Abstract: A roof apparatus provides a uniquely configured clip assembly or interface that connects upper roof panels to under supporting beams. In one embodiment, the clip or interface provides multidirectional movement of roof panels to under support beams. In one embodiment, a specially configured U-beam can be an understructure beam that carries utilities such as piping or electricity.

Abstract: Sun heats dark continents more than reflective oceans. Air moves onshore from high pressure to low. Creating wind: powering weather and storms—“hurricane-in-a-box-on-water” principles producing electricity in a marine vessel, providing Green Technology for Marine Transportation. Captured and recovered heat, offset by loss of heat, creates differential pressure conditions across multiple rotary engines. Night and day, a working fluid moves from high pressure to low; powering alternators, batteries, domestics, and in-hull electric drive trains, in a unique, lightweight exoskeleton dome shell design vessel. Disclosed vessel design advantages include: high energy collection and living space to vessel length ratio; high strength to weight ratio; high carrying capacity, downwind sailing while producing electricity; modular fabrication and shipping; and sustained hull speed in a vessel harvesting energy from the environment. The longer the vessel: the more it carries: the greater the hull speed: the faster it goes.

Abstract: Solar panels are coupled to elongated purlins by solar panel clamps. A single strip of sheet metal is folded to form a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion opposed to the first mounting portion, and a first section of an upright wall extending perpendicularly therebetween. A first and second mounting shelves extend perpendicularly from the first section of the upright wall. A second section of the upright wall extends perpendicularly from between the first and second mounting shelves. A plurality of solar panel clamps affix the plurality of solar panels to the mounting shelves of the elongated purlins.

Abstract: A climate shelter has a cover defining a valence and a moisture diverter proximate to a horizontal support. A side panel is releasably secured to the cover under the valence. The side panel includes a slot passage interior relative to the valence. The moisture diverter has an opening, a plurality of downwardly converging passage walls, and a moisture chute extending downwardly and outwardly relative to the walls. At least a portion of the moisture chute extends outwardly through the slot passage. Moisture contacting the cover enters the opening and is directed downwardly and outwardly by the walls into the moisture chute, and then outwardly for discharge exterior to a side panel. A portion of the discharge chute is disposed between the side panel and the valence.

Abstract: A mounting bracket (320) for trapezoidal rib profiles is disclosed. This mounting bracket (320) includes an upper section (330) and a lower section (350). A first leg (352a) in a second leg (352b) extend from a lower portion of the upper section (330) in diverging relation to one another. Each of these legs (352a, 352b) is deflectable through a certain range of motion to accommodate installation of the mounting bracket (320) on a variety of different trapezoidal rib profiles.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for a purlin. The purlin can include a steel structure having a pair of outer flanges flaring away from a support surface for defining outer edges of the purlin. Connected to respective inner edges of the outer flanges along bent edges can be a pair of supports. The supports can be configured to engage a support surface and define a lower surface of the purlin. Connected to respective inner edges of the supports can be a pair of support webs that extend away from the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a panel having a profile. The panel includes a first longitudinal edge including in succession a first longitudinal rib, a flange, and a second longitudinal rib. Each longitudinal rib includes an upper central part and two lateral wings. The panel also includes a central part and a second longitudinal edge including in succession a first lateral portion, a protruding part, and a second lateral portion. The lateral portions have a configuration permitting them to at least partially overlap the upper central parts of the first and second longitudinal ribs. The protruding part is capable of receiving a fastener. The present invention also provides an assembly of panels marginally overlapping, a roofing and a kit for fabrication of roofing.

Abstract: A tornado shelter which meets the structural performance criteria of ICC, FEMA, ASCE, AISI, and ACI, produced from trapezoidal cold-formed steel panels.

