Abstract: A barrel for a barrel joint for parts of furniture and furnishing items includes a hollow cylindrical body containing a blocking element and having at least one hole on one of its side surfaces for the passage of a tip of a tool that actuates the blocking element, the hollow cylindrical body also having at least another hole for receiving a pin of the barrel joint.

Abstract: Retention system for a load carrying container, comprising a retention portion arrangeable at or near a rear end of a load carrying container. The retention portion is pivotable between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position; and a drive element is used for moving the pivotable retention portion between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A structural panel having a structural inner core with a male member and a female member. The female member is configured to receive the male member of a vertically adjacent panel therein and has a locking slot. The structural panel also includes a locking member operatively engageable to the male member and configurable between an unlocked configuration where it does not substantially project outside of lateral wall surfaces of the male member and a locked configuration where it projects outside of at least one of the lateral wall surfaces of the male member and is engaged in the locking slot of the vertically adjacent panel. A panel assembly, a method for building a building wall using multiple structural panels, a corner securement assembly for at least two horizontally adjacent structural panels and a method for securing two horizontally adjacent panels in a corner configuration are also provided.

Abstract: Channel framing includes an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and defining an interior extending along the longitudinal axis. The body includes a first side defining a continuous slot extending lengthwise of the body and into the interior of the body. A second side is generally opposite the first side and defines a fitting groove extending lengthwise of the body. The fitting groove is configured for receiving at least one type of fitting to secure the fitting to the channel framing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides advantageous containment systems configured to be deployed in a data center, and improved methods/systems for using the same. The present disclosure provides light-weight, user-friendly and modular containment systems configured to be adjustably deployed in a horizontal or vertical orientation on the hot or cold aisle in a data center. The containment systems of the present disclosure can be deployed in a horizontal and/or vertical application and can be used on the cold or hot aisle. The containment systems of the present disclosure can be: (i) mounted to cabinets through bracketry; (ii) suspended overhead from the building infrastructure via threaded rod or the like; (iii) supported by overhead pathways (e.g., attached or mounted to cable/wire baskets, cable ladders, troughs, etc.); and/or (iv) secured from the floor (e.g., via post-like objects or structures or the like).

Abstract: A toasting device includes a housing, a heating spike extending outwardly from an upper surface of the housing, and an insulating spacer connected to a base portion of the heating spike and to the upper surface of the housing by first attachment members. The insulating spacer is composed of a highly heat resistive material to substantially insulate the housing from heat associated with the heating spike.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a tile and support structure may include a plurality of tiles, which may be generally rectangular in shape, engaged with one or more support structures. The tile may be formed with four edges, wherein two opposing edges may be formed with grooves therein and the other two opposing edges may be formed with protrusions thereon. The support structure may be formed with a generally vertical spine having two rails extending outward from a distal end thereof. The support structure may also include two generally horizontally extending flanges, which may be formed with a trough therein. The trough may include a plurality of apertures formed therein. One side of the trough may be defined by a lip.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and joining construction elements comprising threaded studs or bars protruding from opposing elements; interlocking members adapted to screw together associated with each of the opposed studs; an adjustment nut screwable on one of the studs wherein, the adjustment nut is screw jacked against one of the interlocking members to align the elements and then locked and encapsulated by screwing together the interlocking members. There can be additional stud or bar alignment means associated with the apparatus.

Abstract: An attachment device attaches adjacent first and second concrete pieces to one another along corresponding first and second interfacing side surfaces thereof, thereby forming a concrete piece attachment arrangement. The device includes an elongate base member having opposed first and second portions, and first and second lateral members securing to and respectively extending substantially perpendicularly from first and second ends of the base member. The first and second portions of the base member extend within first and second recesses respectively formed into the concrete pieces, in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second interfacing side surfaces. The first and second lateral member respectively extend through bore holes extending through the first and second concrete pieces and connecting with the respective first and second recesses. A method for attaching the concrete pieces to one another with an attachment piece is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for a curtain wall anchor system. The curtain wall anchor assembly may include various anchor configurations. Each anchor embodiment is intended to reduce labor time and costs and eliminate extraneous steps in the construction process involving curtain walls. Each possible anchor assembly also features an optional component of attaching a concrete anchor for optimizing load paths and solving issues of bending in traditional edge angle pour stops.

