Abstract: The present disclosure relates to building panels, structures comprising building panels, and methods of manufacturing building panels. In a representative embodiment, a building panel comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer layer and an insulative layer disposed adjacent the fiber-reinforced polymer layer. The building panel can further comprise a rigid planar member disposed adjacent the insulative layer such that the insulative layer is located between the fiber-reinforced polymer layer and the rigid planar member. The building panel can further comprise one or more fiber-reinforced polymer connectors extending through the insulative layer between the fiber-reinforced polymer layer and the rigid planar member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing a side edge of a panel (2), in particular a floor panel, with a top (18) and a bottom (19), which on at least two side edges lying opposite one another has profiles corresponding to one another such that two identically embodied panels (2) can be joined and locked to one another in the horizontal and vertical direction by an essentially vertical joining movement, wherein the locking in the vertical direction can be produced by at least one tongue element formed in one piece from the core and moveable in the horizontal direction, which tongue element during the joining movement snaps in behind a locking edge extending essentially in the horizontal direction and the tongue element is exposed by means of at least one essentially vertical slot with respect to the core, and at least one of the slots is not embodied in a continuous manner over the entire length of the side edge, wherein the at least one non-continuous slot is produced by at least one guided tool (41)

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a panel manufacturing method capable of easily adapting to manufacture of panels, such as door panels, of different sizes. The present invention provides a panel manufacturing method for a panel made of an outer plate integrated with an inner plate. The method includes a step of applying an adhesive to a predetermined place on the outer plate; a step of mating the outer plate and the inner plate with each other and providing preliminary bonding by laser welding; a step of hemming by bending an outer edge portion of the pre-bonded outer plate to wrap over a circumferential edge portions of the inner plate and then pressing flat; and a step of sealing the panel, after the outer plate has undergone the hemming step on its circumferential edge portions, by applying an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of panels for floor, wall or ceiling coverings, with the panels being cut from a large starting sheet and provided on their long sides (11, 12) with locking strips (15, 16). The starting sheet is hereby provided with parallel grooves (4, 5) along the topside and underside thereof, with the upper groove (4) and the lower groove (5) extending in the sheet plane (PE) at an offset in relation to one another at a distance (a), thereby forming a breaking web (6). The starting sheet (1) is then divided along the breaking web (6) such that projecting longitudinal strips remain along the long sides (11, 12) and are used for shaping the locking strips (15, 16).

Abstract: A contoured metal building panel comprising an inner layer formed from a piece of flexible material that has been manipulated to create contours along its surface and an outer coating that substantially encases and hardens the flexible material so that the contours are substantially rigid and fixed.

Abstract: A composite stone panel can comprise a stone slab. A partially metallic panel backer is coupled to the stone slab and can further comprise a core material layer, a first interface layer disposed on a first surface of the core material layer, and a second interface layer disposed on a second surface of the core material layer opposite the first metal interface layer. The stone slab can further comprise a length greater than 1.2 meters (m), a width greater than 0.6 m, and a thickness in a range of 0.2-1.5 centimeters (cm). The core material layer can comprise a thickness greater than 3.75 millimeters and can further comprise polyethylene and optional fibers. The first and second interface layers can comprise a thickness of aluminum in a range of 0.21 millimeters (mm) to 0.30 mm. Accordingly, the composite stone panel can comprises a thickness in a range of 0.6-3.0 cm.

Abstract: A sandwich structure is provided that includes a core formed of profiled metal sheet material and a metal face sheet secured to at least one side of the core. Protrusions are provided in a pattern on at least one side of the core and apertures are provided in a pattern in each face sheet. Dimensions of the protrusions and apertures are such that the protrusions extend at least partially through the apertures of the associated face sheet and are secured thereto. A method for producing such a sandwich structure is also provided.

Abstract: A wall panel assembly includes at least one panel made from a steel sheet having a plurality of rear extending lateral edge flanges forming an enclosure and including a front surface. A cleat disposed within the formed enclosure includes a cleat body having a slot that is engageable with a support structure that is fixedly attachable to a wall. The support structure includes a plurality of engagement members that are releasably engageable in the at least one slot of the cleat. The support structure can be formed from a series of linear interconnectable sections.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to plastic wall panels. Wall panels are formed by rotational molding processes and may be used in sound attenuation barriers or other wall or building structures. Some embodiments include reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure may be configured to effectively support a plastic shell of the wall panel in a way that allows some relative movement between the plastic shell and the reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A tool for use in installing panels, especially for laying floor panels, is provided. The tool includes an elongate body portion having a projecting edge portion configured to be inserted along a side of a panel to retain a sealing member along the side of the panel from interfering with laying of an adjacent panel, A length of the projecting edge portion is selectively adjustable to suit a variety of panel dimensions.

