Abstract: The present invention relates to a wood composite panel having a major planar portion, at least one panel portion, and an inwardly extending contoured portion surrounding the panel portion and interconnecting the major planar portion and the panel portion. The contoured portion defines an inter-relationship between a vector angle and a deep draw depth that achieve a satisfactory stretch factor. The present invention also relates to a door having the disclosed wood composite door facings, and methods of forming the facing and door.

Abstract: A nosing and drip cap are mounted to each other by elements of the nosing and drip cap. A hook receptacle and/or a stud receptacle extend the length of the nosing. A cooperating hook and/or stud extend from the drip cap. The drip cap is secured to the nosing by engaging the hook in the hook receptacle and/or the stud in the stud receptacle, in a loose engagement combination. While nosing and drip cap are engaged, the assembly can be secured together by (i) installing fasteners spaced along the length of the assembly or, where hook and hook receptacle are used, (ii) bending the assembly into an arcuate configuration, with the inner flange of the nosing to the inside of the bend. While being bent, the hook and hook receptacle create a tightened locking-type engagement between themselves. Either way, the nosing and the drip cap are substantially permanently locked together.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for using building blocks for construction that does not require mortar, internal columns or additional internal or external finishing. A building block includes joining elements for attaching blocks from top to bottom as well as from side to side. Additionally, blocks have internal and external finishes that are complete. The block includes a removable face for allowing access to space for infrastructural elements like wires and pipes. Thus, after construction of a structure, there is no additional need to paint, hang wallpaper or otherwise treat the outer and inner walls of the final structure.

Abstract: An anchor for securing a metal door frame to a floor comprises a generally planar flange securable in an upright position to an interior surface of the door frame, and a generally planar base extending generally orthogonally with respect to the flange and securable to the floor adjacent the door frame. The base comprises a central portion comprising an inner end adjacent the flange and an opposed outer end defining an outer edge. At least a first tab extends outwardly from the outer end of the central portion and beyond the outer edge.

Abstract: A buck system for forming and framing an opening in a poured concrete foundation includes a plurality of buck sections matching the desired dimension of an opening. Each of the buck sections is affixed to an adjacent buck section forming a closed geometric shape. Each buck section has an inner surface defining an inside dimension of the opening and each of the buck sections has a first channel and a second channel. The first channel snuggly accepts an edge of a first insulated concrete foundation wall of the insulated concrete foundation walls and the second channel snuggly accepts an edge of a second insulated concrete foundation wall of the insulated concrete foundation walls.

Abstract: A portable doorframe installation jig is disclosed, adapted to allow a construction worker to readily install a new doorframe plum, level, and in plane. It also may be used as a brace to retain doorframe position during installation of framing and/or drywall. It may also be used as a reinspection tool after installation of drywall. The door jig further serves the purpose of stabilizing the doorframe, in some embodiments, during construction.

Abstract: A panel-sealing and securing system for securing a panel to a mullion coupled with weather seal pressure gaskets for sealing exterior joints under high wind velocity. The mullion is formed in one piece or in two halves of a split mullion which occurs at the joint between multiple pre-fabricated units of a unitized grid system. The mullion has a concealed front corner cavity adjacent to panel for installing the panel-sealing and securing system. For weather sealing, elastic pressure gaskets and expansion joints comprising panel gasket seals at a joint between the panel and the mullion and mullion gasket seals at a joint between the two halves of split mullion where a unitized split mullion system is used. To securing the panel to the mullion and allow for thermal expansion movement of the panel, two segments formed in one piece or in two hinge connected pieces include a gasket holder segment and a spacer plate segment.

