Abstract: A fastener, includes a first clip member having a first base portion and two first arm portions that extend upwardly from two sides of the first base portion, a second clip member locked with the first clip member and having a second base portion and two second arm portions that extend upwardly from two sides of the second base portion, and at least one hook portion extending from a distal end of one of the first and second arm portions, wherein the first and second clip members are arranged horizontally along two different directions, the second base portion is positioned on the first base portion.

Abstract: A circular multi-panel acoustic baffle assembly for suspending above an occupied space, the assembly including a plurality of baffle panel units each radiating away from a common center and generally lying in a vertical plane, upper edges of the baffle panel units lying in a common imaginary surface of revolution about the center, the baffle panel units being joined by common inner and outer arcuate ribs concentric with the center, radially inner ends and radially outer ends of the baffle panel units lying on imaginary circles concentric with the center.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting misconfiguration of an uplink or an external network device connected with the uplink is disclosed. In an aspect, a Frame Link Module (FLM) in a frame belonging to a group of frames connected in a ring network, may determine that an uplink of the FLM is configured in a management mode. The FLM may determine, based on a system description associated with a Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) packet, whether the uplink is connected to a network device in an external network. Based on Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) traffic being dropped, it may be determined that VLAN configuration of one of the uplink and the network device is incompatible for operation in the management mode. The uplink with incompatible VLAN configuration or the uplink connected with a network switch having incompatible VLAN configuration may be removed from a group of uplinks available for selection as an active uplink for the frames.

Abstract: A ceiling support system includes a support beam configured to enable modular assembly of the dropped ceiling and including a core portion. A length of a face of the core portion extends along a first axis transverse to a length of first and second lateral sides of the core portion, which extends along a second axis. The support beam includes a base, a first hook extension having a first clip ledge extending from the first lateral side of the core portion and a first lip extending from a first distal edge of the first clip ledge, and a second hook extension having a second clip ledge extending from the first lateral side of the core portion and a second lip extending from a second distal edge of the second clip ledge. The first hook extension and the second hook extension are configured to receive a slidable joining clip therebetween.

Abstract: In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, solar energy shade structures and support systems are disclosed that have electrical components concealed or screened within columns located under the structure. For example, a solar energy structure may comprise: a solar panel support structure, a plurality of solar panels supported by the solar panel support structure, a plurality of vertical supports connected to the solar panel support structure for supporting the solar panel support structure elevated above a surface, and a column, located under the solar panel support structure. The column comprises an electrical component mounted to the column in a screened manner, wherein the electrical component comprises at least one of a string inverter, a combiner, and a battery.

Abstract: Solar energy shade structures and methods of designing and installing the same are disclosed. These structures are capable of supporting a contiguous planar solar panel support structure at heights greater than 18 feet above their mounting surface. The planar solar panel support structure may contiguously cover at least two areas of different area types, including parking spaces and driving aisles, and may be at least 64 feet long by 64 feet wide. The planar solar panel support structure may have a high panel density defined in that an arrangement of the plurality of solar panels that is uninterrupted by service or access lanes. The majority of the plurality of solar panels may be fixed at an angle that would be non-optimal for energy generation in each individual panel of the majority of the plurality of solar panels, but results in optimal power density for the entire solar energy shade structure.

Abstract: An insulating panel structure has an inner surface for attachment to a building exterior and an outer surface for attachment to cladding material. The panel structure has external stringers for attachment of the cladding, connectors extending perpendicularly from the inner surface to the external stringers to transmit compressive forces from the cladding to the building, lateral connectors that run diagonally upward from the external stringers to the inner surface to transmit tensile forces from the weight of the cladding to the building, and insulating foam embedded between the panel inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A supported architectural structure is presented. A plurality of primary supports configured to couple with one or more architectural structures. A plurality of flexible fins, where at least one of the plurality of flexible fins includes an inner edge and an outer edge, where the inner edge includes a plurality of attachment points. A plurality of secondary supports configured to couple with the plurality of primary supports, where at least one of the secondary supports includes a plurality of fin slots configured to couple with the plurality of attachment points.

Abstract: A supported architectural structure is presented. A plurality of primary supports configured to couple with one or more architectural structures. A plurality of flexible fins, where at least one of the plurality of flexible fins includes an inner edge and an outer edge, where the inner edge includes a plurality of attachment points. A plurality of secondary supports configured to couple with the plurality of primary supports, where at least one of the secondary supports includes a plurality of fin slots configured to couple with the plurality of attachment points.

