Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymeric microparticles containing hydrolytically labile ionic emulsifiers in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymeric microparticles that are gas-filled in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of different-sized polymeric microparticles in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymeric microparticles having thin shells in hydraulically setting building material mixtures for the purpose of enhancing their frost resistance and cyclical freeze/thaw durability.

Abstract: A device and method of making a full contact floating roof for use in covering fluid bodies, such as storage tanks containing hydrocarbon fluids, allowing ease of construction, high integrity, and low maintenance cost.

Abstract: Improved premolded foam billets and drop-in foam billet joints increase the R value in concrete panels.

Abstract: The gutter foam filter elements are generally triangular, four-foot lengths of flexible plastic open-cell foam material placed in and extending the full length of a conventional “K” type or similar roof gutter. The foam filter elements may be inserted within the gutter below gutter spikes. The foam material is an open-pore polyether foam of 10–20 cells per square inch which allows rainwater to travel through the filter while excluding leaves. The foam is generally in the form of a right triangle and so disposed in the gutter as to have one side extending along the back of the gutter and the other side of the triangle spanning the open space across the upper open portion of the gutter. The sloped wall defines a void in the lower front portion of the gutter for rainwater flow to a downspout. The lower corner of the element is truncated forming a lower support wall.

Abstract: A crush resistant seamless roofing system is formed by a layer of adjacent panels having loose joints filled by expanding rising foam adhesive, which is trimmed to remove excess foam adhesive above a top plane of the roofing system. The roofing system thus formed is covered by a fabric layer and a coating.

Abstract: A method for casting hollow core concrete panels includes the use of raft connectors to hold a plurality of spaced foam billets in place during the manufacture to create panel or plank with spaced foam-filled cores. The panels include billets that form longitudinal voids that allows utilities to be run through the lengths of the concrete panels.

Abstract: A spacer for retrofitting corrugated metal roofs. The spacer includes a foam block having a notched bottom for receiving the corrugations of a metal roof. The opposite ends of the foam block are respectively provided with tongue and groove fittings. An adhesive layer is applied to the bottom surface of the foam block for securing the foam block to the metal roof. A high-density foam strip is affixed to the top of the foam block for supporting a corrugated, metal panel above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforced article with an injected inner reinforcing mixture layer deposited between a covering material and a core material.

Abstract: An architectural molding (10) includes an extruded flexible plastic foam member (16) having a front side (22), a rear side (20) and a cross sectional profile (18). Also included is a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive (24, 26) affixed to at least a portion of the rear side and a release strip (28, 29) releasibly adhered to the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor barrier for use in cthe thermal insulation of buildings which can be used, in particular, for thermal insulation procedures in new buildings or in the renovation of old buildings. The vapor barrier in accordance with the invention is thereby capable of achieving water vapor exchange under different ambient conditions. This is achieved by using a material which has a water vapor diffusion resistance which is dependent on the ambient humidity and which also has adequate tensile strength and tear resistance.

Abstract: A novel building construction is described for exterior building walls. The construction comprises an interior frame formed of a plurality of laterally spaced studs or beams, a layer of rigid insulation adjacent to the exterior side of this steel frame, exterior building cladding adjacent the exterior side of the rigid insulation and a plurality of low conductivity connectors, e.g. insulating plastic connectors or thin metal strips having an insulating plastic foam coating, extending through the layer of rigid insulation and connecting together the exterior cladding and the interior steel studs or beams. Vertical channels are formed adjacent both the inside and outside faces of the insulation layer to remove moisture. This provides the required structural strength with a minimum of thermal conductivity from the warm side to the cold side of the building envelope, while providing exterior drain channels and interior moisture removing channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor barrier for use in the thermal insulation of buildings which can be used in particular, for thermal insulation procedures in new buildings or in the renovation of old buildings. The vapor barrier in accordance with the invention is thereby capable of achieving water vapor exchange under different ambient conditions. This is achieved by using a material which has a water vapor diffusion resistance which is dependent on the ambient humidity and which also has adequate tensile strength and tear resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is a component having a synthetic wood layer that is secured to a foamed polymer layer. The foamed polymer layer is comprised of a polymer selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, ethyl-vinyl acetate, and polystyrene. The component can be used for a variety of different purposes such as fencing, furniture, cabinets, storage devices, lawn edging, flower boxes, flooring, roofing, wall covering, building siding, basement flooring, basement wall covering, interior and exterior decorative house moldings, crown moldings, chair rails, picture frames, porch decks, deck railings, window moldings, window components, door components, door moldings, various other lawn and garden uses, various other below grade uses, and various other indoor and outdoor uses.

