Abstract: A stiffener system includes a stiffener and a fastener means. The stiffener includes an extruded body that includes a plurality of projections. The stiffener couples to the apparatus to facilitate increasing a structural integrity of the apparatus. The fastener means secures the stiffener to the apparatus.

Abstract: A building panel formed by extruding a mixture of wooden and/or bamboo powder and a binding agent. Its panel body comprises (i) a door panel extending in the direction of extrusion, (ii) a pair of longitudinal frame members formed in the direction of extrusion on the right and left sides of the door panel, and (iii) a panel strip formed in the direction of extrusion at the center of the door panel. The door panel, the paired longitudinal frame members, and the panel strip are formed as a single piece. The door panel and the panel strip are cut short at their upper and lower ends so that the upper and lower ends of the longitudinal frame members stand out beyond the cut ends of the door panel and the panel strip, the standing-out portions constituting tenons.

Abstract: A threshold system includes modular plastic substrate sections of predetermined lengths that are attachable together end-to-end in a number of configurations to form substrates of various total lengths. A threshold assembly of a desired length is assembled by attaching selected substrate sections together to form a support substrate having a length corresponding to the sums of the lengths of the substrate sections, mounting an extruded aluminum sill to the support substrate, and mounting a threshold cap in the upwardly open channel formed by the attached substrate sections and the sill. A nosing strip may be secured along the inside of the finished threshold to cover the intersections between joined substrate sections and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance from the inside of a building in which the threshold is installed.

Abstract: A sandwich panel is manufactured-by providing: a first step (a), (b) of attaching another end portion of an insert 1 whose one end portion is made sharp to an inner side of a facing member 2 in which a hole is cut in advance; a second step (c) of pressing the insert 1 into the core member 4 such that the one end portion of the insert 1 force-cuts a core member 4; and a third step (d) of attaching another facing member 2 to a side of the core member 4 opposing the insert-inserting side thereof.

Abstract: A method and tool for forming convexities (3, 4) in a plate body (1), which plate body (1) comprises a main face (2) and a plurality of side edges. The plate body (1) is inserted between two tool halves (11, 12), which are brought together and interact to press a first set of convexities (3) in a first direction relative to the main face (2) of the plate body (1) and a second set of convexities (4) in a second, opposite direction relative to the main face (2) of the plate body (1). The convexities (3, 4) are formed along a straight line across the plate body (1) between two of the side edges thereof.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete reinforcing panel with face sheet reinforcement is provided having a face sheet and a frame with reinforcing members. The reinforcing members preferably extend between opposed rails of the frame and have openings therethrough with braces extending transversely to the axis ofthe reinforcing members. The braces may be provided by cutting and bending the reinforcing member to form flanges and the openings, and may alternate on either side of the reinforcing member, or alternatively may be separate, discrete bracing elements which pass through the openings. Thus positioned, the bracing elements may pivot on the reinforcing member to flex with the face sheet. The bracing elements may be linear, such as bars, loops, or other shapes to spread the load applied to the front side of the face sheet.

Abstract: A building panel formed by extruding a mixture of wooden and/or bamboo powder and a binding agent. Its panel body comprises (i) a door panel extending in the direction of extrusion, (ii) a pair of longitudinal frame members formed in the direction of extrusion on the right and left sides of the door panel, and (iii) a panel strip formed in the direction of extrusion at the center of the door panel. The door panel, the paired longitudinal frame members, and the panel strip are formed as a single piece. The door panel and the panel strip are cut short at their upper and lower ends so that the upper and lower ends of the longitudinal frame members stand out beyond the cut ends of the door panel and the panel strip, the standing-out portions constituting tenons.

Abstract: A door assembly is disclosed that includes a latch-side stile with bores for accommodating one or more bolts that extend through the stile and into an adjacent doorjamb to secure door with respect to the doorjamb. A reinforcing plate is mounted on the inner edge of the latch-side stile with flared flanges extending into the stile bores to hold the plate in place and to make it more difficult to force the door open by kicking the door in the area of its latch and lock. A method of assembling a door including such a reinforcing plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Exterior finishing panels are provided which contain an elongated, thermoplastic sheet which is supported by a rigid support member disposed along a portion of the length of the sheet. The panels of this invention will be more kink-resistant, and will ride uneven walls better to present a flatter-looking finished wall surface. These panels are also capable of being worked with ordinary hand tools, such as a standard wood saw made of steel or carbide.

