Abstract: One embodiment is a photovoltaic (PV) module including a frame to receive a perimeter of a backside of a photovoltaic (PV) laminate. The cross rail assembly may include: a conductive frame to receive a perimeter of a backside of a photovoltaic (PV) laminate; one or more conductive cross rail members provide structural rigidity to the conductive frame; and one or more pairs of couplers coupled to the conductive frame, wherein: at least one coupler comprises a grounding coupler having a first keyed section to insert into an opening in the conductive frame and a second keyed section to mate with an end of a conductive cross rail member of the one or more conductive cross rail members to ground the conductive cross rail member to the frame; or at least one coupler of at least one of the one or more pairs includes a length to define a cabling channel.

Abstract: A method of making a shock tower assembly includes forming a bracket from continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic, where the bracket has a load bearing portion and an overmolded portion. The method further includes placing the bracket in an injection tool, injecting a polymer composite material into the injection tool to surround the and overmolded portion of the bracket, and removing a finished component from the injection tool, wherein the finished component comprises the load bearing portion of the bracket extending outwardly from the finished component and the overmolded portion of the bracket that is surrounded by the polymer composite material.

Abstract: A freezer including a plurality of self-supporting planar wall structures surrounding an interior volume, a floor member comprising a portion of a modular cube structure, and a refrigeration unit thermally coupled to the interior volume and configured to maintain a temperature of the interior volume less than ?40.0° C.

Abstract: A block for decorating an outer wall or an inner wall in construction work and a construction method for bricklaying work, and more particularly, to a wall structure using blocks and frames each having a wedge-shaped coupling part formed therein and a method of constructing a wall using the same, wherein frames, which are integrally formed with beams, slabs, and pillars of a building to serve as a frame structure, are fixed and mounted, an isosceles triangular wedge-shaped concave groove or protrusion is formed on inner surfaces of the mounted frames, and blocks and intermediate blocks, in which an isosceles triangular wedge-shaped concave groove or protrusion is formed, are laid on the frames, thereby solving a disadvantage of bricklaying work in that it is vulnerable to horizontal vibration and improving seismic performance.

Abstract: A wall assembly configured for attachment to a floor and a ceiling, the wall assembly having a concrete body, a floor coupling and a ceiling coupling. The concrete body is a precast concrete having an outer shell defined in a lower end and an upper end. The floor coupling is positioned proximate the lower end of the outer shell. The ceiling coupling positioned proximate the upper end of the outer shell.

Abstract: The invention provides a composite and modular intermediate deck, designed to divide a micro home into an upper living volume and a lower living volume below the intermediate deck. The intermediate deck is characterized by having a U-shaped slot comprising from 10% to 60% of the total surface of the platform, which allows maximizing usage of vertical space by making the U-shaped slot, which serves as a corridor in the upper living volume, coincide with non-crossable spaces in the lower living volume. The height of crossable areas of the upper living volume is given by the distance from the floor to the flat surface of the intermediate deck. A micro home unit characterized by featuring the abovementioned deck is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is a system and a method for strengthening one or more joints of a structure having a plurality of structural members forming a vacuous area at each joint. The method includes computing limit load bearing capacity for the structure, at a joint, securing a filler module to the joint, at the vacuous area, the filler module having a plurality of surfaces so that when secured within the vacuous area, some of the surfaces are tangential to the members of the structure at its joint, and one or more of the surfaces are non-tangential to the members of the structure, and applying at least one layer of continuous fiber reinforced polymer wrap about the filler module and the members at the joint. The filler module of the disclosed technology is designed and configured to dissipate energy from a load applied to the structure, and at least doubling the load bearing capacity for the structure, at the joint.

Abstract: A light strip, lighting fixture or lamp band for installation in an interior passenger compartment of a rail vehicle includes a plurality of elongate light covers that can be connected to each other in the longitudinal direction thereof to form the light strip. A double-walled intermediate cover is provided between at least two successive light covers in the longitudinal direction of the light strip. The inner wall of the light strip protrudes opposite the outer wall in the longitudinal direction of the light strip so that a gap resulting between the intermediate cover and the adjacent light cover is concealed.

