Abstract: A method of restoring a section of a composite includes the steps of removing an undesirable section of a composite and securing a repair section in the location of the removed undesirable section. One or more covers are secured on at least a portion the repair section to prevent or resist peeling of the repair section.

Abstract: A roofing sealing system and method is provided. The roofing nail seal is disposed substantially concentrically over a roofing nail. The roofing nail seal includes a body portion with an upper surface and a lower surface. An adhesive is affixed to the lower surface of the body portion for application to a head of the roofing nail.

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: An existing vertical monopole tower is reinforced by a plurality of vertically extending metal reinforcing members in the form of elongated channel members or angle plate members or ribbed plate members. The reinforcing members have longitudinally spaced holes which align with vertically spaced holes in the tower wall, and blind fasteners extend through the aligned holes to secure the reinforcing members to the tower. The fasteners provide for transferring only tensile forces or tensile and shear forces to the reinforcing members. Vertically aligned reinforcing members have adjacent end portions spliced together by splice plates and blind fasteners, and the splice plates are fastened to the web portions of the channel members or the ribs of the rib plate members or the wing portions of the angle plate members. Shear plates and pin assemblies may also be used to transfer shear forces and in splicing vertically aligned reinforcing members.

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: A method for reconstructing residual stones having at least one spalling wherein an adhesive layer is first applied grid-like on the residual stone in the area of the spalling, but leaving at least many areas free of the adhesive layer; then a leveling layer of mortar is applied; and subsequently a thin anti-abrasion layer is applied on the leveling layer; and where the leveling layer of mortar has drainage channels to convey the moisture out of the residual stone to at least one end of the stone. The invention also relates to a stone, reconstructed according to the method.

Abstract: A structural element includes the following elements: a carrier element, a reinforcing element, and a sheathing element. At least a portion of the reinforcing element is enveloped by the sheathing element and the reinforcing element is embedded in the carrier element. Materials of the elements are selected to inhibit crack initiation or propagation in the elements and/or from one element to another. An intermediate layer of a different material may be added between elements to further inhibit crack initiation and propagation and to inhibit corrosion, such as galvanic corrosion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling multi-piece structural components, such as architectural columns, capitals, and bases, are disclosed. In one embodiment a column assembly is disclosed, comprising a first column portion and a second column portion. The first column portion includes a flange having a first keyed surface on which predetermined surface features are defined. The second column portion includes a second keyed surface that is configured to engage the first keyed surface. The second keyed surface includes a keying material having surface features that intermesh with the predetermined surface feature such that the first and second column portions are desirably aligned when mated. The surfaces features of the second keyed surface are defined in the keying material as a result of compressive engagement between the keying material and the predetermined surface features of the first keyed surface when the column portions are mated.

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 structural reinforcement system for a tubular member, comprising: a carbon fiber shell attached to the tubular member with adhesive, wherein the carbon fiber shell comprises a carbon fiber fabric sandwiched between non-carbon bidirectional fabric, wherein the carbon fiber fabric is largely unidirectional along the y-axis along the tubular member; a unidirectional or biaxial fiber reinforced polymer hoop or helical wrap connected to the carbon fiber shell, wherein the fibers of the hoop wrap are largely unidirectionally oriented in the hoop direction; and optionally a protective wrap or coating around the system is provided.

Abstract: A method of replacing a concrete utility pole for the overhead distribution line without interrupting service is developed by adopting a pole clamp and pole crusher, whereby work stability is excellent and utility pole replacement work can be carried out quickly and effectively. The method is comprised of a process for connecting a pole clamp to the end portion of the boom of an auger crane, mounting the pole clamp onto the outer circumference of the old concrete utility pole to be replaced; mounting a pole crusher to the old utility pole below the pole clamp using a hot-line bucket truck, crushing the concrete of the old utility pole, cutting the reinforcing bars of the old utility pole, removing the lower portion of the old utility pole, erecting and installing a new utility pole, and relocating the arms and wires to the new utility pole.

