Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation.

Abstract: An adhesion bond strength enhancer for cementitious adhesive mortar is disclosed. The adhesion enhancer improves bond strength between the mortar and relatively hydrophobic plastic material, such as extruded polystyrene boards and expanded polystyrene boards of the type generally employed in Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems (“EIFS”). Preparation of non-caking, free-flowing, solid dialkyl sulfosuccinate compositions for use as the adhesion enhancer is also disclosed. The adhesion enhancer is attractive for large-scale application in mineral mortar dry-mixes or other solid construction materials. The invention can be used to improve the strength of an adhesive bond between a) gypsum based plaster or stucco and concrete or bricks, b) tile adhesives and concrete, and c) mineral mortars on polystyrene boards, among others.

Abstract: A process of forming a member for a structure can include depositing a solar control layer over a first substrate, wherein depositing is performed using a plasma-assisted technique. The process can also include coupling the solar control layer and the first substrate to a second substrate. The process can further include removing the first substrate from the solar control layer while at least a portion of the solar control layer remains coupled to the second substrate. In an embodiment, second substrate can include a substrate for a structural member. Due to the composition or size of the substrate, the process described herein can be used to deposit a solar control layer that is initially deposited on a different substrate and is subsequently transferred to the substrate of the structural member.

Abstract: The mention relates to a sheet coating article (1) intended to be applied to a wall (50), characterised in that it comprises: a tightly tined substrate (10), and a coating layer (20) disposed on the tightly tilting substrate (10).

Abstract: A drywall trim application device that can hold a large role of drywall flex corner trim material and, as the material is being dispensed, pre-crease or form the material for use on an inside or outside corner, or any angle within the range of the trim material, apply a mastic material (drywall mud, adhesive or any other bonding medium) to the flex trim material, and cut the material at any desired length automatically. Measurements may be either input by hand or downloaded from an electronic measurement tool into this device. This invention can generally store multiple measurements such as length and angles, measure the length of flex trim material as it is dispensed from the device, crease the material, apply predetermined amount of mastic, and automatically cut the flex trim material to each length previously input.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising: an encapsulated photovoltaic element having a top surface and a bottom surface, a top layer material at its top surface and a bottom layer material at its bottom surface; a roofing substrate having a top surface; and a tie layer system disposed between the encapsulated photovoltaic element and the roofing substrate and joining the bottom surface of the encapsulated photovoltaic element to the top surface of the roofing substrate.

Abstract: A gunnable adhesive composition includes a silicone resin and an organopolysiloxane, or a reaction product thereof; as well as a filler and a solvent. The silicone resin and the organopolysiloxane are present in amounts to provide a resin/polymer ratio ranging from 58% to 64%. The gunnable adhesive composition may be applied to low surface energy substrates at ambient temperatures without primer or other surface treatment. The gunnable adhesive composition and adhesive product thereof are useful in weather barrier applications, such as building wraps.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing surface elements, such as floor panels, having a wear layer containing hard particles are disclosed, as well as the resulting surface elements. In the manufacturing method, the wear layer is partially manufactured, or may even be purchased as a stock item, before the decor is applied onto the wear layer. Preferably, the decor is applied to the wear layer at a position opposite the intended outer surface of the surface element. Preferably, the decor is printed onto the wear layer on the side of the wear layer intended to be affixed to a supporting core.

Abstract: A process for the production of a structural element in which at least two units of concrete are assembled by gluing, the compressive strength of the concrete being greater than 80 MPa. A structural element includes at least two glued units of concrete, the compressive strength of the concrete being greater than 80 MPa.

Abstract: A roof edge device (10) comprises a plastics strip (12) for location under the edge of a tiled/slated roof. A plurality of integral webs (2 and 3) extend from one side of the strip, at least one of said webs (2, 3) being for engagement with the underneath of the edge of the tiles/slates.

Abstract: A ceiling tile of gypsum and cellulose fibers formed into a board by initially mixing the fibers and gypsum in a water-based slurry that is felted and thereafter pressed and dried with a desired board thickness, the dried board being processed to form a plurality of holes in a face thereof through at least the majority of the thickness of the board, the collective volume of the holes being sufficient to reduce the weight of the board by at least 10% and increase the NRC exhibited by the board over that which would otherwise be found in a board of the same composition without such holes.

Abstract: A panel includes a metal fabric and fixers, such as two plates, assembled by glue. The metal fabric may be a screen having rod elements and a chain having wire elements. The glue may be constituted from an epoxy resin base and a modified amine hardening agent. The panel may be made by assembling two plates on a fabric by gluing. The panel may also be made by coating two plates with glue, positioning fabric on the rear plate, and positioning the front plate on the fabric and the rear plate.