Abstract: A large scale structure includes a plurality of panels, wherein each panel has at least one opening therethrough. And each panel has opposed edge profiles that are positionable next to adjacent panels and opposed end profiles that are positionable next to adjacent panels. A plurality of rods extend through aligned openings so as to interconnect the plurality of panels to one another. And a plurality of coupling nuts, each coupling nut attachable to an end of one of the rods, wherein the coupling nuts secure the panels to one another. An insert with apertures aligned with the openings allows a rod to extend through the insert and facilitate securement of the insert to the plurality of panels so as to form a section. Additional sections can be assembled as needed to form the structure.

Abstract: Floorboards are shown, which consist of a core and a surface layer and are provided with decorative joint edges which are formed by removing the surface layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture suitable for flooring utilization which comprises a flooring panel adapted for interlocking connection with another correspondingly adapted flooring panel, such article having at least one edge with one or more elements formed such that they are operative to mate with one or more reciprocal elements associated with said other correspondingly adapted flooring panel, which article further comprises a frictional backing material that is non-adhesive in respect of, but exhibits resistance to movement with respect to, a surface underlying the article when in contact with the surface; and a method of making same.

Abstract: A method of installing a panel member on a frame assembly includes the steps of providing a panel member having inner and outer surfaces and providing one or more positioning assemblies on the inner surface of the panel. The positioning assemblies each having an adjustable positioning member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly. The method further includes setting the positioning members to determine a registration point for the panel member along the frame assembly. One or more driving assemblies are then provided on the inner surface of the panel, each having a biasing member adapted to engage a portion of the frame assembly to drive the panel member towards the registration point on the frame assembly.

Abstract: A panel system has an insulating material with a first channel disposed over a surface of the insulating material. A transporter is disposed over the first channel. A thermal transfer medium is disposed over the surface of the first panel to attain desired surface characteristics. The first panel includes a second channel intersecting the first channel. A second panel includes a second channel. The first panel is adjacent to the second panel. The first and second channels of the adjacent first and second panels are aligned. The transporter is disposed over the first and second channels. The first and second panels are mounted over a mounting surface. Keyways are formed in the channels. Retention clips are disposed over the keyways. Panels include panel wings with hinges mounted over the panel wings. The thermal transfer medium includes graphite. The transporter includes tubing.

Abstract: A room enclosure assembly on a base of a concrete ceiling or wall is disclosed. In an embodiment, it includes metal sheet material having contact surfaces toward the base and web faces leading away from the base and heat exchange surfaces. Folding regions are formed between the sub-faces of the sheet material. The contact surfaces are fastened to the base area via a heat conducting connection layer. The heat-exchange faces are provided with a coating layer. The heat flow between the base and the heat exchange surfaces is especially efficient because it takes place in the continuous metal sheet material. Through-openings in the heat exchange surfaces, together with the use of a suitable coating layer on the heat exchange surfaces, allow for the acoustic insulating effect and optical appearance to be optimized.

Abstract: A structural isothermal construction SIP panel comprising a board made of insulating material with two cement-based boards attached to said board made of insulating material per each one of its faces. The insulating board has in each of its sides a “C” type galvanized metal profile, that is embedded in the insulating board and the cement-based boards are attached to the insulating board and are placed overlapped opposite to each other with respect to their longitudinal axis, the overlapped bonding of the cement-based boards with the insulating board creates a protruding area which has a width equal to the width of the galvanized metal profile the bonding between two panels is made using screws. Two manufacturing methods and a bonding method are also provided.

