Abstract: A method (400) and a control unit (210) for ground bearing capacity analysis. The method (400) steps include determining (401) a shape of the terrain segment (130) ahead of a vehicle (100), based on sensor measurements; predicting (402) a distance between a sensor (120) of the vehicle (100) and the ground (110) at the terrain segment (130), before the vehicle (100) moves into the terrain segment (130); measuring (403) the distance between the sensor (120) of the vehicle (100) and the ground (110) when the vehicle (100) has moved into the terrain segment (130); and determining (404) that the terrain segment (130) is to be avoided due to insufficient bearing capacity when the predicted (402) distance between the sensor (120) and the ground (110) exceeds the measured (403) distance between the sensor (120) and the ground (110). Also, a method (600) and control unit (210) for route planning of the vehicle (100) are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying reinforcing additive to a ground by being connected to a mobile vehicle including a chamber to store the reinforcing additive, wherein the chamber includes an outlet to let the stored additive reach the ground for reinforcement; a connecting element to connect the apparatus to the vehicle; a cover for adjusting the additive amount leaving the chamber through the outlet by adjusting the opening of the outlet; a movement element in connection with the cover and moving the cover to adjust the opening of the outlet; a vibrating element provided on a surface of the chamber, vibrating the surface when energized to direct the additive towards the outlet; and a power source in connection with the movement element and vibrating element, providing energy to these elements to perform their operations according to the demand of the related application.

Abstract: A manhole device and corresponding system including a manhole is described. The manhole device comprises a main body having an upper portion, a lower portion and a securing means. The securing means is engageable with the manhole such that when secured to the manhole, the upper portion protrudes above a surface level and the lower portion is retained below the surface level in the manhole. The main body provides means for alignment for construction around the manhole while providing a barrier to prevent access to vehicles, people and debris during the construction process. A method of construction is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic excavator that enables arrangement of a camera at an appropriate position on a lateral edge of a revolving unit. The camera is installed on the lateral edge of the upper surface of the revolving unit. A handrail is attached to the upper surface of the revolving unit. The handrail includes a first handrail member extending in the front-rear direction of the revolving unit, and a first support member supporting the first handrail member on the revolving unit. The camera and the first support member are adjacent to each other in the tight-left direction of the revolving unit, and the first support member is arranged inward relative to the camera.

Abstract: A system for controlling an earth moving machine may comprise: a speed sensor configured to communicate a speed signal indicative of a speed of the machine; an operator bucket lift command input configured to communicate an operator-input bucket lift command; and a controller configured to: receive the speed signal and the operator-input bucket lift command; determine a torque of the machine; using the speed signal and the determined torque, determine a controller-generated bucket lift command; and provide a bucket lift command which is the larger of the operator-input bucket lift command and the controller-generated bucket lift command.

Abstract: An adapter board for use with a blade assembly includes a lower tool bit attachment portion, terminating in a lower adapter board free end, the lower adapter board free end defining a bottom surface defining a plurality of shank receiving bores and a plurality of pry slots. Each one of the plurality of pry slots is disposed adjacent at least one of the plurality of shank receiving bores.

Abstract: A cover of a work vehicle that defines a housing space for housing devices, including: a panel body having an obverse surface facing an outside of the housing space and a reverse surface facing an inside of the housing space; a plurality of panels arranged such that the surfaces of the panel bodies are positioned on the same plane; a connecting member having a pair of abutting plates abutting the reverse surfaces of a pair of panel bodies adjacent to each other; and a fixing member provided at abutting portions between each panel body and the connecting member, and detachably fixing each of the panel bodies to the connecting member from the obverse surface side.

Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper traveling body turnably mounted on the lower traveling body, a hydraulic actuator, an operating apparatus configured to be operated to operate the hydraulic actuator, an object detector configured to detect an object within a predetermined area around the shovel, a gate lock lever configured to switch the operating apparatus between an enabled state and a disabled state, and a control device. The control device is configured to switch the operating apparatus between the enabled state and the disabled state separately from the gate lock lever, and to disable the operating apparatus in response to determining that the object is present within the predetermined area based on the output of the object detector while the operating apparatus is switched to the enabled state by the gate lock lever, during the standby state of the shovel.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a steering wheel, a steering cylinder, a steering valve, a feed line, a return line, an electromagnetic valve, and a controller. The steering valve is configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinder in response to steering of the steering wheel. The feed line is configured to feed the hydraulic fluid from the steering valve to the steering cylinder. The return line is configured to return the hydraulic fluid from the steering cylinder to the steering valve. The electromagnetic valve is disposed between the feed line and the return line. The controller opens the electromagnetic valve in response to an oil pressure in the feed line.

