Abstract: Interlocking building block, paving unit, tile or toy element, one part of which is a piece offering at least one planar locking mechanism, and the other part of which is an element offering at least one spatial locking mechanism. The element is characterized by the piece providing the planar locking mechanism being a three-clawed piece (21) built around an equilateral triangle (1) with protruding arms (22) and grooves (23) corresponding to their circumference arranged in a circular segment (23). The protruding claws (22) are rotated on a plane around a center of rotation (30). These align with the grooves (23) of another three-clawed piece (21) to offer a bayonet type locking mechanism, where the center point of the circular segment (12) is identical to the center of planar rotation (30).

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: Disclosed is a buckling restrained brace which is a core plate inside a tube, with the plate prevented from buckling by being surrounded by the tube. The core plate is provided with a layer of discrete springs adjacent the core plate, with the interior of the tube otherwise filled with cement. The layer of discrete springs may be cardboard of other material. The layer of discrete springs defines a space between the core plate and the concrete, to allow for expansion of the core plate under compression from the ends.

Abstract: A modular building and a method of constructing a United States Coast Guard certified modular building for utilization on USCG approved vessels, out of aluminum and special Firemaster Marine Blanketing material. Under the method of the present invention, the walls are constructed as to not be connected, allow the fire insulation blanketing to be a prime barrier to potential fire hazards. Due to several reasons aluminum can be a better material than steel to utilize for the purpose of marine accommoda tions. Aluminum is considerably lighter, due to the crane capacities on offshore floating platforms and boats, the lighter the building the safer it is to lift.

Abstract: A system and method for simplified construction and erection of planar devices such as walls comprises two types of steel channel members twisted together at right angles to form a tight, weldless and fastener-less connection. Slots in one member mate with flange elements of the other member to form the tight connection. Both steel members may be cold rolled from flat steel stock, the mating slots being cut into the flat steel stock prior to rolling. Though the resulting connections rely upon the strength of the steel itself instead of fasteners or welds, auxiliary screws or other fasteners optionally may be employed to prevent untwisting of the members after installation.

Abstract: An expansion joint bracket retains an expansion joint board in a concrete installation. The expansion joint bracket may include a base member having multiple nail holes for securing the bracket to the earth (or sand or gravel put down prior to pouring concrete there upon). First and second board support members may run perpendicular to the base and parallel to each other to hold the expansion joint board in place. Gussets, typically triangular shaped gussets, extend from the board support members to the base member. The expansion joint brackets may be disposed every 12-24 inches on the expansion joint board and concrete may be poured over the expansion joint brackets, resulting in a quick and simple concrete installation.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell system includes a base, at least four power modules arranged in a row on the base, and a fuel processing module and power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each power module includes a separate cabinet which contains at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the at least one fuel processing and power conditioning modules through the base.

Abstract: A structural frame member, such as for constructing a window frame, includes a body portion having a first section defining a number of axially extending passages and a second section defining a key passage area. A cap portion is engaged with the key passage area to define an enclosed key passage. The key passage area may be defined by a pair of protrusions that extend from a wall on the body portion, and the cap portion is engaged with the pair of protrusions. The cap portion and the protrusions may include snap-type engagement structure that secures the cap portion to the pair of protrusions. The enclosed key passage may extend across a majority of the depth of the body portion. A frame assembly formed of at least a pair of structural frame members, and a method of assembling a frame member, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assembling resilient floorboards is disclosed that includes the step of bending an edge of a floorboard during the assembling. The bending reduces the force required for connection of the edge to another edge of a juxtaposed floorboard.

Abstract: A method for constructing a truss includes selecting three or more chord elements (two or more upper chord elements and one or more lower chord elements) and one or more web elements. The selecting of the components includes estimating a first change in length for each of the two or more upper chord elements and estimating a second change in length of each of the one or more lower chord elements, the first change in length and the second change in length in response to changes in conditions to which the truss is exposed. The one or more web elements are selected from the plurality of wood members to compensate for the deformation caused by the first change in length and the second change in length.

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 above-ground containment system comprises a plurality of truss assemblies, a band coupled to the truss assemblies, and a flexible liner. The truss assemblies are disposed in an arrangement defining a storage area. The band is coupled to the truss assemblies and encircles the storage area, and tensionably maintains the tress assemblies in the desired position. The liner is coupled to the truss assemblies and includes a central portion covering a base of the storage area.