Abstract: A combination fastener and foam sheet having enhanced fastener retention and methods of forming a foam sheet are provided so that the fastener is not easily removed from the foam sheet when an outward force is applied thereto. The combination preferably includes a foam sheet including a fibrous material and urethane foam material abuttingly contacting and substantially surrounding the fibrous material so that the fibrous material is substantially contained within and retained by the urethane foam material. The combination also preferably includes a fastener having threaded portions positioned within the foam sheet so that the threaded portions are retained in the foam sheet and are not easily removed when an outward force is applied thereto. The foam sheet preferably also has a strengthening material such as glass also substantially surrounded by the urethane foam.

Abstract: A building block has a cement-based attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that can receive and hold a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fascia assembly that includes a first anchor bar, a second anchor bar, and an anchor bar splice. The first and second anchor bars are mounted to a vertical surface of an edge of a roof. The first anchor bar includes a first end, and the second anchor bar includes a second end that is adjacent to the first end of the first anchor bar. The anchor bar splice is positioned between the first end of the first anchor bar and the second end of the second anchor bar for preventing the passage of water between the first and second anchor bars. The anchor bar splice includes a resilient shell that defines a cavity and a foam core within the cavity.

Abstract: A foaming cement (1), cooperates with the steel member (5), forms the fender structure (111), which could solely resist the load in horizontal or vertical direction, or cooperate with the columniation (222). The whole lightweight steel (5) is embedded in the foaming cement or the floor slabs. The fender structure (111) cooperates with the roof board, the ceiling (555) and the various floor slabs (333) in forming the structural system, which is capable of preserving heat and bearing the load and beautifying the environment.

Abstract: Composite fence and decking components, for example, rails, posts and planks, are provided which generally include a weatherable outer layer, a core layer made of a thermoplastic polymeric composition and a wood component in an amount effective as a filler, and an inner layer made of a thermoplastic material. The layers are configured so as to form a generally central hollow space. The components are light weight and inexpensive to manufacture. The components can be manufactured by using a single coextrusion process to produce a cylindrical form. The cylindrical form is passed through a reshaping die to form a composite having a desired cross sectional form, for example, a composite with a substantially square or rectangular cross section.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle sound absorption system. An expandable material, such as an polymer-based foam, is disposed on a surface of a wall. Upon activation, the foam transforms, preferably during an automobile assembly operation, and remains bonded to surface for sound absorption.

Abstract: A composite structural article, of preferably metal and thermoplastic material is described. The composite structural article comprises: (a) at least one reinforcing element (2) having sized openings (20); and (b) at least three profiled sections (1, 3, 4). A portion of each profiled section (1, 3, 4) is connected interlockingly with a portion of the reinforcing element (2). At least two of the profiled sections (1, 3, 4) have terminal portions each having a projecting region (5) that engages interlockingly with the sized openings (20) of the reinforcing element (2), such that a portion of the reinforcing element (2) surrounds at least partially the projecting regions (5). The profiled sections (1, 3, 4) are further joined to the reinforcing element (2) by means of thermoplastic material (11, 13) injected in the region of each interlocking connection with the reinforcing element (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor barrier for use in the thermal insulation of buildings which can be used, in particular, for thermal insulation procedures in new buildings or in the renovation of old buildings. The vapor barrier in accordance with the invention is thereby capable of achieving water vapor exchange under different ambient conditions. This is achieved by using a material which has a water vapor diffusion resistance which is dependent on the ambient humidity and which also has adequate tensile strength and tear resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to an Air handling unit casing in which the circulated air is thermally conditioned and prevents the change of the thermal condition of the circulated air due to air leakage and thermal bridge. It has a modular structure which can be disassembled in the case of the necessity and is constructed from panels (1) which are made of an inner skin (15), an outer skin (16) and insulation material (9) therebetween, doors (2) and door frames (3). The embodiment of the panels (1) does not allow the direct contact of the inner and outer skin and reduces the thermal bridge and air leakage through the unit by employing gaskets (8, 11, 17), plastic bushing (18) and heat barrier slits (28). The panels (1) can be joined to each other side by side or perpendicularly.

