Abstract: A crack-resistant member for preventing crack propagation, a method of preventing crack propagation, and method of assembly a tower are provided. The crack-resistant member includes at least one insert attached to at least one removed portion at a predetermined location along a girth weld and adjacent a heat affected zone of the tower. The at least one insert is positioned perpendicular to a weld direction and intersecting the girth weld. The at least one insert prevents crack propagation in the girth weld of the tower.

Abstract: A fatigue load resistant structure includes a fatigue loaded portion and a weldable fatigue loading resistant feature. The fatigue loaded portion includes a first elongation material. The weldable fatigue loading resistant feature includes a second elongation material secured to the fatigue loaded portion of the fatigue loaded structure. The first elongation material is less ductile than the second elongation material, and the weldable fatigue loading resistant feature can reduce, retard, or eliminate formation of cracks due to tensile and compressive forces.

Abstract: A concrete re-entrant corner crack inhibiting device for implantation into a re-entrant corner of a casted concrete structure serves to inhibit stress fractures from developing at the cured concrete re-entrant corners. The device includes a re-entrant corning brace for cornering and embedding onto the re-entrant corner, a radial arm radiating outwardly from the brace so to extend into the cement structure and a fracture interrupting unit transversely connected to the radial arm so as to intercept, interrupt and inhibit the development and spread of stress fractures emanating from a cured cement re-entrant corner.

Abstract: A wall element for repairing a wall structure of a sanitary unit of a cabin comprising at least an inner metal sheet, an outer metal sheet and an insulator layer between the inner and outer metal sheets.

Abstract: A low cost method and device for diverting water away from a flat roof's low spots, thus preventing it from puddling there during a rainstorm. Such puddles, if allowed to stand, can damage a roof deck structurally. The device includes a flexible membrane, an air valve mounted thereon, and mechanical fasteners for attaching the membrane along its periphery, to both the roof deck and its existing covering. Ideally, the membrane can be heat welded, taped or glued to the roof covering and joined thereto to form an airtight seal, thus simplifying construction of inflatable barriers for the roof's low spots. For each such barrier, a membrane, sized and shaped to cover at least one low spot, substantially overlaps the latter's edges and defines, in combination with the roof covering, an air pocket which, when inflated via the air valve, causes the membrane to protrude upwardly, effectively elevating the covered spot.

Abstract: A crack-resistant member for preventing crack propagation, a method of preventing crack propagation, and method of assembly a tower are provided. The crack-resistant member includes at least one insert attached to at least one removed portion at a predetermined location along a girth weld and adjacent a heat affected zone of the tower. The at least one insert is positioned perpendicular to a weld direction and intersecting the girth weld. The at least one insert prevents crack propagation in the girth weld of the tower.

Abstract: A seal assembly (10) is provided for sealing a core hole (52) formed in a concrete slab (54) having opposite first and second surfaces, with the core hole (52) extending between the first and second surfaces. The seal assembly (10) comprises a cover assembly (12) having a cover plate (14) that is configured for engaging the first surface of the concrete slab (54) and seating over and covering the core hole (52). The cover assembly (12) has a lower plate (16) that is configured for being received within the core hole (52). The lower plate (16) is coupled to the cover plate (14) through a support member (20) so that the lower plate (16) is spaced apart from the cover plate (14) when the cover plate (14) is seated over the core hole (52) to define a cavity between the lower plate (16) and the cover plate (14). A locking element carrier (26) is coupled to the cover assembly (12).

Abstract: A prop assembly has interior and exterior members. Each member includes a plate with distal and proximal surfaces and attachment components on the distal surface of the interior member. The distal surface of the interior member is adapted to be secured to a support surface. The interior member includes a cylindrical tube with threads. The exterior member includes a cylindrical tube with threads. The threads of the tubes are rotatable with respect to each other. In this manner the distance between the distal surfaces is adjusted.

