Abstract: The invention provides a building block which in its operative position has a front (10) and back (12) surface, a top (14) and bottom (16) surface and two end (18) surfaces and a groove (22) formed in both the top and bottom surfaces. The groove (22) is shaped to receive a complementally shaped key (24) in a friction fit manner when one block is placed on top of another.

Abstract: A simulated half log having a generally semi-cylindrical foam core and a decorative layer on the curved surface. Complementary nailable splines are inset in the flat surface, permitting adjacent half logs to interlock. One spline, which extends beyond the edge, provides a surface for nailing to a vertical substrate, and is concealed when the next adjacent half log is mounted thereover.

Abstract: A wall panel comprises at least two standards, a plurality of logs which are supported by and movable relative to the standards and a plurality of preferably self-compensating jacks which support a load, for example a roof or an upper storey, above the upper edge of the uppermost log, the self-compensating jacks supporting the load with preferably a constant force irrespective of vertical movement between the upper edge of the uppermost log and the load caused by, for example, settlement or shrinkage.

Abstract: Simulated logs for home construction are formed from PVC pipe which is filled with hard cast foam. The pipes are precast with a simulated log design to include knots, cracks and wood grain, and the bottom of each log contains a one inch groove to hold a longitudinally extending rubber gasket. The logs are attached together by threaded rod fasteners which utilize doubleended nuts, and caps are used to close off the ends of the log. Plumbing, electrical conduits, and the like may be retained within the tubing, and T-bolts are used to attach the initial log to a concrete foundation. The PVC pipe can be either of a round or square cross sectional shape and, in addition to log shapes, the PVC tubing can also be formed into rectangularly-shaped blocks similar to bricks and concrete blocks now used in the construction trade.

Abstract: A construction kit is indicated which consists of elongated stave elements (2), which at their ends are provided with protruding plate portions (6, 10) with pins (8) and holes (12) for mutually rotatable end joining of the state elements in one and the same plane. The elements are primarily intended for being laid out as edge or outline markings, but they are provided with groove-shaped depressions (4), which by means of bonding blocks (32) also allow a stabilized stacking of the elements for forming spatial structures.

Abstract: The joint between two nearly rigid, mating walls has a tongue on one wall's surface and a groove on the other wall's surface which have special cross section shapes cooperating to resist penetration of the joint by fluids such as water. At least one of the walls is formed of a plastic material which deforms under compressive loading. The shape of the tongue includes sides thereof which intersect the end to form corners defining the longitudinal edges of the tongue. The groove has walls which converge toward each other at the bottom of the groove from a mouth wider than the width of the end of the tongue. The shape of the groove forms a line of contact with each of the tongue's corners when the tongue is mated with the groove. During assembly, the corners of the tongue are forced into the walls of the groove by some type of clamping mechanism so as to at least slightly deform at least one of the tongue and groove.

Abstract: What has been disclosed are the means and method for erecting a structure of preformed, interlocking structural elements which may be assembled by unskilled workmen. The preformed structural elements are provided in selected color and texture and include insulative coating surfaces. The interlocking mating configurations of the preformed elements assure a structure whose elements are assembled plumb and true by virtue of their longitudinal axes intersecting orthogonally. The erection of offices, storage, and housing facilities is envisioned utilizing such preformed structural elements. The low cost of materials and the ability to erect structures utilizing the efforts of local, unskilled labor responds to existing immediate needs for housing and other building facilities.

Abstract: Convex log simulation longitudinal members are arranged in an adjacent contiguous interlocking relationship relative to one another for securement coextensive with an exterior surface of a structural vertical wall surface to simulate log construction. The appparatus includes interlocking flanges arranged coextensively relative to adjacent edges of the longitudinal members utilizing securement flanges as required to enhance mounting and securement of each longitudinal member relative to the vertical wall surface.

Abstract: A playhouse constructed of interlocking logs has a water-tight sloped roof formed by overlapping roof sheets. The sheets are secured to the playhouse by means of roof peak pieces notched at their bottom to interlock with respective notches in a tie beam log. The roof peak pieces have sloped surfaces, each with a bore defined therein for receiving a roof peg extending through one of two holes defined through the roof sheet in spaced relation along an upper edge of the roof sheet. Adjacent roof sheets in the roof structure overlap such that one peg may be inserted through aligned holes in each sheet and into a common roof peak piece bore.

