Abstract: A cost-effective and energy-efficient system and method for building construction, such as for residential dwellings and the like, uses dual-wall building envelope system having outer walls and corresponding partition walls spaced outwardly from the outer walls. The envelope system provides ample space for insulation to enhance the thermal efficiently of the house or building, while permitting construction at reduced cost using pre-fabrication methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a buckling restrained brace which is a core plate inside a tube, with the plate prevented from buckling by being surrounded by the tube. The core plate is provided with a layer of discrete springs adjacent the core plate, with the interior of the tube otherwise filled with cement. The layer of discrete springs may be cardboard of other material. The layer of discrete springs defines a space between the core plate and the concrete, to allow for expansion of the core plate under compression from the ends.

Abstract: A securing system for a portable basketball pole assembly is disclosed. The securing system includes ground screws which secure in the ground on either side of a base of the portable basketball pole assembly. A strap is extended from one ground member to the other over the base to hold the base securely to the ground and prevent tipping. Additional straps may be used to extend from the ground members to the pole to further secure the pole. In certain preferred embodiments, separate straps extend from the ground members to the pole. In other embodiments, a single strap is used. The straps are attached to the pole via a pole attachment member. The pole attachment member may conveniently be an after-market part which fits around an existing pole and provides a receiving element to receive the strap or straps. Buckles may be included to allow the straps to be tightened or loosened.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the insulation value of a window system with a weep hole includes a flapper valve with a buoyant flap articulating relative to a non-moving portion. The flap is positioned on the window frame over the weep hole proximate the inside of the structure in which the window system is installed and the non-moving portion is attached to the window frame. The flap may be held against the frame around the weep hole by gravity and/or by the elastic memory of a portion of the flap, such as a plastic hinge. The flapper valve is closed when dry to diminish the flow of ex-filtration through the weep hole, but opens in response to being flooded with water due to the buoyancy of the flap, opening the weep hole and allowing the water to drain.

Abstract: A unitized cladding system that incorporates energy reducing and harvesting technologies may be installed on a building's exterior wall to reduce the building's net energy consumption and costs. A method for configuring a unitized cladding system to optimize a building's energy savings involves measuring the building's current energy consumption based on information relating to the building's site and composition, designing and assembling cladding units that incorporate suitable energy saving and harvesting modules, and measuring the effects of the cladding system on the building's net energy consumption. This method may be enabled by a software program product.

Abstract: An overhead arrangement, for use in a suspended ceiling system having a grid framework of frame elements lying in a ceiling plane and bounding a plurality of openings for supporting a corresponding plurality of ceiling members, includes an electrical apparatus, such as a DC power supply, a support for supporting the electrical apparatus on the framework at an elevation above one of the ceiling members supported in one of the openings, and a slanted control panel on the housing and having manually accessible controls and visually accessible displays. The slanted control panel is obliquely and downwardly inclined relative to the ceiling plane to enable manual access to the controls and visual access to the displays through the opening to the slanted control panel from below the framework after the ceiling member is at least partially removed from its opening without mechanical interference between the ceiling tile and the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for securing a light fixture in place. In one aspect, the light fixture can be configured to retain an LED-based light engine, which may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional light engines. In another aspect, the light fixture can be configured to be installed in a pre-cut aperture in a structural member, such as a ceiling, soffit, or wall. In another aspect, the light fixture may include a serrated upper edge configured to cut into a structural member to form an aperture, without the need to pre-cut the aperture.

Abstract: A starter block and a shingle are utilized to form courses that may be positioned in overlapping fashion on a roof to form a roofing covering system. The particular design of the starter block and shingle result in a roofing product that provides increased durability over previous designs. The starter block may be formed with top and bottom surfaces, opposite side surfaces with tapering heights, and a front surface having a greater height than a back surface of the starter block. When the starter block is coupled to a roof deck, a semi-rigid shingle having a generally planar bottom surface may be placed upon the starter block so that a portion of the shingle extends off of the starter block over the back surface thereof and onto the roof deck to facilitate contact between the shingle and the roof deck at a location more proximal to the starter block back surface than if the same back surface had the same height as the front surface.

