so that the resin is coated on the surfaces of the plurality of synthetic fibers and in the gaps between the plurality of synthetic fibers; placing the plurality of synthetic fibers between two sheets, wherein the two sheets are planar sheets made from a uniform composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, a foaming agent, and a crosslinking agent; carrying out a heat-press process on the two sheets so that the foaming agent undergoes microcellular foaming and forms dense closed pores in the two sheets, and so that the composition on inner surfaces of the two sheets expands towards the plurality of synthetic fibers and penetrates through the gaps between the plurality of synthetic fibers; and cooling the two sheets to yield an emulated wood board.

Abstract: A field-assembly dowel basket for concrete construction configured for in-the-field assembly from a small number of component parts, including dowels, dowel sleeves that loosely house the dowels, “W” shaped frame wires that support the dowel sleeves, straight shipping wires that connect dowel basket sections together, and “T” connectors that join the frame sections to the shipping wires. Various embodiments of the field-assembly dowel basket may use different types of dowel sleeves, such as open-channel sleeves, closed-channel sleeves, and sealed-channel sleeves in which tape or another suitable cover is used to seal open-channel sleeves. The dowel sleeves may house different types of dowels, such as rectangular plate dowels and round rod dowels.

Abstract: A hand-held concrete edger is formed with a rectangular blade having a first, substantially planar part with an upper surface and a lower surface, and a second part extending substantially at a right angle from a long side of the first, substantially planar part, away from the lower surface. A handle extends substantially perpendicularly away from the upper surface of the first, substantially planar part and is configured with a spray device including a water supply and a sprayer, for spraying water onto an advance path of the edger. A control and vibration module is arranged on the upper surface of the substantially planar part and configured with a vibration element that vibrates the rectangular blade.

Abstract: A road finisher comprising a screed plate extending at right angles to the working direction of the road finisher, and a tamper bar disposed rearwardly and/or forwardly of the screed plate in the working direction, wherein at least one electrically operated heating element is present, which is configured so as to heat up a heating surface facing a road subsurface, and wherein the heating element comprises a heating layer at least partially obtained through thermal spraying onto a substrate surface, wherein the tamper bar is made from two parts with an upper tamper bar member and a lower tamper bar member assembled together. Further, a tamper bar for a road finisher and a method of manufacturing a tamper bar are provided.

Abstract: A modular highway warning strip system which comprises a modular warning strip segment having first and second ends, a length extending between the first and second ends, two opposing lengthwise sides, a width extending between the opposing lengthwise sides of the segment, top and bottom surfaces, and a thickness. Each of the first and second ends comprise at least one male protrusion and at least one female receptacle, wherein the at least one male protrusion is configured to engage the at least one female receptacle for joining a plurality of the segments together end-to-end. A segmented metallic plate is disposed between upper and lower rubber layers, the segmented plate comprising a plurality of segments separated by slits comprising living hinges.

Abstract: A retractable, reflective pavement marker for delineating traffic lanes of roadways and a method of installing the same that provides improved protection from potentially damaging vehicle tires, snowplows, and environmental conditions. The marker incorporates a reflector assembly mounted to a piston that is depressible within a housing. A biasing member returns the reflector assembly to its normal position above the road surface. A compliant adhesive cooperates with an adhesive lock formed between the housing and the opening to ensure that the marker is reliably retained within the pavement. The adhesive and a chamfered opening prevent pavement spalling due to external forces. The housing includes a removable retainer through which the piston is reciprocally received. The retainer includes a plurality of coarsely pitched lead-in threads that cooperate with a threaded housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting animal waste is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated tube comprising a first end and a second end. The apparatus comprises a plurality of ribs coupled to the elongated tube at the first end. Further, the apparatus comprises a runner provided at the elongated tube. Movement of runner along the elongated tube allows to collapse or to open the ribs. The apparatus is provided with a disposable bag coupled to the ribs. The runner is adjusted to open the ribs and the disposable bag is aligned with a derriere of a pet to collect the animal waste during defecation process of the pet. Subsequently, the disposable bag containing the animal waste is disposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting device for lifting an upper part of a sea platform, the sea platform comprising a support structure and a top side, the lifting device being constructed to be positioned on a lifting vessel, the lifting device comprising: a base frame constructed to rest on the lifting vessel, at least one console frame connected to the base frame via a flexible connection system, a suspension system connected to the console frame and comprising a leg connector, wherein the suspension system is constructed to allow freedom of movement of the leg connector relative to the console frame, wherein the flexible connection system forms a flexible connection between the console frame and the base frame and allows a predetermined movement of the console frame.