Abstract: A floorplate element formed from a perforated sheet metal in which the floorplate element has a sequence of raised areas and recessed grooves. The floorplate element has at least one thinner transverse recessed area which results from a compression-pinching of the perforated sheet metal of a bottom surface of the grooves towards an top surface of the raised areas. Each transverse recessed area forms a surface for supporting the floorplate element on a crossbeam of a supporting structure. The invention is suitable for use in commercial vehicles as a loading surface.

Abstract: A pre-formed building panel comprising a metal core substantially completely encapsulated in a low density material and acting as a reinforcement member therein, that member comprising first and second sets of lengthwise-extending segments at different elevations within the panel and connected to adjacent segments of the opposite set by generally vertically extending segments, the panel optionally being provided at its side edges with portions adapted to be overlapped with corresponding portions of an adjacent panel, the panels being provided with metal edge plates at top and bottom, those edge plates optionally having a width less than the width of the panel, the general vertically extending segments being provided with relatively large holes spaced lengthwise therealong while the segments of the first and second sets are substantially free of holes, with the metal reinforcement member optionally carrying a vertical wall extending from a side edge of said member, the segments of said first and second sets, t

Abstract: A fiberglass railcar roof that includes a fiberglass surface with a central portion and a peripheral portion adapted to be joined to the upper edge region of a railcar. In some embodiments, the roof includes plural elongate fiberglass ribs extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fiberglass surface. In some embodiments, the roof is adapted for use on refrigerated, high cube and cryogenic railcars. Methods for forming the invented roofs and roof panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A construction membrane that resists liquid and air penetration, is moisture vapor permeable, and has integral drainage channels is provided. An exterior wall construction incorporating such barrier sheet material is also provided. The wall construction may be faced with stucco, siding, brick or stone. A method for bonding and texturing the construction membrane is also provided.

Abstract: A pleated panel shutter system for an opening in a dwelling in which the pleated panel portions can be drawn to the side rendering the bulk of the opening available for ventilation, light, and the normal function of a window or a door. The pleated panel can be closed shut, and optionally locked, with securement against vandalism as well as high winds and flying debris damage, such as occurring in a hurricane. The strength of the pleated panels in the vertical orientation permits perforation over more than 50% of the surface of each of the panels, while still providing ample impact against winds up to 125 mph., and survive the impact test of a two by four (2×4) six (6) feet long fired at 34 mph. without deflecting more than 2½ inches.

Abstract: An elongate strutural member comprising a structural outer shell and at least one arcuate or diagonal reinforcing member within, for use in structural, semi-structural or cladding applications to carry floor loading, walkway loading, wheeled loading, pressure loading in buildings, bridges and other loading carrying applications.

Abstract: A form member comprises a strip-shaped main plate portion, which is flat at least on its front surface, a horizontal pair of strip-shaped side plate portions extending from both sides of the main plate portion toward its rear surface perpendicularly to the main plate portion, and a reinforcing plate provided to extend from the rear surface of the main plate portion substantially in parallel with the horizontal pair of side plate portions. Each of the side plate portions and the reinforcing plate includes an enlarged end portion over a prescribed width from its opening end. An end plate body having an engaging portion of a shape for tightly engaging with an end of the form member body engages with this end, to form a single form member. A concrete form member reduced in thickness and weight and enabled to suppress inconvenient deformation in concrete placing can be provided due to this structure.

Abstract: A structural panel component, such as an aircraft fuselage shell component, includes a single integral part having longitudinal and crosswise stiffening elements integrally arranged on a skin sheet. This integral component has been formed by a high speed milling chip removal process applied to a solid plate-shaped semi-finished starting material. The skin sheet has areas of differing thicknesses, and the height, thickness, and spacing of the stiffening elements varies as needed, depending on the local loading conditions that will prevail on the finished structural component. The configuration of the component can be optimized to minimize the weight while satisfying all load strength requirements. The manufacturing method is very simple and economical.

