Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a panel comprises a body portion comprising a front side, a back side and a plurality of cavities. The front side comprises a plurality of face portions and cavity openings arranged on a first plane, and a plurality of guide members. Each guide member comprises a front edge arranged on a second plane, wherein the second plane is offset from the first plane. The guide members define a plurality of spaces of predetermined volume between said first plane and said second plane. A method comprises providing the panel, applying mortar to the panel in the predetermined volumes, skimming the mortar using the guide members to guide an edge to form metered mortar pans, and pressing objects into the mortar pans.

Abstract: Provided are an isolating device, a method of replacing an isolating structure part, and a method of controlling a load of the isolating structure part. The isolating device disposed between an upper structure and a lower structure includes an isolating structure part for performing an isolating function, and a height-adjustable part disposed on at least one of positions between the isolating structure part and the upper structure and between the isolating structure part and the lower structure, the height-adjustable part being adjusted in height by supplying or discharging fluid therein or therefrom.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus for curb vaults may be installed in existing vaults through the road-level inlet opening into the vault. A support plate assembly of the filtration apparatus suspends a primary and secondary filter and is movable between extended and retracted positions. An adjustable attachment system allows installation of the filtration apparatus by inserting the apparatus through the inlet opening.

Abstract: An elongated generally rectangular ceiling plank formed of wood or plastic composition and has opposite elongated side edges with a length that is between nine and ten times the width of the opposite end edges. The ceiling plank includes complementary tongue and groove engagement portions formed at the sides and ends for side-by-side or end-to-end engagement with other similar planks. In a ceiling plank installation a ceiling plank securement clip secures the side groove portion of one plank to a ceiling. The secured plank can be joined to another plank in side-by-side or end-to-end engagement at a ceiling by interengagement with the tongue portion at the side or end of the other plank. The ceiling plank is approximately forty-eight inches long and five inches wide and can thus be easily handled and installed by one person.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a transparent pane and an encapsulant bonded to the transparent pane, wherein the encapsulant is a copolymer of at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer and at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer, wherein the at least one amorphous thermoplastic polymer is at least one thermoplastic polyester, at least one thermoplastic polyether, or a copolymer of at least one thermoplastic polyester and at least one thermoplastic polyether. The at least one crystalline thermoplastic polymer may be a renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer, wherein the total weight of the renewably-sourced thermoplastic polymer is at most 60 percent of the total weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: A system includes a structure configured to undergo oscillatory movement. The system also includes a friction damping clamp coupled to the structure. The friction damping clamp includes a housing having a groove. The friction damping clamp also includes a roller positioned at least partially within the groove, where the groove has first and second ramps. The roller is configured to move up each ramp of the groove so that more compression is applied on the structure and to move down each ramp of the groove so that less compression is applied on the structure. The roller may be configured to apply more compression on the structure to increase friction between portions of the structure, to apply less compression on the structure to decrease friction between the portions of the structure, and to apply substantially no compression on the structure when the roller is located at a center of the groove.

Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planer base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.

Abstract: A trellis system is disclosed wherein the trellis comprises a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface; a plurality of cross member assemblies wherein the cross member assemblies assist in creating tension between the front tube and the back tube, and a plurality of fasteners coupling the front tube to the end tubes, the back tube to the end tubes, and the roof panels to at least the front tube and the back tube, wherein the fasteners are not visible when the trellis system is installed. The trellis system also includes accent bands. A plurality of turnbuckles allows for easy leveling of the trellis.

Abstract: An equipment enclosure system includes an equipment enclosure mounted through a hole in a roof and a chassis supporting the mechanical equipment and which is moveable between a lowered position within the enclosure and a raised position relative to the enclosure to provide access to said equipment. A cover mounted on chassis advances into covering relationship over the enclosure when the chassis is retracted.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an interchangeable corner hanger to ornament framing protruding comer structures is provided. The interchangeable comer hanger includes a horizontal portion and a vertical portion. The horizontal portion is designed to rest on an exposed edge of a comer structure, and the vertical portion is designed to hang over the comer of the comer structure and rest against a wall upon which the trim is attached. The vertical portion has a length sufficient to stabilize the comer hanger without the use of other adhesives or attachments. In an embodiment, the vertical portion is configured to allow one or more interlocking elements to be suspended from the vertical portion. For example, the vertical portion may include an interlocking pattern configured to accept a complimentary interlocking pattern on an interlocking element. Further interlocking elements may be attached to the interlocking element.