Abstract: A hunting blind structure having a plurality of vertical sides and one or more roof sections comprising a structured insulate material connected together to form an interior space and an exterior area, the hunting blind structure having at least one window and at least one door, the exterior area having a rubber material layer, the rubber material layer forming an integral rubber hinge with the window structure and/or door structure, such that the rubber hinges provide a weatherproof hinge and allow the users to open the opening structures into the interior space during normal operation.

Abstract: A modular booth system comprising support posts, support beams, and corner support posts. The system includes features which facilitate enhanced structural rigidity of an assembled embodiment of the system. These features may include one or more of dual locking pins and slots and biased translatable locking pins. The system may facilitate the removable engagement of accessories, for example, through the provision of one or more accessory engagement channels.

Abstract: A modular booth system comprising support posts, support beams, and corner support posts. The system includes features which facilitate enhanced structural rigidity of an assembled embodiment of the system. These features may include one or more of dual locking pins and slots and biased translatable locking pins. The system may facilitate the removable engagement of accessories, for example, through the provision of one or more accessory engagement channels.

Abstract: A break away connector system is provided for coupling together structural elements, such as a firewall and a floor or ceiling. The break away connector system comprises a support member and a fusible member. The support member is connectable to a firewall for securing a floor or ceiling to the firewall. The break away connector system further comprises at least one securing member for connecting the floor or ceiling to the support member. The fusible member has a lower melting point than the support member. The support member is configured such that when the fusible member is weakened by heat, the floor or ceiling is slidably releasable from the support member. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for constructing a firewall connection system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a steel joist assembly for use in association with a concrete slab and being adapted to form a composite steel joist including a steel joist and a pair of end connectors. The steel joist has a top portion with a generally planar top surface and a planar web generally orthogonal to the generally planar top surface. An end connector is attached at each end of the steel joist. Each end connector has a strut and a diagonal member. The strut has a generally planar bottom surface which is attached to a portion of the generally planar top surface of the steel joist and the diagonal member is attached at one end thereof to the strut and at the other end thereof to a portion of the planar web of the steel joist.

Abstract: A modular house building system has floor module supports; floor modules; wall modules; window panel modules; door panel modules; and fasteners, wherein the modules are connected to one another in any of a number of configurations using the fasteners to form a chosen modular house configuration; wherein the wall, window panel, and door panel modules each include horizontal planks, vertical planks that define an outer perimeter of each the module, and interstitial planks connected between the vertical planks that are used to increase the strength of each the module, and are connected together in any one of a plurality of configurations to form each respective module in a pre-chosen dimension and configuration.

Abstract: A roof panel system for use with a portable building is described herein. The portable building includes a support frame including a first wall plate, an opposite second wall plate, and a ridge beam positioned above the first and second wall plates. The ridge beam and the first and second wall plates extend between the first end wall and the second end wall along a longitudinal axis. The roof panel system includes a first panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the first wall plate and a second panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the second wall plate. Each of the first and second panel assemblies includes a plurality of pre-assembled, modular roof panels that are adapted to be coupled together to form the first panel assembly and second panel assembly, respectively.

Abstract: A ceiling trim can be used as a track for wiring is formed of two extruded components where the first defines an angle member for engaging the ceiling and the wall and the second defines a front face portion forming a required shape of the crown molding and having a side edges thereof arranged to be located at or closely adjacent the ceiling and the wall. The components are fastened together by strip members on the second which engage behind clip portions. A third component which carries a track to receive clips bridges the corner of the first component and fastens across flanges. This can be removed and replaced by spaced clips. The spacing of the two components can be adjusted to change a spacing of the side edges from the wall to allow illumination to escape.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a drywall tape having a nonwoven fabric and a reinforcing scrim, wherein the nonwoven fabric has chopped glass fibers laid flat in the nonwoven fabric, the fibers being substantially straight, random laid and bonded to one another to resist forces exerted in random directions, and the reinforcement scrim has elongated reinforcing strands of low profile thickness joined against a side of the nonwoven fabric, such that the scrim and the nonwoven fabric reinforce each other, and reinforce a joint compound in which the drywall tape is imbedded.