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: 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: A tapered end cap for a two-sided ridge vent includes a shingle supporting surface, opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second edges. The end cap height of the shingle supporting surface at the first end is equivalent to a two-sided ridge vent. The end cap height of the shingle supporting surface at the second end is equivalent to the roof decks defining a peak or hip. The end cap conforms to a ridge or hip and allows a two-sided ridge vent to be applied to a peak or hip and to rectify leakage and appearance issues of two-sided ridge vents. The tapered end cap may be one sided.

Abstract: A guy adapter includes a main body having first and second ends. A socket member is connected to the first end. An eye member is connected to the second end. A non-integral pulling eye is slidably mounted on the main body. The socket member is forged to the first end of the main body. A pulling eye is slidably disposed on the main body. The eye member is forged to the second end of the main body. Accordingly, the guy adapter is formed having a non-integral pulling eye slidably mounted thereon.

Abstract: An appliance includes a memory storage location storing a flag indicative of a predicted demand-response (DR) period such as from a utility or when a current alternating current (AC) duty cycle differs from a specified AC duty cycle by a predetermined variance; and a controller coupled to the flag to autonomously place the appliance in an energy shedding mode during the predicted DR period.

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 modular roof system for a building and method for installing the modular roof system includes roofing modules (M) which are designed to be arranged alongside each other substantially with continuity on a supporting structure (C, T). Each roofing module (M) includes a supporting base (20; 120) which is designed to receive at least one functional element of the roofing and rests on the support structure (C, T) in an installation condition, and a top covering part (22; 122) supported on the base (20; 120). The base (20; 120) is shaped so as to define at least one free channel (26?; 126?) extending substantially along a first direction of juxtaposition of the modules (M) and each roofing module (M) has interlocking members for joining together with adjacent modules (M) along at least one direction of juxtaposition of the modules (M).

Abstract: The invention provides an enclosure, in particular, an acoustic enclosure, for thermal equipment, for example a gas turbine or a gas turbine auxiliary module. The invention also provides a method of constructing such an enclosure.

Abstract: A method for connecting metal segments of a tower includes connecting at least two metal segments of the tower by the use of connecting elements. A paste is provided between the tower segments for filling at least a part of a gap between the segments. The paste is cured, wherein the cured paste absorbs at least a part of a load originated by the connected segments.

Abstract: An anchor for supporting a metal door frame component from buckling or bending upon tightening of a fastener attaching the door frame component to a wall is disclosed having a hollow intermediate portion, a base portion located on one end of said intermediate portion and having a hole defined therein aligned with said intermediate portion, and a pair of opposed flanges extending outward from the other end of said intermediate portion. An automated process for fabricating such anchors in a punch press is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacture providing reinforced structurally functional load-bearing members, including but not limited to using thermoplastic materials, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), reinforced such as with an aluminum alloy or carbon fiber core element. Among its possible uses, the present invention has application for provision of structural support members, such as an illustrative I-joist product having a vertical center member preferably comprising HDPE, and top and bottom flanges having structurally meaningful reinforcement. The center member and flanges preferably comprising HDPE provides a relatively hard, durable, substantially weather-resistant structure.

Abstract: A light steel framing construction technique for light gauge load bearing wall type buildings uses specialized brackets to suspend poured slab floors. Multiple stories of the building can be erected without waiting for individual concrete slab floors to be poured and set at each story. During construction, a building is protected from torsional warping, such as may be occur under wind loads, by a series of lateral and diagonal bracing structures at each level affixed in a plane perpendicular to the load bearing elements. Multiple concrete floor slabs can be poured sequentially or simultaneously, as desired, during the construction process.

Abstract: A check valve access chamber is provided that is capable of forming a sealed enclosure against or around a self-contained check valve assembly so as to maintain a continuous barrier against moisture, waste water, and sewage gases during normal operation or under backflow situations. The access chamber may also include an angled floor and/or angled pipe flanges to add or maintain a grade across the sewer pipe or the self-contained check valve assembly to ensure adequate flow to meet or exceed building code standards. Access chambers of this type permit a labour-saving method of installing a check valve comprising the steps of connecting an access chamber having an access sleeve to a self-contained check valve assembly; connecting the self-contained check valve assembly to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe; backfilling around the access chamber to a desired grade; and trimming the access sleeve to a desired height relative to the desired grade.

Abstract: A board with preformed seals. In an exemplary embodiment, a sealing material is applied to at least one edge of a board to form a preformed seal on that edge. The board is configured such that when the board is attached to a frame adjacent to a another board, at least a portion of the sealing material applied to the edge of the board seals against at least a portion of an edge another board. In one exemplary embodiment, the boards are configured to seal against edges of substantially identical boards. A plurality of the sheathing boards may be installed on a building frame to form a sheathing system that provides a moisture and/or gas barrier between and interior and exterior of a building.

