Abstract: A framing device for a floor structure utilizing a glass floor unit having a durable glass portion and a fire-rated glass portion. A support is positioned to exert a force on the glass floor unit. A shield protects the surfaces of the glass floor unit and forms a pocket for the support.

Abstract: A mortarless retaining wall constructed of a plurality of segmental retaining wall (SRW) blocks stacked in an array of superimposed rows. Each SRW block includes a face unit having connectors and one or more anchoring units each having connectors. The anchoring unit connectors are of complementary shape to interlock with respective face unit connectors. The face unit and each anchoring unit forming the SRW block when interlocked, each anchoring unit for confronting soil being retained by the retaining wall. The face units have first and second load bearing surfaces and first and second end surfaces forming front edges which are non-linear along the entire edge. The first and second load bearing surfaces are non-planar across the entire load bearing surfaces.

Abstract: Provided are stone-like or brick-like veneer systems for covering walls. Specifically provided in embodiments are facade panels comprising: (i) a molded brick-like or stone-like panel; and (ii) a suspension rail partially embedded in the panel comprising: a first four-sided frame with horizontally and vertically disposed sides; one or more cross bar joining two or more sides of the first frame; a plurality of posts extending perpendicularly from the first frame or cross bars; a second four-sided frame in communication with the plurality of posts; a tab in communication with the frame for connecting the suspension rail to a surface.

Abstract: Provided are stone-like or brick-like veneer systems for covering walls. Specifically provided in embodiments are facade panels comprising: (i) a molded brick-like or stone-like panel; and (ii) a suspension rail partially embedded in the panel comprising: a first four-sided frame with horizontally and vertically disposed sides; one or more cross bar joining two or more sides of the first frame; a plurality of posts extending perpendicularly from the first frame or cross bars; a second four-sided frame in communication with the plurality of posts; a tab in communication with the frame for connecting the suspension rail to a surface.

Abstract: Natural stone cladding (10) with a plurality of strips (18.1, 18.2) for surface-parallel mounting on a surface to be clad, with a number of natural stone elements (11.1, 11.2) and a number of support holders (30.1, 30.2) and counterholders (20.1, 20.2). Each natural stone element (11.1, 11.2) comprises a visible front side and a rear side with a first machine-made longitudinal recess and a second machine-made longitudinal recess. Pairs of support holders (30.1, 30.2) are fastened to adjacent strips (18.1, 18.2) and one natural stone element (11.1, 11.2) is seated by the first longitudinal recess on these two support holders (30.1, 30.2). One each of the two support holders (30.1, 30.2) is seated a respective counterholder (20.1, 20.2), and each of the two counterholders (20.1, 20.2) engages in the second longitudinal recess (15) in order to secure the natural stone element (11.1, 11.2).

Abstract: A method for forming a structural paver deck assembly includes fastening structural decking panels across a bare frame structure. One or more of the decking panels includes an upper panel surface having a non-planar contoured decking panel surface. A paver decking surface is seated over the plurality of structural decking panels to form a paver decking surface. Seating includes positioning a plurality of paver pieces on the structural decking panels including interfittingly engaging the paver pieces to the non-planar contoured decking panel surface. Seating further includes aligning the plurality of paver pieces in at least one specified direction, wherein the paver pieces includes paver contour surfaces along a lower surface having a corresponding shape to the non-planar contoured decking panel surface. Interfitting engagement of the paver contour surfaces with the non-planar contoured panel surface orients the one or more paver pieces in the at least one specified direction.

Abstract: A system and method of attaching a natural stone to a wall surface includes attaching a piece of natural stone to a base plate so as to leave at least a portion of the base plate uncovered by the piece of natural stone and attaching the base plate to the wall surface with a fastener extending through the uncovered portion of the base plate.

Abstract: Veneers for walls, retaining walls, retaining wall blocks, gabions, wire faces, and other structures are provided. Various methods of attaching the veneers are also described. A combination of a wall block and a veneer is provided. The wall block has a front face with a block connection space, and the veneer has a front face with a veneer connection portion. The veneer is attached to the front face of the wall block by the veneer connection portion, which is disposed in the block connection space.

