Abstract: A building construction method uses wall frames having a moveable top track. The track is fixed in a raised position so as to be load-bearing during construction, allowing construction work to progress quickly. When supporting concrete columns have cured, the fixing can be released allowing the track to move into a lowered position and for the building load to transfer to the columns.

Abstract: The present disclosed subject matter relates to a connector for two workpieces, which are in particular made of wood. The connector comprises a first and a second fitting which may be mounted on one of the workpieces each by their one side and which may be anchored to one another by their other sides, and which each have a circumferential edge between their one and other side. At least the first fitting has a projection with an undercut on its other side and the second fitting has a slot, starting from its edge and corresponding to the undercut, for anchoring the projection. At least one of the fittings has a protrusion on its other side and running transverse to the direction of the slot for resting of the edge of the other fitting when the projection is in the position anchored in the slot.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an elongated geodesic dome with an arched-tunnel section. In some embodiments including: a first adjustable angle hub connector, the first adjustable angle hub connector being a connector of a first plurality of tubular struts, the first plurality of tubular struts being inserted into the first adjustable angle hub connector; a second adjustable angle hub connector, the second adjustable angle hub connector being a connector of a second plurality of tubular struts, the second plurality of tubular struts being inserted into the second adjustable angle hub connector; a third adjustable angle hub connector, the third adjustable angle hub connector being a connector of a third plurality of tubular struts, the third plurality of tubular struts being inserted into the third adjustable angle hub connector. The adjustable angle hub connectors may be removable for adjusting a length of the arched-tunnel section of the elongated geodesic dome.

Abstract: A building member for constructing a multi-level building, where the building member includes a shipping container including a plurality of walls having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall and opposing side walls connected together, and a building panel made of a cementitious material attached to at least one of an inner side or an outer side of at least one of the plurality of walls of the shipping container.

Abstract: A multi-story building includes a vertical support core that is disposed on a foundation, and a plurality of liftable floor plates. The liftable floor plates are fabricated at ground level and lifted into place on the vertical support core. The vertical support core includes vertically-oriented shear walls, and vertically-oriented columns disposed at corners thereof. Vertically-oriented first slots are formed between adjacent ones of the columns disposed at the corners. Each of the liftable floor plates includes girders, lateral framing members, diagonal framing members, and spandrels disposed at an outer periphery of the floor plate. The diagonal framing members are disposed diagonally in relation the lateral framing members and the first and second girders of the floor plate. The diagonal framing members extend through the first slots in the vertical support core and extend to one of the spandrels disposed at the outer periphery of the floor plate.

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

Abstract: An apparatus guides first and second assembly components into a predetermined configuration, each assembly component including an opening. When the assembly components are aligned into the predetermined configuration, their openings align to define a cavity for receiving a stepped dowel to fasten the components together. The guiding apparatus includes a stepped dowel member having successively-smaller dowel sections, and a collar member floating around the base of the stepped dowel member. The stepped dowel member tip can be passed through the first assembly component opening and inserted into the second assembly component opening, drawing the components into the predetermined configuration. When the components are aligned into the predetermined configuration, the collar member engages the first assembly component opening and the stepped dowel member engages the second assembly component opening.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming a connection between a structural component and a panel, the panel comprising a substrate and a load-resistant covering over either or each side of the substrate, the method comprising securing a connector to the component and panel such that the connector engages at least one said covering and the component so as to direct, to the covering(s) engaged thereby, loading exerted by the component.

Abstract: A foundation venting device for use in a wall that is constructed with queen size bricks includes a pipe that is rectangularly shaped and is configured to be inserted by a first end into a hole that positioned in the wall. The pipe has a second end that is closed. A plurality of apertures that is positioned in the second end of the pipe is configured to vent a space behind the wall. A flange that is coupled to and extends substantially perpendicularly from a perimeter of the second end of the pipe is configured to cover a gap between the pipe and at least one of an upper course and a lower course of the queen-sized bricks that define the hole in the wall.

