Abstract: An automatic or active shoring apparatus and process for controlling the deflection of the beams and girders typically in an elevated structure prior to and while concrete is placed and screeded on the beams and girders comprises a beam adjusting device and a beam monitor. The beam adjusting device is operable to adjust a curvature of the beam in response to the beam monitoring device, which measures and monitors the curvature of the beam throughout the placing and screeding processes. The beam adjusting device may comprise a heating device with or without a cooling device such as a fan, a cooling device, an adjustably weighted container, or a horizontally mounted fluid cylinder or jack. The curvature of each beam is automatically adjusted and maintained at a substantially level orientation prior to and while concrete is placed, screeded and cured at each beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing lateral support to a post includes a cage-like structure comprised of one or more modular cage units which are installed about the post. A plurality of guy wires are attached to the cage-like structure and anchored to the floor, ground, or the like, for providing lateral support to the post. Each cage unit includes a pair of main components with each main component including a pair of elongate generally parallel bar members. A lower connection bracket is attached to the bottom of each main component and includes a bolt hole for connecting the main component to a loading fame or other cage units. An upper connection bracket is attached to the top of each main component, and includes a bolt hole for connecting one main component to another main component placed on top thereof. The upper bracket also includes a pair of rod holes located near the free ends of the upper bracket for attaching a pivotable guy wire attachment fixture between two main components.

Abstract: A system (100) for positioning and securing structural members (20, 30) to supporting walls (10) of a building includes at least a pair of mounting devices (105) respectively mounted to a pair of longitudinally extended laterally spaced building supporting walls (10). Each mounting device (105) includes a base plate (110) having a plurality of pairs of fixing members (120) disposed in spaced longitudinal relationship. A space (118) between each of the pairs of fixing members (120) is provided for receiving the structural member (20, 30) therein. Each mounting device also includes a pair of second fixing members (122) disposed adjacent opposing ends of the base plate (110). Each of the fixing members (120 and 122) are formed by vertically directed C-shaped channel members. Each channel member has a central web portion (130) bounded on two vertically directed sides by a pair of flanges (132) expending in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A brace for protecting windows and buildings during a high wind storm is disclosed. The brace includes a rigid member sized so as to fit within a window frame containing the window to be protected, and double-sided tape affixed to one side of the rigid member for affixing the rigid member to the window to be protected. Various method for imparting a force to the brace to cause it to become firmly wedged within the window frame of the window and building to be protected are also disclosed, and include the use of the installer's hands, the use of a hinged member rotatably connected to the brace which is capable of being wedged against the window frame, the use of a swing arm connected to the brace which can be firmly wedged against the window frame, and the use of a ratchet to advance a dampening member from within the brace to firmly engage the window frame. Methods of using the disclosed brace are also disclosed.

Abstract: Walls of expanded polystyrene, concrete-receiving forms (referred to as insulated or insulating concrete forms or ICFs) need to be vertical while they are being filled with concrete and while the concrete is curing. An apparatus with a vertical member and a brace member is such that one person can erect it and use it to adjust walls of ICFs so as to be vertical or plumb. The apparatus is capable of being readily used with the forms of any manufacturer by being provided with asymmetrical brackets for detachably attaching the vertical member to a wall firmly, but not rigidly. The apparatus provides a support for a platform, or scaffold, for a person to stand on while guiding the concrete pouring and while plumbing the wall. The vertical member extends upward from the ground and is held firmly against the wall with asymmetrical brackets. The brace member extends from the vertical member at a pivot with the other end of the brace member attached to the ground or floor.

Abstract: The shimless-shim employed with an edge member of a rough opening in a structure helps true up a jamb in the rough opening comprising a first member disposed parallel to the edge member having a length equal to the width of the edge member and the thickness of the wall boards attached to both edges of the edge member; a pair of a second members attached to the first member in a perpendicular relationship thereto, the pair of second members being disposed in a spaced relationship with respect to each other to enable each of the pair of second members to be disposed between a different one of the edges of the edge member and an adjacent one of the wall boards, the pair of the second members being adjustable in and out to assist in truing up the jamb in the rough opening; a first fastener is associated with the first member to enable fastening the jamb thereto; and a second fastener is associated with each of the pair of the second members and the edge member to secure the pair of second members to the edge memb

Abstract: The modularized structure framing system is disclosed incorporating a plurality of quad wall modules, a plurality of single wall modules, a plurality of double wall module, a plurality of window modules, and a plurality of door modules. Each module is,made using conventional 2″×4″ building materials. Endpieces of conventional 1″×4″ building materials allow modules to be aligned together during construction while still maintaining standard dimensionality. A plurality of alignment tools are provided for installation of the modules. These include a corner alignment tool having a 90 degree angle and a 1.25 inch wide by 3.55 inch deep groove running throughout, a wall straightness tool also having a 1.25 inch wide by 3.55 deep groove running throughout, and a “T”-shaped the wall alignment tool having a 1.25 inch wide by 3.55 deep groove running throughout.

