Abstract: A prefabricated modular panel, comprising a framework that includes a plurality of lattices, with a lattice of the plurality of lattices comprising a first elongated member and a second elongated member that are spaced apart and juxtapose laterally parallel, forming an axial length of the lattice. Further included is a third member substantially transversally oriented at an angle along the axial length of the lattice, with the third member coupling the first elongated member with the second elongated member to form the lattice, with the plurality of lattices forming the framework. The plurality of lattices are coupled with one another in parallel by a solidified filler material forming a single piece, unitary modular panel.

Abstract: A method of making and utilizing a column assembly module for a building framework includes providing an elongate column member for being vertically disposed as part of a vertically elongate column assembly of a building framework. And securing to the elongate column member a spaced apart pair of horizontally elongate and vertically and horizontally extending side plates. The step of securing includes locating an inner surface of at least one side plate member and an outside opposing vertical edge of the column member so that a vertical interface plane lies at an interface of the inner surface of the at least one side plate member and the outside opposing vertical edge. During erection of the building framework a full-length beam assembly is disposed at an end portion thereof between the pair of projecting side plates to be connected thereto providing a beam-to-column joint assembly of the building framework.

Abstract: A method for forming a brick façade positioning assembly includes positioning a plurality of bricks in a specified wall pattern. A film is placed over the bricks, and the film is molded over the bricks to form a custom brick film tray. The custom brick film tray includes brick shaped tray recesses in the specified wall pattern. The plurality of bricks are positioned within the brick shaped tray recesses. Optionally, a liquid setting material is poured on the custom brick film tray and the plurality of bricks to form a brick façade wall. The brick façade wall includes the bricks in the specified wall pattern provided by the custom brick film tray.

Abstract: Method for producing a heating panel, and heating panel resulting therefrom. In a first platform, a stack of a sound-proof and moisture-proof material and a thermal insulating material, through which shock-absorbing poles having protecting caps are inserted by a predetermined interval, is prepared. A lower thermal energy storage plate is attached to the thermal insulating material in a second platform, a heat conduction steel plate is attached to the lower thermal energy storage plate in a third platform, and an upper thermal energy storage plate is attached to the heat conduction steel plate in a fourth platform. Rivet holes are perforated through the thermal energy storage plates, heat conduction steel plate, and protecting caps in a fifth platform, and rivets are into the holes in a sixth platform. The rivets are riveted in a seventh platform, completing the complex heating panel. The completed panel is transported in an eighth platform.

Abstract: A pre-notched drip edge assembly and related method includes a plurality of drip edge sections interconnected end-to-end to form a continuous water barrier along a roof edge. Each drip edge section has a formed one-piece construction with a top flange and a bottom flange having an inverted L-shape with upper and lower legs. The forward edges of the top flange and the upper leg are integrally interconnected along a folded-over nose having a wedge-shape. A pair of notches are formed in the opposite ends of each drip edge section which extend through the upper edge of the lower leg and the forward edges of the upper leg and the top flange to define flat end tab areas that are inserted into the noses of the next adjacent drip edge sections to horizontally and vertically locate the same along the building roof.

Abstract: A shingle layer of shingle is provided having an increased thickness adhesive coating on at least a portion of its rear surface, with granules embedded therein, with the granules being of a size range that is larger than the fine particles normally applied to the rear surface of a shingle layer.

Abstract: A truss assembly system may include a truss assembly station. The truss assembly station may be configured to enable assembly of a truss from truss members via an automatic sequential placement of the truss members based at least in part upon a planned location of pre-plated truss members within an assembled truss. The pre-plated truss members may be truss members including at least one connector plate installed thereon prior to placement at the truss assembly station.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing synthetic construction elements that replaces lumber. A synthetic composition is provided containing cementitious material, synthetic fibers, and low-density particulate material. At least one polymer may be added to improve performance. The density of the synthetic composition is controlled by varying the volume of the low-density particulate material in the mix. Reinforcement elements are provided. The reinforcement elements are preferably pre-stressed or post-stressed in tension. The synthetic compound is molded around the reinforcement elements to form a construction element of a particular shape. The molding of the synthetic material around the reinforcement elements can be a two-step process. In the first step, a first synthetic compound of a high density is molded into a rough form around the reinforcement elements. A second synthetic compound of a lower density and strength is then molded around the rough form to complete the construction element.

