Abstract: An active lattice capable of self-transforming responsive to a stimulus, such as heat or moisture, includes a plurality of links interconnected to each other at a plurality of nodes. At least a subset of links includes at least two materials that have different coefficients of expansion in response to an external stimulus. The two materials can be arranged in an alternating, periodic or aperiodic pattern. Embodiments can be used in apparel and sportswear, manufacturing, aviation and automotive applications, and furniture and interior products.

Abstract: A solid gel cushion system is provided. The solid gel cushion system includes a first elastic quadrilateral body having a first elastic surrounding sidewall to define a first space allowing for a heat exchange. The first elastic quadrilateral body defines a first top surface and a first bottom surface with respect to the first elastic surrounding sidewall, both of which are communicative of surrounding atmosphere in order to form an air passage. The cushion system further includes a second elastic quadrilateral body having a second elastic surrounding sidewall defining a second space in which two interleaving elastic supporting ribs are formed. The first elastic quadrilateral body is surrounded by the four second elastic quadrilateral bodies.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a load bearing structural assembly includes an outer loop member; an inner loop member spaced apart from and sized smaller than the outer loop member; and a web assembly coupled to and extending between the outer loop member and the inner loop member, the web assembly comprising a plurality of arcuately formed web members.

Abstract: A portable skylight replacement safety assembly that includes a first and second support frames releasably connected to each other and having a plurality of support handles and support members which extend substantially perpendicularly from the first support frame for supporting the first support frame on and/or over the skylight on a working surface at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A muntin clip supports a muntin grid inside an insulating glazing unit. The clip includes a positioning arm that allows the clip to be positioned with respect to the spacer. In one embodiment, the clip has a flat base adapted to be positioned on the inwardly facing surface of the spacer. The positioning arm extends from one side of the plate with the muntin-engaging body extending from the other side of the plate. The arm has an outer end that projects beyond the outer edge of the plate. A method for using the clip includes the step of using one of the glass sheets to engage and position the positioning arm of the muntin clip. Stops may be provided to limit the insertion of the clip into the spacer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a box-shaped structure of inter-related structural components. The structural components are combined to create a single three dimensional component the shape of a rectangular prism. The structure is formed by creating a pair of exterior walls from horizontal members and a series of laterally spaced vertical members that are coupled to the horizontal members by truss plates. The structure also includes a series of laterally spaced rectangular ribs that are coupled to the exterior walls by additional truss plates. The ribs and the walls are further coupled by use of wood sheeting along the top of the structure to form the resultant assembly. The entire assembly is connected together with a series of bolt and steel angle connectors, allowing the entire module to act monolithically.

Abstract: An underground earth retention strut construction method using a horizontal frame structure is disclosed, in which since a vertical member is formed after a horizontal frame structure is first installed and completed, it is possible to minimize any interference between the vertical member and the horizontal frame structure for thereby achieving an easier construction and enhancing a construction quality. The interval of the temporary vertical member is widened during an underground excavation work, so that the ground excavation work is easy. The improved horizontal frame structure of an architecture comprises a pair of straight members which are connected by at least one plate; and a “#”-shaped connection member which is connected at a portion in which the straight members cross with each other.

Abstract: A muntin clip supports a muntin grid inside an insulating glazing unit. The clip includes a positioning arm that allows the clip to be positioned with respect to the spacer. In one embodiment, the clip has a flat base adapted to be positioned on the inwardly facing surface of the spacer. The positioning arm extends from one side of the plate with the muntin-engaging body extending from the other side of the plate. The arm has an outer end that projects beyond the outer edge of the plate. A method for using the clip includes the step of using one of the glass sheets to engage and position the positioning arm of the muntin clip. Stops may be provided to limit the insertion of the clip into the spacer.

Abstract: A grid structure is, in particular, to be used in a reinforcement grid or ground consolidation grid. The grid structure includes a plurality of mutually juxtaposed wire webs formed from wires bent in a zigzag shape, and a plurality of bars which in particular extend in mutually parallel relationship. The wires of the wire webs embrace the bars in the form of substantially closed loops. For fastening to the wire webs, the bars are clamped in the loops of the wire webs by the bars being arranged twisted or tilted relative to the planes of the openings of the loops.