Abstract: A repair device for sealing a hole in a wall and enabling its repair without the need for numerous tools and processes, the device comprising; a body portion having at least two plate members each having a front face and a rear face; at least one hinging means hingedly connecting the at least two plate members to each other; a biasing means engaging the at least two plate members to bias the plates apart into an open flat position such that the relative front faces of each of the at least two plate members substantially share the same plane; and at least one attachment means mounted on a front face of the at least two plate members; wherein the repair device allows for insertion into the hole in a folded position and release to the open flat position and the attachment means provide attachment to the wall adjacent the hole.

Abstract: The present apparatus and method relates in general to sealing a hole in a floor with a precast plug. A precast plug is created by pouring a wet aggregate mix into a form mold and thereafter inserting a pre bent rod into the uncured mixture, positioning it such that the center of the rod rests in the center of the form mold and the ends of the rod extend outward near the top of the form mold. The mix is then cured. The precast plug may then be transported to the hole that it is destined to fix. Grooves may be carved on either side of the hole to accommodate the rod's ends. The interior of the hole and the exterior of the plug may then be covered with a sealant, after which the plug may be inserted into the hole. Once the sealant cures, the hole is fully repaired.

Abstract: In the method for sealing of replacement windows a sealing tape with a first layer of flexible foam and a second layer of stiff material is inserted into a channel-shaped recess in masonry so that the first layer of the sealing tape is oriented toward the bottom of the recess and is at least partially compressed. The expansion of the first layer is temporarily limited by clamping the second layer directly or indirectly against the side walls of the recess, or by use of retaining elements, which exert a retaining function on the second layer. A window frame is installed in an area of the recess during the temporary limitation of the expansion of the first layer of the sealing tape, whereupon the first layer expands further or is allowed to expand further until the sealing tape rests against the window frame.

Abstract: The basement wall reinforcement system comprises carbon fiber materials securely mounted to the wall being reinforced as well as to structural components at both the top and bottom of the wall. These additional connections at the top and bottom of the wall increase the capacity of the carbon fiber to prevent bowing and cracking by transferring lateral forces from the wall to these structural components. Such structural components can include foundations, basement floors, sill plates, rim joists and floor joists. The carbon fiber can be connected to these structural components by pins, epoxies and specially designed brackets.

Abstract: A construction structure includes a substrate made of a concrete material and has an external surface, and a reinforcement attachment made of a metallic material having an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface. The attachment is secured to the substrate with the inwardly facing surface bonded to the external surface of the substrate, and has first portions and second portions. At least one of the surfaces of a first portion of the attachment is pre-treated and attached to the substrate such that when the construction structure is under loading the first portion(s) block(s) or reduce(s) spreading of strain sustained by the attachment along the attachment to avoid or at least delay complete detachment of reinforcement from substrate.

Abstract: A method and a wall element for repairing a wall structure comprising at least an inner metal sheet, an outer metal sheet and an insulator layer between the inner and outer metal sheets. The method comprises at least the following steps: (i) removing the inner metal sheet in such a way that installation frames formed on the inner metal sheet are left in the wall structure, (ii) removing the insulator layer from a place where the inner metal sheet has been removed, (iii) installing a wall element comprising a metal sheet and an insulator layer attached to the metal sheet in the place of the removed wall structure in such a way that the edges of the metal sheet of the wall element are placed overlappingly with the installation frames.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is directed to anchoring devices, and more specifically to a wall anchoring device and method of installing same requiring no soil excavation.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for repairing a hole in a surface with a perforated repair patch. The repair patch, which is affixed to and substantially cover over the hole, is indented inwards by applying cement compound into its perforations and pushing the repair patch into the hole as the cement compound hardens. A layer of drywall compound is then applied over the indented repair patch to smooth it with the rest of the wall. The perforated repair patch may include an additional layer of mesh sheet material to minimize cracking of the drywall compound.