Abstract: Laterally strengthening a target utility pole having an exterior surface includes providing a sheet of carbon-fiber having an inner side and an outer side; applying an adhesive to at least one of the exterior surface of the target utility pole, the inner side, and the outer side; placing the sheet against the exterior surface such that the inner side faces the exterior surface; and after the step of placing, allowing the adhesive to cure to form, in conjunction with the sheet, a strengthening layer; where the strengthening layer covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the target utility pole.

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: An outside corner patch for TPO roofing is formed from a circular piece of TPO membrane material being vacuum formed to define an array of flutes that extend from the center of the piece toward its edges. The flutes form ridges and valleys that generally are shaped as conical sections with the apex of the conical sections located at the center of the patch. The number and size of the flutes is optimized in such a way that, when the flutes are stretched flat, the patch conforms to and fits flat against the surfaces of an outside corner formed by the intersection of a roof deck with an upward protrusion from the roof. The TPO outside corner patch is applied over the corner and thermally welded to surrounding TPO membranes on the roof deck and the protrusion to form a watertight seal at the outside corner.

Abstract: Building panel repair apparatus generally includes a substantially planar backplate for insertion through a hole in a building panel to be repaired. A front face of the backplate is provided with adhesive for mounting the backplate to the rear side of a building panel. At least one flap is defined in the backplate such that the at least one flap is movable between an open position providing an operative with backplate positioning means to facilitate mounting of the backplate to a building panel, and a closed position providing a substrate surface for hole repair material. Other aspects of the invention include methods of repairing building panels using a building panel repair apparatus, and methods of manufacturing building repair apparatus.

Abstract: A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.

Abstract: A wall resurfacing kit for allowing users to quickly and easily resurface a damaged wallpapered surface includes a plurality of rectangular mesh screen sheets. The plurality of mesh screen sheets are made of fiberglass and are directly attachable to the wallpapered surface. The wall resurfacing kit further includes a reinforcing member. The reinforcing member is applied directly onto the mesh screen sheets such that the reinforcing member penetrates through the mesh screen sheets. The reinforcing member directly couples the plurality of mesh screen sheets to the wallpapered surface. The wall resurfacing kit further includes a set of instructions indicating a decoration mode. The decoration mode is used to decorate the wallpapered surface.

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 wall and door hole repair kit used for repairing a hole accidentally punched or intentionally cut during repair or remodeling of a wall or door. The repair kit includes a thin sheet first brace and a thin sheet second brace. A width of one or both braces is dimensioned for receipt inside the hole. Each of the two braces includes a round tube opening with a tube compression slit. The compression slits are disposed next to the tube openings. A small rubber or plastic tube is received through the tube openings in the first and second braces. An adhesive is applied to an inside surface of the first brace. The adhesive is used for securing the first brace to the inside of the wall or door and next to the hole. A portion of the tube is then inserted in the compression slits to hold the braces firmly against an inside and outside of the wall or door and next to the hole.

Abstract: A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.

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 replacement ventilation cover and its method of installation in place of an old damaged ventilation cover. The replacement ventilation cover has a peripheral frame and an air permeable structure contained within the interior of the peripheral frame. Guides are prefabricated in the peripheral frame. The Guides hold nails or screws at acute angles relative to the plane of the opening being covered. To utilize the replacement ventilation cover, a central portion of the damaged ventilation cover is removed. This creates an opening without having to remove the nailing flange of the damaged ventilation cover. Consequently, the siding and trim around the vent opening does not have to be disturbed. The replacement ventilation cover is inserted into the remnants of the damaged ventilation cover. Nails or screws are then driven through the guides and into the construction under the old ventilation cover.

Abstract: An assembly includes a composite flange, an insert, an adhesive and a support. The composite flange has at least one damaged aperture. The insert is positioned in the damaged aperture and extends therefrom to provide compressive load transfer through the composite flange. The adhesive is positioned directly on at least a portion of the composite flange proximate the damaged aperture. The support is positioned over the adhesive and contacts the insert.