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: A process for forming a fiber reinforced core panel which is able to be contoured includes the following steps. First, slice a sheet of a low density material a plurality of times in a first direction of the sheet on at least one side, where the slices extend through only a portion of the thickness of the sheet, then divide the sheet in the second direction of the sheet into a series of low density strips having at least three faces (major face, a first edge face, a second edge face, and optionally a minor face) where the slices in the sheet form a series of cuts in the major or minor face of the low density strips. Next, arrange the series of low density strips to form a core panel and thread a continuous fibrous reinforcement sheet through the low density strips such that the fibrous reinforcement sheet is disposed between adjacent strips and adjacent to the major or minor faces of the low density strips.

Abstract: This is an improved method of manufacturing building panels and wall sections so that the manufacture of these panels and walls will be more efficient and economical. The building panels and walls have an inner insulator core and two substantially parallel surface materials which are connected together by connector ties. The panels and walls are described in an earlier invention by the present inventor in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,306 by Hagaman (2006). Included in the present invention are mechanisms and manufacturing machines which produce building panels in a continuous manner. This continuous manufacturing machinery is economical to build, economical to use, and energy efficient in its operation. Other improvements of the present invention are the manufacturing ability to readily make building panels of different thicknesses, widths and heights, quickly insert and attach connecting ties, and improve quality of the building panels.

Abstract: A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of u

Abstract: A fire rated door includes a core, a first decorative panel and a second decorative panel. The core includes: (a) a fire resistant center panel having a bottom, a top, a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end, wherein the fire resistant center panel is made of a first fire resistant material, and (b) an extruded fire resistant border attached to the first side, the second side, the first end and the second end of the fire resistant center panel, wherein the extruded fire resistant border is made of a second fire resistant material having a higher density than the first fire resistant material. The first decorative panel is attached to the top of the fire resistant center panel and the extruded fire resistant border. The second decorative panel is attached to the bottom of the fire resistant center panel and the extruded fire resistant border.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the protection of living beings and objects from being buried in bulk material, a method for assembling said device and uses employing this device.

Abstract: An insulated wall panel comprising of two outer layers, an insulating foam core, and a spacer within the foam core which holds the panel spacing and retains the foam during foam introduction and expansion in the cavity and remains as part of the panel. The panel has no thermal bridging between the outer layers and is manufactured with reduced need of rigid mold forms. The final effect after pouring becomes a monolithic foam core of substantially consistent material and provides a superior product to using dissimilar retained spacing materials.

Abstract: Break away panels, devices and methods of using the breakaway panels with grid scored patterns for fire extinguisher cabinets which can be made for small, mid-size and large size fire extinguisher cabinets, and easily resized when needed. Three novel panels each having novel vertical and horizontal scored lines running throughout the panels and be located on the inside surface of the installed panels. An installer can easily break off upper and/or lower and/or side edges of the panels in order to resize the panel to fit almost any size fire extinguisher cabinet. The scoring lines can be accomplished by a router. Alternatively, the entire panel and the scored lines can be formed from injection molding.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes a base track and a plurality of interlocking wall panels. Each wall panel includes a continuous and unitarily formed first panel member and a continuous and unitarily formed second panel member. Each panel member includes a first face portion, an edge portion, and a plurality of connection members. The first and second panel members are interconnected by the plurality of connection member on the first panel member engaging the plurality of connection members on the second panel member.

Abstract: A frame assembly supports an article. The frame assembly comprises a frame member having a plurality of walls extending between a first end and a second end. The walls define an interior of the frame member. The frame assembly also comprises at least one foldable cornerlock. The foldable cornerlock has first and second body portions movable relative to each other. A method of manufacturing the frame assembly comprises the steps of forming at least one notch in the frame member spaced from the ends of the frame member, inserting the foldable cornerlock into the notch, and bending the frame member about the notch of the frame member.

Abstract: A system for constructing wall panels comprising a plurality of structural members includes: a source of structural members of predetermined size; a horizontal table configured to support planks as they are being formed into a wall panel, the table including a stationary section and a movable carriage that is configured to move in a longitudinal direction toward and away from the stationary section; an articulated arm unit having a gripper, the articulating arm unit positioned to retrieve boards from the source with the gripper and place them on the table; at least one first clamping unit mounted to the stationary section for clamping structural members thereto; at least one second clamping unit mounted to the movable carriage for clamping structural members thereto; and a controller that controls the movement of the articulating arm unit and the movable carriage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing unitary insulated wail panels, wherein the panels form a cavity for receiving expandable foam insulation, and form integral attachment means for attaching the panel to a building wall system. Unitary foam insulated panels having integral attachment means are further provided.