Abstract: A soil compactor is described. The soil compactor includes at least two vibrating compacting rollers rotatable about a respective roller axis of rotation. The soil compactor further includes a vibration excitation arrangement assigned to each vibrating compacting roller of the at least two vibrating compacting rollers for generating a vibrating movement of the at least two vibrating compacting rollers. The soil compactor also includes a sensor arrangement assigned to the soil compactor for providing a feedback signal indicative of sound or a structural vibration of the soil compactor. The soil compactor yet further includes a control unit receiving the feedback signal for controlling at least one vibration excitation arrangement, based on the feedback signal, such as to act on a phase offset of the vibrating movements of the at least two vibrating compacting rollers with respect to one another.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing pile design based on pile driver data are provided. A pile driving performance monitoring (PDPM) system captures pile driver data for a pile in an identified location using a pile driver data capture device. The pile driver data comprises a pile penetration depth and pile penetration rate based on percussive hammer. The identified location can be determined using a global positioning system. A parsing program component analyzes the pile driver data for the pile. The parsing program component determines whether the pile driver data of the pile meets an anticipated-pile driving criteria, the anticipated-pile driving criteria comprises a test pile driver data that correlates with a predefined capacity for a pile in the identified location. The pile is added to an acceptance report when it meets the anticipated-pile driving criteria or added to exception report when it does not meet the anticipated-pile driving criteria.

Abstract: A pile guide is provided comprising a base frame and a superstructure comprising a pile guide member for guiding the pile as it is driven into a substrate when the base frame is resting thereon. At least part of the superstructure defines an arm that is rotational with respect to the base frame about a first and second points of rotation, to rotate the pile guide member with respect to the base frame. At least one of the first and second points of rotation is translatable with respect to the base frame in a first direction, thereby rotating the arm about the first and second points of rotation with respect to the base frame. At least one of the first and second points of rotation is translatable in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second points of rotation with respect to the base frame direction. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A system for a basement concrete form and drainage are disclosed. The system may include a lineal that is a horizontal concrete form for a footer for a wall and a basement floor. The lineal may include a rectilinear tubular structure having a cavity, an outer wall, and drain perforations in the outer wall to permit fluid transmission from the cavity to an exterior of the lineal. In addition, a retainer may be mounted to a stake for the basement concrete form when the stake is embedded in a formation underlying the lineal. The retainer may be selectively vertically positioned along the stake to adjust a height of the lineal relative to the underlying formation.

Abstract: In a method for producing a concrete foundation for a wind power tower externally preloaded and made of precast concrete parts, a formwork for the concrete foundation is erected, core elements for producing passage openings in the concrete foundation for the loading elements are positioned and fixed on the formwork, and the concrete foundation is cast. A measurement reference system is established in order to position the core elements, at least one first positioning aid having an adapter device for a core element and having at least one reference segment is provided on the formwork. A corresponding concrete foundation is produced in accordance with the described method. A positioning device for orienting core elements in a concrete foundation comprises at least one first positioning aid, which has an adapter device for a core element and at least one reference segment for calibrating the first positioning aid.

Abstract: A block reinforcement cage made from reinforcing material and adapted for loading within a machine during a block manufacturing process for molding a concrete U-wall construction block structure. The block cage includes an open aperture formed in each of its stem reinforcing portions. During the block manufacturing process, the first and second support members of a support mechanism are inserted within the open apertures formed in the stem reinforcing sections of the block cage, and cooperate with the open apertures of the block cage so as to (i) support the block cage when being loaded into a block manufacturing machine, (ii) define central apertures molded in each stem portion of the concrete U-wall construction block structure, and (iii) lift the molded concrete U-wall construction block when being unloaded from the machine.

