Abstract: An insulative metallic channel for supporting a construction assembly and resisting heat transfer includes an elongated web and at least one flange. The flange includes two ridges along the length of the flange and an inwardly-bent portion of the flange between the two ridges. The inwardly-bent portion extends between the two ridges approximately the entire width of the flange. An insulative material substantially fills the inwardly-bent portion of the flange.

Abstract: A frame unit of a curtain wall has a mullion, a beam and a connecting device. The mullion has a mullion recess and a mullion channel. The beam is substantially the same as the mullion and has a beam recess and a beam channel. The connecting device has a first group and a second group. The first group has a plate, two chunks and two bolts. The plate is mounted in the mullion recess. The chunks are mounted in the mullion channel. The bolts are mounted through the plate and are respectively screwed into the chunks. The second group is the same as the first group and is similarly connected with the beam. Because one beam can be connected with and spreads forces to multiple mullions, a structure of a curtain wall can be enhanced.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system is provided comprising at least first and second parallel inverted tee-runners. Each tee-runner comprises a horizontal flange and a vertical web, with the vertical web having at least two spaced openings therein. At least one ceiling panel is associated with the parallel tee-runners. The ceiling panel has opposed side walls and opposed end walls, with a pair of first tabs formed at one end of the ceiling panel and a pair of second tabs formed at the opposite end of the panel. The first tabs are relatively longer than the second tabs and have a length sufficient so that each first tab extends through one of the spaced openings in the web of the first inverted tee-runner and rests on the flange of the first tee-runner, with the second tabs being supported by the flange of the second tee-runner.

Abstract: A decking system comprised of decking panels and clips is provided. Each decking panels comprises a platform and downwardly-extending legs that rest on joists. Clips that clip onto the joists are inserted between adjacent decking panels and define a uniform gap between the panels. The clips further connect to the legs of the decking panels and hold the decking panels in place. Fasteners driven through the clips and into the joists rigidly affix the decking panels to the joists.

Abstract: A board with preformed seals. In an exemplary embodiment, a sealing material is applied to at least one edge of a board to form a preformed seal on that edge. The board is configured such that when the board is attached to a frame adjacent to a another board, at least a portion of the sealing material applied to the edge of the board seals against at least a portion of an edge another board. In one exemplary embodiment, the boards are configured to seal against edges of substantially identical boards. A plurality of the sheathing boards may be installed on a building frame to form a sheathing system that provides a moisture and/or gas barrier between and interior and exterior of a building.

Abstract: The reflective drywall panel to reduce radiant heat transfer is a drywall panel constructed with a reflective surface on one side thereof. The reflective surface functions to reflect radiant heat waves into a space during heating season or away from the space during cooling season. The reflective surface is fabricated from a plastic-metal sheet having a shiny surface. The sheet is attached to the back side (stud side) of a drywall or ceiling panel.

Abstract: A modular free standing structure and an adjustable footing configured to support the modular free standing structure are described. The structural footing comprises a support member having a support surface configured to provide vertical support to one or more modular platform structures, a base member, and an adjustable leveling mechanism disposed between the support member and the base member, and configured to level adjoining modular platform structures by adjusting a height of the support member relative to the base member about a vertical axis of the structural footing.

Abstract: A building wall system has a plurality of panels positioned adjacent one another for securement to a frame structure of a building via a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of rails secures a façade to the panels. Each rail has a first, second and third portion. The first portion receives the fasteners to secure the bracket to the frame structure. The second portion provides a surface for securement with the façade. The second portion is spaced from the panel so that fasteners do not enter the panel. The third portion rests against the panel to provide rigidity for the rail.

Abstract: A panel assembly for mounting to the façade of a building which includes a panel member having a longitudinal axis, at least one opening through the panel member for receiving a fitting which is operatively engaged to a connection assembly, and an anchoring assembly receiving the connection assembly and securing the same to the façade.