Abstract: A composite structural element and a method for making same are provided. The element includes a polymer foam core and at least one fibrous layer adhered to the polymer foam core by epoxy. Nano-particles are suspended in the epoxy prior to curing; preferably they are mixed with the hardener before it is mixed with the resin. The polymer foam core is preferably an exothermic foam such as polyurethane, and heat generated by the exothermic foam cures the epoxy, thereby causing the fibrous layer to adhere to the foam core. The nano-particles may be made from at least one of carbon, a ceramic, tungsten, a carbide, titanium, zircon, aluminum, silver, or boron. When carbon nano-particles are used, the strength of the composite is greatly increased, and the curing time of the heat-curable epoxy is significantly reduced. Ceramic nano-particles can be used to increase penetration resistance and provide increased ballistic protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for repairing a wall (1), including a plurality of layers (2), each layer including fibers (3) extending in a main direction (4), and having a damaged area (5) over a plurality layers (2). The repair method includes a material removal step comprising making a recessed area (6) encircling the damaged area (5) and comprising a peripheral area (7) including steps (8) and adapted such that each step defines an interface area (9) having a width (10), the dimension of which in the main direction of the fibers of the lower layer adjoining the interface area (9) is greater than the dimension of said width in directions other than the main direction (4), a step of producing a replacement part (12) suitable for obstructing the recessed area, and a step of assembling the replacement part (12) onto the wall.

Abstract: A system for repairing an opening in a surface is provided. The system includes a surface to be repaired, the surface defining an opening therein, the opening being a removed damaged section of the surface. The system further includes a patch piece to be placed within the opening in the surface. The system further includes first and second components, the first component being adapted to adhere the patch piece within the opening from the interior of the surface and the second component being adapted to adhere the patch piece within the opening from the exterior of the surface. The system further includes a securing mechanism that is adapted to engage each of the first and second components between the patch piece and the surface, hold the components together by compressive force, and maintain the first and second components in communication until the patch work is complete.

Abstract: Even if a board is damaged, a large-scale construction work of replacing the board is not required, and merely application of a product of the present invention to the board of an outlet attachment portion with an adhesive paste makes it possible to prevent the board from being more damaged than it is, and restore the strength of the board, which enables the proper attachment of an outlet. Then, the attachment of the product of the present invention in advance makes it possible to reinforce the outlet attachment portion of the board, and prevent the damage of the outlet attachment portion. Further, after the product of the present invention is attached, the unevenness of the joint portion needs to be inconspicuous.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system for stiffening and strengthening a door, said system comprising a plurality of stoppers each having a channel, wherein said stoppers are affixed to the door; and at least one stiffening rod seated within the channels of said stoppers; and means for shortening the span of said stiffening rod disposed between said stoppers; whereby shortening the span results in straightening the door.

Abstract: A dual stage plug assembly 10 which provides a first sealing stage which is cooperatively provided by the insertion members 12, 14 (including the unexpanded portion 24) and a second sealing stage which is provided by selectively expandable member 24. The plug assembly 10 is selectively inserted into a hole, such as hole 80, which is formed in a tangible entity, such as basement wall 82, and the members 12 and 14 cooperates with member 24 to seal the hole 80, thereby preventing water and/or other liquid from entering and passing through the hole 80.

Abstract: A surface repair kit includes an air-permeable breathable membrane coated with a premeasured amount of joint compound in its wet state. The membrane is suspended in a semi-rigid flexible frame and an opposing cover sheet is affixed over the compound around the backside of the frame. This framed composition is encased in an airtight package to prevent the compound from hardening. Included in the packaging may be a wall patch with an adhesive surface that holds a peel-off covering. Sandpaper may also be included in the kits since some repairs may require a final light sanding. The outside of the packaging carries simple printed instructions for the user to carry out the steps of peel, press and roll with accompanying illustrations so that drywall repairs can be carried out even by an unskilled novice.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing an existing basement wall includes a wall stabilizing system including a first wall anchoring device installed on a surface of the existing basement wall. The first wall anchoring device may further include a first anchoring plate fastened to a surface of the existing basement wall tethered via a substantially rigid rod to a second anchoring plate embedded underground outside the existing basement wall at a distance away from the existing basement wall. The system may include a first layer of sprayable concrete material applied over the existing basement wall. System may further include a third anchoring plate installed on a surface of the first layer of sprayable concrete material. The system may also include a second layer of sprayable concrete material applied over the first layer of sprayable concrete material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to reduce the width of cracks that may be induced in masonry. The reinforcement strips comprise at least two straight, substantially parallel reinforcement wires connected to each other by means of a wire connecting structure. The reinforcement wires have a design yield strength fyd equal or higher than 550/?s N/mm2 and an equivalent diameter d equal or lower than 4 mm. The reinforcement strips have a resistance F against loads applied on said reinforcement strip and a design value of resistance Fd. The reinforcement strip embedded in said joint has a bond capacity Fbok and a design bond capacity Fbod. The design yield strength fyd and the diameter d of said reinforcement wires are chosen so that the design value Fd of the reinforcement strip is equal or lower than the design bond capacity Fbod of the reinforcement strip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation.