Abstract: A method for designing a structure includes selecting an initial cage, defining a secondary cage by positioning a plurality of tiles, reduced tiles, or larger patches obtained or derived from a selected one of the uniform Archimedean tilings over the faces of the initial cage, resizing edges of the secondary cage such the cage is equilateral, and planarizing the cage faces. In an embodiment the patch comprising a network of edges and vertices from a uniform tiling decorates the faces of a polyhedron to define a non-polyhedral cage that is transformed by planarizing the faces. In an embodiment the secondary cage comprises tiles derived from an Archimedean tiling that decorate faces of the initial cage comprising a polyhedron. In an embodiment the secondary cages resemble a nanotube.

Abstract: A modular curved projection screen includes an outer structural component formed of multiple compound curved interlocking sections. Multiple inner compound curved screen components are each supported by a corresponding compound curved interlocking section and extend beyond edges of the interlocking sections. Responsive to interlocking the multiple compound curved interlocking sections, edges of adjacent screen components are compressed against each other to form a smooth concave projection viewing area supported by the outer structural component.

Abstract: This invention relates to safety anchors for roof workers and in particular to a gutter ladder anchor, a ridge anchor, a rafter anchor, and a truss anchor. In a one aspect the invention is a gutter ladder anchor formed from a metal plate, and comprising a flat base, having left, right, rear, and front ends; a fold at the front end of the base; one or more legs extending from the fold; a flange at the end of each leg, folded upwards; one or more holes located in each leg for mounting a vertical eye or a ladder location attachment; a first pattern of spaced apart holes through the base for fixing the anchor to a batten or purlin, said first pattern extending from the left end to the right end; and one or more holes through the flange of each leg for fixing the anchor to a gutter.

Abstract: An actuator device configured to actuate a first functional unit and a second functional unit. The actuator device has an actuator motor configured to generate a rotational drive movement, a first shift device assigned to the first functional unit, a second shift device assigned to the second functional unit, and a shift drum which couples the actuator motor and the shift devices in terms of drive. The first shift device is coupled to the shift drum via a first positive control mechanism, and the second shift device is coupled to the shift drum via a second positive control mechanism. By the positive control mechanism, a rotational movement of the shift drum, which can be generated by the rotational drive movement, may be converted into a translatory movement of the first shift device and/or into a translatory movement of the second shift device.

Abstract: A roof system is secured to a roof deck on a building. The roof system has a thermal energy absorbing product including a desiccant located between the roof deck and a roof barrier. The desiccant reversibly absorbs moisture, and in response thereto, heat is released and absorbed by the desiccant to effect a thermal management of the roof system.

Abstract: A security panel apparatus and a method for covering window and door openings in building structures using the security panel apparatus are disclosed. One example security panel includes a main panel section including stiffening bends extending diagonally between opposite corners of the main panel section. The security panel also includes a plurality of side flanges extending away from the main panel section toward the opening in the building structure when the security panel is in an installation position and a plurality of edge sections each extending away from one of the side flanges in a direction generally parallel to the main panel section. The security panel also includes a plurality of apertures formed in at least one of the edge sections.

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly is formed by overlapping adjacent panels, the female sidelap portion of one panel forming a male insertion cavity to receive a male sidelap portion of a second panel to form a standing seam, a clip configured to connect the standing seam to an underlying support structural. A strengthening beam is incorporated in the standing seam at a selected point along the standing seam to increase load bearing capacity. In one preferred embodiment, the strengthening beam is incorporated into the connecting clip.

Abstract: A vented soffit panel is provided. The soffit panel includes a first panel section, a second panel section and a vent channel. The vent channel is positioned between the first and second panel sections and extends along a width of the soffit panel. The vent channel has a generally dove-tailed shape defined by a first sidewall extending from the first panel section at an acute angle relative thereto, a second sidewall extending from the second panel section at an acute angle relative thereto and a top wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The top wall has at least one row of openings extending substantially along the width. The row of openings in the top wall being positioned such that when the panel is installed the row of openings are obscured from a view of an ordinary observer by at least one of the first and second panel sections.