Abstract: In one preferred form of the present invention there is provided a roof rain gutter system. The roof rain gutter system comprises a drainage pipe for being positioned within and extending along a gutter. A coarse heavy filler material is placed on top of the drainage pipe for allowing the passage of rain water. A rain guttering component is positioned above a drop outlet of the gutter for directing water flowing through the drainage pipe downwardly into the drop outlet. The rain guttering component is adapted to surround the drop outlet to assist with preventing the passage of coarse heavy filler material through the drop outlet.

Abstract: A data center module is a data center that can be prefabricated using generally standardized off-the-shelf components, and quickly assembled on a collocation site where a shared central facility is provided. The data center module is typically configured to be deployed with other identical data center modules around the central facility both in side-to-side and/or in back-to-back juxtapositions, typically without the need for interleaving space between adjacent modules in order to maximize real estate use. Each data center module typically comprises harden party walls, several floors for accommodating all the necessary electrical and cooling subsystems and for accommodating all the computing machinery (e.g. servers). Though all the data center modules share similar physical configuration, each data center module can be independently customized and operated to accommodate different needs.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of parallel spaced apart trusses comprises a center socket and first and second end sockets. The center socket is sized to receive a top edge of a first truss therein whereas the first and second end sockets are each sized to receive a bottom edge of adjacent second and third truss therein. The apparatus further comprises a first brace extending between the first end socket and the center socket and a second brace extending between the second end socket and the center socket. The base panel of the first and second end sockets define a first plane substantially parallel to the bottom edges of the plurality of trusses and the base panel of the center socket defines a second plane substantially parallel to the top edge of the plurality of trusses and second plane is angularly oriented relative to the first plane.

Abstract: A method for lifting an asymmetric integral construction is provided, including the steps of determining proper lifting points on a construction to be lifted according to the position relationship between the construction and a base supporter, setting a dragging point on the bottom of the construction, the dragging point being located on the extension line of the connection between the gravity center of construction and the centroid of the lifting points, determining a projection point of the dragging point on the ground, arranging a dragging device between the dragging point and the projection point, installing a lifting system at a proper position, conducting lifting operation by means of the lifting system cooperated with the dragging device, and rectifying and fixing the construction after it is in place.

Abstract: A form is provided for constructing a jump pit with a sand area. The form is constructed in sections. Each section has an inside wall and an outside wall. A support member is located between the outside wall and the inside wall. The sections are secured together onsite. Caps are mounted on the support members. The caps include an inclined surface which slops upwardly and away from the sand area forming the inclined surface. A cover over the sand area is supported by the inclined surface. Optionally, a chamber is located adjacent the outside wall. A grate covers the chamber and the grate is supported by a brace. A mat covers the grate. Openings in the grate and in the mat permit sand through them, thrown from the sand area to drop into the chamber.

Abstract: A stairlift (12) comprises a carriage (10) moveable along a rail (14) by a drive means (18) and a seat (34) moveably coupled to the carriage. Levelling means are provided for altering the orientation of the seat with respect to the carriage. Further, limiting means (40) are provided for limiting movement of the seat with respect to the carriage so as not to exceed a predetermined angle of inclination of the seat, and comprising locking means (42). When the angle of inclination of the seat reaches the predetermined angle, the limiting means mechanically engages with the seat assembly to prevent further movement of the seat and operates the locking means to secure the seat in position.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an adjustable bird slope are described. A height of the face of the bird slope can be altered as necessary so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area.