Abstract: Pile foundations for power transmission towers or the like for installation in different types of soil prone to frost heaving include a casing pipe and a dipped pile, comprising a shaft and a toe bulb, secured at the bottom of the shaft. The pile comprises rigid elements that are mounted on the shaft in the direction of horizontal forces acting on the pile against the anticipated horizontal loads. The rigid elements transfer horizontal forces from the pile to the casing pipe.

Abstract: A pivotally flexible motor mount for a rotary trenching tool allows for increased life of the overall system. A flexible motor mount includes a universal pivot arrangement that allows a motor housing to universally pivot relative to a boom to accommodate misalignment between a motor shaft axis and a rock wheel rotation axis. The flexible motor mount also includes a first pair of spherical connection joints aligned along a first pivot axis and a second pair of spherical connection joints aligned along a second pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes are generally perpendicular relative to one another. The flexible motor mount further includes a component mounting plate attached to the motor housing and an intermediate plate coupled to the component mounting plate by the first pair of spherical connection joints. The intermediate plate is also coupled to the boom by the second pair of spherical connection joints.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, an engine connected to the frame and operable to move the vehicle, an operator cab, a tool, and a boom arm. The boom arm includes a first linkage, a second linkage and a cylinder. The first linkage has a first portion connected to the frame and a second portion spaced from the frame. The second linkage has a first portion connected to the second portion of the first linkage and a second portion connected to the tool, the second linkage movable during boom operation within a first plane. The cylinder has a first portion connected to the first linkage and a second portion connected to the second linkage, such that the first linkage and the cylinder are movable during boom operation within a second plane. The first plane is offset from the second plane.

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: A machine for backfilling pavement material into a trench defined within a pavement surface includes a frame defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one wheel. The frame being configured to move along the pavement surface. A hopper supported on the frame and including an inlet opening configured to receive pavement material and an outlet opening configured to discharge pavement material into the trench. The machine also includes a compactor supported on the frame and aligned with the hopper along the longitudinal axis. The compactor is configured to compact the discharged pavement material within the trench.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly for a working machine comprising a counterweight having a mass for counterbalancing a working arm of the working machine, the counterweight comprising a mounting arrangement for the mounting of a heat exchanger thereon and defining an air flow path having an inlet and an outlet to permit air to flow through the heat exchanger when mounted thereon.

Abstract: A direction control valve group for a construction machine that controls an amount of pressure oil supplied to a hydraulic actuator from a hydraulic pump that discharges the pressure oil is provided. The direction control valve includes a cylinder port that supplies the pressure oil to the hydraulic actuator, a bridge passage that is switchably connected and disconnected to the cylinder port according to a change in position of a first spool, and an internal passage that supplies the pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump to the bridge passage. The first spool is provided in the internal passage.

Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes at least one sensor, an operating device, and a controller. The operating device includes at least one operating member. The controller is programmed to control a work implement of the work vehicle based on signals from the at least one sensor and the operating device. The controller is further programmed to use the signals to obtain a distance between the work implement and a design terrain which represents a target shape of a work object, and to determine whether a surface compaction determination condition indicating that work performed by the work implement is surface compaction work is satisfied. The controller executes a surface compaction control in which a velocity of the work implement toward the design terrain is limited in response to the distance between the work implement and the design terrain when the surface compaction determination condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A construction machine management system in which a failure analysis or a failure-omen diagnosis of a machine body can be performed with a high degree accuracy and at a low cost is provided. In a machine body group of construction machines including at least one representative machine body having an engine control unit that detects a cumulative stress value of a diesel engine of the construction machine and a crankcase pressure sensor that detects a crankcase pressure, and at least one general machine body that has an engine control unit but does not have a crankcase pressure sensor, a center server performs a diagnosis of an omen of a failure state regarding the crankcase pressure of the general machine body based on correlation information between the cumulative stress value and the crankcase pressure obtained from the representative machine body and the cumulative stress value of the general machine body.

Abstract: A supply network for supplying consumers with a medium is provided. Based on a reduction of data and a subsequent reconstruction of at least one pressure and/or flow value, the state at least at one further location in the supply network can be determined without having to be measured. An improved actuation of the at least one pump and/or of the at least one valve is thus possible. A device for pressure control in a supply network is also provided.

