Abstract: A roof and wall panel tiedown bracket and method of securing roof and wall panels with one surface of the panels positioned against a supporting rafter and wall stud, respectively. The tiedown bracket is preferably made from a single folded sheet metal pattern and includes an elongated main body having first and second flat generally coextensive panels connected edge to edge orthogonally one to another. The first plate is sized in length equal to a width of a rafter or wall stud. One end of the second plate extends beyond that of the first plate a distance equal to a thickness of the roof or wall panels and continues therefrom to define two flat securing plates which extend orthogonally in either direction from the second plate. When the bracket is properly positioned, the securing plates are attached as by nailing against the other surface of the panels and the first plate is connected as by nailing to one side of the rafter or wall stud.

Abstract: A fastener for securing two sheets of material each comprises a binding bar having pointed barbs at each end of said binding bar, said barbs each directed substantially perpendicular to said binding bar; a stem fixably attached to said binding bar, means at said stem end to urge said barb ends into said material planar surface. The device is particularly effective to join fire barrier panels without requiring their removal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stud and attachment assembly for securing ividual studs to composite material substrates so that thermal or acoustic insulating materials may be attached to the substrate. An attachment stud for securing a layer of insulation material to an organic matrix composite substrate is provided which includes a mechanical attachment element for securing the attachment stud to the composite substrate and a stud element rigidly affixed to the attachment element for receiving the layer of insulation material.

Abstract: A roofing and siding fastener for securing underlayments, exterior insulation sheathings, and similar membranes to a substrate. The disclosure comprises a cap portion having a rectangular body with oppositely extended legs. Said legs are bent downward and have heels situated at the ends. The cap has a nail centrally inserted through the body. The installer positions the fastener over the material to be secured and strikes the nail head, thereby driving the fastener into a substrate. As the cap portion engages the material, the heels act to deflect the flattening legs over the top surface of the material instead of allowing the legs to puncture. Each flattened leg now becomes a spring-like binder which not only provides superior holding power over the prior art, they also flex upward to dampen strong winds which can blow these underlayments off. This flexibility greatly enhances the effectiveness of underlayments in a "dry-in" procedure.

Abstract: A building roof deck structure having significant fire resistance comprises a plurality of wood cement or fiber cement panels lying in a common plane and having abutting edges with aligned grooves extending along the abutting edges inwardly of the panels. Structural steel, T-shaped members are positioned between the butting edges with the flanges of the T-shaped members extending into and closely enclosed by the aligned grooves. The webs of the T-shaped members are positioned to extend in a direction outwardly of the building. A fire resistant grout is placed between the abutting edges to totally enclose the webs of the T-shaped members; and, urethane foam insulating panels overlie the wood cement panels and a waterproof roofing layer extends over said urethane foam panels.

Abstract: A device for dividing coverings on a floor at a door opening, comprises a rail sunk into the floor across the door opening. The rail has a substantially uniform H-shaped cross-section, comprising a cross-member with first arms extending upwardly therefrom to define a first groove and second arms extending downwardly therefrom to define a second groove. A magnetic sealing strip is received within the first groove and is vertically moveable within it. A set screw extends upwardly into the second groove and engages a nut which is held within the second groove.

Abstract: A masonry connector for a veneer wall has an outer coupling end for connection to a wall tie secured to the veneer. An inner anchoring end of the connector is secured to the back-up wall. Where the back-up wall is masonry wall, the anchoring portion includes a vertical plate, apertured to be keyed into the mortar between two side-by-side, adjacent blocks of the back-up wall, and a laterally projecting, corrugated flange to be keyed into the mortar between two vertically adjacent blocks. A rearwardly facing edge immediately in front of the anchoring end abuts against the outer face of the masonry wall to ensure the positioning of the connector at the proper depth. A low conductivity section of the connector between the coupling end and the anchoring end has a series of holes through it to minimize the thermal transfer along the connector.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the device is provided for constructing a temporary cover for a drain opening surrounded by a framing surface of horizontal, curved or irregular shape, comprising M sheets of flame and/or chemical resistant materials in broad surface contact defining coextensive top and bottom surfaces, said top and bottom surfaces each including a smooth, non-quilted central section and an outer edge section in integral contact with said central section, said outer edge sections together defining a series of undulations therebetween, weighted chain means inserted within said series of undulations so as to add loft and weight as a function of radial extent whereby sealing pressure of said bottom surface relative to an associated horizontal, slightly curved or irregular attaching surface is surprising strong. Method steps related to use and manufacture are also recited.