Abstract: Downwind wind turbine with limited yaw, held by guy wires (105) attached to the top of turbine's tower (101), as well as a method of its deployment.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a window sill comprises a structural base having a first side and a second side, a fenestration cap attached to the structural base, a window frame mounted on the fenestration cap and finish elements applied to the structural base and adjacent to the fenestration cap. The window frame may be removed from the fenestration cap without disturbing the finish elements. Alternatively, a method of installing a window in a window opening comprises providing a window opening and preparing the window opening for receiving a fenestration cap, installing a fenestration cap by placement within and attachment to the window opening in a primary step, and installing a window within the window opening by placement within and attachment to the fenestration cap in a secondary step.

Abstract: Carved solid face doors having a raised panel design and methods of manufacture thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, a carved, solid face door may include a solid base having a face and an opposing rear surface, wherein the face has a raised panel design carved into at least one section of the face, the raised panel design framed by flat portions carved into the face; and one or more overlays attached to the flat portions of the face and framing the raised panel to emulate the appearance of a floating raised panel construction.

Abstract: A reverse molded fiberboard panel; a wainscot kit comprising a plurality of differently sized reverse molded panels, and a planar finishing or spacer panel, adapted to completely cover any size wall between a wall base board and a wall chair rail; and a method of reverse molding a loose cellulosic mat, in a single pressing step, to provide one or more relatively high density, raised panels without requiring preliminary pressing, or other pre-shaping step, such as scalping. The reverse-molded panels are molded in a conventional, multi-opening fiberboard press, in a single pressing step process, while achieving excellent transfer of mold detail (embossing fidelity) without visually noticeable fiber fracture.

Abstract: A device is provided to improve the installation of a window frame within a window opening comprising a clip, a track, a base plate, and an elevator attachment. The device of the invention and the method of utilizing the device improve the efficiency and effectiveness of current installation methods by providing rapid installation of a frame that is centered and true and additionally vertically adjustable via an elevator attachment.

Abstract: A method of building a structure, the method including the steps of: 1. fabricating a generally longitudinal, steel sub-structure of the structure with a cable retainer attached to, or forming part of, the substructure and that extends substantially longitudinally therealong; 2. assembling the sub-structure into a structure; 3. inserting a cable into the cable retainer; 4. after step 2, applying a tensile force to the cable relative to the cable retainer; and 5. after step 4, bonding the cable to the cable retainer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of printing an image on an object, such as a door facing or a door. An object having an exterior surface is provided. A first image component is printed on the exterior surface. A first transparent coat is applied on the exterior surface so as to cover the first image component. A second image component is printed on the first transparent coat. Optionally, a second transparent coat is applied to the first transparent coat and second image component so as to cover the first and second image components. The resulting object, such as a door, having the printed image thereon is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices methods, and systems for facilitating the installation of an item to a structure, and including for installation of doors and windows, and in particular for plumbing and/or leveling door/window jambs is provided. The devices may be used for facilitating the alignment of door/window jambs even before shims are installed. The devices may be adjusted to fine tune the installation. When the desired level of adjustment is reached, the jamb may then be permanently installed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securely attaching a screen or mesh to a pre-stressed or precast concrete wall panel are provided. A screen or mesh is embedded in a concrete form when the concrete form is poured. Portions of the concrete form can be stripped and the wall panel can be easily removed from the form without binding on the form itself and without requiring removal of the portion of the form which creates the window opening.

Abstract: Provided is an energy absorber for use in an opening of a wall of a building, the opening defined by a perimeter surface, the wall supporting a closure substantially filling the opening, the closure having respective edges which are substantially parallel to the perimeter surface of the opening. The energy absorber having a planar wall connecting portion, a planar closure connecting portion and a plastically deformable deforming surface therebetween. The connecting portions being substantially parallel to one another and, the deforming surface adapted to absorb, by plastic deformation, a force applied to the closure.

Abstract: A light-transmitting roof panel assembly, having the same shape as adjoining metal roof panels in a standing seam metal roof, includes an outer transparent panel made of a polymeric material and an inner reinforcing panel made of perforated metal. The inner and outer panels nest together and lie flush with the roof. Crimpable side corrugation pieces are attached to the reinforcing panel so that the assembly can be connected to neighboring roof panels by seaming.