Abstract: A lattice panel (1) having a simple structure and capable for easy construction of strong and comfortable building, comprising several cross-shaped first skeleton members (7) and the L-shaped second skeleton members (9), to be connected to each other, wherein a panel bodies (3) are formed by connecting the second skeleton members (9) to the outer periphery of the first skeleton members (7), and frame members (11) are attached to the outer periphery of the panel bodies (3, 5).

Abstract: Composite panels and cladding systems for use in architectural projects are disclosed. The composite panels include a base layer having a plurality of perforations or apertures formed therein and a mesh layer, wherein woven strands of the mesh layer are visible, engage and/or extend through the perforated base layer. The mesh layer is preferably a woven metallic mesh or fabric. The cladding systems of the present invention include a plurality of composite panels configured to cover a large surface area, such as a wall, railing or ceiling.

Abstract: A welded wire lathing material for mounting stucco plaster and the like onto a building frame. This lathing material comprises intersecting transverse and primary longitudinal strands substantially located in a first plane. It also comprises secondary longitudinal strands also substantially placed in first plane and closely spaced with, some of primary longitudinal strands, thus forming longitudinal slots located at predetermined spaced intervals extending across the lathing material. The slots are wider than the shaft, but narrower than the head, of fasteners predetermined for attaching the lath to building frames. The longitudinal and transverse strands are welded together where they intersect to form a rectangular mesh approximately located in the first plane.

Abstract: A fenestration system including a glass unit, attachment member and decorative member is provided. The decorative member includes a rotatable coupler for easy attachment of the decorative member to the attachment member. An attachment system including a decorative member having a rotatable coupler is also provided. A rotatable coupler is also provided.

Abstract: A plastic window assembly is adapted to be mounted in an opening defined by a structure. The plastic window assembly is oval-shaped with a decorative plastic window muntin. A plastic frame supports parallel window panes. The window muntin is disposed between the parallel window panes. Flat surfaces of the window muntin have a first edge and a second edge and include a ridge disposed along each of the edges. Marring of the window panes is prevented because the ridge provides for line contact between the window muntin and the window panes. The window muntin may also be integrally molded to a plastic pane disposed between the parallel panes of glass. The plastic pane includes a surface texture that simulates frosted glass. The plastic window assembly includes a plurality of liner panels that extend through the opening from an interior of the structure. The window assembly includes a flange having aperture throughwhich fasteners are inserted to secure the window assembly to the structure.

Abstract: A muntin bar assembly for a window or door including a peripheral frame; a continuous surface contained within the frame; at least one continuous muntin bar and at least two discontinuous muntin bars on at least one side of the surface. The continuous muntin bar and discontinuous muntin bars both contain a continuous recessed portion on their underside and are connected together using an intersection clip having a spring-type arrangement which forms an intersection of the bars. The intersection clip has a raised central section that fits within the recessed portion of the continuous muntin bar; and further has two extensions positioned at opposite sides from the central portion which permit engagement of the discontinuous muntin bars to form the muntin assembly. An end clip is also included for attachment and alignment of the inner and outer assembly muntin bar ends and has a U-shape that fits over the edges of the surface for aligning and attaching the inner and outer assembly muntin bars.

Abstract: A support module for interconnecting to like support modules serves to support a number of core elements for encapsulation within a concrete structure. The module has a planar frame defining a first cutout and a second cutout. Each cutout has an arc shape, such that the cutouts from different modules define a circular aperture for closely receiving one of the core elements. The frame has extending portions with connection elements that connect with other support modules to securely receive the core elements. The extending portions are located about the periphery of the frame so that they are able to connect to other support modules in four orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A modular deck tile comprises a plurality of slats which are joined together by at least two flexible tubes extending through the thickness of each of the slats. So as to preserve the spacing of the slats, and to keep them in place, the tubes may be laterally deformed in the region between each pair of slats so as to cause a greater cross wise dimension than the diameter of the passage through which the tubes extend. Alternatively, the slats may be joined one to another by poppet connectors.