Abstract: A modular structure and method of creating a modular structure where the structure has a cover made from a corrugated, lightweight material, at least one end wall and at least one corner connection means where the cover has at least one channel cut therein and where the end wall is inserted into the channel so that the cover wraps around the end wall to form a structure, and where at least one corner connection means connects and secures the cover to the end wall.

Abstract: A transition corner or drywall corner which transitions from a rounded exterior corner to a right angle corner at the trim. The transition corner has an exterior side with depressions which receive mud, an elevated longitudinal bead along an apex of an acute angle of the exterior side which facilitates the receipt of mud. The interior side is shaped to be received by the shape of an exterior corner, which is generally rounded, and is coated with an adhesive means to allow fixing and adjustment of the transition corner at the trim to be in vertical alignment with the exterior corner.

Abstract: A prefabricated alignment spacer is provided for use as a spacer and to aid with the installation of a siding outside corner. The alignment spacer comprises a body with at least two inner walls and at least two end walls, wherein each of the end walls define an aperture for receiving a fastener to attach the alignment spacer to the outside corner of the building. The alignment spacer is preferably formed to have an angle the corresponds with the angle of the outside corner.

Abstract: The connection between two partitions of offices is assured by a post of angle and a spacer. The section of the post of angle contains a circular part and a neighboring part in the shape of dovetail. The spacer is a profile, a section of which corresponds to a truncated triangle. The base and the extremities of the sides of the spacer contact the circular part of the post of angle. This contact assures of one part the alignment of both profiles and on the other hand a finish of joint whatever is the angle between partitions. The fixation of an element of partition such as one profile (22) or a facing in the U profile is assured by an intermediate profile snapped up at the bottom of U of the U profile. The fixation of a profile in a U profile is realized by insertion of the extremity of the profile in the hollow of U followed by a rotation of a quarter of tour of the profile around its main axis to clamp its extremity in the U.

Abstract: A wall is provided with a plurality of stud frames disposed in at least one row, an outer layer, an inner layer, and an insulation layer. The stud frames are coupled between the outer layer and the inner layer. The stud frames are provided with a front stud, a back stud, a top plate, a bottom plate and at least one support member. The support members are coupled with the front stud and the back stud. The front stud and the back stud are disposed vertically. The broad sides of the front stud are parallel with the broad sides of the back stud. The top plate and the bottom plate are disposed horizontally. The top member is coupled with a top end of the front stud and a top end of the back stud. The bottom plate is coupled between the front stud and the back stud.

Abstract: A removable inspection panel for use with a projectile containment assembly in a shoot house or on a firing range where the firing of live ammunition is carried out is provided. The inspection panel is removably attached to a supporting structure between the supporting structure and a projectile containment assembly. The inspection panel is removable from the top of the supporting structure, for example, for periodic inspection of the condition of the inspection panel. Any detectable damage to the surface of the inspection panel facing the projectile containment assembly indicates immanent failure of the projectile containment assembly.

Abstract: For use in a building having a roof and a wall each formed of hollow logs, wherein the wall has an uppermost horizontal log, a device is provided for connecting the roof to the wall. The device has a connector for connection to an end of a roof log, a saddle for mounting on the wall log and spreading the roof load over a wide area of the wall log, and a plate for securing the connector to the saddle.

Abstract: An apparatus constituting the walls and frame of a building with a series of interlocking panels, preferably composed of two sheets of metal, bound together by polyurethane foam injected between them. The panels are secured to the floor via metallic columns found at each juncture between two panels. Electric assemblies and setups, as well as plumbing outlets are preinstalled within the panels, facilitating rapid installation. Windows, doors, and A/C vents are also crafted into the panels at their inception, prior to their transport to the construction site. It is the intent of the present invention to provide an avenue for affordable, durable, and efficient housing that may be constructed quickly with minimal effort in the absence of heavy machinery, and without any advanced tools.

