Abstract: A diverter for directing water runoff along a roof includes: a first arm having an upright portion and a base portion, the upright portion is substantially perpendicular to the base portion; a second arm having an upright portion and a base portion, the upright portion being substantially perpendicular to the base portion. The first arm is joined to the second arm at a middle of the diverter such that an angle between the first arm and the second arm is from about 90 degrees to about 160 degrees. The diverter is mountable on the roof such that distal ends of the first arm and the second arm are proximate to side edges of the roof.

Abstract: A bending device for forming a product from a workpiece includes a shaft driven to rotate by a motor, an actuator including an extendable end configured to secure a portion of the workpiece, and a die coupled to the shaft and driven about an axis. The die includes a peripheral portion including a channel configured to receive the workpiece. The channel includes a first end and a second end offset from the first end in a direction parallel to the axis. Rotation of the die about the axis causes the workpiece to bend along the channel.

Abstract: A window includes an insulated glass unit and a frame supporting the insulated glass unit. The insulated glass unit includes a first glass pane and a second glass pane spaced from the first glass pane. A central plane extends through a pocket defined between the first glass pane and the second glass pane. The frame includes a first material visible on a first side of the window. The window also includes cladding connected to the frame. The cladding includes a second material visible on a second side of the window. The frame defines a cavity that extends between the first side and the second side and inhibits moisture from the first side contacting the second material. The window includes a thermal cavity defined by the frame and aligned with the pocket.

Abstract: A seal system for a bi-fold door having a first panel and second panel includes a first seal attachable to the first panel and a second seal attachable to the second panel. Each seal includes a mounting portion, a bulb portion, and a flap portion. When the bi-fold door is closed, the flap portion of the first seal overlies the second seal, and the flap portion of the second seal overlies the first seal.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for securely and insulatively maintaining a window or door and surrounding frame arrangement within an opening of a building wall. The sealing assembly comprises an elongated foam cell body member arranged within a channel of the surrounding frame arrangement of the window or door, wherein the elongated cell body member has a wall-opening-facing side. An elongated caulking band flange member is arranged in abutting relationship with a corner of the elongated foam cell body member. A thin flexible air fin is arranged in close environmental sealing relationship with the elongated foam cell body member and the opening in the wall of the building. A securement member is arranged to fasten the window or door surrounding frame arrangement, the elongated foam cell body member and the air fin, all to the building wall opening.

Abstract: A node structure for connecting a member of a lattice frame to one or more other members of the frame comprises a hollow brace having opposed walls that converge outwardly at an acute angle in cross-section toward a central plane to connect at an outer edge. At least one root portion has a central longitudinal axis extending outwardly in the central plane of the brace for alignment with a member of the frame. The root portion has an inner end cut away at opposite sides around the central plane to leave a joining surface that intersects the converging walls of the brace while embracing an outer region of the brace extending inwardly from the outer edge.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of construction of buildings and structures. The invention relates to alignment guides for constructing building components, namely walls, ceilings and floors to be used in buildings and structures. This invention also relates to kits of specific alignment guides and methods of using alignment guides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting plate for an air conditioning unit. The mounting plate comprises a first side for attachment to a wall, a second side on which the air conditioning unit is mountable, and a housing on the first side that is positionable within a cavity in the wall, the housing being adapted to house piping for attachment to the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are frame members and mullions for a window frame that comprise a reinforcing member that is surrounded by an outer plastic layer. The outer plastic layer is held securely to the reinforcing member as a result of a waist banding effect that comprises an inward force created by the outer plastic layer as it cools and contracts around the reinforcing member. In addition, lobes are formed in the reinforcing member that assist in holding the outer plastic layer to the reinforcing member. Window inserts can be removed and replaced using adapters and removable brackets. Frame members and mullions can be built sufficiently strong to provide structural support. The frame can also be used to hold photovoltaic cells and protective coverings for photovoltaic cells. Structural members are also disclosed that have reinforcing members with apertures, debossing, scarification and/or indentations that secure the thermoplastic layer to the reinforcing member.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for manufacturing a framing member can include a translation path for transporting a metal sheet. The translation path can include a translation axis, a first set of rollers, which can include a plurality of first bottom rollers and a plurality of first top rollers, the first set of rollers can have a first centerline, and a second set of rollers, which can include a plurality of second bottom rollers and a plurality of second top rollers, the second set of rollers can have a second centerline, line, where the first centerline and the second centerline can extend away from the translation axis at an angle in the direction of translation.