Abstract: A system for reversibly dividing a space is disclosed. Independent panels, with track followers attached to both narrow sides, move along parallel tracks. The panels start in an overhead storage space. The tracks are shaped such that as the panels move from the storage space into the space to be divided, one panel stops higher and the next panel slides down and then under the first panel. These panels preferably form a single-plane divider in the space.

Abstract: A ceiling system, a ceiling panel, and a method of covering a ceiling support with a plurality of ceiling panels. In one aspect, the invention may be a ceiling system comprising: a plurality of ceiling panels, each of the ceiling panels comprising: an upper face; a lower face opposite the upper face; a first edge, a second edge, a third edge opposite the first edge, and a fourth edge opposite the second edge; each of the first and second edges comprising a tongue; and each of the third and fourth edges comprising a groove; and a plurality of alignment clips, each of the alignment clips comprising a cruciform rib element.

Abstract: An energy-saving lighting masonry module is disclosed. The module is mainly composed of a structural part, a thermal insulation part and a light transmitting part. A lens on an inlet end of a refraction region of the light transmitting part changes an optical path so that the light enters a total reflection light channel, and a lens on an outlet end restores the optical path to provide indoor illumination. The present invention uses the lenses and light guide to change the optical path to compress the light channel. The insulation material and optical devices in the energy-saving lighting masonry module are combined to form a block to achieve the combination mode of dual purposes of lighting and energy saving.

Abstract: A plasterboard comprises a gypsum matrix having a polymeric additive distributed therein in an amount of at least 1 wt % relative to the gypsum, the gypsum matrix further having a first group of fibres and a second group of fibres embedded therein, wherein the fibres of the first group of fibres have an average length that is at least three times the average length of the fibres of the second group of fibres.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a structural insulated panel framing system comprising: insulation sheathing receivable by a wall jig; a frame for placement atop the insulation sheathing; and spray foam for application to the frame and the insulation sheathing to fuse the frame and insulation sheathing to produce a structural insulated panel.

Abstract: A permanent spacing beam for the rapid deployment of roofing trusses on site. Such permanent spacing beams and truss ties as described may utilize a mount end, a retention end, and an elongate portion which spans the distance between the mount end and the retention end. The mount end may have a mount slot and the retention end may have a retention slot. The mount slot and the retention slot may be configured to permanently couple and mount to a first truss timber stud and an adjacent truss timber stud used in residential and commercial roof construction. Such a configuration results in a permanent truss tie being spanned between two roofing trusses thereby creating a more robust and sturdy roof construction.

Abstract: An insulation board assembly, having: a foam insulation board; a top facer attached onto a top side of the foam insulation board, the top facer being made of woven material; and a bottom facer attached onto a bottom side of the foam insulation board, the bottom facer being made of woven material. The top and bottom woven facers may have upper and lower coatings and non-woven layers on either side and woven and non-woven layers may be held together with a tie layer.

Abstract: A tile replacement flashing is used with a tile hook. A bottom tile replacement flashing is shaped for placement on a lower portion of a location where a tile is removed from a roof. A top tile replacement flashing is shaped for placement on an upper portion of a location where the tile is removed from the roof. The top tile replacement flashing includes an elevated region at a lower portion of the top tile replacement flashing, the elevated region. The bottom tile replacement flashing is shaped so that after attachment of the bottom tile replacement flashing on the roof, the tile hook can be attached to a rafter of the roof, the attached tile hook extending over an upper portion of the bottom tile replacement flashing and having a portion that, past the upper portion of the bottom tile replacement flashing, extends upwards.

Abstract: A roofing underlayment with enhanced walkability and/or traction is provided. The roofing underlayment includes a base layer, a first coating layer adhered to a first surface of the base layer, and a melt-blown nonwoven layer adhered to the first coating layer. The melt-blown nonwoven layer enhances walkability by providing a rough surface on which roofing installers may walk.