Abstract: The end of a transversely extending beam mates to a wall structure by a self-releasing structural assembly. It has a first portion anchored to the wall. A second, fireproof and non-thermally degradable, portion sticks out from the wall. It defines a seat for receiving vertical shear loads from the beam. The assembly also includes a thermally degradable member keyed to the second portion. Both portions have slots for beam end fasteners. The beam fasteners squeeze the end of the beam, the support bracket seat, and the consumable, thermally degradable member in compression. When exposed to heat or flame the consumable, thermally degradable member softens, releasing the tension in the beam end fasteners, and releasing the compression in the parts. The end of the beam can then move away from the wall. The consumable member can be inspected, replaced, and the beam fasteners re-tensioned, without unseating the beam end.

Abstract: The end of a beam is joined to a wall structure by a self-releasing structural assembly. The self-releasing structural assembly has a first portion that is anchored to the wall. A second portion sticks out from the wall. This portion is fireproof and non-thermally degradable. It defines a seat for receiving the beam end. The assembly also includes a thermally degradable member mounted to the second portion. In normal use the beam fasteners squeeze the end of the beam, the support bracket seat, and the consumable, thermally degradable member in compression. When exposed to heat or flame the consumable, thermally degradable member softens, releasing the compression in the structural sandwich of parts. The end of the beam is then able to translate away from the wall structure. The consumable member can be inspected, replaced if necessary, and the beam fasteners re-tensioned, without removing the beam end from the seat.

Abstract: A moment resistant building column insert system is provided that enables the erection of beams to columns, and the installation and pretension of connection bolts possible in a single stop to each beam-column joint in the field. Included is a building column insert with pre-hardened structural filler inside, and a pattern of through-holes transverse to the insert length, where the insert has threaded elements disposed inside and concentric to erection holes in the pattern. The insert is disposed inside a building column. Erection bolts installed to the erection holes to hold the beam in place against the column with the holes in the beam mounting plate, the column and insert aligned. Connection through-bolts are installed and pretensioned to provide the connection strength needed to make a beam-column moment joint rigid. Without the pre-hardened structural filler in the insert the column would deform or crush due to the bolt pretensioning.

Abstract: A transition corner or drywall corner which transitions from a rounded exterior corner to a right angle corner at the trim. The transition corner has an exterior side with depressions which receive mud, an elevated longitudinal bead along an apex of an acute angle of the exterior side which facilitates the receipt of mud. The interior side is shaped to be received by the shape of an exterior corner, which is generally rounded, and is coated with an adhesive means to allow fixing and adjustment of the transition corner at the trim to be in vertical alignment with the exterior corner.

Abstract: An isolator system for preventing the conduction of thermal energy between the metal components of a wall assembly comprising isolator plates adapted to be placed between the metal components of a wall assembly and made of an insulating material. The isolator plates include at least one opening for receiving a fastener, said opening has an annular shoulder adapted to extend into an opening for receiving said fastener in a metal component of a wall assembly. Also disclosed herein is a thermal isolation washer and a girt for use with polymer panel construction.

Abstract: An angled bracket having first and second opposing, generally planar sections is positioned so that protrusions extending from the first planar section engage a portion of roof sheathing and the second planar section is positioned against a rafter. Mechanical fasteners may secure the second planar section to the rafter. Adhesive is disposed through fill apertures in the first planar section until a layer of adhesive is formed between the bracket and the sheathing. A second angular section may extend from the opposite side of the bracket, enabling the bracket to sandwich the rafter. Gussets may be used to brace the first and second planar sections. Indicator apertures allow a user to ensure the layer of adhesive substantially covers the first planar section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure constructed using PC members and a method of constructing the structure. In the present invention, each of PC wall members (10) of PC walls (1) has connection reinforcing bars (11) at predetermined positions. Each of PC slab members (20) of PC slabs (2) has open reinforcing bars (21), which protrude from the PC slab member (20). Supporting molds (3) are mounted to the PC wall members (10) at positions just below the connection reinforcing bars (11), so that the PC slab members (20) are placed on the supporting molds (3), such that the connection reinforcing bars (11) are overlapped with the corresponding open reinforcing bars (21) in slab areas, and connection concrete (4) is cast at a construction site such that the connection reinforcing bars (11) and the open reinforcing bars (21) are embedded in the connection concrete (4), thus integrating the PC walls (1) and the PC slabs (2) with each other.

