Abstract: Foam wall structures and methods for making foam wall structures. The wall structures include a frame, a foam panel overlying a front surface of the frame, a first foam layer disposed in a cavity defined by the frame and the foam panel, in which the first foam layer self-adheres to one or more members of the frame, and a second foam layer disposed in the cavity. The second foam layer self-adheres to the first foam layer and has a density that is less than the density of the first foam layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a package includes molding a precursor of a package including a cup-shaped resin component having a bottom surface and side walls, an opening opened at an upper part of the side walls, and a pair of leads exposed on the bottom surface. The side walls include a side wall that extends along the Y axis and the X axis and that has a first outer surface, and a side wall that extends along the Y axis and the Z axis. A thickness of the side wall extending along Y axis and the X axis is less than a thickness of the side wall extending along axis and the Z axis. The first outer surface has a recess which is recessed in the Z axis direction and arranged in a position corresponding to the opening. The method further includes forming a reflective film in the recess.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a solar power unit comprising a frame, configured to be integrated into a building structure, for supporting a solar panel, the solar panel for generating a power signal, and a front cover for securing the solar panel to the frame.

Abstract: An insulated vent chute and blocking assembly which can be inserted between adjacently disposed roof rafters of a building construction having a pitched or flat roof, the roof supported by a building wall. The assembly comprises: a generally flexible insulated body having a roof facing surface, an attic space facing surface, the surfaces spaced apart from each other to define a pair of longitudinal rafter facing sides, a top and a bottom transverse end, the ends connecting the sides; and a reflective substrate covering the attic space facing surface, the substrate for reflecting heat away from the attic space facing surface and back into attic insulation. The assembly is fabricated from a flexible insulated material, and can assume an arcuate form in embodiments when the body is inserted between adjacently disposed roof rafters in the building construction with a pitched or flat roof such that the bottom transverse end can contact the top of the building wall.

Abstract: A system for assembling a pre-engineered building with a monolithic vapor retarder to control the formation of condensation on the walls. The system allows for numerous different combinations of insulation thickness, different kinds of walls, inside vapor retarders in different rigid panels, different facings or membranes. The system further provides for finished inside surfaces with high thermal quality.

Abstract: A pool liner retaining system having a pool wall structure that includes a plurality of interlocking panels and methods of constructing a pool wall structure using such interlocking panels are disclosed.

Abstract: A solar heat pump building preferably includes a building, an air barrier insulation layer, a material insulation layer and a plurality of ducts. The air barrier insulation layer includes a ceiling air barrier insulation layer and a wall air barrier insulation layer. The ceiling air barrier insulation layer is a ceiling air gap created between a ceiling sheet and a roof panel. The wall air barrier insulation layer is a wall air gap created between the ceiling sheet and two opposing lengthwise wall panels, and two inner end wall sheets and two opposing end wall panels. Two lengthwise wall insulation layers are attached to vertical portions of the ceiling sheet. Two end wall insulation layers are attached to the two inner end wall sheets. A plurality of ducts include lengthwise ducts and end ducts, which are retained in the wall air barrier insulation layer to channel air.

Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of cooling energy required to heat and cool a building is provided. The method includes disposing a porous insulating material in the exterior walls and substantially covering the ceiling in the attic space of the building to a substantial depth. The porous insulating material includes a desiccant. The method further includes permitting the desiccant—bearing porous insulating material to adsorb water moisture from the attic space and then permitting the adsorbed water moisture to desorb from the desiccant—bearing porous insulating material into the enclosed room of the building, resulting in a reduction in the amount of energy required to heat and cool the building.

Abstract: A bracket apparatus for an insulated building structure includes: a sheathing mounting element including a mounting surface configured to receive a mechanical fastener; and at least one elongated spacer extending away from the sheathing mounting element by a predetermined stand-off distance, the spacer configured to penetrate fibrous insulation, and defining a contact pattern configured to prevent pivoting motion of the spacer relative to a planar surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building section including a sub-structure and a cladding member connected in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure. A multi-function elongate, flexible insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure, facilitating alignment of the cladding, and creating a rainscreen configured to drive out moisture from the wall cavities. The flexible insulating element includes a bond breaker disposed on the external surface of the insulating element. The bond breaker prevents externally applied joint sealant compound from adhering to the insulating element. The bond breaker can act as a safeguard to prevent joint sealant deterioration or adhesion to undesired surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a structural insulated panel framing system comprising: insulation sheathing receivable by a wall jig; a frame for placement atop the insulation sheathing; and spray foam for application to the frame and the insulation sheathing to fuse the frame and insulation sheathing to produce a structural insulated panel.