Abstract: A measurement system includes an imaging unit mounted to a swing body of a work machine to image a shape around the work machine, a position detection unit which determines a position of the swing body, an imaging unit position calculation unit which calculates a position of the imaging unit when the imaging unit performs imaging while the swing body swings, and a three-dimensional position calculation unit which determines a three-dimensional position around the work machine during the imaging, on the basis of a position of the imaging unit calculated by the imaging unit position calculation unit.

Abstract: An object responsive control system for a work machine having a boom, an attachment pivotally coupled to the boom, an object sensor adapted for sensing the presence of an undesirable object located in a travel path of the work machine and delivering an object signal upon sensing the undesirable object. A controller adapted for receiving a boom position signal, an attachment position signal, and calculating an elevational position based on the boom position signal. The system activating an object response upon calculating an attachment elevation position above a predetermined threshold and receiving an object signal.

Abstract: There is provided a construction machine that can detect a positional displacement of a detection unit, the machine including a body, a plurality of distance sensors, a position information acquisition unit, and a positional displacement detection unit. The distance sensors are disposed so that detection areas of the distance sensors partially overlap. When a predetermined target is placed in an overlapping detection area, the positional displacement detection unit compares position information of the target that is acquired from distance image data of one distance sensor by the position information acquisition unit to position information of the target that is acquired from distance image data of the other distance sensor by the position information acquisition unit to detect a positional displacement of at least one of the one distance sensor and the other distance sensor with respect to the body.

Abstract: A surroundings monitoring system for a work machine includes an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of surroundings of the work machine and a display device configured to display the image of the surroundings of the work machine captured by the image capturing unit and a mark representing the position of a monitoring target. The display device is configured to display the mark in two or more different display forms.

Abstract: A shovel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body, an operator's compartment provided to the upper turning body, a display device provided in the operator's compartment, and an input device provided in the operator's compartment. The display device is capable of displaying a setting screen for a construction support system using information and communication technology, and a function to switch a screen displayed on the display device to the setting screen is assigned to the input device.

Abstract: Provided are a work point position computing section configured to compute the relative position of a work point set on a bucket with respect to an upper swing structure on the basis of posture information, a target surface setting section configured to set a target surface as a target of excavation work on the basis of design surface information, a primary operation determining section configured to determine which of operations of a boom and an arm is a primary operation as a main operation when the work point is moved along the target surface, and a recommended operation computing section configured to compute a recommended operation amount and a recommended operation direction of a secondary operation as another operation different from the primary operation in the operations of the boom and the arm according to an operation amount and an operation direction of the primary operation.

Abstract: A joint secured to a manipulator for movably supporting a tool(s) for conducting operations, particularly those in the field is hydraulic to be robust in varied environmental conditions and/or provide sufficient power. The joint includes a base to secure the joint to the manipulator, an adapter to secure a tool to the joint, components movably joined together in close proximity with each other between the base and the adapter to define three non-parallel axes of movement for the adapter wherein two of the axes always intersect a third of the axes, and hydraulically-driven actuators to selectively move and hold the components about the axes.

Abstract: A utility box for mounting at least in part within a wall for use with a fluid carrying supply pipe, the box comprising, a housing including a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, a back wall and a front opening providing access into an interior of the housing defined by the top, bottom, first side, second side and back walls, a bottom wall aperture in the bottom wall sized for extending the pipe through the bottom wall aperture with the pipe terminating in a free end portion positioned within the interior of the housing at a location above the bottom wall, a valve attachable to the free end portion of the pipe, the junction of the valve and the pipe being within the interior of the housing above the bottom wall, and a first seal positioned to provide a fluid-tight seal between the bottom wall and the pipe to prevent fluid within the interior of the housing from passing out of the interior of the housing through the bottom wall aperture.