Abstract: A system and method for a supported architectural design. A plurality of primary supports configured to couple with one or more architectural structures. A plurality of flexible fins, where at least one of the plurality of flexible fins includes an inner edge and an outer edge, where the inner edge includes a plurality of attachment points. A plurality of secondary supports configured to couple with the plurality of primary supports, where at least one of the secondary supports includes a plurality of fin slots configured to couple with the plurality of attachment points.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wall structure of a building, including a first plate-shaped support body made of a solid foam material, the surface of which to be directed toward the inside of the building adjoins an insulation layer, a first wavelike metal wire grille, which is foamed at least partially into a surface of the first support body to be directed toward the outside of the building, and first fastening elements, which penetrate both the first metal wire grille and the first support body in order to fasten support elements, between which the insulation layer is accommodated.

Abstract: An interconnectable refractory anchor for receiving moldable refractory material together and creating a protective ceramic refractory lining minimizing erosion and increasing the useful life of refractory linings in reactors and vessels. The interconnected anchoring system comprises a plurality of interconnectable refractory anchors for use in a high temperature severe duty environment. The steps of the method comprise interconnecting a plurality of refractory anchors, fastening the interconnected anchoring system to a vessel, fitting a moldable refractory material into the spaces, and curing the moldable refractory material to service temperature creating a protective ceramic refractory lining for the vessel.

Abstract: A panel and panel systems are described herein and can include a rigid panel that includes a plurality of apertures and an undulating pattern. The panel acts to block sunlight and may otherwise protect the area behind the panel. In an example, the panel is fixed in a spaced apart relation to a building. The panel or panels block a portion of the direct sunlight to assist in the environmental control of the building. The panel can be strong enough to further protect the building from weather damage or other damage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wall and surface veneering products and systems that provide a replica image of a natural surface, such as stone, brick or wood, and is easily installable due to its lightweight characteristics and securement design. The present invention further includes systems for attachment of the veneering product to walls or other surfaces and also includes systems for assembling such products to provide pleasing arrangements and complete wall coverage. The present invention also includes methods of manufacture, which ensures the natural appearance of stone or wood by imaging a natural surface, such as stone or wood, and preparing a mold from that image to mass produce a replica of that particular surface.

Abstract: A wall or ceiling panel secures a grid insert, preferably of an architectural metal mesh, within a frame using a series of spring clips. The spring clips engage the metal mesh and are retained in a securing slot provided at an interior edge of the panel frame. Each spring clip includes at least one engagement member that passes through and engages the grid insert. The spring also includes a securing base that is received and retained within the securing slot of the frame. The panel can also include a securing arrangement for supporting the grid member at a position spaced from the frame to avoid downward bowing of the metal mesh.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer decoupling system, in particular for the laying of ceramic paving according to a thin-bed method. Said system comprises a layered construction containing, from the base upwards, an anchoring fleece made of non-woven material, an anchorage layer that is configured from a lattice-type structural element and that is used to hold a filler material, which is to be incorporated into the upper face of the decoupling system and which is plastic during processing and subsequently cures, in addition to a reinforcement layer, which is fixed, at least in some sections, to the anchorage layer. This improves the load-bearing capacity of the decoupling system and the bonding properties of ceramic paving that is laid in a conventional manner on the decoupling system.

Abstract: A screening device is provided with multiple channel upper and lower panel retaining members that allow multiple panels to be laterally moved past each other. Channel end caps, a panel rolling member assembly and close spacing of the upper and lower panel retaining members prevent removal of the panels from the screening device. A support structure uses angled castings and extrusion members for rapid custom screen device assembly that avoids long welding assembly times as well as subsequent weld failure due to screen device vibration. The panel rolling member assembly uses balls, rollers or wheels to easily move the panels in their channels. A trim member with oppositely faced channels engages upper and lower projections on the panel retaining members and covers fastener heads located in a recess in the panel retaining members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer decoupling and sealing system (1), in particular for the laying of ceramic paving (10) according to a thin-bed method (12). Said system comprises a layered construction containing, from the base upwards, a liquid-impermeable sealing layer (4), an anchorage layer (2, 3) that is configured from a lattice-type structural element and that is used to hold a filler material (12), which is to be incorporated into the upper face of the decoupling and sealing system (1) and which is plastic during processing and subsequently cures, in addition to a reinforcement layer (5), which is fixed, at least in some sections, to the anchorage layer (2, 3). This improves the load-bearing capacity of the decoupling and sealing system (1) and the bonding properties of ceramic paving (10) that is laid in a conventional manner on the decoupling and sealing system (1).