Abstract: A drywall patch is coated with a premeasured amount of joint compound in its wet state making it immediately available for application to a wall surface. The patch with compound is sealed in an airtight wrapper or between unsealed wrapper halves which are in turn sealed in a surrounding airtight package so that the joint compound stays moist and will not harden over time. The wrapper includes a peel-away adhesive dry patch. In use, the dry patch is first applied over a crack or hole to be repaired. The wrapper and compound are applied directly over the dry patch and, while the wrapper remains in place, pressure is applied to smooth the compound over the patch and removed after the compound has dried. The wrapper is preferably composed of microporous breathable plastic film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a profile used to support fire retardant and or wall sheathing behind opposing wall sheathing edges, horizontally at head of walls, and behind control/reveal joint profiles. The profiles are shaped to support wall sheathing, intumescent stopping, and fire rated “rips” of wall sheathing and work in a manner that allows protection or support of intersecting opposing drywall edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wallboard patching and repair system and method that are quick and easy to install and provides a stronger wall repair than available systems. The system allows a wall to be repaired with or without the use of mechanical fasteners. The invention comprises a system comprising, patch support members that are placed behind the edges of a damaged opening in wallboard and where a portion of each member is placed behind the wallboard at the edge of the opening and the remaining portion extends into the opening to support a wallboard patch. In one embodiment the invention is a kit comprising system components.

Abstract: An improved anchor for securing a reinforcement strip to a concrete structure.

Abstract: A composite material used to repair concrete. The composite material includes a first fiber system including at least one fiber layer. Each fiber layer includes a plurality of fibers. The binding material secures together the plurality of fibers. The composite material is positioned and secured in a slot cut in a concrete structure.

Abstract: An assembly for straightening a basement's wall, the basement having a floor and being covered by joists which are spaced from each other on center distances to define interstitial cavities and are arranged a perpendicular array or a parallel array, the assembly having mounting plate; joist mounting fasteners attaching the oblongated mounting plate to joists, the fasteners, upon the perpendicular joist array, positioning the mounting plate within an interstitial cavity, and the fasteners, upon the parallel array, bridging the mounting plate across an interstitial cavity; a rigid beam having upper and lower ends; a jack screw for driving the rigid beam's upper end toward the basement's wall; and an anchor bracket for resisting movement of the rigid beam's lower end away from the basement's wall.

Abstract: A prop assembly has interior and exterior members. Each member includes a plate with distal and proximal surfaces and attachment components on the distal surface of the interior member. The distal surface of the interior member is adapted to be secured to a support surface. The interior member includes a cylindrical tube with threads. The exterior member includes a cylindrical tube with threads. The threads of the tubes are rotatable with respect to each other. In this manner the distance between the distal surfaces is adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a glazing panel from an inside location. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of treating glazing panels used in windows and patio doors. Initially, a hole is formed on both inside and outside panes on windows and on the side and outside frames of patio doors. Next, a filter is attached to the outside pane to cover the hole whereby the filter membrane is designed to allow the passage of air and inhibit the ingress of moisture. Finally, a seal is used to cover the hole on the inside pane or to ensure that the building air does not enter the interior of the glazing panel. Where the panes are tempered glass, the hole(s) may be drilled through the frame. If necessary, one or more tubes may be inserted through the hole. Various kinds of filters are disclosed.