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 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 in the housing.

Abstract: Dispensing of hot water having an adjustable temperature by way of a water outlet fitting that can be installed on a sink. This is achieved by a continuous flow heater and a measured value sensor arranged in a water inlet of the water outlet fitting as the hot water heater. The measured value sensor detects a measurement variable with regard to water flowing through the continuous flow heater (10). The water dispensing device has a control unit, which is designed to regulate a flow rate through the continuous flow heater as a function of measured values of the measured value sensor in order to adjust the temperature of the hot water.

Abstract: A dialysate disposal apparatus includes a water supply assembly configured to provide water through a plumbing fixture. A fitting is configured to connect to a drain of the plumbing fixture and includes an inlet configured to receive dialysate effluent from a dialysis device. A controller regulates an amount of water flow through the water supply assembly.

Abstract: A drainage system for use in a bathtub, sink, or the like is described. A bathtub may include a bath basin and a basin drain that drains water from the bath basin. The drainage system forms a p-trap. The drainage system includes an inlet elbow having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to an outlet of the basin drain. The drainage system also includes a u-bend conduit having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet of the first elbow. The drainage system also includes a second elbow having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet of the u-bend conduit. The outlet is configured to connect to an inlet of a fluid drain.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and compositions for dispensing multiple compositions into a plurality of containers or atmospheres. In one embodiment, this disclosure pertains to treating and preventing offensive odors arising from toilets. The system includes a base station with at least one bag-on-valve (BOV) canister, which holds one or more compositions. A tube leads from the output of the bag-on-valve canister to a bowl clip and/or to a spray nozzle. The bowl clip can be mounted to a toilet bowl. One example embodiment of the invention includes a bowl clip with a sensor that initiates release of the composition(s) from the bag-on-valve (BOV) canister(s), while another embodiment initiates release of the composition(s) from the bag-on-valve (BOV) canister(s) using a motion sensor or activation switch. The compositions are delivered to treat and prevent offensive odors.

Abstract: A device for delivering a chemical additive from a location at the top of an overflow tube to a toilet bowl has an upper portion that does not fit into the overflow tube and a lower portion that fits inside the overflow tube. The upper portion has a receptacle that can hold a chemical additive so that water flowing into the overflow tube runs over the additive and into the overflow tube.

Abstract: A cleaning solution dispenser system to automatically dispense a predetermined quantity of cleaning solution along with a flush is disclosed. The system includes the flush water tank with at least one through hole, the water tank comprising a tank body and a lid covered on the tank body. The system includes a first container installed outside having a removable stopper to allow the first container to be filled with the cleaning solution, and a tube with one end connected to the firs container at a bottom portion and the other end inserted inside the flush water tank via the at least one through hole. A second container installed inside and on at least one inner wall of the flush water tank and in receipt of the other end of the tube. The first container is adapted to refill the cleaning solution front the first container into second container.

Abstract: A device for dispensing toilet bowl cleaner from a toilet tank to the toilet bowl comprises a housing, an outlet from the housing, a so rim around the outlet, a cleaner chamber for receiving toilet bowl cleaner material, and a water inlet chamber for receiving substantially all the water used during flushing. There is a cleaner chamber receiving a portion of the water flowing into the water inlet chamber with passages for water to flow into the cleaner chamber where water dissolves cleaner material. The rim is configured to limit the exposure of the cleaner material to water between flushes.

Abstract: Individual square shaped modules used in an assembly for underground storage of storm water and other fluid storage needs. Modules are assembled into a resultant square tilling shape for maximized structural strength and material use efficiency. Internal square shaped modules are assembled and encased by external square shaped modules. Internal adjacent modules are in direct fluid communications with one another through a channel-less chamber. Internal square shaped modules drain into square shaped modules chamber where fluid is either stored or drained. Assemblies include various top and side pieces along with access ports for entry into said assembly.

Abstract: A supporting structure (102) for a wall or a roof partition (104;120) of a building structure (100), comprises an internal core structure (114) extending in a longitudinal direction, and first and second external covering profiles (106) for at least partially covering the core structure (114). The covering profiles (106) define inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces (108) facing one another, with slits (116) being formed at the inwardly facing surfaces (108). The core structure comprises at least two bands of material (114) which are mutually offset.