Abstract: A composite stress plate for securing insulation to a roof deck with a fastener includes a metal plate having a drawn central cup with a concentric aperture and a plastic insert having a central throughbore for receiving the fastener in a threaded manner. The plastic insert may have a hub which corresponds in shape to and is adapted to snappingly engage the concentric aperture in the metal plate, or the insert may be received by the cup in the metal plate and retained therein. Means for preventing relative rotation between the plastic insert and the metal plate are provided in either case. A plurality of depressed ramps are disposed within the plate having cleats for engaging the insulation. The ramps enhance alignment of the composite stress plate on a barrel assembly of an installation tool and precise placement of the threaded fastener into the roof deck is achieved.

Abstract: A laminated construction board comprising a kraft board support backing adhesively bonded to a foam insulating panel is disclosed. Also shown is an improved method for attaching laminated construction boards with fasteners. The fasteners are driven through the foam panel, until the retaining portion thereof engages the support backing, securing it in abutting relationship with an underlying wall substructure. The insulated surface of the board may be covered with various surface finishes, and is especially suited for use with acrylic mortar systems. Also disclosed is a building structure, a method of constructing a building structure, a wall surfacing system, and a method of constructing a wall sheathing, all utilizing construction boards attached to a substructure with staples wherein the crown of the staple engages the support backing of the construction board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching sheets of wallboard to an EPS side panel and concrete wall assembly. A metal fastener strip is positioned against the outer surface of the outwardly facing side panels with its upper edge a predetermined distance below the ceiling line, prior to pouring of the concrete. Nails are pushed through longitudinally spaced-apart holes in the metal strip with their tips projecting well into the cavity defined between the opposed side panels. The concrete, when placed and cured, captures the nails, creating a mechanical connection to the metal strip. After the concrete is placed and cured, an adhesive is spread over the outwardly facing panels and the sheet of wallboard is placed in position. The wallboard is secured to the panels by hammering self-tapping drywall screws into the metal strip. The holes in the metal strip are countersunk to define a concentric recess around each hole, the metal strip being pushed into the side panels so that the recesses project into the panels.

Abstract: A seamless tube useful in making a roofing batten is extruded from a polymeric material consisting essentially of a major amount of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and a minor amount of at least one polyolefin, flattened in a vacuum sizer so as to define two plies, and milled and drawn so as to orient the tube longitudinally. As milled and drawn, the tube is oriented so as to have a tensile strength of at least about 25,000 psi in a longitudinal direction. The plies are punched so as to have holes therethrough at spaced intervals along the tube. When used to make a roofing batten to coact with conventional fasteners, such as roofing screws, the tube exhibits superior characteristics of split resistance and pull-through resistance.

Abstract: An assembly member includes a rod having at one end thereof a head for driving the rod in rotation, a threaded part at an opposite end and, between the threaded part and the head, a smooth part the diameter of which is markedly larger than a threadroot diameter of the threaded part. Such member is used for the fastening of insulating layers of facade coverings or claddings.

Abstract: A seamless tube useful in making a roofing batten is extruded from a polymeric material consisting essentially of a major amount of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and a minor amount of at least one polyolefin, flattened in a vacuum sizer so as to define two plies, and milled and drawn so as to orient the tube longitudinally. As milled and drawn, the tube is oriented so as to have a tensile strength of at least about 25,000 psi in a longitudinal direction. The plies are punched so as to have holes therethrough at spaced intervals along the tube. When used to make a roofing batten to coact with conventional fasteners, such as roofing screws, the tube exhibits superior characteristics of split resistance and pull-through resistance.

Abstract: A corrugated waterproof roof covering has a plurality of adjacently positioned sections. Each section includes an intermediate series of separated, adjacently positioned ridges interconnected by identical U-shaped channels. An additional lowered ridge is located at a first end of the series of ridges and appends from them by an L-shaped channel. An outer edge of the lowered ridge appends to a shallow U-shaped channel. The sections are positioned in edgewise overlying relation. An end ridge at a second end of each section overlies and receives the lowered ridge of an adjacent section to create a passageway therebetween and to laterally interlock the sections. A protective layer is positioned atop the rides, and fasteners extend through the layer for termination in the passageway for concealing the fasteners from view.

Abstract: A composite roof covering securement element is comprised of an elongated rubber membrane onto which a plastic batten strip is adhesively bonded. The membrane and strip have a range of flexibility which permits the same to be rolled into a coil for manual prepositioning on a roof and then unrolled to lie flat upon the roof for attachment along the perimeter. When installed the composite element resists shear loads and securely retains the overlying roof covering in place.