Abstract: Natural stone cladding (10) with a plurality of strips (18.1, 18.2) for surface-parallel mounting on a surface to be clad, with a number of natural stone elements (11.1, 11.2) and a number of support holders (30.1, 30.2) and counterholders (20.1, 20.2). Each natural stone element (11.1, 11.2) comprises a visible front side and a rear side with a first machine-made longitudinal recess and a second machine-made longitudinal recess. Pairs of support holders (30.1, 30.2) are fastened to adjacent strips (18.1, 18.2) and one natural stone element (11.1, 11.2) is seated by the first longitudinal recess on these two support holders (30.1, 30.2). One each of the two support holders (30.1, 30.2) is seated a respective counterholder (20.1, 20.2), and each of the two counterholders (20.1, 20.2) engages in the second longitudinal recess (15) in order to secure the natural stone element (11.1, 11.2).

Abstract: A method of constructing a building façade comprising, casting at least one plate member; coupling at least one load member to the plate member; aligning a first façade assembly levelly prior to attachment to the substrate; aligning a second and third façade assembly horizontally adjacent and vertically adjacent the first façade assembly, respectively, by interface with the first façade assembly, and repeating the steps of aligning additional façade assemblies to form a facade.

Abstract: Two building panels are connected through a column. One panel is bolted to the column, for example by way of fasteners passing through holes in a rib of the panel into threaded inserts in the column. A second panel is also bolted to the column, for example to threaded inserts open to another face of the column. Further panels in an upper or lower story of a building may be connected to the same column such that vertically stacked panels are connected together. In another connection, one end rib of a panel is made to receive a second panel. The second panel can be attached to the end rib of the first panel to make a corner.

Abstract: A method of forming an exterior wall of a building, including the wall, includes the step of mounting a fiber-reinforced panel to the building. The panel has a plurality of masonry units protruding from the face thereof that are spaced from one another with a groove between each of the masonry units. The method includes mounting a second, similar panel to the building spaced from the first panel with a groove therebetween, and injecting mortar into the grooves between the masonry units and the groove between the panels. The mortar covers the grooves between masonry units and the groove between panels to look the same, thereby making it difficult to distinguish the repeat pattern.

Abstract: A wall structure (10) comprising concrete composite masonry blocks (12) supported and interconnected by elongate support beams (16) is disclosed. The blocks (12) are shaped to be stacked in vertically independent columns (14) and are held in place by the specially shaped, lightweight support beams (16) placed between the adjacent columns (14). The wall structure (10) may be adapted for use as a bearing or non-bearing wall.

Abstract: A connector is provided for coupling a veneer panel to a back-up wall. The connector includes a veneer connector and a support member. The veneer connector is adapted to support a generally horizontal edge of the veneer panel. The support member includes a mounting flange that is adapted for securing the support member to the back-up wall. The support member further includes at least one support member side wall for supporting the veneer connector. The at least one support member side wall extends from the mounting flange and is generally vertical. A system of such connectors may be used for the mounting of one or more veneer panels on a back-up wall.

Abstract: There is described a substantially planar, self supporting, sheet or film (optionally oriented) which comprises at least one layer comprising a first material which is very highly crystalline polymer (preferably polypropylene of 99% or greater isotacity) together with at least one second material in an amount sufficient to improve one or more of the barrier properties, mechanical properties and/or optical properties of the sheet. The second material comprises a (a) nucleating agent; (b) a polymeric material having a ring and ball softening point from about 110° C. to about 170° C. and/or (c) a hydrogenated resin such as dicyclopentadiene hydrogenated resin, a hydrogenated mixed monomer resin; and/or a resin obtainable from a mixture of a-methyl styrene, indene and/or vinyl toluene monomers. Processes for making such films and compositions for use in the process are also described. Such films are useful in shrink wrap applications for example wrapping tobacco products.

Abstract: A view panel for a raised floor system is described which is constructed by an outer rigid frame, an upper plate of a tempered glass panel and a lower plate of an apertured steel panel for providing structural support of the view panel. The invention further describes a raised floor system that utilizes such view panels installed in floor panels in a semiconductor fabrication environment.