Abstract: A seal plate for building panels includes an elongate body having a first side and a second side. The first side of the elongate body includes first and second seals and a recessed channel. The first and second seals and the recessed channel extend at least a portion of the length of the elongate body. The recessed channel is positioned between the first and second seals.

Abstract: An abutment is provided for use as a start or end post of a plasterboard partition wall or as a join between two such walls which run in different directions. The abutment comprises an elongate plaster moulding designed to run between the ceiling and the floor and having an abutment surface for abutment against the end of the partition wall. In a preferred embodiment, the abutment includes a tapered edge at the abutment surface to provide a space at the join in which a skim of plaster can be applied to provide a seamless join between the partition wall and the abutment.

Abstract: A wall structure includes a first panel, a second panel joined to the first panel to form a stud and a first wall layer. A fastener extends through the first wall layer and into the stud. Each panel includes a first end and a second end. The first end of one panel and the second end of the other panel can form at least a portion of the stud. The ends of the panels can nest to form a portion of the stud. The wall structure can include multiple wall layers arranged such that the seams formed by individual members of each wall layer are staggered with respect to the seams formed by individual members of the adjacent wall layers. Reinforcing members and fasteners can be used to secure the wall layers to the remainder of the wall structure. A roof structure includes a first panel, a second panel joined to the first panel to form a stud and a first roof layer. A fastener extends through the first roof layer and into the stud. Each panel includes a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A support frame for supporting an intersection between a first wall section and a second wall section. The support frame including a first support panel having a top edge and a bottom edge, which are configured to be positioned between respective upper and lower plates of the first wall section. Moreover, the support frame has a pair of second support panels affixed to the first panel, and each second support panel has a top edge and a bottom edge configured to be positioned between respective upper and lower plates of the second wall section.

Abstract: A stage comprising a support structure, a stage platform supported by the support structure and a fenced enclosure provided above the stage platform. The support structure includes an upstanding central support column; upstanding outer support columns provided around the central support column substantially equidistant from the central support column with adjacent pairs of the support columns all substantially equidistant; main beam members each extending between the central support column and a respective one of the outer support columns; and transversal beam members each extending between a respective pair of adjacent ones of the outer support columns. The main beam members are fixedly anchored to the central and outer support columns and the transversal beam members are coupled to support channels of the outer support columns while remaining slidable relative thereto.

Abstract: A structure is described that has an open and closed configuration. In the open configuration, the structure is free standing and is able to support weight. In the closed configuration, the structure is flat. The structure is formed of two elements that are interlocked at their corners in a manner that allows them to pivot with respect to each other. Chamfered surfaces on the sides of the elements provide stops limiting the motion between the elements. Several structures may be combined to form composite products.

Abstract: Metal framing system composed of stud and track profiles having preformed slots which allow system to accommodate for vertical deflection and horizontal drift/adjustment. Embodiment of the system also used to create protection of fire rated joints in rated wall partitions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall system which has a solid wood construction on both an inner and outer side with an insulation cavity between, and to an improved building construction utilising the wall system. A plurality of boards is arranged in an interior stack of boards and an exterior stack of boards on a base platform. The interior and exterior stacks of boards are spaced apart by vertical members. The vertical members are spaced apart at spaced locations along the wall. The vertical members have a spanning portion; the interior and exterior stacks of boards are spaced apart by the width of the spanning portion. The vertical members extend across the height of a plurality of boards of each stack of boards.

Abstract: A construction for effectively fireproof sealing of the gap between the floor of a building and an exterior wall construction wherein the exterior wall construction comprises a curtain wall configuration utilizing an interior panel module design. The insulating system includes a supplemental insulation belt positioned beneath the safing insulation and attached to the interior panel of a curtain wall construction to maintain sealing of the safing slot during exposure to fire and heat which can cause the interior panel to deform from heat warping to an extent beyond the capability of standard safing insulation for expanding in order to maintain a proper seal extending across the safing slot.

Abstract: A molding system and method for installation that covers existing molding. The molding system covers existing trim for doorways and floors with a more decorative molding. The invention includes a molding overlay that has three points of contact. An upper corner block covers the intersections of the existing doorway molding, and a lower corner block covers a section of the existing doorway molding with the existing baseboard, eliminating the need to cut mitered angles in the overlay molding. Recesses in the backside of the corner blocks allow the corner blocks to receive the old molding. The molding overlay abuts the corner blocks, thereby avoiding the requirements for making any cuts other than perpendicular cuts.