Abstract: A molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. A first set of elongated members lies in one plane, with each of the members having a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces each have central regions that are intermediate the edges. The central regions of the upper and lower surfaces are separated by a distance less than the thickness of the edges such that each of the members have a bowtie shaped cross-section. A second set of elongated members lies in a second plane, with the second set of members intersecting and interconnecting the first set at junction regions. Each of the members in the second set also has a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a pair of edges interconnecting upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: An improved louver is comprised of a plastic louver frame and plastic chevrons, wherein slots having the profile of the chevrons are cut into the frame, the chevrons are disposed in the slots and bonded to the frame, and a resin impregnated in glass tape is wrapped around the frame to provide further support for the frame. The louver frame is fabricated using resin infused or resin transfer-molding process and the chevrons are fabricated utilizing a pultrusion process.

Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.

Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.

Abstract: An exterior wall assembly water management system that includes flashing, a drainable weather-resistive membrane, exterior cladding, a basecoat and an exterior finish. The basecoat and the exterior stucco finish are applied to the outer surface of the exterior cladding, or in the alternative to an insulation layer. The disclosed water managed exterior system efficiently directs any penetrating water to weeps, or the like, by providing a water drainage medium between the weather-resistive membrane and the exterior cladding. The water drainage medium is embossed upon the outer surface of the weather-resistive membrane, creating a drainage space between the membrane and the cladding. The unwanted water drains downwards via the drainage space, is caught at the base of the wall by the flashing, and is further drained outside of the wall cladding.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the reinforcement of a concrete beam, where the reinforcement comprises reinforcement rods which extend longitudinally and transversely and are locked at their mutual points of intersection. The invention consists of placing at least one reinforcement rod in an undercut corner in a cutout along outer sides of assembly frames disposed transversely to the reinforcement rods in that the assembly frames are two longitudinal girders and two transverse girders. A reinforcement rod may be locked with a spring shackle deformed for gripping around the reinforcement rod and one of the girders.

Abstract: A grid structure capable of withstanding a compressive force comprises a peripheral frame, a plurality of first grid members connected to and extending within the peripheral frame and a plurality of second grid members connected to and extending within the peripheral frame. The second grid members intersect the first grid members. The first and second grid members form a grid of small frames disposed within the peripheral frame. The grid has an upper surface and a lower surface wherein a first group of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second grid members have flanges on the upper surface, the flanges being generally perpendicular to the first and second grid members and a second group of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second grid members have flanges on the lower surface, the flanges being generally perpendicular to the first and second grid members. A process of making the grid structure is also disclosed, as is an assembly of such grid structures.

Abstract: An integral reinforced resin grating structure having a plurality of load bars having a height dimension and a neutral axis and a plurality of cross bars integrally connected with said load bars. The cross bars may have a height less than the load bar height. The upper surface of the cross bars may be flush with the upper surface of the load bars. The lower surface of the cross bars may be located near or above the neutral axis of the load bars. The cross bars and load bars are reinforced with rovings placed along their respective longitudinal axis. The load bars have longitudinal rovings placed below the lower surface of the cross bars. Above the lower surface of the cross bars, the load bar rovings are interwoven with the cross bar rovings.For improved plastic reinforced grating structures having increased surface hardness and abrasion resistance, tabular alumina or other materials having a Mohs hardness of approximately 7 or higher may be added to the resin.

Abstract: A raised flooring system and methods of forming components of such a system are disclosed. The present flooring system utilizes thin sheet metal, typically galvanized steel, to form a first strip having a plurality of pedestals formed in a spaced apart relation on the strip and connected via wings extending from the first strip to wings extending from a second strip, thereby forming an overall rectilinear, grid-like pattern of pedestals. The pedestals are used to maintain floor panels above a network of channels in which conduit, cables, hoses, pipe and other materials can be routed. The pedestals are punched and formed from strips of sheet metal and have an overall shape generally that of a tower supported by two legs that may have rounded edges for increased load-bearing capacity. The wings that are designed to interlock with corresponding wings from another strip may also be formed from the pedestal-bearing strips.