Abstract: A roof anchoring safety device that may be retro fit to a roofing structure. The safety device is capable of being transitioned from an actuated state to a retracted state. When in a retracted state, the device is concealed. When in an actuated state, the device is capable of connecting to a safety tether. The device may be installed during initial build of roof an accessed in future for maintenance and or future additions therein. The device is concealed by a cap that is designed to prevent ingress of ambient matter.

Abstract: Sports stadium (1) with a turf field (100) and a surrounding spectators stand (3). The turf field (100) comprises a plurality of turf modules (101) supported on a fixed support base (105). The turf modules are movable on the fixed support base, thereby being removable from the fixed support base. The fixed support base (105) exhibits an aperture (111) constituting access to a storage room (107) below the fixed support base (105). The storage room is adapted for storage of the turf modules. A lift (115) is arranged to move turf modules through the aperture (111). An associated method is also described.

Abstract: A downspout adapter that provides access to a sub-surface drain system for cleaning is disclosed. The downspout adapter comprises of a hollow main body enclosure with a top section, a middle cavity, and a bottom section. The top section attaches to a downspout on a building, and the bottom section attaches to a sub-surface drain system. A elongated middle cavity allows for the downspout and drain system to be offset from each other. An access opening on the middle cavity allows a user direct access to the drain system for cleaning out debris. In further embodiments a removable debris basket is provided and fitted within the middle cavity to collect debris while cleaning debris from the downspout. The debris basket is then removed after cleaning.

Abstract: A construction method is disclosed. The method includes providing a bottom support between a plurality of structural members and using the bottom support to support a structural material in a plastic state. The method also includes using the bottom support to support the structural material as it hardens from a plastic state into a hardened state. The structural material remains attached to the bottom support after the structural material hardens. The bottom support is transparent or translucent.

Abstract: A portable synthetic grass turf assembly—that is capable of being assembled, transported, disassembled, and stored—includes a plurality of synthetic grass module units that can be laid side by side atop a base surface to provide a continuous synthetic grass surface for various activities. Each module unit includes a synthetic grass turf with an infill layer of particulate materials disposed among the synthetic grass ribbons and atop a base sheet. A barrier of synthetic ribbons extends about the perimeter of the module unit to retain the particulate material within the module unit during its transportation and storage.

Abstract: A structural element for constructing an auxiliary means for the manufacture of a reinforcement includes at least one coupling point for coupling the structural element to another structural element. The structural element is formed from a basic element. The structural element may further include a holding means for holding a reinforcement rod. A method for constructing an auxiliary means and a method for manufacturing a reinforcement are also provided.

Abstract: A derrick apparatus for a drilling machine (10), the apparatus comprising a fixed structure (48, 50) for supporting drill equipment (14, 16), wherein the fixed structure (48, 50) has a generally prismatic shape with a generally constant cross-section along the vertical extent of the fixed structure (48, 50), and wherein the fixed structure (48, 50) comprises supporting beams (48, 50) about outer parts of the fixed structure and a void extending across the internal width of the fixed structure (48, 50).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to building materials, in particular to attachment of insulating board and trims on building surfaces. Various embodiments of attachment clips to attach the trims on their place without nails or screws through the trim are provided. This disclosure provides an economical, fast, easy, and esthetic method to attach building trims.

Abstract: A heat radiating pipe (2) that is disposed in a hot water mat (1) is extended from the hot water mat (1) to provide an extended portion that is used as connecting pipes (2a and 2b) to a heat source machine (11). The construction makes it possible to prevent a water leak as there is no connection therebetween, and reduces costs for parts and installation as no connection tool, such as a coupler, is used. Further, guide pieces (13 and 14) attached with cover members (17) are arranged at positions where the connecting pipes (2a and 2b) are extended, and the connecting pipes (2a and 2b) are disposed by using the guide pieces (13 and 14), so as to efficiently utilize heat radiated from the connecting pipes (2a and 2b), and to prevent thermal loss.