Abstract: A composite material used to repair concrete. The composite material includes a first fiber system including at least one fiber layer. Each fiber layer includes a plurality of fibers. The binding material secures together the plurality of fibers. The composite material is positioned and secured in a slot cut in a concrete structure.

Abstract: This invention provides support structures on roofs. Such support structure can be used to support a roof load, or a closure structure which doses an aperture in the roof, thus to provide access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The support structure can support a skylight to provide natural day-lighting, or a smoke vent, or a variety of other loads optionally relating to matter or energy communication between the inside and outside of the building. The support structure includes rails adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations on opposite sides of a flat of a roof panel, elevated above the water line of the panel flat. Where the support structure surrounds an aperture, a diverter seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water through the rib structure and laterally away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: An insulated vent chute and blocking assembly which can be inserted between adjacently disposed roof rafters of a building construction having a pitched or flat roof, the roof supported by a building wall. The assembly comprises: a generally flexible insulated body having a roof facing surface, an attic space facing surface, the surfaces spaced apart from each other to define a pair of longitudinal rafter facing sides, a top and a bottom transverse end, the ends connecting the sides; and a reflective substrate covering the attic space facing surface, the substrate for reflecting heat away from the attic space facing surface and back into attic insulation. The assembly is fabricated from a flexible insulated material, and can assume an arcuate form in embodiments when the body is inserted between adjacently disposed roof rafters in the building construction with a pitched or flat roof such that the bottom transverse end can contact the top of the building wall.

Abstract: The insulated panel comprises exterior sheathing, studs, rigid foam panels and a spray-pour foam. The rigid foam panels are placed up against the sheathing between the studs, and the spray-pour foam is used to fill in the voids.

Abstract: A metal building insulation system and method for by-pass wall girt metal building systems which facilitates the installation of wall insulation applied from the interior of the building for the full depth of the wall girt. Integrally faced vapor barrier blanket insulation combined with vapor barrier extensions installed behind perimeter structural and corner columns before wall girt erection are preferred system components.

Abstract: A vent strip has a generally rectangular vent strip body having a width that is greater than an aperture width of an aperture through a soffit board. A plurality of apertures through the vent strip enabling air circulation. A pair of resilient board engaging elements extend upwardly and outwardly from the vent strip body for engaging the aperture. A plurality of board engaging notches or fingers, of each of the resilient board engaging elements, are adapted for engaging the soffit board regardless of the thickness of the soffit board.

Abstract: A bracket apparatus for an insulated building structure includes: a sheathing mounting element including a mounting surface configured to receive a mechanical fastener; and at least one elongated spacer extending away from the sheathing mounting element by a predetermined stand-off distance, the spacer configured to penetrate fibrous insulation, and defining a contact pattern configured to prevent pivoting motion of the spacer relative to a planar surface.

Abstract: A foundation system includes metal framing members that support a reinforced, lightweight, dimensionally stable cementitious panel. The foundation system is non-combustible, water durable, mold and rot resistant, and termite resistant. 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 of reducing the amount of cooling energy required to heat and cool a building is provided. The method includes disposing a porous insulating material in the exterior walls and substantially covering the ceiling in the attic space of the building to a substantial depth. The porous insulating material includes a desiccant. The method further includes permitting the desiccant—bearing porous insulating material to adsorb water moisture from the attic space and then permitting the adsorbed water moisture to desorb from the desiccant—bearing porous insulating material into the enclosed room of the building, resulting in a reduction in the amount of energy required to heat and cool the building.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device includes first and second frame members, and a foam insulation member having first and second ends. At least one of the first and second ends is disposed at an angle greater than 0 degrees relative to a vertical plane. The first and second ends of the foam insulation member extend between the first and second frame members in compression. The foam insulation member is fixedly held in place between the first and second frame members due to a friction fit resulting from the foam insulation member being disposed between the first and second frame members in compression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soffit assembly and method which comprises a soffit vent that can be mounted therein regardless of the lookouts to which the soffit boards are typically nailed. In one preferred embodiment, legs extend into a soffit opening. The soffit legs preferably comprise retainers mounted thereon that grasp an inside surface of the soffit boards once inserted fully therein. The base vent portion preferably comprises finish edges that produce a biasing force which is applied against a lower surface of the soffit boards to thereby hold the soffit vent in tension to quickly and easily provide a finished look.