Abstract: A modular building component made of solid wood, capable of being fitted onto other correspondingly shaped modules to provide a wall of a building. The module includes a core made of horizontally laminated wood with a lengthwise groove cut along the top and vertically at one end for utility purposes, to which side boards are attached in a manner which allows each module to lock into adjoining modules both vertically and horizontally. The upper edges of side boards are attached a short space from the top of the core, the lower edges extending past the bottom of the core, creating both a male and female fitting for adjoining modules. In the same manner side boards are offset a short space from one end of the core and extend past the core at the opposite end to allow the ends of modules to lock as well. The side boards are attached at the factory with adhesive bonding material and secured with fasteners.

Abstract: A modular panel system for constructing buildings. Panels are made from column structures which form fit so that they slide together to create the panel. Panels are specially constructed so that they serve as air conduits, through which air, both to and from the living space of the modular panel home passes. Cool air is drawn from the living space into the panels of this invention, transferred to a solar panel air system where it is heated. The heated air is then transferred from the solar panel system into the panels of this invention and expelled into the living space.

Abstract: The method of converting logs involves cutting each log longitudinally and diametrically at right angles into equal quarter-log segments, the rearranging the quarter-logs so that the arcuate surfaces of the segments face inwardly toward each other, while their cut flat surfaces are positioned to form a rectangle in cross-section. The segments so positioned may be joined together as such, rigid foam plastic insulation may be introduced into the space remaining between the segments, or support bracing and other insulation may take the place of the rigid foam. The resultant converted logs may be used as beams, joists or bearing-wall members; devices for aligning, registering and sealing the converted logs together are provided.

Abstract: A log structure may be built from interfitting squared logs, mounted with their diagonals vertically aligned, with the upper corner of each log fitted into a "V" shaped groove formed into the lower edge of each log. Intersecting log walls are interfitted by "V" shaped notches cut on the underside of each interjecting log. The depth of the "V" notch should not exceed half of the diagonal of each log by more than one half of the depth of the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: A self-locking nut mechanism is operable to be mounted on a bolt element to secure structural members together and includes a nut body having a cylindrical portion and a flange portion. A through hole in the nut body has a first hole portion with one diameter and a second hole portion with another larger diameter, the nut body having a transition section between the first and second hole portions with such transition section having a first tapered part. A split nut is disposed in the second hole portion, the split nut being split into at least two split-nut sections. The split nut has a longitudinal end having a second tapered part. A spring in the nut body biases the split-nut toward the first tapered part such that the first and second tapered parts are biasingly engaged. The bolt element has external fastenings, and the split-nut has internal fastenings.

Abstract: A building wall system comprises spaced, parallel exterior and interior walls formed from elongated stacked wooden beam members having opposite ends received in vertical channels secured to vertical elongate wooden supports extending upwardly from a sub-floor or bottom plate. Upper end portions of the vertical supports are connected together by a top connecting chord extending between the exterior and interior walls. A top plate is secured to uppermost stacked beams to complete the wall structure. A space defined between the top plate and top chord located therebelow allows for settlement of the stacked wooden exterior and interior beams to occur after constructions without the top plate descending into destructive contact with the top connecting chord. The channels are either straight or ribbed channels and wooden connecting structures connected to allowing for settling of the stacked wooden beams are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular panel system for constructing buildings. Wall and floor panels are made from column structures which form fit so that they slide together to create the panel. The junction between the columns is formed by matching the protrusions and receptacles on each of the columns, one side being the reverse counterpart of the other. The column structures may vary in design according to different structural and aesthetic considerations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a modular log structure and elements thereof which permit factory construction of a module which may be transported from the factory to a building site without damage from lifting or road fatigue. Also disclosed and comprising part of the invention and system is an alignment method and system which may be used for placement of modules of any construction at a building site.

Abstract: In a tongue and groove log joint a seal seating channel is formed in the base of the longitudinal groove and a resiliently flexible seal is seated in the seal seating channel. A slot may also be cut in the base to accommodate a reinforcing metal rod. In a butt joint in which a second log underlies the butting logs a seat is formed in the edge of the second log in alignment with the locking slots of the butt joint to receive an end of the locking pin. The seat locks the locking pin against longitudinal movement with respect to the second log. In a wall construction in which the logs of the adjoining walls are connected by an overlapping tenon joint, a first pair of elongated tubular cavities arranged one on each side of a first interface and a second pair of elongated tubular cavities arranged one on each side of a second interface.