Abstract: A concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like. The mounting system includes a top clip and bottom hangers secured to a back side of the shutter. Vertically spaced upper and lower tracks are disposed behind the shutter at its upper end and a lower end. Each track includes a forwardly extending channel and a downwardly extending channel. A locking screw is received within apertures disposed substantially perpendicular to the forwardly extending channel. A nut threadably receives the locking screw and is disposed in the forwardly extending channel, whereby upon rotation of the nut, the locking screw is caused to move vertically with respect to a bottom edge of the upper track for engagement and disengagement with the top clip. The bottom hangers are operably supported by the lower track.

Abstract: A method of forming a deck may comprise forming components for the deck at a first location, including forming components of a perimeter support frame for the deck to extend along a perimeter of the deck. The components of the perimeter support frame may include a plurality of perimeter frame assemblies, and forming components of an interstitial support frame for the deck to position in the perimeter support frame. The components may be transported to a location where the deck is to be used. The method may include assembling the components of the deck to form the deck at the location. The assembling step may include assembling the perimeter support frame from the perimeter frame assemblies, assembling the interstitial support frame in the perimeter support frame, and assembling decking elements on the support frames to form a floor of the deck. A kit for the deck is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for fastening first and second structural members, typically decking joists and planks has a generally planar base plate with first and second ends and a thickness. A first vertical tab is integral with, and bent upwardly along a first bend line from an interior portion of the base plate. The bend occurs in a first direction to form a first interior angle between the first vertical tab and the second end of the base plate. A first fastener-receiving hole is positioned in the first vertical tab. A second fastener-receiving hole is positioned in the base plate between the first bend line and the second end. The first interior angle is in the range of about 85 to 90° along the first bend line. The base plate is generally trapezoidal, with a width that decreases from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: A refractory includes a cement, a binder and a matrix. The matrix comprises both stainless steel fibers and organic fibers. The refractory can be easily cast, without additional steel reinforcement, into large fire wall 16 panels 10 capable of meeting the requirements of testing conducted in accordance with ASTM E-119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials in support of IEEE Std. 979-1994, Guide for Substation Fire Protection. The fire wall 16 assembly withstood the fire endurance test without passage of flame and gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste during a four-hour fire exposure. The assembly also withstood a 45 psi water stream for five minutes immediately following the four-hour fire exposure period. This is a stringent mechanical requirement, as all fire walls 16 must maintain their integrity before, during and after a fire, per the Universal Building Code's definition of a true fire wall 16.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building section including a sub-structure and a cladding member connected in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure. A multi-function elongate, flexible insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure, facilitating alignment of the cladding, and creating a rainscreen configured to drive out moisture from the wall cavities. In some implementations, the insulating element has at least one insulating layer which is substantially incompressible and which has a substantially constant density in the range of 200 kg/m3 to 300 kg/m3. In certain preferred implementations, the insulating element can be formed of a foam material such as foam tape or thermal break tape.

Abstract: A modular system for cladding exterior walls of a structure and insulating the structure walls provides thermally isolated vertical girders secured to a structural wall. The thermally isolated vertical girders positionally maintain insulation adjacent the structure and provide a means for mounting exterior wall cladding to the structure. Planar wall panels carrying exterior wall cladding elements mount directly or indirectly to the vertical girders. Corner elements, carrying exterior corner cladding elements interconnect with the underlying system and visually appear to interconnect with adjacent edge portions of the planar wall panels.

Abstract: An assembly of prefabricated panels is provided including a plurality of prefabricated panels and mounting brackets, each of the mounting brackets having a strip structure and a plurality of hooks arranged such that the hooks are uniformly spaced apart. Each of the prefabricated panels includes a panel body, a bent section extending from an upper end of the panel body to define at least a portion of a coupling recess, and an engagement protrusion downwardly protruded from a lower end of the bent section to engage an associated one of the hooks in each of the mounting brackets, thereby allowing the prefabricated panels to be supported by the mounting brackets. The panels are configured such that an upper one of the panels may be fitted in the coupling recess of a lower one of the prefabricated panels when the prefabricated panels are coupled together.