Abstract: A protective drainage wrap comprises a first portion, a second portion and a solid sheet portion. The first portion comprises cross-woven or cross-laminate material in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. The material in the machine direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a first thickness. The material in the transverse direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a second thickness. The second thickness is at least about 2 times greater than the first thickness so as to assist in providing drainage for moisture build-up. The second portion is a coating comprising a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof. The first and second portions are located adjacent to each other. The solid sheet portion comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof. The solid sheet portion is attached to at least one of the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A rail transportation system particularly suited for transporting roofing materials upon an uncompleted roof. Sections of tubes form rails, allowing several rail cars carrying various roofing materials to transport those roofing materials from the edge of the roof to the point of installation. These tubes may be attached to one another, allowing tradespersons to further extend the range of the rails as the installation progresses.

Abstract: A plurality of sheet supports 50 or 70 of approximate rectangular configuration are placed on adjacent purlins 14 of a partially completed roof of an industrial building, about the second row of roof insulation support carriages 10. When the carriages are advanced along the lengths of the purlins to apply the sheet material 34 to the purlins, the sheet supports 50 or 70 move in unison with the carriages of the second row of carriages and the rear segment 54 supports the sheet material in the spaces 60 over which the carriage is mounted and the side segments 56 and 58 support the sheet material extending from the first row of carriages in the next adjacent spaces between the purlins. This avoids the sagging of the sheet material between the purlins at the time when the hard roof panels 37 are fastened to the purlins.

Abstract: A faced insulation assembly has a facing sheet with a central field portion that overlays and is bonded to a major surface of the insulation layer. The sheet has two lateral tabs that are joined to the central field portion of the sheet along fold lines. The tabs are folded back to overlay the central field portion of sheet. The fold lines may include score lines or weld lines to help maintain the tabs in the folded position for handling. The tabs have tab strips bonded thereto that may be bonded to the tabs by a pressure sensitive adhesive whereby the tabs may be left in the folded position, unfolded for stapling to framing members, or have the tab strips removed for bonding to framing members either in a folded or an unfolded position.

Abstract: An insulating unit for an electrical box for insulating an electrical box. The insulating unit for an electrical box includes a rear portion, a lower portion extending from the rear portion, an upper portion extending from the rear portion opposite of the lower portion, and a side portion extending from the rear portion defining a rectangular cavity for receiving the electrical box within. A cutout may be made within the upper portion, side portion or lower portion for receiving a wire. Sealants are preferably utilized for sealing and securing to a wall stud. The rear portion, lower portion, upper portion and side portion are preferably comprised of an insulating material.

Abstract: A protective drainage wrap comprises a first portion, a second portion and a solid sheet portion. The first portion comprises cross-woven or cross-laminate material in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. The material in the machine direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a first thickness The material in the transverse direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a second thickness. The second thickness is at least about 2 times greater than the first thickness so as to assist in providing drainage for moisture build-up The second portion is a coating comprising a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof The first and second portions are located adjacent to each other The solid sheet portion comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof The solid sheet portion is attached to at least one of the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A protective drainage wrap comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises cross-woven or cross-laminate material in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. The material in the machine direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a first thickness. The material in the transverse direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a second thickness. The second thickness is at least about 2 times greater than the first thickness so as to assist in providing drainage for moisture build-up. The second portion is a coating comprising a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof. The first and second portions are located adjacent to each other. According to one embodiment, the material in the transverse direction is yarn.

Abstract: A method for producing lightweight concrete is disclosed which comprises mixing foamed particles, aggregates, and cement slurry to create a strong, lightweight concrete. The foamed particles can be created by grinding foamed plastic waste material. The aggregates comprise soluble glass, water, and polyvinyl acetate. One embodiment includes batching the cement in two stages. The concrete is pressed to within 65-70% of its volume prior to drying. Lightweight concrete comprising foamed plastic particles mixed with cement, water, soluble glass, and polyvinyl acetate is also disclosed, where the concrete, after compacting and drying possesses greater strength than common polystyrofoam concrete.

Abstract: A pre-cut resilient fibrous insulation blanket includes a plurality of longitudinally extending blanket sections that are formed in the blanket by a plurality of laterally spaced apart cut and separable connector arrangements that hold the insulation blanket together for handling but enable the insulation blanket to be separated at any of the cut and separable connector arrangements to form a reduced width resilient fibrous insulation blanket. The number and widths of the blanket sections together with the lateral compressibility and resilience of the insulation blanket or a reduced width insulation blanket formed from the insulation blanket enable the insulation of essentially any width framework cavity up to the width of the insulation blanket with no more than one separation of the insulation blanket.