Abstract: A flush-mount wall plate system for mounting in a building surface includes a wall flange extrusion assembly with a mounting flange portion and an extrusion member portion. The extrusion member portion has a frame defining an aperture, with a front edge of the frame extending away from a front surface of the mounting flange portion by a pre-determined distance. A cover is inserted into the aperture with a front surface of the cover being substantially co-planar with the front edge of the extrusion member portion and the building surface.

Abstract: A column support footing, and a method for utilizing the same, allows structural columns to be installed after a cement floor is poured rather than pouring the floor after the columns are set. The column support footing comprises an apparatus which is utilized for setting the column after the concrete floor has been poured. The apparatus comprises a column support sleeve which has an upwardly facing open end for receiving the bottom end of the column. Extending downwardly from the apparatus is an anchor member, which is set within a concrete footing member. The concrete floor may be poured after the first concrete footing member has set around a portion of the anchor member. The concrete floor provides lateral support to the column support sleeve. The column may then be placed and secured within the column support sleeve after the concrete floor has been installed for the structure.

Abstract: Described are a new type of storm windows, along with an easy way (and less expensive) of installing the press-fit storm window, on existing frames or windows, without the hassle and expense of replacing the whole window (to save time, cost, and inconvenience), to increase R-value (insulation efficiency) for the windows (i.e. reduce energy waste). This relates to the construction and installation and use of easily installed low cost interior or exterior storm windows, which are attractive and effective in reducing heat and noise transmission. Different approaches and variations to implement this are shown here.

Abstract: A sill is aligned in the vertical direction on a laser line. The alignment of the sill in the horizontal direction is undertaken with a line set of an assembly jig. The line set includes at least two lines, for example a first line and a second line. The first line runs by a first run from the first part of the assembly jig to a third marking of the first line and from there by a second run to the second part of the assembly jig. If the lines are tightened and the marking is at one corner of the sill and the free end of the second line at the other corner of the sill, the sill is aligned in horizontal direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for sealing containment sumps used in connection with underground storage tanks. A sump cover sealing system includes an expansion ring assembly adapted to affix to the interior of the sump, and to fastenably attach with the sump cover to removably seal the sump cover to the sump. A contraction band assembly is also provided to affix to the exterior of the sump opposite the expansion ring assembly. Methods of using the system are described. A sump cover with an observation portal is provided.

Abstract: A barrier comprised of a collar defining the form factor of the barrier and a plurality of slidably connected and nested rods creating a continuous barrier conforming to the form factor of the collar. While the collar defines the form factor of the barrier, the slidable rods can be adjusted in their relative positions along the form factor to provide for a barrier that conforms to the contours of the application surface. The barrier may include means to attach the apparatus to the decking and caps to seal the apparatus during construction activities. The rods are interconnected one to another so that the rods can be connected into a continuous barrier. The rods are able to slide relative to each other along the interlocking structure. When the device is set into position, rods may be slid into a barrier structure that conforms to both planar and non-planar surfaces of the application surface. As such, the apparatus provides an effective barrier for further construction processes, e.g.

Abstract: The Invention relates to Vision Panel Assembly for a twin sheet door/window and a method of installation. The vision panel assembly comprises of a frame, brackets, a vision panel and securing means for fastening the vision panel assembly. In one embodiment of the invention the vision panel is installed equidistant from either sheet of the twin sheet door/window. In a second embodiment the vision panel is installed to one side of the vision panel assembly to rest against the cutout in the Outside sheet of the twin sheet door/window. The method of installing the vision panel assembly comprises the steps of making cutouts of equal or unequal dimensions on both sheets of the door/window, fixing the frame members onto the inner surface of the sheets of the twin sheet door/window to form the frame and securing the vision panel into position in the frame with the help of brackets which are fastened into the frame using securing means.