Abstract: A lighting housing for installation in a building having a source of electrical power, including a support structure; a junction box coupled to the support structure and to the source of electrical power; a lighting enclosure coupled to the support structure and mechanically and electrically supporting an electric light powered from the source of electrical power received through the junction box; and an RF mesh network transceiver, coupled to the support structure and powered from the junction box, for participation in a mesh network.

Abstract: A hearth for a metallurgical furnace, in particular for a blast furnace, the hearth including a wall lining and a bottom lining of refractory material for containing a molten metal bath, the bottom lining including a lower region and an upper region that is arranged to cover the top of the lower region and that is built of ceramic elements, the ceramic elements of the upper region being made of microporous ceramic material including a granular phase made of a silico-aluminous high alumina content granular material and a binding phase for binding grains of said granular material, said microporous ceramic material having thus an maintaining permanently a thermal conductivity lower than 7 W/m.° K.

Abstract: A roofing installation system for optimally capturing solar thermal energy comprises a plurality of metal battens mounted horizontally onto a plurality of horizontal wooden battens, a plurality of slate modules mounted on the plurality of metal battens and connected in series to form a string, an inverter connected to each string, a thermal tubing containing liquid mounted on the plurality of metal battens, a heat exchanger connected to the thermal tubing, a heat pump connected to the thermal tubing and a circulation pump connected between the thermal tubing and the heat exchanger. The plurality of slate modules generates DC electricity from solar energy and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC electricity to feed to a utility grid. The plurality of metal battens transfers thermal energy by running liquid in the thermal tubing which is extracted by the heat exchanger thereby producing domestic hot water.

Abstract: A system for providing a safety barrier around a work area on a high-rise structure includes at least one vertical rail detachably connected to the structure. The system also includes a safety screen assembly detachably connected to the structure. The system further includes an adjustment mechanism operable to translate the vertical rail(s) and safety screen assembly relative to the structure at appropriate times. A method for moving a safety screen system on a high-rise structure includes detachably coupling at least one vertical rail and safety screen assembly to the structure, and actuating an adjustment mechanism at appropriate times to move the rail(s) and safety screen system upwardly relative to the structure.

Abstract: A set of two or more wedge-shaped braces are used to straighten and support a leaning pole or post, such as a utility pole that has been impacted by a vehicle or a storm. A first brace is inserted and driven down on the side of the hole toward which the pole is leaning, until the pole is restored to an upright position. A second brace is then inserted and driven down on the opposite side of the hole to support the pole in the upright position. If needed, additional braces are inserted and driven down into the hole around the circumference of the pole. The pole can thereby be supported in the upright position without backfilling the hole with soil or stone.

Abstract: Floor tile having objectionable particulate matter therein, is removed from a permanent substrate to which it is adhered by placing thereon a soy-based solvent and retaining the solvent in place for at least 36 hours. After this time period, all adhesion is released and the floor tile physically removed without residual adhesion or breakage thereof.

Abstract: A fascia vent for a roof structure includes a fascia board for attachment along the lower ends of roof rafters that support a roof deck above an attic space. The fascia vent has an exposed outside face and an inside face at least partly exposed to the attic space. A plurality of slots are formed along the inside face of the fascia board with a lower end of the slots communicating with ambience along the bottom edge of the fascia board and an upper end of the slots communicating with the attic space. In use, hot air vented from the attic is replaced by fresh air that flows through the lower ends of the slots and into the attic space.

Abstract: A hanging corner shelf assembly is provided which includes a first member and a second member, which diverge from one another. Each member includes a first side and a second side, an inner side and an outer side. The first and second members are configured for attachment to one another. The hanging corner shelf assembly further includes at least one shelf member extending from the first member and the second member, wherein a longitudinal axis of the at least one shelf member is generally perpendicularly oriented relative to a longitudinal axis of each of the first and second members and at least one hanging member is included, wherein the at least one hanging member is engageable to the first and/or second member.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for using building blocks for construction that does not require mortar, internal columns or additional internal or external finishing. A building block includes joining elements for attaching blocks from top to bottom as well as from side to side. Additionally, blocks have internal and external finishes that are complete. The block includes a removable face for allowing access to space for infrastructural elements like wires and pipes. Thus, after construction of a structure, there is no additional need to paint, hang wallpaper or otherwise treat the outer and inner walls of the final structure.