Abstract: Building panels 1, 1? provided with a mechanical locking system including a tongue 30, at first edge 4a of a first building panel 1, cooperating with a tongue groove 20, at a second edge 4a of an adjacent second building panel 1?, for vertical locking of the building panels and a method for producing such building panels 1, 1?. The method includes the step of forming the tongue of material of the first edge. The insertion groove (40) may have a sidewall (60) at a third edge (5a), which is adjacent the first edge (4a), and may be open at a fourth edge (5b), which is opposite the third edge.

Abstract: A panel assembly, in which the liaison between two adjacent panels is sealed by a sealing joint, where the sealing joint comprises a central part, housed in an interstice between the two panels, and an external part, facing the exterior of the panel assembly, and capable of covering at least partially the external face of the two longitudinal edges of the panels surrounding the interstice. Also, a method for mounting a panel assembly, in which two adjacent panels are fixed to one another.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, where the building panel structure includes composite building panels. A composite building panel includes a core and a coating applied over the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and one or more than one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes an inner scratch layer and an outer main brown layer. The inner scratch layer can be formed of at least two layers. The outer main brown layer can include a fiberglass mesh embedded into the outer main brown layer. A method of forming a building panel structure is disclosed which includes forming a core using a frame and one or more than block, applying an inner scratch layer to the core, and applying an outer main brown layer over the inner scratch layer.

Abstract: A method of attaching a cabinet assembly to a spa. The method includes providing a frame that has a channel that forms a perimeter. A spa is placed on the frame such that a flange or lip of the spa extends past the perimeter created by the channel. A plurality of slats are then secured between the flange of the spa and the channel of the frame in order to form a cabinet around the spa.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for simultaneously securing opposite parallel edge flaps of a flexible cover sheet to opposite parallel edge faces of a wall panel. A pair of wiping devices move downwardly and wipe the edge flap against the edge faces and transversely tension the cover sheet. Top sweep devices move down into holding contact with the cover sheet adjacent the parallel edge faces to maintain the transverse tension in the sheet. The edge flaps are then deflected and adhesive applied to the edge faces and back surfaces of the edge flaps. The wiping devices then again wipe the flaps downward into pressed contact with the edge faces to create an adhesive securement therewith.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a construction panel comprising the steps of laying a plurality of rigid support members on a preformed assembly jig, each rigid support member having two main planar surfaces with perimeter surfaces extending between these main planar surfaces, laying the plurality of rigid support members so that each rigid support member has at least one perimeter surface in an abutting relationship with the perimeter surface of an adjacent rigid support member, bridging at least part of the length of abutting perimeter surfaces with at least one connector means for connecting the plurality of rigid support members together into a predetermined shape and size of modular rigid panel member.

Abstract: A spacer apparatus of the invention is attached to a fence post to occupy a space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The subject fence end spacer apparatus includes space occupying members, and fence attachment members are connected to the space occupying members, for attaching the space occupying members to the fence post. The space occupying members fills the space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The space occupying members can include horizontal members connected to the fence attachment members and can include vertical members connected to the horizontal members. Together, the horizontal members and the vertical members provide a space-occupying fence portion. The fence attachment means can include first and second fence attachment members for contacting first and second portions of the fence post. The method of using the fence end spacer apparatus to removably fill the space between the fence post and the nearby structure.

Abstract: A cord assembly is disclosed for use in connection with a variety of purposes including with a portable hunting blind. In one embodiment of the invention, the cord assembly comprises a plurality of resilient cord members forming a main panel and additional resilient cord members extending outward from the main panel.

Abstract: A frame for a panel is constructed from two frame components. One of the frame components has a first wall and a first channel and the second frame component has a second wall and a second channel. The first frame component is mated to the second frame component with the first wall of the first frame component inserted in and making frictional contact with the second channel of the second frame component and the second wall of the second frame component inserted in and making frictional contact with the first channel of the first frame component. Portions of the panel are held between and make contact with the first frame component and the second frame component such that an end of the panel is located within a chamber defined between the first frame component and the second frame component.

Abstract: A method for providing a natural stucco appearance for a steel structural panel comprises providing a steel sheet and coating the exterior surface with a low gloss protective coating, and then embossing the exterior surface with a low relief pattern. The steel sheet is then embossed with a second, higher relief pattern under high pressure. The double embossment together with the low gloss coating achieves a natural stucco appearance.