Abstract: A weatherproofing backer for installing windows and doors is described as having a foam layer and an adhesive layer. The adhesive is pressure-activated and is self-sealing about attaching hardware. The foam is self-setting and, in use, molds to the flange of the window unit. When installed, the foam layer is compressed between the inner window frame and rough opening and between the window flange and the wall surface adjacent the rough opening. The weatherproofing backer is designed to extend beyond the flange of the window unit and thereby receive the weatherproofing membrane thereover. The weatherproofing backer, then acts as a sealed bridge between the membrane and the window unit precluding entry of air and water. Both the foam and the adhesive have fire retardants in the formulation thereof. A tape form with a self-skinned foam layer and a sheet form, with polymeric covering web are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wood composite panel having a major planar portion, at least one panel portion, and an inwardly extending contoured portion surrounding the panel portion and interconnecting the major planar portion and the panel portion. The contoured portion defines an inter-relationship between a vector angle and a deep draw depth that achieve a satisfactory stretch factor. The present invention also relates to a door having the disclosed wood composite door facings, and methods of forming the facing and door.

Abstract: Provided is an energy absorber for use in an opening of a wall of a building, the opening defined by a perimeter surface, the wall supporting a closure substantially filling the opening, the closure having respective edges which are substantially parallel to the perimeter surface of the opening. The energy absorber having a planar wall connecting portion, a planar closure connecting portion and a plastically deformable deforming surface therebetween. The connecting portions being substantially parallel to one another and, the deforming surface adapted to absorb, by plastic deformation, a force applied to the closure.

Abstract: A window casing system includes a kit to completely finish the insides of windows in homes and offices. An installer provides key measurements of the window opening height, width, and depth, to the factory. Custom pre-finished jambs, casings, sills, and aprons are then packaged and delivered in a kit to the jobsite for installation. Plastic fasteners with ribbed shanks are included in the kit for the installer to press into holes and dados in the jambs, casings, and sill to permanently join them together. The top corner miters of the side and top casings are joined with unique, ribbed plastic corner elbows for tight, perfectly aligned joints. The whole is then either nailed, glued, or otherwise fastened into the window opening.

Abstract: Roof load supports support e.g. skylights and/or smoke vents, optionally including two or more closures in end-to-end relationship, from ribs of a metal roof. Where skylights are end-to-end over an aperture, mating strips support the skylights between upper and lower ends of the support structure. Supports of the invention are mounted above the water line whereby the number of water leaks about the mounting structure is greatly reduced. Water leakage is further reduced by re-designing the upper diverter and the lower closure, and providing for a second installation step. Condensation is further reduced by lifting the insulation inside the building to cover the sides of the closure support structure and providing a no-fastener securement of the insulation at an upper location in the closure support structure, and by providing thermally insulating materials as barriers to penetrating portions of fasteners, penetrating from outside the climate controlled building envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a corner bead to a doorway is provided. The apparatus may comprise a flange and an attachment base which are integrally connected to each other. The attachment base is securable to a doorframe such that upon securement, the flange and the doorframe form a receiving channel for receiving the corner bead therein. Such configuration maintains the structural integrity of the doorframe, maintains the length of the exposed edge of the doorframe and reduces cost to install the corner bead to the doorway.

Abstract: A starter bracket is attached to a wall and a mould trim piece is inserted therein such that a pair of opposed legs of the bracket engage respective longitudinal edges of the trim piece. A back plate of the bracket extends vertically and on one side has a longer L-shaped formation extending forward and laterally, and at the other side, a shorter leg extending forward and laterally. The inner edge of the shorter leg is preferably in the form of a compressible edge. The back plate is nailed to a wall, the longer leg of the bracket is inserted in one slot on one side of the trim piece, and a short slot on the other side of the trim piece is snapped onto the shorter leg to complete the installation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for installing a window or other fenestra-mounted object between joists in a structure having a ceiling. The method for installing a fenestra-mounted object into a structure having a ceiling supported by joists, comprising the steps of: creating a void between two joists of the structure, with at least some portion of the void being above the plane of the bottom of the joists; creating an opening in an exterior covering of the structure aligned with the void such that light or air external to the structure may enter the structure through the opening and the void; and installing a fenestra-mounted object in the void. Trim or a preformed trim component may be installed around the interior and exterior portions of the fenestra-mounted object to give a finished appearance.

