Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical attachment system for attaching window film to the window frame, such as a batten, profile clamp or other structural device (referred to generally throughout the application as “attachment device”), which attachment device absorbs energy instead of simply transferring energy to the window frames (as is done in traditional devices). The absorption of energy is accomplished by incorporation of a flex area in the attachment device. The flex area bends or flexes when acted upon by blast loads and effectively eliminates the tearing effect (of the film) that all conventional mechanical attachment systems exhibit.

Abstract: An artificial turf surface comprising fibrous materials, such as fibers, filaments and/or tapes, and if applicable infill materials, wherein the artificial turf surface additionally comprises one or more additive(s) that reflect(s) light, characterized in that the additive(s) is or are incorporated in the fibrous material, preferably located at the surface of the fibrous material.

Abstract: A vertical shear wall system including vertical metal framing members, for example, C-joists, U-joists, open web joists, or other metal frame systems that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable SCP panel. The shear wall system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, termite resistant and is capable of resisting shear loads equal to or exceeding shear loads provided by plywood or oriented strand board panels. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder, for example, calcium sulfate alpha hemihydrate, hydraulic cement, an active pozzolan and lime. The continuous phase is reinforced with glass fibers and contains lightweight filler particles, for example, ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: A method for treating a main surface of a plank including applying a system of grooves or scratches in the surface; and applying a protective agent or filling agent into the grooves. The grooves are applied by applying saw cuts into the main surface using a rather coarse saw, for instance a circular saw, a band saw or a chain saw.

Abstract: A method of displaying smoke propagation in a region minimizes distractions due to building structural elements so that a user can focus on the smoke flow. An associated apparatus includes a plurality of smoke detectors and a display device which respond to smoke in the building. The apparatus generates the displays indicating the path of propagation of the developing smoke between floors. The display device can be wirelessly coupled to the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated sealed room, which may comprise a plurality of prefabricated sealed rooms to form prefabricated sealed room assembly, stacked one above another or as a stand alone. The prefabricated sealed room is made of reinforced concrete and synchronized corners. The usage of reinforced concrete protects the prefabricated sealed room from shocks caused by blasts or natural calamities. The prefabricated sealed room can also be integrated into the production process of a building. Each prefabricated sealed room can be substantially sealed from the external environment.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to the roof perimeter to mitigate wind-generated vortices and uplift loads on the roof perimeter area of a building, applicable for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. The apparatus comprises at least one face portion having face perforation and/or edge serration for increasing small-scale turbulence entrainment, equalizing pressure and disorganizing edge shear layer vorticity, and thus disrupting vortex formation. A roof edge vortex suppressor is preferably mounted along the entire circumference of a roof perimeter.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for above-ground fire refuge shelters are provided. The fire refuge shelter includes an inner fire resistant enclosure for heat protection which is separated by a void from an exterior shell for protection from flames and embers. The shelter may also include a structural support disposed between the inner and outer structures. The shelter may have at least two exterior doors. The inner enclosure may include one or more antechambers separated by an openable barrier from a main chamber and may further include storage facilities. A water tank may be located above the inner enclosure.

Abstract: An enhanced base coat for an exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) includes a bird repellent dispersed throughout a base material. A preferred bird repellent includes methyl anthranilate. EIFS claddings of the present invention include insulation boards mounted to a substrate with adhesive, the enhanced base coat applied to the exposed surface of the mounted insulation boards, a first mesh and an optional second mesh embedded in the enhanced base coat, and a finishing coat applied to the enhanced base coat in which the mesh(es) are embedded.

Abstract: A protective air barrier air barrier sealant and methods of applying the same, including a high density polyurethane chemistry provided in an amount, volume, and density effective for providing a protective air barrier for an enclosure, wherein the polyurethane material is combined with at least one UV, fire and antimicrobial protectant for providing UV protection to UV-exposed surfaces.

Abstract: Bearing retention devices and methods for their use in isolation bearings such as seismic bearings.

