Abstract: Energy chains having flexible joint connectors, and lateral tabs and a joint connector therefor. The lateral tabs are symmetrical by stop surfaces thereof, wherein each lateral tab comprises two protrusions having stop surfaces and two pockets having counterpart stop surfaces. According to one aspect, the protrusions and the pockets are provided symmetrically on the lateral tab. According to one aspect, the joint connector for lateral tabs has a plate-like body having a resiliently flexible joint region, two material regions opposingly arched outward having a cavity therebetween, and two opposite fastening regions on the end. According to one aspect, the energy chain is designed such that, continuously over a chain portion comprising at least more than three adjacent chain links, which comprises the at least two tab strands, the tab strands are structured overall continuously from tabs which are identical to each other.

Abstract: The rack assembly of one 3D construction printer comprises two rows of vertical supporting posts anchored from the ground. Within each row of vertical supporting posts, between two neighboring vertical supporting posts, longitudinal beams are provided and extended along the length direction of the rack assembly, the longitudinal beams are configured to provide support and allow a cart carrying a 3D construction printer to move. On a top of the rack assembly, ring frame is provided, and on each of the longitudinal ends of the rows of vertical supporting beams, a cantilever extension end, being suspended, is connected to said rectangular ring frame. Further on the upper surface of a bottom longitudinal beam of the rectangular ring frame, guiding rails are provided in order for the cart carrying a crane to move along the longitudinal direction of the ring frame.

Abstract: A wind turbine including a mast assembly having an upper support structure hingably attached to a lower support structure wherein the mast assembly has an installation position and an operational position. A wind turbine wheel is mounted to the mast assembly having a circular rim disposed at its perimeter and having an axle structure. An electrical generator is supported by the mast assembly and configured to engage with the turbine wheel for generating electricity in response to the rotation of the turbine wheel. A plurality of hydraulic lifts are provided in contact with the upper support structure when the mast assembly is in the installation position and configured to transition the upper support from the installation position to the operational position and wherein at least one hydraulic lift loses contact with the upper support structure during the transition.

Abstract: A folding slab and a central column composite joint and an assembly method thereof, wherein the folding slab and a prefabricated column-beam composite joint adopting a steel-wood composite structure guarantees a construction quality, improves a construction efficiency, and optimizes a seismic performance of a structure. The folding slab and the central column composite joint including a steel-wood composite column, square wood columns, connecting assemblies for connecting the steel-wood composite column and the square wood beams, and folding wood slabs connected with and supported by the steel-wood composite column, the square wood columns and the connecting assemblies.

Abstract: The present apparatus and method relates in general to sealing a hole in a floor with a precast plug. A precast plug is created by pouring a wet aggregate mix into a form mold and thereafter inserting a pre bent rod into the uncured mixture, positioning it such that the center of the rod rests in the center of the form mold and the ends of the rod extend outward near the top of the form mold. The mix is then cured. The precast plug may then be transported to the hole that it is destined to fix. Grooves may be carved on either side of the hole to accommodate the rod's ends. The interior of the hole and the exterior of the plug may then be covered with a sealant, after which the plug may be inserted into the hole. Once the sealant cures, the hole is fully repaired.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel truss mounting system comprising a base and a truss assembly coupled to the base. The truss assembly comprises a first panel rail mount, second panel rail mount parallel to the first panel rail mount, base rail mount parallel to the first and second panel rail mounts, and a plurality of support members. A first portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first and second panel rail mounts. A second portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first panel rail mount and the base rail mount. A third portion of the plurality of support members extends between the second panel rail mount and the base rail mount. The system can further comprise a plurality of connectors for coupling a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels to the truss assembly.

Abstract: A wall lifting, transport and positioning device for use with a wall section upon a worksite surface. The wall section has a top plate with a lower top plate side and a bottom plate with a lower bottom plate side. The device includes a wheeled hand cart housing, a support frame, a pair of roller pins, and a lifting actuator. Each of the roller pins including an outer cylindrical element configured to rotate relative to the support frame with the top plate being positioned in contact with the outer cylindrical element for translation of the wall section in a direction along the top plate. The lifting actuator is sized and configured to translate the roller pins upward relative to the wheeled hand cart housing with the outer cylindrical elements being positionable in contact with the lower top plate side. A method of positioning a wall section is also provided.

