Abstract: Systems and methods for installing a rolled construction material to a building are described. The systems and methods may be used to install a variety of rolled construction materials on roof structures and surfaces and on building wall structures and surfaces. The system includes an applicator that suspends from a trolley. The applicator includes a shaft and a motor operatively engaged to the shaft for unwinding a roll of the rolled construction material on the shaft. The trolley is in a moveable engagement with a trolley housing. A support connected to the building positions the trolley housing adjacent the building.

Abstract: A method of expansion.

Abstract: A shim is described that includes a plurality of snap lines extending along a length and/or width of the shim.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding wires, cables, fibers or the like from an accessible part of a structure, such as an attic or crawlspace to an interior room from within the walls of the structure, by installing an attachment section, tubing and penetration sleeves during the construction of the structure. The tubing is made from a compressible insulated material to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping prior to or after the installation of wires, cables, fibers or the like. The attachment section is secured to an interior support in the accessible area with the tubing attached to the attachment section. The tubing is compressed to prevent heated or cooled air loss through the tubing. The tubing extends to an access point, typically behind an interior wall. Structural supports such as plates and subfloors are penetrated using hollow rigid sleeves which when mated with the tubing, creates a continuous hollow passageway for the wires, cables, fibers or the like.

Abstract: A collapsible building module including: a floor panel; a plurality of wall panels, each having an upper end and a lower end and being connected to said floor panel at or adjacent their lower ends for pivoting movement relative to said floor panel about respective pivot axes at or adjacent their lower ends between an erected position in which they stand up from said floor panel and a stowed position in which they rest on said floor panel or on top of one another; a roof panel operatively connected to one of said wall panels at or adjacent its upper end for pivoting movement relative thereto about a pivot axis adjacent said upper end; and securing means for securing selected adjacent panels together in the erected position.

Abstract: In a roof system having exceptional insulating value, high density polyurethane foam or extruded polystyrene is used to form molded panels of predetermined size, shape and ornamental configuration. A non-skid primer coat is applied to the top surfaces and sides of the panels at the time of manufacture. A fabric layer or polyester mesh may be embedded in the bottom of the molded foam panels to enhance adhesion characteristics. During installation, the panels are set in a layer of low rise foam adhesive that is applied to the underlying roof deck or other surface (e.g., plywood, concrete, roofing felts, or spray foam), thereby avoiding the use of penetrating fasteners while enhancing wind uplift resistance. The panels may include interlocking structure for side-by-side and/or overlapping installation. Edges of the foam panels that need to be cut for fitting at valleys, hips, ridges, etc. are repaired in the field using factory supplied fabric and coating.

Abstract: A method for constructing a high rise building having a core and a residence space around the core, the method including (a) installing a steel-frame pillar on a shaft portion of the core; (b) connecting a girder to the steel-frame pillar, the girder includes an anchor-connecting member to which a steel-frame beam is connected, a portion of the anchor-connecting member being buried in a core wall; (a) assembling the steel-frame beam on the anchor-connecting member; (d) arranging reinforcing bars in a deck plate or a slab type mold installed on the steel-frame beam, and in the core wall; and (e) applying a slab concrete and a core concrete simultaneously or in this order. The quality of the core and slab structure is improved, while providing the construction safety and saving the construction costs.

Abstract: A method of producing a simulated natural surface, such as stone, tile, brick or wood planking uses all environmentally friendly components. First, a water-based polymer liquid is applied to the existing surface using a roller. Next, a self-leveling mixture of water, polymer, cement and sand is applied with minimal trowelling in order to spread the mixture evenly over the surface. The applied mixture settles in a self-leveling manner. When partially cured, a desired grout pattern is scored in the applied cementous mixture to create the desired pattern (i.e., brick, stone, tile, wood planking). Next, the entire surface is painted with a prime coat of an acrylic paint including the scored grout lines. Once the prime coat dries, shading containing an organic oxide pigment is applied using a sponge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety apparatus and process for use by a workman in the installation of roofing truss and roofs on buildings and especially to a fall protection safety apparatus for securing a worker during installation of a roof.

Abstract: A reinforcing accessory has a footer that fits beneath the sidewalk of a swimming pool cage, above ground pool, storage shed, and mobile homes for reinforcement. As many reinforcing poles as desired can be used to ensure that the cage is fully supported against high winds.