Abstract: A faucet having a faucet base, a water hose, a faucet head, and a chamber is provided. A water valve is provided in the chamber and includes a driving member and a control valve movable between a first position enabling mixing of water and air and a second position enabling shut-off of a water flow. The faucet head further includes a sliding member slidably coupled with the faucet head to enable a user to operate the control valve within the water valve by operating the sliding member from a side of the faucet head.

Abstract: A faucet having a faucet base, a water hose, a faucet head, and a chamber is provided. A water valve is provided in the chamber and includes a driving member and a control valve movable between a first position enabling mixing of water and air and a second position enabling shut-off of a water flow. The faucet head further includes a control member movably coupled with the faucet head to enable operating the control valve within the water valve using magnets by operating the control member from or near a side of the faucet head.

Abstract: An overflow assembly for a bathtub includes an elbow having a first threaded section and a retainer nut having a second corresponding threaded section. The retainer nut is configured to threadably mount onto the elbow. The overflow assembly further includes an overflow cover including at least one overflow opening and at least one vent opening defined therein. The overflow cover is configured to engage with the retainer nut and substantially cover the first threaded section and the retainer nut.

Abstract: A resiliently deformable toilet plunger including a generally cup-shaped bell portion having an interior space. A socket is formed on the bell portion. A flange portion extends from the bell portion opposite the socket and includes an open end. The flange portion defines an arcuate tapering tubular passage wherein the interior space communicates with the open end. An annular skirt is formed at a junction of the bell portion and the flange portion, the skirt including a base portion attached to the bell portion and a terminal end opposite the base portion, the skirt extending outwardly from the junction and at an angle such that the terminal end is below a plane defined by the junction, wherein the angle is from about 20° to about 70°.

Abstract: A control assembly for a toilet and includes a control unit with a case for receiving a voice control panel therein which receives voice commands from users to activate a linear driving member to move a shaft connected thereto which moves linearly relative to the at least one linear driving member. A movable member is connected to the shaft so as to press a button connected to a toilet body to flush. The number of the buttons, the linear driving members, the shafts and the movable members can be increased to perform more actions.

Abstract: A flush toilet includes a body including a body inner wall forming the majority of the bowl surface of a bowl and a connecting portion connecting this outside wall and body inner wall; a rim including a rim inner wall forming a portion of the bowl surface, joined to the top end of the body; and a rim spout portion spouting flush water into the bowl. This rim spout portion respectively forms a rim conduit formed by joining a body and a rim, and a rim spout port; the joining surface between the body inner wall forming the rim conduit and the rim inner wall is set to a lower position from the rear side of the bowl toward the front; and the bottom surface of the rim conduit is set to a lower position from the upstream end toward the downstream end of the rim conduit.

Abstract: A multi-part sump pump bucket for a sump pump installation is shown and described. The multi-part sump pump bucket may comprise at least two complementing sections which may be united to form an open receptacle, and a cap installable over the complementing sections after assembly of the latter. The open receptacle may include a raised section of floor for supporting the sump pump up off the floor, to assist with liquid pickup. The complementing sections may include flanges bearing holes for receiving fasteners, to assist with assembly of the receptacle. The cap may have openings for a liquid discharge conduit and electrical circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning drains has a drum auger with a coiled snake cable mounted on a telescoping extension tube. The tube has a rear and a forward handle with a cable lock on top of each handle. By alternately locking/unlocking each handle's cable lock and extending/folding the telescoping extension tube, the user can project the cable down a clogged drain without touching the cable. A second key feature is that the telescoping extension tube prevents kinking of the cable. Turning the auger handle twists the cable's auger tip when a wing screw locks the cable to a rotatable nose on the drum auger.

Abstract: An anchor for securing deck elements to a post comprises a body having first and second opposite sides. The first side of the body has an opening for receiving the post along a first axis in a snugly-fit manner. The second side of the body has a generally flat surface generally perpendicular to the first axis for securing the deck elements thereon, and positioning guide members extending from the generally flat surface so as to define therewith areas for receiving and relative positioning of the deck elements.