Abstract: A system for securing an air conditioning unit to a building without the need for any alteration and/or damage to the building itself. The system includes a cross bar, an air conditioning unit support, and a strut. The arrangement of the components results in the cross bar applying an outward force to an interior surface of the building and strut applying an inward force to an exterior surface of the building in response to the downward force exerted on the air conditioning unit support. The sum of the forces applied on the surfaces of the building are sufficient to secure the air conditioning unit to the building.

Abstract: An anchor for stabilizing an object includes an anchor block having a body portion, a pair of wing portions extending from the body portion, and a coupling-channel located in the body portion. The coupling-channel is configured to couple the anchor block to an anchor rod. The anchor block is generally trapezoidal in a view. The wing portions include a first plurality of sloping ribs extending from body portion and a plurality of recesses disposed between the sloping ribs.

Abstract: A wind turbine station for generating electricity comprising a multi floor structure having open framing The open framing comprising at least two spaced-apart, open, vertical frames, the frames each made primarily of uncovered beams and columns. The station has a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal, interior platforms forming the floors of the structure, each interior platform extending between and joined to both of the frames over the length of the frames. Wind turbines are mounted on the structure about the outer periphery of each platform. The wind turbines face outwardly and are each operatively connected to a generator to produce electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the structure has an annular shape with an outer cylindrical or polygonal prism frame and an inner cylindrical or polygonal prism frame spaced from the outer frame. The interior platforms have a flat, ring shape. The invention includes a method for building the station.

Abstract: The invention is an insulated wall panel system having structural elements that may be used as an exterior façade to a building. The insulated wall panel system provides a finished exterior surface, a structural component, and an insulation factor. The wall panel system may be used in new construction or in existing buildings. The wall panel system has an insulation layer, a middle cement layer, and an outer veneer layer. The outer veneer layer may include brick, stone, tile, or other material as a finished surface. The insulated wall panels may be attached directly to the studs or other structural element of a building.

Abstract: Described is an expansion joint (1) for building works comprising: a first and a second fastening flap (2, 3) rigidly connectable to corresponding structural elements (4, 5) and elongated in a longitudinal direction; an elastic connector (7) connected to the fastening flaps (2, 3) and interposed there for filling a space (6) between the structural elements (4, 5), and for allowing a relative movement of them; at least one profile (8) hooked to one of the fastening flaps (2, 3) from the side opposite the elastic connector (7), the profile (8) forming a channel elongated in the longitudinal direction; at least one illuminating element (9) positioned inside the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a core shroud for a nuclear plant and a nuclear power plant structure in which a groove portion is easily assembled in the case of manufacturing the core shroud having a weld structure of a nuclear power plant by a laser welding, and it is possible to obtain a weld joint portion in which a plastic distortion region and a residual stress are as small as possible, going with a solidification shrinkage of the weld portion. At a time of welding butted portions of a plurality of members constructing a core shroud, a root face is provided in the butted portion, a length of the root face is set to 25% to 95% of a thickness of the thinner one of the butted portions of a plurality of members, a narrow groove is provided in the other than the root face, and the butted portions are welded by a laser welding using a weld wire.

Abstract: A wall-mounted drum-type washing machine includes a rear panel mounted on a wall surface; a tub containing wash water, supported by the rear panel; a front panel on the tub; a box unit on the rear panel, surrounding the tub and having a connection hole in a front side thereof; a cover unit in the connection hole; and an elastic assembly unit connecting the box unit and the rear panel, generating an elastic force between the cover unit and the box unit.

Abstract: In a rostrum, comprising a rostrum support structure comprising a plurality of frame units; the frame units comprising at least a first frame unit, a second frame unit which is retractable in a retraction direction from an extended position into the first frame unit, and a third frame unit, which is retractable in the retraction direction from an extended position into the second frame unit, a latching mechanism is provided which is configured so that the third frame unit cannot be retracted from the extended position into the second frame unit until the second frame unit has been retracted from the extended position into the first frame unit. A respective deck is engaged with each respective frame unit.

