Abstract: A portable enclosure quick exchange framing system having a plurality of adjustable securing elements and a fence operable to be secured to the securing elements. The securing elements are operable to be anchored in the ground or a support base. The portable enclosure system is easily configurable to fit in any yard or area.

Abstract: An interstud rail fastening system is employed. In one aspect, at least one attachment leg, a brim or umbrella, and a coupling post are integrated as a single piece. In another aspect, a clamp is coupled to a fastener having a Christmas tree type engagement segment which is fastened to a building rail. Furthermore, a multiple step fastener is useable with different size building rails. An additional aspect employs a telescopically adjustable rail.

Abstract: A protruding-head fastener is disclosed for joining two or more members. A protruding-head fastener includes a head that protrudes when the fastener is installed and shaped to rotationally couple with a drive tool, and a shank fixedly coupled with the protruding head and having a self-tapping threaded portion and a maximum diameter. The protruding head and the shank define a longitudinal axis through the fastener. The protruding head has a length along the longitudinal axis and a maximum width transverse to the longitudinal axis such that the length divided by the maximum width defines an aspect ratio for the protruding head that is equal to or greater than 1.0. The protruding head further has a minimum width that is greater than the maximum diameter of the shank. In many embodiments, the minimum width of the protruding head exceeds 1.2 times the maximum diameter of the shank.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to photovoltaic devices, and more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products in which a photovoltaic element is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing element comprising a roofing substrate; one or more photovoltaic cells disposed on the roofing substrate; and a colored or patterned layer disposed on the roofing substrate and visible in the area surrounding the photovoltaic cells; and an encapsulant layer disposed over the photovoltaic cells and the patterned colored layer.

Abstract: A system useful for dressing out or performing maintenance or other work on a structure in a vertical position includes an elevator system emplaced around the perimeter of the structure, the elevator system including at least three elevators, each having an elevator mast and an elevator cab, the elevator masts interconnected such that the elevator system is freestanding; a control station for controlling and maintaining the elevation of the elevator cabs; a scaffolding/platform system attached to the elevator cabs and providing a work surface that may travel to an elevation proximate an upper portion of the structure, the elevation of work surface controllable using the control station and determined by the elevation of the elevator cabs; the elevator cabs being positionable at various elevations to allow for work to be performed on the structure. The systems may be used for construction, modification, and repair of various vertical structures.

Abstract: A roof-mounted actuator of a gutter dumping assembly is actuatable to rotate a gutter from an initial, upright position to a downwardly-facing dumped position in order to dump debris from the gutter. The actuator is coupled to the gutter support by a flexible structure so that, after the actuator positively engages a support for the gutter and forces it to an over-center position, the gutter falls to a dumped position under only the force of gravity.

Abstract: A customizable personal space unit having a personal area having at least one customizable feature; a communications subsystem configured to receive configuration information for the at least one customizable feature; and a processor communicating with said communications subsystem, the process configuring the at least one customizable feature of the personal chamber based on the received configuration information.

Abstract: A monument has a face sheet made from a corrosion resistant material, such as stainless steel, which is cut to a desired ornamental shape. An inscription is cut through the face sheet and includes something that is unique to a person, such as that person's signature. Backing material is applied to the back surface of the face sheet such that it is visible through the cut inscription in order to create a contrast with the surface of the face sheet. The face sheet is set into uncured concrete placed in a recess in the ground to create a pad which secures the monument in place.

Abstract: According to the invention, an extendable member is disclosed. The extendable member may include a structure having a first state and a second state. The structure may be deformable between the first state and the second state. In the first state the structure may include a compact form. In the second state the structure may include a hollow longeron having a slit along the entire length of the hollow longeron. One or both longitudinal edges along the slit of the hollow longeron may have lateral protrusions. The lateral protrusions of a longitudinal edge may act in such a way with the other edge, and possibly its protrusions, to at least partially inhibit relative motion of the edges.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for temporarily supporting one end portion of a building element includes a primary support rail and a support member. The support member is adjustably and movably coupled to the primary support rail. The support member is configured to temporarily support an end portion of a building member and is coupled to the primary support rail via an adjustment mechanism. Actuation of the adjustment mechanism is effective to adjust a relative position of the support member along the primary support rail.

