Abstract: Disclosed is a method of joining at least two linoleum sheets. The method includes creating a seam between the linoleum sheets and forming a bead of non-epoxy adhesive on a seam edge or injecting the non-epoxy adhesive into a closed seam. The seam formed by the edges of the linoleum sheets is joined and filled with the adhesive. Excess adhesive is removed and the seam is rolled and the seam adhesive is limited to the area between the linoleum sheets and the substrate within one linoleum sheet thickness of the seam.

Abstract: Apparatus for heat welding together thermoplastic membranes mounted on a surface includes a frame, a support member connected to the frame, a nozzle mounted on the support member to receive heated air, weld wheels mounted on the support member adjacent to, and immediately following, the nozzle for pushing a heated portion of an upper membrane toward a lower membrane to effect a weld, wherein the support member is adapted to be fixed to the frame member in a first position proximate a first side of the frame for welding the two membranes together, is releasable from the first position, is movable to a second position nearer a second side of the frame, and adapted to be releasably fixed to the frame at the second position for welding a membrane to an underlying edge piece mounted on a free edge of the surface.

Abstract: Tiles are installed on a vertical wall by employing an elongate, straight device that includes a spirit level. The device is positioned in overlying relation to the wall and rotated until it is horizontal as indicated by the spirit level. A plurality of longitudinally spaced and vertically staggered slots is formed in the device. Each slot receives a fastener so that the device can be secured to studs behind the wall. A row of tile supported by the device is then installed on the wall. The fasteners are removed after the tile installation is complete so that the device can be moved and re-used. Opposite ends of the device are configured to releasably engage a device of the same structure so that multiple devices can be linked together. An alternative embodiment is notched along its extent to provide utility in the context of convex and concave walls.

Abstract: A flooring material having a textile pad substructure with a density of greater than 10 pounds per cubic foot is provided. The textile pad has reinforcement and binding fibers. The binding fibers are thermoplastic and are used to bind the reinforcement fibers together. The pad is created by heating and compressing a fibrous textile batt so that it has a density of greater than 13 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A high-ductility material or a high-ductility covering material is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of a member, such as a column, of a structure so as to confine expansion of apparent volume accompanying rupture of the member, to thereby control rupture of the member. The high-ductility material is a fibrous or rubber sheet material. The high-ductility material is disposed in such a manner as to surround the member. Alternatively, the high-ductility material is spirally wound or rolled on the member.

Abstract: A process for the renovation of the steps of a staircase including step treads and risers, whereby, starting from the top step to be renovated, starting on the step tread thereof, a step tread plate provided with an impact section that protrudes beyond the step tread is arranged and fastened, and whereby, starting from the impact section, a riser plate extends along the riser and is fastened in the area of the corresponding next lower step to be removed.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing a structure with a sheet containing reinforcing fiber yarns is disclosed, by which method separation of the sheet is sufficiently prevented, maximum use of the sheet strength is achieved, and existing structures are effectively reinforced. The method includes the step of providing a sheet containing reinforcing fiber yarns over the surface of a structure selected from the group consisting of concrete and steel structures, with a flexible material interposed therebetween, the flexible material having a tensile elongation of 10 to 200% at maximum load at 23° C., and a tensile strength of 0.1 to 50 N/mm2 at 23° C.

Abstract: A method for building a sheet pile wall includes providing a first sheet pile having a leading sheet pile interlock with an interlock chamber, driving the first sheet pile into the ground while protecting the interlock chamber from ground material and providing a second sheet pile having a trailing sheet pile interlock with an interlock head. The method further includes coating a fixing agent as a surface layer on the interlock head of the trailing sheet pile interlock, engaging the coated interlock head of the trailing sheet pile interlock in the interlock chamber of the leading sheet pile interlock and driving the second sheet pile into the ground so that the trailing sheet pile interlock interlocks with the leading sheet pile interlock.

Abstract: An anchoring profile (1) for securing a pane (9) mounted in a frame (8) and protected against impact by window film (11). For ease of installation and to reduce costs, the profile (1) comprises two outer strips of substantially rigid plastics material (2,3) for attachment by adhesive (6) to the window film (11) and he frame (8), respectively, and a flexible interconnecting strip (4) between the outer strips (2,3) having sufficient resilience to absorb, in use, impact load in the pane (9).