Abstract: A composite masonry block and wall system for skirting elevated structures. The block is shaped to be stacked in vertically independent columns, held in place by specially shaped, lightweight beams placed between adjacent columns, and also by synthetic U-shaped lateral supports which open downwardly and are attached to the bottom of the elevated structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wall for resisting lateral forces imposed on a building that incorporates the wall. Specifically, this invention relates to a wall in a light-frame building having within it a sub-component specifically designed to resist lateral forces imposed on the building such as those caused by an earthquake or by wind loading. The wall is formed with a bottom plate that rests on the underlying structural component of the building. A plurality of vertically-disposed studs connect to the bottom plate, and a top plate is supported by and connects to the vertically-disposed studs. A shear-resisting assembly connects to the top plate and the underlying structural component. The shear-resisting assembly has top and bottom struts and first and second chords and a planar shear resisting element connected thereto.

Abstract: An interstitial junction spacer for positioning and supporting a plurality of blocks in a matrix for a wall construction, the blocks being of the type having two parallel rectangular side faces and four adjoining end faces orthogonally adjoining the corresponding edges of the side faces and the ends of each other contiguously to form a continuous circumferential edge of the block, the profile of the circumferential edge being substantially concave, whereby the corresponding edges of the side faces define an outer cusp along the opposing sides of each said end face; said spacer comprising a pair of intersecting and integral spacer means, each spacer means having a pair of coplanar edge members of a prescribed thickness adapted to repose in juxtaposition with the outer cusps of the circumferential edge of a said block along the adjoining end of the end face of the block to space the same from another block or surface disposed adjacent to said block, and an interconnecting web portion to integrally interconnect

Abstract: The present invention provides a divided light inserts which employ metal caming and a kit for mounting the inserts on existing windows. The preferred divided light inserts use substantially lead-free, rigid caming which incorporates a flange and steel core around the perimeter of the insert. The preferred mounting kit provides for ventilation between the insert and the primary glazing panel of a window in which the insert is mounted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming a stone-paved floor. A flexible frame structure is formed from a plurality of connector bars linked to one another through pivotable joints at the ends thereof. Connector bars are coupled in a crossed configuration at center portions thereof to form a plurality of enclosures into which paving stones are fitted.

Abstract: A modular system of structural framing in which a multiplicity of pre-stressed compression frame modules are combined into frameworks of any required size by use of common connecting means such as plates and brackets. Each compression frame module comprises a plurality of framing members forming a polygonal frame, and a loop means longitudinally encircling the frame. Tension is applied to the loop. The ends of the framing members are shaped to provide a non-invasive means of engaging and joining abutting framing members. The tensioned loop serves as the single fastener holding the module together while simultaneously pre-stressing the module by putting it into compression, thereby achieving a synergistic strength. Additionally, separate non-invasive joints and a removable double-cam clamping device are provided to improve the functionality of the system and to facilitate use of interchangeable parts.

Abstract: The panel comprises an outer plate (70) supported by a metal frame (71). Two opposite sides of the frame are formed by light metal profiled elements (72, 73) having a rim (74) which extends along one edge (75) of the outer surface of the plate. This rim may be bevelled or right-angled. The plate is clamped between the opposing rims (74) by means of two threaded steel rods (76). The other two edges of the panel are devoid of any metal element. The panel (62) may be placed on the front of a window (63) or an opaque part of the facade. This panel makes it possible to attach, without the use of glue, thin facade facing plates, particularly plates of glass or stone, so that they are virtually the only visible parts of the facade.

Abstract: An extruded molding configured to frame glass masonry block for building structures, particularly wood frame structures, the molding having a flat base portion on which the block is seated and raised side elements forming a channel with breakaway spacer elements to accommodate block of different width, the molding in an exterior embodiment having a weather flash and as nailing flange to prevent water seepage under the molding, and in an interior embodiment having coupling members for coupling a cap for finishing edges of exposed glass block structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for the installation of building tiles without any adhesive materials (fine grained sand and cement or glues) or joint fillers (e.g. stucco), directly onto a bare wall or floor without any prior preparation of the latter. This method shows substantial advantages and is implemented using frame-plates mountable onto the wall or floor and standardized tiles with engagement means, suitable to match corresponding engagement means of the frame plates.An illustrative view of the installation process with the frame plates and tiles of the invention is presented in FIG. 16.