Abstract: An industrial door assembly is disclosed comprising a rigid internal frame having first and second sides; a door capping attached to edges of the rigid internal frame, the door capping providing generally parallel faces generally parallel to the first and second sides; side panels attached to the generally parallel faces of the door capping generally parallel to the first and second sides of the rigid internal frame; and synthetic insulating material injected within the rigid internal frame and bonding the side panels together. A method of assembling this industrial door assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A roofing system has individual roofing panels that include a metal outer skin surrounding an insulation layer, a factory-applied protective membrane of polyisobutylene, and interlocking components for providing a rigid roof that is self-supporting and requires no sub-deck. The panels with pre-applied protective membranes are adapted to be factory-shipped to a job site so that assembly and sealing can be achieved in a one-step process.

Abstract: A barbeque stand for supporting a cook top, having a base made substantially of foam, having a base top, a base bottom, and a cutout extending downward from the base top and having cutout sides and a cutout bottom. Fireproof boards extend against the base top, the cutout sides and the cutout bottom. Slots extend longitudinally parallel and adjacent to the base top, the cutout sides, and the cutout bottom. Inserts extend through the slots and are sized to fit snugly therein. The fireproof boards are anchored to the foam base by securing the fireproof boards to the inserts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refined assembly structure of hubbed door leaf installed with glass, which comprises a first door skin with an opening, a second door skin with an opening, a top lacing material, a bottom lacing material, a left lacing material, a right lacing material, a handle reinforcement member and the ejected frame with multiplayer glass hold-down. The door skin with opening can be manufactured to be various shapes such as square, rectangular, circle, ellipse, and semicircle depending on different mold. When assembled, the lacing materials are mounted to the edges of the first door skin by the adhesive. The left and the right lacing materials are position-bonded, by ribs, to the flush-sided door skin. The top and the bottom lacing materials are positioned through the milled notches at the top and the bottom ends of the left and the right lacing materials. A reinforcement member is disposed at the handle position to enhance the mechanical strength of the handle while locked.

Abstract: A foam faux tray ceiling system having elongated tiles shaped and sized so as to be joinable to one another and thereby form a faux tray ceiling. Each tile is made of a lightweight polymer foam and has a decorative surface, attachment surface, inner edge, outer edge, and two connection edges. The inner edges are preferably decoratively finished and the outer edges are flat.

Abstract: A sound absorbing structure comprising at least one porous member including a plurality of holes, and the holes are at least one kind of through holes and non-through holes. It is preferable that a plurality of porous members are stacked. It is also preferable that the holes of porous members are formed as diameter-varied holes, and an area of opening of each diameter-varied hole formed in the surface opposite to a sound source is largest and the area of opening of each the diameter-varied hole is reduced in a direction of the thickness of the porous member. Moreover, it is also preferable that the sound absorbing structure further comprises a coating film formed on at least a surface of the porous member which is opposite to a sound source wherein the holes penetrates the coating film and the porous member.

Abstract: An injection molded skin has an edge which is substantially thicker than the major surface of the skin which is adapted to be fitted within a slot in a skin-receiving substrate, such that it forms a seal when cushioned urethane foam material is injected behind the skin between the skin and substrate. The method of manufacturing the panel includes the steps of providing a substrate having a slot formed therein for receiving a peripheral edge of a skin of material, introducing a peripheral edge of a skin material having a thickness greater than the overall thickness of the skin into the slot, and injection molding a foam polymeric material behind this skin with a pressure which seals the peripheral edge of the skin to the slot for completing the decorative panel so formed.

Abstract: A decorative laminated building panel, usable for placement on an exterior surface of a building to improve the appearance thereof. The panel includes a foam core, a thin fabric mat attached to at least one surface of the foam core, and a durable material attached to the fabric mat with a binding agent. The durable material is intended to be used on an outward-facing surface of the panel, and may be selected from materials including stone, tile, and brick. Optionally, the panel may include a final finish covering the exposed exterior surface thereof, to give a more pleasing appearance. The panel is intended for a non load-bearing application, and the rear surface of the panel is preferred to be substantially cement-free, that is, free of Portland-type cement. Among other uses, panels according to the invention are suitable for use as exterior skirting material on manufactured homes.