Abstract: Disclosed is a panel building component, method of making same, and method of fabricating a load-bearing, insulating building wall using the panels and concrete pour after the panels are positioned on site. The panel includes at least one foam core, vertical C-studs, a channel shaped foot member in engaging relationship with the bottom edge of the foam core and the bottom end of the C-studs, two siding members, spacers to keep the foam core centered between the siding members prior to filling the panel with concrete, and the concrete itself. The foam core and C-studs are fabricated shorter than the finished height of the panel so that rebar steel reinforcing rods can be laid horizontally such that when the panel is filled with concrete, the top portion will be a concrete and rebar tie beam. The method of making same is simply assembly of the foregoing components, less the concrete.

Abstract: Flooring systems including a metal raised access flooring panel (10) that is solid or is perforated by oval or oblong openings having major axes not parallel to any panel edge. The major slot axes may, for instance, be at a 45° angle to each panel edge. The slots (28) may be arranged in “clusters” of six slots, with one pair of slots above another pair and one slot to each side of, and mid-way above and below, the stacked pairs. Alternatively, the panels (10) may be perforated by circular holes arranged in a similar pattern. Adjacent panels may be interlocked with retractable pins extending from one panel (10) to another. Pedestal heads and stringers are adapted to accommodate panels of different sizes.

Abstract: A precast concrete modular device using thin coffered sections reinforced preferably with carbon and/or glass fiber scrim grids, in between steel reinforced ribs is provided. The thin reinforced sections stiffen the steel reinforced precast frame. The thin sections preferably have a thickness less than about two inches, preferably less than about 1½ inch, and more preferably less than about 1 inch. The resultant modules have an areal weight of less than about 40 lbs. per square foot.

Abstract: An elongate structural member used in structural applications. The structural member has an outer shell of uniform cross section with at least one arcuate reinforcing member within the outer shell. The structural member outer shell as well as the arcuate reinforcing member being made from a fiber reinforced polymeric composition. Connecting members allow for attachment of a plurality of structural members one to another for forming floors, roofs, and walls.

Abstract: An interlocking corrugated fluted panel for use in constructing a foundation wall for a building where a plurality of the panels are attached to a presupported building member and the panels hang downwardly into a foundation support opening. At the bottom portion of each fluted panel, the flutes extending outwardly from the building are cut along a bend line and the bottom portion of the panel is bent inwardly approximately 90°, the bent portion forming an anchorage when concrete is placed around the bottom of the panels. At the lower edge of each panel a cut flute is bent into either an interlocking male or female shape.

Abstract: A floorboard for clean rooms is disclosed. The floorboard has a support unit (110) and a tile unit (120). In the support unit (110), a plate part (111) has a plurality of engaging holes (114) on its upper surface. A support part (112) is vertically and integrally formed along the edge of the lower surface of said plate part. A plurality of reinforcing ribs (113) linearly, regularly and integrally extend on the lower surface of the plate part in a way such that the ribs are integrated with both the plate part and the support part. In the tile unit (120), a cover part (121) engages with the upper surface of the plate part. A plurality of engaging projections are (122) formed on the lower surface of the cover part at positions corresponding to the engaging holes (114) of the support unit, thus engaging with the engaging holes of the support unit. Each of the engaging projections has a ventilation hole (123) at its central portion.FIG. 4 shows the most relevant embodiment.

Abstract: A structural member, in particular for wall and ceiling shuttering, has a working surface and a structural frame on which the working surface is mounted; and frame members perpendicular to the working surface that form the structural frame. The working surface and the structural frame are formed integrally as an injection molded part.

Abstract: A roof panel construction includes a plurality of integral snow and ice gripping projections to help retain accumulated ice thereon and to guide the drainage of melted snow and ice therefrom during snow and ice melting ambient conditions. The projections are each convex in configuration to grip the frozen snow and ice and yet permit efficient drainage of the melted snow and ice thereover and therearound.