Abstract: A drop access location system and method, where the system includes a duct containing one or more communications lines, where the duct is mountable to a generally flat surface. The system also includes a drop access box including a base and a removable cover having a low impact profile and or decorative appearance. A mounting section of the base is configured to fit over an outer shape of the duct and overhang therefrom. Slack storage is provided and includes one or more guides to route an accessed communications line to a coupling and to store excess amounts of the accessed communications line. The coupling device mounting area is configured to receive a coupling, adapter, or splice that connects the accessed communications line to a drop cable. The drop access location system and method can be utilized for horizontal cabling in multi-dwelling unit (MDU), multi-tenant unit (MTU) and other building applications. A system for installing the drop access location system is also provided.

Abstract: Device including flexible main sheet, two fold regions, and two flexible flap sheets. Main sheet has first and second opposite sides and edge surrounding sides. Fold regions are located along two spaced-apart portions of edge. Each flap sheet has first and second opposite sides. Flap sheets are integrated with main sheet at fold regions. Flap sheets are configured for being bent toward first side of main sheet. Main sheet is configured for being bent to move fold regions toward each other, while retaining bias for moving fold regions away from each other. Apparatus including trough and device. Trough includes base member integrated with two spaced-apart wall members forming side walls in trough. One side of each flap sheet in contact with a side wall. Main sheet is bent with fold regions at least partially positioned toward each other, and configured for retaining bias for moving fold regions away from each other. Methods also provided.

Abstract: A convention center is disclosed having generally permanent booths 10 to avoid the need to provide installation for every convention thereat. The convention center is equipped for exhibitors to upload presentations prior to the show, the presentation being viewable remotely before, during, and after the convention by a number of parties, thus allowing exhibitors to make educated decisions on attending a convention and a cost therefor. Identification can be provided to visitors so that booths can identify a class for the visitor, and that class can be utilized to provide an appropriately selected presentation to the visitor. The identification can be used to track foot traffic in the convention hall, thus promoting more accurate pricing of booths. The identification can also be used as a navigation aid to the visitor.

Abstract: A check-in system for receiving and transporting luggage from a passenger, comprising: a conveyor for transporting luggage, the conveyor having a top surface on which luggage is received and which extends from a front end to a rear end; a floor adjacent the front end of the conveyor for supporting a passenger; wherein the top surface of the front end of the conveyor is substantially flush with the floor, such that luggage may be slid from the floor onto the conveyor

Abstract: A portable support system having a portable support having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a tapered portion, and the second end includes a footing structure. The system also includes a receiving member having a support cone configured to receive the tapered portion. The support cone has a tapered inner surface and a tapered outer surface. The inner surface and outer surface are engagable with mating tapered surfaces. The receiving member is capable of attachment to one or both of a frame and a panel for use as a platform.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for locating wind turbine equipment on a foundation within an inner envelope for a wind turbine tower, prior to erecting the wind turbine tower. The fixture includes a mounting section, adapted to mate with guidepoints at predesignated locations on the wind turbine foundation; and a locating section, extending inward from the mounting section, adapted to locate the position for wind turbine equipment on the foundation for the wind turbine tower and within the inner envelope of the wind turbine tower.

Abstract: A fencing system for confining climbing animals. The fencing system uses a plurality of vertical posts that are set in place along a fence line. Arch support brackets are provided that attach to the vertical posts. Each arch support bracket has an ascending section that climbs to an apex point and a descending section that descends from that apex point. Flexible plastic netting is suspended between the rigid supports that are created by the vertical posts and the arch support brackets. Flexible plastic netting is supported vertically by the vertical posts. Above the vertical posts, the flexible plastic netting is supported in an ascending” angle to an apex point by each ascending section of “the arch support brackets. From the apex point, the flexible plastic netting is supported in a descending angle to the free end of the arch support bracket.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilising element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.

Abstract: Gutter systems, including a gutter protector and/or a gutter protector support. The gutter protector may help to reduce or eliminate the introduction and/or accumulation of leaves, tree needles, and/or other debris in the gutter system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for suspending telecommunication cables, power cables, and other items within a building. According to certain non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, devices for supporting an article are provided. The article may be, for example, one or more telecommunication and/or power cables. According to certain embodiments, the devices comprise a support arm that is adapted to support the article. The support arm is preferably reversibly and adjustably connected to a vertical support. As described herein, the vertical support rests substantially adjacent to a first side of a wall. The apparatus further comprises a horizontal support, which makes contact with at least a portion of the top side of the wall. This horizontal support is, preferably, connected to or integrally formed with the vertical support. In certain embodiments, the devices further comprise a second vertical support, which rests substantially adjacent to a second side of the wall, i.e.