Abstract: A flexible assembling partition system includes a plurality of octagonal block units assembled with one another, at least a sheathing frame member for covering all side extensions formed on each block unit, and a plurality of face members each face member embedded in each block unit serving as a finishing, decorative illuminative surface for each block unit, thereby forming a partition structure easily optionally assembled or disassembled.

Abstract: A curtain wall building panel having a metal frame secured to the reverse side of a concrete panel with flexible anchors. A 3-D braid is formed in such a manner that non-metallic fibers are braided in the three directions at a pitch of 5 mm or more and have a self-supporting characteristic. The braid is embedded in the concrete panel and the front ends of the flexible anchors are secured to cell spaces in the 3-D braid. The curtain wall exhibits excellent bending strength, can be easily manufactured and can be used for exterior finish of multistory buildings. A method of making the building panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A floor assembly for a building structure includes a plurality of support members defining a horizontal perimeter supported by the building structure. A grid formed of a plurality of horizontal grid members extends between the support members. Pocket surfaces on adjoining ones of the grid members define pockets for glass blocks. The glass blocks define horizontal glass floor surface supported by the grid members, with the grid members being supported by the support members.

Abstract: There is disclosed a slab (10) adapted to be laid on a floor surface (11) in abutting relationship with like slabs to form an access floor. The slab has at least one channel (20) on its underside extending between edges thereof and adapted to be coincident with the channels of neighboring slabs to form an extended duct through which cabling and the like may be extended.

Abstract: Means for erecting a wall of preferably disc-like wall blocks, particularly glass blocks, having marginal support portions adjacent the wall surfaces limiting the bearing sides of the blocks, an offset surface being located between the support portions. A flat strip is located between the offset surfaces of superimposed or adjacent wall blocks which is made preferably of tension material. Support pieces are connected to the flat strip or are integrally formed therewith, the support pieces having a suitable support section adapted to be located between superimposed or adjacent support portions.

Abstract: A supporting frame is provided for a light-transmitting ceiling panel, which panel extends to a vertical wall or other surface. The supporting frame is particularly designed for lighted ceilings in which light transmitting panels extend from wall to wall in a room and have sources of light thereabove. The supporting frame includes a side frame member having a horizontal flange which supports an edge of the light-transmitting panel and a vertical flange extending along a surface of the wall or vertical surface. The frame member is affixed to the vertical wall by suitable means extending through the vertical flange and the vertical flange also has indentations and/or openings to aid in affixing joint compound or the like thereto. In a preferred form, the supporting frame member has a shoulder formed at the junction of the vertical and horizontal flanges to which the joint compound or the like is spread when it is applied to the vertical flange and over the adjacent vertical surface of the wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retrofit glazing system having a sub-frame mountable to the framework of an existing glazing system of a building. The sub-frame cooperates with an interlocking miniframe bonded to a glazing panel. The sub-frame and interlocking miniframe and glazing panel are installed from the exterior of the building. In an alternate embodiment, the sub-frame is bonded to the glazing panel and is installed from the interior of the building.

Abstract: A floor construction, suitably for use in rooms containing electrical switchgear, computers and like apparatus, comprises a plurality of mutually parallel, elongated and longitudinally extending first joists (8,9), and a plurality of mutually parallel, elongated, transversely extending second joists (12,13,14,15) extending at right angles across the first joists (8,9). The joists define one or more square and/or rectangular cavities, which are covered by one or more right-angled slabs (7,7',7"). These slabs form the surface of the floor and are dimensioned so as to be supported along the whole of their edge portions by the upper surfaces of adjacent joist sections.The elongated, longitudinally extending first joists (8,9) are provided with a plurality of first recesses (20) spaced at a given distance apart. These first joists (8), of reduced flexural resistance, are arranged to lie on a supporting foundation.