Abstract: A system for increasing a cooling capacity of a cooling tower includes a shell extension and a tensioner. The shell extension is to extend a height of the cooling tower. The tensioner is to provide a tensioning force from the shell extension to a base of the cooling tower.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a formwork element 10 for concrete structures, uses a formwork element having a base body 12 of hollow profile construction with an outer side 14 designed as a form lining. The base body 12 is formed by at least two interlocking sub-segments which are permanently connected to one another at their interlocking edge areas. The sub-segments, such as edge segment and intermediate segment 16, 18, which are advantageously produced through extrusion, are hooked to one another to form an inseparable unit in the connected state.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a solar panel clamp system for mounting solar panels on ground-level and raised purlins. Such systems include left-handed and right-hand clamps that can be attached to opposite sides of solar panel assemblies that include mounting frames. Left-handed clamps can attach to the mounting frame of a solar panel and include surfaces that can rest on the top surfaces of purlins and include a lip or shelf surface onto which the right-handed clamps of a mounting frame of a neighboring solar panel can rest to increase the speed and safety of installing solar panels on raised purlins. Through holes in the left-handed and right-handed clamps can then be used as guide holes for drilling into the purlins. The majority of, if not all of, the solar panel installation using the clamps of the present invention can be completed from underneath the raised purlins.

Abstract: A method for installing an interior structure for a mobile platform is provided. The method may involve carrying a lightweight collapsible frame through a man-door of a mobile platform while the collapsible frame is in a collapsed state. The collapsed frame may then be expanded to provide at least a portion of a load bearing frame for a mobile platform interior structure. A plurality of interchangeable panels may be attached to the collapsible frame to form interior surfaces of the mobile platform interior structure.

Abstract: The pane module is composed by a border element (2) moulded around the pane element (1) encasing it on the edge and interior faces. The frame may be of a rectangular configuration, but it is to be understood that more complex configurations may be necessary for achieving a water proof connection to the structure in which the window is mounted or to a surrounding window frame. A fitting (42) is embedded in the border element (2) during its manufacture and is subsequently or simultaneously connected to the frame (3). When using a wooden or extruded frame the fitting may be driven into the finished frame member and when using a moulded frame the fitting may be embedded therein during moulding.

Abstract: The present relates to a sidelite assembly having first and second panels and a window. Each of the panels has an inner edge extending outwardly from a major planar portion and surrounding an opening. The inner edge includes a first portion having a ridge extending outwardly from a distal end thereof and a second portion having a channel extending inwardly from the distal end. An outer edge extends outwardly from the major planar portion and adjacent a periphery thereof, and includes a first portion having a ridge extending outwardly from a distal end thereof and a second portion having a channel extending inwardly from the distal end. The ridges of the first panel are aligned with and received in the channels of the second panel. The window is disposed within the opening.

Abstract: At least one aspect of the present invention is related to a support frame assembly for supporting a solar device, such as an array of mirror elements and/or photovoltaic panels. The support frame assembly includes a plurality of support arm assemblies, each of which includes a pair of rails and a plurality of web structures interconnecting the rails. Specifically, each of the web structures has a base which is attached to one of the rails and a pair of legs extending towards and attached to the other of the rails. The web structures are preferably formed through a single stamping process with at least one of the web structures being at least partially in a nesting relationship with another of the web structures.