Abstract: A surface repair kit includes an air-permeable breathable membrane coated with a premeasured amount of joint compound in its wet state. The membrane is suspended in a semi-rigid flexible frame and an opposing cover sheet is affixed over the compound around the backside of the frame. This framed composition is encased in an airtight package to prevent the compound from hardening. Included in the packaging may be a wall patch with an adhesive surface that holds a peel-off covering. Sandpaper may also be included in the kits since some repairs may require a final light sanding. The outside of the packaging carries simple printed instructions for the user to carry out the steps of peel, press and roll with accompanying illustrations so that drywall repairs can be carried out even by an unskilled novice.

Abstract: A hidden edge connector includes a connector body which includes a base guider for biasing against a rear surface of a frame, an edge guider for biasing against a surrounding surface of a frame opening, and a panel guider which is extended from the base guider and is perpendicular to the edge guider. The connector body is adapted for mounting to the frame at the frame opening thereof to keep a front surface of the frame in a clean and obstructing free manner, such that the connector body is adapted for guiding the panel being mounted within the frame opening in a hidden manner when a rear surface of the panel is biased against the panel guider to align with the rear surface of said frame so as to substantially align the front surface of the panel with a front surface of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wallboard patching and repair system and method that are quick and easy to install and provides a stronger wall repair than available systems. The system allows a wall to be repaired with or without the use of mechanical fasteners. The invention comprises a system comprising, patch support members that are placed behind the edges of a damaged opening in wallboard and where a portion of each member is placed behind the wallboard at the edge of the opening and the remaining portion extends into the opening to support a wallboard patch. In one embodiment the invention is a kit comprising system components.

Abstract: A wall repair apparatus, system, and method to repair localized wall damage and easily support an installed wall repair patch are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments provide a convenient way to both position and align a wall repair patch with the outer face of the wall surface and support it in place from within the wall cavity. The wall repair apparatus supports and reinforces a wall repair patch to prevent the wall repair patch from moving within a repaired wall, thus causing further damage. The wall repair apparatus comprises a female interlocking member and a male interlocking member that are appropriately sized to securely fit inside of a wall cavity, behind a wall repair patch. A male interlocking member with annular rings is sized to fit within a female interlocking member to form a tension-fitted wall repair apparatus that spans a wall cavity and supports a wall repair patch.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a releasable adhesive layer and an engaging layer. In one embodiment the mounting apparatus includes an elongate support member having an attaching face comprising a removable protective layer and an adhesive layer that is exposed when the protective layer is removed. The engagable layer may include a face portion angled from the attaching face that is adapted to engage with another mounting apparatus. A system of the invention includes two spaced apart mounting apparatus that define a receiving track for receiving a mounting apparatus attached to an object to be mounted. The mounting system comprises a first engagable mounting apparatus track attachable to an object and a second track attachable to a wall. The first track and the second track cooperatively engage one another such that the object will be secured in a level orientation on the wall with the first and second tracks.

Abstract: An internal anchor board-up system for windows is disclosed. The internal anchor board-up system may include an exterior window cover, one or more interior clamping beams, and bolts or fasteners connecting the cover to the beam. The exterior cover is preferably transparent, such as a plexiglass cover, so that the internal anchor board-up system is substantially more esthetically pleasing than traditional board-up systems relying upon plywood. Further, a transparent plexiglass or acrylic cover is stronger and harder to cut through than plywood.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for repairing a hole in a surface with an adhesive mesh repair patch that is mechanically tensioned inward by a tensioning pin that is attached to a slat, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A replaceable, wet-set tactile warning surface unit having a body defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the body defining a series of raised projections on its upper surface, and defining a plurality of spaced through-holes from the top to the bottom surface, in which the raised projections are spaced from one another and the through-holes are located between projections. An anchor member such as a threaded insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the unit member directly below each of the through-holes by fasteners such as bolts that pass through the through-holes.