Abstract: A system to aid in the installation of drywall or similar items on ceilings or vertical wall surfaces comprises a set of bracket structures. A first pair of brackets is fixed, and a second pair of brackets comprises a pivot screw that is swung in place after the drywall is lifted into place. Each bracket is provided with a mounting fastener adapted to be attached to the ceiling joists or wall studs. Once in place, the drywall is slid into the brackets and held securely in place. The drywall is then fastened into the joists and the brackets can then be removed. The brackets are spun around or reinstalled and the process repeated as needed.

Abstract: A retail kiosk includes a product fulfillment portion and a product display portion. The product fulfillment portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The product display portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The continuous, circular edge of the product fulfillment portion is out of alignment with the continuous, circular edge of the product display portion when the retail kiosk is deployed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of multi-component spin hardware for connecting structural framing members to other structural framing members while allowing desired portions of the framing members to pivot, selectively displacing the framing members to variable positions. The spin hardware generally includes a top bracket, a bottom bracket, and a counter bracket assembly. The spin hardware bracket assemblies can be installed along a vertical axis to provide maximum flexibility and creativity while pivoting structural framing members in any number of configurations.

Abstract: A wall lifting, transport and positioning device for use with a wall section upon a worksite surface. The wall section has a top plate with a lower top plate side and a bottom plate with a lower bottom plate side. The device includes a wheeled hand cart housing, a support frame, a pair of roller pins, and a lifting actuator. Each of the roller pins including an outer cylindrical element configured to rotate relative to the support frame with the top plate being positioned in contact with the outer cylindrical element for translation of the wall section in a direction along the top plate. The lifting actuator is sized and configured to translate the roller pins upward relative to the wheeled hand cart housing with the outer cylindrical elements being positionable in contact with the lower top plate side. A method of positioning a wall section is also provided.

Abstract: A wall lifting, transport and positioning device for use with a wall section upon a worksite surface. The wall section has a top plate with a lower top plate side and a bottom plate with a lower bottom plate side. The device includes a wheeled hand cart housing, a support frame, a pair of roller pins, and a lifting actuator. Each of the roller pins including an outer cylindrical element configured to rotate relative to the support frame with the top plate being positioned in contact with the outer cylindrical element for translation of the wall section in a direction along the top plate. The lifting actuator is sized and configured to translate the roller pins upward relative to the wheeled hand cart housing with the outer cylindrical elements being positionable in contact with the lower top plate side. A method of positioning a wall section is also provided.

Abstract: A system for assembling a wall including first and second panels is provided. The system includes a plurality of caps that are slip-fittable onto respective corners of the first and second panels. First and second pairs of the plurality of caps include hinge-caps configured to be pivotably coupled with one another via first and second hinges. The first and second pairs of the plurality of caps are configured for respective association with first and second pairs of opposite corners of the first and second panels such that the first and second panels are disposable in a shoulder-to-shoulder configuration with the first and second panels being pivotable about a rotational axis defined through the first and second hinges or movable relative to one another.

Abstract: A grid-top floor tile for outdoor use includes a polymer tile having a grid-type top surface with multiple levels, such as a bi-level surface having an upper lattice and a lower lattice oriented generally transverse to the upper lattice. The multiple levels of the surface are preferably integrally formed with one another and provide drainage gaps therethrough. In a bi-level surface configuration, the lower lattice has a top surface below a top surface of the upper lattice, so as to draw residual moisture below the top surface of the upper lattice. The tile further includes a support structure, configured to support the tile on a support surface and provide drainage pathways beneath the top surface. The tile still further comprises various reinforcement members on each of the loop and pin connectors used to interlock the tiles when forming a flooring assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coupling adjacent concrete panels increase the tolerance for setting. Connections members are placed in at least one of the adjacent concrete panels. In one embodiment a first connection member is placed in a first panel and a second connection member is placed in a second panel. A plate is placed over the first and second connection member. Fasteners are inserted through the plate and into each connection member to secure the adjacent panels together. In a second embodiment a rotatable connection member is placed in a first panel. The rotatable connection member includes a first rod rotatably coupled to a second rod. The second panel is placed on the first panel. The connection member is rotated from its first position to its second position and is secured to the second panel. The connection members may be cast in the panels during production.