Abstract: A modular truss system includes six-way box connectors to which truss beams can be bolted and pinned together in a wide variety of configurations and to any or all of the six identical faces. Each box connector face and each truss beam endplate is fitted with matching center holes for bolts and spring pin arrangements on the peripheral corners. These make aligning and attaching the truss beams and box connectors to one another a quick and simple job that does not require any tools. The truss beam endplates have one or more spring pins and a center hole that matches the ones in each of the six faces of the box connectors.

Abstract: A method of producing a light steel structural member includes the steps of: forming surface treatment in a piece of sheet material; forming a plurality of embosses in the sheet material; and shaping the sheet material into a predetermined shape to form a light steel structural member. A light steel structural member includes a web portion, and a pair of flange portions. The web portion has a web face. The pair of flange portions each extend generally orthogonally from each side of the web portion. Each flange portion is in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane of the other flange portion. Each of the flange portions has a flange face. At least one of the web face and the flange face has a plurality of embosses formed therein; and at least one of the web face and the flange face has a surface treatment formed therein.

Abstract: A positioning assembly for a composite structure. An illustrative embodiment of the positioning assembly includes at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical carriage carried by the at least one vertical carriage support, at least one vertical motor drivingly engaging the at least one vertical carriage, a transverse carriage support carried by the at least one vertical carriage, a riser block carried by the transverse carriage support and at least one horizontal motor drivingly engaging the riser block.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a drive system to a ring in a medical imaging gantry, the ring defining a central longitudinal axis. The apparatus includes a ring having an outer race and an inner race rotatively mounted within the outer race, the inner race defining inner race teeth about a portion of its circumference, The apparatus also includes a drive system having a drive gear, defining drive gear teeth that are engaged with the inner race teeth, and defining tooth clearance there between. A mounting assembly is also included having at least one mounting bar rigidly attached to the outer race outer facing surface, the mounting bar including a transverse face being substantially perpendicular to the ring outer race circumference, at least one mounting plate secured to the drive system and transverse face of the at least one mounting bar.

Abstract: A method of making a composite fabrication member having a shape selected from the group consisting of C-shape, U-shape, or Z-shape by providing first and third planar members suitable to form bases of a composite fabrication member, providing a second planar member suitable to form a web of a composite fabrication member, uncoiling and passing through accumulators the planar members, aligning the planar members, attaching the first, second, and third planar members together at respective side portions by induction welding to form a composite intermediate product to form a composite fabrication member having a shape selected from the group consisting of C-shape, lipped C-shape, U-shape, lipped U-shape, Z-shape or lipped Z-shape.

Abstract: Methods and systems to manufacture bonded corrugation truss-based structures. This allows the ability to change the dimensions of the individual structural features of the corrugations, i.e. thickness of the core, face sheet thickness, relative density of the core, and the alloys. The nodal design which provides ideal stress/strain distribution for in-plane and out-off plane loading. The node has a curved/smooth triple point intersection which in turn can provide best load transfer interface with high integrity/toughness. The bonded corrugation truss based structure can be continuous to any length only limited by the volume of the extrusion billet and the press capacity. An aspect of the bonded corrugation structures may include friction stir welding of the face sheets or any fusion welding of panels with edge members for strengthening allows fabrication of panels of any width and length. Bonding panels enables the fabrication of structures of any width.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seismic-incurred-rupture-resistant deformation-recordable buckling-restrained brace and a fabricating method thereof, which includes a concrete filled steel tubular outer sleeve. A core plate is disposed in the concrete filled steel tubular outer sleeve, and an end portion of the core plate is provided with a core plate stiffening rib. A brace deformation recording device includes two toothed racks, a ratchet gear, a first cord spool, and a second cord spool. The two toothed racks are fixed on the core plate stiffening rib, and ratchet pawls in the length direction thereof face opposite directions. The ratchet gear is fixedly connected to the concrete filled steel tubular outer sleeve. The ratchet gear is disposed between the two toothed racks. A tooth on the ratchet gear is engaged with a ratchet pawl. The first cord spool is fixed on the ratchet gear. The second cord spool is fixed on the core plate stiffening rib.