Abstract: A roofing underlayment includes a hydrophobic nonwoven core layer that provides enhanced resistance to water infiltration. In addition to the hydrophobic nonwoven core layer, the roofing underlayment includes a coating layer adhered to a surface of the hydrophobic nonwoven core layer, and an exterior surface layer adhered to the coating layer. A roofing system that includes the roofing underlayment is also provided.

Abstract: An outdoor shelter and a rail system for the outdoor shelter are disclosed herein. The outdoor shelter includes at least one pair of support post members, each pair of support post members comprising a first support post member being spaced apart from a second support post member; a first guide rail member coupled to the first support post member; a second guide rail member coupled to the second support post member; and a shade support pole member slidably coupled to the first and second guide rail members, the shade support pole member being coupled to an end portion of a shade member of the outdoor shelter, and the shade support pole member configured to be slidably displaced along the lengths of the first and second guide rail members so as to allow an amount by which the shade member overhangs a side of the outdoor shelter to be user-adjusted.

Abstract: To provide sunshade structure which hardly deteriorates its sun-shading performance even in time zones or seasons which are not time zones or seasons when sunlight is intense. A sunshade 80 including a plurality of sunshade blocks 52 having arranged thereto, in alignment in a certain direction, a plurality of sunshade members having a plurality of light-shielding surfaces and a plurality of gaps three-dimensionally arranged therein, and being structured so that, when observed from a predetermined light-shielding angle, the gaps are seen to be substantially shielded by respective light-shielding surfaces provided therebehind, and the sunshade members being formed by using a plurality of curved circular members 50 produced by curving circular or oval plate materials, arranging the curved circular members 50 such that the respective curved directions are aligned, and coupling the mutual ends with each other.

Abstract: In one example, a baluster bracket for securing a baluster in a perpendicular orientation relative to a support surface includes a button bracket and a tube bracket. The button bracket includes a cylindrical body, wherein an outer surface of the cylindrical body is threaded, and a first aperture defined through the cylindrical body. The tube bracket includes a hollow cylindrical body, wherein an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body is threaded to engage the outer surface of the cylindrical body of the button bracket.

Abstract: Provided is an adjustable magnetic coupler 10 for operatively and removably attaching cladding 20 to a ferromagnetic surface 12.5, the coupler 10 including a first body 12 including a first magnetised element 12.3 for attaching to the ferromagnetic surface 12.5, the first body 12 operatively associated with a second body 14 which includes a second magnetised element 14.4 configured for magnetically attaching to an article of cladding 20 to be attached to the ferromagnetic surface 12.5 via the coupler 10. Also included is an adjustor 16 for selectively adjusting the distance between the first and second elements to adjust a separation between said cladding and the ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a device for inserting through adjoining panes of glass, which may be oriented to apply pressure to opposing sides of the glass in one orientation. The device generally comprises a shaft that accepts a fastener, which may be moved to tighten or loosen pressure applied by the device upon the glass. In one embodiment, the device comprises one or more plates for insertion through and placement against opposite sides of the adjoining panes of glass, and which can be used to reduce or remove bowing along the surface of the glass prior to sealing.

Abstract: The apparatus may include a ridge member, a first arm rotatably coupled to the ridge member and extending outward, relative to the ridge member, in a first plane angled relative to a first pitch of a roof structure. Also, the apparatus may include a second arm rotatably coupled to the ridge member and extending outward, relative to the ridge member, in a second plane angled relative to a second pitch of the roof structure. The ridge member may be positioned at an apex between the first pitch and the second pitch along a ridge of the roof structure. Further, materials for installation may be placed on at least one of the first arm and the second arm positioned between the roof structure and the materials. Additionally, the apparatus may include a load arm coupled at each respective end portion of the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a working system, including at least one fastened rope node, at least one mobile rope node, and at least one suspended rope node. The three nodes are connected by using a rope, the fastened rope node is fastened to a surface of a building, the suspended rope node includes at least one working apparatus, and the working apparatus works on a side facade of the building. The mobile rope node can move on the building and change a suspension position of the suspended rope node. In the present invention, safety of a facade working robot is improved, and a working scope is expanded.