Abstract: A system for the construction of modular structures includes sheet metal panels that include at least some pre-cut portions configured to be deformed in such as way as to provide a gripping and reinforcing function for a cementitious material when poured around the structure constructed of the sheet metal panels. Window and door openings are typically precut prior to shipping to a construction site and then punched out of a sheet metal panel at a construction site. The invention provides for an extremely compact method of shipping load bearing components to the construction site and reduced labor time in assembling a building framework.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a series of prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPCV) modules, including the steps of casting a slab of a new module in the series of modules against an adjoining slab of a previous module in the series of modules; casting opposed walls of the new module on opposed sides of the slab, wherein one of said walls is cast against an adjoining wall of said previous module; casting a roof slab on said opposed walls of the new module, the roof slab being cast against an adjoining roof slab of said previous module; separating the new module from the previous module; repeating steps (a) to (d) for each successive module in the series, wherein the side walls of each module in the series of modules are matched to side walls of neighboring modules in the series of modules.

Abstract: A strap system comprising a plurality of straps. Each strap comprises a central body configured to extend within the first reinforcement channel, an outward jog at an upper end of the central body with an upper offset body extending therefrom, and a lower overlap portion extending from the central body opposite of the upper offset body. The lower overlap portion is positionable within the first reinforcement channel, while the upper offset body extending along the first end wall overlying the first reinforcement channel, whereupon positioning the first strap in operable position relative to the second strap directs the upper offset body into overlying position relative to the lower overlap portion of the second reinforcement channel, to, in turn, provide for the coupling therebetween by a fastener directed therethrough. A bracket member with a strap system, and a building system with a strap system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A direct fastening fastener particularly suited for use in normal weight or lightweight composite deck system. The fastener is heat treated to a dual-hardness level so that a portion of the fastener is capable of driving into the support member, such as a joist and a decking member. The remaining portion of the fastener remains relatively ductile so that it can withstand and transfer shear loads imposed by shifting of the concrete slab, which overlies the composite decking, to the support member. The fastener can be a single or multiple piece fastener which includes specially formed annular flanges that enhance interlocking between the fastener, the concrete slab and support members.

Abstract: A sealing member for use between a flashing member and a roofing material is made of a compressible material and with slits and/or weakening sections extending into the sealing member from the exterior surface towards the interior surface, each slit and/or weakening section extending from one side surface to the other side surface. In one embodiment the slits and/or weakening sections extend in parallel planes, each plane being substantially parallel to the height direction and extending at an angle of 15-75 degrees to the length direction of the sealing member, preferably an angle of 45 degrees. In use the sealing member is arranged on a flashing member and a roofing material is arranged to rest on the sealing member and compress one or more sections of the sealing member. If the sealing member includes weakening sections, at least one of these is at least partially broken when the sealing member is compressed.

Abstract: An insulative panel having a frontside and an opposing backside, and one or more other sides that extend from the frontside to backside, the one or more other sides angling inwardly from the frontside to the backside so that the panel has a tapering profile, the panel being configured to fit into a stud or other such cavity having standardized dimensions, the panel comprising an insulating material with an R-value suitable for use in building construction and remodeling.

Abstract: A system is disclosed comprising a plurality of connected cuboctahedrons forming a column for a building, cuboctahedron comprising a plurality of legs connected by connectors, the first ends of two short sections of a leg are screwed into two separate first and second connector balls, and wherein the first ends of two separate coupling nuts are screwed fully onto the first and second ends of a longer separate section of leg, and wherein the first and second ends of each such longer section of leg, with said coupling nuts screwed fully thereon, are fitted end to end with the second ends of the two short sections of leg already fitted into the corresponding first and second connector balls, first above mentioned, and wherein the first ends of each such coupling nuts are screwed from the first and second ends of the longer section of leg onto the second ends of the short sections of leg first above mentioned which had been screwed into said first and second connector balls.

Abstract: A curtain wall system including panel units to be secured to a building structure between the building structure and an external space. Each panel unit includes a first mullion segment, a second mullion segment, and one or more panels. The first mullion segment of each of the panel units is attachable to a secured second mullion segment of an installed one of the panel units, to provide a mullion assembly defining a central cavity therein in which a central volume of air is isolated for at least partially thermally insulating the building structure relative to the external space, and a boundary region between the central cavity and the external space. Each mullion assembly includes one or more thermal insulator elements to at least partially define one or more thermal breaks between the external space and the boundary region.

