Abstract: A window corner flashing device includes a first and a second member. The first member includes a first section which is disposed adjacent a second section and is angled thereto. The first section and second section have a first edge and second edge, respectively, wherein the first member includes a first continuous flange disposed along the first and second edges of the first and second sections, respectively. The second member includes a first section having a third edge and a second section having a fourth edge. The second member further includes a first continuous mating edge which is disposed along the third and the fourth edge thereof. The first member is affixed to the second member by having the first continuous flange permanently affixed to the first continuous mating edge.

Abstract: A thin brick and method of forming a thin brick having a generally rectangular base portion with a plurality of laterally extending tabs extending therefrom is provided. An outer perimeter edge of each tab and a respective opposite side of the base portion has a precise dimension. A decorative upper portion is integrally formed with the base portion and has a generally rectangular shape, sized and shaped to substantially match the size and shape of the base portion. The upper portion extending from the base portion has a thickness that is at least equal to a thickness of the base portion.

Abstract: A portable light-emitting stage component including a deck supported by a support portion comprising at least one light-producing element, a first side, a second side substantially parallel the first side, a first end connected to the first side and the second side, and a second end substantially parallel the first end, the second end connected to the first side and the second side. The at least one light-producing element directs light through the deck. The first side includes a first rotatable latch member comprising a first hook. The first side and the axis of rotation of the first rotatable latch member are substantially coplanar or parallel. The second side includes a first receiving member comprising a first post. The support portion includes a protrusion protruding from a side or end selected from the group consisting of the first side, the second side, the first end, and the second end.

Abstract: A method for installing a modular fireplace mantel surrounding a fireplace in a wall utilizing a unique leaf spring bracket. The leaf spring bracket for a modular fireplace mantel comprises a base plate, an upper lip, a lower lip, a left side lip and a right side lip attached to said base, said four lips defining a recess, a slot cut in the meeting edges of the base plate and the upper and lower lips, an extension attached to each of said left side and right side lips, each extension having one or more holes through which connectors may pass, an arcuate shaped leaf spring adapted to fit into said recess, both ends of said leaf spring having a reverse arc adapted to fit into said slots.

Abstract: Universal master boards and methods of making flush door skins and doors from the universal master boards are disclosed. The universal master boards each have an expansive surface with a graphic design of at least first depressions and second depressions in at least first and second surface regions, respectively. The first depressions simulate a first wood grain pattern, and the second depressions simulate a second wood grain pattern aligned in a different direction than the simulated first wood grain pattern. The universal master boards may be cut and demarcated selectively to establish different assortments of simulated wood patterns and different ornamental features, such as stiles and rails.

Abstract: A mold and a process for non-manually cleaning the undercut along the bottom edge of the division plate which with a pallet under the mold defines a lip-forming subcavity results in a dry cast concrete block with an inside lip radius that is controlled to be within certain tolerances. Non-manually cleaning the undercut during the molding process can include spraying a jet of fluid, such as compressed air, at the undercut.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of constructing a building roof made from Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) which is coated on the inside and outside with Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC). The building roof is designed in a CAD program. The roof is then constructed of beams, such as I-shaped beams, of foam and GFRC.

Abstract: Floorboards for installation of floors in herringbone pattern are formed with two opposite sides inverted relative to each other. The invention further comprises methods for producing and making floorings comprising such floorboards, as well as fitting pieces and sets of parts for such floorings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roof shingle comprising a shingle with at least one layer having a head lap and a butt, the head lap including at least one alignment notch and the butt including at least one corner that corresponds to the alignment notch. Also, the present invention provides a roofing shingle comprising at least one layer formed from a cutting cylinder having a circumference that is a fraction of said roofing shingle length. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the inventive shingles and a method for installing the inventive shingles upon a roofing area.

Abstract: A method of forming multiple horizontal structural members is disclosed. The method includes building a vertical structural member by a sliding construction method, lifting a horizontal form frame unit using sliding construction equipment, installing a frame support structure under the horizontal form frame unit, casting concrete into the horizontal form frame unit to form a horizontal structural member, and simultaneously building the horizontal structural members to several stories.