Abstract: A building aperture cover reinforcing device includes a support post having a first end spaced apart from a second end by a middle portion. Engagement pins extend from each end of the post, and linking hooks extend from the middle portion of the post. An upper anchoring assembly adapted for securement to an upper boundary wall of a building aperture selectively maintains the first engagement pin in a securing orientation, while the second engagement pin is selectively held in place by a lower anchor plate. The linking hooks engage corresponding linking plates disposed on the selected aperture cover. Each engagement pin includes bracing notches that engage corresponding edges of pin apertures located within the anchoring assembly and anchor plate, when the post shifts laterally. The bracing notches prevent vertical motion of the post during negative wind loads and positive wind loads.

Abstract: A device for setting studs includes a rigid face plate that has a fixed length and includes a lower surface, a front edge, a rear edge, and opposite side edges; a rigid bar member extending from the face plate lower surface so as to have a rear surface perpendicular to the face plate lower surface. The face plate has first and second square inside corners formed in its rear edge for squarely aligning and setting studs a desired distance apart between centers and restricting movement thereof during fastening to a sill plate or similar structure.

Abstract: A wall bracing system that uses a beam capable of bending to conform to a partially-buckled masonry wall that has buckled inward from external forces, such as hydrostatic pressures to which basement walls are typically exposed. The bracing beam is sufficiently flexible to conform to the partially-buckled wall, enabling the bracing system to apply a relatively uniform pressure against the wall to prevent further inward movement. One end of the beam is secured to the basement floor adjacent the wall, generally not more than the distance the wall has bowed inward, i.e., the horizontal displacement of the primary fracture point of the wall. The upper end of the beam is held in place with a bracket system secured to one or more overhead floor joists. The bracket system applies a force against the upper end of the beam toward the wall. Sufficient pressure is applied against the beam so that at least the upper end of the beam contacts and conforms to the buckled portion of the wall.

Abstract: A support post for use in construction mounted to the floor with a base collar which is provided with spacer rings for height adjustment. The spacer rings are inserted into the base collar before the support post is in order to provide additional height for the support post as needed in the field.

Abstract: Depth of an inner batten (50C) is reduced and an indoor space (A) is covered with a cover member (60), so that, though the cover member (60) is attached to conceal a lower side of a transom (20C) from an indoor side in a vision portion, the cover member (60) can be omitted in a spandrel portion where the lower side of the transom (20C) cannot be seen in order to reduce production cost, and, even after the inner batten (50C) is attached to the transom (20C), cutoff treatment can be easily conducted before attaching the cover member (60), thereby obtaining stable cutoff performance by checking coating condition of a sealing material (90).

Abstract: A portable roof anchor having a slidably adjustable beam member is supported at a pivot location near a line support end and at an opposed end by a rotatably attached self-leveling counterweights. A line wrapped onto the beam member may be used as a handle for carrying the beam member to a roof top, then used to support a person or equipment over a side of the building. The counterweights have a relatively small top cross-section and a relatively large bottom cross-section so that, for any given amount of weight, a relatively large bottom surface area and a relatively tall height from the rooftop will be provided. A handle is provided near a line-deployed center-of-gravity so that the roof anchor assembly may be easily maneuvered, while the line remains over the side of the building, with one hand on the handle and a second hand cradled underneath the beam member.

Abstract: Sized and shaped attachments made of suitable materials and having a predetermined thickness for straightening and replacing studs, joists and rafters, squaring of openings and for aligning a plurality of the studs, joists and rafters in the framing for a building to provide a planar application surface to which exterior finishing members can be affixed. The attachments have sized and spaced openings thereon operatively associated by frictional engagement with fastening members each having a slidable member thereon to enable the attachments or devices to be adjustably fastened to a given stud, joist or rafter so a plurality of such adjusted attachments or any replacement attachments can be aligned with each other to provide the planar application surface. Methods are provided to align a multiplicity of adjoining studs, joists or rafters, to square and to square and align openings with such attachments to provide the planar application surfaces.