Abstract: A thin laminate for application to a submerged object, such as a boat hull, to provide anti-fouling protection to the object. The laminate comprises a first layer of a transfer adhesive, a second strengthening layer of a plastic or synthetic rubber film, a third layer of a blended mixture of a synthetic rubber and cuprous oxide, and a removable fourth layer of a plastic film.

Abstract: An architectural molding (10) includes an extruded flexible plastic foam member (16) having a front side (22), a rear side (20) and a cross sectional profile (18). Also included is a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive (24, 26) affixed to at least a portion of the rear side and a release strip (28, 29) releasibly adhered to the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A method for the welding of plastic materials in the form of webs, films or the like by means of a heating wedge, welding being carried out without the use of a second pressure roller below the welded material webs. For this purpose, the heating wedge is placed onto the lower material web and is moved over the latter under pressure. The pressure is generated via a holding-down device which has a holding-down roller and which presses onto the upper material web and onto the heating wedge. A floating mounting for the heating wedge compensates for slight unevennesses on the lower material web.

Abstract: A self-adhering air and moisture barrier sheet membrane for structural surfaces of buildings, which is permeable to the passage of water vapor, is comprised of a water vapor permeable sheet onto one surface of which is applied an adhesive in a non-continuous film.

Abstract: The facing of a faced insulation layer has Z-folded, double-folded, or single-folded lateral tabs extending the length of the facing sheet along or spaced inwardly from lateral edges of the facing sheet. Each lateral tab has multiple segments. One of the segments of each lateral tab has an adhesive thereon that can be exposed and extended beyond one of the lateral edges of the insulation layer for bonding the faced insulation layer to a framing member. Where the blanket is separable into sections, the facing has pairs of separable tabs that separate when the blanket is separated to expose surfaces of the separable tabs with adhesive thereon. The adhesive may be microencapsulated or have microencapsulated constituent(s).

Abstract: In a method of reinforcing an existing concrete electric pole having an annular side wall, an inner hollow portion provided therein and an opening portion formed to a position of the annular side wall to be penetrated therethrough, at least one of a predetermined amount of mortar, a predetermined amount of sand and a predetermined amount of gravel is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion. A reinforcing member for reinforcing the electric pole is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion.

Abstract: A roll of masking material comprising a coiled elongate thin flexible sheet, which sheet has longitudinal folds defining, in some embodiments with elongate edges of the sheet, edges of longitudinally extending portions of said sheet. Those longitudinally extending portions of the sheet include pleat-like portions of the sheet each having opposite major surfaces generally parallel with the axis of the roll, which pleat-like portions are superimposed major surfaces to major surfaces to form a laminate with outermost ones of the superimposed pleat like portions defining the opposite outer surfaces of the laminate.

Abstract: An insulating unit for an electrical box for insulating an electrical box. The insulating unit for an electrical box includes a rear portion, a lower portion extending from the rear portion, an upper portion extending from the rear portion opposite of the lower portion, and a side portion extending from the rear portion defining a rectangular cavity for receiving the electrical box within. A cutout may be made within the upper portion, side portion or lower portion for receiving a wire. Sealants are preferably utilized for sealing and securing to a wall stud. The rear portion, lower portion, upper portion and side portion are preferably comprised of an insulating material.

Abstract: Films are closely conformed to substrates by reducing the air pressure to a subatmospheric level in at least one airflow pathway that is present in the film or the substrate. The reduced air pressure enables the film to tightly contact the substrate in locations where protrusions or depressions on the substrate are present. The method is particularly useful for conforming film containing graphics to a variety of substrates such as the sides of semi-trailers or concrete block walls, even in instances where the semi-trailer sides include rivets and/or grooves and where the concrete block wall is relatively rough.