Abstract: A wall panel that can be secured along an associated wall structure is formed from a thin-walled material having a substantially uniform thickness. The wall panel includes first and second longitudinally-extending edges, and first, second and third wall portions. A first interengagement feature extends lengthwise along the first wall portion, and a second interengagement feature extends lengthwise along the second wall portion. The first and second interengagement features are dimensioned to cooperate with one another to operatively provide a non-visual indicator of a positive interengagement between two wall panels. A wall panel kit and a method of manufacture are also included.

Abstract: An end wall panel for an arch-style steel building is disclosed. The end wall panel is fabricated from metal sheet and consists of a plurality of upper flanges spaced apart from one another. The upper flanges are connected to lower flanges by a web section extending at an angle from the upper flange. Flange stiffeners also extend at an angle from the outermost upper flanges. The end wall panel provides increased strength in an arch-style steel building and can withstand critical wind loads without additional stiffeners. The end wall panel is also inexpensive to manufacture and install into an arch-style steel building.

Abstract: A building system is disclosed having building constituent assemblies including wall panels, a flooring assembly, a ceiling assembly and a roofing assembly. Each of the building constituent assemblies includes a supporting structure and a covering member. The supporting structure includes a supporting member which has a corrugated first side portion and second side portion. The side portions of adjacent supporting structures overlay each other and interlock the adjacent constituent assemblies together.

Abstract: An end wall panel for an arch-style steel building is disclosed. The end wall panel is fabricated from metal sheet and consists of a plurality of upper flanges spaced apart from one another. The upper flanges are connected to lower flanges by a web section extending at an angle from the upper flange. Flange stiffeners also extend at an angle from the outermost upper flanges. The end wall panel provides increased strength in an arch-style steel building and can withstand critical wind loads without additional stiffeners. The end wall panel is also inexpensive to manufacture and install into an arch-style steel building.

Abstract: Drainage under a deck can be performed by a structure that includes hanging components and corrugated panels. For example, a hanging component can have connected first and second portions, with the first portion being connected to hang from one of the joists and extending downward to where it connects to the second portion, which is below the joist. The second portion can be connected to support of at least one of the panels from above. The upper surfaces of panels are sloped so that drainage occurs from a high part to a low part. The direction of slope and the direction of corrugations are not perpendicular, and can be approximately the same. The hanging components can, for example, be L-shaped brackets, U-shaped, or inverted T-shaped, and can be integrally formed by extrusion of plastic or can be metal. The panels can be corrugated plastic or metal sheets.

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly in which a male sidelap extends from one side edge of a panel and a female sidelap extends from the opposing side edge. The female sidelap, supporting a sealant bead, is shaped fit over the male sidelap. A clip member has a clip tab shaped to be seamed with the male and female sidelaps to connect the standing seam assembly in the assembled mode. The clip tab, having a clip inclined portion with at least one sealant flow hole, with the male and female sidelaps forms lower and upper sealant chambers along a clip tab, the sealant flow hole communicating between the upper sealant chamber and the lower sealant chamber to spread sealant to encapsulate the clip tab. The clip has a clip body slidably connected to a clip base having protruding bearing feet to penetrate and compress insulation when mounted to support structure.

Abstract: Self supporting roofing plate for pitched roofs having purlinless roofing construction is disclosed. This particular roofing plate allows for the rafters of the purlinless construction to be spaced apart as twice as allowed when using best known prior art products, thus significantly reduces costs and labor of the complete roofing construction.

Abstract: A ventilating component for a building, particularly a ventilating soffit, provides a high ratio of ventilation flow area to component coverage area. A sheet in a plane of coverage has a spaced-channel configuration, or alternatively a terraced configuration. Ventilation openings are placed in the connecting webs between the upper and lower levels, especially in sidewalls of elongated channels that open as slots on the exposed side of the soffit. These connecting webs are oriented at an acute angle relative to the coverage plane. In a channel arrangement the webs can be shaped to block direct view of the side walls. The acute angle precludes, or at least foreshortens, a view of the webs that contain the ventilation openings. The ventilation aspects are concealed while permitting a high ratio of flow area to coverage area.