Abstract: A solar powered fan kit is provided for installation in a roof and in the ridge of the roof. The solar powered fan kit includes a fan attached to a fan bracket. The fan bracket is configured to be suspended from a roof within a ridge vent of the roof. A solar panel is attached to the roof to supply power to the fan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled element, in particular a profiled construction element, for example a profiled dry construction, façade, or plaster element, comprising an in particular metal elongated main body, in which at least one opening is formed. The opening has at least one edge formed transversely to the longitudinal extension of the main body, which edge is formed at least partially by a bent-over section of the main body. The bent-over section, together with an adjacent section of the main body, forms an at least double-layer area of the main body. In order to increase the stiffness of the profiled element transversely to the longitudinal extension thereof, the bent-over section is connected to the adjacent section within the at least double-layer area. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a profiled element.

Abstract: A method of releasably connecting a cable to a post in a manner such that the cable will release from the post when the post is deformed toward ground level, the method includes the steps of providing a post having an interior cavity and a slot formed through a post face wall extending from the top end of the post; disposing a cable within a loop formed in an elongated section of a connector; hanging the connector from the top end of the post, the elongated section positioned substantially within the cavity and the loop and the disposed cable positioned exterior of the cavity; and tensioning the cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tidal power plant, comprising a machine nacelle having a nacelle housing; a water turbine, which is part of a revolving unit, wherein the revolving unit is supported on the nacelle housing by means of a sliding bearing arrangement comprising a plurality of bearing elements. The invention is characterised in that the nacelle housing comprises at least one load-bearing concrete part and the bearing elements are adjustably fastened to the concrete part or to a bearing support cast into the concrete part.

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 modular fuel cell system includes a base, at least four power modules arranged in a row on the base, and a fuel processing module and power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each power module includes a separate cabinet which contains at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the at least one fuel processing and power conditioning modules through the base.

Abstract: A foldable structure is adjustable between a folded condition for storage and shipping, and an unfolded condition for occupation by one or more users. The foldable structure may be substantially prefabricated at a manufacturing facility, transitioned into its folded condition, and placed into a shipping container for shipping to a destination site. A single foldable structure may be placed in the shipping container, or multiple foldable structures may fit in a standard shipping container. For example, in some embodiments, as many as six foldable structures may fit in a single standard shipping container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for producing fire rated doors having added strength, better finishing and low cost manufacturing flexibility. The fire rated doors are made from two panels “sandwiched” together. An optional interior layer (e.g., fire resistant material, lead sheeting, steel or Kevlar) can be added between the door panels for various purposes. Splines, stiles or sticks are inserted in longitudinal channels in the door panels to provide assistance in aligning the door panels and greater hardware holding strength. An intumescent banding material concealed by a banding material around the perimeter of the door seals the door within its frame during a fire. The door design and the automated manufacturing process provide greater design choice, reduced cost and faster fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a truss assembly apparatus and method for coupling truss members. The apparatus comprises a first lever and second lever joined at a joint mechanism. The first lever comprises a handle at one end and a first head at another end. The second lever also comprises a handle at one end and a second head at another end. The second head further comprises a second tip for engaging a head of a truss pin. Additionally, the first head comprises a first tip which is substantially curved in profile and capable of both receiving and supporting the walls of a truss member. The first tip further comprises an opening such as a slot allowing for at least the tip of the pin to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Universal master boards and methods of making flush door skins and doors from the universal master boards are disclosed. The universal master boards each have an expansive surface with a graphic design of at least first depressions and second depressions in at least first and second surface regions, respectively. The first depressions simulate a first wood grain pattern, and the second depressions simulate a second wood grain pattern aligned in a different direction than the simulated first wood grain pattern. The universal master boards may be cut and demarcated selectively to establish different assortments of simulated wood patterns and different ornamental features, such as stiles and rails.

Abstract: A structural section for a tower mast and a method for manufacturing the section. The section comprises a sheet comprising a first end, a second end and a body disposed between the first end and the second end. A plurality of profiles are formed within the body, each profile comprising a deformation offset from the body. A fastener is configured to contact the first end to the second end to facilitate forming the body about a longitudinal axis and facilitate radially positioning the plurality of profiles around the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Floorboards with a surface of flexible fibers for laying a mechanically joined floating floor, and methods for manufacturing and providing floorings containing such floorboards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction arts, in particular a modular implementation for a structural support member or header for bearing the load of large spans of a floor, wall section above a window, door or entry way. The header is modular and can be easily implemented into a variety of architectural structures. A façade can be formed which easily allows complex arches to be created such as round, horseshoe, lancet, ogee, trefoil and so on. The support member can also include an insulation which, when used with a steel beam, serves to increase the insulation value.