Abstract: A user fittable and user mountable blind for an arched window comprising a minimum of two rigid slat hangers with angled slots to hold trimmable slats as long as the widest part of the window in the hangers and adjustable hinges with one short side to connect to the hangers and a slotted longer side to allow fastening to a top part of the window frame with a single mounting screw or to allow fastening to a mounting block slidably held in a track mounted in a top part of the window frame. After moving the adjustable hinges using the mounting block or utilizing the slot in the hinge to bring the slats to a horizontal position the user may trim the slats to exactly fit the window frame.

Abstract: To reduce undesirable scrap wastage in fabrication thereof, the rectangular metal frame section of a supply air register is formed from four separate side and end stampings having generally U-shaped cross sections along their lengths, and overlapping corner sections joined at both inner and outer peripheral portions of the frame structure to provide it with enhanced strength and rigidity. Side portions of the side and end stampings form in the frame structure an integral rectangular base section in which the flow rate adjustment damper blade and directional adjustment vane portions of the register are directly mounted to avoid the necessity of a separate support frame structure for these portions of the overall supply air register assembly.

Abstract: A lath for use in mounting plaster and the like to a substrate, the lath comprising a substantially planar, thermo-plastic grid including a plurality of first elongate, relatively flat strands extending laterally in a first direction and a plurality of second elongate strands extending laterally and transversely of the first elongate strands, the grid having a generally smooth side, and wherein the first elongate strands and the second elongate strands define a plurality of openings extending transversely through the grid, the second elongate strands comprising spacer portions positioned opposite the smooth side of the grid for spacing the grid a selected distance away from the substrate for allowing plaster to be introduced between the lath and the substrate without requiring the use of furring strips.

Abstract: A series of stained glass modules and connectors allow arbitrary decorative apparatus assemblies to be formed. The apparatus may be connected to any structure capable of supporting the weight of the assembled modules. Connectors are formed of a strong pliable material shaped in a decorative manner. Some connectors are permanently attached to decorative modules, allowing the addition of other modules. Arrays of interconnected modules may be hung in openings or adjacent to windows, simulating a traditional stained glass assembly.

Abstract: A lath for use in mounting plaster and the like to a substrate, the lath comprising a substantially planar, thermo-plastic grid including a plurality of first elongate, relatively flat strands extending laterally in a first direction and a plurality of second elongate strands extending laterally and transversely of the first elongate strands, the grid having a generally smooth side, and wherein the first elongate strands and the second elongate strands define a plurality of openings extending transversely through the grid, the second elongate strands comprising spacer portions positioned opposite the smooth side of the grid for spacing the grid a selected distance away from the substrate for allowing plaster to be introduced between the lath and the substrate without requiring the use of furring strips.

Abstract: A load-bearing plate for false floors includes a plurality of mutually parallel and spaced apart approximately C-shaped metal profiles. The profiles have open bottoms and having tops with parallel, transversely extending recesses formed therein. Bolts are transversely inserted through the profiles for bracing the profiles to one another.

Abstract: A mounting means for mounting a scroll member onto a bar member comprises a mounting member secured in a channel in a section of the scroll member. The mounting member has resilient leg members that terminate in hook-shaped free ends extending outwardly from an inner surface of the scroll member. A securing member has hook-shaped legs that are matable with the hook-shaped free ends when the scroll member is positioned on the bar member thereby causing the resilient leg members to frictionally engage respective sides of the bar member securing the scroll member in position thereon.

Abstract: An improved combination walk-off and fatigue mat constitutes an improvement over the mat of U.S. Pat. No. 3,703,059 in the provision of three additional structural features, namely tertiary ribs which prevent the upper ribs from spreading apart and catching spiked heels, pile carpet strips to better clean the bottoms of wet shoes, and separately molded clip elements to mechanically hold the fabric pile strips in place between adjacent top ribs.

