Abstract: A method is provided for securing external wall insulation (EWI) panels to the outer walls of a high rise building of large panel construction. The method involves first identifying the location of internal voids in outermost floor/ceiling panels of the building; and then creating continuous passages through the outer load-bearing wall panels of the building into the located internal voids, with each such passage forming a tie bar anchorage hole extending into the adjacent floor/ceiling panel. Down the length of each tie bar anchorage hole is inserted a tie bar that has, at an inner end portion, an anchorage, and at an outer end portion, an externally screw-threaded portion that projects from the outer load-bearing wall panel. A pattress plate is located at the outer end of each anchorage hole, with the externally screw-threaded outer end portion of each tie bar extending through the associated pattress plate.

Abstract: An elevator car has a connecting device and at least one wall element, wherein the connecting device connects the at least one wall element with a bare ceiling of the elevator car. The connecting device includes a rail element with two legs, of which a first leg bears in the mounted state against the bare ceiling and a second leg has a mounting surface for the at least one wall element. The mounting surface has a first hole for suspending the at least one wall element. The at least one wall element has a suspension element at an edge which faces upwardly in the mounted state for engaging into the first hole of the connecting device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of mortarless, brick- and stone-like veneer systems for walls. More particularly, the present invention relates to suspension rails for providing mortarless or mortar-optional installations of brick- and stone-like panels for covering walls. Embodiments of the invention provide a cage-type suspension rail configured to be partially embedded in the panel and a universal hanging bracket that provides pullout resistance for the panels. An exemplary suspension rail comprises: a first four-sided frame with horizontally and vertically disposed sides; a plurality of posts disposed on and perpendicular to the first frame or the cross bars; a second four-sided frame in communication with the plurality of posts; an upper tab in communication with the first frame for connecting the rail to a surface; wherein the upper tab is disposed outside a perimeter of the first frame and a perimeter of a second frame.

Abstract: Plural tiles are positioned in a plate-like array. The tiles have edge portions that overlap in such a way that no straight-through joints are present between abutting tiles and such that the thickness of the entire array does not substantially exceed the thickness of a single tile.

Abstract: A wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels which may be mounted to a wall. The panels have panel clips attached to the backside thereof. The wall has a plurality of horizontal joints attached thereto. The panel clips and the horizontal joints have tongues and grooves which allow the panel to be mounted to the wall. Preferably, the tongues are formed on the panel clips and point in the same direction. The grooves are formed on the horizontal joints and point in the opposite direction from the tongues. In this manner, the tongues can be inserted or hung into the grooves. The panels are locked in place by a plurality of horizontal caps which engage the horizontal joints and prevent the panel immediately below the horizontal caps from being removed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a form assembly is provided with a form member facing an existing wall, to which sheathing panels are attached. The cavity created between the sheathing panels and the existing wall can be filled with a foamable, adhesive material which adheres to the sheathing panels and the existing wall and creates an adhesive connection between them. In some embodiments, the form assembly is vertically adjustable to facilitate the installation of multiple rows of sheathing panels. In some embodiments, the foamable, adhesive material is introduced in successive layers.

Abstract: Prior art rolled T-beams used in horizontal grids in suspended ceilings, serve as vertical studs in a grid that supports wallboard in a liner for a structural wall. A horizontal strut extends along, and is connected to, the studs, to unite the studs and the strut to form the vertical grid. The grid is braced from the structural wall.

Abstract: A structural design is proposed, comprising rear-ventilated cladding elements (1), in particular plates or boards, which can be hung in front of a supporting framework (2), in particular consisting of vertical support elements and horizontal bearing elements, wherein the cladding elements are each assigned a frame (3) which spans a rear-ventilation cross-section (4) and the upper and lower frame leg profiles (5, 6) of which have ventilation openings (8) leading to the front (7) of the cladding. In order to provide advantageous rear-ventilation conditions it is proposed that at least the upper frame leg profile interior (12) is assigned a splash guard (13) which is arranged in the manner of a labyrinth seal, adjoins the frame leg profile below the ventilation openings (8), covers the ventilation openings (8) and preferably faces with the free end thereof towards the front (7) of the cladding.

Abstract: A ceiling tile suspension system comprising a clip member, a suspension track releasably securable to the clip member and a ceiling tile suspension rail releasably securable to the suspension track. The clip member is securable to a structural component of a ceiling and has an upper surface and a pair of downwardly depending sides. The suspension track is releasably securable to the clip member and has a pair of upwardly extending legs. At least the sides of the clip member or the legs of the suspension track are horizontally resiliently displaceable to releasably secure the suspension track to the clip member.

