Abstract: The present invention provides a building block for constructing a passage in a building for passing water pipe line, electric cables, gas pipelines, internet cable, set top box cables, and the like. The building block is having at least one channel extending across a body of the building block. The building block further has a lid for closing and opening the channel. According to the present invention, a plurality of building blocks when arranged in predefined sequence in at least a wall, roof and flooring of the building, pathways, it creates the passage for circulating wiring or pipelines therethrough and the lid can be open for maintenance purpose thereby preventing structural damage to the building. The building block has an advantage of inbuilt channel with removable lid, which reduces the time in cutting and drilling in the wall.

Abstract: A building block formed of a body having one or more insert pieces, whereby first and second complementary coupling parts are mainly formed of the one or more synthetic insert pieces so as to be able to couple such building blocks to one another. The first and the second coupling parts are complementary in such a way that, after the adjacent building blocks have been coupled to one another in an immobile manner.

Abstract: A cementitious, convex structural block for forming parabolic walls is disclosed. The block utilizes a key and the keyway to facilitate placement and to add strength to the wall. The parabolic shape of the wall increases its compressive strength and when used underground as a seal or stopping in mining applications channels force from blast waves and dammed water into the mine shaft ribs. When constructed from a geopolymer, the block is lighter and has a smaller carbon footprint than cement.

Abstract: A system for controlling water leakage and excess humidity in a basement, including a water leakage vacuum apparatus that includes a water vacuuming apparatus to collect a water leakage through a basement wall, an air dehumidifying apparatus, and a perimeter channel system having a plurality of flow channels, disposed along the perimeter of the basement wall. The perimeter channel system includes a water channel for conducting the water leakage away from a basement wall to the water vacuuming apparatus, a humid air channel for communicating humid air from the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement to a dehumidifying apparatus, and a dehumidified air channel for communicating the dehumidified air discharged from the dehumidifying apparatus to the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement.

Abstract: A method for aligning concrete masonry units for a concrete structure is disclosed. In the present method a plurality of concrete masonry units are provided. Each concrete masonry unit includes six sides, including a top and a bottom and preferably two cores or vertical voids therein. The top and bottom of the concrete masonry unit each include two lateral grooves along the length of the block. The lateral grooves are designed to accept the spacers provided in the present method. Spacers consist of a planar member and at least one finger. Planar member is inserted into the lateral groove of a concrete masonry unit for use. Once inserted the fingers of the spacer sit within a joint between the concrete masonry units.

Abstract: A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.

Abstract: A temporary plastic barrier section includes a plastic shell having first and second plastic connection portions integrally formed on opposite ends thereof; and a rigid straight elongate member, wherein the rigid straight elongate member lies substantially adjacent to at least a portion of each of the first and second connection portions, and wherein the rigid straight elongate member includes connection points at the distal ends thereof which are configured to align substantially with the first and second connection portions.

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

Abstract: One embodiment of a safety surfacing tile comprises a top surface; a plurality of series of first members supporting the top surface and extending across a transverse length of the safety surfacing tile; a plurality of series of second members supporting the top surface and extending across a length of the safety surfacing tile perpendicular to the transverse length; and a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface.

Abstract: A clip for attaching and supporting wall panels to a building (such as for an exterior building envelope), a wall panel system, and systems and methods for supporting wall panels is provided. The clip includes a main body portion, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a face portion. The clip is used with a system of interlocking vapor barrier wall panels to support the wall panels and affix them to a building frame without compromising the vapor barrier. Exterior façade panels can also be affixed to the clip and building frame without compromising the vapor barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exterior wall decorative foam panel made of foam and manufactured into a board, and plural decorative exterior wall panels are combined and mounted onto a surface of an interior wall. The exterior wall panel includes a decorative surface, a mounting surface, a plurality of drainage structures, a first embedding slot, a first embedding block, a second embedding slot and a second embedding block. The decorative surface and the mounting surface are disposed on both sides of the board respectively, and the drainage structures are connected adjacent to one another and protruded from the mounting surface. Each drainage structure includes a water collection part and a ditch part assembled into a substantially Y-shape for enhancing the overall strength and providing a good drainage effect.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a building roof structure formed by a skeleton, hollow assemblies, a waterproof layer and a heat insulation plate. The hollow assemblies are installed on the skeleton, the waterproof layer is paved on the hollow assemblies and the heat insulation plate is disposed above the waterproof layer. Hot air rising up inside the building and heat accumulated on the roof by being exposed to sun can all be circulated out through cooling spaces formed by the hollow assemblies, which achieves the cooling effect of natural air circulation to reduce temperature inside the building without using external fans or air drafting equipment. Therefore, the green building concept that saves energy and reduces CO2 emission is complied with, thereby improving the living quality of building.