Abstract: A method of making a composite fabrication member having a shape selected from the group consisting of C-shape, U-shape, or Z-shape by providing first and third planar members suitable to form bases of a composite fabrication member, providing a second planar member suitable to form a web of a composite fabrication member, uncoiling and passing through accumulators the planar members, aligning the planar members, attaching the first, second, and third planar members together at respective side portions by induction welding to form a composite intermediate product to form a composite fabrication member having a shape selected from the group consisting of C-shape, lipped C-shape, U-shape, lipped U-shape, Z-shape or lipped Z-shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a corner of a frame-type spacer for insulating glass panels by (a) making a metal hollow profile rod available, which rod has an outer wall, two parallel flanks, and an inner wall, (b) indenting the inner wall and the two flanks in the position of the hollow profile rod where the corner is supposed to be formed, and (c) bending the hollow profile rod by a defined angle.

Abstract: A connector and method of connecting two surfaces in an irregular, interrupted, or non-uniform space is provided. The connector is composed of at least one link, wherein each link has an adjustable spatial feature such as the length, thickness, or angle of the link. The spatial features of the links are adjusted to custom fit the connector to the two surfaces and the available space therebetween. Once the links have been adjusted to provide a satisfactory custom fit, the adjustable spatial features of the links may be fixed to form a substantially permanent solid structure or may be recorded to allow production of a custom shaped connector with substantially the same spatial features as the custom fit connector.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a tool or an apparatus that can be held and operated with one hand to attach a corner bead to an outside corner of drywall. In one example, the tool includes a frame, a pair of contact surfaces rigidly coupled to the frame, a handle pivotally attached to the frame, a pair of stapler units rigidly coupled to the frame, and a linkage mechanism comprising a pair of transmission arms and mechanically coupling the handle to the stapler units for translating a force displacing the handle from a first position into a controlled motion of the transmission arms, thereby triggering the stapler units to release fastening pieces.

Abstract: A method manufactures a frame assembly, which supports a fenestration article. The frame assembly includes a stile member having a stile tab. The frame assembly also includes a rail member coupled substantially transverse to the stile member. The rail member has a rail tab. The method comprises the step of inserting a portion of the stile member into an interior of the rail member such that the stile tab extends beyond the rail member. The method also comprises the step of inserting a portion the rail member into an interior of the stile member such that the rail tab extends beyond the stile member. The method further comprises the steps of bending the stile tab about the rail member to couple the stile member to the rail member and bending the rail tab about the stile member to couple the rail member to the stile member.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for manufacturing a framing member can include a translation path for transporting a metal sheet. The translation path can include a translation axis, a first set of rollers, which can include a plurality of first bottom rollers and a plurality of first top rollers, the first set of rollers can have a first centerline, and a second set of rollers, which can include a plurality of second bottom rollers and a plurality of second top rollers, the second set of rollers can have a second centerline, line, where the first centerline and the second centerline can extend away from the translation axis at an angle in the direction of translation.

Abstract: A tool that can be held and operated with one hand to attach a corner bead to an outside corner of drywall includes a substantially V-shaped member having a pair of interior surfaces disposed at an angle of less than 100° and a frame or handle attached thereto. The handle may be sized and shaped to fit comfortably in the palm of a human hand. A pair of opposed pincers having pointed tips are pivotally mounted relative to the V-shaped member so as to allow the tips to move in a converging direction. A mechanical linkage system translates force applied to the handle into a converging motion of the pincers.