Abstract: A seal assembly is configured to seal a tile gap between a pair of tiles. Each of the tiles may include a tile side surface. At least one of the tiles may include a groove which may be formed along a length of the tile side surface. The seal assembly may comprise a gasket assembly including first and second bulb portions which may be interconnected by a web. A spacer rope may be positionable along the web. The gasket assembly may define a folded configuration for mounting within the tile gap when the web is wrapped around the spacer rope such that the second bulb portion is positioned between the spacer rope and the first bulb portion. The second bulb portion may be receivable within the groove.

Abstract: A process for making a plurality of hip, ridge or rake shingles, and the shingles produced thereby and stacks and packages of such shingles are provided. An adhesive impregnated mat is moved longitudinally, and granules are provided onto adhesive, in predetermined bands. An overlay band of adhesive, continuous or discontinuous is provided, with granules thereon, increasing the thickness of the shingle material being made, in predetermined bands, relative to the remainder of the shingle material. The shingle material is slit longitudinally, and one portion can be laminated to another portion, preferably creating a multiple-ply laminated shingle material with thickened overlay portions and optionally with shadow line portions. The material is then slit longitudinally, and cut transversely into a plurality of hip, ridge or rake shingles, which may be individually separated from each other, or which may comprise a plurality of connected together shingles. The shingles are then stacked and wrapped.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: Structure and procedure for erecting concrete towers used in wind turbines in which said towers consist of sections, which in turn may each comprise a different number of segments or longitudinal sections. The procedure includes two differentiated cycles, which may take place alongside each other: the pre-assembly of each section of tower and their assembly. The sections may be pre-mounted on bases placed on the ground, with the segment in turn fitted with the help of struts and mechanical clamps. This procedure is extremely versatile in that it makes the best logistic use of the material, resources and requisite assembly times since the assembly procedures for each section can be developed alongside each other in the different wind farm towers, and also greater heights can be achieved than is traditionally possible.

Abstract: A compact foundation unit kit and a method of making a foundation unit from the kit. The kit comprises at least three elongated, generally flat truss rails, four generally flat end caps and a plurality of generally flat cross slats, with the truss rails, end caps and cross slats oriented together with their longitudinal dimensions aligned in a generally parallel orientation and with their flat sides in contact. A binding maintains the truss rails, end caps and cross slats in that orientation. The method includes providing the kit, opening the kit and orienting the truss rails in a parallel, spaced position, then affixing one of the end caps to each end of the truss rails, inverting the partially formed foundation, and affixing the last two end caps to opposite ends of the truss rails, then finally affixing the cross slats to the truss rails in a spaced, parallel orientation. The foundation can then be finished in a conventional fashion.

Abstract: A culm block and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The culm block comprises a plurality of straw stalks forming a first rigid wall and a second rigid wall as a result of an application of heat and pressure to the same and the inherent bonding agent found in the straw stalks. Preferably, the culm block further comprises a plurality of through-holes for receiving structural reinforcements or otherwise and a restraining device wrapped about the block for added structural support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of panels for floor, wall or ceiling coverings, with the panels being cut from a large starting sheet and provided on their long sides (11, 12) with locking strips (15, 16). The starting sheet is hereby provided with parallel grooves (4, 5) along the topside and underside thereof, with the upper groove (4) and the lower groove (5) extending in the sheet plane (PE) at an offset in relation to one another at a distance (a), thereby forming a breaking web (6). The starting sheet (1) is then divided along the breaking web (6) such that projecting longitudinal strips remain along the long sides (11, 12) and are used for shaping the locking strips (15, 16).

Abstract: A sill corner key for use in a sill assembly configured to be supported on a base surface, the sill assembly including a lineal base member and a vertical jamb. The sill corner key includes a vertical component having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an inner wall extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the inner wall defining a sealant pathway formed therein. The inner wall is configured to slidably receive a portion of the lineal base member and the sealant pathway is configured to direct a fluid sealant to flow along the portion of the lineal base member within the inner wall.

Abstract: A roofing panel, a roof, an array of roofing panels, and a method of manufacturing a roofing panel by transporting a capstock layer of the roofing panel through a moving belt mold, and forming a polymeric material in situ against the outer layer while in a mold cavity of the moving belt mold. The capstock layer is vacuum formed to shape and form a plurality of roofing shingles and to impress the shingles with surface topography features simulating natural materials.