Abstract: A self-drilling anchor and bearing plate assembly adapted to secure a membrane or other layer onto a roof deck or a similar substrate formed of a material that requires a drilled hole to receive the anchor. The bearing plate which rests on the layer and includes barbs which press into the layer to resist rotation of the plate, has an opening therein to accommodate the anchor, the opening being surrounded by a series of ratchet teeth. The anchor head is provided with at least one pawl which when the head overlies the plate is then in operative relation with the ratchet teeth. Extending from the head is a shank section in an auger formation, and extending from the shank section is a drill section having at least one cutting blade. When the anchor is inserted in the plate opening and is turned in by a tool, the drill section then proceeds to drill a hole in the substrate, and as the shank section enters this hole, its auger taps an internal thread in the hole to securely retain the anchor therein.

Abstract: Fastening element for mounting insulating strips or plates on a solid structure includes a large-surface washer, a tubular extension and a locking member which is mounted to an end portion of the fastener and protrudes into the extension so that the fastener and the tubular extension form two telescopic elements movable relative to each other. The two telescopic elements can be adjusted and locked relative to each other in a desired position due to the provision of interengaging ribs, grooves or corrugations formed on the telescopic elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool and method for installing a roof fastener for securing insulation or waterproof membrane to a rooftop.

Abstract: A panelized roof system comprises a plurality of panels for positioning on a roof substrate. The panels comprise a foam insulation board with synthetic fiber mat and a rubber sheet bonded to the top surface thereof. A plurality of fasteners penetrates the sides of the panels and secure the panels to the roof substrate. The panelized roof system is completed and rendered waterproof by a plurality of synthetic fiber reinforced rubber strips which are applied with adhesive or adhesive tape to the joints between the panels so as to overlap the adjacent fasteners securing the panels to the roof substrate.

Abstract: A seamless tube useful in making a roofing batten is extruded from a polymeric material consisting essentially of a major amount of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and a minor amount of at least one polyolefin, flattened in a vacuum sizer so as to define two plies, and milled and drawn so as to orient the tube longitudinally. As milled and drawn, the tube is oriented so as to have a tensile strength of at least about 25,000 psi in a longitudinal direction. The plies are punched so as to have holes therethrough at spaced intervals along the tube. When used to make a roofing batten to coact with conventional fasteners, such as roofing screws, the tube exhibits superior characteristics of split resistance and pull-through resistance.

Abstract: The subject process is directed to a method of attaching rectangularly shaped sheets of rubber roofing material to the upper surface of a roof and comprises affixing a plurality of rubber roof sheets, in a regular pattern, over the upper surface of a roof structure, and affixing over the rubber roof sheets in a grid-like matrix, plates on portions of the perimeter of the rubber roof sheets, fastening adjacent the perimeter edges of such sheets, in a matrix-like manner. In such matrix pattern, plates are spaced from one another in an even manner. The subsequent steps involve affixing the holding plates to seal the plates against the rubber roof sheaths.

Abstract: A prefabricated concrete wall with outer and inner wall panels seperated by a rigid insulation panel and air cavities, that allows each wall to expand and contract independently. Mounting brackets are embedded in the panels to allow the inner panel to be raised and dropped into place and openings for doors and windows are provided as well as cavities for electrical service panels, plumbing, electrical boxes, etc. The outer panels are joined together by pins and the base mounting brackets have slotted holes to allow the panels to expand and contract. Also, the outer surfaces of both the inner and outer panels may have finished surfaces to take the appearance of stucco, bricks, stones, or wood panels, etc.

Abstract: A glass block panel construction and method of fabrication useful for decorative and functional purposes. The panel includes a frame rigidly assembled from interlocking components to form a grid-like pattern of adjacent pockets, each pocket sized to receive and support a glass block by way of support lips extending around each pocket, the blocks bonded to the frame and therefore to one another in structurally stable and weather sealed relation.

Abstract: An improved plate/fastener assembly includes an elongated fastener having a first set of threads adjacent the tip and a second set of threads adjacent the head. The first set of threads has a diameter smaller than that of the second. The fastener is employed with a plate which includes a stress plate portion having a hub extending downwardly therefrom. The hub includes an opening extending therethrough which receives the fastener. The first set of threads will engage with a metal roof deck to hold the fastener in place, while the second set of threads engages with the plate to hold the plate in place. The lower face of the plate includes a plurality of ribs adapted to engage with an insulation material to prevent rotation of the plate. Each of the ribs presents a concave configuration in the direction of rotation of the plate to disengage same from the fastener.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a method of localizing leaks in roof structures and novel penetrating devices utilized for that purpose. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing roof structures and methods of repairing roofs. The penetrating devices also have the capability of leak detection when used in conjunction with a barrier layer in a roof structure.