Abstract: A roofing repair system including a multi-part primer and a water-activated overcoat composition. The multi-part primer includes a first part including a hydroxyl-functional (meth)acrylic (co)polymer, and a second part including a mixture of a hydrophilic polyfunctional aliphatic polyisocyanate and a hydrophobic polyfunctional aliphatic polyisocyanate, wherein a molar ratio of hydroxyl functionality in the first part to isocyanate functionality in the second part is less than 1. The water-activated overcoat composition includes at least one compound selected from polyketimines having amino groups attached to secondary carbon atoms, polyenamines, and oxazolidines. In some exemplary embodiments, the volume ratio of the multi-part primer to the water-activated composition is from 5:1 to 7:1. In certain exemplary embodiments, the multi-part primer is substantially free of organic solvents.

Abstract: A pressure injecting caulking construction technique for gaps between building door/window hole (4) and common additional frame or side frame (1), which involves steps as follows. Firstly, positioning the common additional frame or side frame (1) of the building door/window in the hole (4). Secondly, the technique includes injecting insulating materials (7) in the middle of the gap (3) between the frame and hole, or installing occulting bars (2) at outer side of the additional framework or side framework, or installing combined frameworks (9) on the sides of the common additional frame or side frame and the wall of the hole. Lastly, the technique includes pressure injecting filling materials into the gap (3).

Abstract: A sill drainage member for a window assembly which can include at least one sash. The sash includes a window pane in a frame which can be a single or double glazed window. The sill drainage member has an elongate body with an upper surface and lower surface. The upper surface includes drainage means which is adapted to drain moisture from a window sash. The sill drainage member is adapted to be located and fixed underneath a window sash. A method of installing the sill drainage member with slope blocks and double glazing units is also included and a method of retro fitting double glazed units in wooden sashes.

Abstract: A roof hatch including a vibration resistant latch design that can accommodate stresses applied to the roof hatch during hurricane conditions. The roof hatch can comprise a latch assembly including a biasing portion, a linkage member and a latch portion. The biasing portion can include a first latch incorporating a spring returned handle. The latch portion can include a single point, rotatable slam latch that engages an engagable locking member adapted to prevent spring driven rotary arms from disengaging from the engagable locking member. The linkage member includes a projecting end that is designed to provide a delay between actuation of the biasing portion and engagement of the latch portion. Using the vibration resistant latch design, engagable locking member and the rotatable slam latch, the roof hatch is rated to withstand internal and external pressure of 100 pounds per square foot with a design safety factor up to 200 pounds per square foot.

Abstract: An ice buildup inhibitor is disclosed useful for preventing ice damming, in particular in conjunction with the use of a closed gutter. Heat escape through a roof made warm snow pack, causing it to melt and flow down toward the gutter. After moving away from the heated roof, the water may re-freeze and form an ice dam. In the ice buildup inhibitor may be configured to warm in the closed gutter, thereby preventing the formation of an ice dam. They ice buildup inhibitor may be configured to be easily installed onto an existing closed gutter, enabling responsive installation on only those homes experiencing ice damming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for installing a land wind power generator by using lead rails, and the method includes the steps of: locating a lower support having an insertion protrusion, a horizontal stepped surface, and a ground anchor, under the ground; locating a pair of posts of a tower crane and a cage for each post at the horizontal stepped surface of the lower support, ascending a nacelle assembly and an overhead crane, and locating an intermediate support by means of an outside crane; and locating the lead rails along the ground and the front surface of the intermediate support and ascending an upper support along the lead rails by means of the overhead crane. Next, after a nacelle base, a support frame, the lead rails, and the tower crane are disassembled from the located positions, a plurality of propellers connected to rollers located inside a rotary part of the nacelle assembly are lifted by means of a winch and are inserted into a plurality of coupling grooves of the rotary part.

Abstract: An adjustable stud adapter is configured to attach to a stud. The adjustable stud adapter includes a front surface, a side surface substantially perpendicular to the front surface, and a first positioning slot and a second positioning slot formed on the side surface. The first and second positioning slots have an elongated shape and are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A building structure including a first building member and a second building member may be connected by fasteners, each fastener having a head, a tapered lead portion having an angle from 30 to 60° of at least HRC 50 hardness adapted to start into a pilot hole, a thread-forming portion of at least HRC 50 hardness adapted to thread the fastener into at least the second steel building member, and a threaded portion having a through hardness from about HRB 70 to HRC 40, such that the fastener is capable of providing a ratio of failure torque to thread-forming torque of at least 3.0 and a ratio of failure torque to drive torque greater than 10 when the second steel building member has a thickness of about 0.25 inch and the pilot hole has at least one diameter within nominal diameter from 80 to 98% of major diameter.