Abstract: A drywall mud applicator, designed to quickly and easily apply a first layer of mud or mastic material to a joint in preparation for applying drywall tape thereto. The applicator includes a main housing comprising two side plates pivotally connected to an intermediate member. During use, the side plates are centrally aligned over a joint located between adjacent drywall panels so that each side plate is positioned against the adjoining drywall surface. The intermediate member is longitudinally aligned over the longitudinal axis of the joint. Attached to each side plate is a guide member that slides laterally over the side plate's front surface to control the width of the mud applied to the joint. A guide plate locking mechanism is provided for selectively locking the guide members in a desired position on the two side plates. A bellows is connected to the intermediate member and is used to evenly distribute mud to port openings formed on the two side plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.

Abstract: A method of nondestructive, reversible fixing of a coherent layer to a substrate, comprising the steps of anchoring a nonfibrous coherent layer to a film having either or both of projecting or embedded anchoring elements, wherein the anchoring elements provide mechanical anchorage of the coherent layer to the film, and fixing the coherent layer and film to the substrate. The coherent layer is anchored by applying a liquid or paste form material to the substrate that sets on the substrate to form the coherent layer, which is nonadhesive or only slightly adhesive to the film.

Abstract: A method of placing and securing shingle sheets onto a roof underlayment of a sloped roof having a roof lower edge, the shingle sheets each having a shingle sheet width, a shingle sheet length, a shingle sheet upper end and a shingle sheet lower end, a shingle sheet abutment face and a shingle sheet display face, includes the steps of: depositing at least one first anchoring line of the adhesive onto the underlayment substantially parallel to the roof lower edge, the first anchoring line being spaced upwardly from the roof lower edge a distance not more than the shingle sheet width; placing a first series of the shingle sheets onto and in series along the at least one first anchoring line so that the first series of the shingle sheets extend substantially to the roof lower edge.

Abstract: The ends of carbon plates reinforcing supporting elements, such as concrete beams, are divided into at least two splines having approximately the same thickness and are glued in the appropriate retaining slots of a terminal element. The splines form an angle in relation to each other. This assembly is then glued to the traction side of the supporting element, whereby the carbon plates are directly prestressed by the terminal elements in relation to the supporting element. The terminal element can be inserted into an appropriate groove in the supporting element or glued directly on the surface of the supporting element and/or doweled, optionally by using a transverse tensioning device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laying a floor covering that includes a flexible material containing a thermoplastic wear layer made from, in particular, plasticized PVC. The basic panels that form the covering are glued to the ground and cold welded in between on the site to be covered. After a panel has been positioned and glued to the surface to be covered, a continuous bead of mastic, which is made on the actual site by mixing a hardener and a polyurethane resin in aqueous phase, is applied laterally along the entire depth of the covering. The next panel is positioned on the ground which is covered with adhesive and the lateral edge thereof is pinned against the edge of the preceding panel comprising the bead of mastic, thereby causing the excess material to come to the surface, where it is removed by simply wiping with water.

Abstract: Shaped composite structures which are strong, stiff and hard and, at the same time, having high toughness, comprise a matrix, for example a cement or ceramics based matrix and embedded therein a plurality of plate shaped or at lest 60 mm thick elongated reinforcement components, the reinforcing component having at least 1.5 times higher tensile strength that the matrix, the minimum volume per cent concentration of the reinforcement components being related in the manner described in the specification to their tensile strength and (in case of elongated reinforcement components) also their thickness and to the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity and modulus of elasticity of the matrix. Methods for modeling and designing such structures are also disclosed, as are methods for establishing the structure for smaller matrix building blocks which may be pre-fabricated and which are arranged around pre-arranged reinforcement bodies and then fixed to each other and to the reinforcement.

Abstract: A new process for preparation of laminated/encapsulated substrates comprising applying an image to a permeable substrate and embedding the substrate in a resin, a new surface preparation which comprises a printed substrate which is embedded in a resin, and such laminated/embedded substrate which bears an image.