Abstract: A floor system for a building includes prefabricated grid sections attached to framing members of the building and a plurality of panels mounted to the grid to form a structurally integrated floor. The panels are removable to provide access to space below the floor that would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor. A subfloor deck below the floor separates one building story from another and encloses the space between the floor and the deck, which can be used for temporary and permanent installations including, for example, pipes for water, laboratory gases, and compressed air, and power, telephone, and data cables; and as a plenum for HVAC. Either or both of the floor and the subfloor deck can be attached to the building frame to function as a diaphragm. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors and raised accessible flooring systems.

Abstract: An up-tight surface covering system for attaching a facing of a panel member to a support structure comprises an adjustable hanger bracket for attaching a grid member to the support structure and a clip for attaching the panel member to the grid member. The adjustable hanger bracket comprises an arm rotatably attached to a support. The arm includes a first section extending substantially parallel to the support and a second section extending substantially perpendicular to the support. The second section has at least one slot for receiving a mechanical fixing member. The clip comprises a main body portion having an attachment member extending from a substantial center thereof. The main body portion has engagement members extending from opposing sides of the main body portion and substantially perpendicular thereto. The engaging members have abutment members extending from side surfaces thereof substantially perpendicular to the main body portion and the engaging members.

Abstract: A screening device is provided with multiple channel upper and lower panel retaining members that allow multiple panel members to be slid in front of or behind each other. Channel end caps and close spacing of the upper and lower panel retaining members prevent removal of the panels from the screening device. A support structure uses angled castings and extrusion members for rapid custom screen device assembly that avoids long welding assembly times as well as subsequent weld failure due to screen device vibration. A corner panel, decorative trim, a top panel retaining member alignment tang, and a fastener concealing end cap are also provided.

Abstract: Panels for making a swimming pool have a globally rectangular planar prefabricated structure delimited by a peripheral frame consisting of vertical and horizontal wings, one of the vertical wings having, suitably distributed over its height, fixing arrangements adapted to cooperate with matching arrangements of the other vertical wing of an adjacent panel. The matching arrangements are selected to enable the panels to be automatically assembled after said arrangements have been engaged under a pressure force exerted in a plane parallel to the vertical wings and to ensure tightness in combination with a profiled shape arranged over the whole length of the vertical wings at their connecting portion with the planar surface of the structure.

Abstract: A paneling system for ceilings of a building structure in which the panels are suspended by hook shaped flanges, on opposite sides of each panel from flat arms of L- or Z-shaped panel carriers or support rails. One flange of each panel extends over the flange of a neighboring panel atop the horizontal arm of a panel carrier.

Abstract: Main bars end intersecting cross bars each have mated slots in their aligned edges. Deformable pairs of arms on one of the sets set of bars are crimped into openings in the other set of bars at the bar intersections to hold the bars together and make a strong and attractive grating.

Abstract: A thin brick panel assembly having improved water drainage and integral brick retention. A substratum includes horizontal rows of dovetail-shaped projections with interruptions therein. Mortar ties having a flat plate portion, a substratum engagement extension, and mortar engagement extension are fastened to the substratum such that the mortar engagement extensions align with the interruptions in the projections. Bricks are snap-fit to the substratum over the mortar ties and between the projections. The bricks crush portions of the dovetail-shaped projections and lie flat against the mortar ties. Mortar is applied between the bricks and flows through apertures in the mortar engagement extensions of the mortar ties to interlock the mortar ties, the substratum and the bricks.

Abstract: A floor system for a building that includes primary and secondary structural supports, a grid attached to the supports, and a plurality of panels removably mounted in the grid to provide access to the space below the panels and the grid. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors, and provides ready access to the underlying space, which would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor.

Abstract: A grille system comprising at least two rod arrangements 1a and at least one clamping member 12. The clamping member 12 retains the rod arrangements b 1a in a predetermined spacial configuration. Each rod arrangement 1a comprises a straight rod 2 having a first end portion 2a provided with an expanded portion 3 received by the clamping member 12. The clamping member 12 comprises two separate, corresponding portions 5 secured together by a bolt 10 and nut 11. The grille system is used as a security grille or in the manufacture of garden furniture or plant supports.