Abstract: A corner system for log cabin siding construction over building frame walls and corners gives the appearance of full log construction. Elongate wall siding pieces are applied over the walls with a flat inner side facing the wall and a curved outer side for simulated "log" appearance. Corner siding pieces are applied over the corners with wall covering portions in horizontal alignment with wall siding pieces, and projecting log end portions extend beyond the building corner. Each corner siding piece is cut from a single piece of wood without a joint or seam and with continuous grain between the wall covering portion and the projecting log end portion of a corner siding piece. Wall siding pieces and corner siding pieces are formed with edge configuration of overlapping "ship-lap" siding or interfitting tongue and groove siding.

Abstract: A building wall system comprises spaced, parallel exterior and interior walls formed from elongated stacked wooden beam members having opposite ends received in vertical channels secured to vertical elongate wooden supports extending upwardly from a subfloor or bottom plate. Upper end portions of the vertical supports are connected together by a top connecting chord extending between the exterior and interior walls. A top plate is secured to uppermost stacked beams to complete the wall structure. A space defined between the top plate and top chord located therebelow allows for settlement of the stacked wooden exterior and interior beams to occur after constructions without the top plate descending into destructive contact with the top connecting chord. The channels are either straight or ribbed channels and wooden connecting structures connected to allowing for settling of the stacked wooden beams are also disclosed.

Abstract: A building structure has simulated log cabin, corner joint units comprising a first series of vertically spaced, parallel, simulated log end blocks and a second series of vertically spaced simulated log end blocks extending perpendicularly to said first series of blocks, with the inner ends of said first and second series of blocks, with the inner ends of said first and second series of end blocks being intermeshed. The blocks of each series have their inner ends configured to form a notch with intersecting perpendicular walls for receiving and abutting the perpendicular faces of the corner framing of the structure, with the notches defining tenons on one side of each block extending along and abutting one face of the corner framing. The tenons formed on one series of blocks projecting perpendicularly to the tenons formed on the other series of blocks. Fasteners extend through the blocks to secure them in position as simulated extensions of the siding walls of the structure.

Abstract: A relatively simple log for use in log buildings includes a first large, longitudinally extending, V-shaped groove in the top of the log, and a pair of smaller longitudinally extending, inverted V-shaped grooves in the bottom of the log on opposite sides of a plane through the longitudinal axis of the log and through the vertex of the top groove, the spacing between the second grooves being such that outward extensions of the sides of the top groove in one log would intersect the outer sides of the second grooves in a superjacent log resting on such one log. In a wall structure, loose insulation fills the top groove and denser sealing insulation fills the smaller, bottom grooves.

Abstract: A modular building concept is described which entails connection of a building module between building support columns. The module comprises a frame having two uprights for connection to opposed faces of adjacent columns and a panel connected to the uprights. In a specific embodiment, the panel is formed by planks stacked vertically on their edges to reproduce the piece en piece appearance in which the columns are exposed on the finished building.

Abstract: An improved chinking closure system (10) is provided for adjacent logs in a log structure. The closure system (10) comprises a compressible block member (28) which is inserted into a chink (12) defined between adjacent logs. The block member (28) has a longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of each of the logs defining the chink. In the preferred embodiment, first and second closure members (46 and 46'), each have an upper portion which is releasably connected to the lower portion of the first log, and each having a lower portion which is releasably connected to the upper portion of the second log. These closure members are mounted on opposite sides of the compressible block (28) which is enclosed within the chamber defined between the closure members, and the upper and lower logs.

Abstract: A method of wall construction using a compressive fastener for log building construction which acts to continuously maintain pressure between individual logs in a building wall which includes a plurality of logs in stacked configuration. Logs are joined by boring a row of bores in the top log and counterboring each bore as a receptacle for the head of the fastener and a concentric spring assembly, the bores being larger than the shank of the fastener as well as the spring assembly to allow the fasteners to freely vertically expand and contract. Once the bored log is stacked and aligned on the log immediately below it, the fasteners are inserted into the boreholes and driven or tightened until the spring assembly is partially compressed and the fastener heads are below the upper surface of the upper log. The compressive fasteners pull the logs together to overcome long-term shrinkage and the continuous expanding and contracting caused by climatic changes.