Abstract: A thermal management surface system comprises a substantially flat sheet and a plurality of support members. The sheet has a plurality of open funnel-like channels therethrough with a larger upper opening and a smaller, spout-like lower opening. The support members lie on a support surface in a spaced-apart arrangement with the sheet resting on the support members substantially parallel to and offset vertically above the support surface; the support surface and the sheet thereby define a containment space. Each of the spout-like lower openings is canted to impart lateral momentum on gas flowing into the upper opening and out of the lower opening. Groups of multiple contiguous channels can have spout-like lower openings canted substantially along a common direction, so that gas flowing out of those lower openings flows along the common direction through the containment space.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a veneer panel to a back-up comprises a support member. The support member comprises a mounting flange adapted for securing the support member to said back-up wall. The support member further comprises first and second support member side walls extending outwardly from the mounting flange. The first and second support member side walls define at least one generally horizontal slot when the support member is secured to the back-up wall. The connector further comprises a veneer connector configured for non-rotational sliding receipt in the generally horizontal slot and adapted to support a generally horizontal edge of said veneer panel when the veneer connector is received in the generally horizontal slot and when the support member is secured to the back-up wall.

Abstract: A sliding and locking energy-efficient wall assembly includes a plurality of: parallel spaced apart foam posts, foam panels, framing/spacing members, and finishing wall panels. The foam posts are vertically disposed on a foundation wall, and have ends dimensioned to contact and adhere to the surface of the wall, an inside end opposite the planar end, and two opposing side flanged ends. Grooves on the foam panels are dimensioned to receive the side flanged ends of the foam posts. The framing/spacing members have a web and flange portions, to engage the inside grooved ends of the foam posts to provide an interior attachment surface for the finishing wall panels. The finishing wall panels are secured to the web portions of the framing/spacing members, whereby an air space is created between the foam panels and the finishing wall panels. The framing/spacing members and foam posts are adjustable to permit plumb installation.

Abstract: A spacer device (30) for use in a cavity wall of a building to determine the separation of the building elements of the two leaves (19,20) of the wall during construction, comprising a support body (31) having a plurality of spaced projections (32) extending transversely of the general plane of the support body and, in use, across the cavity between the said two leaves, each projection having means for preventing or at least inhibiting the transfer of moisture at least in one direction from one end of the projection to the other.

Abstract: A spacer for an anchor includes a base having first and second sides. The first side is adapted for engagement with an anchor. At least two spikes extend from the second end of the base. An opening is provided within the base.

Abstract: A rain-screen apparatus including a substantially rigid air barrier (10) adapted for attachment to a building structure, a rain-screen panel (20) adapted for attachment over the air barrier, a spacing member adapted to provide a clearance space (14) between the air barrier and the rain-screen panel and sealing means adapted to provide substantial pressure equalization between within the clearance space.

Abstract: An eco-friendly wall panel system may comprise a plurality of panels, horizontal joints and panel clips which are all fabricated from the same sheet of material. For example, the panels may initially be fabricated from the phenolic sheets. After the maximum quantity of panels has been fabricated from any one sheet, the remaining portion of the phenolic sheet may be used to fabricate the horizontal runners and the panel clips which may be smaller than the panels. As such, as much of the phenolic sheet is being used to fabricate the system. Hence, the process and the product are both eco-friendly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel sustainable building, the outer enclosures, roofs and foundations of which form an envelope that is formed, with the exception of doors, windows and chimneys, by a central core (5) with a high heat storage capacity, by an inner liner or membrane (4) with a high thermal conductivity and which is in close contact with the central core, and by an outer thermally insulated and mechanically resistant surface (6).

Abstract: Panels that provide structural integrity to building structures and enhance the insulation and heat dissipation capacity of a structure. The panels include an inner imperforate rigid layer of a first material, an outer rigid layer of a second material, and at least one intermediate rigid layer of a third material. The layers are positioned in a spaced relationship so that there are a first air space between the inner layer and the intermediate layer and a second air space between the intermediate layer and the outer layer. At least one pair of upper and lower openings are provided in the outer layer so that the second air space communicates with ambient air. Likewise, the intermediate layer includes at least one pair of upper and lower openings that communicate with the openings in the outer layer so that the first air space is also in fluid communication with the ambient air.