Abstract: An integrated building display and shading system formed of a plurality of exterior building panels arranged in an array, each exterior building panel representing one pixel. A given pixel resides in a first state when a first excitation state is applied to the exterior building panel and can be changed to reside in a second state when a second excitation state is applied to the exterior building panel, thus allowing an image to be presented on the array. The excitation states are controlled by an electronic control system including a frame buffer and an illumination source. Different types of variable property glass can be used such that a first state is a transparent state and the second state is an opaque state or color state (e.g. red, green, blue). The integrated building display and shading system can be illuminated via natural light, or via UV light, or via a projector.

Abstract: Construction assembly for spatial structure intended to be releasably fastened to an element, the construction assembly includes a support and a screw. The support has a threaded hole, a front surface and an abutting surface. The screw is movable with respect to the support in coupled translation and rotation between a retracted position and a protruding position. In a fixing position, the screw protrudes from the front surface of the support, the screw abuts against the abutting surface of the support, and the screw is able to rotate with respect to the support around the longitudinal axis without translating along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices for installing jamb assemblies and like structures within a rough opening. In certain embodiments, the installation device comprises a guide portion attached to a jamb assembly and a spacer portion operatively connected to the guide portion and configured to selectively move relative to the guide portion to provide adjustment of the jamb assembly relative to the rough opening.

Abstract: Construction assembly (1) for spatial structure comprising a support (10), a screw (50) and a drive shaft (60). The support (10) has a peripheral surface (30, 72) extends along a longitudinal direction (X). The support (10) comprises a first hole (12) extending through said peripheral surface (30) and a second hole (22) receiving the screw (50). The drive shaft (60) is pivotally mounted with respect to the support (10) along the cross axis (Y). The cross axis (Y) is not parallel to the longitudinal direction (X) and extends through the first hole (12) of the support (10), and rotation of the drive shaft (60) around the cross axis (Y) is mechanically linked to rotation of the screw (50) around the longitudinal axis (X).

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane element for covering surfaces, more particularly for covering ceilings or walls, comprising a frame and a membrane material stretched over said frame. The membrane element is characterized in that at least one frame region is bent inwardly due to forces exerted on the frame by the membrane material and that the inwardly bent frame region has tightening units for pulling or pushing said frame region outwardly with respect to an abutment, towards the unbent state. The invention further relates to a method for covering surfaces, more particularly for covering ceilings or walls.

Abstract: Building or structural panels may be joined, such as to form walls or floors. The panels may be connected in various orientations via one or more connectors. The connectors may mount to anchors associated with the panels. The panels may have outer skins located over an expanded core comprising a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings, with the anchors located at edges of the panels.

Abstract: A removable tool for leveling a vertical structure in a vertically level orientation is also disclosed, the tool including a flat substantially non-bendable material, wherein the tool has a central hole formed in the center thereof that does not extend to or open out to the periphery of the tool, and four slots extending radially away from the hole and spaced from each other evenly about the tool. Contemplated systems and methods for utilizing the removable tool are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An insert for embedment in a concrete component during casting, having a tubular cavity for receiving a threaded anchorage member, the tubular cavity having an opening arranged to face outward of the concrete component when cast for insertion of the threaded anchorage member, wherein the insert is externally tapered such that, when the insert is embedded in the concrete component and the anchorage member is threadedly engaged within the tubular cavity, axial loading applied to the anchorage member in a sense to withdraw the anchorage member from the insert causes reactional force from the surrounding concrete to be applied to the insert in a direction radially inwardly of the insert, and wherein the insert is formed of deformable plastic material such that said reactional force in turn causes the insert to exert force radially inwardly upon the anchorage member.