Abstract: Cementitious mortar with improved characteristics for forming structures incorporating synthetic fibres, in particular in the form of webs, for reinforcing building structures. The mortar comprises a methylmethacrylate/n-butylacrylate copolymer resin and glass filaments dispersed in the mortar. The invention also relates to a reinforcement method for building structures, using said mortar.

Abstract: Among other things, a communication line is attached along a target surface of a building by laying out the line from a tool. An outer surface of the line is in a temporarily tacky condition as the line is laid out along the surface. The line is in the temporarily tacky condition based at least in part on an adhesive component having been pre-applied to the outer surface of the line. The line becomes non-tacky after it has been attached.

Abstract: A mold core with a plurality of tension springs is placed in a mold box such that the top of the mold core is even with the top of the mold box when the plurality of tension springs have no tension. Block mix including a substantial amount of compressible material is poured into the mold and lightly vibrated. A movable bottom plate then moves downward at the same time as the mold core is moved downward a first distance to stretch the plurality of tension springs. After the mold core is moved downward the first distance, the movement of the mold core stops while the movement of the movable plate continues downward, thereby ejecting the partial block element from the mold. Block elements are cured, then glued together to form a complete block. One or both of the exterior surfaces of the block may have a wooden attachment layer attached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lining process tanks. The method comprises lining a tank with a plurality of sheets, wherein the tank has walls and a bottom that intersect at a corner of the tank. The method comprises bonding a bottom sheet of the plurality of sheets to the bottom of the tank. Next, a pair of sheets of the plurality of sheets are bonded to adjacent walls of the tank and above the bottom sheet, each sheet of the pair of sheets having a first edge and a second edge such that the first edges of the pair of sheets are positioned at the intersection of adjacent walls of the tank to position an interface between the pair of sheets. The method also comprises extrusion welding the pair of sheets together by infusing a molten thermoplastic material along the pair of sheets and within the interface of the pair of sheets.

Abstract: A pre-leveled, integrated mosaic sheet consists of a flat, rigid supporting board having an array of uniformly spaced small holes for coupling tesserae to a target wall, wherein the tesserae are pre-patterned and attached to the supporting board's front surface, each of which covering at least one of the small holes.

Abstract: A single- or multi-component adhesive/sealant compositions containing at least one silane-terminated prepolymer, wherein the adhesive/sealant compositions are free of organic heavy metal catalysts, and the silane-terminated prepolymers comprise terminal groups that are selected from among methyldialkoxysilylpropyl, trialkoxysilylpropyl, methyldialkoxysilylmethyl, trialkoxysilylmethyl, or mixtures thereof. In the two-component embodiment, the adhesive/sealant compositions consist of a component A, containing at least one silane-terminated prepolymer of the aforementioned type, and a component B, containing water and thickener. Said adhesive/sealant compositions are used to elastically bond two or more identical and/or dissimilar substrates, in particular in the production of photovoltaic modules, and in the mounting of photovoltaic modules onto roof surfaces and other surfaces.

Abstract: A pressure injecting caulking construction technique for gaps between building door/window hole (4) and common additional frame or side frame (1), which involves steps as follows. Firstly, positioning the common additional frame or side frame (1) of the building door/window in the hole (4). Secondly, the technique includes injecting insulating materials (7) in the middle of the gap (3) between the frame and hole, or installing occulting bars (2) at outer side of the additional framework or side framework, or installing combined frameworks (9) on the sides of the common additional frame or side frame and the wall of the hole. Lastly, the technique includes pressure injecting filling materials into the gap (3).

Abstract: A cold applied adhesive that includes a blend of polyurethane pre-polymer, petroleum liquid and additive. The weight percent of petroleum liquid in the blend is less than 50 weight percent. The weight percent of polyurethane pre-polymer in the blend is less than 50 weight percent.

Abstract: A laminate is provided for forming an aesthetically pleasing fire worthy exterior surface on an object, for example a decorative interior sidewall used in a commercial aircraft. A first film layer forms an exterior surface of the sidewall, and an ink layer is disposed adjacent to the first film layer to provide color and/or images in an aesthetically pleasing manor, and to protect the subsequent layer from damaging UV light exposure. An embossing resin layer is disposed adjacent to the ink layer to improve the fire worthiness of the laminate by being situated adjacent to the exterior surface of the laminate. A second film layer is disposed adjacent to the embossing resin layer and a surface of the sidewall. The location of the embossing resin layer enhances the fire worthiness of the laminate by operating to absorb thermal energy released by the sidewall in the event the sidewall is exposed to fire or to a high temperature sufficient to otherwise cause higher thermal energy release of a conventional laminate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rollable tile structure, to a process for the production of the tile structure, and to the use of the tile structure in the production of a tiled covering. The invention relates further to the use of organic polysilazanes in the production of a rollable tile structure. The tile structure has a first carrier layer (1) and a surface layer (2), the surface layer (2) comprising a network of organic polysilazanes and the tile structure as a whole being in rollable form.