Abstract: A connector frame for use as a support member for mounting grilles at ventilation openings in a building structure. The connector frame allows the grills to be mounted in slightly different locations to hide imperfections at the edges of the ventilation openings. The connector frame may include a pair of single connector frames that may be separated into two singly usable frames.

Abstract: Main bars and cross bars have mated slots. Deformable arms on one set of bars are crimped into openings in the other set of bars at the bar intersections to hold the bars together and make a strong attractive grating.

Abstract: A removable window safety barrier includes two vertical frame members, two horizontal frame members, and additional horizontal and vertical members attached to the horizontal and vertical frame members. The barrier includes at each end of the vertical frame members flanges having holes of suitable size and shape to engage and be supported by pins affixed to the sides of a window with two such pins pointing upwardly from the bottom of the window, and two such pins facing downwardly from the top of the window.

Abstract: A floor system for a building that includes primary and secondary structural supports, a grid attached to the supports, and a plurality of panels removably mounted in the grid to provide access to the space below the panels and the grid. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors, and provides ready access to the underlying space which would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a building system with an unusual combination of foam plastic and common structural members. Flanged steel structural members are inserted through openings in wire trusses and the resulting assembly is fused together with foam plastic inside a large mold. Multiple copies of said assemblies are molded into a single large block of polystyrene. This method provides for subsequent separation of the panels using conventional hot wire cutting equipment. The separated assemblies have flat flanges that project toward the panel faces but are hidden under a thin layer of foam plastic. Access to these flanges allows mechanical attachment of panel-joining membranes and a wide variety of surface finish materials. This method simultaneously provides smooth polystyrene surfaces for adhesive attachment of some finishes, including those that utilize glass fiber mesh.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a roof curb assembly. The apparatus typically includes an outer shell, the outer shell including first and second portions attachable to one another to form a polygonal shape. The apparatus also typically includes a base plate assembly attachable to the shell and a bar assembly. The base plate assembly is typically receptive of the bar assembly. The apparatus further includes an inner liner arranged interior to the outer shell and an insulator disposed between the inner liner and the outer shell. The bar assembly includes a plurality of integral crisscrossing bars that operate as a restriction to unauthorized access to the interior of the roof curb assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular upright for building structures and a sliding safety grille which can be obtained by assembling these uprights. In a preferred embodiment, the modular upright (10) comprises a pair of anti-cutting reinforcing elements (1) which are lined by U-shaped modular elements (3) alternating with joining elements (2) and fastened together by at least one anti-pulling element (6) sliding vertically between two joining elements (2), in the space between the surface of the reinforcing elements (1) and the U-shaped modular elements (3).

Abstract: A gate for sliding windows or doors in a frame is provided. The gate provides two gate elements. The first element is attached to the window frame. The second element is attached to the sliding window. The two elements are coupled together to allow each element to slide across the other. The elements are positioned in the frame to create a barrier in a space created when a window is slid to an open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for permanently securing a grating sheet having parallel and transverse bars that form a pattern of openings to a structural member. The apparatus includes an elongated generally L-shaped connector having an upper plate section generally rectangular in shape for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheet and a downwardly extending sidewall formed integrally with the plate section and adapted to extend along a longitudinal edge of the grating sheet. The L-shaped connector also can include a plurality of downwardly extending teeth formed integrally with the plate section and spaced apart from each other for insertion in between the grating bars. At least one generally right-angled brace is attached to the outer surface of the sidewall for permanently securing the L-shaped connector to the structural member.

Abstract: A grill system comprising at least two rod arrangements 1a and at least one clamping member 12. The clamping member 12 retains the rod arrangements 1a in a predetermined spacial configuration. Each rod arrangement 1a comprises a straight rod 2 having a first end portion 2a provided with an expanded portion 3 received by the clamping member 12. The clamping member 12 comprises two separate, corresponding portions 5 secured together by a bolt 10 and nut 11. The grille system is used as a security grille or in the manufacture of garden furniture or plant supports.

Abstract: A hurricane protection system comprises a rigid sheet in a rectangular configuration positioned within a window opening with an upper edge, a lower edge, and parallel side edges. A plurality of fixed retention mechanisms are secured to the sheet adjacent to the lower edge. Each fixed retention mechanism has a plate secured to the sheet and a downwardly extending finger with a lower end positioned in an associated hole and an upper end secured to the plate. A plurality of supplemental retention mechanisms are secured to the sheet adjacent to the upper and side edges. Each of the supplemental retention mechanisms include a J-shaped finger with a short leg and a long leg terminating in a free end reciprocal between a locked orientation within an associated hole and unlocked orientation out of, but aligned with, an associated hole. Each of the supplemental retention mechanisms include a bracket with a central face attached to the sheet.