Abstract: It is presented a safety barrier for securing a working surface comprising a screen section (201) and a post (206) arranged along a first vertical side (204) of the screen section. A first hinge element (202) is arranged at the screen section for pivotally engaging with a first external anchoring element, thereby allowing pivotal movement of the screen section (201) about a vertical pivot axis which extending along a first vertical side (204) of the screen section. The first hinge element (202) is arranged at a first end portion (310) of the post. A second hinge element (205) is arranged at the screen section (201) for pivotally engaging with an adjacent safety barrier or a second external anchoring element (700). A corresponding safety barrier system, and methods for mounting a safety barrier system on a floor are also presented.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a device for erecting a tower. The method comprises assembling proximate to the ground a base section, top section, and one or more intermediate sections of the tower into an assembled tower lying in a substantially horizontal first plane, the assembled tower comprising a top end including the top section and a bottom end including the base section. The method also includes orienting the attitude of the assembled tower using a lift initiator to lie in a second plane defining an acute angle to the first plane, so that the top end of the tower is higher in elevation than the bottom end. The method also includes lifting the assembled tower from the second plane to a vertical plane with a primary lift assembly and coupling the assembled tower to the foundation.

Abstract: A system for safe, efficient lifting of partially fabricated walls during light-frame construction. Such walls are built in a horizontal position and are manually rotated into a vertical position using a lifting apparatus mounted to one or more framing members of the wall. The lifting apparatus allows the wall to be positioned and held at an intermediate resting/safety point for protection of user during the lift. A method of use and kit comprising the lifting apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of multi-component spin hardware for connecting structural framing members to other structural framing members while allowing desired portions of the framing members to pivot, selectively displacing the framing members to variable positions. The spin hardware generally includes a top bracket, a bottom bracket, and a counter bracket assembly. The spin hardware bracket assemblies can be installed along a vertical axis to provide maximum flexibility and creativity while pivoting structural framing members in any number of configurations.

Abstract: A multi-component spin hardware is provided for connecting structural framing members to other structural framing members while allowing desired portions of the framing members to pivot, selectively displacing the framing members to variable positions. The spin hardware generally includes a top bracket, bottom bracket and counter bracket assembly. The spin hardware bracket assemblies can be installed along a vertical axis in infinite locations providing maximum flexibility and creativity while connecting structural framing members in infinite configurations.

Abstract: Load bearing and non-load bearing frames for walls, roofs and floors are prefabricated according to a predetermined building plan and made to disengage and collapse to a compact and intact frame, where, as with a wall frame, studs are resting against one another and the upper and lower tracks are in close approximation to each other, separated only by said resting studs. Said frames for walls, roofs and floors can be readily be transported to a construction site, where the collapsed frames are expanded, engaged, stabilized and permanently plumbed and braced.

Abstract: A method for supporting manufactured home structures by preventing their deterioration and devaluation through the installation of a robust foundation system. The foundation system comprises of a concrete footing, long lasting wall panels and roof panels made from steel and cellular concrete. The manufactured home can be modified to accommodate the said installation. The wall panel is attached to both the manufactured home and foundation footing below the manufactured home to provide foundational supports for the manufactured walls of the manufactured home. Roofing panels can then be installed to the top of the manufactured home and newly installed wall panels for further protection. The benefits of this method allows the owner of the newly retrofitted or installed manufactured home to claim their home as real property instead of personal property thus allowing them qualify for long term mortgages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retainer frame of an outdoor above ground pool, which includes a plurality of posts and a plurality of sets of beams, connected between pairs of adjacent posts to form a polygonal shaped retainer frame. Each beam has two end portions, and each post has one or more receiving ports for receiving the end portions of a set of beams. The retainer frame also includes a plurality of locking members for locking the end portions of the set of beams in the receiving ports of the corresponding post. The beams are capable of swinging around a longitudinal axis of the posts within a range of swinging motion so that the same components (posts, beams and locking members) can be used to form polygonal shaped retainer frames having different numbers of sides.

Abstract: A tilt-up wall panel for use in the construction of a building is disclosed. The panel includes a composite slab that includes (a) a profiled decking sheet and (b) concrete cast on the profiled decking sheet.