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly is formed by overlapping adjacent panels, the female sidelap portion of one panel forming a male insertion cavity to receive a male sidelap portion of a second panel. Restraining mechanisms prevent relative in-plane movement between the first and second sidelaps, including connecting selected male and female leg members to prevent in-plane movement there between. In a preferred embodiment, the female sidelap has a hook portion forming a female retaining groove and the male sidelap has a male tab member, and in the assembled mode, the male tab member is disposed in the female retaining groove, and the female and male sidelaps are folded so the hook portion of the female sidelap and the male tab member are tightly brought into pressing engagement to form the standing seam between the first and second panels.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to a storm shutter assembly clip used for stitching together multiple storm shutter panels in making a storm shutter system, and/or assembly method for accomplishing the same. The clip includes upper and lower portions, with the upper portion having at least one arm extending therefrom, and the lower portion having a housing including a nut. A hole is formed in the lower portion. The upper and lower portions of the clip may be angled so as to correspond with an angle formed by intermediate portions of the storm shutter panels. The at least one arm of the clip is slipped over an end of the first shutter panel so that the hole of the clip aligns with holes of the inner and outer shutter panels. A screw is fed through the holes of the first and second shutter panels and the clip so as to engage with the nut, the shutter panels tightening together via the screw being received by the nut in forming the storm shutter system.

Abstract: Drainage under a deck can be performed by a structure that includes hanging components and corrugated panels. For example, a hanging component can have connected first and second portions, with the first portion being connected to hang from one of the joists and extending downward to where it connects to the second portion, which is below the joist. The second portion can be connected to support of at least one of the panels from above. The upper surfaces of panels are sloped so that drainage occurs from a high part to a low part. The direction of slope and the direction of corrugations are not perpendicular, and can be approximately the same. The hanging components can, for example, be L-shaped brackets, U-shaped, or inverted T-shaped, and can be integrally formed by extrusion of plastic or can be metal. The panels can be corrugated plastic or metal sheets.

Abstract: A fret-shaped sheath for laying floors and/or linings and their following quick pulling away in case of replacement, including a fixed sheath (1) and a removable sheath (2) able to fit each other by their frets, wherein removable sheath is provided with elements suitably disposed along the joint surfaces between the sheaths and able to form rooms close to the joint surfaces which are prevented from being filled with glue or mortar of cement in order to retain the capability of being deformed of the joint surfaces between the fixed sheath and the removable sheath.

Abstract: An end wall panel for an arch-style steel building is disclosed. The end wall panel is fabricated from metal sheet and consists of a plurality of upper flanges spaced apart from one another. The upper flanges are connected to lower flanges by a web section extending at an angle from the upper flange. Flange stiffeners also extend at an angle from the outermost upper flanges. The end wall panel provides increased strength in an arch-style steel building and can withstand critical wind loads without additional stiffeners. The end wall panel is also inexpensive to manufacture and install into an arch-style steel building.

Abstract: Self supporting roofing plate for pitched roofs having purlinless roofing construction is disclosed. This particular roofing plate allows for the rafters of the purlinless construction to be spaced apart as twice as allowed when using best known prior art products, thus significantly reduces costs and labor of the complete roofing construction.

Abstract: A roofing module provides weather protection generates electrical power. The module comprises a base having a plurality of curved crests and curved pans. The crests and pans have contours sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the contours and pans of conventional clay or concrete S-tiles to enable the base to interlock with the conventional clay or concrete S-tiles. The base is made from lightweight plastic material. Each crest of the base includes a depressed portion. A photovoltaic panel is positioned in the depressed portions of at least two curved crests and span across at least one curved pan between the at least two curved crests.