Abstract: A method of effecting a stabilization and effecting a lifting of a portion of a footing of a building which includes the steps of effecting an introduction of water resistant plastics into soil and openings in the soil in the vicinity of the footing to seal these areas, then introducing a slow setting plastics catalysed monomer to beneath the footing at a very high pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the creation, selection, ordering, shipping and constructing of personalized living environments with customized configurations through the use of an architectural process, unitized assemblies, and assembly joineries. 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. The unitized assembly and human factors behavioral analysis combine for an experience blueprint of a homeowner's lifestyle portrait. The assembly joineries, based upon the desired collections selection, provide finishing touches to the unitized assembly, efficient strength to weight ratios, and expressed, stylized configurations in hybrid materials.

Abstract: A gutter hanger system includes a gutter having an outer wall, an inner wall in spaced relation to the outer wall, and a base connecting the outer wall and the inner wall; a support surface supporting the inner wall; and a gutter hanger including opposing top and bottom ends, a coupling member located at the bottom end, and a retainer located at the top end. The gutter hanger is positioned intermediate the inner wall and the support surface, oriented in a downward direction, and the retainer is positioned atop the inner wall. A method for installing a gutter hanger system includes the steps of providing a gutter, providing a support surface to which an inner wall of the gutter is attached, inserting a gutter hanger intermediate the support surface and the inner wall of the gutter, and retaining a top end of the gutter hanger on the inner wall of the gutter.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for externally reinforcing various solid structures, such as columns, poles, piles, beams, pipes and the like, constructed from various materials. Multiple sheets laminated together with resin and grout constitutes a structure reinforcement wrap (SRW) for the formation of an external reinforcement shell. The multiple layers include a spacer sheet, a reinforcement sheet, such as Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) saturated with resin. The spacer sheet creates a small, substantially planar space between the spacer sheet and the solid structure, which space may be filled with concrete, grout, epoxy, or other similar reinforcing material. In various embodiments, a surface groove is created in the solid structure and a reinforcing bar (rebar) is embedded in the groove to further structurally bond the solid structure to the reinforcing material poured in the planar space created by the spacer sheet.

Abstract: A tower lifting stand system and method is provided for use in lifting a large structure such as a transmission tower that is used in our power grid. A lifting mechanism engages a structure connected to the tower which work together to lift the tower once the lifting mechanism has been activated. Once the tower is lifted, a vertical extension section can be installed thus lifting the tower, and its associated power lines, vertically a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structural object mount that supports a structural object, including: a cross-piece (14) for mounting a structural object; a strut (11) that is connected to the cross-piece (14) and supports the cross-piece (14); two arms (12, 13) whose respective one end portions are connected to the cross-piece (14); and an arm bracket (51) that couples another end portions of the two arms (12, 13) to each other; wherein a location of connection between the cross-piece (14) and the strut (11) is between locations of connection between the cross-piece (14) and the two arms (12, 13), and the arm bracket (51) is structured to surround the perimeter of the strut (11).

Abstract: It is disclosed an optical termination assembly (1) comprising an optical termination box (2) and a drop cable (3). The drop cable (3) has a first end housed in a first compartment of the optical termination box (2). The first end of the drop cable is pre-connectorized. The optical termination box (2) comprises at least one first fixing element (44e) accessible from the outside suitable for fixing the optical termination box (2) to a support structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind deflector for use with pitched panels or structures mounted on horizontal, flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to a wind deflector, including a contoured surface, for deflecting aerodynamic forces away from a pitched structure, such as a solar panel, mounted to a horizontal, flat surface, such as a roof top, wherein the structure is subjected to such aerodynamic forces. The wind deflector may further include a customized fin or fins as part of the design.

Abstract: An operating method of a factory for the molding manufacture of precast concrete voussoirs intended for the construction of wind generator support towers by placing the factory in a place of origin in a disassembled state in initial units that are smaller than the voussoirs to be manufactured, taking the initial units to a building site close to the point of delivery of the voussoirs to be manufactured, assembling the factory at the building site starting from the initial units, manufacturing the pertinent voussoirs by means of the factory in the assembled state, disassembling the factory at the building site until the factory is in a disassembled state in final units that are smaller than the manufactured voussoirs, and taking the final units to a place of destination leaving the building site in basically the same conditions as before assembling the factory at the building site.

Abstract: Described herein are security systems for both preventing intrusion by an unwanted party and detecting or locating where the attempted intrusion has occurred. The security systems in a broad aspect comprise a wall, at least one elongated coupling member attachable to the wall, at least one partitioning member that is at least partially transparent, at least one proximity sensor system associated with at least one of the elongated coupling member or at least one partitioning member; and at least one light associated with the proximity sensor system that is activatable by the proximity sensor system.