Abstract: A landscaping system for the building of retaining walls for decorative borders comprised of landscaping units which are interlocked and secured together to form various regular and irregular formations. The landscaping units include two identical timber members which are fastened together in an overlapping, but longitudinally offset, relationship, which thereby define a projecting portion which extends outwardly at each end of the unit. In forming the designs, the projecting portions of different units are overlapped and joined together to form the border or wall.

Abstract: A log for use in log construction is disclosed. The log comprises upper and lower, opposed major faces, a surface adapted to be an exterior, vertically extending surface in such a log construction, cooperating means provided on the upper and lower major faces for aligning a stack of plurality of such logs in a substantially vertical array and a flange comprising interior and exteriors surfaces adapted to be substantially vertically oriented in such a log construction. The flange is connected to and depends downwardly from the lower major face and is positioned so that its exterior surface constitutes an exterior surface in such a log construction. A channel surface is provided on the log, adjacent to the upper major face, and is adapted to be oriented substantially vertically, in such a log construction, opposite the interior surface of a flange of a corresponding log stacked on top of the log and forming therewith a channel.

Abstract: An improved log (10) for interlocking with other logs (10) for the construction of log structures, and an associated fabricating process. The log (10) comprises an elongated body (12) having first and second opposite end portions (14 and 16), a top portion (18) and a bottom portion (20). At least one downwardly oriented saddle notch (34) is provided in the bottom portion (20) of the body (12) for closely receiving the top portion (18) of another log (10). Each saddle notch (34) defines an interior surface (40) carrying at least one tongue (42), and above each saddle notch (34) at least one groove (44) is provided in the top portion (18) of the body (12) for closely receiving the tongue (42) of another log (10) such that a plurality of logs (10) can interlock to form strong, well insulated corner joints.

Abstract: a landscaping structure and kit for constructing the same comprises pieces of timber having similar square cross sectional dimensions which are arranged in at least one geometrical shape having at least two rounds of timbers. Overlapping timbers form corner joints which are secured by hardwood dowels.

Abstract: A system of modular siding components and method of installation of such components onto an existing building frame or wall is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of modular planks and right and left corner assemblies. These components are assembled by resting outwardly directed convex plank faces with respective inwardly directed concave ends of corner assemblies. A right and left corner assembly are alternately installed at successive courses of the corner so as to simulate the appearance of log construction.

Abstract: A modular building concept is described which entails connection of a building module between building support columns. The module comprises a frame having two uprights for connection to opposed faces of adjacent columns and a panel connected to the uprights. In a specific embodiment, the panel is formed by planks stacked vertically on their edges to reproduce the piece en piece appearance in which the columns are exposed on the finished building.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for repair of deteriorated eaveposts on houses having eaveposts. The apparatus consists of an elongated, tubular body with an end cap and a mounting flange. The apparatus slips over the deteriorated eavepost and attaches to the house with conventional fasteners. The body and end cap of the apparatus are textured to resemble the texture of an intact wooden eavepost and the mounting flange is textured to resemble the texture of the exterior wall of the house.

Abstract: An improved log (10) for interlocking with similar logs in the construction of a log structure and associated corner joint construction. The improved log (10) comprises an elongated body (14) defining an upper portion (16) and a lower portion (18), and first and second exterior surfaces (20 and 22). The log (10) has at least a first end portion (24) for interlocking with similar logs to form a corner joint, the first end portion (24) being provided with an upper notch (28) and a lower notch (30). The upper notch (28) defines at least a first engaging surface (32) for engaging a similar log (10), and a second vertically oriented engaging surface (34) provided with a vertically disposed first tenon. The lower notch (30) defines at least a third engaging surface (38) for engaging the first engaging surface (32) of a smilar log (10), and a vertically oriented fourth engaging surface (40) provided with a vertically disposed second tenon (42).