Abstract: Structural members, building structures, and methods for making them, are provided that are less prone to develop squeaks. The methods include, in one aspect, placing at least one panel on the flange surfaces of joists with an activatable adhesive provided between the panel and the flange surfaces to bond the flange surfaces to the panels in an effective long lasting manner. In another aspect, adhesive is introduced into a groove array in a joist flange surface to attach a panel pre-positioned on the grooved flange surface. Building frame structures, such as subflooring assemblies, made by the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machining a locking groove (9) into a groove flank (5, 6) of a panel comprising an upper and a lower side, whereby the locking groove is provided in the part of the joint groove (4) surrounded by the groove flanks, whereby the locking groove is machined by means of a rotating milling tool (12), comprising a drive (14), a milling head (13), a transmission device (11) for the rotational movement and a mounting for the milling head. The milling has a free radius (r) at least on the mounting side due to the mounting and, during the machining of the locking groove, the milling head (13) has at least a significant proportion of the free radius (r) thereof, in particular, the entirety thereof located in the part of the joint groove surrounded by groove flanks.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a thin-layer lignocellulose composite having increased resistance to moisture. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composite includes a mixture of no more than about 95% by weight of a lignocellulosic fiber and at least about 5% by weight of an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture further includes short fibers and a release agent that does not interfere with subsequent processing of the thin-layer lignocellulosic composite. The mixture is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure and for a sufficient time to form a thin-layer composite of predetermined thickness, and to allow the isocyanate resin to interact with the lignocellulosic fiber and short fibers such that the resultant thin-layer composite has a predetermined resistance to moisture.

Abstract: A building panel formed from sheet material extends in a longitudinal direction along its length and includes a curved center portion in cross section, a pair of side portions extending from the curved center portion, and a pair of connecting portions extending from the side portions. The curved center portion includes a plurality segments extending in the longitudinal direction. The panel is curved in the longitudinal direction without having transverse corrugations. A particular segment may have a depth greater than that of another segment to accommodate the longitudinal curve. A system for longitudinally curving the panel includes first and second curving assemblies, each of which includes multiple rollers arranged to contact the panel as it passes along, a positioning mechanism for changing a relative rotational orientation between the first and second curving assemblies, a drive system for moving the panel longitudinally, and a control system for controlling the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A mounting support for a photovoltaic module is described. The mounting support includes a foundation having an integrated wire-way ledge portion. A photovoltaic module support mechanism is coupled with the foundation.

Abstract: A metal roof truss assembly is provided comprising a plurality of elongated structural members, including a top chord, a bottom chord, and a web member. Each structural member comprises a planar base and planar legs extending from the longitudinal edges of the base. The base and the legs define an open longitudinal channel. A flange integral with the longitudinal edges of each leg has a planar first portion extending outwardly from the legs and a planar second portion extending from the longitudinal edges of the first portion of the flanges. The end of a first structural member is inserted into the channel defined by the legs and the base of a second structural member. The inserted end of the first structural member has no flanges for a length equal to at least the depth to which the first structural member is received in the channel of the second structural member so that the outer surface of the legs of the first structural member are adjacent the inner surface of the legs of the second structural member.

Abstract: A truss includes a first cap, a second cap, a core member, at least two struts, and a fastening member securing the struts to the core member between the first cap and the second cap. The struts are rotatably attached to the core member between the first cap and the second cap of an angle between 15° and 180°.

Abstract: A flashing material for a building structure is provided. The flashing material includes a flexible water-resistive membrane having an upper textured surface with a series of separate, laterally paced-apart, elongate spacers bonded thereto. The elongate spacers can be polymeric filaments that define an air space and drainage paths across the upper surface of the membrane. Preferably, the filaments have a series of depressions formed therein that provide transverse drainage paths across the filaments. Sill, decking and other building structure assemblies and methods of making the flashing material are provided.