Abstract: A system for installing pre-painted moldings. The system includes pre-painted moldings each configured to be fastened to a wall by fasteners. The system also includes a caulk material, filler material, concealer material, and touchup paint each color matched to the paint color applied to the moldings. The caulk material is configured to fill a gap defined between each of the moldings and the wall to which the molding is fastened. The filler material is configured to fill a gap defined between any abutting portions of the moldings. The concealer material is configured to conceal any surface disturbances caused by the installation of the fasteners. The touchup paint is configured to adhere to the paint pre-painted on the moldings. The system may also include a marker configured to apply a coating color matched to the paint applied to the moldings, a scraping tool, and/or a buffing tool.

Abstract: This invention provides a device and a method for aligning concrete forms. It relates to a device and a method which is used in conjunction with hollow, shaped concrete forms such as Sonotube forms in order to align, square and properly site said forms to produce optimally supported structures. The key advantage of this device and method are to eliminate the trial and error practice in the aligning of wood columns on top of concrete forms, to provide the ability to center or off-center posts accurately as required by the project design, to provide the ability to accurately set the hollow, shaped concrete forms for the proper elevation, for the correct location, and for the correct plumb level, and eliminate the need for batter boards or wooden edge forms which are placed outside of the project dimensions and used as inaccurate reference points for measuring the placement location of the hollow, shaped concrete forms along the edges of a project area.

Abstract: A rolled sheet product, the sheet product comprising a top layer and a bottom layer, the top layer being less ductile than the bottom layer, and the top layer facing outward in the rolled sheet product. A method of packaging a sheet product comprising a top layer and a bottom layer, the top layer being less ductile than the bottom layer, comprising winding the sheet product into a roll such that the top layer faces outward.

Abstract: A method of treating contaminated ground water and controlling the temperature of a building includes pumping water to be remediated from a well to ground level and treating the water with water remediation equipment. The method further includes providing the water to a heat pump to serve as a heat source or a heat sink. The water is then discharged. A geothermal heat pump and water remediation system includes a well used as a source of water, a water remediation system configured to treat the water, and a heat pump configured to heat or cool a building where the heat pump uses the water as at least one of a heat source or a heat sink.

Abstract: A relatively flat roof of a structure is provided with a restricted flow roof drain assembly. The roof drain assembly includes a roof drain extending through an opening in the roof for receiving water collected on the roof. The drain has a predetermined maximum flow rate capacity. A flow restrictor is set on the roof, and surrounds the roof drain. The restrictor has a dam including at least one aperture. The at least one aperture has a variable flow rate capacity which is less than the maximum flow rate capacity of the roof drain.

Abstract: A filler assembly for spanning, filling, and concealing a gap between an installed metal cabinet and an adjacent wall, or adjacent cabinet is disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket, a backing strip and a filler strip and the filler strip is formed with a projecting tongue. The bracket includes a narrow channel sized to receive the tongue of the filler strip in a sliding relationship. The tongue of the filler strip can slide into the channel to different depths so that the tongue and bracket span and fill the gap and the position of the backing strip can be adjusted by an adjustment feature.

Abstract: Method and system for installing guide rails (1), such as the car guide rails and/or the counterweight guide rails, on the vertical wall (3) of the elevator shaft (2) of a building, in which method the guide rail (1) is installed by assembly in phases from the bottom upwards by placing guide rail sections (41, 42, 43, 44 . . . ) that are shorter than the whole length of the guide rail one on top of the other, and by fixing the guide rail sections to the vertical wall (3) with guide rail fixings (5). The alignment of each lower guide rail section that is already installed and fixed is used as a comparison point for the alignment of the next upper guide rail section to be installed above it, such that each upper guide rail section is installed in alignment with each consecutive lower guide rail section that is already installed.