Abstract: A cap for a container having a blade portion for use in smoothing a spreadable material, an attachment portion for mounting the cap to the container, and a transition portion extending between the blade portion and the attachment portion, the transition portion having a hollow interior for retaining an object. A window allows a user to observe the object in the hollow interior of the cap.

Abstract: A flashing kit seals or waterproofs a hole in a wall with a conduit penetrating therethrough. The flashing kit generally includes a first flashing member adapted to be mounted to the wall adjacent the hole, a second flashing member adapted to be mounted to the wall adjacent the hole and the first flashing member, a third flashing member wrapped onto the conduit adjacent the first and second flashing members, and a fourth flashing member adapted to be applied to the wall over the first and second flashing members. The fourth flashing member has an aperture for receiving the conduit and may include one or more leaves spaced about the aperture. The leaves are adapted to bend in order to accommodate the conduit and are covered by a fifth flashing member wrapped around the conduit.

Abstract: A lap siding installation device for spacing and applying lap siding to a surface. Anchoring mechanisms are provided for releasably anchoring the device to a surface, and connection mechanisms are also provided to house the anchoring mechanisms. A first elongate member and a second elongate member extend from the connection mechanism in substantially the same direction. The second elongate member has a length greater than the first elongate member, and includes a protrusion with a ledge to receive and hold a piece of lap siding between the first and second elongate members. Methods are also included for spacing and applying lap siding to a surface.

Abstract: A drywall repair tool for repairing a localized defect in drywall, and the method of using same, the tool having a conical abrading surface, a circular cutting rim and an annular abutment collar, whereby rotation of the tool creates a hole having a conical wall, where the inner diameter of the hole is smaller than the outer diameter, such that a replacement plug having a conical wall corresponding to the size and configuration of the conical wall of the hole can be readily positioned within the hole and adhesively secured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packer for repairing a crack in a concrete body. The packer includes an injection main body and a soft sleeve. The injection main body includes an inflow route, a nipple part, a plurality of extension units, each of which has a trapezoidal section injection main body, and a backward flow prevention unit in the end of the inflow route opposite to the nipple part. The packer is obtained by assembling the soft sleeve with the extension units of the injection main body, and is installed along the crack of the concrete body, thus easily repairing the crack in the concrete body.

Abstract: A plug designed to seal an opening formed in a concrete wall. The plug comprises a main body portion, a first end, and a second end wherein the first end and second end are combined by a bolt having a fastener on one end. Washers are combined with the bolt on each end of the plug. The plug has a first diameter wherein it can be inserted into the opening and a second diameter wherein it plugs the opening in the wall. The plug is moved from its first position to its second position by tightening the fastener thereby squeezing the plug between the two washers. This tightening causes an expansion of the plug to its second position, increasing its diameter inside the opening and forming a seal between the plug and the wall of the opening.

Abstract: A spackling tool for applying spackling compound to sheetrock, the spackling tool includes a handle with a curved slot defined therein and a blade having a fixed edge secured in the curved slot of the handle so as to form a non-planar surface. The blade has a non-linear free edge disposed opposite its fixed edge. The spackling tool may be used on either butt or tapered joints for readily applying spackling compound over the taped joint and removing any excess without disturbing the finished edge of applied spackling compound. A spackling pan is also presented having at least one non-linear free edge for accommodating spackling tools having a non-planar blade with a non-linear free edge.

Abstract: System and apparatus for repair of concrete surfaces, and a method of using the same, having slab removal plates, slab replacement plates, slab transport/replacement frame carrier vehicles, slab injection/guide collars for application of fluid binding material as support for the replacement slabs, and microprocessor controlled global satellite coordinates, wireless transmission, and bar code identification for slab replacement.