Abstract: A hub joint includes a metal rod and pin for joining tubular members in three-dimensional space for assembling a frame structure. The hub joint enables rapid assembly, rapid reconfiguration, and rapid disassembly without using any specialized tools. Multiple hub joints may be used to form geodesic domes, freestanding trusses, space frame slabs, tetrahedrons, and pentahedrons. The hub joints allow different frame configurations that are lightweight, strong, durable, scalable, expandable, and portable.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a frame assembly having a base plate, a plurality of first lateral supports secured to the base plate, and a plurality of second lateral supports secured to the base plate. The first lateral supports lie in a first plane and the second lateral supports lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane each intersect the base plate and the first plane is disposed at an angle relative to the second plane. The composite floor panel also includes a concrete portion coupled to and supported by the first lateral supports and the second lateral supports.

Abstract: A multi-piece interconnected body for use in at least structural support and/or in creating internal cavities for an improved strength-to-weight ratio in a variety of structures is nestable prior to its assembly and use. When assembled, the device preferably forms a generally spherical and hollow body, with (1) one or more ribs or similar structural support network associated with and/or integrally formed in the body; (2) at least one latch mechanism to help hold the pieces in a desired assembled relationship with each other; and (3) a hinge or other interconnecting element that facilitates nesting and/or stacking of a plurality of the bodies with each other prior to assembly, association of the multiple parts of each body with each other prior to assembly, and ready repositioning of those parts into a desired assembled position.

Abstract: A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like.

Abstract: A beaded soffit panel and related method for buildings and the like includes a plurality of generally flat, imperforate base portions shaped to enclose at least a portion of the soffit when the soffit panel is mounted in a generally horizontal orientation under the eave. A plurality of generally M-shaped, contoured beads extend between the base portions, and have oppositely inclined sidewalls with center walls therebetween to create a decorative appearance on the soffit panel. A plurality of narrow vent slits extend through the exterior faces of the bead sidewalls at a predetermined acute angle to define angled tabs that extend inwardly, whereby when the soffit panel is installed, vision through the vent slits from a position generally underneath the eave is substantially blocked by the angled tabs.

Abstract: The disclosure includes warm resistant wooden beams and methods of manufacturing. In one embodiment, wooden beams having opposing major surfaces covered by hydrophobic polymeric films exhibit dry surface friction values of about 3.0-20 lbs. and blocking values of about 0-150 lbs. Specific hydrophobic polymeric films include polyethylene and polypropylene films.

Abstract: Structural insulated panel construction systems and techniques permitting simplified construction with pre-field-assembled components.

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 construction member includes a composite material offering strength and functionality. Embodiments of the present invention include a thermoplastic composite for use in applications such as decking, exterior siding, seating and furniture. In one embodiment, a structural member includes a glass-reinforced PVC core surrounded by a thermoplastic layer that further includes a thermoplastic with elastomer thermofoamed layer as a exterior layer. All three components can be extruded and bond together to form a composite material that offers appropriate structural strength with resistance to heating from sunlight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shelter module that is easy to set up and take down, and is intended, for example, as emergency accommodation to house persons who have become homeless as the result of natural events (earthquakes, fires, storms, tsunamis) or events of war. The invention furthermore relates to a shelter module that serves as a playhouse, animal housing, military or expedition accommodation, and the like. The shelter module is composed of hollow or textured chamber panels and has excellent inherent stability.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding. A kit can include the joint cover assembly an a tool for forming a flooring transition from a generic element having break-away sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel load-bearing space lattice structure, lightweight construction elements comprising such structure, and a process for the preparation of such lightweight construction elements. The structure is characterized by comprising faces or edges of truncated octahedrons in a space-filling arrangement. Such structures have an optimum ratio of surface area to volume and can therefore be realized with a minimum expense of material. Lightweight construction elements containing such structures, e.g., as a sandwich core, are superior to conventional elements with honeycomb cores in terms of strength properties. For the preparation of such structures, it is proposed to assemble them from molded parts represented by the faces of truncated octahedrons cut in half and arranged in a space-filling manner.

Abstract: A shear lug is disclosed for transferring shear stresses from a structural element, such as a column in a framing element, down into the foundation supporting the framing element. The shear lug is not initially affixed to the structural element. The shear lug is instead affixed to anchor rods of an anchorage assembly, and is installed into the foundation with the anchorage assembly at the time the concrete foundation is poured. The structural element is subsequently affixed to the anchor rods, so that shear forces are transferred from the structural element, through the anchor rods and to the shear lugs, which effectively dissipate the shear forces to the foundation.