Abstract: A masonry connector for connecting a structural steel stud and an external wythe of masonry units through interposed insulation is provided. The connector includes a substantially "L"-shaped clip, a high profile threaded screw, a first washer, and a tie wire. The "L"-shaped clip has a vertical arm for connection to the structural steel stud and a horizontal arm extending outwardly from the structural steel stud substantially at right angles to the vertical arm. The vertical arm has a first opening for insertion of the high profile threaded screw. The horizontal arm has a second opening, outwardly of the insulation when the insulation is installed for insertion of a tie wire. The high profile threaded screw is inserted through the first opening in the vertical arm of the clip and drilled through the structural steel stud. The first washer is mounted on the horizontal arm outwardly of the insulation for securing the insulation against the structural steel stud.

Abstract: A laminate cover for sealing an opening in a weatherproof roofing membrane includes a top sheet of a weather resistant material, preferably an uncured butyl rubber EPDM material, and a complementary shaped and sized lower sheet of a lightly cured butyl rubber having opposed tacky surfaces. A layer of a flowable sealing material such as an uncured butyl rubber sealing compound having a smaller dimension than that of the lower sheet, is trapped between the lower sheet and a bottom release coated carrier. Upon removal of the carrier, the cover is pressed over the opening to be sealed and an exposed peripheral tacky area of the lower sheet secures the cover to the membrane and traps the sealing compound therein. Applied or ambient heat will cause the sealing compound to flow into the opening to effectively seal the same, and will vulcanize the top sheet to provide abrasion and weather resistance for the cover.

Abstract: The subject invention is a roofing attachment plate with integrated means to seal and affix such plate on the upper part of a roof surface in order to secure a roof sheet to the upper surface of a roof. Specifically, the invention comprises a circular member on other shaped attachment plate which is adapted to be placed flush on the upper surface of the roof deck with opening means to receive a nail or stud to attach the plate to the roof structure, serving to anchor a roofing sheet to the fixed roof structure. The fastening plate has an upper cup-like chamber that is centrally located on the attachment plate and coaxially aligned with the central vertical axis of the fastening member, and such chamber has an outer circumferential surface, a portion of which has a circumferential recess to receive and hold a circular locking ring.

Abstract: A seal for leaking fissures or faults of a tunnel which has a first, deformable layer with two surfaces, one of which is scalloped in vertical cross-sectional dimension and the other of which abuts a second flexible layer of more dense material such as neoprene. The surface of the second layer remote from the first layer is overlain about its periphery by strapping preferably made from steel. The seals are generally rectangular in horizontal plan and if the seal is sufficiently elongated intermediate strappings are provided between the width end straps as required. A plurality of registering apertures are provided in the first and second layers and the strapping material to receive therethrough elongated self-threading concrete screws for securing the seal into pilot holes in the tunnel surface around a leaking fissure or fault.

Abstract: A leaktight covering, in particular for an industrial building, includes a loadbearing element adapted to be fixed to a framework element of the building, a layer of an insulating material arranged on the loadbearing element, and a cladding covering the layer of insulating material, with connection structure holding such three components assembled together. A first member is used, on the one hand, to ensure fixing of the loadbearing element to the framework element and, on the other hand, forms part of the connection structure. A second member is linked to the first member and to the cladding. In a first embodiment, the first member is a screw screwed into the framework element, and the connection structure includes a hollow, cylindrical intermediate piece, a bottom of which is fixed to the loadbearing element via the screw.