Abstract: A method of mechanically joining wood panels side edge to side edge by cutting grooves into the side edges of at least two panels that are to be joined together with a connector with no loss of top or bottom panel surface, cutting a first step edge groove into the side edge of a panel at an angle “s” of between 10 degrees and 75 degrees, cutting a second step edge opposite the first step edge groove into the side edge of the panel at an angle “s” of between 10 degrees and 75 degrees, cutting an angle “e” of an entrance ramp along the first step edge groove at an angle of between 0 degrees and 45 degrees, cutting an angle “e” of the entrance ramp along the second step edge groove at an angle of between 0 degrees and 45 degrees.

Abstract: Molding is formed by first making a longitudinally extending cut in the bottom wall of a conventional eavestrough in order to separate the eavestrough into two segments. The inner portion of the bottom wall is then attached to the exterior wall of a building beneath its eaves or elsewhere such that the back wall of the eavestrough projects outwardly. The front wall of the eavestrough is then hung from the projecting back wall so that it extends downwardly and inwardly toward the exterior wall of the building. The eavestrough is cut by means of a machine having a guide plate and a pair of cutting wheels. The guide plate has an opening of a shape similar to that of the cross-section of the eavestrough but slightly larger so that as the eavestrough is fed through the opening it is guided by the guide plate. The cutting wheels are positioned such that after the eavestrough exits from the opening, its bottom wall passes between the wheels where it is cut.

Abstract: The embodiments presented herein include systems and methods for mitigating fatigue and fracture in mast-and-arm supporting structures caused by wind and other excitation forces. In particular, the embodiments presented herein utilize pre-stressed devices to reduce tensile stresses in arm-to-mast connections and/or mast-to-foundation connections of the traffic signal supporting structures. Present embodiments may employ stressed cables, post-tensioned bars (e.g., DYWIDAG bars), threaded rods, and so forth, to mitigate fatigue and fracture in the traffic signal supporting structures.

Abstract: Floor panel, more particularly a laminate floor panel, wherein this floor panel comprises a decor, a top layer on the basis of synthetic material, and an underlying substrate (13), whether or not composed of several layers or parts, wherein the floor panel (1), in the surface over which the decor (10) extends, is provided with embossed portions.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel cartridge for mounting a plurality of photovoltaic panels and method of its construction are described. The photovoltaic panel cartridge is formed from a unitary frame with internal beams and struts for stability. The photovoltaic panels are inserted into channels within the frame, struts, and/or the internal beams in order to be mounted to the photovoltaic panel cartridge and secured to mounting regions on a different one of the frame, struts, and/or internal beams. The photovoltaic panel cartridge is configured to be stacked upon similarly configured photovoltaic panel cartridges for ease in transport and to reduce damage to the photovoltaic panels during transport. The photovoltaic panel cartridge may be slidably mounted to rails of a support structure.

Abstract: A method of assembling an inflatable shell of a structure comprises folding a plurality of shell sections about a set of fold lines and integrating the plurality of shell sections together with one another to form the shell. In another embodiment, an inflatable shell comprises a plurality of shell sections, each shell section having two pairs of fold lines for folding into stowage comprising a first gore section having a plurality of first gore panels layered and collectively folded about at a first set of fold lines. Each layer of the first gore panels and second gore panels are configured such that, once the first gore panel and second gore panel are attached to one another at the respective side edges of each panel, the lines of attachment forming a second set of fold lines for the shell section. A system and method for fabricating gore panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: An outside corner patch for TPO roofing is formed from a circular piece of TPO membrane material being vacuum formed to define an array of flutes that extend from the center of the piece toward its edges. The flutes form ridges and valleys that generally are shaped as conical sections with the apex of the conical sections located at the center of the patch. The number and size of the flutes is optimized in such a way that, when the flutes are stretched flat, the patch conforms to and fits flat against the surfaces of an outside corner formed by the intersection of a roof deck with an upward protrusion from the roof. The TPO outside corner patch is applied over the corner and thermally welded to surrounding TPO membranes on the roof deck and the protrusion to form a watertight seal at the outside corner.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement system that utilizes a lath for receiving cementitious material. Lath is affixed to support structure such as sheathing supported by studs as may commonly be found in building construction. Strip members are affixed to the lath and function as fastener guides. Fasteners penetrate the strips for affixing lath and strips to the support structure. The strips are made of a compressible material that protects the lath from damage due to impacts associated with installing the fasteners and forms a gasket-like seal around the fasteners. Strips may be used as drainage guides for directing water that may flow behind the lath. The width of the strips creates spacing between the lath and the support structure, which allows for controlling of a thickness of a base layer of cementitious material by selecting a desired width. In another embodiment, entangled filaments are used as lath material for receiving cementitious material.