Abstract: A punching tool for forming an attachment in a side-lapped seam of steel decking includes four cutting jaws each having a cutting edge. Two jaws are positioned against one side of the seam, and two jaws are positioned on the opposite side of the seam. An actuator selectively pivots the cutting edges of opposing jaws generally toward each other to a closed position, driving the cutting edges of a first pair of jaws partially past each other for cutting a first slot through the seam, and driving the cutting edges of a second pair of jaws partially past each other for cutting a second slot through the seam. Also disclosed are a method for forming such an attachment, as well as the attachment structure which results therefrom.

Abstract: A grain bin floor panel formed from sheet metal. The grain bin floor panel is comprised of a first flange, a second flange, and a center support disposed between the first flange and the second flange. The center support is connected to the first flange by a first support surface and the second flange by a second support surface. To insure that the first and second support surfaces do not become separated from one another, the center support is configured with at least one staking. To provide the floor panel added strength, the first flange, the second flange, the center support, and the first and second support surfaces are preferably corrugated. To further increase the strength of the center support, the center support is preferably shaped as a triangle.

Abstract: A roofing system having shingles. The shingles include a front side, a back side, a pair of spaced-apart side edges, and spaced-apart top and bottom edges, an adhesive, and a backing material. The adhesive is applied to a portion of the shingle for affixing the backing material to the shingle and covering a portion of the back side.

Abstract: The closure strip having a pair of longitudinal side walls with undulating top edges configured to mate with the corrugations of corrugated sheet material. The side walls are interconnected by a plurality of support ribs. The side walls are also angled outward toward the bottom edges. A hollow nesting volume is formed between the side and below the support ribs in the region of each of the undulation peaks of the closure strip. This configuration allows successive closure strips to be nested one into another by inserting the undulation peaks of one closure strip into the hollow nesting volume under corresponding undulation peaks in another closure strip.

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: The roof tile system of the present invention includes parallel patterns of channels or features which when viewed in a large pattern of identical tiles create the illusion of a surface made using a costly three dimensional roofing material such as Spanish tile. The patterns of channels or features may also function to direct the flow of water in a manner that is consistent with the apparent contour of the surface. The patterns of channels or features may also be arranged to direct the flow of rain water from a first area of a roof to a second area of a roof. An added water directing feature in the tiles of a bottom course of tiles can be used to direct rain water into an enclosed rain gutter.

Abstract: A multi-ribbed, standing seam structural roof panel with double ribs which can be attached directly to building framing to create a structural rated building panel with shear values which also serves as waterproofing panel.

Abstract: A ceiling panel system is a plurality of ceiling panels. Each ceiling panel has a first interlocking retaining bracket and an oppositely spaced second interlocking retaining bracket. The installation of the ceiling panel system comprises: A starter bracket is connected at a right angle to one or more support beams. A first ceiling panel is connected via its second interlocking retaining bracket to the starter bracket. The first ceiling panel's first interlocking retaining bracket is connected to the beams of the supporting structure. A second ceiling panel's second interlocking retaining bracket is connected to the first ceiling panel's first interlocking retaining bracket. Subsequent ceiling panels are connected in this manner to form the ceiling panel system.

Abstract: A multi-piece clamp for installation on a standing seam is disclosed. One component of the clamp is a clamp body with a clamp body slot formed therein. This slot may be mounted on a standing seam without having to slide the clamp body onto an end of the seam. Another component of the clamp is an insert(s) that may be disposed within the clamp body slot between a clamp body slot wall and the standing seam. One or more seam fasteners may be directed through the clamp body and a clamp body slot wall to secure each of the inserts within the clamp body slot by a compression of the same, and further to secure the clamp to the standing seam.