Abstract: A member (1) secured in place by a fastening element (5) attaches insulation panels (2) to a structural component (A). The fastening element (5) is driven into the structural component (A) by a setting tool (8). To prevent damage to sector-shaped parts (6) extending radially inwardly in the entrance to a passageway (4b) through the attachment member (1), a diametrically increased section (4d) of the passageway extends axially inwardly from the entrance. The diametrically increased section (4d) has a diameter increased by twice the thickness of the sector-shaped parts (6) compared to the adjacent inward diameter of the passageway, and an axial length at least equal to the free length of one of the sector-shaped parts (6). When the muzzle end (8a) of the setting tool (8) is inserted into the passageway (4b), the sector-shaped parts (6) are bent inwardly within the diametrically increased section (6d) of the passageway (4b) and, in combination with the passageway serve as a guide surface for the setting tool.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an attachment assembly for securing two membrane strips loosely laid parallel to each other and overlapping with each other. The attachment assembly incorporates a load distribution plate having short and long lateral lever-arm extension means and a bore hole defined in the plate, a fastener screw operatively connected to the load distribution plate through the bore hole, and a fastener screw operatively connected to the load distribution plate through the bore hole. The short and long lateral lever-arm extension means of the plate extend in directions relative to the fastener screw. The short lateral lever arm extension means operates with forces due to the billowing of the roofing membrane so as to uplift a long edge of the load distribution plate and thereby introduce a first force corresponding to a lever arm ratio at the long lateral lever arm extension means at an area opposite to the bore hole.

Abstract: A pair of plates are interposed between the head of a screw means fastened through a roof covering and into a roof surface and truss therebelow. One plate is a lock nut composed of ratchet toothed means fixed to and facing downwards of the screw head and the second plate is a disc-shaped member fixed to the sheath of the roof covering and has ratchet teeth facing upwards and engageable with the teeth of the screw lock nut member when the screw is mated with the disc-shaped member.

Abstract: A method for forming a temporary seal between a roof substrate and a flexible membrane is disclosed. At the end of a work day, the roofing membrane is folded upon itself along a foldline to define a leading edge of the membrane. An expandable polyurethane foam is injected into the interface formed between the membrane leading edge and the roof substrate. The foam is allowed to expand into a wedge shape and adhere to the membrane leading edge and roof substrate. After it cures, the foam wedge is substantially impervious to water and moisture migration. When work is resumed, the membrane is peeled away from the formed wedge, preferably at an angle, and the existing roof substrate is removed.

Abstract: In the construction of buildings, multiple super-imposed plastic fastening strips are employed to affix a building member to a substrate.

Abstract: A floor structure having good resistance to the passage of water vapor and gases comprisesa supporting structural substrate,a water-based adhesive layer coated on the structural substrate,a synthetic resin-metal foil laminate sheet in contact with the adhesive layer,a layer of water-based mastic applied to the resin-metal foil laminate, anda finish floor layer in contact with the mastic layer, or intermediate supporting layer(s) adhered to the mastic layer, with a finish floor layer secured to the supporting layer.

Abstract: A roof structure suitable for use with solar energy collection elements has a wide lower width-adjusting section defined at a lateral lower portion of each of a number of connecting members disposed at predetermined intervals, while a wide intermediate width-adjusting section is defined at an intermediate portion of the side of the connecting member. The lower portion of the side edge of a lighting frame serving as a roofing member is inserted into the intermediate width-adjusting section, and the side edge of a water proof sheet is laid below the lighting frame to be received inside the lower width-adjusting section. When the total width of the roofing member is greater than the backing width of the roof, the side edge of the lighting frame and that of the waterproof sheet are located in positions close to the center of the connecting member.

Abstract: An insulated roof structure which has improved fire resistant capabilities is formed on building systems structures by mounting a plurality of purlins (12) on inclined metal rafters (11) and supporting fire resistant panels (32) from the purlins (12). A plurality of support beams (25) are attached to the downwardly facing surface (51) of the purlins (12) and support the fire resistant panels (520. The fire resistant panels (52) are mounted to the support beams (25) and arranged in edge-to-edge contact with one another with the side edges (47) and (48) of adjacent fire resistant panels (52) in sealed engagement with one another.

Abstract: A washer molded from a polymeric material and useful with a fastener having a head and a shank, such as, for example, a screw or a drive pin, and a fastening assembly comprised of the washer and such a fastener, is disclosed. The fastener head is contained within a washer socket with the fastener shank extending through a washer aperture. An integral flap hinged from a lateral wall portion of the washer socket is used to substantially cover the fastener head. The flap has a curved end, which is adapted to be snap-fitted under a locking formation, comprising a curved lip, formed upon a lateral wall portion of the socket which is disposed opposite the lateral wall portion upon which the flap is hinged.