Abstract: A thin brick system and method for forming a thin brick wall includes a matrix in which channels are formed for receiving a plurality of thin brick units. The thin brick units are bonded to the matrix using mortar and the same mortar can be used to fill spaces between adjacent bricks. The matrix may be attached to a substrate using fasteners. The channels can be formed in the matrix on-site.

Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for installing an edge seal. In one illustrative example, a pre-cured edge seal is placed on an edge of a composite structure with a sealant to form a placed pre-cured edge seal. The placed pre-cured edge seal is then cured on the composite structure. In another illustrative embodiment, an edge of a structure is prepared with solvent, and a brush coat of sealant is applied to the top and the edge of the structure. A fillet is applied to the base of the edge of the structure. A pre-cured edge seal is applied to the edge of the structure, and the edge is cured.

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 composite panel comprises an outer skins and an inner core. The inner core includes a frame, an elastomeric material disposed between at least a portion of the frame and the outer skin, and a foamed polymer filler. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An insulated structural panel is made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel and a plurality of interior and exterior structural members that are affixed to one another by screws is provided. When assembled, the interior and exterior structural members are flush with the EPS panel. A tongue at one end of the EPS panel engages a grove at another end of another EPS panel, therein permitting interlocking two or more EPS panels. The interior panel is C-shaped and is slid into a C-shaped passage in the EPS panel formed by hot-wire cutting the EPS panel. The exterior structural member is positioned within a channel formed opposite the passage. A top plate connects a plurality of interior structural members. A seam covering member is affixed to the one end of the EPS panel and is flush with the EPS panel. A thermal break is provided between the interior and exterior structural members.

Abstract: A connector for connecting wall studs of two adjacent floors in a light frame building structure, the connector having a first attachment tab, a seat member, a diagonally slanted support leg, and a second attachment tab, all substantially planar. The connector is intended to be paired and the paired connectors joined by an elongated tie member that pierces the sill plates of the intervening floor structure.

Abstract: A multi-layered veneer panel that includes a foamed core, a concrete surface layer, and a mounting device. The concrete surface layer forms a front surface and an edge perimeter region of the veneer panel. The front surface approximates a desired topography of a simulated wall. The foamed core forms a back surface of the veneer panel and is disposed adjacent the concrete surface layer. The mounting device is cast into at least one of the concrete surface layer and the foamed core and extends from the edge perimeter region. A method of making a multi-layered veneer panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A deployable structural assembly is provided along with associated deployment mechanisms and associated methods of forming and deploying the deployable structural assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the deployable structural assembly includes a first structural component and a second structural component. The two structural components have their respective longitudinal edges hingedly coupled to one another. In one embodiment, the hinged connections may include a plurality of discrete flex joints, each having a titanium or other high strength foldable component. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural components each include longitudinal members which, when the deployable structural assembly is collapsed and stored in a coiled rolled configuration, are laterally offset from one another such that they do not become radially stacked. Such a configuration enables storage to the structural assembly with reduced stress in the longitudinal members.

Abstract: The invention concerns a structure comprising a rigging (1-2) consisting of at least one flexible rope (1, 2) impregnated with a hardening substance, with controllable hardening, designed to rigidify at least one rope after it has been deployed and extended. The structure may comprise at least one rigging mesh, whereof at least one flexible rope (1, 2) is impregnated with the hardening substance and bound to itself and/or to another rope of the rigging by at least one bond (6). Said structure is independent of any means of deployment, but may also comprise a deploying device (3) independent of the rigging and extending the ropes (1, 2) of the structure and maintaining them taut while the hardening material is cured. The invention is in particular applicable to deployable structures capable of being rigidified on board space crafts.

Abstract: A formliner and method of use are provided in order to minimize and/or eliminate visible seaming between interconnected formliners. In some embodiments, the formliner can comprise raised sections that define interrelated inner and outer dimensions. Thus, a plurality of formliners can be interconnected by overlaying raised sections thereof. Further, the formliner can comprise one or more detents and one or more protrusions to enable engagement between interconnected formliners without requiring adhesives. In this manner, formliners can be interconnected in a nested manner such that visible seaming between the interconnected formliners is reduced and/or eliminated.