Abstract: A flangeless mounting system, suitable for in-wall speakers and other components, includes a panel that is finished to provide at least a superficially continuous junction between the edges of the panel and the surrounding wall, ceiling, or other structure. A rim advantageously extends outwardly from a first surface of the panel by a small distance, which in currently preferred embodiments is about 1/16th inch to ?th inch,. A collar is preferably installed about the inner edge of the opening, and a receiver is attached to the collar or directly to the panel. Magnetic, threaded, detent, and frictional means are contemplated for maintaining the component in position relative to the receiver.

Abstract: A method of molding an inexpensive door skin with stylized panels using machined wooden strips which extend around the panel areas to simulate the appearance of a solid wood door. Wood veneer sections are placed on the mold around the wood strips and in between the panel areas and the laid up assembly is compressed by molding to form a door skin having the appearance of a solid wood door surface with raised panels. A backing of fiberboard such as MDF or similar material is placed against the back of the laid up assembly prior to compression. In another embodiment a door blank is shaped and veneer and strips are laid up on a mold. The door blank and mold are compressed to form a door with a finished surface. The shaped door blank serves as a mold component and as the interior of the finished door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for skylight tube have been disclosed. In one version spacing between diffusers is substantially between 0.5? to 0.75?.

Abstract: The window system has a substantially rectangular frame structure having four corner sections (1b) and being adapted to be installed in a roof structure and a bracket arrangement comprising a set of bracket units (6b), each bracket unit including a base element (10b) mounted at each corner section of the frame structure. Each bracket unit furthermore comprises at least one supplemental element (20b,40b) adapted to be detachably connected to said base element. One supplemental element comprises a leg element (20b) adapted to be detachably connected to the base element, preferably rotatably and detachably connected with the base element.

Abstract: An energy absorber for use in an opening of a wall of a building, the opening defined by a perimeter surface, the wall supporting a closure substantially filling the opening, the closure having respective edges which are substantially parallel to the perimeter surface of the opening. The energy absorber having a planar wall connecting portion, a planar closure connecting portion and a plastically deformable deforming surface therebetween. The connecting portions being substantially parallel to one another and, the deforming surface adapted to absorb, by plastic deformation, a force applied to the closure.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for installation within a garage door having front and rear exposed surfaces and one or more window openings. The assembly includes front and rear window frame members which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The front and rear members are brought toward each other to sandwich the borders of the door panel defining the window opening and while also capturing an associated transparent pane. The rear frame member has a rib formed about an inner peripheral edge which is received in locking engagement within a cooperating peripheral groove provided on an inner side of the transparent panel. The rib and groove locking arrangement transfers impact forces on the pane to deformation forces on the front and rear frame members. A series of fastening members are used to hold the front and rear frame members securely against each other.

Abstract: A blind frame for a window or door, the blind frame including a channel defined by the blind frame, the channel extending at least partially around the periphery of the blind frame and defining a space between the frame and an adjacent wall, the space being adapted and configured to receive an amount of concrete so as to affix the frame to the wall. The blind frame may include an accessory compartment including a housing defining an external surface adapted and configured to support an amount of concrete and embed said housing in said wall opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower part for a wind turbine including at least one wall segment and at least one aperture segment including at least one aperture. The wall segment and the aperture segment are connected and the aperture segment is of a substantially uniform thickness and is thicker than the thickness of the wall segment. The invention further related to an aperture cover system for covering at least one aperture in a tower part for a wind turbine including cover plates and attachments for attaching the system to the tower part, wherein the attachments do not affect the fatigue limit of the tower part. Finally, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a wind turbine tower part and uses thereof.