Abstract: Multiple assemblies are provided to overlie a gutter to preclude debris entry. Each assembly includes a mesh positioned upon an underlying substantially rigid support. The support has a tab which can reside beneath shingles and over other portions of the roof. A front edge is provided opposite the tab which rests upon a lip of the gutter when installed. A floor is located between the front edge and tab at a position slightly below a plane in which the tab and front edge are located. The mesh overlies the floor. Holes in the floor allow water which passes down through the mesh to be conducted through the floor and to fall down into the gutter. Ribs extend up from the floor to support the mesh and draw water off of the mesh. The mesh is corrugated into a plurality of crests and troughs which extend perpendicular to the ribs.

Abstract: A protective barrier that will typically be installed beneath ceilings during construction work being performed on ceilings or roofs of buildings. The protective barrier can be comprised entirely of one material or of different materials connected by seams. Some or all of these materials can be designed to fail when contacted by water via dissolution, melting or through some other destructive process initiated by contact with water. This failure can create access points from the ceiling through the protective barrier to the area being protected by the barrier, which can allow water from a fire suppression system to reach a fire located below the protective barrier.

Abstract: A system for fire protection of a structural element, which system comprising one or more fire protection boards attached to the said structural element, and one or more hard plates attached to an outer surface of the fire protection boards by means of a non-combustable adhesive, said hard plates having a harder surface than the fire protection board. A method for protecting a structural element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective cover for a wooden utility pole comprises a polymer envelope in which the bottom of the pole is placed. The envelope is sufficiently dimensioned to cover about 10 feet of the bottom of the pole. The envelope body is wrapped around the bottom portion of the pole and PVC tape is used to secure the body to the pole. A hermetic seal is placed over the mouth of the envelope which is located above the grade level of the excavation in which the pole sits thereby sealing the envelope to the pole. A metallic band is placed around the seal to protect it.

Abstract: Corrugated fine mesh material is configured to be located overlying a gutter. The fine mesh material has an upper edge opposite a lower edge with the upper edge configured to fit beneath shingles on a roof adjacent the gutter. The lower edge is configured to be held to a lip at a forward edge of the gutter. The corrugations add strength to the material and collect water at troughs thereof where the collected water more readily forms droplets that fall down into the gutter. A lower strip is preferably provided to hold the lower edge of the mesh to a lip of the gutter. An upper strip is optionally provided which includes a tab which can fit beneath shingles to the roof. A barrier such as a bead of caulk can optionally be coupled to an underside of the corrugated mesh to further encourage water droplets to fall.

Abstract: This invention relates to a structural cementitious panel (SCP) panel able to resist lateral forces imposed by high wind and earthquake loads in regions where they are required by building codes. These panels may be used for shear walls, flooring or roofing or other locations where shear panels are used in residential or commercial construction. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder reinforced with glass fibers and containing lightweight filler particles. One or more reinforcement members, such as mesh or plate sheets, are bonded to at least one surface of the panel to provide a completed panel that can breathe and has weather resistant characteristics to be capable of sustaining exposure to the elements during construction, without damage.

Abstract: A sump system for use in basement waterproofing systems. A sump liner may be generally rectangular in geometry, and may include two side elements with apertures to exchange groundwater while blocking debris. An adjustable inlet may be provided in another side element to fluidly connect other elements of a basement waterproofing system to the sump liner. The sump liner may further include a base configured to provide a built-in stand for a sump pump. The pump stand may contain a lip with notches to allow debris to fall and collect in a trough around a periphery of the base. The base may further provide an underside cavity for accommodating an obstruction in the floor of a sump hole. A removable lid may facilitate access to the sump liner interior, and may contain a break-away feature to accommodate discharge piping, as well as a groove to lodge a pump power cord. The sump liner may be strategically oriented within the sump hole to protect the basement foundation from erosion.