Abstract: A method of relining a chimney includes: coating the inside surface of a chimney flue with a first layer of a flowable refractory material to provide a wet and sticky surface on the inside of the chimney flue; providing an insulating sleeve on the refractory surface so that the insulating sleeve adheres to the refractory surface; coating the inner surface of the sleeve with a second layer of flowable refractory material effective for hardening to provide a refractory surface on the inner surface of the sleeve; and allowing both layers of flowable refractory material to harden, thus providing a hardened relining comprising a first refractory layer, an insulating layer, and a second refractory layer on the inner surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: Odor emissions from improperly prepared Chinese drywall commonly termed “Chinese drywall” are reduced by the use of a hydrophobic coating on preferably both sides of the drywall, and by positively ventilating air from between the joists onto which the drywall is mounted.

Abstract: The present document describes a pre-fabricated base for receiving a pre-fabricated cabinet having a bottom surface and a corresponding mating portion extending from the bottom surface comprising a semi-rigid frame for installation on a surface, the semi-rigid frame having an internal surface and an external surface; at least two adjustable supporting portions mounted on at least one of: the internal surface of the semi-rigid frame and the external surface of the semi-rigid frame for horizontally leveling the semi-rigid frame; and a male/female portion extending from the external surface of the semi-rigid frame for removably receiving the corresponding mating portion of the cabinet.

Abstract: In one aspect, a metal construction member can include at least two metal strips. Each metal strip can have a continuous nonlinear pattern along one lengthwise edge of the strip, where the continuous nonlinear pattern can include a plurality of repeating units. Each repeating unit can include at least one joining region, which can protrude away from a lengthwise axis of the metal strip. At least one of the metal strips can be joined to at least one other metal strip at a plurality of adjacent joining regions.

Abstract: Presented are methods of assembling and disassembling a modular unit so that the modular unit. The modular unit includes at least a concrete column with an embedded steel receptacle and an access port, and a concrete joist/slab with an embedded steel receptacle and an access port. The methods include inserting a first end of the rigid member into the steel receptacle of the joist/slab and a second end of the rigid member into the steel receptacle of the column to form the modular unit. The first and second ends of the rigid member are releasably coupled to the steel receptacles of the joist/slab and column, respectively. The first and second ends of the rigid member are then decoupled from the steel receptacles of the joist/slab and column, respectively. The joist/slab, column, and rigid member are separated so that at least joist/slab and column can be reused and/or recycled.

Abstract: A method and composition for reconditioning the inner surfaces of a facility. After removing loose material, corrosion and rust by abrading the surface, repairs are made to the surface. Gaps, cracks, and pits are filled and transitions from one surface material to another are smoothed with putties; holes and complex areas of the surface are filled with expanding foams and shaped to contour; and sheet metal is added where corrosion and rust have left extensive weakened areas in the surface. A corrosion inhibitor such as aluminum flakes or micaceous iron oxide is applied to the shaped surface followed by a structural coating of polyurea or elastomeric urethane and top coat of moisture cured urethane or polyaspartic acid that adds an additional water barrier and increases that surface shaping to shed water. The combination of these layers results in a surface with improved robustness against frequent cleaning.