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: Insulated panels and methods of forming insulated panels are provided. According to the method, mold bulkhead and a sealing strip including a first anchor extension, a second anchor extension, and a panel cap are provided. The method also includes removably attaching the exterior face of the sealing strip to the interior mold surface on at least one of the plurality of mold sides, wherein the first anchor extension and the second anchor extension project into the interior mold volume, and wherein the sealing strip defines a sealed insulation zone. A curable building material is introduced into the interior mold volume to form a first slab. The first slab at least partially surrounds the first anchor extension. The method also includes inserting an insulation material layer into the interior mold volume, wherein the insulation material layer is at least partially within the sealed insulation zone.

Abstract: Thermally responsive walls can be formed of wall panels made from different materials and having staggered conduits with respect to each other when coupled together (e.g., pancaked or layered) to form a wall at one temperature. The staggered conduits in the different wall panels are configured such that they become aligned at a second temperature due to differences in expansion coefficients. The wall panels can be designed using a computing system that processes an algorithm that accounts for various parameters, such as the different thermal expansion coefficients.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing coffered ceilings with a plurality of preassembled coffered modules, each of which includes a ceiling panel precut in accordance with an order; cutting beam wall boards in accordance with the order, wherein the beam wall boards are attached to the ceiling panel and extend away from the ceiling panel; and a beam wall molding custom-fitted inside the beam wall boards. Automated systems to receive and fabricate custom coffered module orders upon payment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto. The assembly includes a plurality of pickets, a plurality of rails extending transverse to the pickets, and one or more pivoting, sliding connectors for connecting a picket to a rail, with the sliding, pivotal connection concealed by the rail. The connector is slidably mounted to the rail and is pivotally connected to the picket. The sliding, pivotal connection allows the pickets to be oriented at greater angles relative to the rails (i.e. it allows the assembly to rack to a greater degree, thereby allowing the fencing/raining to following more-steeply changing terrain or contours). In one embodiment, an elongated connector strip is concealed by the rail and spans multiple pickets. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of shorter connectors, one for each picket/rail connection.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a backerboard having a fiberglass mesh on one side, and an impervious reinforcement membrane on the other side. The backerboard incorporates a low density, high compressive strength concrete core having an upper principal surface and a lower principal surface. The upper principal surface of the core is covered by a fiberglass mesh reinforcement layer, itself covered and bonded to the core by a thin layer of Portland cement. The lower principal surface of the backerboard is covered with a high tensile strength, impervious reinforcement membrane.

Abstract: A composite structural panel is provided. The panel comprises a top reinforced fibre layer, a top infusion medium layer, a core, a bottom infusion medium layer, and a bottom reinforced fibre layer. The composite structural panel is infused with a potting material, preferably an epoxy resin, that extends throughout the composite structural panel to provide composite action. The wood core comprises wood beam elements aligned in the longitudinal direction relative to the steel beams or girders of a supporting frame. Mechanical and chemical means are utilized to connect the composite structural panel to the supporting frame.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel assembly comprises the steps of: forming a base structure including a first layer and mounting members; bending the mounting members to define a mounting surface; forming a second layer; and coupling the second layer to the first layer.

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: An apparatus and method for constructing pre-insulated structural panels is disclosed that has a tongue and groove assembly arrangement. Each panel may include one or more c-channels or profiles embedded in expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide structural integrity to the panels, and resulting wall. The panels may be covered with siding, stucco, or similar materials. A chase may be formed horizontally in the panels to provide a wiring conduit through the panel. The panel may also provide when assembled, a vertical chase formed between the mated panels along the length of the panel for wiring. Acoustical properties may be formed in the surface of the EPS portions to provided added acoustical damping measures.

Abstract: A multiwall sheet can comprise plastic walls, wherein the walls comprise a first wall; a second wall; and a transverse wall, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the transverse wall extend longitudinally; and a rib extending between adjacent walls; and a sound insulating material disposed in an area between two adjacent walls, wherein the sound insulating material has a velocity of sound greater than the velocity of sound of the plastic walls. A method of sound insulating a structure can comprise: filling the multiwall sheet with a sound insulating material; and attaching the multiwall sheet to the structure.