Abstract: A gutter cover is formed through expanded metal manufacturing techniques to create alternating areas of solid metal and diamond-shaped openings to facilitate the shedding of leaves while passing water into the gutter. The gutter cover is mounted without fasteners by securing a hook portion underneath the front lip of the gutter and arcing the body portion of the gutter cover to press the rearward drip foot against the gutter and the drip hip adjacent to the fascia board into a pressure fit. The length of the gutter cover from the rearward edge to the front end being slightly longer than the corresponding length of the gutter structure. The gutter cover includes an integral drip leg projecting downwardly from the drip hip and being formed with an area of expanded metal diamond-shaped apertures to direct water into the gutter trough. A front drip lip directs water away from the gutter face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building insulation sheathing system that provides for efficient installation of insulation, material and labor reduction during installation, as well as provides a stable structure for ease in attachment of protective and/or decorative cladding to a building. The present invention further includes a method for insulating a building using the sheathing system of the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method for resisting catastrophic wind damage to a structure is provided. At least a pair of anchoring devices are fixed to a foundation of the structure at opposite positions adjacent to sidewalls of the structure. A first cable and a second cable are attached to the anchoring devices, respectively. A tensioning member is provided under a roof of the structure and between the sidewalls of the structure. The tensioning member, such as a turnbuckle, is further attached to both the first and second cables for applying a tension force to the cables. Cable guides can be further provided to route the cables along the roof and sidewalls of the structure.

Abstract: An exterior building cladding system and methods of applying the building cladding system are described. The system is a weather resistive barrier and decorative system that is particularly effective as a covering system for buildings having an exterior wood substrate. The system includes a flexible waterproof base layer of acrylic and rubber that is adhered directly to a wood substrate, a mesh embedded in the flexible waterproof base layer and an acrylic stucco outer layer adhering directly to the flexible waterproof base layer. The system eliminates the need for building wrap while providing a moisture resistant and vapour permeable layer.

Abstract: A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the wall for spacing the wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, the spacing member forming the leading

Abstract: Methods are provided for creating footings for structures proximate a wall face of a segmental retaining wall using a device that includes a sleeve and a reinforcing member having a base. The methods can include placing the device on a layer of backfill material behind the wall face so that the sleeve is located adjacent the wall face and the base of the reinforcing member extends away from the wall face, covering the base of the reinforcing member with at least one other layer of the backfill material, placing a bottom portion of the structure in the sleeve, and filling the sleeve with an anchoring material.

Abstract: A compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body.

Abstract: A fire resistant slipsheet in roll form includes a fiber mat having first and second sides and a coating containing expandable graphite, a filler, and a binder. The coating is coated on at least one of the first and second sides of the fiber mat, and a single layer of the slipsheet achieves a Class A rating when tested according to UL 790 and/or ASTM E-108 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings. A fire resistant roofing system and a method for installing a fire resistant roofing system that achieves a Class A rating when tested according to UL 790 and/or ASTM E-108 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings is also provided.

Abstract: A damage prevention housing for a roof pipe may include a hollow body having an interior dimensioned to enclose a roof pipe on a roof, the hollow body having an open proximal end suitable for positioning over the roof pipe and a partially closed distal end dimensioned to preclude access by rodents but allow movement of gases therethrough. The hollow body may further include an aperture positioned adjacent to the proximal end for allowing liquids and gases to move through the aperture and a fastener for securing the hollow body in a fixed position relative to the roof pipe and the roof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for deterring birds from landing on an object. In various embodiments, a bird deterrent can include a number of support members and a net. The net can be suspended over an object. In various embodiments, a net can be suspended over an object by coupling the net to a number of support members that are associated with the object.

Abstract: An apparatus attached to the roof perimeter to mitigate wind-generated vortices and uplift loads on the roof perimeter area of a building, applicable for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. The apparatus comprises at least one face portion having face perforation and/or edge serration for increasing small-scale turbulence entrainment, equalizing pressure and disorganizing edge shear layer vorticity, and thus disrupting vortex formation. A roof edge vortex suppressor is preferably mounted along the entire circumference of a roof perimeter.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a previously existing structure comprising the steps of constructing a ring foundation surrounding and reinforcing a previously existing foundation. Thereafter, securing reinforcing wall panel assemblies to previously existing wall structures with the wall panel assemblies being external to and secured to upright members of the previously existing wall structures and supported by the ring foundation. Securing platform segments forming reinforcing floor assemblies to upright structural elements of the reinforcing wall panel assemblies, the platform segments being supported by previously existing floor structures during assembly of the platform segments and attachment of the platform segments to the reinforcing wall panel assemblies. Then removing the previously existing floor structures.