Abstract: A wall repair system is disclosed. The wall repair system includes a patch and a rigid patch support having a proximal end and a distal end. The rigid patch support having a length substantially equal to the gap between a first inner surface and a second inner surface of the wall being repaired. The distal end has at least one wall engagement member capable of securing the distal end to second inner surface. The system also includes means for securing the patch to the proximal end of the rigid patch support.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securing cored penetration in a concrete slab are described. The method and system may include providing a concrete hole plug. The concrete hole may include a lower hole plug and a top cover securely attached to the lower hole plug for sealing the hole. The lower hole plug may include an adhesive on the outside surface for adhering to the concrete wall of the hole and a well for holding fire-resistant sealant to form a perimeter seal on installed pipe. The top cover may include one or more securing mechanism for attaching the top cover to the hole plug. Further, the method and system may include exposing the adhesive on the outside surface of the lower hole plug, disposing the concrete hole plug into a hole bored in a concrete slab and securing the top cover to the lower hole plug using the securing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is a locker retrofit assembly which may be adapted for replacing the door and frame components of an existing locker system. An exemplary embodiment of the locker retrofit assembly may be comprised of plastic components for replacing the metallic components of the existing locker system. The locker retrofit assembly may be wholly or partially assembled off-site to facilitate expeditious installation on the existing locker system.

Abstract: A method of repairing wood rot in a structural member. In an exemplary method, rotted material is removed from the structural member to create a repair area. The repair area is treated with a fungicide to kill the fungus that causes the wood rot, and at least one reinforcement member is placed in the repair area. The repair area is filled with filler material to complete the repair.

Abstract: A patch for patching a hole in roof decking includes a rigid plug body that has a peripheral edge and that is of a size receivable in the hole in a manner enabling the plug body to be positioned in edgewise juxtaposition with the roof decking. The patch also includes a plurality of separate clips separately secured to the plug body at spaced-apart locations adjacent the peripheral edge of the plug body. A portion, or ear, of each clip extends laterally and outwardly beyond the peripheral edge of the plug body so that it can be disposed on the roof decking and suspend the plug body within the hole. If desired, a flexible flashing material can be applied over the plug body and clips to form a fluid-tight seal between any gaps between the plug body and roof decking. A method of installing the patch is also provided.

Abstract: A drywall repair patch comprises: a mesh sheet which carries a dry, pressure sensitive adhesive layer on at least one side thereof, and at least one layer of a dry, water hardenable cement product carried on a side of the mesh sheet. The mesh sheet is free of any rigid supporting plate. Further by this invention, water is applied to the water hardenable cement, typically after placement on the wall, followed by pushing a portion of the cement layer and mesh sheet into the hole being covered, without substantially breaking the adherence to the wall, to form a concave portion of the patch in the hole. After hardening, a second portion of water hardenable cement material is applied to form a smooth wall surface over the hole and drywall patch.

Abstract: A patch for repairing a hole or a scrape on a surface has a patching compound of a semi-fluid consistency, such that the compound can be applied to a surface in a thin coat and can adhere and dry in a relatively short time. A package encloses the patching compound, the package having basically rectangular top and bottom with side and end edges, the edges of one rectangle being connected to the edges of the other rectangle; the package including a packaging material which 1) is malleable permitting the application of pressure to create texture in the patching compound, and 2) retains the moisture of the enclosed patching compound. The package has at least one seal to connect the side and end edges of the package to enclose the patching compound. Also disclosed are methods for patching and forming textured surfaces.

Abstract: A device for patching and repairing a hole on a double-walled partition wall includes an umbrella-like element and a support frame. The umbrella-like element includes a stem provided at a rear end with external screw threads for a nut to screw thereto, and an umbrella-like front head fixed to a front end of the stem. The support frame includes two legs and a transverse bar extended between and held by the legs to a fixed distance from a wall surface having a wall hole to be patched. The transverse bar is provided with a long through hole, via which a rear end of the stem of the umbrella-like element is rearward extended. The umbrella-like front head may be forward extended beyond the wall hole to seal an inner end of the wall hole and thereby prevents patching material filled in the wall hole from rearward falling off the hole.