Abstract: Disclosed are frame members and mullions for a window frame that comprise a reinforcing member that is surrounded by an outer plastic layer. The outer plastic layer is held securely to the reinforcing member as a result of a waist banding effect that comprises an inward force created by the outer plastic layer as it cools and contracts around the reinforcing member. In addition, lobes are formed in the reinforcing member that assist in holding the outer plastic layer to the reinforcing member. Window inserts can be removed and replaced using adapters and removable brackets. Frame members and mullions can be built sufficiently strong to provide structural support. The frame can also be used to hold photovoltaic cells and protective coverings for photovoltaic cells. Structural members are also disclosed that have reinforcing members with apertures, debossing, scarification and/or indentations that secure the thermoplastic layer to the reinforcing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metal component, wherein a raw material (4, 34, 42, 74) is provided, the raw material (4, 34, 42, 74) is stamped and is further processed following the stamping process to form a component (90, 108, 114). The component (90, 108, 114) has at least partially stamped areas (16, 36, 48, 98), and the raw material (4, 34, 42, 74) is hot-stamped. The invention further relates to the use of a hot-stamped metal component, which is preferably produced using a method according to the invention, in a motor vehicle body, in particular as a reinforcing element in a B-column (114), a sill, or a longitudinal beam.

Abstract: An embodiment of the system for forming a movable slab foundation as comprised by the present invention has a slab foundation, at least one substantially vertical support member, at least one support surface, and at least one support sleeve. The at least one supports sleeve surrounds the at least one support member and is encased within the slab foundation and is capable of movement axially along the length of the at least one support member. The at least one vertical support member is capable of rotation relative to the at least one support sleeve to restrict the movement of the at least one support sleeve downward relative to the at least one vertical support member, thereby maintaining the height of the at least one support sleeve and the slab foundation relative to the at least one support surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for manufacturing a window covering for an architectural opening. The apparatus includes a support structure handling assembly, an operating element handling assembly, and a vane handling assembly. The handling assemblies process the respective materials to an assembly station to attach one portion of a vane to the operating elements, and another portion of the vane to the support structure, allowing movement of one portion of the vane relative to other portion of the vane.

Abstract: In the method, grippers are placed on a stationary assembly table and rod-like members forming a wooden construction are laid on the support of said grippers. The wooden construction can be for example a roof truss or a wall frame. The assembly table comprises a vertical fastening plane to which the grippers are fastened. The fastening plane can be made of ferrous material and the grippers can be fastened to the fastening plane magnetically or by means of a suction pad gripper. The fastening of the grippers to the fastening plane, the fastening of the rod-like members to the grippers and the joint connecting the rod-like members are conducted by means of an assembly robot. The joint may be a nail plate joint, a nail, screw or staple joint or a glued joint. From the CAD file of the wooden construction a list of commands controlling the operation of the assembly robot is generated by means of a decompression program. The grippers belonging to the apparatus comprise first grippers and second grippers.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: A plurality of framework supporting decorative panels. The framework is interconnected collectively so as to form a modular, ornamental, closed plane structure.

Abstract: A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a roll-formed sheet metal tee for grid type suspended ceilings with the face of its flange integral with the stem and the layers of the stem fixed together for improved torsional strength. An upper region of the stem can have one or more of its layers folded to increase suspension wire breakout strength. A stiffening bulb is below suspension wire receiving holes so that a loop of the suspension wire through the tee has a narrow profile and thereby avoids interference with ceiling panels during their installation or removal. Other embodiments of a tee share the feature of a narrow, suspension wire receiving upper stem portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are frame members and mullions for a window frame that comprise a reinforcing member that is surrounded by an outer plastic layer. The outer plastic layer is held securely to the reinforcing member as a result of a waist banding effect that comprises an inward force created by the outer plastic layer as it cools and contracts around the reinforcing member. In addition, lobes are formed in the reinforcing member that assist in holding the outer plastic layer to the reinforcing member. Window inserts can be removed and replaced using adapters and removable brackets. Frame members and mullions can be built sufficiently strong to provide structural support. The frame can also be used to hold photovoltaic cells and protective coverings for photovoltaic cells. Structural members are also disclosed that have reinforcing members with apertures, debossing, scarification and/or indentations that secure the thermoplastic layer to the reinforcing member.