Abstract: An irregularly-shaped building unit includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite of the front surface, and an outer contour surface that extends generally perpendicularly from the front surface to the rear surface. The outer contour surface is irregularly shaped. A plurality of mating sides are disposed on the outer contour surface, where at least two mating sides intersect with a major axis, and at least two mating sides intersect with a minor axis. The major axis and the minor axis are generally perpendicular to each other. Each mating side is a centered rotation about the respective axis that the mating side intersects with.

Abstract: The present invention is a block having an elongated and hexagonal shape. A central void runs through the block. The block is formed of an elastomeric and water-repellant material. The hexagonal shape facilitates stacking of blocks having identical hexagon dimensions, although the elongated dimension, or length, of the blocks may be different. The central void of the block may be filled with one or more materials that impart additional characteristics to the block and the resulting structure.

Abstract: A mounting system for securing a light fixture to a wall includes a mounting device having a flat plate with a leading edge, a trailing edge, and top and bottom planar surfaces extending between the leading and trailing edges. An elongated slot is formed in the flat plate and extends along the leading edge of the flat plate. The mounting device has a storage compartment underlying the flat plate for defining an enclosed area extending between the leading and trailing edges of the flat plate. The mounting system includes a conduit adapter coupled with the storage compartment. The conduit adapter has at least opening aligned with the rear opening of the storage compartment for providing access to the enclosed area of the storage compartment. A conduit, adapted to receive electrical wiring, is coupled with the at least one opening. Electrical wiring is passed through the conduit.

Abstract: A mortar and debris collection device for use in a masonry wall assembly includes a water permeable body made of an open-space defining array of polymer filaments that twist and turn between filament intersections where adjacent filaments are bonded to each other. The water permeable body comprises a shell having a hollow interior and includes an elongated base and extensions upwardly projecting from the base.

Abstract: One embodiment of a safety surfacing tile comprises a top surface; a plurality of series of first members supporting the top surface and extending continuously across a transverse length of the safety surfacing tile; a plurality of series of second members supporting the top surface and extending continuously across a length of the safety surfacing tile perpendicular to the transverse length; and a grid of voids formed by the intersecting first and second members on an underside of the top surface, wherein the grid of voids absorbs impact energy from an object impacting the top surface.

Abstract: A deck block adapted to be interconnected with other deck blocks to form an insulating deck for casting concrete. The deck block comprising a foam panel at least one hole extending into the panel from the one end toward an opposing end such that the hole has an open end and a closed end. At least one protrusion extends from the panel and the protrusion is matingly receivable in at least a portion of a hole of a like panel to interconnect the panels in an end-to-end relationship. The panel has a vertical groove extending from a bottom surface and intersecting the opening of the panel to provide a fluid flow channel from the opening to the bottom surface of the panel when the like panels are interconnected. The protrusion has a horizontal groove extending along a lower end thereof from a distal end of the protrusion to a proximal end thereof so as to intersect the vertical groove.

Abstract: A backed paneling unit comprised of a backing portion that includes at least one of a depth portion and an elevated portion. An elevated portion and/or a depth portion may be formed using any suitable method including, but not limited to, molding, machining and heat stamping. Optionally, a backing portion may comprise a hydrophobic material. Such features may enable fluid flow (e.g., ventilation or liquid drainage) behind the backing portion.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a deck drainage system has a water-receiving structure locatable under the deck and a gutter connectable to the deck adjacent to an end of the water-receiving structure for receiving water from the water-receiving structure. The water receiving structure comprises a plurality of interconnected troughs. Each trough of the plurality of interconnected troughs includes first and second opposing sidewalls. The first sidewall of a respective trough comprises a tab and a second sidewall of the respective trough comprises a channel. The tab of the first sidewall of a first trough of the plurality of interconnected troughs extends into the channel of the second sidewall of a successively adjacent second trough of the plurality of interconnected troughs.