Abstract: An improved wall structure for HVAC enclosures utilizing thermoplastic standoffs to form an air space and to separate the exterior wall structure of the enclosure from the interior wall structure. The position of the thermoplastic standoffs and the selection of the design for the standoffs insure that metallic fasteners would secure the exterior walls of the enclosure to the enclosure do not transmit thermal energy from the external wall to the internal wall.

Abstract: The modular construction block is a modular construction element for forming structures such as earth retaining walls, for example. A plurality of modular construction blocks are provided for the formation of the desired structures, with each block being hollow so as to fill the structure with concrete. Rather than acting as a removable form for the construction of a concrete wall, for example, the blocks are left in place, forming part of the permanent structure. Each modular construction block includes a hollow parallelepiped frame having first and second laterally opposed walls secured to a pair of laterally opposed ends of the hollow frame. The upper end, the lower end and a pair of longitudinally opposed ends of the hollow frame all remain open for receiving poured concrete. Both horizontally and vertically adjacent ones of the blocks are secured to one another to form the structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a beam cap incorporated into a patio extrusion assembly and which includes an elongated body exhibiting, in cross section, a width extending middle portion terminating at opposite ends in engaging tabs. The body is affixed to an exposed profile associated with a component of the extrusion assembly. Additional features include the middle portion exhibiting an arcuate configuration, with the engaging tabs further including a first pair of inner tabs each exhibiting an outwardly angled detent deflected and reseated in a resistive snap-fit fashion with aligning end channels associated with the exposed profile. The engaging tabs further include a second pair of outer tabs within which the end channels seat. Other features include the beam cap exhibiting a specified shape and size and being constructed of an extruded aluminum or least one of vinyl or PVC.

Abstract: A method of protecting an existing surface includes providing a surface to be protected; providing at least one shield section including a plurality of protective shield assemblies, each of the protective shield assemblies including a corrugated panel and a protective shield base carried by the corrugated panel; and attaching the corrugated panel to the surface with the protective shield assembly facing away from the surface.

Abstract: An interlocking portable rollout attic flooring having a plurality of planks laid in a mutual abutting relationship of side edges of the planks, to define a common longitudinally extensive top and bottom surfaces, the common bottom surface having longitudinally directed notches oriented orthogonal to the side edges. The longitudinally directed notches engaged with spaced apart beams for support and stability of the flooring. The side edges of the planks configured in a mutually overlapping relationship wherein each plank supports a portion of weight applied to each adjacent plank. At least one longitudinally directed flexible strap fixed to the top surface of the flooring to secure the planks in the abutting relationship while allowing the planks to be rolled into a cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: A building panel and a building formed therefrom, where the building includes a plurality of building panels arranged to form a cylindrical shape, where each panel comprises a single, or monolithic, glass piece, where each glass piece is substantially rectangular and includes two opposing long sides extending in a height direction and two opposing short sides extending substantially in a width direction, and where each glass piece forms an identical circular arc when viewed from either of the two opposing short sides.

Abstract: The deck track is a steel track having a series of formed receivers and fasteners. The deck track will allow a deck system to be installed without the use of any mechanical fasteners such as screws, nails or individual fasteners. The upper fasteners and receivers, referred to as tangs, maintain the desired gap between composite deck boards for the life of the deck.

Abstract: The prefabricated universal structural steel panel and panel system includes a generally elongated rectangular panel having an opposed exterior and interior surfaces, an opposed first and second end portions, and an opposed first and second side edge portions. At least two stiffening ribs are integrally formed in the panel and extend longitudinally between the first and second end portions. The first side edge portion has a beveled configuration and is integrally connected to an elongated male connecting member. An elongated female connecting member is integrally connected to the second side edge portion and extends adjacent the interior surface to define a fold. The elongated male connecting member of one panel is cooperatively profiled to mate with the female connecting member of an adjacent panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a track assembly comprising two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall. The system may further comprise a strap or series of engaging surfaces on the inner and outer tracks that generally restrain the inner track relative to the outer track.