Abstract: A rollover wash unit for a vehicle wash system that allows an efficient and space-saving transport and a method for mounting a rollover wash unit that allows an efficient, simple and fast mounting of the rollover wash unit in situ.

Abstract: A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems to manufacture lattice-based sandwich structures from monolithic material. Such methods and systems eliminate the bonding process which is conventionally used to join lattice based truss cores to facesheets to form sandwich structures. This bonded interface is a key mode of failure for sandwich structures which are subjected to shear or bending loads because the nodes transfer forces from the face sheets to the core members while the topology for a given core relative density dictates the load carrying capacity (assuming adequate node-bond strength exists). An aspect comprises a core and related structures that provide very low density, good crush resistance and high in-plane shear resistance. An aspect of the truss structures may include sandwich panel cores and lattice truss topology that may be designed to efficiently support panel bending loads while maintaining an open topology that facilitates multifunctional applications.

Abstract: A method for making a decorative polymer panel assembly for insertion into an opening of a door or window. The method can include forming a polymer grille by cutting a design into a polymer with a low-moisture content of no more than five wt %. The polymer grille can have a frame portion and a design portion. A seal can be contiguously disposed about a perimeter of the frame portion. A grille assembly can be formed by disposing a translucent panel on each side of the seal, forming an air space with the polymer grille disposed within the air space. The grille assembly can be pressed and heated to form a heat formed seal between the seal, the polymer grille, and each translucent panel. The grille assembly can then be cooled to an ambient temperature, forming the decorative polymer panel assembly.

Abstract: A method for making a door with a decorative polymer panel assembly. The method can include forming a polymer grille by cutting a design into a polymer with a low-moisture content. The polymer grille can have a frame portion and a design portion. A seal can be contiguously disposed about a perimeter of the frame portion. A grille assembly can be formed by disposing a translucent panel on each side of the seal, forming an air space with the polymer grille disposed within the air space. The grille assembly can be pressed, heated and cooled, forming the decorative polymer panel assembly. The decorative polymer panel assembly can be disposed within an opening of a door, and the door can be disposed within an opening of a structure.

Abstract: A modular rail and post fence system which may be fabricated, assembled, and installed without fasteners, adhesives or welding. The fence system includes a plurality of rail assemblies with each rail assembly formed from a pair of panels. Each panel has a pair of sidewalls joined together at an angle to form an angled edge wherein the pair of panels are joined together to form a rail assembly. A plurality of elongated posts are also provided. Each elongated post has at least one longitudinal recess. At least one pair of notches in the pair of longitudinal recesses is provided whereby the angled edges of each rail assembly are received in one pair of notches of the elongated posts.

Abstract: New and useful method of building a boiler frame significantly reduces the use of high load-lifting height crane and improves the operation efficiency despite bad weather. Multiple levels of steel supporting posts, which are established beforehand, are linked together with their top portion by beams and the 9th floor unit is fixed to the posts at an intermediate floor position temporarily. Suspension rods, which are suspended from lifting jacks, are then connected to the 8th floor unit and jacked up, while floor units made for lower than the 8th floor are connected on the ground to form a multi-floor unit. After connecting the multi-floor unit to the 9th floor unit the temporary fixation is released, the multi-floor unit is lifted up, and each floor unit is permanently fixed to the designated floor position repeatedly and respectively.

Abstract: A method for processing parts. In one advantageous embodiment, a setoff set of studs are welded to a part to form a set of fixed studs. A set of tabs are attached to the set of fixed studs. The set of tabs are affixed to a manufacturing tool.

Abstract: A method for installing an interior structure for a mobile platform is provided. The method includes carrying a lightweight collapsible frame through a man-door of a mobile platform while the collapsible frame is in a collapsed state. The collapsed frame is then expanded to provide at least a portion of a load bearing frame for a mobile platform interior structure. A plurality of interchangeable panels are removable attached to the collapsible frame to form interior surfaces of the mobile platform interior structure.