Abstract: A building module. The building module has a rigid inner construction panel defining a planar surface thereon; one or more rigid brackets each affixed by one or more mechanical fasteners to the planar surface of the construction panel; a rigid, closed-cell, spray foam or an adhesive matrix contiguous to and substantially covering the planar surface of the construction panel and contacting and embedding at least a major portion of the one or more brackets. Each of the one or more brackets bears a planar surface facing substantially away from the planar surface of the construction panel. The surface area of the planar surface of each of the one or more brackets is substantially smaller than the surface area of the planar surface of the construction panel to which it is affixed. There are also other embodiments of building modules. There are also other embodiments of brackets useful in building modules. There are also other embodiments for making building modules.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for manufacturing a framing member can include a translation path for transporting a metal sheet. The translation path can include a translation axis, a first set of rollers, which can include a plurality of first bottom rollers and a plurality of first top rollers, the first set of rollers can have a first centerline, and a second set of rollers, which can include a plurality of second bottom rollers and a plurality of second top rollers, the second set of rollers can have a second centerline, line, where the first centerline and the second centerline can extend away from the translation axis at an angle in the direction of translation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device and method for introducing a force into tension members made of fiber-reinforced plastic flat strip lamella. The device can include at least one clamping element, which is arranged on the tension member and has at least one contact face with the tension member. At least one rigid sleeve can be arranged around the at least one clamping element and the tension member and thereby exerts a clamping pressure on the tension member via the clamping element. The clamping element can be formed of plastic material having a modulus of elasticity ranging between 1000 and 5000 MPa, bending tensile strength of ?25 MPa and pressure resistance of ?25 MPa.

Abstract: A composite steel I-beam member. The member includes confined top and bottom flanges, and a composite laminated web. The confined flange comprises a wooden core and a metal jacket wrapped around an outer perimeter of the wooden core. The overall load carrying capacity of the composite I-beam is significantly increased through a list of composite actions occurring in the individual components and their connections. Most importantly, a two-way lateral interaction can be normal to the interface between the metal jacket and the wooden core and provide an amount of compressive support to the top flange surpassing the sum of amount of support provided by the metal jacket and the wooden core when being used separately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for anchoring a load (26) to an anchorage (30) utilising at least one unitary anchoring tendon (10) including a plurality of tensile elements (12) each having a free length (14) and a bond length (18). The tendon is located lengthwise in a bore (34) formed through the load into the anchorage, and different groups (G1, G2, G3) of the strands of the tendon are tensioned in a predetermined sequence to a respective initial displacement length prior to the different groups being collectively tensioned to a respective final displacement length to anchor the load.

Abstract: A building system (38) is disclosed in the form of a standing seam panel assembly (80) and one or more mounting devices (40). The mounting device (40) includes a slot (52) for receiving at least an upper section of a hollow seam rib (86) of the panel assembly (80). At least one opposing pair of seam fasteners (74) engage opposing sides of the seam rib (86). These seam fasteners (74) may be activated to significantly reduce the size of an open space that initially exists between opposing, spaced internal surfaces (92a, 92b) of the seam rib (86).

Abstract: A reinforcing system for a guy anchor used in a guyed or additionally guyed tower includes a concrete structure formed around the guy anchor. The concrete structure has a top surface slightly above grade level. The reinforcing system further includes a supplemental anchor shaft. The supplemental anchor shaft is attached to the existing anchor head and extends down into the concrete structure, where it is retained and encased therein. The concrete structure preferably has a base and at least one wall that extends down from the base and has a surface that faces the tower to resist horizontal forces. The reinforcing system is sufficiently strong to keep the guy anchor in place even if the original anchor shaft completely corrodes. The supplemental anchor shaft does not generally come into contact with soil. It therefore resists corrosion and is expected to provide a long service life.

Abstract: A method of using a solar cell system as a support structure and outer skin for a building is disclosed. Such a support structure is used as a roof and/or one or more façades of a building.

Abstract: A system for repairing an opening in a surface is provided. The system includes a surface to be repaired, the surface defining an opening therein, the opening being a removed damaged section of the surface. The system further includes a patch piece to be placed within the opening in the surface. The system further includes first and second components, the first component being adapted to adhere the patch piece within the opening from the interior of the surface and the second component being adapted to adhere the patch piece within the opening from the exterior of the surface. The system further includes a securing mechanism that is adapted to engage each of the first and second components between the patch piece and the surface, hold the components together by compressive force, and maintain the first and second components in communication until the patch work is complete.

Abstract: A bracket (401) provides temporary support for a plasterboard while said plasterboard is attached to ceiling joists (103,104). A first limb (402) is secured to a first ceiling joist. A plasterboard (201) is located upon an upper surface of the second limb, in which said second limb extends from said first limb via an angled portion (403). An opposite end of the ceiling board is secured to a second ceiling joist.