Abstract: A hollow metal door using hollow structural sections with closed cross section, along with the method for making same, is described herein.

Abstract: A plastic window frame trim is for installation of a window in a corrugated metal building wall having a cut opening with a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges, each of the edges being backed by framing members. The window frame trim includes: a frame header J-channel with a flange; a frame footer J-channel with a flange; a pair of nailing fins; and fasteners. The trim header J-channel, footer J-channel, and nailing fins are attached to the window frame. The window frame is lifted so frame header J-channel flange slides between the top edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the top of the cut opening. The window is lowered so footer J-channel flange slides between the bottom edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the bottom of the cut opening so that window frame rest on the window sill. Fasteners attach the window frame to the framing members through the metal building wall. Trim caps snap over the nailing fins to finish the trimmed window.

Abstract: A window film anchoring device is disclosed which comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member between which a free film portion of a film affixed to a window pane is inserted. The first and second engagement members are attached to a corresponding window frame portion, and film engaging surfaces of the first engagement member are in interlocking and lateral motion preventing relation with complementary film engaging surfaces of the second engagement member so as to maintain a constant pressing force on the free film portion. The anchoring device is adapted to be a retrofit kit, and is able to be easily attached to an existing window frame, in order to increase the impact or impulse resistance of the window pane. The anchoring device may also be factory assembled to a newly produced frame.

Abstract: An external grille assembly for a door. The external grille assembly can include a door insert. The insert can have a translucent panel, an exterior frame with screw bosses, an interior frame with screw bosses attached to the exterior frame, a connector hole formed in one of the screw bosses, and a connector engaged within the connector hole. The connector can provide attachment between the insert and an external grille. The external grille can be removably and pivotably mounted to the insert and connector with a pin. The connector can include a first plate connected to a second plate, a first tubular disposed within the connector hole, a fastener engaging the first tubular within the connector hole and attaching the connector to the insert, and a second tubular for receiving the pin. Also disclosed is a method a making the external grille assembly.

Abstract: A method of effecting an attic conversion includes: a) providing a bed base and a headboard, b) forming an opening in a wall of the attic, c) attaching the headboard to the wall of the attic above the opening, d) providing and installing a track and e) so mounting the bed base on the track that it can be moved between a position in which it projects substantially wholly from the opening and a position in which only a minor part of the bed base projects from the opening.

Abstract: A structural adhesive tape includes a closed cell silicone foam support and a structural adhesive composition on opposing sides of the closed cell silicone foam support. The structural adhesive composition may be a condensation reaction curable pressure sensitive adhesive composition. The structural adhesive tape is useful in structural glazing applications, such as curtain wall applications.

Abstract: A window insert system that advantageously provides a high strength mounting system for windows to be positioned within an opening is provided. The window insert system for mounting the window into a an opening formed in a door or other structural element includes a mounting channel connected to a door or other structural element, a window rail to overlie the mounting channel and support a window therein, and a window securing member to engage a portion of the window rail to secure the window. The window rail may include an outer surface portion, an inner sidewall, an exterior sidewall, and a window carrying member. The window may be positioned between the window carrying member and the window securing member.

Abstract: Door systems and door hardware components are described herein, along with methods of installing the door systems and components.

Abstract: A header assembly for a movable partition includes an overhead track and a header pan. The header pan is configured to extend from the overhead track to an adjoining structure. The header pan, the overhead track, or a combination of both may form a fire-resistant barrier extending from a wall of the adjoining structure to an opposing wall of the adjoining structure. Movable partition systems may include header assemblies. Methods of forming header assemblies include positioning a header pan proximate to an overhead track and extending the header pan between a first wall and a second wall to at least substantially occlude a section of space therebetween. Methods of installing a movable partition include securing an overhead track to an overhead support structure, securing a retainer clip to an adjoining structure, extending a header pan from the overhead track to the retainer clip, and suspending a partition from the track.