Abstract: A steel reinforced concrete (PSRC) column is prefabricated with angle steels at the corners. The column has auxiliary reinforcement bars between the angle steels and tie bars surround the angle steels and auxiliary reinforcement bars. Column capital steel plates are fixed to the structure, outside the angle steels and the auxiliary reinforcement bars. Column capital reinforcing steel plates are diagonally attached inside the PSRC column. A mold is used to fill the column with cement.

Abstract: A structural tie 10 is made from at least one layer of composite material 20. The composite material has a polymer matrix filled with at least one reinforcing material. In one embodiment, the matrix is a thermoplastic and the reinforcing material is fibers encapsulated by the thermoplastic. A structural tie 10 may be selectively formable, in situ, by applying heat to cause the matrix material to soften. Once softened, the structural tie can be conformed to an adjacent surface. The structural tie may include layers 20, 22 of composite material bonded to one another. Optionally, the structural tie is a hybrid of a composite material and a metallic material bonded together. A structural tie may be heat-bondable to a structural member 24.

Abstract: A tube structure, and a method for assembling the tube structure, is provided, that is particularly useful in a solar heating system. The tube structure comprises, (a) a tube formed into a predetermined (e.g. coiled) configuration, (b) at least one rafter which engages the tube in a manner designed to hold the tube in the predetermined configuration, and (c) a plurality of snippets connected at predetermined locations to the rafter, the snippets extending away from a_bottom surface of the rafter, and configured to (i) hold the rafter away from the substrate to allow flow of water and debris along the substrate without interference from the rafter, and (ii) allow relative movement of the rafter and tube relative to the snippets during expansion and contraction of the tube structure.

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: Techniques for reinforcing concrete using rebar are disclosed. Some example embodiments may include prestressed concrete structures reinforced by twisted, threaded reinforcing bars. An example reinforcing bar for a prestressed concrete structure may include an elongated, generally cylindrical rod; an external thread disposed on the generally cylindrical rod, the external thread formed from an elongated, generally nonlinear channel wrapped about a radial surface of the generally cylindrical rod in a generally helical fashion. A base portion of the nonlinear channel may be disposed substantially against the radial surface of the generally cylindrical rod and/or an upstanding portion of the nonlinear channel may extend generally orthogonally from the radial surface of the generally cylindrical rod.

Abstract: An example method of expanding a highway have a multiple lanes passing under a highway overpass bridge having a center pier is described. The center pier may be between lanes passing in opposite directions. The center pier may be replaced with two replacement central piers having a gap there between. Additional lanes may be added through the gap between the replacement central piers. Various methods of construction and detailed designs for such bridges are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for locating anchor points embedded within building structures are presented. Anchor points within a building structure (e.g., column, pillar, floor, wall, etc.) can be covered by an anchor point cover to prevent the anchor point from becoming contaminated by poured concrete used to form the building structure. The anchor point cover can be placed so that a top portion of cover is just beneath the surface of the concrete building structure. In addition, an anchor point locator can be placed near the anchor point. Once the poured concrete hardens, the anchor point can be located by detecting a signal originating from the anchor point locator. One can remove hardened covering material and the anchor point cover to reveal the anchor point.

Abstract: A synthetic roofing shingle or tile is provided, in which a core material is formed, of generally less expensive material, and with a skin material provided, disposed on a plurality of surfaces of the shingle or tile, with the skin material being generally of greater expense and having desirable weather-withstanding qualities.

Abstract: A method of forming a panel having a core of a wood material or wood material/plastic mixture and a top side and an underside is provided. The method includes forming a profile corresponding to one another on at least a first side edge and a second side edge lying opposite one another. The method further includes forming a hook connection with an upper locking section having a hook element and a lower locking section having a hook element which effects the locking in the horizontal direction, and forming at least one spring element movable in the horizontal direction which effects the locking in the vertical direction (V). The at least one spring element is free in the direction of the first side edge lying opposite by an essentially vertical slot. In the method of manufacturing, the panel is moved at a constant speed when the essentially vertical slot is formed.