Abstract: A high temperature electrolysis cell refractory system comprises at least one precast and predried monolithic refractory flooring module, precast and predried monolithic refractory wall modules, and at least one precast and predried monolithic refractory ceiling module, wherein the flooring module(s), wall modules and ceiling module(s) are configured for assembly to form a sealable electrolysis cell in which adjacent modules have interlocking surfaces. The refractory system is assembled within a steel containment shell to provide a high temperature electrolysis cell.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form including of first and second spaced sidewalls forming a cavity therebetween, said sidewalls having an inside surface and interconnected by a plurality of form ties, and a form insert made of an insulative material positioned adjacent the inside surface of at least one sidewall which thereby increases the R-value of the resulting structure.

Abstract: A method is described for exploiting lighting assemblies in professional architectural structures. A plurality of lighting assemblies equipped with LEDs is provided. Lighting assemblies are installed for free. After a period of time previously agreed upon, an invoice is sent on the basis of an amount per unit length of the installed assemblies, multiplied with the number of length units of the installed assemblies, in which, in accord with a previously made calculation, that can be checked by the owner, the amount of the invoice is smaller than the savings on the energy costs realized by the owner with the lighting assemblies in said time period. A subsequent invoice is repeatedly sent on a regular basis.

Abstract: A portable anchor for use in a fall arrest protection system. The anchor comprises a base for abutment to a solid support structure, a post extending perpendicular from the base, at least one attachment point connected to the post for receiving a connector, and a rod adapted to be inserted through a central bore through the base and post. The rod has an anchoring section at a first end of the rod for frictionally engaging a portion of the solid support structure and a locking section in the vicinity of a second end of the rod for reversibly securing the rod to the post. Also disclosed is a fall arrest protection system that includes the portable anchor described above. Furthermore, a method of attaching the portable anchor to a solid support structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing physical assets for civil and/or industrial facilities on Moon, Mars and/or asteroid, as well as the kit of materials and apparatus for implementing the same. Such a kit allows in fact to implement the process of the invention by providing all materials and apparatus that will be applied on Moon, Mars and/or asteroid, thus advantageously and significantly reducing, either the costs and the volume and bulk of the materials. The process comprises the steps of enriching the regolite present in the soil in ilmenite or in iron oxides, then mixing it with aluminum powder and sending the resulting mixture to a reaction chamber for the obtention of constructive elements.

Abstract: A flexible venue system includes a system that can be configured in multiple ways depending on the type of event being hosted. This system can be applied in whole or in part to telescopic seating platforms or similar structures which may include multiple usable tiers, movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and the potential for at least one partially retracted configuration. The system may include any or both of a program support system integrated into or assembled to the system prior to retraction; and vertically adjustable seating configurations for use with the platform systems. The present invention is intended to aid in venue changeover and reduce overall cost, instructions and labor required to do so.

Abstract: A temporary radiotherapy facility for use during renovation, upgrading, and/or modernization of an existing facility. The radiotherapy facility is integrated with radiation producing equipment and radiation shielding vaults. The structural elements and their arrangement enable compliance with applicable codes for this type of facility and provide an ability to maintain radiotherapy treatment continuity during equipment transition.

Abstract: The painting method disclosed is carried out by providing a curable liquid paint composition and an edging product having a colored surface and an adhesive surface opposite to the colored surface. The colored surface of the edging product is preferably a previously manufactured surface closely matching the to-be-used paint composition once the paint composition has been permitted to cure. The edging strip is permanently affixed onto a wall to be painted with the curable paint composition, with an edge of the edging strip contacting a surface bordering the wall or surface which is not to be painted with the curable liquid paint composition. The wall is then painted with the curable liquid paint composition, and the curable liquid paint composition is partly overlapped onto the edging product. The method provides a crisp even line at the interface between the wall and the bordering surface.

Abstract: A shim device and method of using the same are described in which the shim device includes a horizontal flange, a vertical web and a ledge web. The vertical web of the shim device includes a bottom end, a middle portion and a top end in which the bottom of the vertical web is attached to the horizontal flange such that the vertical web is aligned substantially perpendicular to the horizontal flange. The ledge web of the shim device is attached to the middle portion of the vertical web such that the ledge web is aligned substantially perpendicular to the vertical web and aligned substantially parallel to the horizontal flange. The method of using the same includes the steps of steps of applying, mounting and finishing the leveled floor.