Abstract: A patio deck construction comprising a frame defining a plurality of apertures adapted to receive a plurality of fixedly dimensioned patio stones in a fixed, level arrangement above a ground surface. Planks forming the frame are notched to form ledges which peripherally support the stones within the apertures. At least one stringer plank extends across the border of the frame so as to increase the rigidity of the frame. Cross planks extend between adjacent stringer planks or a stringer plank and a border plank. Preferably, the planks include notches adapted to receive the end of an intersecting plank to further rigidify the frame. An additional feature comprises a plastic sheet laid under the frame to inhibit the growth of vegetation which can detract from the ornamental appearance of the patio stone deck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for erecting walls made of glass structural bricks and a joint-lining in which the said bricks are built up with the joint-mortar, if necessary strengthened with reinforcing elements, with substantially horizontal and vertical joints, brick by brick, from bottom to top of the wall and the joints therein are lined, in connection with which, and for the purpose of reducing the need for skilled masons to such an extent that correct laying of the glass bricks may also be carried out by unskilled and untrained labor, and so that the amount of equipment required at the work-site may be considerably reduced or completely eliminated, provision is made, according to the invention, for the respective outer and inner linings of the horizontal and vertical joints to be applied, whereupon the lining of at least one horizontal joint, possibly after inspection of the reinforcing rods between the said joint-linings, is used as a lost outer shuttering for the joint-mortar and serves thereafte

Abstract: A process, as well as the relative elements therefore, for the realization, in loco, of floors, tile clothings or similar with different materials, or more generally with each material which is adapt for said purposes.

Abstract: The invention is comprised of a plurality of parallel spaced-apart stud members with a plurality of blocks positioned between adjacent stud members. A plurality of straps are positioned around alternate stud members to form a lattice assembly. When the straps are tightened, the blocks are held within the lattice assembly. The entire lattice assembly is surfaced with a layer of concrete, plaster, or other suitable building material to provide a load bearing building structure. Providing that the surface material can withstand the abuses of weather, the building structure of the invention may be used for exterior walls and roofs. In a specific embodiment in which the blocks are of a foamed polystyrene insulating material the invention provides a better insulated building structure that conventional construction.

Abstract: As an article of manufacture, a glass block panel comprising a plurality of glass blocks having a circumferential rib around the edges thereof. The glass blocks are uniformly spaced apart edge to edge in a width and breadth direction by longitudinal spacer members. The spacer members are provided with grooves for receiving therein the circumferential rib of the glass blocks. The spacer members are laterally slotted to the center from one side thereof and are interconnected to form a reticular framework between the glass blocks. The reticular framework provides a mortar space between the glass blocks at the faces thereof in which are fitted spacer bars longitudinally abutting against the edges of the spacer members. Further provided in the spaces between the glass blocks is caulking material to form the mortar like joints between the glass blocks of the panel. Banding means are tightened circumferentially around the edges of the glass blocks to secure the panel as an article of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stone structural securement system and method. In particular, an intermediate sheet steel strut member having a predetermined structural and geometrical configuration is interconnected between the structural frame of an edifice and the exterior masonry panels thereof which serve as facings. The strut members are secured to the structural frame by means of specialized clip members and the facing panels are secured to the strut members by stone anchor and clip arrangements.

Abstract: An access cover frame for an underground station such as a pumping station is provided with a cleat connection for assembling a plurality of access covers to accommodate various size stations. The access cover frames are formed of members having a base and parallel sides which define an outwardly facing channel. Returned flanges are formed on said sides and cover a portion of the channel. A longitudinally extending cleat connecting member has grooves formed along the length thereof for receiving the returned flanges of juxtaposed frames thereby connecting said frames along the juxtaposed sides.

Abstract: A structural unit body comprises an outer flange extending outwardly from the edge of a box-like frame plate and an inner flange extending inwardly from the other edge. A stuffed box is secured by anchoring means to the inner flange such stuffed box being made of dampproof material covered with a metal net and stuffed with noncombustible materials of mineral or inorganic fibers. Cement mortar is applied to the frame plate, inner flange and to the metal net of the stuffed box and a circumferential groove is formed between the outer flange and the underside of the cement mortar.