Abstract: A landscape timber building module is constructed preferably from a solid piece of wood with a predetermined length and width. At least two flat opposed, substantially parallel surfaces, have a plurality of uniformly spaced holes extending therethrough. Each end of the module is curved with a radius extending from approximately the centerline of the second hole inwardly from the end. The individual modules are then used, preferably after being treated with a preservative compound, as building elements to form composite landscaping structures. Individual modules are interconnected by the use of pin connectors inserted through aligned holes in the modules.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber insulation module is now provided from ceramic fiber units of finite length. The formation of the module can be initiated by folding an individual ceramic fiber strip or blanket, which is in unfolded condition, in a manner doubling the ends over on themselves. Then the double-over ends are folded up towards each other. As a result, the module, in cutaway, may be described as a "B-fold". The module presents an unbroken blanket surface for the hotface. The module also lends itself to fastening by cross-tying, between adjacent modules, to a backing member. Cross-tying can provide joint compression at the through joints which occur between modules.

Abstract: An improved manner of log wall and corner joint construction in log building structures utilizes log units of a rectangular cross-sectional shape with end portions having square notches formed in opposed stacking surfaces of the log units permitting stacking of the log units in coplanar relation with their notched end portions matingly interdigitated to insure proper plumbness of the resultant corner joint and walls. Wooden spacer members are stacked in alternate relation with the log units and painted with a sand paint to simulate traditional mortar joints between adjacent log units without the disadvantages of such joint construction. The log units within each wall and at each corner joint are interconnected by a plurality of connecting rods extending transversely through the entirety of the log units at periodic longitudinal spacings.

Abstract: A solid wall construction panel is formed by two staggered rows of posts. The posts are derived from logs of pulpwood species sawed on three or more sides and secured together in a linear row. The construction panel being of a nominal size, such as 8 foot square and 10-12 inches thick can be used to ease the building of inexpensive rustic homes, cabins, or farm buildings. For added insulation value, a layer of styrofoam can be sandwiched between the row of posts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a unique log structure system and method of constructing same. An array of ripples is machined into parallel top and bottom surfaces of each log. The ripples are the same size, spacing and configuration and comprise peaks and valleys in the top ripple surface aligned with valleys and peaks, respectively, in the lower ripple surface. Logs are stacked with the top ripple surface of a lower log interlocked with a bottom ripple surface of an upper log. At the corners first and second logs are notched so as to interlock with their axes intersecting at a predetermined angle. Third and fourth logs are notched and interlocked at the structure corner with their axes also intersecting at the predetermined angle. The third and fourth logs are stacked on top of the first and second logs so their respective ripple surfaces interlock. Some logs are interlocked between other logs but with a narrower horizontal dimension so as to permit spaces between logs for wiring.

Abstract: A simulated log building structure in which a plurality of simulated hollow log members are interconnected at their corners by corresponding tubular elbow members in fluid communication with each other so that a fluid medium may be freely circulated throughout all of the walls of a building structure for heating or cooling purposes.

Abstract: An angulated retaining wall comprised of a plurality of adjoining posts is disclosed for retaining a wall of material having gradual and/or abrupt changes in direction in its face. The retaining wall is comprised of corner-groove combinations wherein a corner of a post is disposed at a desired direction into a groove of an adjoining post and wherein the preferred angularity of said groove is less than that of the predetermined angularity of said corner. At the maximum disposition a first side of a corner will be parallel to and overlap in supportive contact with a first sidewall of said groove by a predetermined dimension between said corner and the edge of the first sidewall, and the adjacent side of said corner will be in supportive contact with the edge of the second sidewall of said groove. At an intermediate disposition the first side and the adjacent second side of said corner will be in supportive contact with the edges of the first sidewall and the second sidewall respectively of said groove.

Abstract: A wall and corner structure for an enclosure that includes vertically disposed, load bearing board members resting on a foundation structure. Horizontal boards are secured to opposed sides of the vertical board members at locations thereon that provide horizontal spaces between the horizontal boards. A double wall corner arrangement is provided by abutting a first set of inner and outer boards against the inner board of a second set located at a right angle to the first set. This allows the second set to extend to or beyond the outer board of the first set. Such an arrangement alternates at the corner in a vertical direction. Mortar material is located in the horizontal spaces between the horizontal board, the mortar extending to the corner to provide a continuous seam.