Abstract: A tubular member, which is made of steel and which is useful as an upright, structural member in a pole, pylon, or tower, is filled at least partially with a foamed material protecting said member against internal corrosion and against pest infiltration. The tubular member comprises plural sections, which have end flanges and which are bolted together at the flanges, and comprises gaskets to prevent the foamed material from being extruded between the flanges.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an air handling duct which includes a plurality of interconnected modules which together made up the duct. The locking mechanism includes a male retainer contained on a frame member of a first module, with the male retainer having a locking arm adapted to be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. A complementary female retainer is contained on a frame member of a second module, with the female retainer being in the form of an elongated keyway designed to receive and hold the locking arm in a locked position. Means are provided to move the arm from an unlocked position to a locked position when the male and female retainers are in alignment for locking the modules together.

Abstract: The present invention is a synthetic-core construction panel having a polyurethane core encased by a metal grid. The grid system comprises a first series of metal bars disposed in parallel to each other, equally spaced apart around the circumference of the core; a second series of metal bars, disposed in parallel to each other and perpendicularly to the first series of metal bars, equally spaced apart, are also disposed around the circumference of the core; and a plurality of diagonal cross-member reinforcements welded at their edges to each connecting point between the first series of metal bars and the second series of metal bars. The metal grid serves as a surface accepting masonry/plaster as a finish for the panel after installation. An apparatus for making the synthetic core construction panels is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A structural member comprises a plastic base material with fiber reinforced plastic fill material. A gas producing substance or foaming agent is mixed with the base material and provides a lower density within the interior of the member. The structural member can comprise one or more of the components of a utility pole assembly, such as the crossarms, bracing, insulators and pole. A method of producing the structural member includes the steps of mixing additives with plastic pellets for feeding into an extruder. The extruded structural members are formed, cooled, pulled and cut to desired lengths.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for joining thermoplastic composite sandwich panels with thermoplastic welds (fusion bonds) made without autoclave processing of the joint. The preferred joint is a double interleaf staggered joint with supporting titanium doublers providing a tensile strength of at least 12,000 lb/in. The joint is particularly suited for joining sections of a cryogenic tank for spacecraft.

Abstract: A molded composite construction panel formed in a vertically oriented continuous molding procedure included a lightweight cellular core of rigid foam material and a relatively thin skin of fiber reinforced concrete encasing the core. The panel further including at least one integrally formed multi-faceted channel being substantially coextensive with at least one edge of the panel. A method of forming a building panel is also disclosed comprising the steps of providing a mold having a mold cavity, disposed vertically, that defines the mold surface for forming the exposed finish surfaces of a molded wall panel, where the mold cavity bottom and side edge walls define the edge walls of the molded wall panel. A foam insert is positioned and secured in the mold cavity. A slurry of concrete, sand, and fiber strands is formed to produce a homogeneous panel mixture. The mold cavity is filled with the panel mixture.

Abstract: An improved waterproofing system for the concrete slab of a flat roof on a building is disclosed. The waterproofing system uses hollow plastic panels of designed size, different thickness, and groove and tongue joints for interconnecting the panels. A supplementary waterproofing layer may be installed using sheet membrane materials such as asphalt sheet, metal sheet and other sheets on vertical surfaces, especially the parapet of the roof. The invention further concerns a construction method for applying a fiber mesh reinforcement on the connection joint and for applying fluid-applied materials on the substrate with sheet membrane layers on vertical surfaces. The waterproofing layer of sloped step type, hollow plastic panels of different thickness, permits fast drainage of stagnant water, which inhibits weather damage to the waterproofing layer.

Abstract: A structural member comprises a plastic base material with fiber reinforced plastic fill material. A gas producing substance or foaming agent is mixed with the base material and provides a lower density within the interior of the member. The structural member can comprise one or more of the components of a utility pole assembly, such as the crossarms, bracing, insulators and pole. A method of producing the structural member includes the steps of mixing additives with plastic pellets for feeding into an extruder. The extruded structural members are formed, cooled, pulled and cut to desired lengths.