Abstract: There is provided a pressure bonding system for applying pressure onto at least one tile of a workpiece. This system comprises upper and lower gripper members each having first and second gripper ends. The second gripper ends are connected to each other. The first gripper ends are movable relative to each other to receive the workpiece therebetween. Moreover, an upper pressure applicator assembly is slidably engaged to the upper gripper member. The upper pressure applicator assembly is slidable along the upper gripper member between the first and second ends along a length of the workpiece. The workpiece is placed between the upper and lower gripper members with an edge thereof being adjacent the second gripper ends. The upper pressure applicator applies pressure to the tile(s) upon relative movement of the first ends towards the workpiece to a position adjacent the tile(s).

Abstract: A barrier sheet having a first side and a second side, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a laterally located midpoint, wherein the sheet is folded along its length to form a folded sheet defined by at least one fold with an adhesive strip positioned at a predetermined distance from the top and bottom edges, and preferably approximately at the sheet midpoint. When making a roll of barrier material, a barrier sheet material is provided and folded at least once laterally. The sheet then incorporates an adhesive strip applied to one side of the sheet at a predetermined distance from the top and bottom ends, preferably approximately at the midpoint. The adhesive strip is oriented lengthwise such that when the sheet is unrolled from the roll and unfolded, the strip will approximately bisect the sheet lengthwise. The sheet is then folded in a predetermined fashion, and rolled onto a roll.

Abstract: A method of creating a fluorescent painted sign, advertisement or decorative article for application to a window or wall. The method comprises applying a fluorescent paint to a first side of a white substrate material. Following this step, the method comprises applying a black vinyl or ink outline to the fluorescent paint applied to the white substrate material. A protective coating is then applied to the fluorescent paint and vinyl or ink outline. An adhesive is applied to a first portion of a second side of the white substrate material. The substrate material is then installed on a window or wall.

Abstract: A roofing component adhering assembly includes a bitumen layer having first and second major surfaces and at least a first release sheet substantially coextensive with the first major surface of the bitumen layer. The first release sheet is separable from the first major surface of the bitumen layer so that the bitumen layer of the roofing component adhering assembly can be used to adhere together overlapping surfaces, such as end and/or lateral edge portions, of first and second roofing components. The roofing component adhering assembly is especially well suited for adhering surfaces together where one of the surfaces is a granule surface, such as an end edge portion of a cap sheet. Preferably, styrene-butadiene-styrene modified bitumen is used to form the bitumen layer.

Abstract: Methods of forming composite graphic images on a substrate using a plurality of films that are applied and registered with each other under tension are disclosed. The films may include registration marks distributed along their lengths and those registration marks can be used to vary the tension under which the films are dispensed during application to a substrate. By detecting the registration marks on a film already applied to a substrate and detecting corresponding registration marks on a film being dispensed and applied to the substrate, registration between the different portions of the composite image on the different films can be maintained over the length of the films and, therefore, the length of the resulting composite image. That registration is controlled by varying tension of the film being applied.

Abstract: A stone tile layer adapted on surfaces of furniture, architectural components or the like comprising a top layer consisting of configured stone tile pieces cast or adhesively bonded in place by a bonding material reinforced with a reinforcement means, characterized in that said bonding material becomes itself the base layer serving as a backing frame of said top layer, and at the same time as filler filling up the gaps in between tiles.

Abstract: A sealing device for protecting individuals within a building or home against harmful biological and chemical agents outside the building or home comprising a plastic sheet, pre-sized to fit, for example, over a standard-dimension window and having an adhesive strip, the adhesive strip being attached along an outer peripheral edge portion of the plastic sheet for securing the plastic sheet over the window and a method of separating at least one sealing device from a supply roll of identical sealing devices, peeling off a removable backing strip from the adhesive strip in order to expose a tacky surface of the adhesive strip, and systematically adhering the tacky surface of the adhesive strip along a window opening so as to secure the sealing device over the window or window area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of finishing a wood surface for exterior exposure of the wood using a finishing film material in the form of a sheet. The finishing film comprises a flexible polymeric sheet material having a first major surface and a second major surface and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer covering at least a portion of the first major surface of the sheet material. The finishing film is adhered to the surface to the wood surface by the adhesive layer. The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for the finishing of brightwork on boats, for example, teak or mahogany brightwork. The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for finishing curved and/or compound curved surfaces due to the flexibility and elongation of the finishing film.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are panelized wall systems and methods for their construction, wherein the wall systems have elastomeric joints that are resistant to cracking. The walls are constructed with an elastomeric joint tape. The joint tape is made from an elastomeric backing material with an adhesive applied to a face, and optionally, a release liner laminated to the adhesive. In use, building panels are fastened to a frame with the edges adjacent to each other. The joint tape is applied to the seam between the panels and the wall is then finished with an elastomeric finish.