Abstract: A motion simulator theater equipped with a passenger carrying apparatus. Passengers move into a boarding space where they board the passenger carrying apparatus, while the passenger carrying apparatus is in a first or boarding position. The theater may be designed so that when in the boarding space, the passengers see no indication that they are in a motion simulation theater. After the passengers have boarded, the carrying apparatus is moved into a second or viewing position, where passengers view 2D or 3D visual images displayed on a screen. This movement may be achieved by lifting or lowering the passenger carrying apparatus from cables or chains attached to a lifting system near the top of the theater. In this design, the movement is substantially vertical. The passenger carrying apparatus typically has multiple rows of seats, which may tilt front to back.

Abstract: A solar control double glass which is capable of preventing occurrence of dew condensation is provided. The solar control double glass comprises two glass plates (A), (B) superposed through a spacer 24 therebetween, a gap between the two glass plates forming a hollow layer 20, wherein an adhesive resin layer 18 and a heat-ray absorption layer 14 comprising a tungsten compound are provided on a surface on the hollow layer 20 side of the glass plate (A) 11 in this order, and a heat-ray reflection layer 16 is provided on a surface on the hollow layer 20 side of the glass plate (B) 12.

Abstract: A cover for a structure may include a plate including upper and lower surfaces. A rim portion of the lower surface may be configured to contact an edge of the structure. The cover may include a spider including a center portion, a plurality of legs extending radially outward from the center portion, and a plurality of coupling elements. Each leg may be coupled to the lower surface of the plate with a corresponding coupling element. The center portion of the spider may be movable away from the lower surface of the plate to move the spider from a locked position in which a distal end of each leg extends outward to a first radial position to engage the structure to an open position in which the distal end of each leg is withdrawn to a second radial position radially inward of the first radial position to disengage the structure.

Abstract: A method of remediating at least a portion of a building that contains defective drywall is presented. The method comprises removal of the defective drywall and cross-contaminated drywall, actively desorbing volatile compounds from the building materials exposed after removal of the drywall and passively desorbing remaining contaminants by depositing a film of an absorbent on the accessible surfaces of the exposed building materials. Active desorbing of volatiles can be carried out with forced thermal desorption, where the interior surfaces of the building are heated while the air is removed and replaced with air free of the volatile compounds. The absorbent for passive desorption can be a nanoparticulate metal oxide.

Abstract: A self-leveling bracket assembly for suspending a lighting fixture from a ceiling of a structure. The light fixture comprising a frame having a first and second ends, the self-leveling bracket assembly having two brackets, each bracket comprising a connector member adapted to be attached to the ceiling and a hangar having one end pivotally attached to the connector member and another end adapted to receive the light fixture.

Abstract: In the method according to the invention in the manufacture of an elevator a partially completed elevator is used during the manufacture of the elevator, which elevator comprises a platform that is in the elevator hoistway during the manufacture of the elevator for supporting the elevator car via hoisting roping, and hoisting roping supported by the aforementioned platform and hanging in the elevator hoistway, in which method a lift is performed, in which the aforementioned platform is lifted to extend the operating area of the elevator car below the aforementioned platform to reach to higher in the elevator hoistway. During the lifting of the hoisting roping, the downward-pulling force exerted on the platform is reduced by transferring a part of the roping supported by the platform to be supported by a bracket that is separate from the platform for at least the duration of the lifting of the platform.

Abstract: Method in the manufacture of an elevator, in which method the parts of a platform, more particularly its support structure, are used for forming the structure that supports the machinery of the final machine room of the elevator, which platform has earlier been in its position in a position disposed lower in the elevator hoistway, and which platform was used in the aforementioned lower disposed position for supporting the machinery.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a repairing method for a wall member with flow passages capable of reducing the time and the cost required for a partial repairing work on the wall member with flow passages. The repairing method for the wall member with flow passages includes a removal stage of removing a portion of the wall member with flow passages (1) provided with plural flow passages (4) between the base member (2) and the plate member (3), the base member welding stage of welding the repairing base member (6) to the portion removed in the removal stage, a flow passage forming stage of providing plural overlay welds on the repairing base member (6) and forming the flow passages (4) between the overlay welded beads (8), and a plate member welding stage of welding a repairing plate member (9) onto surfaces of the plural overlay welded beads (8).