Abstract: A construction form board having a first surface, a second surface and a core layer having a thickness therebetween. The first surface, the second surface and the core layer constructed from a polymer, such as polypropylene. The core layer having a plurality of continuous cavities in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A concrete form panel for a concrete formwork includes: a foam body having a concrete-facing surface and an outward-facing surface opposite the concrete-facing surface, the outward-facing surface having a plurality of slots formed therein; and a plurality of structural elements. Each structural element is accommodated in a respective slot, and has apertures formed therein for accommodating ties.

Abstract: A reinforcing bar binding machine includes a first movable gripping member that is displaced in a direction to come in contact with and separate from one side of a fixed gripping member. A second movable gripping member is displaced in a direction to come in contact with and separate from the other side of the fixed gripping member; and a bending portion brings the first movable gripping member and the second movable gripping member into and out of contact with the fixed gripping member. The fixed gripping member includes a shaft that rotatably supports the first movable gripping member and the second movable gripping member. In addition, the bending portion includes an opening and closing pin that pushes an opening and closing guide hole provided in the first movable gripping member and an opening and closing guide hole provided in the second movable gripping member.

Abstract: A binding machine includes a wire feeding unit which feeds a wire, a curl guide which curls the fed wire around an object to be bound, a binding unit including a twisting shaft provided to be rotatable around an axis, a gripping part provided at one end of the twisting shaft and a drive unit provided to the other end of the twisting shaft, a control unit which controls the drive unit, and a binding machine main body which accommodates therein the binding unit and the control unit. When an inside of the binding machine main body is divided by a virtual plane perpendicular to the axis to be partitioned into a first space in which the gripping part is accommodated and a second space in which the drive unit is accommodated, the control unit is arranged in the second space in which the drive unit is accommodated.

Abstract: A computer-assisted shingle sawing method for recovery optimization using a 0-1 defect relative to the clear line, comprising the steps of taking an image of a next slab to be cut from a wood block; defining from that image, a clear line there-across; and locations of defect on that slab relative to the clear line, determining edge lines of shingles recoverable from the slab according to optimal shingle grade recovery; sawing the next slab along these edge lines, and sawing the next slab from the wood block, thereby releasing an optimum recovery of shingles from the slab. In another aspect there is provided a method for shingle recovery optimization using an optimization by inversion strategy, wherein the inclination of a parting line for cutting the next slab from the wood block is determined for optimal shingle grade recovery. There is also provided an installation for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated and pre-engineered integrated skeletal frame for a room is discussed. In an embodiment, the pre-fabricated and pre-engineered integrated skeletal frame is for an electrical room with its electrical equipment installed, wired up, and tested offsite in a factory. The pre-fabricated and pre-engineered integrated skeletal frame can have rigging components such as lifting eye hooks and temporary structural cross connect bracing for rigging. The prefabricated room can have electrical equipment mounted inside, wired up, and tested off site at the factory and then be shipped to the construction site.

Abstract: A lifeguard observation station having a support structure, a platform member and stairs. The platform member is supported by the support structure and is elevated from ground level. The platform member has a first side, with at least a portion of the first side of the platform member being configured to be positioned proximate to or in-line with an edge of a pool or body of water. The stairs extend between the ground level and the platform member. The support structure is offset from the stairs. The lifeguard observation station provides a lifeguard unimpaired line-of-sight to swimmers or bathers in the pool or body of water whether when the lifeguard is positioned on the platform member or on the stairs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a above ground pool, comprising a flexible pool body. The flexible pool body comprises: a polygonal bottom sheet that comprises a plurality of edge portions; and a plurality of side sheets, each side sheet comprising a pool sidewall portion and a pool bottom portion, and each of the pool sidewall portions and each of the pool bottom portions being in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid. Each of pool sidewall portion comprises a first upper-base portion, a first lower-base portion and a first middle portion defined between the first upper-base portion and the first lower-base portion, and each of the pool bottom portion comprises a second upper-base portion, a second lower-base portion and a second middle portion defined between the second upper-base portion and the second lower-base portion. The first lower-base portion and the second lower-base portion coincide to define a junction of the pool sidewall portion and pool bottom portion.