Abstract: A splice sleeve for receiving and connecting adjoining ends of a pair of reinforcing bars with one end having an enlarged end and the other end without an enlargement. The splice sleeve has an internal surface which is generally cylindrical with ridges over a major portion of its length starting at one open end and steeply tapered inwardly toward a smaller opening on the other end. The sleeve's inwardly tapered end is complementarily configured to captively receive and lock in place the enlarged head of the first rebar end. The second rebar end is inserted into the sleeve's cylindrical portion up to the enlarged end of the first rebar, and the sleeve is filled with high strength grout through side ports to hold the bar ends in a coupled arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milking parlor and a method for manufacturing same, said milking parlor comprising a work area for an operator and a platform elevated relative to said area, which forms a standing and walking area for the animals to be milked, said platform comprising a substructure on its side facing the work area where a utility space is left open beneath the standing and walking area, and wherein the substructure is formed by load-bearing elements positioned one after the other in the lengthwise direction and configured to be substantially identical.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a methodology and device for predicting the cost of construction of a facility for use especially in conception stages of a project. The method proceeds by identifying a process application to be housed within the facility, identifying specified process equipment, minimum size of the facility, the support utility infrastructure required for all systems which will provide for the needs of the identified process application, and determining associated costs. A variety of other factors may also be examined in determining cost, and by identifying a project budget, the cost or budget itself may be adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicular drive-thru food ordering and delivering system and method are provided. The system includes a lot, a drive-thru lane and a building for receiving and filling drive-thru orders. The building has a primary food delivery window for passing ready orders to drive-thru customers, and a downstream in-line parking area for drive-thru vehicles having a delayed order. Proximate to and downstream from the primary food delivery window is a doorway for attendant access from the primary food delivery window to the downstream in-line parking area. An attendant runway is proximate and downstream of the doorway and proximate to the in-line vehicle waiting area. A customer with a delayed order can be directed to wait in the downstream in-line waiting area. When the delayed order is ready for delivery, an attendant can deliver the ready order via the proximate doorway and proximate attendant runway to a vehicle waiting in the in-line vehicle waiting area.

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: An electric junction fixture is provided for preparing a wall or ceiling to accept an appliance such as an electric light fixture, inserted and mounted through a hole in the drywall or panel. Reduced stress levels in the drywall or panel are obtained by providing large areas of contact between the fixture and the drywall or panel.

Abstract: Presented is a passenger terminal that includes modular room units that include facilities necessary for passenger traffic. The modular room units are configured to be shipped in standardized containers by means of ordinary transport vehicles by at least one of land, sea, and air to a predetermined construction site. The modular room units are also configured to be assembled at the predetermined construction site in a short amount of time to produce a functional passenger terminal building according to a predetermined planning grid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for tying down an existing roof frame to resist windstorm uplift forces, in which an elongate connector is inserted slantingly upward through a hole through the roof frame, allowing an upper end of the connector to protrude from the roof frame to receive a head member which is detachably attached thereto in order to prevent the roof frame from moving upward relative to the connector under an uplift force. The lower end of the connector is secured to an underlying wall such that the connector applies a restraining force against wind uplift forces.

Abstract: A support system for conveniently staging and accessing roofing materials above and across each side of a roof, said system comprising a pair of longitudinally-extending base members, the base members each having a generally triangular-shaped radial cross section; and means for joining the base members to each other.

Abstract: A panel with a receiver is used to install a component into a wallboard. The panel is inserted into an opening into a wallboard, and the junction between the panel and the wallboard is taped and spackled so that the wallboard and panel appear to be a single surface. A spackle rim with a gradient extending from the spackle rim along the surface of the panel is used so that spackle can be spread thinly across the entire surface of the panel.

Abstract: A woodpile connector has a tubular body defined by an open-end lower portion and an open-end upper portion. The upper portion and the lower portion are fixedly connected, at their free ends, to a separating plate, which is secured between an inner surface and an outer surface of the tubular body. The open ends of the connector body have beveled edges to facilitate compression of the wood being forced into the connector body. By aligning the connector portions in relation to the pile sections, while forcing the connector portions into the ends of the adjoining pile sections, alignment of the pile sections is achieved even when the pile sections do not have evenly cut connecting surfaces.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for attaching a beverage dispensing device to a vertical surface. One aspect of the invention includes a beverage dispensing device that may be mounted to a panel at a first position. The panel may be attached to a vertical surface. The panel may be secured to the vertical surface by at least one securing device operatively attached to the panel. Another aspect of the invention includes an apparatus comprising a panel having a top end terminating in a hook end, an insulated beverage dispensing device adjustably mounted to the panel at a first position, and at least one securing device operatively attached to the panel and configured to engage a vertical surface.