Abstract: A data center includes a floor that supports rack computing systems and walls that enclose a computing room. The computing room holds the rack computing systems. One of the walls is a movable wall. The movable wall translates relative to the other walls to increase or decrease the size of the computing room.

Abstract: An interface component for insertion in a certain-sized connection box placed for another component such as a switch or other electrical mechanism. The interface component may bring in new capabilities plus maintain the capabilities of the removed component. The box need not be removed, or if the boxed is removed the structure or space encompassing the box need not be enlarged. Further, no new wiring is necessarily needed. This placement or substitution may be particularly applicable to rooms of hotels, motels, and other similar facilities. Neither time nor expense of redoing structure to hold a larger box or provide more space or wiring is needed. In many cases, there is not adequate space to add components for providing additional capabilities to a room.

Abstract: Method for accessing the outer surface of wind turbine towers comprising the following steps: attaching an external peripheral rail on the outer surface of the tower; making an orifice above said rail; arranging a working platform on the base of the tower; inserting a cable reel in the orifice; raising the platform by driving the cable reel until it is near the peripheral rail; arranging means for suspension and horizontal displacement on the horizontal rail; connecting the platform to said means for suspension and horizontal displacement and displacing the platform as needed.

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

Abstract: Modular floor tiles and modular floors are described herein. A modular floor tile may include a top surface, a plurality of edge surfaces, and a plurality of interlocking member for attachment to adjacent tiles. One interlocking member may include a protrusion having a curved interlocking portion. Another interlocking member may include a recess having a curved pocket portion. An interface between the curved interlocking portion of one tile and the curved pocket portion of another tile may allow pivot movement between the tiles. A modular floor may include a plurality of interlocking tiles connected to one another. Methods of forming a modular floor that includes a plurality of modular floor tiles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the creation, selection, ordering, shipping and constructing of personalized living environments that can be customized in almost unlimited configurations through the use of an architectural process, unitized assemblies, and assembly joineries is presented. The architectural process allows for the initial creation, design and selection of the unitized assembly collections based upon human factors behavioral based criteria. The unitized assemblies are fixed and/or flexible, trade-integrated modules in unitized, shippable configurations designed and incorporated with high touch finished crafts, allowing for dimensional flexibility in both the vertical and horizontal planes. The combination of the unitized assembly and human factors behavioral analysis combine for an experience blueprint of a homeowner's lifestyle portrait.

Abstract: Seal a fenestration opening that contains a gap having a width of greater than 1.6 millimeters by providing a dispersion having the following components dispersed in an aqueous phase: (i) a film-forming polymer binder having a glass transition temperature in a range of ?100 degrees Celsius to ?20 degrees Celsius; (ii) a shear thinning rheology modifier at a concentration sufficient to cause the dispersion to have a Brookfield viscosity greater than 300,000 centiPoise as measured using spindle #3 at 0.3 revolutions per minute; and (iii) optionally, a filler; and then spraying the dispersion directly onto the building elements within the fenestration opening so as to form a continuous coating over the building elements and gap within the fenestration opening; wherein there is an absence of reinforcement or sealing material filling or spanning the gap prior to spraying the dispersion over the gap.

Abstract: A sub-floor tile is provided for use in a modular sub-floor tile system. The sub-floor tile has an upper surface and a lower surface made from one prefabricated, durable, water resistant, mould and mildew growth resistant thermoplastic elastomer with acoustic deadening properties. The lower surface has a series of projections extending away from the sub-floor tile and located adjacent to an underlying surface, such as concrete, when the sub-floor tile is in use. The projections create a space between the sub-floor tile and underlying surface creating a moisture barrier and increased air flow that also permits moisture drainage. This also permits a thermal break between the underlying surface and the overlying flooring surface, such as carpet, laminate, or vinyl.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a blast resistant building element having a compressed polymeric foamed core, the element including an internal track having an internal track web integrally connected to a pair of spaced apart and outwardly extending internal track sidewalls so as to define a first generally U-shaped profile, a surrounding track having a surrounding track web integrally connected to a pair of spaced apart and outwardly extending surrounding track sidewalls so as to define a second generally U-shaped profile and a compressed polymeric foamed core disposed within the internal track, wherein the compressed polymeric foamed core exerts a force against a portion of internal surfaces of the internal track and surrounding track.