Abstract: A panel hanger for flush mounting a wall panel to drywall. The panel hanger includes a cylindrical mounting body adapted for being inserted into a drywall sheet. A control member is rotatably carried by the mounting body. A clamp arm is rotatably carried by the control member. Rotation of the control member draws the clamp arm toward the mounting body and rotates the clamp arm to extend beyond a diameter of the mounting body for engaging the drywall sheet to secure the mounting body to the drywall. A hanger slot is disposed within the mounting body for receiving a hanger member carrying a drywall sheet.

Abstract: A pedestal (18) for an access floor assembly (10), the pedestal (18) comprises a stand portion and a head portion. The stand portion has a base plate (21) for resting upon a sub-floor (20), and a stem (22) extending upwardly therefrom. The head portion has a platform (24) and a threaded shaft (26) extending downwardly therefrom. The pedestal (18) includes a lockable nut (28) which has a thread (29) adapted to screwably engage the threaded shaft (26), wherein the lockable nut (28) has at least one detent (30) to lock with the stem (22) in order to prevent the rotation of the lockable nut (28) when abutted against the stem (22).

Abstract: A post assembly includes a post having a bottom and defining a longitudinal axis and a mounting member extending from the bottom of the post along the longitudinal axis. A securing member is moveable between an engaged position, wherein the securing member couples the mounting member to the post in a non-rotatable relationship, and a disengaged position, wherein the mounting member is decoupled and removable from the post. A method of assembling a post assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An easy-to-install outdoor wooden flooring, with possibly treated, very high durability materials, suitably robust and safe for passers-by and characterised by low manufacturing costs. An assembly method of the aforesaid flooring is advantageously provided capable of simplify the installation operations, specifically in virtue of the use of appropriately configured assembly templates.

Abstract: Four bolts in a square configuration are installed in a base member of concrete with the threaded portions of the bolts protruding above the surface of the base member. A nut is attached to each of the bolts and above the nut, a washer is installed. A leveling tool is in the form of a plate of a flat rigid non bendable material such as aluminum. The leveling tool has an aperture in its center and four slots which are spaced evenly from each other around the tool and extend radially away the central aperture. The bolts are each fitted into one of the slots with the edges of the slots abutting against the washers. A leveling gage is installed on the surface of the tool. The nuts are then adjustably positioned until the gage indicates that the tool is vertically level. The tool is then removed and the four bolts and washers used to provide a level support for the base of a pole or other vertical support structure.

Abstract: A ceiling system is disclosed which has the desirable aesthetic features of a decorative ceiling without the disadvantages of custom fabrication or other types of pre-manufactured ceiling systems. The ceiling system utilizes a plurality of pre-manufactured, modular decorative panels and a fastening system with a snap in mechanism that permits the panels to be installed vertically from below and which minimizes the visibility of the supporting fastening system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a joining system (1) for fixedly joining at least two elements (2, 3), in particular girders, comprising at least one first element (2) which is adjacent at one of its ends to the other element (3) on a contact surface (14) and is attached to this element with a joining means (11) and at least one connecting part (7), in particular a shear connector made of a high-strength material, preferably metal, which is connected to one of the elements (2), in particular by being integrated into it. To permit an improved possibility for fastening the two elements, it is provided according to this invention that the connecting part (7), in particular the shear connector, is provided with a continuous recess (9), in particular with a borehole, and the joining means (11) extends through the recess (9), whereby the element (2) receiving the connecting part (7) is designed as a wooden component.

Abstract: A system of building construction comprises prefabricated modules with wall sections having finished paneling on both faces, inner foam panels and spacers made from insulating foam, and a steel-reinforced concrete core. The modules come complete with outer and inner finished panels, as well as inner insulating foam so that no on-site mounting of the panels to the wall module is required. The foam panels and facing panels are attached together with a plurality of coilies or rigid spacers, held together with simple screws to create a complete wall system. Concrete is subsequently poured into the module cores to create a monolithic structure. The Inner-wall and outer wall is already in place and needs only to be decorated as desired. All elements stay in place and no forms or heavy external bracing are needed.