Abstract: A fire resistive assembly including metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, HAMBRO or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The assembly is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like. The mounting system includes a top clip and bottom hangers secured to a back side of the shutter. Vertically spaced upper and lower tracks are disposed behind the shutter at its upper end and a lower end. Each track includes a forwardly extending channel and a downwardly extending channel. A locking screw is received within apertures disposed substantially perpendicular to the forwardly extending channel. A nut threadably receives the locking screw and is disposed in the forwardly extending channel, whereby upon rotation of the nut, the locking screw is caused to move vertically with respect to a bottom edge of the upper track for engagement and disengagement with the top clip. The bottom hangers are operably supported by the lower track.

Abstract: A refractory includes a cement, a binder and a matrix. The matrix comprises both stainless steel fibers and organic fibers. The refractory can be easily cast, without additional steel reinforcement, into large fire wall 16 panels 10 capable of meeting the requirements of testing conducted in accordance with ASTM E-119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials in support of IEEE Std. 979-1994, Guide for Substation Fire Protection. The fire wall 16 assembly withstood the fire endurance test without passage of flame and gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste during a four-hour fire exposure. The assembly also withstood a 45? water stream for five minutes immediately following the four-hour fire exposure period. This is a stringent mechanical requirement, as all fire walls 16 must maintain their integrity before, during and after a fire, per the Universal Building Code=s definition of a true fire wall 16.

Abstract: Mechanical clips and pier cap assemblies are provided that may be used to construct solar panel mounting frames. The assemblies include a pier cap that is configured to be attached to a top portion of a pier, which includes an opening and a flange stop. The flange stop is configured to support a solar panel mounting frame member. The assemblies further include a clip that has an aperture and a tab, with the tab being configured to be disposed through the opening in the pier cap. The assemblies further include a bolt and a nut, which are used to secure a solar panel mounting frame member to the pier cap.

Abstract: A light-framed wall structure contains a wall frame of studs, a bottom plate and a single top plate that together define a stud cavity; exterior sheathing attached to the wall frame and covering the stud cavity; and a polyurethane foam within the stud cavity and affixed to the exterior sheathing, studs, bottom plate and top plate.

Abstract: A method of fixing overlaying components together, comprising the step of piercing nails having a profiled shank through the components to fix those components together. Structures including metal sheet are also disclosed which utilize this fixing technique. The structures include composite wall panels used in tilt up wall panel construction.

Abstract: A vertical shear wall system including vertical metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The shear wall system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A building system using drywall for interior and exterior wall panels is discussed. A building system using drywall for roof and floor panels is discussed. A building system using drywall which simplifies on site fabrication and construction is discussed. A building system which reduces or eliminates wood in many embodiments is described. Building systems which substantially reduce costs are described.

Abstract: A wall panel is provided including a panel body having a front face and a rear face. A cavity is provided in the rear face of the panel body. A first mounting member is received fully within that cavity so as to not project beyond the rear face of the panel body. The wall panel system also includes a second mounting member that is secured to the wall. The first and second mounting members are connected together to attach the wall panel to the wall.

Abstract: A flooring system including horizontal metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, HAMBRO or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The flooring system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A tile system, comprising: —a mounting unit, e.g. a rail fixed to a wall; —a tile unit, e.g. a frame holding a decorative tile; —a tile unit-fastening device configured to fasten the tile unit to the mounting unit, e.g. a pin engaging recesses formed on the mounting and the tile unit, the tile unit-fastening device preferably comprising a repositioning mechanism configured to allow the tile unit to move in one or two directions parallel to the wall after the tile unit is fastened to the mounting unit, e.g. the pin having ribs on its outer surface and the recesses being elongated and having cooperating ribs on their elongated inner faces.

Abstract: A roofing system including horizontal or sloped metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The roofing system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: This invention relates to a structural cementitious panel (SCP) panel able to resist lateral forces imposed by high wind and earthquake loads in regions where they are required by building codes. These panels may be used for shear walls, flooring or roofing or other locations where shear panels are used in residential or commercial construction. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder reinforced with glass fibers and containing lightweight filler particles. One or more reinforcement members, such as mesh or plate sheets, are bonded to at least one surface of the panel to provide a completed panel that can breathe and has weather resistant characteristics to be capable of sustaining exposure to the elements during construction, without damage.