Abstract: One embodiment provides for a method of placing a structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes constructing the structure in an essentially vertical position, the structure being defined by a first end. The structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the structure is in the essentially vertical position. The structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of placing a concrete structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes building the concrete structure in an essentially vertical position, the concrete structure being defined by a first end. The concrete structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the concrete structure is in the essentially vertical position. The concrete structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the concrete structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of placing a concrete structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes building the concrete structure in an essentially vertical position, the concrete structure being defined by a first end. The concrete structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the concrete structure is in the essentially vertical position. The concrete structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the concrete structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: In a system for making walls, at least two pairs of connector plates are provided, each including receptacle for receiving an end of a structural member. At least one spacer plate is located between and rotatably coupled to successively positioned connector plates. To form a wall, a pair of connector plates is coupled via the retaining means, one to each of a pair of generally opposing ends defined by structural members. The connector plates are rotatably movable relative to the spacer plates thereby allowing the structural members to be oriented relative to one another so as to form a surface having desired contours.

Abstract: A curved metal track for receiving a series of metal studs and forming a part of a curved metal wall. The track comprises a plurality of sections with each section being pivotally connected to an adjacent section. Structurally each section comprises a base plate having opposed first and second end portions. Formed in the first end portion is a slit or opening. The second end portion of each section is adapted to be inserted into the slit or opening of an adjacently disposed section. A pivot connector is utilized to pivotally connect the first end portion of one section with the second end portion of another section. There is also provided a pair of opposed stud tabs that extend normal to the base plate and which are adapted to be secured to the sides of a stud. By pivotally connecting the individual sections of the track, the track can be curved and accordingly can be configured to form a part of a curved metal wall.

Abstract: The process of adhering asphaltic roofing tiles to a roof deck by covering the tiles on the deck with a heat blanket capable of generating a temperature of at least the cure temperature of the tiles thereby sealing the tiles to the deck.

Abstract: The installation of a garden window which encloses an opening in the wall of a building is effected by installing a support structure above the wall opening from which the garden window can be hung, then hanging the garden window from this structure in opening closing position and then permanently securing same to the wall. Also included in the invention are the garden window itself and its hanger support to facilitate such installation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method of placing a concrete structure in a generally horizontal position. The method includes building the concrete structure in an essentially vertical position, the concrete structure being defined by a first end. The concrete structure is pivotably supported at a support location proximate the first end while the concrete structure is in the essentially vertical position. The concrete structure is then pivoted about the support location to move the concrete structure from the essentially vertical position to the generally horizontal position.

Abstract: A tall tower is divided into an upper section with a tower top and a lower section with a tower bottom. The sections are hinged together. The lower section is hinged to a tower base. A telescoping crane is attached to a lift point on the lower section. The crane is extended to lift the sections to the vertical position with the lower section resting on the base and the tower top of the upper section near ground level. A heavy load is attached to the tower top end using a small ground crane while the tower top of the upper section is near ground level. The telescoping crane is attached to another lift point on the upper section to partially lift the upper section, which is supported in this position. The telescoping crane is relocated and reattached to the lift point on the upper section. The telescoping crane is fully extended to raise the upper section and load to vertical above the lower section.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite panel with a facade comprising a planar arrangement of thin discrete facers on a body of structural backing material. The method comprises the steps of providing a horizontal casting bed, providing a plurality of facers each with chamfers at corners between side-rear and end-rear walls, arranging the facers in abutting relationship atop the casting bed and in a selected pattern in a face down planar configuration so that the chamfers on the facers open upwardly and define narrow elongated sealant channels at joints between contiguous facers. Depositing a sealant in the channels and pouring concrete as a structural backing material atop the facers, the rear surfaces of the facers and the concrete adhering to form a composite panel.