Abstract: An adjustable outrigger (10) for manufactured home (60) spans between lower end (76) of main beam (70) and outer end (83) of transverse floor joist (80) for supporting outer end (83). Outrigger (10) has a longitudinal axis (21) and generally comprises an elongate central portion (20) of adjustable length, a lower end (12) adapted to be supported by lower end (76) of beam (70) such that outrigger (10) can exert a longitudinal force on beam (70) over varying vertical angles of longitudinal axis (21) and an upper end (17) adapted for supporting outer end (83) of joist (80) such that outrigger (10) can exert a longitudinal force on joist (80) over a plurality of vertical angles of longitudinal axis (21).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for facilitating the removal of formwork for the end joint of a diaphragm wall panel, said formwork comprising a soleplate having two side edges. The device comprising: two substantially rectangular plates of substantially the same dimensions; spacer means secured to first longitudinal edges of each of said plates to hold them substantially parallel to each other at a spacing h; filler means for filling the volume defined by said plates, the spacer means, and a plane orthogonal to said plates located at a distance d from the second longitudinal edges of the plates; and temporary fixing means for fixing said plates to said soleplate.

Abstract: A wall panel lifting system used for forming multistory walls. The system includes a vertical wall panel lifting frame, a wall panel trolley frame and a wall panel. The wall panel lifting frame includes a plurality of vertical legs connected together using leg couplings, cross braces and angled lifting frame braces and a pair of vertical jacks. The lifting frame also includes a cable winch with a cable and pulleys. One end of the cable is attached to the trolley frame for lifting the trolley frame and attached wall panel as the building of the block or brick wall proceeds upwardly. The trolley frame is rides on wheels up and down inside a vertical groove in a front of the vertical legs of the lifting frame. The trolley frame includes a pair of vertical channel members. The channel members include a rear “U” shaped channel and a front “U” shaped channel.

Abstract: A wall positioning and bracing method is disclosed. The method comprises providing a device comprising first and second elongated members, each having proximal and distal ends, and being pivotally attached to one another at their proximal ends, such that the second elongated member is movable into an open position, coextensive with the first elongated member; affixing the device to the floor of a building under construction and to the upper end of a wall of a building under construction when the wall is lying flat on the floor of a building under construction; raising the wall so that the brace is in the open position and the first and second elongated members are coextensive, such that the wall is moved to a position perpendicular to the floor; and securing the members in the open position. The method permits a wall to be raised to and braced in a position perpendicular to the floor.

Abstract: A method of erecting the shell of an aboveground storage tank involves erection of the first shell ring; erecting the second and higher shell rings by using a mobile man lift to provide access for the construction personnel to the shell plates being erected; and anchoring the structure to reduce the risk of blow-ins from ambient wind.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reinforcing and stabilizing a structure formed of stacked blocks, such as a pier used in a building's foundation. The method and apparatus employ brackets to bracket the edges of the structure and transiting members to transit the body of the structure. Stabilizing members engage with the transiting members. The stabilizing members are then tightened against the brackets thereby compressing, reinforcing and stabilizing the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing soffit segments below the eaves of a building. A main body with a standoff is temporarily fastened to the sub-fascia. A swing arm and a locking arm are pivotally connected to each other and also to the main body, except that a J-shaped slot in the locking arm permits the locking arm to translate, as well as pivot, with respect to the main body. A segment of soffit material is placed upon the swing arm, and the swing arm is rotated about the pivot joint on the main body creating a lever action to lift the soffit material into a horizontal position immediately below the eave. The locking arm slot is notched to lock the locking arm and swing arm, into a fixed position. The apparatus thereby steadily maintains the soffit segment in position pending its permanent attachment to the underside of the eave. The apparatus is temporarily attached to the structure via a clamp arm or via screw into the sub-fascia.

Abstract: The invention provides an easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture facia board rack for temporarily holding a facia board in position for attachment to a building. The rack is a single member formed in such a way that it may be mounted to the side of a building to provide a ledge which projects therefrom upon which a facia board may be supported during the installation of the facia board. An optional riser member may be used with the rack to adjust the depth of a channel in the rack. The holder may be used either before or after the roof deck of the building is installed.