Abstract: A connector assembly for accurately projecting fasteners for connecting two building members together while permitting limited relative motion between the members. The assembly includes a plate having one or more longitudinal slots. The plate is secured to or a part of one of the building members. The plate is connected to the other building member by fasteners projected through breakaway washers formed in the slots. The breakaway washers each have an opening for guiding the fastener and centering the fastener on the slot. Centering the fastener on the slot prevents inadvertent clamping of the plate and the other building member together so that limited relative motion is permitted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel wooden wall or ceiling paneling or flooring manufactured from wine or whiskey cask staves having a desirable patina that emits a scent having a bouquet resembling the wine or whiskey that was aged in the cask, as well as a method to manufacture the wooden paneling or flooring that includes the steps of first straightening the curved cask staves, and then milling the non-stained surface layer of the straightened wine cask staves to a predetermined thickness and hand scrapping or shaving a portion of the stained surface layer of the wine cask stave to remove any splintering that may have occurred during the stave straightening process. The straightened, milled and hand scraped or shaved stave is affixed to a wall or predetermined sub flooring surface with the stained, hand scraped surface layer remaining exposed for viewing or foot traffic and to permit the release of the wine, whiskey or other spirit bouquet into the room.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for sticking edging material (12, 10) onto lightweight building boards (1) comprising two thin-walled outer layers (2, 4) and a core layer (6) of lightweight filler material disposed between the outer layers, having the steps: provision of a lightweight building board (1), a decor edge (10) and a stabilizing edge (12), and sticking on of the decor edge (10) and/or the stabilizing edge (12) in the region of a narrow surface (1?) of the lightweight building board (1). The process according to the invention is characterized in that the stabilizing edge (12) is introduced into a section between two outer layers (2, 4) in the region of the narrow surface (1?) without having first created a recess of at least one outer layer and/or of the core layer in this section, said recess corresponding substantially to the stabilizing edge.

Abstract: A net layer (32) defines the shell (40) of a building, carried by any necessary supports. A hardening layer (34) is applied to fix the shape of the net layer (32) and to establish wall, roof, and floor. Optionally the shell is of sufficient strength to receive application of further layers in order to define an exoskeleton. Structures of roof sections include parallel-sided segments and converging-sided segments, with troughed or domed section shapes. Structures of walls include opposed shell sides (35), (78) and central filler layers (70), together defining an exoskeleton. Posts (72) can add additional structural capacities for supporting walls, roof and floor and can be formed integrally of net (32) and hardener (34).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of prefabricated compound masonry units and methods of producing the same. One embodiment of a prefabricated compound masonry unit comprises at least one course comprising a plurality of blocks mortared to form a layer, the at least one course having a top surface and a bottom surface each having a first side and a second side. Longitudinal tension reinforcement is provided along at least a portion of a length of the at least one course and held with bonding material.

Abstract: Fluted core sandwich panels are joined together to form a composite structure. Variations in panel ends are accommodated by a core stiffener insert installed in a joint between ends of the panels.

Abstract: A reinforcing element (10) for structural concrete construction comprising a rod-shaped bar (11) having a cross-sectional enlargement on at least one end thereof. The rod shaped member (11) comprises an elbow portion (12) on said at least one end being embedded in a protection block (15), thereby forming said enlargement. The method for producing the reinforcing element and the corresponding reinforced structural concrete construction are also provided.

Abstract: A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.

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 decorative structure comprises a frame completely surrounding a space and a front and rear barrier material applied to front and rear surfaces of the frame enclosing the space to form a three dimensional structure. The space located between the front and rear barrier material and the frame, is filled with pieces of waste glass, or other recycled material, which has been processed to have smoothened surfaces and provide a decorative appearance. At least the front barrier material has sufficient transparency so that the decorative appearance of the waste material held behind the barrier is visible.

Abstract: A composite integrated module may be used in a method for constructing a building. The module includes at least a floor member, and can also include a sidewall members installed on the floor member, and a ceiling member installed on the sidewall members. The floor member, sidewall members, and ceiling member can be connected to each other form an internal space. The floor member, sidewall members, and ceiling member have a formwork facing the internal space. Anchor members are mounted on the outer side of at least one of the formworks so as not to project into the internal space. A structure may be disposed in the internal space and mounted to the formwork with the anchor members by connecting removable tightening apparatuses to the anchor members from the internal space.

Abstract: A wall panel comprises a base layer comprising fiberglass board, an intermediate layer comprising molded fiberglass board, and a facer layer comprising glass textile. The wall panel provides consumers with greater options and flexibility in terms of room aesthetics as well as provides additional advantages over current basement finishing systems having fabric facer layers.

Abstract: A modular construction system is made of a plurality of panels having peripheral frame elements defining a top channel, a bottom channel, and side channels. An exterior planar sheet and an interior planar sheet element enclose an inner core region that is filled with an adhesive bonding material that attaches the components together.