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: An apparatus and associated method for manufacturing a window covering 50 for an architectural opening. The apparatus includes a support structure handling assembly 92, an operating element handling assembly 94, and a vane handling assembly 96. The handling assemblies process the respective materials to an assembly station 100 to attach one portion of a vane 54 to the operating elements 56, and another portion of the vane 54 to the support structure 52, allowing movement of one portion of the vane 54 relative to other portion of the vane.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to fabricate a building structure by mixing a texture aggregate filler mixed with a phase change material (PCM), said filler including one of: perlite, glass microballoons, glass bubbles, phenolic microballoons, and microspheres; and placing the PCM with the filler on a surface exposed to a conditioned air flow to increase thermal contact between the PCM and the conditioned air flow.

Abstract: A process for making a panel for supporting the sidewalls of an excavation includes a plate, longitudinal members and vertical members. Each longitudinal member includes a first leg extending along the length, substantially parallel to and spaced laterally from the plate. The first leg of each longitudinal member being located adjacent and secured to the first leg of another member. A second leg, integral with the first leg, extends along the length, away from the first leg and toward the plate, the second leg being secured to the plate. Axially spaced vertical members are welded to the plate and to the longitudinal members.

Abstract: A utility floor box includes a body having a horizontal base, first and second longitudinally extending side walls extending from first and second opposed edges of the horizontal base, and first and second laterally extending end walls extending from third and fourth opposed edges of the horizontal base. At least one of the first and second side walls defines a branch opening, and at least one of the first and second end walls defines a duct opening. First and second horizontal support bars extend through aligned first and second support openings in the first and second side walls. First and second vertical support legs are secured to the first support bar, and third and fourth vertical support legs secured to the second support bar. The first, second, third and fourth support legs are vertically adjustable with respect to the corresponding first and second support bars.

Abstract: A building panel for residential and commercial construction uses a plurality of insulating blocks connected together by adhesive. The insulation blocks are typically made of foam. A plurality of support members are disposed on opposite sides of the insulating blocks and offset with respect to the adjacent support member. The support member are typically made of metal and can have different shapes including “T” shape, “U” shape, and “L” shape. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the insulating block and a stem portion extending into the insulating block and having a length less than a width of the insulating block so that a thermal conduction path of the support member is discontinuous across the insulating block. The panel can be used as a curtain wall panel in high-rise construction, as well as bodies for aircraft, automotive, and marine applications.

Abstract: The furnace of the present invention includes a body of a furnace having a cylindrical shape; a steel shell which is arranged at an inside surface of the furnace; and a lining refractory which is arranged at an inside of the steel shell and includes a plurality of refractory blocks, wherein: each of the refractory blocks includes a hot-face end surface which has a hexagonal shape exposed to a middle of the furnace, and a cold-face end surface which has a hexagonal shape larger than the hot-face end surface, the cold-face end surface being arranged at an outer periphery side of the furnace; the refractory blocks are arranged such that each position of the hot-face end surface is positioned along the radial direction of the furnace at a predetermined reference position; and the refractory blocks are arrayed along the circumferential direction of an inside surface of the steel shell, thereby being stacked in a honeycomb manner.

Abstract: A method for connecting a tension-torsion strap. The method includes sliding a sleeve into an arm of a hub; aligning holes in the sleeve with holes in the hub; installing a bushing in each aligned hole in the sleeve; sliding a first end of the tension-torsion strap through the sleeve; and placing a pin through the bushings and the tension-torsion strap.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing floorboards with a surface layer and a core for making a floating flooring. The floorboards are mechanically lockable, and have pairs of opposing connectors along their edge portions for locking adjoining floorboards to each other both vertically and horizontally. The method includes joining a surface layer of flexible and resilient fibers to a wood-fiber-based core to form a floor element, and linearly displacing the floor element relative to a set of tools in order to machine the joint edges of the floor element to provide at least part of upper joint edges of the floorboard.

Abstract: A decking member can have a plurality of panels each with first and second side supports and center supports that maybe discrete components. The plurality of panels can each have a plurality of slots and optional hooks. A shelving system has a frame and at least one decking member.