Abstract: The present invention describes systems and methods which provide a moisture barrier that douses or diffuses buoyant burning debris, particularly hot embers, from a bush and/or brush fire (e.g., wildfires). By strategic placement of the devices and/or apparatus as disclosed, a method of preventing the destruction of dwellings and roof-containing structures by exploiting heat convection is provided.

Abstract: A cover for encasing threaded rod extending from structural concrete. The cover is in the shape of a cylindrical body having a length at least as long as that portion of the receiving bar extending from the structural concrete and having a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roof spoiler that effectively disrupts the attached flow of wind on a roof surface. Preferably, the spoiler is specially designed for installation with a gutter mounted on the roof fascia or along the leading edge of the roof. This spoiler utilizes a hinged design to move between two operating positions. The first position is a stowed position, whereby the spoiler extends beyond the gutter and is designed to be nearly invisible to passersby. In the stowed position, a portion of the spoiler covers the outer edge of the gutter (if present). A second portion of the spoiler may extend outward from the gutter. The second position is a deployed position, wherein a barrier is projected vertically, or substantially vertically, so as to disrupt the flow of air over the roof surface. In one embodiment, the spoiler rests upon the roof covering when in the deployed position. In another embodiment, the spoiler rests near or against the gutter or holding bracket.

Abstract: A hold-down nail includes two portions, a stake and a washer, that function in combination to secure a sheet or cover over some type of material, such as an earthen material, and thereby protects the material from the elements and prevents movement of the material due to wind, rain, snow, etc. or foot or other type of traffic over the material.

Abstract: A method, a system and a device for insulating a conditioned crawlspace beneath a building and protecting the building from termite infestation.

Abstract: Systems for removing water from an area where water is not desired are discussed and provided. The system can include a dam, a water collection system, and a water removal system. The dam can create a waterproof seal so that the dam is configured to define a reservoir, or retention area, capable of holding water. The water collection system can remove substantially all of the water that collects in the retention area and deposit the water in a reservoir when the water collection system is triggered by a first sensor. The water removal system can move the water collected in the reservoir to an area of safe disposal through a hose or drain when triggered by a second sensor. Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention are claimed and described.

Abstract: A damper system for installation in a structure to dissipate seismic and wind energy transmitted to the structure, includes first and second pairs of elongated members forming an outer parallelogram, third and fourth pairs of elongated members forming an inner parallelogram, and a pair of energy dissipating devices connected between the parallelograms for dissipating the energy transmitted to the structure.

Abstract: A system and method for protection of buildings are disclosed here. The system may include a plurality of durable recyclable sheets that are capable of displaying media, portions of each sheet may be attached to the other via external fasteners that may be located at interfaces between the sheets. The system may also include top fasteners to fasten portions of the sheets to parts of the building, supporting members, and internal fasteners to fasten the supporting members to portions of the sheets. The method may include the steps of providing durable recyclable sheets capable of displaying media, attaching portion of the sheets to each other, fastening portions of the sheets to the building, disposing supporting members to support portions of the sheets, and attaching the supporting members to portions of the inside surfaces of the sheets.

Abstract: Insecticide-modified bead material composed of expandable polystyrene (EPS) coated with (A) one or more insecticides (B) one or more glycerol esters (C) if desired, one or more binders, and (D) if desired, further additives.

Abstract: A foundation system for supporting a manufactured building having a support beam, comprising a ground pan having a planar surface received on a ground surface and a thermally insulative member disposed on the ground pan, which cooperatively define in situ a proximate thermally isolated ground column, with a foundation support connected to the ground pan and to the support beam, the thermally insulative member restricts communication of heat from the proximate thermally isolated ground column below the ground pan for resisting frost heaving. A method of resisting frost heave of a foundation is disclosed.

Abstract: One illustrative embodiment of a wall restoration system includes an air-handler and a wall structure assembly. The wall structure assembly can enclose a portion of a wet wall to form a passage through which air flows to dry the wall portion.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (1) and method for protecting a building (3) from pests or other nuisances in the vicinity of buildings. The apparatus (1) comprises a monitor (7) having the ability to acquire environmental condition information relating to environmental conditions in a vicinity of the building (3), and a treatment controller (9) which is capable of using the environmental condition information received from the monitor (7) to provide an amount of treatment agent which, for those environmental conditions, remains below a safety threshold for habitation of the building (3) and reduces a population of the pests. The present invention circumvents the need to evacuate inhabitants of the buildings before any treatment agent is administered to the ground lying therebeneath. Further, near-continuous protection and treatment of buildings is also possible.