Abstract: A stair tread and method of manufacturing same is disclosed. The stair tread comprises a rigid frame which is encapsulated with a structural plastic material. In the preferred embodiment, the rigid frame is made from steel and the encapsulating structural plastic is a polyol and isocyanate blend which is applied to the rigid frame by the reaction injection molding process. The stair tread exhibits the advantages of a bar grating stair tread and the corrosions resistance of a plastic stair tread while being low cost and efficient to manufacture.

Abstract: A concrete wall panel for tilt-up construction provides polymeric peripheral elements defining panel and orifice edges and medial fastening strips extending in the panel between the peripheral elements, all of which remain as part of the finished panel to accept traditional self-penetrating nail, screw and staple fasteners historically used in wood construction. The peripheral elements are of solid configuration to provide a form for pouring plastic concrete that forms the panel embodying them. The fastening strips extend through the panel between opposed panel surfaces and are formed by two initially releasably interconnected elements defining voids therebetween to allow thickness adjustment and convenient placement and support of structural components within the panel. The fastening strips define spaced areas to receive traditional wood fasteners and may carry index strips on opposed exposed surfaces to visually indicate strip location and fastening areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light structural steel plate in the form of a hump plate and to a process for its production. The light structural steel plate comprises a mould-pressed steel hump plate (1) and a flat aluminium plate (3) connected thereto substance-to-substance at a the hump end faces. The substance-to-substance connection is produced by the feature that after the surfaces to be interconnected at the hump end faces have been activated by means of a laser beam (5), said surfaces are metallically connected under pressure. The decisive factor is that the material of the plates (1, 2) does not pass into the molten phase during activation by means of the laser beam (5).

Abstract: A new roof venting system for trussed and raftered roofs for improving ventilation in a structure. The inventive device includes a generally planar rectangular sheet positionable on rafters of a roof frame. The sheet has a plurality of upwardly extending recesses formed therein in an equally spaced relationship corresponding with spacing of the rafters. A plurality of stabilizer bars are secured to the sheet between the recesses thereof.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a half-timber frame, compartment elements for a like half-timber frame, and a method for producing a compartment element, wherein boards of small-dimension timber are utilized for producing the half-timber frame supports as well as the compartment elements, such that a product which is considerably more economical than conventional solutions while having comparable thermal and acoustic insulation is obtained.

Abstract: In machinery panel and mounting system therefore, a shaped panel shell is provided that includes a finished outer surface, and an inner surface that defines an interior area. A reinforcing member defining at least one recess is positioned in the interior area and attached to the inner surface of the shaped panel shell. At least one bracket adapted to be mounted on a machine surface, includes a protrusion receivable within a recess defined by the reinforcing member to support the panel on the machine.

Abstract: A deck panel for reinforced concrete slabs is disclosed. The deck panel is formed by integrating a plurality of deck girders with a deck plate into a single structure. In each of the deck girders, a single lattice member is welded to upper and lower steel bars. The lattice member has a zigzag configuration with both a plurality of holding rib parts and a plurality of horizontal foot parts. The lattice member is positioned relative to the upper and lower steel bars in a way such that the holding rib parts, individually having a foot part, are alternately positioned on opposite sides of the upper and lower steel bars. A vertical fixing steel bar is welded to each end of the deck girder with both the top end of the fixing steel bar being welded to the upper steel bar and the middle portion of the fixing steel bar being welded to the lower steel bar.

Abstract: A structural panel is described which includes a thin substantially rectangular member of preselected length, width and thickness having a substantially flat upper surface and a peripheral flanged edge and supported on the lower surface thereof by a first plurality of evenly spaced transverse ribs and a second greater plurality of evenly spaced longitudinal ribs, and at least one pair of intersecting diagonal ribs extending from diagonal corners of the member, the panel being hot formed of a composite of plastic, about 20 to 25 weight percent comminuted cellulosic matter or glass fibers and about 3 to 5 weight percent flame retardant.

Abstract: In a universal, reusable system for molding concrete or other settable fluids for use in building construction, an apertured composite plastic panel is provided for use in the framing system in which the plastic panel, rather than being of a honeycomb structure, includes a single face sheet which serves as a pour side surface, with an array of truncated pyramids having central apertures extending rearwardly from the back side of the sheet.