Abstract: A pool, preferably a plunge pool, that can be prefabricated and on site installed in a short space of time is provided. The pool is integrally formed, resulting in a unitary pool shell having a floor, one or more sidewalls connected to the floor, a surface, such as a step or bench, extending from at least one of the sidewalls; and a peripheral wall extending from the surface to the floor.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable siphon effect vacuum cleaning device for the collection and removal of debris from liquid filled vessels. The invention comprises a handle structure to grip and control the invention in combination with at least one priming conduit and associated liquid communication path to direct the flow of liquid and debris to a desired discharge location, where priming conduit includes a suction end, discharge end, and a restricting valve positioned between, and through the action of gripping the handle and pushing and pulling in the axial direction, one can incrementally fill the liquid communication path until a continuous siphon flow of liquid begins, in turn realizing the benefits of creating a continuous flow of liquid to provide a continuous suction effect for continuous collection and expulsion of debris without any need for continual manual or powered pumping of that liquid.

Abstract: For parking a bicycle, a bicycle parking device includes a lower braced frame, a rotating platform, at least one rotating column structure, and a lifting device. The lower supporting frame that installs a rotating platform and supports an upper supporting frame through a bracing rod. The rotating platform is arranged on the lower braced frame and a fan-shaped notch is arranged on the rotating platform. The at least one rotating column structure that supports the lower braced frame, wherein at least one rotating column structure supports the lower braced frame. The lifting device arranged in the rotating column structure is detachably connected to a carrier frame used for carrying bicycles.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for mounting a pole on a post includes providing an apparatus having an inner portion, an outer portion and a cap portion. The inner portion has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes open first and second ends; the outer portion has a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the inner portion and includes open first and second ends; and the cap portion has first and second ends and has a substantially circular shape with an outer diameter that is substantially similar to the diameter of the outer portion and has a substantially circular aperture with a diameter that is substantially similar to a diameter of the open first end of the inner portion. The first ends of the inner portion and the outer portion may be connected to the second end of the cap portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fencing system and method for assembling a fence panel. The fencing system comprises pickets, braces and rails which can be assembled into a fence panel. The fence panel can be assembled by inserting the pickets through the slots of the brace and the opening of the rails when the brace is in the unlocked position. The assembled fence panel can be locked into place by longitudinally driving the braces relative to their respective rails from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Abstract: A panel-post connector plate 16 for connecting a fence post 12 to an adjacent fence panel 14. The panel-post connector plate 16 comprises a plate body 84 having a post-receiving aperture 86 for receiving at least part of the fence post 12 therethrough, and a fastener receiving aperture 92 for receiving a fastener to attach the plate body 84 to a panel-body of the adjacent fence panel 14. A header-rail engagement member 94 is at or adjacent to the plate body 84, the header-rail engagement member 94 receivable in the header rail 26 of the adjacent fence panel 14. A temporary rail support device, a gravel-board retaining element, a fence post and a fence are also described.

Abstract: A drivable handle structure and method of use thereof are introduced, and the handle structure includes a shaft portion, a handle portion, and at least one lever portion; when the handle structure is used, the shaft portion is combined with a first object, and used as a rotating axis to make the lever portion turn for moving abuttingly against a movement portion of a second object so that the first object and the second object can move because of the movement of the handle structure. Accordingly, the handle structure may be set up to the first object, and drive or release from the second object so as to operate and apply force easily and have the advantage of convenient usage.

Abstract: Interchangeable cylinder for locks that have an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder that has a locking device that uses a master key to unlock it is provided. The object of the invention is the inner cylinder, which carries an associated wing in functions of a handle, the wing and the body of the cylinder forming a single whole. The wing is integrated in the cylinder itself, and is extended radially beyond its body. The wing is of thin, flat or extra-flat configuration, and is attached to or integrated into the front of the cylinder itself. For application in interchangeable cylinder locks, to comply with ADA regulations.