Abstract: A curtain wall renovation system for an exterior of a building includes a plurality of new mullions attached to a top surface of a first floor slab of a first floor and extending downwardly external to the building and below an outer edge of the first floor slab, and a temporary weather shield system assembled in a second floor below the first floor and inset from an outer edge of a second floor slab. The temporary weather shield system includes a plurality of dry anchoring devices fastened to a top surface of the second floor slab, a plurality of temporary mullions supported on the top surface of the second floor slab and each including a bottom and a top, and a plurality of reusable panels, each reusable panel being secured to two laterally adjacent temporary mullions of the plurality of temporary mullions.

Abstract: A double rail (1) for creating a stretched-fabric structure, having a tubular body comprises a longitudinal passage opening (3) for the passage of stretched fabrics, wherein the tubular body comprises two internal flanges (4, 5) converging toward one another and delimiting, with an internal wall (6), a cavity (7) in which lighting means (8) are housed, the cavity (7) being open toward the passage opening (3).

Abstract: A truncated icosahedron assembly can include a plurality of structural elements coupled together in a truncated icosahedral configuration. Each structural element can include first and second hexagonal portions and first and second pentagonal portions. The hexagonal portions of each structural element can be coupled together at a first edge of the first hexagonal portion and a second edge of the second hexagonal portion. The pentagonal portions of each structural element can be spaced relative to each other by the first and second hexagonal portions. The first pentagonal portion of each structural element can be coupled to the hexagonal portions adjacent the first edge of the first hexagonal portion and the second edge of the second hexagonal portion. The second pentagonal portion of each structural element can be coupled to the hexagonal portions adjacent the first edge of the first hexagonal portion and the second edge of the second hexagonal portion.

Abstract: The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a foam insulating panel, the panel having a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the foam insulating panel defines at least one recessed channel in the first primary surface, the at least one recessed channel being sized and shaped to provide a mold for a structural reinforcing member. The product also comprises a concrete panel formed on the first primary surface and filling the at least one recessed channel so as to provide a structural reinforcing member for the concrete panel. The product further comprises an elongate anchor member in the foam insulating panel and extending from the first primary surface of the foam insulating panel into the concrete panel. A method of making a composite reinforced insulated concrete structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lintel system for supporting masonry blocks above an opening in a structure includes a lintel configured to span a width of the opening. The lintel includes a single spanning member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a side face extending between the top and bottom edge. Supports are disposed at longitudinal ends of the single plate member. A stiffener is attached to the lintel for reinforcing the lintel. The stiffener extends in opposed relation to the side face along at least a portion of the side face.

Abstract: A building support column includes a lower assembly with a connection bracket with a bottom plate and first and second connection blades extending away from the bottom plate in a first direction. A body includes plastic and defines an exterior perimeter about a plurality of support rods extending from the bottom plate. A center hole through the body is aligned with a hole through the bottom plate. An upper assembly includes a plurality of elongated layers of wood secured to each other along elongated faces of the layers of wood. The connection bracket secures the upper assembly to the lower assembly with a connection blade extending between the elongated faces of adjacent elongated layers of the supper assembly. A reinforcement plate with a plurality of teeth that extend away from a first side of the plate into a single elongated layer of the plurality of elongated layers.

Abstract: Solar-reflective roofing granules having improved solar heat-resistance are formed by coating colored mineral particles with a coating composition including titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: A roofing material includes a fire-retardant particulate material on its upper surface. A solar-reflective surface coating encapsules the fire-retardant particulate.

Abstract: The gutter cover is placed on top of the gutter and protects the gutter from leaves and debris flowing into the gutter while allowing water to pass into the gutter. The material used to make the gutter cover is a loosely woven fiber mesh that is approximately ¼ inch in thickness with a width slightly larger than the opening of a gutter. The material allows water to pass easily but will not allow debris and leaves to pass. The material is placed on top of the gutter and deflects leaves and debris over the gutter. As stated above the material's width is slightly larger than the width of the gutter. The installer bends the material and places it on top of the gutter between the fascia board and the lip of the gutter. The material forms a convex surface over the top of the gutter.