Abstract: Moisture-resistant materials comprise an open net-like fabric with strands of varying thicknesses and polymer film thereon. The material is both resistant to water penetration and also slip resistant under dry or wet conditions. The moisture-resistant materials are suitable for use in various applications including roofing underpayment, flashing, housewrap and other construction sheet-like materials. An optional second layer of fabric may be applied to the moisture-resistant material, for example, to improve the strength, tear resistance, and scuff resistance of the moisture-resistant material.

Abstract: A decorative wall tile mould for the in-situ production on a building, wherein the mould, which can be demoulded twice, is a sheet with pierced work, comprises the following detachable lateral structures: an insider layer: a bottom film is set at the bottom surface thereof, the bottom film and the building have a first combinative force; an outer layer: a surface film is set on the exterior surface thereof, a self-adhesive glue section is set up between the inside layer and the outer layer, which makes the outer layer and the inside layer have a second combinative force, and the second combinative force is less than the first combinative force. A method for the in-situ production of decorative patterns on a building is also provided.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing building structures enables to obtain a reinforcing coating through the steps of: anchoring resistant film (2) of composite material to a building structure (s) to be reinforced and superposing onto the resistant film (2) an elastic film (8) at least partially uncoupled from the resistant film (2), in such a way that the elastic film (8) can be deformed and slide tangentially relative to the resistant film (2).

Abstract: A wall guard for use around wall corners is disclosed in which the wall guard includes a pair of retainers are flexibly mounted to one another. The retainers are coupled to one another by way of an adhesive tape material that extends over the back sides of the retainers. A cover is secured to the pair of retainers for absorbing impacts from passing traffic to thereby protect the corner of the wall against wear and tear.

Abstract: Asphalt cylinders or thermoplastic polymer modified asphalt cylinders or particulate forms are induction melted by magnetic field susceptor for a controlled distribution with felt paper to accomplish the construction of an industry standard BUR roofing system. These forms are similarly melted for highway crack sealing in an additional embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A hidden edge connector includes a connector body which includes a base guider for biasing against a rear surface of a frame, an edge guider for biasing against a surrounding surface of a frame opening, and a panel guider which is extended from the base guider and is perpendicular to the edge guider. The connector body is adapted for mounting to the frame at the frame opening thereof to keep a front surface of the frame in a clean and obstructing free manner, such that the connector body is adapted for guiding the panel being mounted within the frame opening in a hidden manner when a rear surface of the panel is biased against the panel guider to align with the rear surface of said frame so as to substantially align the front surface of the panel with a front surface of the frame.

Abstract: An article for applying to a floor substrate for preparing the floor substrate for laying of ceramic tiles by bonding ceramic tiles to the article. The article comprises a backer board having a lower surface for application to a floor substrate and an upper surface, a sheet, and a releasable adhesive bonding the sheet to the upper surface of the backer board. The sheet covers the entirety of the upper surface of the backer board. After the article is applied to the floor substrate, ceramic tiles are then bonded to the sheet. For replacement of the ceramic floor, the releasable adhesive allows the sheet with the ceramic tiles attached to be easily removable from the backer board. A method for laying ceramic tiles comprising laying at least one sheet on a floor substrate so that it floats on the floor substrate, and bonding a plurality of ceramic tiles to the at least one sheet.

Abstract: The three components composed parquet joint cement system comprises an aqueous epoxy resin dispersion, an amine hardener, which forms a solid adduct, and a wood flour. The solid portion in an aqueous epoxy resin dispersion is 5-10 wt. %, preferably 7-9 wt. % of parquet joint cement. The solid portion in the amine hardener is 4-7 wt. %, particularly 5-6 wt. % of parquet joint cement. An additional component with water mixable organic solvent, selected from alcohols or ketone, preferably ethanol, acetone, isopropanol or their mixture are also provided. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a parquet joint cement, which involves utilizing an aqueous epoxy resin dispersion, an amine hardener, and wood flour.

Abstract: A composition for use in construction that is substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that when applied to a surface produces a smooth or textured, water-shedding (hydrophobic properties), aesthetically-pleasing, protective continuous coating. The coated surface as well as the method of preparing and applying the composition is also provided.