Abstract: A system and method for securing an insulated concrete wall form to an existing support/bracing structure such as a strongback for keeping the form straight and plumb during construction. The attachment system uses a flexible member, such as a tensioning plastic strap, to hold the strongback against insulated panels of the insulated concrete wall form. Openings are cut through the insulated panels to provide a pathway for the strap. A horizontal anchoring bar is positioned in the insulated concrete wall form to secure the strap. The strap is threaded through one of the openings, wrapped around the anchoring bar and then threaded out through the other opening. The strap is wrapped around a strongback and the ends of the strap are secured using a crimp connector. A wedge may also be inserted between the strongback and the strap and pressed downwardly to adjust the tension of the strap and align the insulated concrete wall form against the strongback.

Abstract: An adjustable bracing system is configured for supporting poured concrete wall systems and includes a vertical brace for engaging the wall. A slider slides vertically along a channel of the vertical brace. An adjustable length leg member connects at an upper end to the slider and extends outward away from the brace and connects at a lower end to a foot member. The leg is rotatably mounted at one end to a threaded member, wherein rotation of the leg in a first direction extends the threaded member and the length of the leg member, and rotation in a second opposite direction retracts the threaded member and shortens the length of the leg member. When needed, scaffolding framework mounts along a first edge to the slider.

Abstract: An adjustable truss (10) for a multi-section manufactured home (70) comprising a left section (71L) and a right section (71R); each section having a beam (72) having a lower end (75) including an inner flange (77) and an outer flange (78) and a upper end (73) supporting a transverse floor joist (80) having an end (84) at a mating seam (95). In a preferred embodiment, truss (10) comprises: a joist connector (30) is disposed under mating seam (95); jacks (20L, 20R) of adjustable length spanning respectively between the lower ends (75L, 75R) of beam (72l, 72R) and joist connector (30); a tie bar assembly (50) including an elongate bar (51) attached to beam lower ends (75); and a center jack (60) of adjustable length spanning between tie bar (51) and mating seam (95).

Abstract: A partition clamping device for holding partitions, such as cubical partition walls, in place with one another when assembling the partitions during installation. The partition clamping device includes first and second clamp members each comprising a cross brace and a spaced apart first and second side braces coupled to the cross brace. A threaded rod is threadingly extended through a first of the side braces towards the second side brace. A plate is coupled to an inner end of the threaded rod. The cross braces of the clamp members each have a bore therethrough through which an elongate pole is extended.

Abstract: A kit for preventing the movement of door frames during the time that brick and mortar are being erected around the frames. As one element of the kit, there is at least one block which fits between the door jambs to prevent inward or outward bowing of the jambs. The blocks contain peripheral holes which contain protective clips. The blocks may be tied in place at the desired location by passing a tie through the appropriate holes and around the doorjamb. A second element of the kit is at least one supporting brace which prevents movement of the door frame away from the vertical plane of the frame. The brace contains connecting holes at each end and, preferably, is made of telescopic tubing for ease in adjustment of length. The lower portion of the brace rotatably connects to a support. The upper end of the brace rotatably connects to a two-piece holder which removably attaches to a door jamb.

Abstract: An outrigger (10) for a manufactured home (90) spans between lower end (76) of main beam (70) and outer end (83) of a transverse floor joist (80) and selectively provides a push (raising force) or pull (lowering force) to joist outer end (83) to level floor (86). Outrigger (10) generally comprises and an elongate portion (20) of adjustable length for spanning between beam lower end (76) and joist outer end (83) for producing an outward force, and a bracket (50) attached to beam lower end (76) and a nut (65) fastening elongate portion (20) to bracket (50) for producing an inward force.

Abstract: The adjustable length strut (25) includes an elongated strut plate (26) having a rectilinear C-shaped in cross-section support tube (32) and a mounting plate (36). An externally threaded rectilinear shaft (52) has its proximal end (56) inserted telescopically into the support tube (32). The threaded nut (62) mounted on the shaft engages the distal bearing edge (50) of the support tube, and rotation of the nut causes the shaft to distend from the tube for engagement with an I-beam (18) of the manufactured building structure. The chisel end (60) of the threaded shaft avoids rotation of the shaft with respect to the I-beam, so that rotation of the adjustable nut (62) provides accurate movement of the shaft out of the tube. The amount of the proximal end (56) of the shaft protruding into the support tube (32) can be visually determined by viewing through the elongated slot (42) of the support tube (32).