Abstract: An improved roofing method and assembly having a fascia cap designed to prevent water from moving through capillary action back towards the roof. The assembly has an a elongated drip edge running back the bottom edge of the fascia cap that displaces water away from the roof, preserving the integrity of the roof and building walls below. A blocking strip attaches the fascia cap to the roof, maintaining the assembly and helping the flow of water away from the roof.

Abstract: A building envelope assembly includes a first structural frame supporting a first interior layer, a second structural frame parallel with the first structural frame supporting a second interior layer and an exterior sheathing layer opposite the second interior layer, and a flexible sheet disposed within the assembly and configured to transport moisture from between the first structural frame and the second structural frame to a location outside of the assembly. A drain assembly is configured to transport moisture from the flexible sheet. A seal is attached to the flexible sheet and configured to prevent ingress of water toward the first and second structural frames.

Abstract: A temporary protective system provides for minimizing storm damage to selected framing systems of a structure, such as door or window openings, while also eliminating the permanent installation damage common to such structures when conventional plywood covers, shutters, or metal shielding are installed. The protective system incorporates an inflation system and an attachment or securing system for securing the inflation system relative to the selected framing or structural system without damage. The multiple proposed systems allow a user to install each protective system from a convenient position and to uninstall the system without causing structural damage for later compact storage. An additional rigid shielding member, or a series of rigid shielding members, may be incorporated to provide additional protection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roof spoiler that effectively disrupts the attached flow of wind upon a roof surface. This spoiler has a stowed position, whereby it is almost completely out of the view of passersby. It also has a deployed position, wherein a barrier is projected vertically, or substantially vertically, so as to disrupt the flow of air over the roof surface. This spoiler utilizes a hinged design to move between these two positions. The spoiler is specially designed to operate in conjunction with a gutter mounted along the leading edge of the roof. In the stowed position, a portion of the spoiler covers the open gutter. In one embodiment, the spoiler is L-shaped to facilitate its stability in the deployed position.

Abstract: Multi-layered, fire-barriers each sized and shaped for installation into accepting intersection-spaces formed by the spaced-intersection of at least two expansion-joint spaces that occur between two adjacent spaced structural building units, each of said expansion-joint spaces defined by a plane, said plane defined by a set of three non-colinear points with each point defined by a set of x, y, z coordinates from the same coordinate system with no two of said coordinate sets being identical. The fire-barriers are shaped for use in 2-way planar, L-shaped expansion-joint spaces, T-shaped, cross-shaped, V-shaped, and vertical/horizontal L-shaped corner expansion-joint spaces, for example, and may comprise at least one layer of: protective cloth, insulating blanket, intumescent material, and mechanically supporting layer.

Abstract: A door security system serves to substantially improve the reliability of the entire door assembly. The system comprises components generally having an L-shaped cross section. One of the components may be mounted around a vertical jamb member on the side of the door jamb corresponding to the door slab free swinging edge. Similarly one or more components may also be mounted on a vertical jamb member on the hinge side of the door jamb. The components include sleeves that wraps on two sides around the vertical jamb member to reinforce and stabilize the door system.

Abstract: Fire-resistant structures, fire-resistant insulations and a method for fire-proofing and fire-protection of permanent or temporary structures or objects. The fire-resistant insulation withstands temperatures between 1200° C. and 2000° C. on the exterior side of the insulation, and the interior side provides a shield for fire-protected structure or object against temperatures not exceeding 300° C. A method for fire-protection comprises steps of providing a fire-protection for structures and objects subjected to fires, brush-fires or fire storms.

Abstract: A doorjamb end cap and method of installation therefor, wherein application of the present invention to wooden doorjambs permits the enclosed or encased portion thereof to effectively resist or avoid the onset of rot therein, and wherein the present invention is effectuated without expensive extrusion processes and/or thermoplastic melt and adhesive applications.