Abstract: An artificial patch of snow has a curved outer perimeter. A white hydrophobic pile is affixed to the base layer to form a white turf surface with structures projecting from a plane of the back side of the base layer. The white turf, from a distance, gives the appearance of snow. To secure the pad to a roof, the base layer has areas that are free of pile about the perimeter of the base layer. The pad may include lights, a microcontroller, a music generator, a music jack, and an electrical port. A method for simulating patches of snow on a sloped roof includes placing a first pad on a sloped portion of a roof, such that the white turf surface of the first pad is visible from ground level. The pad is secured to the roof. Other pads may also be placed and secured on the roof at a spaced distance from the first pad, such that the white turf surface of the other pads is visible from ground level.

Abstract: A method for applying thermoplastic strips to thermoplastic membranes, the method comprising applying a first strip to a membrane, providing apparatus comprising a housing having drive wheels thereon, a guide assembly fixed to the housing and comprising a first pair of guide wheels for disposition around the first strip and a second pair of guide wheels for disposition around a second strip to guide the second strip to a welding station mounted on the apparatus to heat weld the second strip to the membrane, mounting the first pair of guide wheels on the first strip, mounting the second pair of guide wheels on the second strip, moving the housing on the drive wheels, the first pair of guide wheels riding along the first strip and the second pair of guide wheels channeling the second strip therebetween and into the welding station for attachment to the membrane by the heat weld, the second strip thereby extending equidistantly from the first strip.

Abstract: There is provided a polymer fabric that accommodates movement at or adjacent one or more respective surfaces without compromising structural integrity of the or each surface when the polymer fabric is affixed thereon. There is further provided methods of manufacture and application of the polymer fabric. The polymer fabric finds use in applications requiring sealing, containment, protection and insulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an impact resistant sheet material that helps provide exterior walls of a building with resistance to impacts so that the building structure can meet building standards, such as the Miami-Dade County Large Missile Impact Test, for resisting impacts in high wind areas. In one embodiment, sheet material comprises an impact resistant layer that attached to fibrous substrate. The impact resistant layer provides impact resistance to the sheet material so that a wall structure employing the sheet material is able to successfully withstand an impact from a projectile comprising a 9 pound, 7 foot two-by-four (“2×4”) traveling at a speed of at least 34 miles per hour. The impact resistant sheet material may comprise a moisture vapor permeable, water-impermeable barrier layer having a hydrohead of at least 55 cm and a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 35 g/m2/day. Such a sheet material is particularly useful in barrier applications, such as a house wrap.

Abstract: Described herein is a resilient floor covering made from non-vinyl materials. Also disclosed are related methods for manufacturing the resilient floor coverings described herein.

Abstract: The invention is an adhesive composition comprising: a) an isocyanate functional polyether base prepolymers having a z molecular weight average (Mz) of about 10,000 to about 80,000 g/mole; a carbon black having an average oil absorption number of at least about 80 to at most about 400 cubic centimeters of dibutyl phthalate per 100 grams of the carbon black; (c) reactive silicon in an amount from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the adhesive composition; and (d) one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate with hydroxyl groups. The adhesive compositions of the invention surprisingly may have improved sag performance (i.e., decreased sag) when heated, while also making them more easily pumped.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-layered heat insulating window panel for constructing wall and/or roof surfaces of a greenhouse, comprising: a frame structure, a first pane (12), particularly a customary glass pane which has an edge that is framed and attached in the frame structure and which is kept in position by the frame structure, and a supplementary pane, for example, deep drawn from plastic material, a supplementary pane on at least one surface of the first glass pane, forming a double-glazing arrangement, wherein the supplementary pane has a tray-like shape and the circumferential edge region is glued hermetically to the first pane and wherein the cavity is evacuated and in the interior the supplementary pane is supported by means of a number of supporting elements in order to prevent the pane from collapsing because of the external atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wedge-shaped heating element (or heating wedge) for an apparatus for contact welding of plastic films or plastic sheets (2, 3) and to a method for producing it. In order to provide that the heating element (1) is usable for different plastic materials and has high strength, high abrasion resistance, and high temperature and thermal shock resistance to approximately 800° C., as well as corrosion resistance to the chemical factors that occur in welding various polymer materials, the invention proposes that a ceramic material be used as the material for the heating element (1).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multifunctional shielding mat for an interior of a vehicle is provided. The method includes providing at least one sheet of dampening material, coupling at least one sheet of electromagnetic shielding material to the at least one sheet of dampening material, and configuring the multifunctional shielding mat to cover a predetermined area of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multimaterial component or construction, whereby a body is formed in said method of a basic material and at least one piece formed of a wear resistant material being joined to said body at a temperature of not more than 80% of the lowest melting temperature of the materials to be joined. The invention also comprises the use of a multimaterial component or construction manufactured by means of said method.