Abstract: A surface facing system for covering edifices includes vertical intermediate profiled members, two profiled support members, and at least one exposed element accommodated therein. A top and a bottom receiving and guiding groove is formed on the profiled support member by situating a segment on the front side of the profiled support member and a profiled holding element. The exposed element has a base frame and a plate-shaped element connected to the base frame via its back side. The base frame has at least two horizontal profiled members and at least two vertical profiled members. At least one of the vertical profiled members is connected in a non-positive, form-fit manner to the horizontal profiled members while the other vertical profiled members are connected in a form-fit manner. The exposed element is received in the receiving and guiding groove as a spring via a leg of the horizontal profiled members.

Abstract: A lightweight multilayer heat reflective concrete cure blanket having a moisture-impervious top outer layer, a moisture-impervious bottom outer layer, and the top and bottom layers sealingly connected to each other at the boundaries of the layers to form a moisture-impervious chamber between the first and second layers. The chamber includes at least one bubble type insulative layer therein, and the bottom surface of the blanket comprises a heat reflective material to reflect heat emanating from the concrete when the blanket is placed over the concrete. In a further embodiment, heat reflective material is applied to at least one inner bubble type layer to reflect additional heat which radiates from the concrete through the insulative layer and back towards the concrete.

Abstract: A cladding system for cladding a supporting structure, the cladding system includes two cladding panels each defining a respective substantially laterally extending panel flange. The cladding panels are attachable to the supporting structure in a substantially coplanar and side-by-side relationship relatively to each other. The system also includes a cladding moulding insertable between the first and second cladding panel, the cladding moulding defining a moulding base and two moulding legs each extending from the moulding base substantially opposed to each other, the two moulding legs being angled relatively to the moulding base, each of the moulding legs defining a respective leg edge substantially opposed to the moulding base. The cladding moulding being substantially resiliently deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration, the moulding legs being spaced apart from each other by a smaller distance in the deformed configuration than in the undeformed configuration.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a veneer panel to a back-up wall includes a veneer connector and a support member. The support member includes a mounting flange. The mounting flange is adapted for securing the support member to the back-up wall. The support member further includes a first support member side wall and a second support member side wall. The first and second support member side walls extend outwardly from the mounting flange, and are connected to the mounting flange along a generally vertical line. The veneer connector is adapted to support a generally horizontal edge of the veneer panel. The veneer connector is connectable with respect to the support member for support by the first and second side walls.

Abstract: A wall structure and a method for constructing the wall of a building provide protection for inhabitants of the building against ballistic projectiles impacting the wall. The wall structure includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The inner panel is a composite structure that includes a metal sheet having a first face attached to a wallboard panel. Preferably, a sheet of self-healing material is attached to a second face of the metal sheet. A cavity formed between the outer and inner panels is filled with sand or another granular material. A flexible sheet suspended in the cavity provides additional protection. Preferably, a sheet of woven para-aramid fiber such as Kevlar® brand fiber is loosely attached to the flexible sheet to provide further protection.

Abstract: A wall and roof venting system comprising a wall having an outer layer disposed outwardly of an inner layer with a plurality of spacers disposed therebetween to provide a wall air flow channel between the wall layers. Exterior air enters at the bottom of the wall and vented air is discharged near the top of the wall to reduce heat transfer into the building. Preferably, vented air flows into a roof air flow channel disposed between a first roof layer and a second roof layer maintained in spaced apart relation by a plurality of roof spacers therebetween. A vent component is disposed in a gap in the upper roof layer at or near the top end of the roof to beneficially disperse and/or utilize the vented air from the air flow channels. The wall and roof spacers have openings therein to permit vented air to flow through the respective channels.

Abstract: A lightweight multilayer heat reflective concrete cure blanket having a moisture-impervious top outer layer, a moisture-impervious bottom outer layer, and the top and bottom layers sealingly connected to each other at the boundaries of the layers to form a moisture-impervious chamber between the first and second layers. The chamber includes at least one bubble type insulative layer therein, and the bottom surface of the blanket comprises a heat reflective material to reflect heat emanating from the concrete when the blanket is placed over the concrete. In a further embodiment, heat reflective material is applied to at least one inner bubble type layer to reflect additional heat which radiates from the concrete through the insulative layer and back towards the concrete.