Abstract: A multi-perforated metallic base member device (the Backing Plate) that is used to repair stress cracks, or panel abutment joint separations in drywall boarding, thereby restoring and strengthening the repaired areas without the need to replace any affected sections, which is quickly and easily installed to the blind side of the cracked wall from the outside, by temporarily mounting it onto the (so called) locking hooks of its detachable installation member, (The Handle) thereby creating a living hinged assembly. Once mounted the base member may be pivoted over like a jackknife to be inserted into the wall cavity through a pre-cut slit in the crack, where it will spring open within the wall, to be pulled outward by the Handle and held in place against the blind side of the wall, while it is securely fastened to both cracked panel edges through the outside of the wall.

Abstract: A drywall patch is coated with a premeasured amount of joint compound in its wet state making it immediately available for application to a wall surface. The patch with compound is sealed in an airtight wrapper or between unsealed wrapper halves which are in turn sealed in a surrounding airtight package so that the joint compound stays moist and will not harden over time. The wrapper includes a peel-away adhesive dry patch. In use, the dry patch is first applied over a crack or hole to be repaired. The wrapper and compound are applied directly over the dry patch and, while the wrapper remains in place, pressure is applied to smooth the compound over the patch and removed after the compound has dried. The wrapper is preferably composed of microporous breathable plastic film.

Abstract: A floor hole repair fixture has at least one vertical side wall and a bottom wall which together define an inner volume. The fixture is connected to a hole in a floor with one or more fasteners and is filled with a non-shrink grout. A depending rim or flange extending from the at least one side wall helps seat the fixture within the hole. Intumescent material may be coated onto or applied to external fixture surfaces before the fixture is inserted into the hole. Floor covering material is installed over the grout-filled fixture.

Abstract: A device for and method of repairing damaged openings in wallboard, especially openings for electrical and electronic appliances, comprising a rear flange, front flange and a connecting member to form a channel into which wallboard will fit. The device may be straight or angled into an L shape. The device is inserted into the damaged corner or top or bottom of the opening to provide a solid surface to engage the attachment means on the appliance and can generally be inserted into the damaged opening without complete removal of the appliance or disconnection of wiring.

Abstract: An article, system and method for flattening a three dimensional depression within a substrate floor. A straight edge is applied in a progressive X and Y grid fashion across the depression, with varying levels of shims defining contact locations, thereby establishing a floor template identifying common depths of depression at overlapping perimeter defined boundaries. One or more thermo-polymer sheets is resized to define an outer perimeter matching that of a perimeter boundary. A subset thickness of the sheet is incised around its outer perimeter to establish a feathering effect upon the sheet prior to it overlaying the boundary perimeter and prior to sizing and application of additional overlapping sheets up to an outermost boundary corresponding to a shallowest depression.

Abstract: A drywall repair patch is disclosed. It includes a coated sheet attached to an adhesively coated porous substrate, which includes a porous sheet and a layer of dry, water-hardenable cement product carried on at least one side of said porous sheet. The repair patch is free of any rigid supporting plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method to maintain the integrity of a vapor barrier for use with concrete slab on grade construction. In accordance with the present invention an apparatus to repair a punctured concrete slab vapor barrier includes a substantially planar concrete slab vapor barrier patch having a resealable aperture to receive a removable, substantially upright support. The patch is secured to the existing vapor barrier and the concrete is poured and substantially set. The support is removed and the malleable concrete flows, causing the engagement of the resealable aperture, thereby repairing the punctured vapor barrier.

Abstract: A repair device for sealing a hole in a wall and enabling its repair without the need for numerous tools and processes, the device comprising; a body portion having at least two plate members each having a front face and a rear face; at least one hinging means hingedly connecting the at least two plate members to each other; a biasing means engaging the at least two plate members to bias the plates apart into an open flat position such that the relative front faces of each of the at least two plate members substantially share the same plane; and at least one attachment means mounted on a front face of the at least two plate members; wherein the repair device allows for insertion into the hole in a folded position and release to the open flat position and the attachment means provide attachment to the wall adjacent the hole.