Abstract: A method of insulating a building having a frame construction wherein the wall of said building comprises an outer cladding layer, a cavity, and a load bearing frame, said method comprising the step of introducing into said cavity an insulating membrane comprising: (i) a reflective layer; and (ii) a breathable textile layer.

Abstract: A protective drainage wrap comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises cross-woven or cross-laminate material in the machine direction and in the transverse direction. The material in the machine direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a first thickness. The material in the transverse direction comprises a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof and has a second thickness. The second thickness is at least about 2 times greater than the first thickness so as to assist in providing drainage for moisture build-up. The second portion is a coating comprising a polyolefin, polyester, nylon or combinations thereof. The first and second portions are located adjacent to each other. According to one embodiment, the material in the transverse direction is yarn.

Abstract: A method for restoring load transfer capability across a joint between two adjacent concrete slabs includes cutting a perpendicular to the joint and extending into each of the adjoining slabs. A generally flat joint tie is positioned in the slot before filling the slot with polymer concrete. The joint tie may have holes extending between the broad faces of the joint tie, with rounded corners, and made of fiberglass.

Abstract: A thermal insulation sheet is maneuvered into position, especially in closely confined corners in an attic, by a tool having a prong which is inserted into the sheet, and a pusher surface which contacts the sheet to limit the depth of insertion of the prong, and which guides the sheet while an installer pushes the pusher surface against the sheet while maintaining the prong in the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the rigidity of an elongate plastic member having a groove formed in an exterior surface thereof is an elongate metal reinforcing member, preferably having a generally T-shaped cross section, the member being adapted for placement into the groove so that the member fits snugly into the groove. An improved elongate plastic member has a reinforcing member formed, preferably by roll forming, into a rigid structure, preferably having a substantially T-shaped cross-section when viewed end-on. The insert fits tightly within a groove in the plastic portion of the improved elongate plastic member. An elongate plastic member is provided structural strength by forming in the plastic member a groove adapted so that a reinforcing member will fit tightly within the groove and then placing a reinforcing member into the groove.

Abstract: A retention barrier system comprises a flexible laminate of a thin paper sheet and thin aluminum sheet in a rectangular configuration. The laminate has a leading edge and a parallel trailing edge and side edges between the leading and trailing edges. A plurality of flexible rods are positioned across, and coupled to, the laminate from side edge to side edge and spaced from each other along the length of the laminate.

Abstract: A method of providing a roof structure having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement includes the first step of providing a carriage carrying a supply of netting. The carriage is then moved along the length of the purlins in a first direction from a first portion of the roof structure to a second portion of the roof structure, such as for example, one end of the roof structure to the other end. Movement of the carriage dispenses the netting between the first and second portions. A supply of support sheet is then provided. A first section of the roof structure is constructed which includes purlins, the netting, and the support sheet. The carriage is then moved along the length of the purlins in a second direction opposite the first direction and towards the first portion of the roof structure. Movement of the carriage dispenses the support sheet above the netting.

Abstract: A method of providing a roof structure having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement includes the first step of providing a carriage upon which is mounted a supply of support sheet and a supply of netting. A first section of the roof structure is then constructed. The first section includes purlins, the support sheet, and the netting. The carriage is then moved along the length of the purlins in a direction away from the completed first section of the roof structure, wherein movement of the carriage dispenses the support sheet and the netting.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing rolled fabric as a vapor retarder in an insulated building structure which includes a frame member and a purlin contact which firmly biases the roll of fabric against the structural members on which the fabric is being laid but which is of a construction so as to avoid abutment with building cross members that would normally interfere with the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A mesh device for retaining mortar and other debris within a mortar-cavity-wall so as to prevent such material from falling in front of and hence blocking the “weep holes” placed at the bottom of such a wall to permit the egress of moisture condensate that forms within this type of wall. The device of the present invention is a rectangle of thin, openly woven mesh of basically a planar shape but with “bumps” distributed across the plane in such manner that when the device is placed upright within the cavity the bumps form barriers to the dropping of mortar and other debris. The bumps themselves, being made of the same material as the rest of the device, are fully permeable to moisture working its way down the cavity. Furthermore, there is an offset of the bumps in one row from those in the next so as to further reduce the possibility of a blockage occurring, say by debris accumulated on the bumps.