Abstract: To further prevent stairway falls, an otherwise conventional handrail, of the type that is mounted on the sidewall of a stairway and has an upper portion which is configured to be easily grasped by one utilizing, is modified by providing it with a two-part cavity in the interior of the handrail, with its first part being a slot that extends from the handrails' exterior surface and its second part being a bore that is situated in the handrail's interior and joined with the slot so as to make the bore accessible from the handrail's exterior surface. This modified handrail is also to provided with a wrist securing device that works in cooperation with the handrail's cavity for keeping the wrist of a user in close proximity to the handrail when the user is traversing the stairway.

Abstract: An uninsulated section comprising a first section element and a second section element is described; the first section element comprises a first cavity for housing a portion of a first heat-insulating body and a second cavity for housing a portion of a second heat-insulating body; the second section element comprises a third cavity for housing another portion of the first heat-insulating body and a fourth cavity for housing another portion of the second heat-insulating body. The uninsulated section also comprises a partition connecting the first section element and the second section element. Advantageously, the partition may be situated between the first and the second cavity and between the third and the fourth cavity.

Abstract: A reinforcement for buildings is provided. The reinforcement is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic in the reinforcement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a thatch roofing material for building construction, the apparatus includes a pair of stanchions, a supporting frame, at least one holding member for holding the container, a first shaft extending substantially perpendicular to each stanchion of the pair of stanchions, and a blade coupled to the first shaft for cutting the container.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing terrazzo tiles and tiles manufactured in accordance with the method is described. A resin, curing agent, filler, and pigment are poured into a mold. Stone chips are then poured into the mold to settle with the majority at the bottom of the mold. Thereafter, curing occurs to result in rough tiles which are ground and then polished with the upper surface being the resulting tile surface at which the majority of the stones settle. The tiles are assembled onto a floor with grout lines resulting from spacing of the tiles, one from another. Grout is then poured in and skived, and the floor polished to result in a sealed monolithic surface.

Abstract: A hurricane tie fastener and method are provided for securing a truss to a wall structural member. The fastener includes upper and lower vertical perpendicular plates with respective nail-receiving through holes formed therein. A horizontal arm extends from adjacent the bottom of the upper plate away from the lower plate. A leg extends upwardly from the arm. A truss-receiving space is formed between the upper plate and leg having a top entrance opening for receiving the bottom of the truss when the fastener is moved upwardly relative to the truss. The fastener is self-supporting on the truss to make the nailing of the fastener to the truss and wall member easier and safer.

Abstract: A method of making a flooring element. The flooring element is a tile formed of a polymer with embedded filler material. The filler material includes abrasive particles adjacent the top surface and a resilient or rubber-like material. The bottom surface of the tile includes a plurality of particles embedded in and extending from the bottom, which enables the tile to be securely adhered to a substrate. One embodiment of a method of making the tile includes adding a first layer containing a filler material to a mold, vibrating the mold to cause the heavier filler material to sink, applying a plurality of particles to the top of the polymer mixture in the mold, and polymerizing the mixture in the mold. In another embodiment, a second layer including resilient particles is added to the mold above the first layer before the mold is vibrated.

Abstract: A retaining wall block having a rear flange and a mold box and method of making the block. The mold box is configured with a mold cavity that includes a vertical flange forming cavity extending from the top of the mold box to the bottom of the mold box.

Abstract: An automated method of building construction utilizes a horizontal force to extrude a structural member formed from a plurality of elongate joists, upper panels, and lower panels. An apparatus for automating building construction includes an upper panel bay and feeder, a joist array and feeder, and a lower panel bay and feeder. The machine positions each joist and upper and lower panels into an installation position where fastening means forms the structural member, which is advanced out of the apparatus.

Abstract: A shingle layer of shingle is provided having an increased thickness adhesive coating on at least a portion of its rear surface, with granules embedded therein, with the granules being of a size range that is larger than the fine particles normally applied to the rear surface of a shingle layer.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling tile unit comprising a tile body made of mineral fibre material, a surface layer and a guide. The tile body has a front side, a rear side and at least one side edge, and the surface layer is arranged on said front side of said tile body. A groove is provided in said rear side of said tile body dividing said tile body into a first tile body section and a second tile body section. Said guide is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of said first tile body section in relation to said second tile body section by folding about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of said groove. The invention further relates to a method for forming a ceiling tile unit.