Abstract: A wall structure having vertical end members and a vertical intermediate member. A set of horizontal members are located between the vertical members and are interconnected by horizontal splines. A vertical spline engages the ends of the horizontal members and the vertical members. A top spline engages the top horizontal member and the top ends of the vertical members. A top cap spanning across the vertical intermediate member engages the top spline. A spline tab engages slots in adjacent horizontal members and the vertical slot of the vertical member adjacent to the horizontal members.

Abstract: The set is composed of elements of six types (1 to 6) of different lengths and conformations, all having transverse interengaging tongues (7) and complementary grooves (8) and a dovetail slideway (9) at each end intended for their coupling to each other in their lengthwise direction.Certain elements (2, 3, 5, 6) furthermore have female dovetail slideways (9) on their side faces, intended for L, T and crosswise wall connections, as well as a hole (11) for the passage of a threaded rod and the containing of a centering sleeve.Ths set of elements has the specific feature that it makes it possible to reproduce, in all wall conformations and independently of the openings (25), a vertical alignment of the slideways (9) with a repetitive pitch (P) which visually reestablishes wall continuity despite the discontinuity due to the stagger of the joint lines (28) of the elements.

Abstract: A rigid wooden composite assembly such as a beam, post or the like, includes a plurality of elongated wooden boards of varying lengths disposed in face-to-face relationship and forming a plurality of layers. At least one of the layers includes a plurality of boards, the inner ends of which abut to form a joint therebetween. A connector device has a base plate with openings therein. Prongs extend outwardly from the plate and initially generally normal thereto. The prongs of adjacent openings extend in opposite directions from the plate. The connector device is disposed between the layers so that the base plate bridges the inner portion of the joint and the oppositely extending prongs penetrate the opposing board faces. When the assembly is compressed together, the prongs deform and clinchingly engage the wood surrounding the joint. The abutting boards are spliced together, and the facing boards are held tightly together.

Abstract: An acoustic barrier comprises a free standing wall structure having an exoskeletal framework of gravity interlocked components (preferably of timber) and a filling of the exoskeletal framework. Ideally the structure is tiered and is of substantially constant cross section in each tier, although provision is made to step it up or down to take account changes in the contour on which it is located.

Abstract: An energy saving and endurance log system for a log building in which each log is provided with a weather shield for abutting end joints and are provided with a longitudinal drip shield that extends down over a portion of an adjacent lower log to prevent weather and moisture from entering the connection between adjacent logs. A vertical support extends down through centered holes from the rafters to the foundation to which the rafters are connected and which provide added strength to the walls formed by the logs.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for construction of buildings to give the appearance of full log construction. Conventional wall studs are assembled in basically a conventional manner except that the corner is assembled in an "open" manner rather than the usual "closed" assembly, so that the corner studs form a V which opens toward the outside of the building. A corner block assembly, having been pre-assembled, is then inserted into this open corner. The corner block assembly extends vertically coextensively with the height of the corner of the building. It is constructed of vertical studs and log blocks attached horizontally to these studs. The log blocks are arranged so as to alternately protrude, first from one side and then from the other, each log block being perpendicular to the block above it and the one below it and to the stud to which it attached. One side of each log block is aligned with the outer edge of the stud to which it is attached.

Abstract: A simulated log end is produced from side panels including one or more transversely aligned and oppositely facing courses of preformed log siding. Front and back panels space the side panels apart so that the longitudinal axis of the siding outer faces is centered between the side panels. A visual pattern of concentric rings on the front panel simulates the growth rings of logs having the diameter of the partial cylindrical outer surfaces of the siding courses. The simulated log end unit can be used individually as a projection from a wall covered with preformed log siding, or can be arranged in vertical columns to simulate conventional log building corner joints.

Abstract: A building structure including a plurality of horizontally disposed hollow tubular structural members stacked to form walls joined at a corner, a method of constructing the same, and a wall member, and end connector for a wall member, utilized therein. In one form of the invention, wall members are formed of hollow metal tubes each having affixed to at least one end an end connector having a notch for interlocking with a like end connector of at least one intersecting, abutting wall member.

Abstract: A butt joint for ends of logs when built into a log cabin. It involves the formation of opposed channels in the butted ends of the log with a drill so that complementary shaped locking members can be driven into the channels and then wedged into tight engagement therewith to join the butted ends.