Abstract: A seven-layered laminated composite lumber 1 is constructed by stacking veneers 2, whose oven-dry specific gravity is 0.6 or larger, alternately with veneers 3, whose oven-dry specific gravity is 0.4 or less, and by bonding them together. The invention can thus provide a laminated composite lumber that is light in weight, is substantially resistant to warping and distortion, and yet retains the desired bending strength and nail holding power, and a method of producing such a laminated composite lumber.

Abstract: Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the invention involves means 1 for controlling cracking in a body of cementitious material, for example concrete, having an elongate base 2, elongate side wall portions 3 and 4 extending from the base and angling towards one another, and an aperture of apertures in the side wall portions. When the means for controlling cracking is in use it can be positioned base down so that a cementitious substance prone to cracking can be poured around and at least partially through it such that cracks which form in the cementitious substance occur at or in the vicinity of the means for controlling cracking.

Abstract: A wall patch includes a body with a lower surface and an upper surface. An adhesive is located on the lower surface to secure the wall patch to a wall surface. The upper surface is ready-to-paint and can also be pre-textured, if desired. A center reinforcement can be a rigid plastic or metal wall patch, or a flexible plastic or fibered paper wall patch, without a textured upper surface. A method for repairing a hole in a wall includes placing a wall patch over the hole and directly painting the upper surface of the wall patch. The method can further include placing a center reinforcement over the hole before applying the wall patch.

Abstract: A wall patch includes a substantially planar body, an adhesive located on a first surface of the body, a ready-to-paint second surface of the body, and an aperture in the body. The aperture is preferably sized to minimize a wall hole, such as is commonly made for installation of an electrical outlet or other household wall element. A method for repairing a wall hole includes identifying a wall hole to be repaired by covering less than a total hole area defined by the wall hole, said wall hole having a wall element mounted therein; applying over the wall hole a wall patch having a substantially planar body, an adhesive located on a lower surface of the body, a ready-to-paint upper surface of the body, and an aperture in the body having an aperture area less than the wall hole area; wherein the aperture of the wall patch partially covers the wall hole without obstructing access to the wall element; and painting directly over the wall 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: A method and apparatus is provided for replacing a pole in an electrical utility support structure while the supported electrical wires remain energized. The method comprises erecting a replacement pole adjacent to a pole to be replaced, and providing a pivotable support arm on the replacement pole so that it will be engageable with the cross arm support carrying the electrical wires of the utility support structure. The support arm is adapted to lift and support the cross arm, whereupon the replaced pole may be disengaged from the cross arm and removed. A guy wire provides support for maintaining the load weight of the cross arm laterally on the replacement pole. The guy wire helps to transfer the supported load centrally on the replacement pole to prevent the supported weight from causing the replacement pole to lean. Mounting brackets are provided for attachment to the replacement pole which provide a base for connection and pivoting of the support arm.

Abstract: The split column reassembly system invention allows a split column, capitol or base to return to its intended position during its installation around a load bearing structural device. It is done through forming the pieces of the seams in order that they fit back together accurately after separation and during installation.

Abstract: A composite sheet, and a process of making the same, including cured modified urea formaldehyde reinforced by glass fibers. The modifier is an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer. A roofing shingle, formed by coating the composite sheet with filled asphalt, represents a major application of the composite sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying and removing a strip of tape to a surface. The tape having a width dimension and a longer length dimension wherein the tape has a greater tensile strength than a cured compound covering the tape. The tape applicable to panel surfaces and panel joints and removeable after the compound has cured on the tape.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.

Abstract: A doorjamb end cap and method of installation therefor, wherein application of the present invention to wooden doorjambs permits the enclosed or encased portion thereof to effectively resist or avoid the onset of rot therein, and wherein the present invention is effectuated without expensive extrusion processes and/or thermoplastic melt and adhesive applications.