Abstract: A shape molding operation is performed to form a three dimensional building panel. The operation involves providing a mold having a cavity, the cavity having dimensions essentially identical to a finished three dimensional building panel suitable for installation. The shape molding operation involves pre-heating at least one of two major internal surfaces of the mold; introducing polystyrene foam beads into the cavity; heating the polystyrene foam beads; and causing the heated polystyrene foam beads to flatten and spread against the pre-heated major internal surface of the mold, thereby forming a sealed water-repellant skin at least on a face of the three dimensional building panel. In view of the corresponding size of the mold cavity, no cutting action is required on the expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam formed therein, so that a least a building-contacting face of the resultant boards acquires the sealed water-repellant skin that is otherwise lost when forming boards from buns of the prior art.

Abstract: This composite building stud combines two metal shapes, inner and outer, with an insulating material to form a composite structural member having excellent acoustical properties. The stud also has an insulating valve (R-value) greater than a similar metal member normally used as a stud in a residential structure. The composite also has a strength comparable to that of a similar steel member normally used as a stud in a residential structure. One shape encompasses the other shape. The composite structural member eliminates any direct metal connections and thus eliminates any thermal shorts that reduce the overall insulating value (R-value) of the composite member.

Abstract: A resilient pre-cut fibrous insulation blanket includes first and second insulation blankets. The blankets each have a first major surface with one or more longitudinally extending cuts in the surface that are spaced inwardly from lateral edges of the surface and spaced apart from each other. The cuts only partially sever the blankets to form separable connectors in the blankets that join adjacent blanket sections formed by the cuts. The first major surfaces of the blankets are bonded to each other, with the cuts in the major surfaces of the blankets aligned longitudinally, to form a batt with longitudinally extending batt sections joined by the separable connectors in the blankets whereby the batt can be handled as a unit or one or more batt sections can be separated from the remainder of the batt by hand to form a batt of lesser width.

Abstract: The present invention is a synthetic insulation and finish system that is used on both residential and commercial structures, including the exterior and interior walls. More specifically, the present invention is in the field of synthetic stucco and the like. In addition, the present invention includes novel hardboard siding waterproofing, hardboard/wood siding retrofitting, architectural moldings and ceiling tiles that are coated with an elastomeric coating, preferably an aromatic and/or aliphatic polyurea.

Abstract: A thermoplastic multi-layer composite structure is disclosed and consist in a first embodiment of a co-extruded, acrylic polypropylene outer skin and high melt strength polypropylene substrate which is attached to a first surface of a polypropylene foam core. An inner polypropylene skin can be provided and is attached to a second surface of the foam core. The foam core can either be constructed from an expanded polypropylene or an extruded polypropylene. Where an expanded polypropylene foam core is provided, the foam core is attached to the outer and inner skin through the use of a polypropylene adhesive. Where the extruded polypropylene foam core is provided, the skins can be attached to the foam core through a welding or bonding process in lieu of adhesives. The polypropylene adhesives can also be utilized for attaching the skins to the extruded foam core. Additionally, the extruded foam core can vary in density to provide a composite foam core.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated wall panel for providing a new type of wall structure. The pre-fabricated wall panel includes a panel member having a thickness and a cavity disposed therein and extending a length thereof with the panel member further having a first side, a second side, a first side end, a second side end, and a first end portion which extends outwardly from the first side end and which is generally recessed relative to the first side and with the panel member being adapted to fasten to a beam and to a floor of a building structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural member and a process for producing a structural member with at least one layer of plastic and with a layer inside the structural member of a material that has a substantially higher modulus of elasticity than plastic. The member also has at least one system plane that is part of the structural member and along which the structural member has substantially homogenous properties and a substantially homogeneous structure. The invention is characterized in that along the system plane, at least one inner layer and a respective outer layer consisting of plastic are provided between which two layers each separated from each other and traversing the system plane with the second higher modulus of elasticity are provided.

Abstract: A building block has a cement-based attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that can receive and hold a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer.

Abstract: A modular wall segment for constructing a wall includes two external layers of selected size and shape bonded to the opposite faces of a plurality of contiguously placed cellularized cement blocks. The segments may be formed with end faces defining slots of various configurations for receiving various types of fastening elements to enable a plurality of such segments to be secured together in a modularized fashion.