Abstract: Blocks for wall constructions described herein are in the form of casted one-piece concrete hollow bodies. The blocks include front and back walls which are generally parallel to a first axis and have top and bottom ends and two inner walls integral to both front and back walls therebetween that are generally parallel to a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. One of the end side faces of the two inner walls includes male connector portions that are offset from a first distance from the front wall. The other end side face includes female connector portions that are registered along the first axis with the male connector portions and are offset from the first distance from the back wall. The male connector portion is for insertion in the female connector portion of another block when the other block is mounted thereon so as to yield a straight or a shifted retaining wall portion.

Abstract: A backed paneling unit comprised of a backing portion that includes at least one rib. In an exemplary embodiment, a rib may be adjacent to a drainage groove or between adjacent drainage grooves. A rib may enable ventilation behind the backing portion. In addition, a rib may also assist with liquid drainage.

Abstract: A siding-plus-backer paneling unit that may provide a valley in the backer for improved adhesion strength, a ridge on another side of the backer for enabling ventilation, and a recess in an end of the backer for improved mating of adjacent paneling units.

Abstract: A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.

Abstract: A siding-plus-backer paneling unit that may provide a valley in the backer for improved adhesion strength, a ridge on another side of the backer for enabling ventilation, and a recess in an end of the backer for improved mating of adjacent paneling units.

Abstract: A backed paneling unit comprised of a backing portion that includes at least one of a depth portion and an elevated portion. An elevated portion and/or a depth portion may be formed using any suitable method including, but not limited to, molding, machining and heat stamping. Optionally, a backing portion may comprise a hydrophobic material. Such features may enable fluid flow (e.g., ventilation or liquid drainage) behind the backing portion.

Abstract: An assembly type wall structure is disclosed. The assembly type wall structure may be used as a vertical wall in an interior space and includes a plurality of wall units. Each wall units together to form a wall and may connect this wall with the corresponding ceiling, walls and floor of the interior space. Hence, the assembly type wall structure may be used as a vertical wall in an interior space and has the advantages of fast and simple implementation.

Abstract: An improved building foundation form system that includes an integral drain and a spacer bar with engagement lugs at each end adapted to engage a T-shaped engagement channel formed in each of the form surfaces of the inner and outer forms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a magnetic modular coating for floors and walls, even in wet sites and under water, that is composed of a sole fixing element laid between a magnetic adherence decorative plate and a metallic framework structure (3). Such coating also includes a bi-directional magnetic adherence layer (4) of minimum thickness; a decorative surface layer (5), and an upper rigidifying sheet (6) made up of a laminar unit. Adhesives used can be of any kind suitable to join components together. The modules allow for a fast installation, are easily removable and can be re-used.

Abstract: A building panel includes a facer sheet having opposed side joints, a liner sheet, a core material bonded between the facer and liner sheets, and at least one false joint formed in the facer sheet extending between the side joints such that the facer sheet is a continuous sheet across the at least one false joint. The at least one false joint includes a base surface extending into the foam core, opposing side surfaces connecting the base surface to the facer sheet, and a tab formed on each opposing side surface at one of the side joints. The tabs are folded under the one side joint.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a concrete form system for building foundations wherein two substantially parallel form walls 12 are constructed using a plurality of retainer sections that can mechanically interlock end-to-end 42, 44 when the retainer sections 14, 16, 18, 20 incorporate a throughbore 22 or butt-up end to end when there is no throughbore. Additionally the present invention provides a separator bar and reinforcement posts whereby the separator bar 24 serves as base for the retainer sections and as spacer between stacked retainer sections 14, 16, 18, 20 which can in cross-section have a circular, oval or polygonal shape and in one additional element a ribbed exterior portion 46, 48 for added strength and a substantially hollow interior 22 that forms a corrugated conduit retainer 20 that is conducive to providing ventilation for effective and efficient radon remediation from the structure being constructed.

Abstract: A new, faster and more efficient process to replace heating walls and ceilings in coke oven batteries. Thus, when replaced, at least one heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large size modular cast modules from end to end and the ceiling adjacent the heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large modular cast blocks.

Abstract: A flooring system for intercepting debris including at least a plurality of floor tiles with a perforated top surface providing on a top of the plurality of tube frames for intercepting the debris. Each plurality of floor tiles may include a plurality of tube frames in side by side relationship to form a distributed suction area for fluid entrance into tile interiors and for debris interception and capture. The tile interiors of the flooring system may also provide a distributed flow path for fluid flow to a transition plenum. The flooring system may also include a transition plenum for directing a flow path of the fluid from the tiles to a sump, wherein the pumps take suction.