Abstract: A variety of roof mount sealing assemblies are disclosed. The roof mount sealing assemblies allow a user to mount rails for solar panels, signs, satellite dish or any other desired item on the roof and have the mounting location sealed against water. The roof mount sealing assemblies has a body with a recess for a flexible washer, which is attached to a bolt body (or formed with the bolt body) and threaded either down in a base plate or directly into the roof. The bolt body and body form a double stud assembly, which also holds a flashing onto the roof to provide further water proofing.

Abstract: A mounting device in an elevator installation for the fastening and alignment of a guide rail, wherein the guide rail has a fastening section, particularly a rail foot, includes a first limb and a second limb, wherein the first limb has a first setting element and the second limb a second setting element, wherein the limbs are fixed in the elevator installation in such a manner that a section, which extends along the guide direction of the guide rail, of the fastening section can be arranged between the first and second limbs and the position of the section of the fastening section of the guide rail is variable and/or fixable within the elevator installation by adjustment of the first and the second setting elements. A method for fastening and aligning the guide rail by the mounting device is provided.

Abstract: Method in the use of a construction-time elevator, in which method the supporting platform that supports the elevator car of the elevator is lifted higher in the elevator hoistway with a hoisting device supported on a support structure. In the method the supporting platform is suspended from the support structure via at least one hoisting device and rope comprised in the hoisting device and the supporting platform is lifted upwards in the elevator hoistway with a lifting ratio of 1:x, where x is greater than 1.

Abstract: The energy-free refrigeration door of the present application provides a way to control condensation when the door of a refrigeration unit is opened by providing thermal insulation to the door with glass panels which have a low emissivity coating. The door includes a door frame housing and an insulating glass unit comprising inner, middle and outer sheets of glass. A first sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the inner and middle sheets of glass forms a first chamber between the inner and middle sheets of glass. A second sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the middle and outer sheets of glass forms a second chamber between the middle and outer sheets of glass. A gas, such as krypton, air, or argon is held in the first and second chambers. The outer sheet of glass and inner sheet of glass each have an unexposed surface that faces the middle sheet of glass.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a first connector attached to a first hollow metal log of a building superstructure; a latch; and a second connector attached to a second hollow metal log of the superstructure. The first connector comprises a slot for receiving a projecting flange of the latch, and the second connector comprises an opening adapted to receive a cam portion of the latch. The projecting flange can be pre-engaged with the slot to form a preassembly. The engagement of the cam with the opening formed in the second connector then forms a final assembly wherein the first connector, the latch, and the second connector are latched together so that the first and second logs are interconnected and made resistant to wind uplift.

Abstract: A dome for a skylight; said dome formed of light transmitting material; at least an internal surface of said dome provided with prismatic structures arranged so as to direct incident light from without said dome to points below a lower periphery of said dome; said prismatic structures formed as adjoining facets of a plurality of curved ridges; each of said curved ridges extending from a first upper end to a second lower end.

Abstract: A modular methane digester facility includes prefabricated portable concrete panels and a flexible membrane roof sealing an interior space of the methane digester. A separator-conveyor dewatering device, integratable into the front end of the methane digester facility, separates a semi-solid liquid manure into a liquid portion and a solid portion. A method of dual-stage methane digestion includes stacking a solid stage in a methane digester and supplying a liquid stage to the top of the solid stage. The liquid stage percolates by gravity through the solid stage, the solid stage acts as a filter for the liquid stage, and the liquid stage acts as a methanogenic buffer for the solid stage. A method of pre-heating a mass of solids in a methane digester to a mesophilic temperature includes supplying oxygen to the mass of solids in the form of ambient air supplied to the methane digester by a reverse-air pump.