Abstract: A sound absorption element for means of transport, in particular for aircraft, comprising at least one sound absorption panel arranged on a base panel with the base panel comprising a multitude of recesses, in particular a hole grid or the like, for the transmission of sound. According to the invention, the sound absorption panels are each framed by a frame, wherein on the at least one frame at least in some sections a transition profile, in particular to prevent fatigue fractures due to stepwise changes of rigidity between the at least one frame and the base panel is arranged. Due to the base panel comprising a multitude of recesses, in particular comprising a hole grid, in connection with the sound absorption panels an air-permeable sound absorption element can be achieved.

Abstract: A corner drift connector for preventing damage to exterior walls of buildings during wind, earthquake, or other building-deforming events is described. The corner drift connector is slidably attached to each of two angled walls which form a corner of a building. Slots in flanges of the corner drift connector facilitate utilizing connectors to attach the corner drift connector to the walls while allowing relative motion between the walls and the connector. A cover placed outside the corner drift connector conceals the connector and its intersections with the walls.

Abstract: A panel for providing explosion-resistant curtain walls comprising at least one glass pane suitable to form a glazing unit, and associated with a supporting frame constituted by at least two uprights connected, at their upper and lower ends, by at least two cross-members. The panel comprises an interconnection device for strengthening and interconnecting the uprights and the cross-members, a guiding device for strengthening and guiding in position two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged one above the other, and a limiting device for limiting mutual rotation of two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged side by side.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composite liner for use as an inner wall of a trailer. The thermoplastic composite liner includes a glass reinforced thermoplastic sheet permanently affixed to a glass reinforced thermoplastic scuff panel along a length of the scuff panel by ultrasonic welding. The scuff panel is positioned relative to the thermoplastic sheet such that an edge portion of the thermoplastic sheet overlaps an edge portion of the scuff panel along the length of the scuff panel, the ultrasonic welding forming a weld joint between the overlapping edge portions of the thermoplastic sheet and the scuff panel along the length of the scuff panel.

Abstract: A beam for reinforcing the structure of an aircraft is located inside the fuselage of the aircraft. The fuselage includes at least one pressurized zone (P) that is separated by at least one airtight wall (18) of at least one other non-pressurized zone (16), the beam and the at least one airtight wall being intersecting. The beam traverses the at least one airtight wall (18) that includes a cutaway that is adapted to the section of the beam, whereby sealing elements (30) are provided to ensure the sealing between the beam and the airtight wall (18) that is traversed.

Abstract: A building structure comprising a support structure having upper portion extending to adjacent a floor structure above the support structure and adapted to receive stand-off fasteners there along, a plurality of stand-off fasteners each having a lower portion and an upper portion, where the lower portion of the stand-off fasteners comprises a self-drilling end portion and an adjacent thread-forming portion and, when installed into the upper portion of the support structure, at least a portion of the upper portion of each stand-off fastener extends significantly above the upper portion of the support structure, a cementitious wall structure formed above the upper portion of the wall structure with the upper portions of the stand-off fasteners encapsulated in the cementitious wall structure.

Abstract: A modular enclosure may include a number of interlocking components, such as panels, that may be interconnected to form sidewalls, roof and/or floor. In particular, the modular enclosure may consist of a shed and the shed may be packaged within a container. For example, the shed may constructed from a number of outer wall panels and corner panels. The corner panels preferably include a living hinge that allows the corner panel to be moved between a generally planar position and an angled position. Advantageously, the wall panels and the corner panels may be capable of being stacked within the container to facilitate packaging of the shed when the corner panels are in the generally planar position.

Abstract: A novel building block is described which is formed of two similar interlocking elements with chamfered surfaces to allow the elements to rest against each other. In one embodiment, the block is used to made structural walls, In another embodiment, a single block with a transparent or translucent pane is provided to form a window. In yet another embodiment, a building is made with at least one floor, one roof and support structures supporting the roof and being formed of the interlocking elements. Each element is made of L-shaped components.