Abstract: A floor element for forming a floor covering, wherein the floor element comprises a decorative layer, a support layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the decorative layer and the support layer, wherein the decorative layer is made of a brittle material, wherein the floor element comprises edges provided with coupling elements adapted to cooperate with coupling elements of an adjacent similar floor element in said floor covering and wherein the intermediate layer comprises at least one edge that is offset relative to a respective edge of the decorative layer.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable steel reinforcing assembly, especially adapted for effective use with dapped beam ends. The reinforcing assembly includes an upper assembly and a lower assembly. Running vertically through the center of each of the assemblies are aligning pin holes. Assembly is configured at the time of casting to accommodate most recent dap design.

Abstract: A backed panel comprising a facing panel and a backing panel. The backing panel has a groove, recessed portion, or any other suitable type of relief channel adapted to receive a side edge portion of a facing panel of an adjacent backed panel. By providing a space to receive a side edge portion of an adjacent facing panel, the relief channel may enable an improved lap joint to be established between adjacent backed panels.

Abstract: Prefab wall, column, ceiling concrete forms are provided. The wall or column concrete forms comprise a metal mesh portion, dented line portions, horizontal cut portions, edge-pole portions, and a foam or light concrete portion. The metal mesh portion is formed with a shape of three-sided vertical mesh frame, the metal mesh portion comprising front net and two side nets. The dented line portions are provided horizontally across a plurality of locations of the metal mesh portion. The horizontal cut portion is provided at an edge of the side nets and being configured to receive rebars. The edge-pole portion is provided vertically along an inner edge of the side nets. The foam or light concrete portion is disposed and hardened with the metal mesh portion and the plurality of dented line portion. The ceiling concrete form includes a base board, pyramidal trusses, and a longitudinal bar.

Abstract: A cover for an inflatable modular structure is claimed. A plurality of covers fit on the core of an inflatable module. An inflatable shell is attached to the core enclosing the covers and the core. In the pre-deployed configuration, the inflatable shell is folded over the covers and the covers provide a measure of protection for the shell. In the deployed state, the inflatable shell is filled with air and expands to its deployed configuration. The covers can be removed from core and attached to the inside of the shell. The covers then function as a platform to secure items in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a projected corner column A1 used for an external corner part of a wall of a building, in which a narrow chamfered part 8 is formed on an apex corner 3 of the projected corner column A1, the narrow chamfered part 8 has a continuous curved surfaces 8a, 8b rather than a flat surface so that, when the projected corner column A1 is exposed to a daytime sunlight, light parts and shade parts similar to light parts S and shade parts D that generate on surface patterned parts of a board piece 1a generate on the chamfered part 8, whereby the chamfered part 8 on the apex corner 3 of the projected corner column A1 becomes less visible as far as possible, and shades similar to the shades (S, D) that generate on the surface patterned parts generate on the chamfered part 8 to give a continuity to the patterns on the left and right board pieces 1a, 1a.

Abstract: A standoff members and a method of installation of fastenable standoff members for use in fastening finishing material to structural metal supports. The standoff member is configured with a structural support mating surface a transversely spaced finishing material mating surface. The structural support mating surface has a fastener penetration zone within which zone a fastener may be driven into the structural support. The structural support mating surface may also include an intermediary bonding adhesive or double sided adhesive tape designed for structural applications present between the structural support mating surface and the structural support. The present invention also encompasses, in a preferred form, a method of installation and/or utilization of fastenable standoff framing members wherein a structural support mating surface having a transversely spaced finishing material mating surface is fixed to a structural support.

Abstract: A sandwich structure has a core which comprises an array of core units (3) that are arranged in a staggered pattern between the walls (1,2) of the structure such that in a first direction (II—II) adjacent core units (3) are substantially aligned whereas in another direction (III—III) at least some adjacent core units (3) partly face each other and the core units (3) are arranged in said first direction (II—II) at generally larger mutual spacings (7) than in said second direction (III—III). The thus formed core is drapeable yet structural, so that it can conform to curved structures and the staggered mutual spacings (7) form no through-gaps in the core webs so that the risk of crack formation in the walls (1,2) and between walls and core is minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing adjustable roofing support spacers to underlying secondary structural supports, the adjustable roofing support spacers used to support a new sloped roof system over a preexisting roof deck. The apparatus comprises a bearing member which is positioned on top of the existing roof deck, and connectors which connect the bearing member and the support spacer to the structural support and extensive through the roof deck.

Abstract: A geodesic dome construction system utilizing a plurality of prefabricated panels having a triangular shape. Each panel includes a core of insulative material, an exterior cementitious face, an interior wall surface face, and edges of the core at an angle with respect to the faces. The exterior face includes an uncovered border portion and a wire mesh extending from the cementitious face into the border portion. The panels are assembled edge-to-edge to form a dome and the joints between panels reinforced with a wire mesh strip. The border portions and exposed wire mesh are covered with cured cementitious material forming a reinforced concrete rib along each joint.

Abstract: In a sewer manhole construction having a cylindrical bottom section adapted for placement within the ground at a pre-determined depth and having bottom and side walls, there being spaced inlet and outlet openings in the side wall above the bottom wall adapted to receive the ends of sewer conduits. The improvement which comprises a flooring upon the bottom wall including a plurality of pre-formed filler channel elements of polygonal shape and of uniform height which are mounted upon and around the bottom wall adjacent the side wall. Adjacent inner walls and opposing walls of the filler channel elements define a first channel which underlies and interconnects the inlet and outlet openings. Each channel element has a plurality of upright apertures therethrough. A layer of concrete fills the apertures and interstices between the channel elements and between the channel elements and side wall partly fills the first channel and overlies the channel elements extending the floor above the channel elements.

Abstract: In a sewer manhole construction having a cylindrical bottom section adapted for placement within the ground at a pre-determined depth and having bottom and side walls, there being spaced inlet and outlet openings in the side wall above the bottom wall adapted to receive the ends of sewer conduits. The improvement which comprises a flooring upon the bottom wall including a plurality of pre-formed filler channel elements of polygonal shape and of uniform height which are mounted upon and around the bottom wall adjacent the side wall. Adjacent inner walls and opposing walls of the filler channel elements define a first channel which underlies and interconnects the inlet and outlet openings. Each channel element has a plurality of upright apertures therethrough. A layer of concrete fills the apertures and interstices between the channel elements and between the channel elements and side wall partly fills the first channel and overlies the channel elements extending the floor above the channel elements.

Abstract: Prefabricated building components such as panels, roofing units, and floor locks and a method and machinery for producing the same. The prefabricated components are obtained by casting in form a mix containing granules of expanded polystyrene or other suitable light thermal and sound insulating material which is bonded to cement by adhesive. Depending upon their particular application, the components may be used for either load bearing or non-load bearing purposes.

Abstract: Roofs like other portions of buildings expand and contract with temperature changes in various climates and seasons. Regardless of outside temperature conditions there is almost no contraction and expansion in the roof described. Means and methods are devised for excluding all moisture from roof joints, thus the freezing and thawing conditions which usually exist are here absent. Unlike other roofs there is no overall expansion and contraction to open cracks to receive dampness, or to require roof repair or replacement. This is a permanent non expanding and non contracting roof structure.