Abstract: A building block for a ventilated wall includes an elongated center portion flanked by a pair of substantially parallel side walls oriented substantially perpendicularly to the center portion. The center portion has a first vertical wall and a second sloped wall, the second sloped wall extending between a relatively thicker bottom wall of the center portion and a relatively thinner top wall of the center portion. The first wall is co-planar with first edges of the side walls. A stacked arrangement of such blocks, where adjacent blocks are inverted and reversed, establishes front-to-back air passages that do not provide a sight line, and which prevent rain from passing through. A mold assembly for manufacturing the blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for venting moisture from wall and building structures, especially masonry walls constructed from masonry elements such as of brick, block, stone, faux stone or the like, without weakening the wall or building structure, utilizes open matrix weep vent members that are fabricated, for example from a mass of intertwined and intertangled polymeric filaments that are bonded at a plurality of intersections thereby to form one-piece or unit-handled weep vent members that preferably are inserted in place of mortar at spaced locations along horizontally extending mortar joints between rows of bricks, blocks or other masonry wall elements.

Abstract: A mortar and debris collection device for insertion into lower portions of a cavity defined between outer and inner wall structures of a masonry cavity wall employs two relatively rigid mat elements each designed to permit moisture to pass readily therethrough. Bottom edge regions of the two mat elements are hinge connected to permit the mat elements to be folded into closely overlying relationship.

Abstract: A building block for a ventilated wall includes an elongated center portion flanked by a pair of substantially parallel side walls oriented substantially perpendicularly to the center portion. The center portion has a first vertical wall and a second sloped wall, the second sloped wall extending between a relatively thicker bottom wall of the center portion and a relatively thinner top wall of the center portion. The first wall is co-planar with first edges of the side walls. A stacked arrangement of such blocks, where adjacent blocks are inverted and reversed, establishes front-to-back air passages that do not provide a sight line, and which prevent rain from passing through. A mold assembly for manufacturing the blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: The principles described herein provide floor tiles and modular floors. The floor tiles may include small steps in a surface structure to increase traction. The floor tiles may also or alternatively include diagonal cross ribs to block the passage of debris and break liquid surface tension. The modular tiles may be injection molded. The floor tiles may also provide multiple layers of traction, providing more sure footing than previous flooring systems. The floor tiles may provide multiple layers of traction, providing more sure footing than previous flooring systems.

Abstract: The AHA assembly for dispersing relative bad weather syndrome (wind and water) into at least three directions, protecting bridges, buildings, sidewalks, seashores and beaches. The AHA has a main body housing, holding internal sections of mouth area, compression area, ventura area and exit area. Internal baffles or faceplates are mounted with pressure springs to provide resistance against oncoming force, and then redirecting the overcoming force with pressure to exhaust nozzles which redirect energy directly back into the incoming force or away from it, thereby reducing the bad weather syndrome affecting the intended protected area by said installation of device.

Abstract: A device and method for securing a substantially flat sheet of metal (such as metal roofing or siding) to a substrate in a manner which avoids or reduces oil canning. A longitudinal spacer is installed between the metal surface and the substrate so as to induce a bowing or camber of the sheet of metal.

Abstract: A weep hole screen and method for installing the same in the exterior wall of a masonry building in order to prevent small animals such as insects and rodents from entering the building through the weep hole. A weep hole screen in accordance with the present invention preferably comprises a rectangular mesh screen with an angle bracket attached to each end. The weep hole screen is sized such that the angle brackets sandwich the bricks that form the weep hole, preferably on the interior faces of the bricks. The interfaces between the weep hole screen and the bricks are preferably sealed with mortar or-another suitable sealant. The weep hole screen may be installed easily during original construction of the wall without the need for any mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A two-piece modular floor tile includes a top member formed from wood or stone, and a support member formed from plastic and wood composite material. Each of the top and support members is of substantially rectangular. The support member is adapted to increase air circulation and decrease moisture accumulation, and does not tend to be damaged by rot and termites. In one embodiment, the support member includes a plurality of parallel longitudinal internal channels. In another embodiment, the support member includes a longitudinal projection at one side and a longitudinal mated groove at the other side. In yet another embodiment, the support member includes a plurality of parallel longitudinal bottom troughs. In a further embodiment, the top member includes a plurality of shaped elements secured together.