Abstract: A tape applicator apparatus for applying tape to a surface. The apparatus is configured for application of parallel strips of tape, as lateral plates holding tape are adjusted laterally dependent on the width desired intermediate the tape strips. At least two oppositely disposed tape holders are attached to the lateral plates and are configured collinear to at least two spool members and at least two distal and proximal rollers. The collinear nature of the tape holders, spools, and rollers allow the tape to be applied to the surface in a parallel fashion with a specifically set intermediate distance.

Abstract: Reinforcement of a metal container against seismic or paraseismic stresses, in which the metal container is surrounded over at least part of its height with carbon fibre fabric bonded to the external surface of the metal container, and in which the carbon fibre fabric is placed in bands extending substantially over the entire circumference of the metal container, predominantly in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the metal container.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a substantially smooth surface on a wall substrate having a wall surface with surface irregularities. The method comprises applying an adhesive substantially uniformly to the surface of the wall substrate, and attaching to the wall surface a base sheet having sufficient stiffness, thickness and compressibility to conceal the surface irregularities and provide a substantially smooth surface on the wall substrate. In one aspect of the method, the base sheet is a nonwoven fiber glass mat.

Abstract: A floor includes a substrate and an image, with the image being visible from above the floor. The image is formed on a carrier sheet that is embedded within a coating disposed upon an upper surface of the substrate. The coating is substantially translucent and is highly durable. The carrier sheet becomes substantially invisible when embedded in the coating such that the image remains visible from above the floor and appears to be embedded therein. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: One leg of a connector connector is embedded inside a slot cut in a base panel structure. Adjacent laterally extensive legs overlap and are bonded to the face sheet of the base panel structure. Structural members can be attached to the remaining leg(s) of the connector. The legs bonded to the base panel structure enable loads to be transferred to or from the panel structure, and enable peel-off loads to be distributed through the base panel structure.

Abstract: A device for applying wallpaper borders to walls and ceilings, which is anchored in place by conventional pin means pushed through holes in the surface of the device, for hands free maneuverability. The device is preferably composed of plastic which is waterproof, easily cleaned, safe, and durable. The device is either transparent or made of mesh material, so the user can see when the wallpaper border is nearing its end without having to stop the application process. Handles of varying lengths adjust to wall and ceiling measurements, while the device's cup's length can vary to adjust to different widths of wallpaper border. A cap with a notched rim can also be fitted on the device to secure the wallpaper border inside the device. The device is easy enough for a novice to use and also creates an error free finish suitable for professional use.

Abstract: An improved method of countertop manufacture having a laminate or veneer horizontal upper surface and a laminate or veneer vertical face with a corner element with an arcuate surface that smoothly fairs into both the upper surface and the face. The countertop is manufactured by first mounting a piece of solid surface to a backer and finishing to a desired arc. The solid surface is then bonded to the vertical laminate surface and substrate to create a joined edge piece. The joined edge piece is finished to form a flat base. The finished edge piece with an arcuate corner element is then bonded to the horizontal surface to form a countertop with a rounded corner joining the vertical laminate surface and horizontal upper surface.

Abstract: A combined waterproofing sheet and protection course membrane has a water resistant film and a protective layer. The protective layer protects the film from being punctured and otherwise compromised. An adhesive layer, with a free adhesive side for adhesion to a foundation, is adhered to the film, so that the membrane can be applied to a subterranean foundation in a single step. While the foundation is being back filled, the protective layer keeps the water resistant film intact thereby maintaining the water resistant capabilities of the membrane.