Abstract: A cement board made to rapidly and accurately match with a base body. The base body has at least one short and tapered projection extending outward. The cement board includes a concrete slab, a reinforcing frame, and at least one fixing member. The at least one fixing member has at least one positioning hole and at least fixing hole defined thereon. The reinforcing frame is positioned into the concrete slab. The at least one positioning hole is coupled to the at least one projection, to position the cement board onto the base body. The at least one fixing member is coupled to the at least one fixing hole, to fixing the cement board onto the base body. The positioning hole is a tapered hole, a diameter of the positioning hole gradually reduces from one end adjacent to the base body to the other end.

Abstract: A sock anchor unit (10) comprises an inner longitudinal hollow spine (12), an outer fabric sleeve (14) arranged to envelop the outside surface of the inner hollow spine (12) such that a gap is defined between the outside surface of the inner hollow spine (12) and an inner surface of the outer fabric sleeve (14) and a plurality of elongated reinforcing members (22), wherein each elongated reinforcing member (22) extends longitudinally within the gap. The inner hollow spine (12) comprises at least one substantially laterally extending opening from inside to outside of the inner hollow spine (12). The opening allows cementitious fluid which is pumped into the anchor unit to fill the gap between the hollow spine (12) and outer fabric sleeve. A fastening member (28, 32) is provided on each end of the sock anchor unit (10).

Abstract: A structural member acts for distance keeping, stiffening and load-supporting structural framing between a first building structure and a second building structure across which there exists a temperature differential, for example the inner and outer casings of an air handling unit supported externally of the building so as to be exposed to outdoor weather. The structural member has a web portion spanning between mounting portions connecting opposing first and second edges of the web portion to the first and second building structures respectively. A plurality of slots are penetrated through the web portion at spaced apart locations relative to one another to be primarily non-parallel to the first and second edges. Some of the material bridges between the slots require heat transfer across the bridge to travel opposite to the direction of the temperature gradient direction.

Abstract: A fire-rated component for a fire-rated joint, such as a head-of-wall assembly, includes an elongate body having at least a first layer, which can be in the form of a polymer profile. A second layer can be or include a foil lining and a third layer can be or include an intumescent material. The elongate body, such as the first layer, defines an air gap. The foil lining and/or the intumescent material can be positioned within the air gap. A planar lower portion of the first layer of the elongate body is positioned between a header track and a wallboard in the fire-rated joint. A non-planar upper portion of the first layer of the elongate body is positioned at least partially within a deflection gap of the wall assembly and sealingly engages the ceiling.

Abstract: A structural column includes a column body having a length Lc and a cross-section having a depth d that is greater than a width bc, with the column body having two end portions at ends of the length of the column body, a first end cap positioned at the first end portion of the column body where the first end cap has a first width greater than the width bc of the column body and has a first central line of the first width, and a second end cap positioned at the second end portion of the column body where the second end cap has a second width greater than the width bc of the column body and has a second central line of the second width. Additionally, the first central line and the second central line are off-center from a central line of the width of the column body.

Abstract: A building block for a modular system for construction of a wall frame, the building block having a frame portion having: a rear exterior side; a front interior side; a top end; a bottom end; a left side; and a right side; a sheathing extending across the rear exterior side; at least a first dowel protrusion or at least a first dowel cutout; at least a first mortise; and at least a first tenon opposite to the at least a first mortise; such that the at a first mortise is capable of associating with a corresponding first tenon of a second building block to create a first mortise and tenon joint; and such that the at least a first tenon is capable of associating with a corresponding first mortise of a third building block to create a second mortise and tenon joint.

Abstract: A connection for a subarchitectural workspace includes a first structure with a first end and a second end opposite the first end and a second structure with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The connection assembly further includes a first bracket with a first fine adjustment surface mounted to the first structure, a second bracket with a second fine adjustment surface that engages the first fine adjustment surface, and a clamping mechanism that applies a clamping force to the first and second fine adjustment surfaces to pull the first and second structures together.