Abstract: A digital key management system for physical keys is provided. A processor registers a physical lock. A processor generates a digital key based on a physical key structure to be used with the physical lock. A processor configures the physical lock to decode an inserted physical key. A processor verifies the inserted physical key, in response to a digital key for the decoded physical key matching the generated digital key.

Abstract: Ensuring physical access control of a lockbox according to a contract. Parties to the contract interact with the lockbox according to contractual requirements recorded to a ledger accessible over a network. The ledger linking access activity of the parities using cryptography. The lockbox is opened with a credential provided over the network and secured automatically upon closing of the lockbox such that the credential no longer opens the lockbox.

Abstract: A locking system for a door, including a primary locking mechanism and a secondary locking mechanism, in which the primary locking mechanism includes an electrical actuator that causes a first plate and a second plate to be magnetically attracted to one another when actuated such that rotation of a doorknob effects a corresponding rotation of the spindle, and in which the secondary locking mechanism includes a detent that is formed in a knob collar and an aperture that extends through a rotator collar; and a pin that is translatable through the aperture to be disposed in the detent of the knob collar, when the secondary locking mechanism is in an unlocked condition, such that the knob collar and the rotator collar are rotatably fixed to one another.

Abstract: A door lock includes an outer enclosure constituted by a body that is substantially shaped like a flattened parallelepiped. The lock has a hole passing through the enclosure, with an axis of extension that is perpendicular to the base of the body, and is suitable for the insertion of a double handle unit. The lock further includes a spring latch exiting from a side wall of the body, through an opening, the spring latch being connected to the edge of the through hole and adapted to be actuated by the handle unit. The lock includes a seat for a cylinder, of the mortise type, the latter provided with an end cam and being accessible from the side of the enclosure that is adapted to correspond to the outside of the door, the cylinder being adapted to release the lock.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic padlock cover with a knob, wherein the padlock includes a rotor assembly formed by an electronic cylinder joined in continuity to an electronic knob, a body wherein the cylinder and a padlock ring are housed, wherein the cover includes a protective casing of the body intended to surround and protect the body of the padlock on one end, a support with a ring-shaped configuration including two grooves and an extension, centered on each groove, which includes a pair of first holes for the introduction of corresponding fastening screws for fastening to the body of the padlock and a protective casing of the knob including two flanges located in correspondence with the grooves, including an inner cylindrical opening for the housing of the knob.

Abstract: A security device for a retail item or packaging has housing that retains a gear that is operably connected to a pawl with two arms. One arm of the pawl is operably engaged by the gear. The other arm of the pawl is operably engaged with an unlocking key within the housing. The unlocking key is operably controlled by an unlocking tool by inserting a portion of the unlocking tool into a complementary portion of the unlocking key through a keyway formed in the housing. The unlocking key may have a magnet or components that are attracted to a magnet that enable the unlocking key to disengage a slot formed in the housing to allow the unlocking key to rotate to move the pawl. The housing may additionally be formed with a channel that allows a plurality of similarly constructed security devices to be tethered or daisy-chained together.

Abstract: A stand (100) is disclosed. The stand (100) may include a first connecting component and a second connecting component. The first connecting component may include at least one fixing element and a chamber. The chamber may have an opening. The second connecting component may include an insertion portion including at least one fixing element and a chamber. The chamber may have an opening. When the insertion portion of the second connecting component is inserted, along an axis in an insertion direction, into the chamber through the opening, the fixing element in the first connecting component may work in pairs with the insertion portion to cause the first connecting component to be connected with the second connecting component.

Abstract: A bracket that holds an aromatherapy product, or other amenity item, in a shower, with an integrated security “leash” that keeps the bottle from being stolen. The combination of the bracket with the integrated leash solves a security/theft problem for the customer using the bracket. The present invention provides a unique way to attach a leash and collar to the bottle so it can be secured and not stolen from the shower where the bracket system is used.