Abstract: The invention provides an adhesive or sealant comprising at least (A) one compound selected from the group consisting of silylated polyurethanes, silylated polyureas, silylated polyethers, silylated polysulfides and silyl-terminated acrylates, and at least (B) one cyclohexane polycarboxylic acid derivative. The composition has enhanced extensibility with good adhesion properties and high tensile strength. A process is disclosed for preparing the adhesive or sealant, and also disclosed is the use thereof for producing material bonds between parts to be joined.

Abstract: An assembly which is lightweight includes an interconnected array of PV modules, where each PV modules is defined in part by a module outer perimeter portion. This array is defined in part by an outer perimeter portion including an upper edge portion, side edge portions, and a lower edge portion. The array is secured to a sloped roof along at least one of the upper or lower edge portion of the array. The assembly further includes interlocking features along the module outer perimeter portion which distribute uplift forces to adjacent PV modules. Additionally included is at least one wind deflector located along the lower edge of the array and non-penetrating base feet disposed on the sloped roof supporting at least a portion of the array.

Abstract: A method for making a decorative architectural element is disclosed, which includes the steps of designing a vacuum form mold forming a three dimensional decorative shape for the architectural element, cut a moldable plastic sheet in a size and shape to fit over the vacuum form mold, designing a color graphic, print the color graphic onto a vinyl wrap which corresponds in size and shape to fit over the vacuum form mold covered with the plastic sheet, vacuum forming the plastic sheet over the vacuum form mold and the vinyl wrap over the plastic sheet. The plastic sheet takes the shape of the vacuum form mold and the vinyl wrap adheres to the molded plastic sheet. The molded plastic sheet and the attached molded vinyl wrap are then removed from the vacuum mold. One arrangement includes the step of affixing the molded plastic sheet with the attached molded vinyl wrap to the architectural element.

Abstract: A drywall patch is coated with a premeasured amount of joint compound in its wet state making it immediately available for application to a wall surface. The patch with compound is sealed in an airtight wrapper or between unsealed wrapper halves which are in turn sealed in a surrounding airtight package so that the joint compound stays moist and will not harden over time. The wrapper includes a peel-away adhesive dry patch. In use, the dry patch is first applied over a crack or hole to be repaired. The wrapper and compound are applied directly over the dry patch and, while the wrapper remains in place, pressure is applied to smooth the compound over the patch and removed after the compound has dried. The wrapper is preferably composed of microporous breathable plastic film.

Abstract: A method of surface sealing a porous fibrous substrate is provided. According to the method, a porous fibrous substrate possessing a moisture content and a surface with pores is provided. A sealant composition is applied to a surface of the porous fibrous substrate and permitted to penetrate the surface pores of the porous fibrous substrate and undergo cure while participating in a foaming reaction with the moisture content to establish a water-resistant polymeric foam sealant impregnated into the porous fibrous substrate. The water-resistant polymeric foam sealant contains a polyurethane and/or polyurea.

Abstract: Shaped waterproofing membranes having three-dimensional contours are useful for the “reverse tanking” waterproofing of detail areas such as those presented by “tiebacks,” pipes, pile caps, and other irregularities that occur on concrete formworks and other civil construction or building surfaces. A preferred method for making such membranes is to thermoform a membrane laminate, having a carrier support sheet, waterproofing adhesive, and optionally a protective coating layer, as a single unit.

Abstract: The tile installation system provides a system for installing an architectural covering material to a substrate surface utilizing a plurality of release sheets where each release sheet has a top side surface and a bottom side surface. A plurality of discrete adhesive substrate portions are positioned on the top side surface of the release sheet, wherein the top side surface of the release sheet has a stronger bonding affinity with the plurality of adhesive substrate portions than the bottom side surface.

Abstract: Styrene-butadiene-based aqueous dispersions and methods for their preparation are described herein. The aqueous dispersions include water and a binder comprising a styrene-butadiene-based copolymer and an epoxysilane. Further described herein are binder formulations and methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: A seaming tape for joining pieces of floor-covering together, such as carpet or resilient floor covering material, and a method for using the same to join adjacent pieces of planar material is provided. The seaming tape can include an upper mesh tape portion and a lower blocking tape portion that is narrower in width than the mesh tape portion. The mesh tape portion can further include a pressure-sensitive adhesive to hold the blocking tape portion in position.