Abstract: Fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, including but not limited to intumescent material. The fire-retardant material can be attached to compressible backer rods inserted within deflection gaps in the wall systems such that the fire-retardant material expands and seals gaps and/or areas between the tracks and wall components such as ceilings, floors, and drywall. Various assemblies and methods can be used to cover the deflection gap.

Abstract: An adjustable architectural frame uses multiple length-adjustable support beams and a pair of panel-connecting mechanisms to function as a framework for mounting architectural panels of varying size and construction. The support beams of the adjustable architectural panel include width-adjustment beams and height adjustment beams. The width-adjustment beams and the height-adjustment beams are preferably telescopic beams that have lengths which can be increased or decreased. These beams are terminally connected to create a quadrilateral frame that has physical dimensions which can be modified as a user desires. Additionally, the adjustable architectural panel makes use of the pair of panel-connecting mechanisms to mount various types of architectural panels onto the adjustable architectural frame. For example, the pair of panel-connecting mechanisms can be tracks along which an accordion door runs.

Abstract: A mold for manufacturing interlocking, dry-cast concrete retaining wall blocks in an upright orientation comprises a mold box comprising two side walls joined to end walls to define a mold cavity, a top face, and a substantially open bottom face. Partitions configured to define a space between adjacent blocks or a space between a block and a side of the mold box extend parallel to the side walls of the mold box substantially from the top face into the mold cavity, to form first transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces the blocks which do not include any undercut portion that would impede removal of the mold box in a substantially vertical direction. At least one removable insert comprises insert members which, when positioned in the mold box beneath the partitions, form remaining transverse portions of the profile of the top and bottom surfaces, the remaining transverse portions including at least one undercut portion.

Abstract: A deck frame includes at least one perimeter support member that has a joist support wall, a web wall extending perpendicularly from the joist support wall, and an overhang wall extending perpendicularly from the web wall. The web wall includes a plurality of spaced apart joist attachment features. Each attachment feature includes a slot defined by the web wall, a first tab extending from a first perimeter edge of the slot at a first angle with respect to the web wall, and a second tab extending from a second perimeter edge of the slot opposite the first perimeter edge in a first direction and forming a second angle with respect to the web wall. The first tab is disposed spaced apart from the second tab in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: A grid mounting system for a suspended ceiling system in one embodiment includes a support structure and a mounting bracket coupled to the support structure. An elongated first grid member is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket about a pivot axis defined by a pivot member. The first grid member is movable about the pivot axis in a plurality of angular mounting positions. In one embodiment, the grid mounting system further includes a second grid member which may be pivotably or fixedly coupled to the mounting bracket. The support structure may be a wall or perimeter trim bracket attached to the wall in some installations.

Abstract: Provided are a structure and a method of forming a structure that includes a core made, at least in part, of a rice hull composition. The rice hull composition including a combination of separate, unground rice hulls; ground rice hulls; and a rice hull powder, that each have a different particle size. A polymeric binder, such as a recycled plastic polymeric binder binds the separated unground rice hulls, the ground rice hulls and the rice hull powder together.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein are related to facers for insulation products, and more specifically relate to non-moisture absorbing facers for fiberglass based construction boards. The insulation products described herein may include a base insulation layer composed of or including a composite or construction board, blanket, batt, pipes, or roll. Fiberglass based construction or composite boards are often used to insulate residential, industrial, or commercial structures (e.g., metal glass buildings) or components (e.g., HVAC equipment, ductwork, piping). An insulation product as provided includes a base insulation layer (e.g., a construction or composite board) and at least one non-moisture absorbing facer bonded, laminated, or otherwise suitably coupled (e.g., with adhesive) to one or more sides or surfaces of the base insulation layer. The non-moisture absorbing facer is constructed without moisture absorbing layers such as kraft or tissue paper layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to structural panel systems which utilize different configurations to increase the flexibility of the panel systems. The increased flexibility of the panel systems may be achieved through the use of improved connection patterns and/or improved sidelap strength. The improved sidelap strength may be achieved through the use of a reinforcing member between edges of the panels or other sidelap configurations that improve the strength of the system along the sidelaps. The increased flexibility may also be achieved through the use of orienting flutes of the panels in the same direction as the supports members of the panel systems. The different aspects of the invention that improve the flexibility of the systems may be utilized alone or in combination with each other to improve the wall panel systems or roof panel systems, or combinations thereof, to improve the displacement capacity of the panel systems for in-plane shear loading.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tiles, systems, and methods related to manufacturing bullnose or other non-straight edge tiles. In a method of manufacturing a bullnose tile, the method comprises the steps of providing a tile, wherein said tile is a fired ceramic tile comprising a base and a decoration; cutting or milling the tile to form a bullnose edge; transporting the tile to at least a first printing station; printing at least one print layer of print media on the bullnose edge; transporting the tile to a curing station and curing the print media to provide the bullnose tile.