Abstract: A roof structure includes a lightweight insulating concrete layer, a waterproof membrane overlying the concrete layer, and a plurality of adhesive pellets that are at least partially embedded in the concrete layer. At least some of the adhesive pellets are in contact with an adhesive layer of the waterproof membrane so that the waterproof membrane and the concrete layer are both adhesively bonded together.

Abstract: A wing for a window or a door is provided with a profile frame (1), which forms a rabbet (3) receiving an insulating glass component (2) and has a perimeter surface (6) that surrounds the insulating glass component (2) on the end side thereof and a rabbet surface (12) that extends beyond the edge of the insulating glass component (2), and with an adhesive layer (7) for securing the insulating glass component (2) within the rabbet (3), said adhesive layer filling, at least in perimeter areas, a perimeter slot (8) between the end surfaces (5) of the insulating glass component (2) and the perimeter surface (6) of the rabbet (3) located opposite said end surfaces (5). To permit replacement of the insulating glass component, it is suggested that, in the region of a cover pane (11) of the insulating glass component (2) that faces the rabbet surface (12), a perimeter boundary ridge (22) for confining the adhesive layer (7) be provided at a distance from the front of the rabbet surface (12).

Abstract: A method of supporting loose fill insulation in a wall cavity with a flexible cloth. The cloth is secured to the wall cavity frame by initially fastening the upper and lower edges of the cloth to the upper and lower plates, and then permanently gluing the cloth to the vertical studs with a flowable adhesive. A small punch hole is made in the cloth to accommodate an installation tube, which is preferably angled at its end to facilitate reaching into small spaces and cracks. Loose fill insulation is blown into the cavity behind the cloth after inserting the installation tube through the punch hole in the cloth. The quality of the adhesion of the cloth to the studs can be assessed by observing the color of the studs through the cloth.

Abstract: A system and method of strengthening members of a tower comprises providing a tower including at least one tower member, and at least one reinforcing member. A structural adhesive is applied to the tower members and the reinforcing members. The reinforcing members are placed against corresponding tower members. The structural adhesive is cured to thereby permanently attach the reinforcing members to the tower members. The reinforcing members are secured to the corresponding tower members preferably by bolts while the structural adhesive is curing.

Abstract: A preglued underlayment assembly comprises a substantially rigid underlayment having an upper and a lower surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the upper surface, and a release layer disposed on the adhesive layer. Another pressure sensitive adhesive layer and another release layer optionally are provided on the lower surface of the preglued underlayment. One or more performance enhancing layers, such as foam and solid layers, can be disposed between the underlayment and the adhesive layer to modify and/or enhance various properties of the preglued underlayment. Mechanical fasteners, such as staples, penetrate the preglued underlayment assembly and engage a structural support member to attach the preglued underlayment assembly thereto.

Abstract: An array of strips is affixed to a transfer sheet, with the strips uniformly spaced apart. Each strip has a transparent plastic film with an adhesive coating on both sides of the strip. A release layer is affixed each film. A strip is peeled from the transfer sheet o that the adhesive coating is exposed. The user then presses a strip against an item of furniture in a typical area where a cat may tend to “sharpen” its claws. Finally, the release layer is peeled from the strip, thereby exposing the other adhesive coating. When a cat attempts to scratch the furniture, its paw contacts and receives an unpleasant sticking sensation from the exposed adhesive coating, deterring the cat from future contact with that item of furniture. Another embodiment has a rigid substrate with an adhesive side and a release layer. After the release layer is peeled from the strip, the adhesive is exposed and the strip is placed on the soil of a potted houseplant.

Abstract: A method of placing and securing shingle sheets onto a roof underlayment of a sloped roof having a roof lower edge, the shingle sheets each having a shingle sheet width, a shingle sheet length, a shingle sheet upper end and a shingle sheet lower end, a shingle sheet abutment face and a shingle sheet display face, includes the steps of: depositing at least one first anchoring line of the adhesive onto the underlayment substantially parallel to the roof lower edge, the first anchoring line being spaced upwardly from the roof lower edge a distance not more than the shingle sheet width; placing a first series of the shingle sheets onto and in series along the at least one first anchoring line so that the first series of the shingle sheets extend substantially to the roof lower edge.