Abstract: A scar-resistant decorative wall panel has a mirror surface overlaid by a substantially coarse-mesh, common weave wire screen giving a peek-through changing-with-angle view of the mirror surface. Viewed at the perpendicular to it, the mirror surface gives a substantial-area reflection of the viewer that may be as much as 30 to 50% of the mirror surface. At angles from the perpendicular increasingly approaching 45 degrees, the view of the mirror surface progressively diminishes for two reasons: (1) the weave of the mesh blocks progressively more of the view of the mirror surface and (2) the reflection of the back surface of the mesh appears to occupy increasing areas of this mirror surface, decreasing in this way the view of this mirror surface. Both these phenomena act together in a tendency to hide and confuse to a casual viewer defacement of the mirror surface, and the substantially vandal-proof overlying coarse-mesh screen at the same time protects the mirror surface from broad-area-contact type scarring.

Abstract: This modular element is particular suitable for equipping false ceilings, partition surfaces and non-structural walls in general. The element comprises a main body having, on its outer surface a pair of male connection elements and a corresponding pair of countershaped female connection elements. Each of the male connection elements comprises a flat ribbing extending from the outer surface of the main body and has, on an edge thereof opposite to the outer face, a substantially cylindrical enlargement, while each of the female connection elements comprises a tubular lug having its longitudinal axis parallel to the enlargement of the male connection element. The lug of the female connection element, on a side thereof opposite to the outer surface has a longitudinal slit extending from an open end of the lug for accommodating the ribbing of an adjacent modular element.

Abstract: A louvered wall is formed of spaced stacks of thin masonry blocks with elongated louvers disposed between adjacent blocks and extending longitudinally of the wall through several stacks of blocks. The middle longitudinal region of each louver is higher than its longitudinal edge regions and the upper and lower surfaces of the blocks are shaped to conform to the cross-sectional configuration of the louvers to lock the blocks and louvers against transverse movement.

Abstract: In a fuel assembly for a nuclear reactor a fuel element spacer formed of an array of laterally positioned cojoined tubular ferrules each providing a passage for one of the fuel elements, the elements being laterally supported in the ferrules between slender spring members and laterally oriented rigid stops.

Abstract: The invention provides a building block having a shape derived from that of a cuboid, wherein the upper corners of the front face (1) are cut-away and a recess communicates between the bottom face (2) and the rear face (3). Preferably, the sum of the depth to which the said corners are cut away backwards from the front face and the depth to which the recess extends forward from the back face is greater than the depth of the block. Thus, when the blocks are built into a wall in the conventional manner louvres are formed by the recess of one block and the adjacent cut-away portions of two blocks below. The cut-away portions at the corners may be tetrahedral or half segments of a circle or ellipse, for example. The recesses may be tetrahedral or segments of a circle or ellipse.

Abstract: A bulk storage building structure for storing grain, dried clay and other granular products in which the normally encountered lateral pressure exerted on the walls of the structure is minimized by the spaced, slatted configuration of the walls which accommodates the angle of repose of the stored material. This configuration effectively increases the total available surface area of the structure such that the structure may be made as large as is necessary of practicable without the expensive wall reinforcements required for conventional storage structures.

Abstract: A modular member for forming composite false-ceilings comprises two paired mating male and female cylindrical hollow lugs, each pair being provided with locking elements formed with holes for suspension elements, an annular ridge being furthermore provided as a rest for a cylindrical element included for aesthetic purposes or for a closing cap.

Abstract: A system of tiles for constructing a decorative lattice is disclosed. A basic square section of tile is formed of crossed strips, framed by a border which is much thinner than the strips. The strips are arranged in such a way that when several of the square sections are placed together, the strips appear to run from one tile to the next. In addition, there are tiles comprising various portions of the square section which may be arranged to form arches and other curved shapes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for delineating zones on the surface of thermoplastic gratings. The method comprises inserting in the grate openings a removable closure member adapted to interlock with the grating and close the opening. The removable closure member is distinguishable from the grating in color and when a plurality of closure members are so inserted in a pattern, they delineate a given zone.