Abstract: A device for connecting structural components (10, 12), with a base part (16; 116), which is disposed at the one structural component (10), a spacer (18; on 118), which is in threaded engagement with the base part (16; 116) and is supported with one end at the other (12) structural component, and a connecting screw (20), which is inserted frictionally engaged through the spacer (18; 118), wherein the spacer (18; 118) is surrounded by any jacket (32; 126) of a softer material, preferably of a plastic which, at least in the state, in which the spacer and the base part together have the smallest axial dimension, is flush with the front surface of the spacer (118) or of the hard core (50) of the same or protrudes with respect to this front surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in concrete construction is characterized by a body having a first portion configured to be set into concrete during the casting of that concrete, and which can be removed from the concrete after the concrete has set, and thereby may be reused in a similar manner with other concrete castings. The body of the apparatus is preferably generally cylindrical and preferably includes a serrated exterior surface. The body also preferably includes a second portion configured to facilitate removal of the apparatus from the concrete, and further includes an engagement member with which other devices may be engaged. The second portion may also be engageable with an alignment member to facilitate the accuracy of insertion and removal of the apparatus from the concrete. The serrated exterior preferably interferingly engages with at least one reinforcing element formed in the concrete, to assist in positioning of the concrete.

Abstract: A connecting structure of concrete block according to the present invention comprises connecting rods buried in divided blocks, and a connector which exerts forces to attract exposed ends of the connecting rods toward each other and maintains a condition where it exerts predetermined attracting forces. In this connecting structure, the connecting rods are attracted toward each other and the divided blocks are brought into contact with each other under pressure by tightening an external thread portion of a first tightening member into an internal thread hole of a second tightening member with a tool after the divided blocks are combined so as to match cavities thereof with each other. A connector according to the present invention comprises a first tightening member which is rotatably fitted over an exposed end of a connecting rod of one divided block and a second tightening member which is rotatably fitted over an exposed end of another concrete block.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a double slope beam in vibrated or pre-compressed reinforced concrete, composed of two complementary halves or semi-beams (10) each with a reinforcing framework and with adjoining parts which are destined to be mated together incorporating some steel connecting plates (12, 13) that are anchored in the reinforcing framework by means of tie-rods. The two semi-beams are joined together by bolts at the time of forming the whole beam.

Abstract: In the broader aspects of the invention there is provided a new and improved deck and beam connector for post and beam structures. The deck and beam connector has a deck flange mounted on the deck, the flange has an opening therein. Depending into the deck is a well secured to the flange. The well has a bottom and a bottom opening therein. A threaded bolt having an enlarged head is positioned within the bottom opening with the threaded portion within the well. The head is positioned within a step-diametered counter-sunk bore in the deck with the larger diameter portion thereof adjacent to the surface opposite that to which the deck flange is connected. A threaded member is positioned on the threaded shaft of the bolt within the well with a spring positioned on the bolt between the threaded member and the well bottom. The bolt is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position into which the bolt head is biased and within the larger diametered portion of the step-diametered bore in the deck.

Abstract: A coupling system that can be placed into the existing drain and over the existing drain pipe to effect a repair without removal of an existing tub, shower or similar receptacle. The drain coupling system is self-sealing and can be locked into place from above. After ensuring that the proper seal is obtained between the invention and the drain pipe, the body of the invention is pushed downward until the upper collar lip engages the floor surrounding the drain opening. The system is then secured in position from above by the plurality of hex head set screws provided. The hex head set screws extend downward from the upper most surface of the invention. The coupling system is supplied with locking tabs. When the present invention is in the proper position within the drain opening, the rotation of the screws forces the wings of the locking tabs to rotate in a lateral fashion. The rotation of the locking tab continues until the wings contact the walls of the drain opening.