Abstract: A roofing shingle (20) comprises a web (22) of roofing material configured with a first series of sealant material sites (60) and a second series of sealant material sites (62) provided on the roofing shingle (20). The web (22) of roofing material is configured with a length dimension (L) and a width dimension (W). The sealant material sites 60 of the first series are provided along a first axis (66) which is essentially parallel to the length dimension of the web. The sealant material sites (60) of the first series are discontinuous along the first axis (66) and separated from one another along the first axis by a first interval (70). The sealant material sites of the second series (62) are provided along a second axis (68) which is essentially parallel to the length dimension of the web and spaced apart from the first axis (66) with respect to the width dimension.

Abstract: An exemplary prefabricated offset shingle includes a headlap portion extending from a top edge to a nail zone, a tab portion extending from the nail zone to a bottom edge, the headlap portion and the tab portion extending between first and second side edges. Two transverse cuts extend from the bottom edge to the headlap portion, and frangible lines of weakness in line with the transverse cuts extend from the transverse cuts to the top edge. The cuts and lines of weakness separate the shingle into first, second, and third offset portions having first, second, and third widths.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rainwater gutter for collecting rainwater which runs off the roof of a building. The rainwater gutter is formed by connecting two or more gutter sections, such as the outer surface of the gutter is continuous with no visible connectors. The gutter sections comprise one or more keyways running along the length of the gutter section. The keyways receive an elongated keyway for connecting gutter sections end to end.

Abstract: A shingle remover includes a fork riser, a pusher, and front and rear crank shafts. The fork riser includes forks separated by fork spacers. The forks are configured to push under shingles and separate them from roof structures. The fork spacers and forks pull out the nails associated with the shingles. Scoops on some of the forks urge pulled shingles away from the shingle remover for disposal. A fork carrier associated with the fork riser secures the forks to a front crank shaft while a cam associated with the front crank shaft periodically urges the forks forward under the shingles. A slot in the fork carrier engages with the rear crank shaft to limit movement of the forks to a substantially horizontal back-and-forth direction. The pusher includes tines that bite into the roof to oppose movement of the shingle remover as the forks push under and remove the shingles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of attaching a tread assembly of a spiral staircase to a vertical support column. One step of the method involves providing a tread assembly having a tread portion attached to an arcuate mounting plate defining at least one hole through which extends a fastener defining external threads, the mounting plate having a first face defining a first radius of curvature. Another step involves providing a support column extending along an axis, the support column having a plurality of axially and angularly spaced apart tread attachment locations, each of the tread attachment locations having an arcuate outer surface defining a corresponding aperture for receipt of the fastener, the arcuate outer surface defining a second radius of curvature that is greater than the first radius of curvature. According to another step of the method, the tread assembly is loosely connected to one of the tread attachment locations of the support column.

Abstract: The present invention is a cladded panel for architectural use to replace spandrel glass panels or aluminum panels that can still withstand high wind speeds. The cladded panel of the present invention is a three-layered panel formed by cladding a first porcelain layer, a polymeric interlayer and a second porcelain layer. In one form, first porcelain layer is cladded or baked to the polymeric interlayer and the polymeric interlayer is cladded or baked to second porcelain layer. Cladded panels when assembled to form an architectural structure provide high wind-resistance and insulation from external environment and also forms a durable and aesthetically appealing structure by hiding the unaesthetic elements within a structure at low cost.

Abstract: A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more board engagement elements extending from a portion of the spacer block. The board engagement elements can clamp the board, between an upper and/or lower surface of the board and a groove of the board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.