Abstract: An insulated wall panel is provided that employs a plurality of spaced insulated members that define cavities within the body of the wall panel. The insulation panels that form the cavities may be constructed of a reinforced insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene. The insulated wall panels may include a reinforcing mesh, preferably fiberglass coated with PVC embedded within the body of the EPS foam during fabrication. The strengthened EPS foam blocks have the advantage of being lightweight and very durable, thereby reducing handling damage, for example.

Abstract: The cavity wall of the present invention includes wall body frames and wall panels, the wall body frame and the wall panels are connected together fixedly by bond or connection elements; the wall body frame including: a top frame bar fixed on a ceiling; a bottom frame bar fixed on a ground; and, one or more middle frame bar fixed uprightly between the top frame bar and the bottom frame bar. Compared with the conventional building method, building material can be saved, construction cost can be reduced and building time can be largely shortened according to the present invention. The wall body of the present invention can be demolished and rebuilt easily, and the demolished materials can be reused and thereby saving resource. With a hollow structure of the cavity wall of the present invention, can facilitate the installation of the water pipes, electric wires, gas pipes etc.

Abstract: A system includes a back up wall and a veneer wall spaced from the back up wall. An anchor shaft has a first end secured to the back up wall, and a second free end of the shaft projects into a space between the back up wall and the veneer wall. A wing nut has a central barrel disposed on the shaft proximate the free end. The wing nut is spaced apart from a surface of the back up wall. A first generally planar side wing extends laterally from the central barrel of the wing nut. A second generally planar side wing extends laterally from the central barrel. The first side wing includes a first opening for receipt of a first wire tie leg, and the second side wing includes a second opening for receipt of a second wire tie leg. The wing nut is independently rotatable relative to the shaft to angularly orient the wings and thus the openings as desired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rack apparatus and storage panel assembly for implementing across two or more beams. The storage panel assembly is most typically implemented in attic storage space lacking a flooring surface on which to place and store items. The storage panel assembly comprises at least one rack apparatus 10, two or more railings to be positioned onto a series of rack apparatus 10 and a panel 48 configured to rest on two parallel railings 46, 44. The assembly provides a continuous platform by sitting between the truss 42 creating a planer surface between the top of the panel 48 and the top of the truss 42. The method of assembly allows positioning of the rack apparatuses 10 between the truss connections and allows the railings 46, 44 and panel 48 to slide under any transverse obstructions bearing on top of truss 42.

Abstract: A roof venting system comprising a second roof layer disposed above a first roof layer with a spacer disposed therebetween to provide an air flow channel between the two roof layers. A gap is provided in the upper roof layer at or near the top end of the roof and a vent component is disposed in the gap to beneficially disperse and/or utilize the vented air from the air flow channel. In one embodiment, the spacers have openings to permit air to flow up the roof channel. The vent component can be configured to vent air from the roof, heat water in pipes disposed in communication with the channel, direct the air for use in the interior of the building and/or direct the heated air for use in making electricity. The air can be filtered and/or cooled. A translucent material over the pipes can facilitate sunlight heating of the water.

Abstract: Internally stiffened composite panels and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, an internally stiffened composite panel includes a first face sheet, a second face sheet offset from the first face sheet, and at least one core portion sandwiched between the first and second face sheets. In one aspect of this embodiment, the composite panel further includes a stiffener disposed between the first and second face sheets adjacent to the core portion. The stiffener can have a first attachment portion attached to the first face sheet, a second attachment portion attached to the second face sheet, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second attachment portions. In another aspect of this embodiment, one or both of the first and second attachment portions is configured to engage a fastener, such as a blind fastener, for attaching a part to the composite panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for maintaining a composite glass pane. Glass components are assembled and a fixing element is provided for fixing by force or positive engagement to a support structure. The safety elements form a receiving plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing sanitation in a kitchen equipped with an oil/grease separator includes a barrier made of two vertical portions connected by a horizontal portion to bound a volume between the oil/grease separator and a kitchen wall and prevent the ingress of debris. The vertical portions have lower flanges for affixation to a floor, edge flanges for affixation to the separator and the wall, and horizontal ears at upper ends. The horizontal portion has downward edge flanges for affixation to the separator and the kitchen wall and is readily cut to a length for the oil/grease separator.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is remarkable in its simplicity and promises wide commercial application as the labor costs for construction become increasingly prohibitive. The extraordinary absence of nails, screws, bolts, welds or any other fastening device allows these barriers to compete with many conventional barrier systems, such as those employed for fencing, vehicular trailer beds, removable stages, and scale models or toys of all fabrications mentioned plus many more. In this age time is money and the erection speed this barrier system offers may well revolutionize conventional “post and beam” framing. The invention is specifically aimed at eccentric beam loading where barriers must be economically fabricated to withstand hurricane force winds, earthquake reactions, or liquid concrete pressure in a sub-rigid manner. The Fast-Form System will offer insurers building products that will protect their interests for any and all applications.