Abstract: A snap-fit fastener assembly including a receptacle member and a post member. The receptacle member is attachable to a first body such as a section of canvas or the like and the post member is attachable to a second body such as the side of a boat or the like. The receptacle member is a unitary single piece body integrally formed of a suitable plastic material and the post member includes an attachment portion and a head portion. Post engaging portions are integrally formed on the inside of the receptacle member for consistently, repeatably and securely engaging the post member in a snap-fit action such that the section of canvas may be retainably attached across the sides of the boat for covering the boat. A flexible arm with an upstanding protrusion is formed on the inside of the receptacle member for engaging a cooperatively formed groove formed on an underside of the head portion of the post member.

Abstract: A planar stress plate-buttress thread fastener assembly in which the stress plate's annulus has teeth formed on the perimeter thereof and pointed in the direction of the installation rotation of the fastener. The teeth are deflected downward out of the plane of the plate such that when the fastener is counterrotated the teeth will penetrate the fastener and prevent backout.

Abstract: A system and method for installing roof insulation in commercial and/or industrial buildings in which a pattern of depending vertically oriented spindle fasteners are secured in and about the underside of the roofing and its associated support structure. Blanket and/or a radiant barrier type membrane insulation placed in position along the underside of the roof extending between and past the fasteners is adapted to be supported by longitudinally extending tandem end-to-end support bars secured to the fasteners by self-locking washers.

Abstract: The subject invention is a roofing attachment plate with integrated means to seal and affix such plate on the upper part of a roof surface in order to secure a roof sheet to the upper surface of a roof. Specifically, the invention comprises a circular member or other shaped attachment plate which is adapted to be placed flush on the upper surface of the roof deck with opening means to receive a nail or stud to attach the plate to the roof structure, serving to anchor a roofing sheet to the fixed roof structure. The fastening plate has an upper cuplike chamber that is centrally located on the attachment plate and coaxially aligned with the central vertical axis of the fastening member, and such chamber has an outer circumferential surface, a portion of which has a circumferential recess to receive and hold a circular locking ring.

Abstract: A building roof structure includes a roof deck having a first fire-retardenat layer affixed to and extending at least partway across at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the deck. One or both of the thermal insulating member and a second fire-retardant layer are disposed upward of the roof deck and its affixed first fire-retardant layer. A layer of waterproof material is disposed atop the thermal insulating member or the second fire-retardant layer. Preferably, the roof deck and first fire-retardant layer are separated from the remaining layers by a moisture impermeable membrane. The preferred first-retardant layers include perlite, Kaltherm or other siliceous material disposed in a resin binder, or gypsum boards. The thermal insulating member is preferably a foamed urethane, while the waterproof layer is an elastomer. A method for constructing the disclosed roof structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of support strips are suspended from metal building purlins by a hook tab. This hook tab forms a part of a first one of the strip sections and is held down in locking engagement on the purlin by the telescoping engagement of another section onto the first section. Spacer strips may be employed longitudinally of the building for selectively spacing the support strips.

Abstract: A roofing washer useful with a fastener having a head and a shank, such as, for example, a roofing screw, and provided with an annular lip so as to restrain the head after the head has been driven past the annular lip is disclosed. As molded from a resilient, polymeric material, the roofing washer has a plurality of discrete cavities, which facilitate radial expansion of the annular lip, and a plurality of discrete ribs, which separate the discrete cavities. In one possible embodiment, each cavity has an inner, generally cylindrical wall, an outer, generally cylindrical wall, and two end walls, each defining a plane oriented at an acute angle relative to a radial plane. In a different embodiment, each cavity has two planar walls and a curved wall whereby the cavities have substantially triangular configurations.

Abstract: A roof panel attachment system is disclosed herein. The invention includes a roof substrate and a rigid roof panel or a plurality of such panels. The roof substrate is attached to the roof panels and the roof panels are attached to one another utilizing double backed foam adhesive tape.

Abstract: A disc-shaped stress plate to be utilized with a fastener having an elongated shank integral with a disc-shaped head includes a disc having an upper and lower surface with an indentation in the upper surface and a protrusion on the lower surface. The disc can also be provided with a plurality of gripping teeth on its bottom surface and a plurality of friction enhancing protrusions on its upper surface.

Abstract: An excellent ceramic fiber furnace is provided which prevents formation or peeling-off of minute ceramic fibers from a ceramic fiber board of the furnace caused by elevation or lowering of the furnace temperature. As a result, firing methods of using a muffle furnace, a reflector system or a brick wall furnace, etc., which necessitate a large heat source and which have inferior heat efficiencies and small temperature-raising or lowering rates, need not be used, so that investment cost and running cost can be decreased, firing of ceramic products is facilitated, the quality of the ceramic products is improved, and the firing time of the ceramic products can be decreased.