Abstract: A structural support for supporting a planar substrate, for example plywood, is provided with a screw receiving channel. The channel provides a guide simplifying screw attachment for a substrate to the support.

Abstract: A composite beam enclosure structure comprising one or more planar, rigid panel elements each having a platform with an upper surface, integral solid peripheral top and bottom and side edges, and one or more intersecting ribs standing on the bottom surface of the platform defining sectional configurations. Elongated, structural framing elements having integral opposing flanges spaced for receiving the side edges of one or more of the rigid panel elements are securely attached to the side edges of the rigid panel elements by attachment means such as screws, rivets, weld or other bond.

Abstract: A fiberglass railcar roof that includes a fiberglass surface with a central portion and plural elongate fiberglass ribs extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fiberglass surface. In a first embodiment, the central portion has a cross-sectional configuration that defines a first arc, and the ribs each have broad widths and each extend above the central portion to define a second arc that intersects the first arc. In a second embodiment, the ribs have arcuate cross-sections and extend downward from the lower face of the central portion. Also disclosed are embodiments of the previously described roofs that are configured for use on refrigerated and cryogenic railcars.

Abstract: An elevated walkway platform comprising at least one elongated platform module positioned in a generally horizontal attitude and being supported above a work area. The platform module comprises a substantially flat deck having side walls or toe boards extending upwardly from the opposite sides thereof. A flange extends horizontally outwardly from the upper end of each of the toe boards. A plurality of transversely extending strengthening ribs are molded integrally with the module and are positioned beneath the deck for strengthening purposes. A pair of longitudinally extending strengthening ribs may also be provided at the underside of the deck at the opposite sides thereof. The strengthening ribs are filled with a rigid foam material. The module is also provided with handrail post supports positioned at the exterior surface of the toe boards and which are adapted to receive a handrail post therein. The entire module is constructed of a one-piece, molded plastic material reinforced with fiberglass.

Abstract: A method of producing a cambered composite joist and concrete panel assembly, and the assembly so produced, comprising the steps of providing a negatively cambered casting mold, positioning at least one negatively cambered composite joist with a bottom chord joined to a web member having non-attached top apices into the mold such that the top apices rest within the mold, pouring concrete into the mold and allowing it to harden to form a cambered concrete panel with the joists extending from the panel, removing the assembly from the mold and inverting it such that the precast camber in the panel flattens out from the effects of the weight of the panel and creep during final curing.

Abstract: A corrugated board structure including an upper layer of corrugated board, a bottom film and a middle layer of PU foam. Each side of the bottom PVC film is formed with an inward bent upright folded wall which, during the foaming and expansion procedure of the PU foam, restricts the foaming space so as to continuously produce solid foam structure. The middle PU foam makes the upper and lower layers tightly adhered to each other as an integral body. An edge of the projection on one side and an edge of one of the front and rear ends is free from any PU foam and bottom film so that two adjacent corrugated boards can be overlaid and connected.

Abstract: A panel for use in forming concrete and a concrete forming system. The panel comprises two symmetrical panel segments that each comprise a wall for supporting concrete, the wall having a length, a thickness and two sides, one of the sides terminating in and being integral with a supporting rail that extends the length of the wall. The second side of the wall terminates in at least one edge that also extends the length of the wall. The two panels are combined to form a complete panel by abutting their respective edges along their lengths so that each panel's respective rails are on opposite sides of the complete panel. A plurality of support members are then attached to the first and second panels segments to form the complete panel. The concrete forming system comprises a plurality of complete panels joined together so that they form a structure capable of supporting liquid concrete.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-supporting, sound absorbing interior surface panel comprising a non-woven fabric. The non-woven fabric may be laminated to a facing fabric using a heat activated thermoplastic adhesive, or the panel may be provided with a micro-porous top-coat finish. The panel of the invention may be provided with a vibration absorbent perimeter edge which may be shaped in an accordion-like fashion integrally with the rest of the panel, or manufactured separately of a flexible but resilient material and attached to the panel. The invention further relates to a suspended ceiling module comprising a support structure, such as a tee bar grid, and a panel of the invention which could be supported within the module in either tegular or coffered orientation. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the self-supporting interior surface panel.