Abstract: A device is provided for protecting a window or door during severe storms. A panel, cut to fit in a window frame, is held in place by the action of the locking assemblies described herein. A rubber gasket can be used along on e side of the panel in place of some of the locking assemblies. Different embodiments of the assembly are described for mounting along the sides of the panel. A “clip-on” assembly is also described.

Abstract: A method for fabricating muntin grid pieces includes steps that attach an outer muntin grid element to an inner muntin grid element to form a two piece muntin grid piece. The outer muntin grid element surrounds at least three sides of the inner muntin grid element and may be held to the outer muntin grid element without connectors such as adhesive. The outer muntin grid element may be a slit tube that is spread open to be positioned over the inner muntin grid element.

Abstract: A connector frame for use as a support member for mounting grilles at ventilation openings in a building structure. The connector frame allows the grills to be mounted in slightly different locations to hide imperfections at the edges of the ventilation openings. The connector frame may include a pair of single connector frames that may be separated into two singly usable frames.

Abstract: A double divisible connector frame for use as a support member for mounting return grilles and louvers in a building structure which is rectangular in shape and having a planar surface on one side and a pair of precisely-similar spaced-apart continuous rectangular flanged frames on the other side, and a lineal line of severance equidistant between said smaller flanged frames for dividing said double frame into a pair of similar smaller frames for mounting said grilles and louvers.

Abstract: Window grill clips which can be used to removably attach window grills to windows. The window grill clip has a window frame segment and a grill segment extending from the window frame segment at an upward inclined angle. An opening is defined through the grill segment. A tang connected to the grill segment has a first leg extending away from the grill segment and a second leg extending from the first leg and back toward the opening in the grill segment. The grill segment may have a tab which extends downward from and end of the grill segment opposite an end of the grill segment connected to the window frame segment. Window frame engagement spikes may be provided on the window frame segment.

Abstract: An apparatus of a muntin bar clip to secure the position of muntin bars during and following the fabrication of multi-pane sealed glass window units. The disclosure relates to securing and positioning muntin bars at multi-pane sealed glass window unit perimeters and in joining hollow false muntin bars within such units. The invention relates particularly to muntin bar clips intended to fix the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit utilizing the sealing methods including foam strips and or butyl as the sealing medium. The disclosed invention more particularly relates to muntin bar clips for the purpose of fixing the position of hollow false muntin bars at the perimeter of the window unit where the false muntin bar is other than orthogonal in relation to the perimeter of the window.

Abstract: A raised floor panel is strengthened with a grated core. The working surface of the floor panel may be either solid or perforated. The floor panel is supported by a center pedestal that extends from a sub-floor. The angle of the panel can be varied by pivoting the platform of the pedestal that supports the floor panel. Two ventilation damping panels, surrounding the column of the pedestal, are connected together and may be positioned in several configurations to change the ventilation characteristics of the raised floor.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

Abstract: A hub assembly (10) for use in arranging muntins (22) across a window pane includes at least first and second covers (12, 14) which are snap-fit and frictionally held together and which define at least one arcuate track (70) that is adapted to slidably receive carrier members (20) for interconnecting the muntins (22) to the hub assembly (10). The arcuate track (70) coacts with the carrier members (20) to retain the carrier members (20) in selective angular positions about the hub assembly (10). The hub assembly (10), which is semi-circular in plan view, can be selectively attached directly to a window frame, or to another similarly constructed hub assembly (10) to form a circular overall hub assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for affixing services to a base material including: a service board with a front surface and a back surface, a plurality of standoffs, and a plurality of fastening holes passing through the front surface and back surface of the service board.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.

Abstract: A fastener system for securing a grating to an underlying structural support member when the grating experiences extremely high wave pressures. The fastening system includes elongated generally L-shaped connectors for fastening the longitudinal edges of grating sheets to structural members and plate fasteners in a wave zone area of the platform. The plate fasteners have a top plate for mounting on an upper surface of the grating sheets, a bottom plate for attaching to the structural members in a laterally extending direction for supporting the grating sheet and bolt assemblies for clamping the top and bottom plates together in order to secure the grating sheets to the structural members. A combination of the elongated L-shaped connectors and the plate fasteners provide fastening support for the gratings sheets so as to resist vertical and horizontal wave pressures when secured to the supporting members.