Abstract: A decorative building panel is disclosed for mounting on a wall surface. Particularly, a panel in the form of an imitation shutter. The panel is more rigid than present types of simulated shutters, also the panel may be shipped to the site in kit form and easily assembled in the field. The panel has a plurality of slats arranged side by side and at least two spaced apart straps extending across the slats. Connecting means are provided at each of the intersecting positions between the straps and the slats, the connecting means being integral with each of the straps for rigidly connecting the straps to the slats, and spacer means at each of the intersecting positions for spacing the panel from the wall surface.

Abstract: A grille for use as a sun screen, decorative facing, vision barrier or the like is made up of a multiplicity of modular pieces, each of which is of uniform cross section along its length and has walls having spaced-apart, parallel edges defining a base plane and a portion intermediate the edges spaced from the base plane in one direction. An edge flange extends from each edge of the walls of the piece in a direction generally perpendicular to the base plane and opposite from the said one direction, and a pair of spaced-apart slot flanges extends from the intermediate portion of the walls in the said one direction and generally perpendicular to the base plane. The slot flanges define between them a slot that opens generally away from the base plane, the slot having a width at a location nearer the base plane that is greater than its width at a location farther from the base plane.

Abstract: A grille for use as a sunscreen, decorative facing, vision barrier and the like is made up of a multiplicity of modular pieces, each of which is of uniform cross section along its length. Each piece has walls terminating in spaced-apart parallel edges that define a base plane of the piece, and each piece is paired with another piece by bringing the edges of the two pieces together to produce a closed cell. An edge flange extends outwardly from a portion of the walls adjacent each edge of the piece, and a pair of closely-spaced, parallel slot flanges extend outwardly from a portion of the walls and define an outwardly open slot that is centered on a medial plane perpendicular to the base plane and parallel to the edges of the piece. The slot is, moreover, spaced from the line of intersection between the base plane and the medial plane, which line may be considered the axis of the piece, a distance substantially equal to one-half the perpendicular distance between the edge flanges.

Abstract: Reinforced concrete is prepared by embedding within it a reinforcing element of at least one rigid plastic gridwork (which is optionally filler reinforced) of integrally molded struts.

Abstract: A decorative stone or tile, preferably for the fortification of sloping surfaces such as embankments, banks, or the like, which consists of parallel ribs and crosspieces extending at right angles to the ribs with several of the ribs projecting beyond the outer crosspieces and several crosspieces projecting beyond the outer ribs. The projecting ends of the ribs and crosspieces are provided with either grooves or tongues corresponding to the grooves. The grooves or tongues are formed respectively by boundary surfaces extending vertically to the stone surface and are arranged in an alternate pattern about the periphery of the stone or tile. At least one extension is provided between the projecting ends of the externally disposed ribs and crosspieces. The extension is shorter than the length of the projecting ends of the ribs and crosspieces. The extension includes an end face which extends parallel to the vertical plane in which the crosspieces and/or ribs extend.

Abstract: A rack to hold up to 116 standard wine bottles or similar contents consists of a square outer frame having two diagonal partitions in each direction, the partitions being slotted to interfit at their intersections. Four end pieces are provided, one for each end of each pair of partitions and the end pieces are bolted to the outer frame members. Each end piece consists of a rectangular base and a strip along opposed edges of the base which is nailed to the base. Each strip in cross-section has a back, a front parallel to and congruent with the back and two complementary sides consisting of right-angle grooves. Holes extended from back to front for the bolts which connect the sides to the outer frame. A T-nut or other fastener is preferably recessed into the front to engage the bolt. One edge of the base fits into one of the grooves in the sides of the strip and is nailed in place. An edge of a partition fits into the other groove in the strip.

Abstract: Decorative scrolls for metal fence posts are fabricated of plastic material, and have outer face plates with interior and exterior walls. Scroll members on the interior walls are spaced apart at flat sections to engage the post, and frictionally grip the same. Additional fastening means on the scroll members also engage the back side of the post.