Abstract: An improved, lightweight, portable, and self-contained concrete form for fabricating tilt-up concrete walls is provided. The form includes a frame made from metal frame members joined at their ends with the frame members forming the sides of the frame. The frame members may be channel shaped with their channels facing inwardly. A reinforcing mat comprising an array of crisscrossed rebars is disposed within the frame and is held in place with a plurality of brackets on the ends of at least some of the rebars and welded to respective frame members. The rebar mat is sized to be positioned in the mid portion of the frame and the brackets on the ends of the rebars are slid outwardly into and attached to the frame members by spot welding. The brackets are then spot welded to the ends of their rebars to form a rigid, lightweight concrete frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an adjustable support brace for a pre-cast or tilt-up wall. The adjustable support brace comprises a wall mounting shoe, a floor mounting shoe, a leg member having an upper and a lower end, and a threaded support screw. The wall mounting shoe is pivotally connected to a mounting cap which is connected to the upper end of the leg member. The lower end of the leg member has an internally threaded receiving aperture which extends at least partially through the length of the leg member. The internally threaded receiving aperture receives the threaded support screw. The support screw is pivotally connected to the floor mounting shoe.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite panel with a facade comprising a planar arrangement of thin discrete facers on a body of structural backing material. The method comprises the steps of providing a horizontal casting bed, providing a plurality of facers each with chamfers at corners between side-rear and end-rear walls, arranging the facers in abutting relationship atop the casting bed and in a selected pattern in a face down planar configuration so that the chamfers on the facers open upwardly and define narrow elongated sealant channels at joints between contiguous facers. Depositing a sealant in the channels and pouring concrete as a structural backing material atop the facers, the rear surfaces of the facers and the concrete adhering to form a composite panel.

Abstract: A wooden studwall is erected utilizing a hinge, of metal plate, having a bottom plate, two outer legs and a center leg extending from one side of the bottom plate so that the hinge can be aligned, along a chalk snap line located along the subfloor, where a wooden studwall is to be placed and the bottom plate and center leg can be nailed to the subfloor. The two outer legs, are bent up ninety degrees to the bottom plate, and are nailed to the underside of sole plate at the bottom of the stud wall so that when the wooden stud wall is raised the sole plate does not slip and is correctly aligned with the chalk snap line when the wooden stud wall is in the vertical position. The two outer legs may be left flat, parallel to the bottom plate, for safety reasons and then, after the bottom plate is nailed to the subfloor, bent up perpendicular to the subfloor and attached to the bottom sole plate of the stud wall.

Abstract: A corner apparatus for forming inner or outer corner areas of wall structures. The apparatus comprises an elongated corner section having two planar panel portions attached by a living hinge. The two panel portions and living hinge are extruded from a high strength plastic. The living hinge enables the panel portions to be placed at a desired angle relative to each other to form an inner corner of a wall. When forming an outer corner, an elongated, generally L-shaped metal corner member is inserted into grooves formed in distal end portions of each of the planar panel portions of the corner section. This holds the planar panel portions in a desired angular orientation and provides a very straight corner edge for forming the outer corner area. The apparatus significantly reduces the time to form and finish corner areas of walls which are finished with drywall, thereby significantly reducing the cost of construction of the structure.

Abstract: A wall positioning and bracing method is disclosed. The method comprises providing a device comprising first and second elongated members, each having proximal and distal ends, and being pivotally attached to one another at their proximal ends, such that the second elongated member is movable into an open position, coextensive with the first elongated member; affixing the device to the floor of a building under construction and to the upper end of a wall of a building under construction when the wall is lying flat on the floor of a building under construction; raising the wall so that the brace is in the open position and the first and second elongated members are coextensive, such that the wall is moved to a position perpendicular to the floor; and securing the members in the open position. The method permits a wall to be raised to and braced in a position perpendicular to the floor.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved modular panel arrangement for the assembly of a first panel to a second modular panel or a portion of a permanent wall. The arrangement comprises a modular panel of generally rectilinear configuration, having at least one edge thereon. A first corner block is attached to the edge of the panel. An elongated tensile connecting rod is pivotally attached to a pivot hinge of the first corner block, the rod having a lug disposed transversely across at least one end thereof. A second corner block is attached to the second panel or portion of the wall. The second block has at least one cammed locking finger on a base thereof, wherein the rod is swingable about the pivot hinge on the first corner block to permit the lug thereon to engage a cam surface on the second corner block to lockably secure and align the edge of the first modular panel with the second modular panel or wall. The tensile rod may be adjustable to accommodate variations in spacing of the panels and/or wall.