Abstract: A skylight for a standing seam roof having a skylight panel housed in a frame with a vertically extending curb along two longitudinal and two lateral sides. The frame curb integrates on the longitudinal sides with U-shaped curbs formed into modified roof panels selected from the construction project. On the lateral sides, the frame curb integrates with curbs formed in two end pieces painted with the other roof panels in the project. Standing seams, which are raised above the surface of the roof, interconnect the regular roof panels. The modified roof panels interconnect with the standing seams of the regular roof panels. The lateral sides of the skylight assembly traverse at least one standing seam when integrated with the regular roof panels.

Abstract: A sheet structure includes a pair of corrugated sheets formed in a zigzag pattern, the pair comprising an upper sheet and a lower sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the pair of corrugated sheets further includes a flat portion disposed at selected intervals between individual zigzags. The flat portions of the upper sheet are aligned with corresponding flat portions of the lower sheet so as to maintain the upper and lower sheets in a double wall configuration.

Abstract: A cladding product which includes a panel having at least one panel section and at least one longitudinal recess. The longitudinal recess includes a first channel portion adjacent to the panel section and a second channel portion adjacent to the first channel portion. The second channel portion includes at least one edge portion that extends wider than the first channel portion at a distal end of the first channel portion. The second channel portion includes a plurality of ventilation openings formed on the at least one edge portion.

Abstract: An extruded, light-transmitting sheet structure includes a pair of outer walls separated apart from one another. At least one dome is formed as part of one of the pair of outer walls, and is disposed at a first outer edge of the structure. A rib structure is disposed between the pair of outer walls, wherein the rib structure includes at least one rib that extends into the dome.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a profiled sheet comprising a web formation having first and second opposite ends; a first panel segment extending generally transversely from the web formation at or towards the first end thereof and a second panel segment, extending generally transversely from the web formation at or towards the second end thereof. The first and second panel segments extend in opposite directions from the web formation and the sheet further comprises a lip formation extending generally transversely from the first panel segment at an end defined by the said panel segment distal to the web formation and extending in a direction towards the plane wherein the second panel segment is located.

Abstract: A deck drainage system having a plurality of channeled drainage panels. The drainage panels are mounted to direct water flow transversely of the deck joists to a gutter, the panels connected to and suspended from the underside of the joists. The gutter is mounted transversely across the discharge ends of the drainage panels to collect water therefrom and direct it to a down spout. Drainage panels, which are rectangular with the individual drainage channels extending lengthwise, may be overlapped both lengthwise and widthwise to fit the perimeter of the deck.

Abstract: A light transmitting storm shutter system for homes, buildings and the like includes a combination of full width corrugated aluminum and half width clear polycarbonate panels arranged in alternating adjacent and partially overlapping relation over a given window or door opening. The aluminum panels provide structural integrity while the polycarbonate panels provide light transmittance. The combination of full width aluminum panels and half width polycarbonate panels provides a storm shutter system that is substantially stronger and more resistant to impact deflection than the light transmitting storm shutters disclosed in the background art, and eliminates the need for additional hardware, supports, and bracing.

Abstract: A coated fiber mat of improved tear strength upon dividing pieces of the coated mat and the coating is provided. The coated mat is a cured, non-woven mat including a mixture of fibers having different fiber lengths. The fibers contain a polysiloxane compound and are fixedly distributed in a binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated fiber mat of improved tear strength upon dividing pieces of the coated mat and the coating which comprises a cured, non-woven, fiber glass mat containing a polysiloxane wherein the fibers are fixedly distributed in a formaldehyde type binder containing a binder modifier which is a crosslinked styrene/acrylic polymer, and to a process for the preparation of the mat.

Abstract: A sheet structure includes a pair of corrugated sheets formed in a zigzag pattern, the pair comprising an upper sheet and a lower sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the pair of corrugated sheets further includes a flat portion disposed at selected intervals between individual zigzags. The flat portions of the upper sheet are aligned with corresponding flat portions of the lower sheet so as to maintain the upper and lower sheets in a double wall configuration.