Abstract: The mounting system comprises a grid of vertically upright C-profiles which are pushed with their lower and upper ends into horizontally extending U-profiles. Bracket clips are fitted to outer sides of the mutually opposite legs of the C-profiles. The bracket clips on the profiles are in engagement with rails. Panels are fastened to these rails. An insulating material can be accommodated in the gap enclosed by the panels.

Abstract: A floor system composed of a finished flooring preferably secured to a subfloor, a plurality of shock absorber members are fixed to the bottom surface of the floor surface at spaced intervals and in which each of the shock absorber members includes an elastomeric base member provided with a cavity which accommodates an insert member for adjusting the cushioning ability of the base member.

Abstract: A profiled metal sheet for use in the construction of composite slabs is disclosed. The sheet includes a plurality of parallel longitudinal ribs separated by pans and male and female members at opposite sides of the sheet that enable adjacent sheets to be connected together in overlapping relationship. At least one of the ribs, male members and female members has a side that extends from the pan that is adjacent the rib or the member. The side includes a re-entrant section and a corner section that connects the side and the adjacent pan. The corner section includes a plurality of regions at spaced intervals along the length of the corner section that extend outwardly compared with adjacent regions of the corner section. The spaced regions are provided to improve longitudinal slip resistance of composite slabs formed from the sheet.

Abstract: Side-welded anchor and reinforcement devices for a cavity wall are disclosed. The devices are combined with interlocking veneer anchors, and with veneer reinforcements to form unique anchoring systems. The components of each system are structured from reinforcing wire and wire formatives, including as part thereof truss or ladder mesh reinforcements, and provide wire-to-wire connections therebetween. Beyond the portions of the wire formatives inserted in the backup wall, the wire formatives are reduced in height by cold-working thereof. The combined side-welded wall anchor and reinforcement devices are compressively reduced in height for spanning insulation mounted on the exterior of the backup wall. The low-profile portions are disposed between thick strips of insulation and maintain integrity thereof by preventing air leakage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure equalizing compartment for building structures comprising: an inner member having oppositely facing inner and outer surfaces and having a top and bottom edge; spaced closure members contacting said outer surface of said inner member and extending vertically on the surface of the inner member, a horizontally disposed closure member disposed on the outer surface of the inner member, a space being defined between said spaced, closure members; a cavity forming means disposed in said space between said closure members; an outer member having oppositely facing inner and outer surfaces disposed substantially over said cavity forming means to form a pressure equalizing compartment, wherein the compartment having an air and moisture vent communicating to the outside environment. The present invention also provides exterior insulation and finish systems and building walls incorporating the pressure equalizing compartments and methods of installation.

Abstract: An aluminum wall panel comprising a plate, a top flange extending from a top of the plate, a bottom flange extending from a bottom of the plate, a first side flange extending from a first side of the plate and a second side flange extending from a second side of the plate. The panel includes a first projection and a second projection extending from the top flange and defining a channel therebetween. The panel also includes a third resilient projection extending from the bottom flange. The third resilient projection presses against a matching projection of the second wall panel to rigidly connect the wall panel to the second wall panel when the wall panel and the second wall panel are fixed to a supporting framework. The first side flange and the second side flange taper upwards to allow the plate to be parallel with the second wall panel.