Abstract: A passive collimating skylight system includes an energy-receiving aperture defining a first plane and an energy-delivering aperture defining a second plane that is spaced apart from and non-parallel to the first plane. An energy-directing passageway extends between the energy-receiving aperture and the energy-delivering aperture to redirect radiant energy incident on the energy-collecting aperture over a range of incidence angles to the energy-delivering aperture so that the redirected radiant energy emerges from the energy-delivering aperture over a range of emergence angles that is smaller than the range of incidence angles. The passageway is defined by a wall having a first end that defines the energy-delivering aperture and a second end that defines the energy-collecting aperture, the wall tapering inwardly and having a reflective inner surface along substantially the entire length from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reinforcing a concrete slab or balcony are disclosed. The systems and methods may include cutting a groove in a portion of the concrete slab and inserting a rod into the groove. The groove may then be filled with a resin. The rod may optionally be secured by other or additional methods. The integrity of the concrete slab or balcony may then be strengthened by the inclusion of the rod in the slab.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing the rail of a split-rail fence having a broken tapered end portion. The apparatus has elongate, hollow sleeve with a base portion and a tapered end portion. The base portion and end portion have a shape that compliments the shape of the central base portion and tapered end portion of the rail, respectively, and have interior cross-sectional dimensions that are larger than the exterior cross-sectional dimensions of the central base portion and tapered end portion of the rail, respectively. The sleeve can slide over and encase the tapered end and at least a portion of the central base portion of the rail. The apparatus preferably includes means for fastening the base portion of the sleeve to the base portion of the rail.

Abstract: A starter element for stackable inter-engaging bricks, blocks and stones for building mortarless walls is disclosed. The starter element comprises an horizontally extending strip having a first portion customized to be adjustably attached to a structure, a second portion having an upper part with an interlock element projecting upwardly therefrom to be in engagement with the mortise interlock element of the brick and a third portion sloping downwardly from the interlock element to be in at least partial contact with an inside surface of the brick. The starter element can also comprise means adapted to allow the drainage of water and the passage of air behind the wall.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a high rise modular structure having a truss structure. The truss structure has four corner columns wherein the columns carrying the load of the building. The columns are adapted to have lifting arms for assembling the structure and plugs for snap fitting the modular units into one another. Once assembled, the modular units are tied to one another using a steel plate/blind rivet system. The modular structure is also capable of having an advanced weather protecting system for when the modular structure is on-site and not yet assembled.

Abstract: A method of assembling a platform system is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first frame having one or more panels, then securing a first portable support to the first frame, securing a second frame to the first frame to form a first continuous platform level. The method includes positioning a plurality of frames having one or more panels to form a first continuous platform level, then securing a first portable support to at least one of the plurality of frames. The method includes forming a first continuous platform level from a plurality of frames having one or more panels. The method includes securing portable supports to at least one of the plurality of frames, securing an additional frame having one or more panels to the portable supports, and forming a second continuous platform level from a plurality of additional frames.

Abstract: The invention is a structural element including an elongate member having a first end and second end and defining a cross-section. The structural element further includes a sensor, secured to the elongate member, for detecting at least one pre-selected indicator. Advantageously, the elongate member is responsive to the pre-selected indicator.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a daylighting apparatus comprising an internally reflective tube configured to direct daylight from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube opposite the first end. A diffuser can be positioned at the second end of the tube. The diffuser can comprise a first optical structure configured such that, when the daylighting apparatus is installed with the first end positioned outside a room and the second end positioned to provide light to the room, a reflected portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one upper region (e.g., a ceiling or upper wall surface) of the room and a transmitted portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one lower region (e.g., a floor surface) of the room.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for reflective roofs are generally disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus aids in indicating the location of pipe and conduit that may be within or behind walls. Specifically, an in-wall pipe and conduit location indicator apparatus helps to indicate the presence and location of pipes and conduit disposed behind drywall wallboard within a room in a building. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A method of constructing a palletizer cell by providing square platform bases which are assembled into an array in abutment with each other, each platform base mounting a respective component of palletizing equipment, such as a robot, one or more conveyors, a slip sheet bin, a discharge module, etc. with one platform base anchored to the factory floor and the rest attached to one or another of the platform bases to form the array of platform bases thereby properly locating the various equipment with each other by the fitting together of the platform bases. Safety fencing sections are mounted atop one or more outer sides to substantially enclose the space within the palletizer cell. Each platform base is formed with side openings which may be engaged with the tines of a fork lift.