Abstract: A slatwall section having a groove formed above and behind the upper most slat for providing additional structural integrity. The formed groove enables a slatwall to be manufactured having uniform thickness. A mating engagement between upper and lower slatwall sections provides a connection point that is concealed within a formed slat, and thereby eliminates the use of exteriorly disposed sink holes or fasteners.

Abstract: Reinforced concrete slab and girder building structures incorporate shearing connectors with lengthwise support parts to which lengthwisely spaced, transversely extending, rigid load transfer plates affix. A girder structure having one or more lengthwisely extending girders is provided and the shear connectors are fixed to the girders near their support walls below a deck for supporting the slab, the shearing connectors being positioned so that portions of the load transfer plates and support parts project above the girder structure and deck to receive compression forces in the slab which are transferred by the connectors to the girders. The lengthwisely extending connector support parts have connections for carrying a series of lengthwisely spaced rebar rods which embed in the slab when it is poured and transfer compressive load forces to the transfer plates.

Abstract: A roof construction includes spaced apart corrugated sheets held in spaced relationship by a plurality of spacers, the corrugated sheets both including apertures for dissipating heat contained in the hot air between the sheets into atmosphere and for guiding hot air from below the lower sheet into the space between the sheets for ultimate expansion and discharge into atmosphere. The apertures may be offset to prevent flow of moisture directly through the apertures and other devices may be utilized to prevent direct flow of moisture into the space below the roof assembly.

Abstract: A method of producing an elongated member having a main body portion and terminal portions extending form ends thereof includes bending an elongated strip between circumferential faces of first forming rolls and second forming rolls having parallel central rotational axes. The circumferential faces of the first forming rolls include annular main body portion bending sections that form the main body portion in the strip and adjacent transition portion bending sections that form adjacent transition portions in the strip, thereby forming an intermediate stage elongated member. The transition portions have a cross-section that changes continuously from the annular cross-section of the main body portion to a different cross-section of the terminal portions.

Abstract: Prefabricated panels are formed by compressing a fiber slurry which may be composed of waste fiber products such as waste paper, cardboard, straw, leaves and grass clippings. The slurry, which may contain waterproofing, fire retardants, anti fungal agents and insecticides, is poured into a press form which contains the framework of a roof panel, wall panel, ceiling panel or floor panel as well as electrical wiring, heating ducts, plumbing or any other desired component. The fiber slurry is compressed to at least 1/4 of its original volume forming a solid dense inner core. This inner core can be covered with wall board, wall board paper, stucco, plaster, cement or stone. A method for locking the panels together is also disclosed.

Abstract: The rooftop snow retention assembly includes at least one upstanding projection connected integrally to a top surface of a roof. An elongated upper wall portion of the projection cooperates with a snow guard positioned adjacent to the projection. The snow guard includes an upright wall member to engage the snow or ice and a base member bonded to the top surface, wherein the base member substantially abuts the upper wall portion to help resist the snow guard from moving downwardly. A pair of leg members extend downwardly from the base member on either side of the projection to further brace the snow guard against shear forces applied by the accumulated snow or ice.

Abstract: A stud for use in partitioning is formed by passing plain sheet material between a pair of rolls (18, 19), each having projections, to form projections at both of the opposite surfaces of the material and then roll-forming the material to a channel, the positions of the projections and recesses at each surface of the material being such that lines drawn on a surface of the material between adjacent rows of projections and depressions are not rectilinear.

Abstract: A mine door system adapted for installation and a passageway in a mine, comprising a door frame adapted to be installed in the passageway and defining a doorway spaced below a ceiling of the passageway and mine door hingedly mounted on the door frame for movement between open and closed positions. The system further comprises a top panel structure for substantially closing the space between the door frame and the ceiling of the passageway, the top panel structure being readily contractible heightwise of the passageway without loss of its structural integrity to accommodate a convergence of the ceiling and floor of the passageway without any substantial heightwise deformation of the door frame.