Abstract: An assembled DIY floor comprises a floor unit having an approximate rectangular shape; an upper side of the floor unit being formed with a groove which also has an approximate rectangular shape; the groove serving for receiving a floor plate; the floor plate being adhered to the groove by using a sticky layer; an upper lateral side of the groove having a buckle for buckling the floor plate to the floor unit; an assembly portion installed around the floor unit; the assembly portion including a plurality of projections and a plurality of recesses. When assembling two floor units, the projections are buckled to the recesses so as to assembly two floor units. In assembly, two floor units are assembled; the projections of a floor unit are combined to the recesses of another floor unit; the floor plate being combined to the groove of the floor unit through the sticky layer; and the floor unit is adhered to ground.

Abstract: A drainage system for use in concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall construction comprises a tray unit of a size corresponding to size of CMUs, to be received beneath a course of CMUs, in use. The tray unit comprises opposite side flanges to abut a superjacent CMU and supporting a pan therebelow. The pan may be angled from back to front and from side edges to a middle portion thereof to urge water toward a front middle portion of the tray.

Abstract: The waterproof decking is decking made from extruded panels for forming a watertight deck assembly. First side, second side, and intermediate panels are provided, each having complementary edges for mating with other corresponding panels. One edge of the first side and intermediate panels is provided with a drainage gutter and the tongue or groove of a tongue and groove connection, with mating edges of the second side and intermediate panels being provided with the mating tongue or groove configuration. The decking includes a depending drip rail which serves to wedge tightly against the opposite wall of the gutter of the adjoining panel to prevent relative motion between the two, and also to prevent capillary flow of liquid across the underside of the panel where it could leak into the area below. Additional sealing may be provided along the tongue and groove joints.

Abstract: The watertight decking is assembled from extruded panels to form a watertight deck assembly. First side, second side, and intermediate panels have complementary edges mating with other corresponding panels. One edge of the first side and intermediate panels has a drainage gutter and the tongue or groove of a tongue and groove connection, with mating second side and intermediate panel edges having the mating tongue or groove. A depending drip rail wedges tightly against the opposite gutter wall of the adjoining panel to prevent relative motion between the two, and also to prevent capillary flow of liquid across the underside of the panel where it could leak into the area below. Additional sealing may be provided along the tongue and groove joints. A second, lower wall opposite the upper wall defines a series of conduits therebetween, and also strengthens the panels and provides a finished appearance for the underside.

Abstract: A retaining wall and block are described herein for use in landscaping, gardening and the like. The block is formed from concrete and has an uneven face to replicate layers of flat stone. An elongated groove in the top of each block provides for reception of mating studs of upper contiguous blocks. The elongated groove is sized to allow the blocks to be turned and moved depending on the type and design of the particular wall being constructed. The ends of the blocks are biased to allow easy rotation and placement when building a curved or circular wall. A filler is provided for placement within the elongated groove of the blocks in the top tier of the retaining wall to provide for a smooth, flush surface.

Abstract: A horizontal joint between upper and lower building panels, as well as a building wall including such a horizontal joint, in which a liquid diverting arrangement includes a gutter with first and second ends and at least one aperture disposed between these ends. Also contemplated are a method and apparatus for forming at least two building panels, in which the panels have different reveal dimensions, and a method and apparatus for forming a building panel in which a first reveal portion is registered while a second reveal portion has been formed at a preselected distance therefrom. Further contemplated are a method and kit for customizably assembling a building wall, in which panels having different thickness dimensions can be interchangeably connected with one another, as well as a method and kit for customizably assembling a building wall, in which on or more decorative profile panels and one or more structural building wall panels can be interchangeably connected with one another.

Abstract: A floor panel is provided for use in a sub-floor application. The floor panel has an upper member and a lower member. The upper member is made from a sheet floor material and the lower member is made from a waterproof sheet material. The lower member has a series of projections extending away from the floor panel and located adjacent to an underlying surface when the panel is in use. The projections allow moisture to drain between the floor panels and the underlying surface and also permit air circulation.

Abstract: A drainage system for use in concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall construction comprises a tray unit of a size corresponding to size of CMUs, to be received beneath a course of CMUs, in use. The tray unit comprises opposite side flanges to abut a superjacent CMU and supporting a pan therebelow. A strip of water permeable material is attached to an upper surface of the pan and extends transversely beyond a front edge of the pan. A block of water permeable material is positioned above the pan and extends upwardly into a hollow core of a CMU. The water permeable material of the strip and the block has a porosity sufficient to permit water to pass there through but substantially insufficient to permit mortar and debris to pass there through so that water in a hollow core of a CMU drains through the strip.