Abstract: An insulating siding system contains two components: a sheathing panel and a siding panel. The sheathing panel contains slots or grooves, while the siding panel contains connectors that fit into the slots or grooves. The siding panels are fit or attached to the sheathing panel without the need for fasteners, such as nails or staples, to penetrate the siding panel, creating a uniform exterior.

Abstract: A wall structure has a telescoping portion and a stationary portion. An overlapping section of the telescoping portion has a recess to allow dry wall to be fastened to the stationary portion at the overlapping section without being attached to the telescoping portion. The fastener pierces through the drywall and a sidewall of the stationary portion. However, a tip of the fastener does not engage a sidewall of the telescoping portion. Rather, the tip of the fastener stops within the recess of the telescoping portion.

Abstract: A foundation system includes metal framing members that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable cementitious panel. The foundation system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, and termite resistant. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track and above a centrally located and outwardly protruding lengthwise corrugated groove. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: A plank for use with multiple joists parallel to and spaced apart from each other by a joist spacing distance. The plank includes a body having a substantially planar top surface, a first horizontal axis, and a second horizontal axis. The first axis is perpendicular to the second axis. In a first orientation, the first axis is parallel to the joists and the plank is substantially fixed in a direction perpendicular to the joists. In a second orientation, the second axis is parallel to the joists and the plank is substantially fixed in a direction perpendicular to the joists.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sheet material support device that may be mounted on a framing component, such as a stud. The sheet material support device provides one or more mounting surfaces to which sheet material may be attached. In some embodiments, the sheet material support device may be configured to grip the stud.

Abstract: A system for releasably attaching a panel to a wall. The panel is provided with a front surface intended to be visible to an observer once the panel has been installed upon the wall at a rear surface opposite the front surface supporting a plurality of magnets. A corresponding plurality of brackets are attached to the wall and positioned such that when the panel is properly positioned upon the wall, the panel is releasably secured thereto by causing the plurality of magnets to be secured to the plurality of brackets. The panels can abut one another to create a variety of useful surfaces such as pegboard, corkboard, chalkboard, fabric and magnetic bulletin boards. The brackets can be oriented to obscure them from a viewer and can also be reoriented to provide a releasable attachment means for a frame to surround the panels for a more finished, aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A partition panel for dividing a room in an office comprises a pair of decoration panels each having a plurality of engagement holes, a rectangular frame between the pair of decoration panels, and an engagement member having a plurality of hooks. The hooks engage in the engagement holes of the decoration panel. The engagement member is fixed to the frame. Another partition panel comprises a rectangular frame having a vertical rod, a plurality of panels on the rectangular frame, and an engagement member having a plurality of hooks and screw holes. The engagement member is fixed to the vertical rod of the frame with screws. The partition panel can be assembled easily.

Abstract: A flooring system for radiant heating includes a top floor portion and a subfloor portion. The top portion is releasably connectable to the subfloor portion in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to a walking surface of the top portion. The top portion includes a bottom side and top channel portion downwardly depending from the bottom side. The subfloor portion includes a top side and a bottom channel portion extending upwardly from the top side. The top channel portion and the bottom channel portion bound a channel for receiving a heating conduit. The channel extends longitudinally relative to the top floor portion and the subfloor portion.

Abstract: A fastener with a head having a stepped configuration in assist in drawing down a composite material about a fastener to reduce flagging.

Abstract: A ballistic and forced entry resistant construction in which a sidewall is made up of a plurality of vertical columns, at least one perimeter floor sill section, at least one perimeter ceiling sill section, a plurality of bottom internal sleeves at spaced intervals extending upward from the perimeter floor sill section, a plurality of top internal sleeves at spaced intervals extending downward from the perimeter ceiling sill section, a plurality of upper outer panels, a plurality of lower outer panels, and a plurality of inner wall panels. A connecting tube is used to connect the upper and lower outer plates. The vertical columns are located between the bottom and top internal sleeves such that the sleeves fit inside the opposite ends of vertical columns and the upper and lower outer panels are located between vertical support columns.