Abstract: An adjustable height drain has an elongate base element and an elongate drain element. The elongate base element has walls extending upwardly from the elongate base element. The elongate drain element has a top surface supported by downwardly extending walls, and the top surface has a plurality of apertures enabling water to drain through the top surface. First interlocking elements are vertically spaced from each other on the upwardly extending walls, and second interlocking elements are spaced apart from each other on the downwardly extending walls, enabling the elongate drain element to engage the elongate base element in either a first position or a second position, adapting to change in surface elevation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for waterproofing interior surfaces of parapet walls disposed on a roof, wherein the parapet walls include an interior surface counter flashing and a surface cap. The system includes at least one waterproofing membrane configured to allow moisture to escape from a space between the at least one waterproofing membrane and the interior surfaces of the parapet walls, wherein the at least one waterproofing membrane is disposed to extend at least a portion of a distance along the interior surfaces from the surface cap to the roof from which the parapet walls extend. The system also includes a flap valve defined by the at least one waterproofing membrane, the flap valve being positioned between the surface cap and the roof.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the performance characteristics of a modular synthetic floor tile, which includes configuring a plurality of structural members to define an upper contact surface with a plurality of openings in the upper contact surface of the floor tile, configuring each of the structural members to comprise a thickness sufficient to support a load about the upper contact surface and with a contact flat having a smooth surface and a width between 0.03 and 0.08 inches, and configuring the upper contact surface with a dry static coefficient of friction of at least 0.6 and an abrasion index no greater than 20.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structural member comprising a beam and, attached thereto, a sound insulating layer comprising a non-foamed, polymeric material. A method of obtaining such members is also provided.

Abstract: A building system comprising rectangular strips, that can be attached to each other using tabs and notches. The building system uses software to simulate and print the models. The software manipulates similar rectangular strips. The surface of the rectangular strips, of the building system as well as the software, comprises a plurality of folding lines, regularly distributed over that entire surface. Each strip can be folded along these folding lines to become a curved surface in space. Several curved strips can be attached to each other to form a 3D-model, both physically with the building system as well as virtually with the software. The software can be used to print the model with an digital image. In particular one can deform an ordinary photo to a realistic 3D-image.

Abstract: A method of making an integrated window sash includes providing a sash frame having a first sheet supporting surface, a second sheet supporting surface, and a base extending from the first sheet supporting surface to toward the second sheet supporting surface; applying a layer of an adhesive sealant having a low gas and moisture permeability on the first sheet supporting surface; applying a layer of an adhesive sealant having a low gas and moisture permeability on the second sheet supporting surface; applying a layer of a moisture pervious matrix having a desiccant therein on the base; moving a first sheet having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface into the spacer frame over and spaced from the matrix to move the first major surface of the first sheet against the first layer, and moving a second sheet having a first major surface and an opposite major surface toward the second layer to move the first major surface of the second sheet against the second layer, wherein the first surface o

Abstract: A retractable wall system for a structure such as a building includes a torque tube and a kinetic wall member that is secured to the torque tube. A shaft that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is secured to the structure so that rotation with respect to the structure is precluded. A drive mechanism that is at least partially positioned within the torque tube is constructed and arranged to selectively change a rotational position of the shaft with respect to the torque tube so that the wall member may be moved with respect to the structure. An electronic control system may be provided for monitoring and controlling movement of the kinetic wall member with respect to the structure. The electronic control system may be integrated with other control systems of the structure, such as the electronic control system of the structure's HVAC system.

Abstract: A multi-dwelling unit multipurpose signal distribution apparatus includes a housing adapted to be disposed in a multi-dwelling unit room, an optical network terminal and at least one additional electrical device disposed in the housing. The at least one additional electrical device is configured for electrical connection with an electrical power source of the multi-dwelling unit room, and the optical network terminal is configured of optical connection to a fiber optic drop cable.

Abstract: Modular structural components and structural connections including chords and forming strips. Each chord has a generally elongated square main body of four main walls surrounding a central bore and having a T-slot structure adapted to accept a bolt type fastener extending along each exterior main surface. Each forming strip is an elongated plate formed into strip segments oriented at right angles to each other and forming a W-shaped corner region, a face region with a bolt hole and an attachment region, each region forming a mating bearing surface with a surface of a chord.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a concrete floor and a composite floor system constructed therewith comprises form panels supported between a plurality of joists, the joists including a shear connector at least partially embedded in the concrete slab of the floor system. Each of the joists may be formed of a double channel structural member, including a top chord to which the shear connector is secured, a bottom chord and a reinforced web.

Abstract: Reinforcing connector (10) for reinforcing attachment among components (110) of a structure (100); such as crossing beams (111), beam (111) supporting a slab deck (113), or masonry blocks (118). Reinforcing connector (10) includes a length of roving (20) composed of filaments (25). Roving (20) is disposed in borehole (50) piercing component (110). Free ends (21,23) of roving (20) protrude from borehole openings (51) and are splayed apart into individual filaments (25). Filaments (25) are attached to surfaces of components (110) with adhesive means (30). Reinforcing connector (10) increases ductility and resistance to lateral forces of structure (100).