Abstract: A wall straightening apparatus provides multiple independently controllable jacking members pressing outward on diagonal braces to push those braces against the wall to move the wall into a vertical alignment. Feedback control of the jacking members provides coordinated straightening of large wall sections with lessened cracking and distortion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrical systems. The present invention relates more particularly to electrical wiring systems suitable for use in roofing applications. One aspect of the invention is a wiring system on a roof comprising a roof deck having a slope and one or more roofing elements disposed on the roof deck, the wiring system including one or more wires extending along the roof disposed within a tube having an outer surface that is substantially exposed and complements the appearance of the roofing elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrical systems. The present invention relates more particularly to electrical wiring systems suitable for use in roofing applications. One aspect of the invention is a wiring system on a roof comprising a roof deck having a slope and one or more roofing elements disposed on the roof deck, the wiring system including one or more wires extending along the roof on top of the roofing elements; and a wire covering disposed over the one or more wires.

Abstract: A movable safety barrier system includes a flexible barrier member having a barrier member length with first and second ends, and a width. The barrier member can have a construction that is flexible in both directions along the length and width of the barrier member. First and second end supports are provided which are capable of supporting respective first and second ends of the length of the barrier member when the barrier member is extended between the end supports. The end supports can allow the extended barrier member to move in a direction transverse to the width of the barrier member when desired.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a dishwasher or similar appliance into a space, comprising a base permanently fastened or affixed to a flat surface, such as the underside of a countertop, and means for removably and securely attaching a mounting bracket, tongue or strip on the dishwasher or other appliance to the mounting device. The base may be any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, or any similar polygon. The means for attachment may comprise a post, stud or rod extending outward from the base. Alternatively, the means for attachment may comprise one or more receiving holes, adapted to receive a screw or bolt. The mounting device may be affixed to the flat surface by means of adhesive.

Abstract: A construction fastening system adapted to fasten sheathing to framing with one or more fasteners. The fastening system has a frame and a fastening actuator coupled to the frame. The fastening actuator has a fastener reservoir portion and a fastener insertion portion. A position detector is coupled to the frame, the position detector connected to a controller, the position detector adapted to detect a position of the system. A trigger is coupled to the fastening actuator, the trigger coupled to the controller. The fastening actuator is adapted to insert a fastener from the reservoir into the sheathing upon actuation of the trigger. The controller is adapted to actuate the trigger upon detection of a predetermined change in the position of the system.

Abstract: A gutter assembly for collecting and channelling rainwater run-off from a roof structure, including: one or more elongate gutter members; at lease one mounting bracket for pivotably mounting each gutter member at the roof structure such that each gutter member is movable between an in-use collecting and channelling position and a substantially inverted cleaning position; and, at least one actuator which acts on one or more gutter members to move the gutter member by generating a pushing force to pivot the gutter member about the mounting bracket to the cleaning position and pulling force to cause the gutter member to return to the in-use position.

Abstract: A bathtub ledger strap for use with the installation of a bathtub, such ledger strap being of generally planar construction for attachment to a ledger stud in a position corresponding to a wall stud, such ledger strap having a top portion, a mid portion and a lower portion disposed along its length with such portions having apertures/slots for adjusting the height and level of the ledger stud on a corresponding wall stud using screws and levering means and for permanently attaching the rim of the bathtub to the ledger strap and corresponding wall stud after the ledger stud is at the desired height and level state.

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. In one embodiment, 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 another embodiment, a plurality of spaced vent pockets are formed in the inside face and a slot is formed along the bottom edge of the fascia vent communicating with the vent pockets. In still another embodiment for installing along the longer rafter tails of wider rafters, the fascia board is wider and plunge cuts are made along the bottom edge of the fascia board to form a flow path to the vent pockets and thus to an attic space.

Abstract: An example of the disclosed seating system includes a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another, and at least one of the seating risers is a powered seating riser configured to deploy and retract the seating risers. Further included is a controller operable to drive the powered seating riser to correct a misalignment condition.

Abstract: A multilayered netlock girder system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of brace members positioned in a predefined multilayered network pattern, whereby positioning the plurality of brace members in the predefined multilayered network pattern enable to form a rigid network between at least two chord members comprising a plurality of insertion provisions for enabling a secured insertion of the plurality of brace members into the at least two chord members, a plurality of structural interlocks formed as a result of predefined multilayered network pattern configured for a secured interlocking of the plurality of brace members together at the plurality of interlockable junctions.