Abstract: Reinforced wall structures and methods for strengthening wall structures to more effectively resist damage produced by seismically induced forces are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method for strengthening a double wall structure comprises forming plural layers of a foamable, adhesive material in the cavity between the two wall portions of the double wall structure to bond together the wall portions. According to another embodiment, a method for strengthening a single wall comprises spacing a sheathing layer from one surface of the wall so as to define a cavity therebetween. A plurality of structural members are positioned outside of the cavity so as to support the inner form. A foamable, adhesive material is introduced into the cavity to bond together the inner form and the wall.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is remarkable in its simplicity and promises wide commercial application as the labor costs for construction become increasingly prohibitive. The extraordinary absence of nails, screws, bolts, welds or any other fastening device allows these barriers to compete with many conventional barrier systems, such as those employed for fencing, vehicular trailer beds, removable stages, and scale models or toys of all fabrications mentioned plus many more. In this age time is money and the erection speed this barrier system offers may well revolutionize conventional “post and beam” framing. The invention is specifically aimed at eccentric beam loading where barriers must be economically fabricated to withstand hurricane force winds, earthquake reactions, or liquid concrete pressure in a sub-rigid manner. The Fast-Form System will offer insurers building products that will protect their interests for any and all applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying an improved adhesive to a series of sheets of insulation having drainage channels, wherein the apparatus includes a frame with a power-driven conveyor, a magazine for receiving sheets in stacked relation, and an elongated adhesive dispensing hopper adapted to apply an adhesive mixture having spacer beads or particles mixed therein on the top surface of each sheet of insulation adjacent to the drainage channels and including a shutter mechanism for forming transversely extending substantially adhesive-free pathways between the drainage channels and a screed attached to the hopper having optional scraper blades which wipe away any adhesive that may flow in the drainage channels.

Abstract: A resilient floor includes a plurality of parallel spaced rows of sleeper assemblies, or substructure members, supported by pads over a base, with a wear layer of floorboards secured to the rows of substructure members. The substructure members include an elongated lower panel with a pair of spaced rows of pads secured along the bottom surface of the panel, and corresponding rows of nailing strips secured to the top surface of the panel, to which the wear layer is secured. The panel may also include an middle row of designations, such as holes, for locating anchors to anchor the panel to the base, if it is desired to anchor the floor. Compared to other resilient floors the substructure members of this invention simplify and reduce installation and handling time, resulting in reduced labor costs. The structure itself also provides high strength and durability, but with reduced quantity and cost of material.

Abstract: An equipped floor having at least one cavity opening outwards and for housing at least one exercise fixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to configurations of pre-cast panel forming systems and various components of the panel forming systems. In one embodiment, a bulkhead is provided wherein a cross-sectional support member is located at a point along the height dimension of the upstanding portion of the bulkhead so as to provide substantial resistance to reduction of the width dimension under significant panel forming pressure applied to one of the exterior faces of the upstanding walls. In accordance with 37 CFR 1.72(b), the purpose of this abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract will not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A wall cladding anchorage has a rod with ends loosely enveloped by fabric sleeves. The wall is drilled to receive one end and the cladding is drilled, or otherwise formed with a cavity, to receive the other end. Either the wall or the cladding may have the anchorage fixed first, by grout being injected to expand the sleeve and seep through it to bond to the drilling or cavity wall. Then the cladding is offered up and the other sleeve likewise expanded, the grout being injected via a duct leading between the cladding and the wall. Instead of a single part rod, there may be two elements, such as a tube and a rod that screws into it, each with a sleeve so that the cladding or wall need not have significantly projections until shortly before the cladding is fixed. It is also possible to have a single sleeve over the whole rod and inject grout into its central zone, between the wall and cladding.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing members to a surface. The apparatus includes a mounting clamp, a mounting adaptor, a panel support member and a fastener. The panel support member and the mounting adaptor are slidably interconnected to one another. The mounting adaptor is fixedly interconnected to the mounting clamps using the fastener. The mounting adaptor may also include an area of reduced strength to permit the controlled failure of the apparatus in response to excess loading. The panel support member may be adapted to receive a panel. When installed on a surface, the apparatus obscures the view of mounting devices or equipment that may also be secured to the surface.

Abstract: A building panel that comprises at least two panel domains, wherein each panel domain has an essentially homogeneous compressive strength and an average compressive strength and wherein at least two panel domains differ in average compressive strength, is useful for inserting into cavities having a variety of shapes, sizes, and obstacles therein.

Abstract: A concrete panel system comprising a plurality of concrete panels arranged in side-by-side fashion on a substantially vertical supporting wall, each of the panels comprising a rectangular body having a front surface and a rear surface and beveled side edges, the side edges each forming an angle of between eighty-five and ninety degrees with the rear surface, and a concave caulking groove lying between and connecting each of the beveled side edges with the front face, the side edges of adjacent panels forming a V-joint between the adjacent panels, a flexible sealant material in a portion of the caulking grooves of adjacent panels and a portion of the V-joint for providing a seal between adjacent panels, and a hanger element embedded in the rear of the panels for securing the panels to the supporting wall.